Your side, my side and the correct side

When we come across obstacles, troubles or dilemmas in life, each one of us responds to them in our own ways. An analysis of our reaction will reflect on the various factors like our upbringing, values, beliefs, time and place where the incident takes place.

Generally we tend to feel comfortable with our conscience and justified about our actions in such situations. We may prove to be right in such circumstances, nine on ten times. Yet there can be a margin of doubt about the propriety of our actions in a novel or alien atmosphere.

We could be trying to fit in round pegs in square holes out of sheer habit, which could go on to be horribly wrong. At such times, the square thing to do would be to carefully consider the concerns of the other side. It could be possible that they may also be acting in right earnest. At such times, it will be in our best interest to mend our mindset when sensitised or mentored about the new norms.

When we exercise grace and flexibility while embracing the new viewpoint and proceedings, we will invariably create a win-win situation for both the parties.

A tale from the Bhagavatha Purana lays emphasis on the necessity to observe and understand the other side of the coin and act accordingly. Uttama, the stepbrother of King Dhruva, once went to the Himalayan slopes on a hunting spree. He was killed by a Yaksha with a defensive outlook. The  fraternal affection coupled with the latent
martial attitude of a Kshatriya in Dhruva was awakened rudely.

He studied the situation and decided to avenge the unwarranted killing of Uttama. He marched with his army to the Himalayan foothills and commenced a fierce battle with the Yakshas decapitating them in tens of thousands. Swayambhu Manu, the grandfather of Dhruva, also witnessed the bloody massacre.

Though he could see that Dhruva was justified from his point of view, he saw the futility of the war. The kingdom of Yakshas was being penalised with death because one of them had blundered. Swayambhu Manu approached Dhruva in the company of likeminded sages and discussed the matter with him. Dhruva lent a patient ear to the team and imbibed the message presented to him. He called off the war and returned to his kingdom.

King Dhruva did not let his ego, power, position or reputation come in the way of understanding the validity and logic of another point of view. He gained all-round respect by acknowledging the fact that there are three ways at looking at a problem. Your side, My side and the Correct side.