A courageous woman is complete on her own

Bharat Mara ki Jai!

This is a short incident from the life of Gautam Buddha. After reading about this incident I found the true essence of feminism. This is what is rooted in the culture of India. Though this is from Buddha's life, this is the experience of many women in India who believed in their selves and lived life happily, and fulfilled their responsibilities. 

When we hear the story of Gautam Buddha, one always wonders about his wife Yashodhara, and son Rahul whom he left behind. In the views of present-era feminists, it is nothing but the patriarchy of the ancient society of India.

Gautam left Yashodhara in the middle of the night, the night their son Rahul was born. When Yashodhara heard this news she was devastated, felt lonely, and was in a condition of mental distress. 

Although in eyes of modern people her life had lost all meaning, in eyes of the present-era feminists it is nothing but the patriarchy of ancient society, but she found a way to and reason to live her life. It is parenting her only son Rahul at the start and fulfilling the responsibilities of motherhood. But as time passes life shows a way to live it creatively. She never ever complained about the behaviour of Gautam - her husband. 

Rather than complaining, she accepted the situation as it is and focused on her son Rahul She wanted him to grow up to be a man that the world would look up to, and this is what she achieved. True feminism is not about complaining about the behaviour of males, but it is about fulfilling responsibilities and living life happily. Many widows fulfilled this and focused on their children or worked hard for the society or nation e.g. Rani Laxmi Bai.

Many of her relatives and friends, tried to convince Yashodhara to remarry as she was young and beautiful. But she opted for the option of focusing on her son Rahul and lived in Kapilwastu with her in-laws. As she dedicated herself for fulfilling her motherhood responsibilities, her in-laws supported her throughout the time.

Years passed Then one fine day, Gautam, after attaining liberation came back!

Now Buddha stood in front of Yashodhara and she could hardly remember him as the man who had left her. "People call you the Buddha now?" she asked.

Buddha replied, "Yes, I heard that, they call me so."

Yashodhara asked curiously, "What does it mean?"

Buddha replied, "What I experienced is enlightenment and I think Buddha means a complete knower."

She smiled and then said, "O Buddha, I suppose we have both learned something in this time. Your lessons will make the world richer in spirit, but my lesson will, unfortunately, remain largely unknown."

Buddha asked in curiosity, "And what is your lesson?"

Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and she replied, "That a courageous woman does not need anyone to complete her. SHE IS COMPLETE IN HER OWN WAY. 

Saluting womanhood for the Yashodhara's spirit! From this incident and many incidences in the history of India, I just conclude that people of Indian society believed that the woman is courageous enough and she can stand strong in every situation. The women of India still believed that true feminism is not to blame the irresponsible behaviour of others and to focus on their own goals and responsibilities as Yashodhara did throughout her whole life. 

Happy Women's Day!