LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

Effective Communication is not language centric, it is effect centric. If language is the actual reason(criterion)(cause) for effective communication, then modern society has made great progress in this field, with all its sophisticated gadgets. But if we peek into the reality, we see that there is much lack of understanding, rather more of misunderstanding.

In Ramayana, Jatayu is famous for exemplifying the quality of complete dedication. There is another jewel of a quality in the character of Jatayu which is less known! The quality of (effective )communication! Which gave another helpful twist to the story of Ramayana, the twist which eventually fulfilled the desire of the gods to kill Ravana, the personification of adharma.

Jatayu was a bird, but he spoke and the language of the heart. His communication with Mother Sita was perfect, by hearing and understanding from Her about Her difficulties. He communicated to Ravana, his own intolerance of Ravana’s wrongdoings, by his action of fighting against him to defend mother Sita. He communicated with Lord Rama effectively, making Him understand his pure intentions to save mother Sita and  Her whereabouts.

In Mahabharata we see, the great chariot driver Salya and great archer Karna. They had such a misunderstanding amongst them when Salya told Karna to aim his arrow at the chest of Arjuna instead of aiming it at his head(neck). Karna had an argument with Salya and finally shot his arrow towards Arjuna’s head  Krishna, when He saw Karna’s arrow coming towards Arjuna, He pressed the chariot with His foot, and immediately all the horses responded. At once, they bent down and sat on their knees. This saved Arjuna’s life. 

Thus we learn that two men, with all their sophistication, could not communicate well. On the other hand, Krishna was able to communicate even with His foot, and the horses too, could perfectly understand what Krishna wanted them to do.

The Horses were better communicators and Jatayu was profound in his communication. On the other hand, human beings, with their so called royalty and modernity, make tons of mistakes in communicating, creating an effect of an avalanche of conflicts.

The art of communication lies in the Positive effect it creates, which is the heart of communication. Language is merely one of its tools. 

 Are we equipped to communicate, either with language or with whatever tool it takes to communicate, so that it creates harmony and coordination?