CHARUCHARYA Part XVIII

 

स्वकुलान्न्यूनतां नेच्छेत्‌ तुल्यः स्यादथवाधिकः । सोत्कर्षोऽपि रघोर्वंशे  रामोऽभूत्‌ स्वकुलाधिकः ॥ ७० ॥

svakulān nyūnatāṃ necchet tulyaḥ syād athavādhikaḥ |
sotkarṣo'pi raghovaṃśe rāmo'bhūt svakula-adhikaḥ || 70 ||

Translation

One should never desire to be inferior to one’s own family. One should strive to be equal to it or even greater. Though the Raghu dynasty was already glorious, Rāma became even greater than his own lineage.

Explanation

This verse teaches a principle of constructive ambition. It does not encourage pride, but self-elevation with responsibility.

The Raghu dynasty was already illustrious, celebrated in works like the Raghuvamsha of Kalidasa. Yet, Rama, the prince of Ayodhyā in the Ramayana, did not merely depend on ancestral fame. Through his truthfulness, sacrifice, courage, and adherence to dharma, he made the dynasty shine brighter. Even when exiled, he upheld righteousness. Thus, greatness is not inherited — it is earned through character.

Moral Insight:
We must respect our heritage, but we must also strive to enhance it through our virtues and actions.

कुर्यात्तीर्थाम्बुभिः पूतमात्मानं सततोज्ज्वलम्‌ । लोमशादिष्टतीर्थेभ्यः प्रापुः पार्थाः कृतार्थताम्‌ ॥ ७१ ॥

kuryāt tīrthāmbubhiḥ pūtam ātmānaṃ satatojjvalam |
lomaśādiṣṭa-tīrthebhyaḥ prāpuḥ pārthāḥ kṛtārthatām || 71 ||

Translation

One should purify oneself by the sacred waters of holy places and remain ever pure and radiant. The Pāṇḍavas attained fulfillment by visiting the sacred pilgrimages shown by Sage Lomaśa.

Explanation

This verse speaks about inner and outer purification. In the Mahabharata, during their exile, the Pāṇḍavas were guided by Sage Lomaśa to many sacred tīrthas (pilgrimage sites). These pilgrimages were not mere physical journeys; they were journeys of self-discipline, repentance, and spiritual growth.

Sacred waters symbolize cleansing of ego, anger, and sorrow. True purity is not only bathing in water but bathing the mind in humility and devotion.

Moral Insight:
Regular spiritual reflection and purification keep life radiant and purposeful.

आपत्कालोपयुक्तासु कलासु स्यात्‌ कृतश्रमः। नृत्तवृत्तिर्विराटस्य किरीटी भवनेऽभवत्‌ ॥ ७२ ॥

āpatkālōpayuktāsu kalāsu syāt kṛtaśramaḥ |
nṛttavṛttir virāṭasya kirīṭī bhavane'bhavat || 72 ||

Translation

One should train oneself in skills that may be useful during times of crisis. Arjuna, the crowned warrior, lived by teaching dance in the palace of King Virāṭa.

Explanation

Life is unpredictable. Therefore, one must acquire diverse skills. In the Mahabharata, during the incognito year (Agyātavāsa), Arjuna lived in the court of King Virata disguised as Bṛhannalā, a dance teacher. Though he was one of the greatest archers in history, he humbly used his knowledge of music and dance to survive the crisis.

This teaches adaptability. True greatness includes the ability to adjust without losing dignity.

Moral Insight:
Education should be practical and versatile. Skills gained today may save us tomorrow.

Combined Ethical Message of the Three Verses

These three verses together teach:

1. Strive for excellence beyond inheritance (Rāma).
2. Purify yourself through spiritual discipline (Pāṇḍavas).
3. Prepare yourself with versatile skills for adversity (Arjuna).

Thus, life demands:

• Aspiration,
• Purification,
• Adaptability.