What sacrifices have you made in life?
King Dashrath, noticing signs of ageing, decides to crown his elder son Ram as crown prince, but his second queen, Kaikeyi, demands Ram’s exile and her son Bharat’s coronation due to manipulation. Ram accepts the exile with dignity, showcasing true sacrifice, which entails giving up cherished possessions for greater causes. The text distinguishes genuine sacrifices, like those made by soldiers and selfless individuals, from trivial claims of sacrifice for minor inconveniences. It emphasizes that real sacrifice stems from selflessness and extraordinary commitment, urging respect for significant acts of duty and care in society, while criticizing superficial interpretations of sacrifice today.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- King Dashrath decides to crown Ram as prince, but Kaikeyi demands his exile and Bharat’s coronation, leading to Ram’s dignified acceptance of sacrifice.
- True sacrifice involves giving up cherished possessions for a greater cause, differing from trivial acts of charity.
- The article emphasizes that sacrifice should come from selflessness and extraordinary commitment, urging respect for significant acts of duty.
- Examples of supreme sacrifice include the actions of figures like Prophet Abraham and Jesus Christ, as well as soldiers defending their country.
- Sacrifice should not be misused in casual contexts; true acts should benefit society without expecting personal gain.
The intention
While looking at a mirror, King Dashrath noticed silvery streaks on his sideburns. Sensing his senescence, he contemplated declaring his eldest son, Ram, as crown prince and gradually preparing to go to the deep for penance. He consulted with the elders and sages of his kingdom and decided to go ahead with his thought. Preparations were started in his kingdom, Ayodhya. Denizens were also pleased with the decision, but suddenly the tables were turned, and things became topsy-turvy.
Two boons
Destiny had planned differently. Under the spell of her wanton help Manthara, Kaykayie started a drama wanting something out of the box. Second queen and loved by the king, Kaykayie once had crucially helped her husband Dashrath, during “Devasur Sangram” (The great war between demigods and demons). The pleased and obliged king had promised to grant two boons to her. Demanding two long-due boons from his husband, she wished exile of Ram to the forest for fourteen years, and the coronation of Bharat as crown prince.
Setting out for jungle
Hearing this Dashrath became restless and unconscious. Nevertheless, considering the gravity of his father’s pledge, Ram readily accepted the verdict as his father’s command. With his younger brother Laxman and wife Sita, Ram set out for the jungle. Lord Ram presented an ideal, placed his father’s verdict over everything and leaving the palace luxury, left for the jungle.
Sacrifice
To forgo most endearing, cherished and valuable possessions for a big cause is a sacrifice. The word carries heavy weight. It is not superficial like giving away one’s used clothes to someone or lending a helping hand to others at the cost of one’s time or resources. These helping acts are charity, not sacrifice. The word should not be used loosely. Petty and undue expectations undermine the gravity of sacrifice. (Wikipedia)
Sacrifice is demanding
Sacrifice demands a lot. Anyone who places the broader interest of humanity, country or society at the forefront, without considering self-interest is sacrificing.
Sacrifice is not loquacious
In the current time, it has become a vogue to talk shallowly about serious things. The deep-rooted materialistic thought process is to be blamed for it. Routine things have become big, and ludicrous boasting is routine. Petty acts of charity are nothing but fake drama done for public glare and are part of showbiz.
In ancient India, feeding the hungry and offering water to the thirsty was a routine. People used to attach great social importance to it without an iota of reciprocal return.
Supreme sacrifice
Great souls made Supreme sacrifice to serve humanity abd in the service of God. They didn’t care for personal loss or the agony, they faced.
Prophet Abraham
Prophet and messenger of God, Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. He not only offered his son for sacrifice but was ready to slay him as per God’s command. It was an exemplary act of Supreme sacrifice.
Jesus Christ
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was a great act of supreme sacrifice. He faced extreme humiliation, had to lug the heavy cross up to Golgotha and was crucified. He faced extreme pain for the cause of humanity.
A soldier on the frontier
A soldier stands guard to save his motherland, sacrifices his life, defending the motherland and millions of compatriots. His gallantry and Supreme sacrifice are unparalleled.
