Aaranya Kaand - An Example of Impartiality
SANT TULSIDAAS RAAMAAYAN
AN EXAMPLE OF IMPARTIALITY (निष्पक्षता)
AARANYA KAAND
Page 679 CHOWPAAEE #4
धरि निजरूप गयउ पितु पाहीं, राम विमुख राखा तिन्ह नाहीं ॥
Dhari nija-roopa gayaou pitu paahee(n), Raam vimukha raakhaa tinha naahee(n) /
Translation
Jayant changed his disguise as a crow and appeared before his father, Lord Indra. However, his father did not give him refuge because he was antagonistic to Shree Raam.
Interpretation
The reference texts in Sanatan Dharma have often declared that there are six qualities which we ought to inculcate in order to give meaning to life as a human being. These qualities (गुन - guna) are:
Sama सम – equanimity, composure
Dama दम – self-restraint (especially of the senses)
Titiksha तितिक्ष – forebearance
Nishpakshataa निष्पक्षता – impartiality
Shraddhaa श्रद्धा – faith
Samaadhaan समाधान – establishing regular contact with the Supreme
Invoking a very potent Mantra, Shree Raam dispatched a shaft presided over by the Creator, Lord Brahmaa. Jayant, in the disguise of a crow, became terrified as it came in his direction. Assuming his original form, he presented himself before his father, Lord Indra (the Lord of Celestials). However, Indra Deva did not give his son refuge because he went against the All Merciful by antagonising Mother Seeta.
Indra Dev’s response to the transgression of his own son is a shining example of impartiality. He did not allow bias towards his child cloud his vision in upholding what is right. Jayant had to stand the consequences of his thoughtless actions. His father cannot be blamed for the missteps of his ADULT son.
This decision of Lord Indra endorses that impartiality was a tested and integral facet of his character build. Honourable titles are bestowed upon those who have concretised all six characteristics in their personality, as Indra Dev exemplified.