Chiti, Culture,
Dharma
By way of an illustration consider
the story of Mahabharat. Kauravas were defeated, and Pandavas won.
Why did we hold up the conduct of Pandavas as Dharma? Or why this
battle was not considered just a battle for a kingdom? The praise
for Yudhistir and the dishonor heaped on Duryodhana are not a result
of political causes Krishna killed his uncle Kansa, the established
king of the times. Instead of branding this as a revolt. we consider
Krishna as an Avatar of God, and Kansa as an Asura.
Rama was assisted in his invasion of
Lanka by Vibhishana, brother of Ravana. Such conduct of Vibhishana
instead of being branded as treason, is considered good and
exemplary. He betrayed his brother and his king even as Jaichand had
one later on. He might be branded as a "quisling". But
Vibhishana is not called "quisling' by any one. On the contrary
he is highly praised for his conduct, and Ravana actions are
disapproved. Why so? The reason behind this is not political.
If there is any standard for
determining the merits and demerits of particular action, it is this
Chiti; from nature whatever is in accordance with 'Chiti', is
approved and added on to culture. These things are to be cultivated.
Whatever is against 'Chiti,' is discarded as perversion,
undesirable, is to be avoided. Chiti is the touchstone on which each
action, each attitude is tested, and determined to be acceptable or
otherwise. 'Chitti' is the soul of the nation. On the strength of
this 'Chiti', a nation arises, strong and virile if it is this 'Chiti'
that is demonstrated in the actions of every great man of a nation
An individual is also in instrument
in bringing forth the soul of the nation "Chiti". Thus
apart from his own self, an individual also represents his nation.
Not only that, but he also mans the various institutions that are
created for the fulfillment of the national goal. Therefore he
represents these too. The groups larger than nation such as
"mankind" are also represented by him. In short, an
individual has a multitude of aspect, but they are not conflicting;
there is co-operation. unity and harmony in them. A system based on
the recognition of this mutuality complementary nature of the
different ideals of mankind, their essential harmony, a system which
devises laws, which removes the disharmony and enhances these mutual
usefulness and co-operation, alone can bring peace and happiness to
mankind; can ensure steady development.
|