This epic continues to amaze me, as it unfolds situations.. This blog post is on a discussion that has many people airing their thoughts, when asked to.

Vibheeshana accompanied by 4 others, cross the seas to meet Rama and Lakshmana, seeking refuge. Sugreeva thinks that they have come to destroy them and expresses so to Hanuman and the other monkeys. Vibheeshana on hearing this tells them why they are there. Sugreeva rushes to Rama and tells him that he thinks that Vibheeshana and those accompanying him, have come to kill them. He also says that they have the power to take any form and hence are dangerous; and that they may be here to know the weakness of Rama’s camp and accordingly strike. He expresses to Rama that Ravana may have sent Vibheeshana, and hence taking him into custody or to kill him would be wiser.

Rama asks the others in the VAnarA army (monkey camp) to give their opinion candidly, as that is what is needed by trusted friends.

It is the hall mark of a leader to seek the opinion of the others who are travelling in the journey, alongwith the him / her – an opinion that is expressed candidly so that relevant, appropriate and timely decisions could be taken. 

Some of the monkeys said to Rama that he is just asking them to share their thoughts, to make them feel good and dignified.. and that he will anyway take a decision ONLY after analysing what is right and what is not.. and instead of asking them, he can ask some of the senior leaders in the camp.

Many times many of us hesitate to share our thoughts, when it is sought. We may stop ourselves for different reasons. We may think that 

 – our thoughts are NOT good enough

 – others are more capable (due to age and / or experience) of giving better thoughts than us

 – our thoughts may sound silly and hence people may laugh at us

An opportunity lost, as the thought that we may share is our own, gotten due to our own experience(s) or having seen someone else experiencing something similar.. A thought that may have been of immense value to the person seeking it.. The person seeking our thoughts, is doing so because they consider us as having the ability to give a valuable thought / perspective. By stopping ourselves and thinking negatively of ourselves, are we also putting them down as much as we are doing the same to ourselves?

Angada, Maindan and Saraban share their thoughts which complement one another. They say that that since it is not known if Vibheeshana has come with a thought to help or to destroy, they need to tread carefully. That he needs to be tested to understand his intention, and then only they can decide on the next steps ahead.

The ‘Wait and Watch’ mode that some of us prefer to be in!!! We are NOT SURE of how things will pan out. We hence are wary to take a risk and a decision, lest it backfires. Personally, I have found this mode useful and a challenge. Where the stakes are less, choosing this mode seems fine. However, where the stakes are high and decision needs to be taken at that instant, this mode is dangerous. The most opportune moment is lost and the risk of NOT getting such a moment again, is a sure possibility. The impact felt in such a case, is anybody’s guess.

Jambavan says his two paisas  –  That Vibheeshana should NOT be trusted as he comes from Ravana’s camp.

We do have such people also isn’t it, who outright will reject a thought? They may have a reason for this and

 – they may articulate it

– they may not be able to articulate it

 – say that the rejection is from an intuition. Well, intuition just presents itself and cannot be reasoned out 🙂

Hanuman rises and tells Rama that no one can counter what he (Rama) says but since he is asked for his thoughts, he is presenting his. He says that he is sharing his thoughts as it is needed at that time. He mentions that he finds a flaw in what the others say and that it is NOT the time to test what is in Vibheeshana’s mind; as he may know for sure that he is being tested. This will make him behave in a way that  he is expected to behave. This strategy won’t work. On the other hand, if his intentions of coming to Rama’s camp is genuine, then he may feel hurt and angry at being tested. This may actually worsen the situation. He tells Rama that Vibheeshana radiates genuinity and that he (Hanuman) sees clarity when Vibheeshana speaks. He says that Vibheeshana has chosen the time of joining Rama’s camp carefully; and that he is aware of what happened to Vali, and of Sugreeva joining Rama’s camp also. The ONLY option left according to him (Hanuman) was to give a task to Vibheeshana and see how he executes it. He finally closes by saying that he has expressed his thoughts and finally it is Rama’s call.

What a beautiful delivery this was to read!! The need to first express about the strength of the leader and then to share thoughts. To give credit to the leader and to oneself, for being given the opportunity. When we express ourselves, we may not see our ability but others certainly do 🙂

It takes maturity and wisdom to place oneself in the opponent’s shoes, and think neutrally and in an unbiased manner. Most times, there is more than one option to complete a task. When we are asked for our thoughts, it is critical to share the different options and the pros and cons of it. Multiple benefits of this.. It

 – helps the person making the decision, when the options and its pros and cons is tabled

 – empowers us to build our thinking process

 – lets the person taking the final call to know, that there is another person who has the ability to take appropriate and well weighed  decisions, when needed.. 

I could see myself across different times of my life and in different situations, in the different people who shared their thoughts. I know where I wish to be at most times, if not all the time 🙂

Is that what you did too as you read this blog, of seeing yourself in one or more people who spoke? So who do you wish to be like, and what is stopping you from being like that person?