The great King Harishchandra, a legendary figure in Indian mythology, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to truth and integrity. As the ancestor of Lord Rama, he is revered for his noble deeds and sacrifices.
According to Indian mythology, Raja Harishchandra faced numerous trials and tribulations, including giving away his kingdom, selling his own family and himself, all in the name of honouring his word and principles. His remarkable dedication to truth, even in the face of severe challenges, continues to captivate minds and inspire moral introspection even after thousands of years.
Such is the reverence for this unwavering commitment to truth that, even today, when someone claims to be honest but is perceived otherwise, people may ask, “Do you think you are Harishchandra?” Additionally, when individuals attempt to hinder someone from speaking the truth, they often caution, “Don’t you dare try to be Harishchandra.”
Who is Todays Raja Harishchandra?
While we recall Harishchandra’s legacy and examples, sometimes even making light-hearted references to him, may I ask: Who possesses the qualities and integrity to be considered a modern-day Harishchandra? Is it even realistic to demand individuals to uphold such unwavering integrity, or should we consider the practical limitations of achieving absolute honestly? To what extent does an individual’s moral compass influence their behaviour, and when does practicality outweigh idealism in matters of truth?
Rin Chupeco said, “A harmless lie is better than a harmful truth.” Would Harishchandra, who prioritized truth, support this view? In our increasingly complex world, how should we handle situations where navigating moral grey areas becomes necessary? Is entering this space akin to endorsing flexibility for personal convenience, or should we access each situation on its own ethical grounds rather than adopting a relative approach to morality?
How do we choose todays Raja Harishchandra? Should we set the bar for lifelong honestly and integrity at 80%, or is that too demanding? Perhaps considering a range of 60 – 70% honesty might be sufficient to earn the title of a modern-day Harishchandra. What do you think?
Conclusion:
In the quest to identify today’s Raja Harishchandra, we navigate a landscape where truth, integrity, and practicality intersect. The journey to embody the virtues of Harishchandra in today’s times extends beyond a single definition. The search continues…
Bruce Lee said, “A teacher is never giver of the truth – a teacher is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for themselves.”
As I search within myself, seeking the answers that aligns with my own values and beliefs, I come to the realization that perfection eludes us all. I firmly believe that the answer slowly unravels through life’s profound journey. In my upcoming book ‘Overflow: Live The Life You Want,’ I stress that “Balance sheets are made at the end.” Let the ledger of your life be the judge of whether you have embraced the essence of Raja Harishchandra from the past or present, or encountered someone with those virtues during your journey. I leave you with these reflections.