Geethartha Chinthane 153: Personal Opinion vs. Duty

Team Udayavani, Jan 12, 2025, 8:28 AM IST

Debt, whether monetary or moral, must be repaid promptly. Delays increase interest, akin to a social obligation. What is received must be returned. If left unpaid, one is bound to be reborn repeatedly to settle the accumulated burden of interest. Saying, “The lender is unfair; why should I repay the debt? Why should my hard-earned money go to the bank?” is unjustifiable. The focus should remain on whether we have received something, and if so, the duty is to repay it.

When Lord Rama killed Ravana, he instructed Vibhishana to perform Ravana’s last rites. Why honor an enemy this way? Because performing last rites is a separate duty from the act of punishment. Similarly, Prahlada did not take it upon himself to punish Hiranyakashipu. He prayed to the Lord and left the authority of punishment to the divine.

Punishment is always the prerogative of those in higher positions of authority. Even if one witnesses a crime or accident, taking justice into one’s hands is wrong, as it leads to further legal complications.

Bhishma and Dronacharya, while opposing the war morally, fought for the Kauravas because it was their duty as warriors. They acted under royal command. A soldier may personally feel that a war is unjust, but fulfilling the duties of battle is their obligation. This distinction between personal opinion and professional responsibility underscores the harmony of individual ethics and societal order.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

Participate in the ‘Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna’
Gita Mandir, Udupi
Contact Number: 8055338811