Sacrifice: Sloppy use of the word
Some would say that they “sacrificed” their will to opt for a particular topic and studied a different topic, as their parent wanted them to. Is it a sacrifice, like really? Some say they sacrificed a cup of coffee to get to work on time, or they would say that they sacrificed their time to remain at home and look after it. The sloppy use of a word like sacrifice mocks its meaning.
Petty things, not sacrifice
It goes without saying that family is an established system and a unit of society. It is a group of close-knit members, joined together by filial bonds. A family runs on mutual trust and cooperation. Sharing of something among siblings can’t be a “sacrifice”. It is a mutual exchange without consideration. Boasting it as an act of sacrifice is tantamount to the selfish attitude of the person who is viewing things from their parochial angle. It should not be termed as “sacrifice”, not even tangentially.
Sacrifice or duty
What one does for family is one’s duty. Similarly, thinking about the country is also a duty, but with a difference. The nation is our mother who nourishes us and takes care of us. What one gives in return to save and strengthen it is a token gesture of obligation, what one is getting. But if one goes overboard to something extraordinary and courageous without considering one’s own self is an act of sacrifice.
Selfish argument
An argument is often put forth that those who stand guard on frontiers under the harshest of situations were their choice. This argument is a ludicrous perspective. It is a laudable choice. It requires great courage and determination. Hats off to that choice which encourages a person to serve the nation.
Job: an economic activity
Those who advocate and try to thrust their “intelligent” thought of choosing a work or profession, it would be enough to say that every citizen of the nation is a partner in its progress. They are contributing their bit in every field, and each one is getting their proportionate due in the form of wages. It is the thumb rule and linchpin of economic activity. They are all doing their ordained job according to their calibre and qualification.
Every job is important
Considering a job profile with disdain and pooh-poohing it is incongruent with the dignity of labour. It is noteworthy that a frontline worker in any field is also contributing equally, like a banker or other white-collar job. Though this discriminatory division is not good as well, it is inevitable because of practical constraints.
Perspective difference
Having said that, let us understand sacrifice from a perspective difference. What should be considered a sacrifice? It has been discussed that a sacrifice is a big term that does not consider personal gain. It places mass advantage before every other thing, including personal gains. A person in any field can show an extraordinary or exemplary act that benefits the organisation in general and the nation in particular, which is an act of sacrifice.
Specialised service
Gangs of people instantly start relief operations soon after a natural calamity occurs. Though they are also workers, they execute it with utmost accuracy and swiftness without thinking of themselves taking precautions. While fulfilling their duty, it is clear that the work they do requires specialized skills and training. They know the risks involved and their possible fallout. They deal with a situation which is different from other jobs like the emotional trauma of the affected individuals and their loved ones. Besides helping them to come out of the situation, they take care of victim’s emotional trauma as well.
Encouragement is essential
In a similar context, a doctor who is tirelessly caring for the victims of the stampede is fulfilling his responsibilities, though in a different way. His efforts to save lives and take care of the health of his patients show a noble form of service. Every worker deserves encouragement and praise. They are not only contributing but also giving their best. In a sense, every one of us is sacrificing something to strengthen the nation and society.
An example
A young man was going to appear in an examination. Engrossed in his thoughts about the examination paper, he was revising his preparation while on the way. Suddenly, he saw a serious accident. The victim was wriggling with pain and needed urgent medical attention. The first thing that came to his mind was to take the victim to the hospital. Not caring about his examination, he did the necessary and took the victim to the hospital. He sacrificed his future, as this was his only try to get a job, but he preferred to take the victim to the hospital.
Act of kindness rewarded
Such outstanding acts do not go to waste. They are adequately rewarded by the unseen force that is omnipresent and all-powerful. When the authorities learned about the real situation, our protagonist was permitted to take the examination. Additionally, they granted extra time to finish his paper.
The good work is recognised. The young man cleared his examination and got the job. Though, it is easier said than done, it is why such acts are a sacrifice. Suffice it to say, sacrifice is a selfless service to humanity. Humans are a unique creation of Nature. They are the bundle of good and bad, sympathy and empathy, kindness and hatred, benevolence and malevolence. The preference is the crux. Sacrifice is not merely donating a thing or letting go of a cup of coffee. It is, nonetheless, important to live amicably following the mantra of give and take.
Some other interesting reads:
-END-
Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
Leave a Reply