Monday, October 18, 2010

Symbols...

A festive season just gave way for a breather till the next one. Dassehra did make me think of some things. This was a FB status I had put up:

I think Raavana was and is a misunderstood soul... Just like Duryodhana from the other epic... They have become a symbol of hate, a hate that should have been directed at our own infected soul.

That made me think whether Symbols of Hate are probably more pure than the Symbols of Love. But then, what is more complicated? Hate or Love? What is more underrated? What is overrated? (I know some opinions about this already!)

And why do we require these symbols? Just to convince our self, consciously or subconsciously that the effigy or the Symbol trapped in the effigy is not what is within us when we hate?

Who knows... Who really knows...

13 comments:

Bhushan Panse said...

there is one sanskrit play written by "Bhasa" known as "Urubhanga", wherein Duryodhana is a protagonist, i don't know about Ravana but Eknatha's bhagwat says that he was also a bhakta of rama in his own way. "Virodh Bahkti" is one type of Navvidha Bhakti.

Shilpa Ramesh Maiya said...

dude, i don't think Duryadhana or Ravana are symbols of hate. According to me, both of symbols of ego, that was their biggest 'dosha' (strictly using the snaskrit term) that lead them to their destruction. It was their ego that made them behave unjustly... the effigy - is a symbol of that injustice, i think.
You could have your own opinion though.

k said...

Shilpa, I believe Duryodhana was selfless. He went to help Karna when the Pandavs didn't. He stood behind Karna through thick and thin.

Anonymous said...

on the post: Hate is the purest emotion!

@ Kedar: Right dude. But at the back of his mind, Duryodhana knew that Karna is invincible and he is the only hope for kauravas in the battle.

k said...

@Vitish - In that case, was he wrong when he thought about the safety of the Kauravas?

Anonymous said...

And somewhere Karna also knew that he is being used, but he helped Duryodhana because Duryodhana gave Karna the identity and the respect that Karna would have never got without duryodhana. Again, Duryodhana was futuristic enough to give karna all that he wanted, so that in future he can get everything that he desires.

Anonymous said...

What I have understood from Duryodhana's character is that he was never interested in safety of kauravas or things. he wanted to Rule. And he was ready to do anything for that.

More than Duryodhana, I hate Krishna. even after knowing everything, just because he wanted Pandavas to win, he didn't let Karna know anything of this in the first place.

k said...

I guess i need to read a lot more to comment, otherwise i will just make up something.

Bhushan Panse said...

Vyasa has described Duryodhana as "manyumayo mahadrumah" means a big tree of furiousness brimming with feeling of vengance.

Anonymous said...

I guess you have read Mrutyunjaya. Try Radheya. You will want to see Karna in real. It's just fantastic.

k said...

@Vitish - I have read Radheya, still need to read Mrityunjay... Will read it soon now. And yes you are true about meeting Karna part. It does happen.
@Bhushan - As you described Duryodhana, isn't it the most crude and humane emotions?

Shilpa Ramesh Maiya said...

god, did i spark a debate here? good, coz it helps clear the clutter. dude, I really dont agree with a selfless Duryodhana.He was a man who burnt in envy. and i am not sure those who are jealous can be selfless... maybe, maybe not. Iravati Karve may be right when she says that their's (Karna and Durypdhana's)was an unequal friendship. but lets leave that interpretation until u read the original text.

Me said...

So much changed Kd..after I watched the movie Ravaan.. What is black or white?
what makes black bad and the white good..
it's declaration or the deeds..
what makes u..
What makes Me..