Thread by @shrikanth_krish

The character of Vibhīṣaṇa in Rāmāyaṇa has much to instruct all "tribes" that exist in our times

On the need to resist "herd mentality"
On defending what one perceives as the truth even if it goes against a tribal consensus

Both Left and Right have much to learn from this

Vibhīṣaṇa is very much of rAkSasa lineage

Yet he does not hesitate to follow a sAttvic lifestyle, and engage in a mode of life that is antagonistic to that of his siblings

To me that takes moral courage

If tribal loyalty is supreme, then Vibhīṣaṇa should just follow the "tradition" of his folks, and live exactly the way they do.

"Conservatism" in an Asuric milieu would entail following rAkshasa lifestyle and morality

But Vibhīṣaṇa is a radical in his own way

Vibhīṣaṇa reminds us that "going against traditions" does not have to always be perceived in a one-sided way

E.g. In modern India, when we talk of "individualism" it is viewed as some kind of revolt against "brahminical" culture

Vibhīṣaṇa shows us it can be the other way

E.g. Suppose you are brought up in a "pure veg" family, but you choose to eat non veg. That's viewed as individualism pitted against tradition

But someone who chooses to go veg in a family where everyone is into meat, is also engaging in behavior that is equally radical!