Bharata and Brotherhood
By Joy Jones
For those of you who are familiar with
the Ramayana tale, you know
that after Rama's fourteen-year exile, he returns to Kosala to rule
as king. Rama was forced into exile when Kaikeyi insisted that
her son, Bharata, replace Rama as heir to the throne. All of this
occurred while Bharata was away, and when he returned, he was horrified
to hear of the news. Bharata believed that Rama was much more
worthy of ruling Kosala. When he followed Rama to try to persuade
him to return to the city and become king, however, Rama, bound to the
duty of
obeying his father's command, refused. Bharata would not accept
the rule as his own because he felt it was Rama's Dharma, not
his. Instead of ruling as king during the fourteen years that
Rama was away, Bharata placed Rama's shoes on the throne and considered
himself a substitute that would step aside as soon as Rama, the true
leader, returned.
We have discovered an interesting account of these events in the ruins of Ayodhya. It appears as though, upon his return, Rama commenced a literary project in hopes of documenting, in an autobiographical format, the story of his life. This is the only written anecdote we have been able to uncover, which leads us to believe that Rama may have abandoned the project. Perhaps he felt Valmiki had superior skills and was more adept at such things. Whatever the reasons for Rama's limited writing, we are thrilled to have an account from the protagonist himself because most of the Ramayana is written about Rama, and it is rare that we have direct access to his perspective. With these documents, we are able to see firsthand Rama's response to and admiration for his brother Bharata's loyalty to Dharma.
I've always felt that my brother Bharata was underestimated. I know that I was the golden child out of our four brothers, and I realized early on that that was a result of something out of my control. But I always wished my brother received more credit for how devoted and loyal he was.
When my father revoked my title as heir to the throne, I was shocked. But I knew Bharata would do a fine job ruling our country. I was saddened to leave, but I knew there must be a reason that was greater than my understanding at that point. Knowing that my brother Bharata would be assuming the throne, rather than a complete stranger, I left with a certain consolation I would not otherwise have had.
When Bharata came searching for me at the beginning of my exile, I developed a new appreciation for him. There he was, an entire kingdom at his fingertips, nearing a realm of endless riches and pleasures. And he didn't even want it. He felt such a great discontent about the situation that greediness and selfishness did not even enter his thoughts. I don't mean for this to sound arrogant, of course, but he knew that it was my Dharma, or duty, to rule Kosala, not his. It seems like everyone was able to understand this long before I could. It was as though people in my life had a sense that they were to assist me along my path. I suppose Bharata felt that his Dharma was to do whatever was in his power to ensure my rule.
I remember the initial amusement I felt when Bharata asked me for my sandals. I was young and more arrogant, and I assumed he wanted the shoes to maintain my scent throughout Ayodhya and alleviate the pain he felt over my exile. In reality, he was so dedicated to the idea that I be king that he wanted to place my sandals on the throne to ensure that no one received the impression that he was king. Bharata remained humble and devoted. And, like I said, at the time I thought his devotion was to me, but now I realize that his devotion was to Dharma and the greater forces at work in the fight between good and evil.
Although Bharata is often pushed aside in the stories people tell of our family's history, I believe he was an essential piece of the puzzle that enabled me to fulfill my Dharma. By rejecting his newly announced position as heir to the throne, Bharata proved that he was able to resist the material temptations that control so many men. This showed great strength on his part. Even more impressive was the fact that, even though he was disgusted by the thought of ruling through what he considered my position, he put aside his personal feelings to sacrifice for the greater Dharma at work. And thank the gods that he did because I was subsequently able to fulfill my duties against the rakshasas.
Introduction
Sita's Devotion
Dasaratha's Dilemma
Drona's Dharma Karma
We have discovered an interesting account of these events in the ruins of Ayodhya. It appears as though, upon his return, Rama commenced a literary project in hopes of documenting, in an autobiographical format, the story of his life. This is the only written anecdote we have been able to uncover, which leads us to believe that Rama may have abandoned the project. Perhaps he felt Valmiki had superior skills and was more adept at such things. Whatever the reasons for Rama's limited writing, we are thrilled to have an account from the protagonist himself because most of the Ramayana is written about Rama, and it is rare that we have direct access to his perspective. With these documents, we are able to see firsthand Rama's response to and admiration for his brother Bharata's loyalty to Dharma.
I've always felt that my brother Bharata was underestimated. I know that I was the golden child out of our four brothers, and I realized early on that that was a result of something out of my control. But I always wished my brother received more credit for how devoted and loyal he was.
When my father revoked my title as heir to the throne, I was shocked. But I knew Bharata would do a fine job ruling our country. I was saddened to leave, but I knew there must be a reason that was greater than my understanding at that point. Knowing that my brother Bharata would be assuming the throne, rather than a complete stranger, I left with a certain consolation I would not otherwise have had.
When Bharata came searching for me at the beginning of my exile, I developed a new appreciation for him. There he was, an entire kingdom at his fingertips, nearing a realm of endless riches and pleasures. And he didn't even want it. He felt such a great discontent about the situation that greediness and selfishness did not even enter his thoughts. I don't mean for this to sound arrogant, of course, but he knew that it was my Dharma, or duty, to rule Kosala, not his. It seems like everyone was able to understand this long before I could. It was as though people in my life had a sense that they were to assist me along my path. I suppose Bharata felt that his Dharma was to do whatever was in his power to ensure my rule.
I remember the initial amusement I felt when Bharata asked me for my sandals. I was young and more arrogant, and I assumed he wanted the shoes to maintain my scent throughout Ayodhya and alleviate the pain he felt over my exile. In reality, he was so dedicated to the idea that I be king that he wanted to place my sandals on the throne to ensure that no one received the impression that he was king. Bharata remained humble and devoted. And, like I said, at the time I thought his devotion was to me, but now I realize that his devotion was to Dharma and the greater forces at work in the fight between good and evil.
Although Bharata is often pushed aside in the stories people tell of our family's history, I believe he was an essential piece of the puzzle that enabled me to fulfill my Dharma. By rejecting his newly announced position as heir to the throne, Bharata proved that he was able to resist the material temptations that control so many men. This showed great strength on his part. Even more impressive was the fact that, even though he was disgusted by the thought of ruling through what he considered my position, he put aside his personal feelings to sacrifice for the greater Dharma at work. And thank the gods that he did because I was subsequently able to fulfill my duties against the rakshasas.
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Author's Note: I feel that Bharata's role
is minimized in the Ramayana even though it was, in
fact, a very crucial element in terms of supporting Rama's Dharma
against the rakshasas. I wanted to highlight him because I
feel that it is important to remember that he ultimately made the choice to abide by Dharma.
Bharata could have just as easily accepted the throne without thinking
twice or consulting Rama. Bharata knowingly gave up
material wealth and power in order to remain true to his beliefs.
I chose Rama as the narrator because I feel that he is always the
center of attention. I think it is important for Rama to fulfill
more normal roles as well, and by taking his turn as the narrator, the
reader hopefully realizes that Rama was not so powerful or perfect that
he did not admire others around him. In addition, Rama is
naturally a credible source due to his role within the Ramayana, so by praising Bharata,
he raises his level of credibility as well.
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Buck,
William. Ramayana.
Berkeley:
University of California Press, Ltd., 1976.
Photo:
"My Chappals: My Favourite Indian Sandals" by Etincelle. December
31, 2004.
Introduction
Sita's Devotion
Dasaratha's Dilemma
Drona's Dharma Karma