Nyaya (न्याय) is a Sanskrit word which means justice, equality for all beings, specially a collection of general or universal rules. Tracing its Sanskrit etymology, Nyaya could also mean “that which shows the way”. These Nyayas helped convey deep meanings in brief description or words. To discern these Nyayas in their entirety at one place with examples is necessary for easy understanding of the Shastra.
‘अरण्यरोदन न्याय’ is a maxim which means crying in wilderness. The phrase consists of two words, ‘Aranya’ which means forest and ‘Rodan’ which means crying. Thus, phrase indicates weeping in forest.
The earliest known usage of crying in wilderness i s i n Vishnu Sharma’ s Panchatantra [3rd B.C.] This maxim also appears in Udayanacharya’ s Nyaya Kusumanjali [10th Century]. Namisadhu in his commentary on Rudrata’s Kavyalankara has also used this maxim.
The idiom Aranya Rodan implies a person raising a voice of dissent or an unpopular idea. A cry for help in a dense forest is usually a waste. That is the crux of the meaning of this maxim.
One part of this maxim is ‘Rodan’ which means crying. If someone weeps when there are people surrounding him, his crying may have some effect as people may try to console him, find the reason for crying and probably also try to find the solution so as to help him get rid of the reason causing sorrowfulness. Second part is ‘Aranya’ or forest. It is common knowledge that forest is full of trees, wild trees and if a human tries to speak to them, obviously, the communication is fruitless. However, if a person weeps in a forest where there is no one to listen, the crying is futile. It is crying in wilderness rendering it unproductive.
On further deeper inspection, it is seen that when one is crying it indicates that a person is expressing his feelings, inability to overcome a reason causing the sorrowful state, with a view to seek attention of someone, with a view to seek help in his state. This is akin to a child who cries to attract attention of his mother to express usually hunger or pain, suffering. Thus, it is an expression. However, in the forest, seeking attention is futile. This is akin to a person who is seeking attention of the people surrounding him and he is trying to communicate with them and the people to whom the communication is intended are either not listening or the message so communicated is out of context for the people.
Thus, this maxim is used:
To say something is that is not popular.
To express an idea which is not accepted by others
To say something that is not acceptable to a group or society.
The famous quote by Vedvyasa in Mahabharata also conveys the same idea.
ऊRव´बा5 व´रौ येष न च किCत् ुणोित मे| धमा´त् अथ´C कामC स कमथ न से ते।
‘Raising my hands up, I am trying to convince in a loud voice but no one listens to me. Wealth and enjoyment become available by following Dharma (duty). Why does no one behave according to Dharma (i.e. own duties)’.
While chasing wealth and enjoyment, man neglects his duties (Dharma). The rules of Dharma are like litter to him. Wild desire for wealth and enjoyment ultimately leads to grief. Why do people not follow my advice? Here, Vedvyasa’s message for the benefit of mankind is falling on deaf ears and is an example of ‘अर यरोदन’.
Common people feel that wealth and enjoyment are not possible by following Dharma, but this is a misunderstanding. Vedvyasa has said that wealth and happiness can be gained if Dharma is followed, so men should follow Dharma for their own sake. Dharma is not related only to the other world which is the general impression carried but it is related to the happy life in this world also. In fact, great thinkers advise following Dharma for the welfare of people but the society does not pay attention to it. The above expression is used in this sense.
