Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 27

Vol. XXVII, 2004
UPAVEDAS - ARTHAŚĀSTRA IN RĀMĀYAŅA
21
was having a strong fort and it was surrounded by a long and deep moat.
Administration of actions is also emphasised here. Valmikī candidly says that ‘arthānrthāntare bhuddhih niścitāpi na śobhate. The idea or the solution for the problems may be very apt and good, but it has to be put into action at the appropriate time lest it be useless and waste. The ideal qualities of an emissary is also very well brought out here. When Hanumān met Rāma after meeting Sītā, he was praised for his efficiency thus -
'yo hi bhrtyo niyuktaḥ san bhartrā karmaņi duşkare kuryāt tadanurageņa tamāhuh purusottamam' (VR VI, 1.7.)
'He is the best servant, who after carry out the difficult task of his master successfully, further got the news and information pertaining to that deed for further action.' Hanumān's mission was to meet Sītā but he had not only met Sītā gave her the signet ring, pacified her, but also did certain other important useful actions by which he came to know of the prowess of Rāvana and his military forces, which are very useful for Rāma to pursue his mission of war. The essential qualities for a 'dūta' (emissary) are brought well in the character of Hanumān and especially in 'Sundrakāndam' when he met Rāvana. Carrying out the emissarywork needs a lot of diplomacy. Sītā had not seen Hanumān and so also Hanumān. Rāvana being a demon could assume any form he liked, and the friendship between the human beings and the monkey is also not a normally expected one. Besides, Sītā was also in total depressed form and was not in a position to think and reciprocate to Hanumān's talks. Hanuman again and again thought as to how to convince her that he was an emissary sent by Rāma so that she could have full confidence in him. After a great deal of thought, he slowly got down from the simsupă tree and with full of devotion and humility started to talk to her.
esa doso mahān hi syānmama sītābhibhāsane pränatyāgasca vaidehyā bhavedanabhibhāsane bhutāscārthā virudhyanti desakālavirodhitah viklavam dūtamāsādya tamah suryodaye yathā arthānarthāntare bhuddhih niścitāpi na sobhate. (VR. V. 30. 36 & 37)
If the emissary is clever enough to understand the situation properly and act in a diplomatic way it brings a lot of good and comfort to the master, his worry is thrown away just as the darkness is eradicated at the time when sun rises. But if an idea or plan however great and apt, is not handled in a proper way and at proper time it becomes a waste and ruins the whole action. Diplomacy and presence of mind to understand the situation is very important and that is