Ambimama - India

Anand writes a nice article here. It was about his friend’s parents not sharing their difficulties. The father was suffering from typhoid. And only after complete cure they inform him. Anand’s article on typhoid had one question at the end
- How many parents do this?

Well not informing is a great thing on the part of the parents – This is Pasam. But Karma philosophy says one should inform about what is happening (that too if it is serious). Finally irrespective of sentiments and religion the parents must have informed.. If the friend has time to spend with Anand, why not parents or he share the sufferings?

In the same context let me add more from Mythology and practical life

The word sacrifice has no meaning in this world. It is all bout doing your duty with love and dedication. In the West children are brought up in a way – they have to live for themselves. And parents also live independently and do not bother or interfere with their children’s’ life.

Only a rare film by Spielberg Catch me If you can starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo portrays some bondage between Father and Son – due to divorce and father becoming a pauper.

Mythology incident:

Gandhari the wife of Drithutharashtra always ties her eyes (though she can see) because her husband is blind (There is a philosophical meaning to this – he is blind inside and attached to his non-dharmic son Duryodhana). Her devotion to husband is unparallel and no mythology has such an incident.

Now comes the so-called Pasam (as in love towards children). When the great Kurukshetra war is to begin, Gandhari calls Duryodhana. She has a boon due to her penance and love for husband, tying her eyes.

She has the power of protecting anyone she sees with her open eyes to give full protection in all ways, so that he will not be defeated by any means in the battle. Not even Bhima who is the only person who can defeat Duryodhana in WWF wrestling like battle.

Here is a mother to save her son asks him to come naked so that her open eyes fall on all parts of body. And Duryodhana is prepared.

But here comes Lord Krishna using his cleverness to defend Dharma. He advices Duryodhana with these words – “ You should be ashamed! How can you go naked before your mother? You are brave and why do you believe in such a proposition?”

So Duryodhana covers his private and lower abdomen and meets Gandhari. She is shocked. She immediately understands Krishna’s play. Anyhow she believes her power and grants full protection for the rest of his body.

And sure Bhima in the final battle as advised by Krishna kills Duryodhana, hitting on the parts not protected.

Real Life Incident:

I know a someone who is a school teacher going on Cycle to school everyday in spite severe back pain. She is the only earning member. She lives with her in-laws who always support their son, who is a drunkard, jobless and always threatens and extracts money from her.

She still lives hiding her problems. Recently she got her daughter married to a good family. Her daughter had so many gynaecological problems and she fought and resolved them.

She has not disclosed this to any one except my friend’s wife. She is always cheerful. She has a very hoarse voice and severe throat problems also. Still she manages to bring 100% marks to the school and many centum for her students. Her method of work is school is immaculate and many teachers respect her. She is a terror among students (imagine that in the present days when student have no respect for teachers).

She has never complained about her in-laws and husband but took care of the children.

The relation between the two incidents depends on the point of view of the reader. Anyways, the point to be stressed in the subjective nature of the words Pasam, Karma and their relation to Practical living.