1. Why did Yayati become prematurely old? Why did he dislike it?
Ans: Yayati became prematurely old due to the curse of Sukracharya, who was angered by Yayati’s wrong treatment of his daughter, Devayani. Sukracharya, who was a powerful sage, cursed Yayati to suffer old age before his time, a condition that would strip him of his vitality and strength. Yayati disliked the curse because it was a sudden and drastic transformation from his previous state of youthful vigor. He found it hard to accept the misery that came with old age, particularly the physical decay and loss of sensual pleasures that were so important to him. Being unable to enjoy life as he once did, the curse led to a sense of frustration and bitterness.
2. In order to enjoy the pleasures of youth, Yayati wished to take the youth of one of his sons. Was he right in doing so? Explain with arguments of your own.
Ans: Yayati’s request to take the youth of one of his sons raises ethical concerns. While his desire to regain youth and pleasure is understandable, it is not right to impose this on his sons, especially since it involves taking away their right to enjoy their own lives and futures. Here are some points to consider:
Selfishness: Yayati’s actions stem from his personal desire for enjoyment, and he is willing to sacrifice his sons’ futures for his own benefit. This reflects a selfish attitude, as it disregards the autonomy and well-being of his sons.
Moral Responsibility: As a father, Yayati should have been more concerned with the welfare of his children rather than seeking personal gratification. Sacrificing their youth for his own benefit is morally questionable.
Sacrifice of a Son’s Youth: Youth is a vital stage of life that one should not have to give up for anyone else’s benefit, even a parent. It is an unfair and burdensome request.
Therefore, while Yayati’s longing for youth is understandable, it is not right for him to ask his sons to sacrifice their own in exchange.
3. Write in your own words the responses of the first three sons to their father's request.
Ans: The First Son: The eldest son respectfully refuses, saying that he would be ridiculed by women and servants if he were to take on his father's old age. He suggests that his younger brothers, who are dearer to the father, should be the ones to bear this burden.
The Second Son: The second son also refuses, explaining that taking on old age would destroy not only his strength and beauty but also his wisdom. He feels that he is not strong enough to bear such a responsibility and does not want to give up his own youth.
The Third Son: The third son gently declines as well, similar to the others, citing that he values his youth and is unwilling to trade it for old age. His response reflects a reluctance to lose his strength and vitality
4. How did the fourth son respond to his father's appeal? How would you have responded if you were the fourth son?
Ans: The fourth son, Puru, was the only one who agreed to his father’s request. He was willing to give up his own youth and take on the burden of his father's old age. Puru was guided by a sense of duty and respect for his father, and he believed that this act of selflessness would bring honor to his family and fulfill his father’s desire.
If I were in Puru’s position, I would have felt conflicted. On one hand, there would be the desire to honor my father’s wishes and show immense self-sacrifice, but on the other hand, I would be reluctant to give up my own youth, which is precious and irreplaceable. The emotional, physical, and mental toll of such a sacrifice would be hard to bear, but I would likely consider the long-term benefits of family and duty. Still, a part of me would struggle with the fairness of the request, as it places an unfair burden on me.
5. Why did Puru agree to give his youth to his father and take his father's old age in the bargain? Did he do the right thing?
Ans: Puru agreed to take on his father’s old age and give up his youth because he valued duty and filial piety above personal pleasure. He likely believed that it was a noble act to sacrifice for his father, who was suffering due to the curse. Puru’s response demonstrates his sense of devotion and responsibility, as well as his willingness to do something extraordinary for the sake of his family’s honor.
Whether or not Puru did the right thing depends on the perspective. From the standpoint of duty, selflessness, and honor, Puru’s actions can be seen as commendable. However, from the perspective of personal rights, it was a deeply unfair sacrifice, as youth is a precious time of life that should not be given away so easily. In essence, while his actions may have been morally commendable from a traditional viewpoint, they still raised questions about individual rights and fairness.
6. Is it right for a father to make such a request to his sons as Yayati did?
Ans: It is not right for a father to make such a request to his sons. While fathers generally act in the best interests of their children, Yayati's request places an undue burden on his sons and infringes upon their individual rights to live their own lives and enjoy their own youth. A father should ideally support and nurture his children, not ask them to sacrifice their most vital years for the sake of his personal desires. The ethical problem arises when a father’s personal wishes become more important than the well-being of his children.
7. Were the four sons justified in refusing their father's request?
Ans: Yes, the four sons were justified in refusing their father’s request. Their youth was a precious part of their lives, and giving it up would have meant losing an essential phase of life. They had every right to preserve their own future, happiness, and well-being. Although the father’s request stemmed from a place of personal desire, the sons were not wrong to prioritize their own lives over their father’s desires. In fact, their refusal can be seen as an act of self-respect and an assertion of their own autonomy, which is an important aspect of individual dignity.
