Veda Marga is the path shown by scriptures for the welfare of
countless Jivatmas caught in the cycle of birth. It represents the Sanatana
Dharma, the backbone of human existence.
Those who believe in the teachings of the Vedas are known as
astikas and those who reject it are the nastikas or non-believers. And some
posture as one of these two to achieve definite ends.
Sage Jabali, a minister in Dasaratha’s court, adopts the stand of
the non-believer when he intervenes during the exchanges between Rama and
Bharata on the responsibility of ruling Ayodhya and accepting kingship. At this
juncture, he professes to uphold worldly wisdom that hoodwinks the code of
dharma to suit individual needs to counter their arguments, observed Sri Kesava
Dikshitar in a lecture.
During his interjection, which may appear insensitive, Jabali
champions the cause of ‘the here and now’ and rejects the idea of the eternal
future of the soul. For him, there is no life beyond this world and death is
final. Human birth is not a golden opportunity for the soul in its long journey
through the cycle of birth towards salvation. Concurring with Bharata, he
advises Rama to accept the kingdom. “All this talk of dharma deprives one of the
chances to enjoy the good fortune that comes in one’s way. What is the need to
honour the word of a person who is dead and is no longer relevant to those
living? What is the value of human relationships such as father, mother,
brother, etc., when each one is just a traveller halting for a brief period on
this earth? A wise man will not attach much importance to these. Accept the
kingdom that rightly belongs to you and do not take up forest life which is
against Kshatriya dharma.”
Rama reacts sharply to this talk that is contrary to dharma. He
even wonders how Dasaratha had tolerated such a person who does not believe in
truth and is overtly materialistic. Jabali hastens to explain that he is indeed
a staunch adherent of dharma. To offer solace to the anguished Bharata by
revealing to him Rama’s ennobling adherence to dharma, Jabali has to don the
mantle of devil’s advocate which he does in an exemplary fashion
source:Thehindu
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