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.