Role models

People who are looked up to by others must never fail
in their duty. If they do, then those who see them as
role models will also shirk their duties, said Valayapet
Ramachariar, in a discourse.

Doing one’s duty is stressed by Lord Krishna in the
Bhagavad Gita and He points out to Arjuna that karma
yoga is superior even to gnana yoga. Arjuna is fighting
a just war. He is a warrior, and from a king’s family. It
is therefore his duty to fight the Kauravas without
becoming emotional at the sight of Drona or Bhishma
in the opposite camp.

Sometimes doing one’s duty may not appeal to one,
but one must do it, especially if one is admired by
many. If Arjuna turns away from the battle, then
ordinary soldiers in the army will not be motivated to
fight. Arjuna must set an example by fighting.
Sometimes doing one’s duty may just involve simple
things, but we fail to do even that.

For example, it is our tradition to escort guests and
even members of our family up to the gate when they
leave. It is a mark of respect to them. When Rama
leaves to meet Dasaratha, Sita comes up to the
entrance to see Him off. These are common courtesies
which we should show others, and here Sita
demonstrates the importance of this.

Krishna talks of duty to Arjuna, and He Himself
never failed to set an example. After killing Kamsa,
Lord Krishna sends Uddhava to Gokula, and asks him
to tell Yasoda and Nandagopa that He is safe and that
He has great affection for them. A son may be far away
geographically from his parents, but he must show that
he cares for his family, even if distance separates them,
and Krishna demonstrates this.