Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Royal Treasury for Inculcating Samskaras

The royal court of the ancient king Raghu was in progress. There was discussion on a topic - ‘For what purposes should the Royal Treasury be put to use?’

One side expressed the opinion, “Military might is the foundation of a prosperous nation. So we must strengthen our military. Not only will this secure our nation, but also enable us to expand our territories. In the event of war, the treasures of the vanquished states will get accumulated in our Treasury. This will also strengthen the economy of the country.”

The other side said – “The expenditure of money should be towards inculcating good samskaras in the people of the kingdom. This will lead to self-restrained, prudent, courageous, wise religious citizens imbued with the spirit of Self-knowledge; each one of them like an invincible fort. The strength of a nation is not in its treasures but in its virtuous citizens. The strength of character can make even a small nation strong.”

After listening to the arguments of both sides, King Raghu proclaimed that the royal treasury would primarily be used for imparting education and samskaras to the people. His orders were carried out and as a result the people gradually progressed in all aspects. The neighboring states kept hearing about the character-might of the people of King Raghu’s kingdom and so they never even dreamt of attacking it. Influential people from other kingdoms also started migrating to his kingdom. King Raghu’s kingdom became prosperous in every aspect. Consequently, Lord Rama also took incarnation in King Raghu’s clan.

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