L

Laghava

(“simplicity”) In Indian logic, one of the
general principles in constructing and
pursuing an argument. According to the
principle of “simplicity,” when one is
presented with two equally plausible
theories, one should choose the theory
that is easier to understand and makes
the fewest assumptions. The primary
criterion in evaluating an argument
is the validity of the argument itself.
Only after this has been satisfied
may one raise objections based on com-
plexity or simplicity.

Laghima

(“lightness”) One of eight superhuman
powers (siddhi) believed to be conferred
by high spiritual attainment. This partic-
ular power gives one the ability to
become as light as one desires, bestow-
ing the ability to fly.

Lajpat Rai, Lala

(1865–1928) Lawyer, reformer, and mili-
tant Hindu nationalist. Born to a hum-
ble Punjabi family, Lajpat Rai became
wealthy from his legal work. By the age
of thirty-five, he was able to devote all of
his earnings to public work. He joined
the Arya Samajwhile still in his teens
and supported Lahore’s Dayanand
Anglo-Vedic College, which was founded
in 1889. At the turn of the century he was
active in a variety of social and educa-
tional endeavors. He eventually entered
politics. He actively resisted British rule,
which brought him several prison terms.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, he
refused to advocate violence. His com-
mitment to politics ultimately cost him

his life; he died from injuries sustained

in a beating by the police while leading a

demonstration in Lahore.

Lakshmana

In the Ramayana, the earlier of the two

great Indian epics, Lakshmana is one of

King Dasharatha’s sons by his wife

Sumitra, and the younger half-brother

of Rama, the epic’s protagonist.

Throughout the RamayanaLakshmana

is the model younger brother, existing

only to serve and support Rama. When

Rama is banished to the forest for four-

teen years, Lakshmana follows him like

a shadow for the entire time: first living

as a forest ascetic, searching for Rama’s

kidnapped wife Sita, then fighting hero-

ically in the battle with Ravana’sarmy;

finally he returns to serve Rama at his

court in Ayodhya.

Many of the characters in the

Ramayanaare paradigms for Indian cul-

tural values. Lakshmana (as with his

brother Bharata) symbolizes the ideal

younger brother. In northern India,

brothers are the heart of the joint family.

They remain at home, whereas after

marriage, sisters live in their marital

families. The eldest brother in every

generation eventually becomes the head

of the joint family. Carrying primary

authority and responsibility for the fam-

ily as a whole, the eldest cannot succeed

without the cooperation of his younger

brothers who must acknowledge and

support his authority. In his service to

Rama and his complete disregard for his

own needs, Lakshmana is a dutiful

younger brother.

Despite his bravery, valor, and total

loyalty to Rama, Lakshmana is far from

perfect. He lacks Rama’s judgment and

forbearance, and tends to act before he

thinks. For example, when Bharata pur-

sues the two brothers after they have

gone into exile, Lakshmana leaps to the

conclusion that Bharata is seizing the

opportunity to kill them, to clear his

own way to the throne. Lakshmana pre-

pares to attack Bharata, but Rama’s

reasoning forestalls a potential tragedy.

Laghava