Page 38 - HIRS - Eng
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4                           How I AcHIeved ReAl SucceSS

             “Where women are honored, the gods rejoice, and where
             women are not revered, all undertakings become fruitless.” 1

          In the Mahābhārata, on his deathbed Grandfather Bhīṣma
          warned Yudhiṣṭhira that if daughters or daughters-in-law
          were saddened due to ill-treatment, the entire dynasty would
          be destroyed. The Mahābhārata, in fact, recounts the historical
          events which led to the destruction of the Kauravas due to
          their insulting Draupadī and attempting to disrobe her.

          The popular notion these days is that women throughout the
          ages have been taken for granted and treated as doormats. But
          as recently as a couple of generations ago, the family unit was
          considered the most important building block of a successful
          nation, and the role of a woman as a mother and a wife was
          genuinely appreciated. Even though they preferred not to
          come into the limelight, their contribution was considered
          invaluable: “Behind every successful man is a woman.”

          Protection: Treasured Like a Precious Jewel

          Traditionally, the men considered it their solemn duty to
          protect and provide for the women in their family. They
          tolerated all kinds of hardships to ensure that the women and
          children had all the necessary comforts. Physically, a woman
          is more delicately built than a man. In addition, she tends
          to be more volatile emotionally. Thus, practically speaking,
          a woman needs physical protection as well as emotional
          support. Respecting these innate qualities of women, society
          was structured in such a way that it kept women under the
          secure umbrella of their family.


          1. Manu-smṛti 3.56.
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