Three Dimensions of Personality

What is "Personality?". Dictionary gives different meanings to this word. "The visible aspects of one's character as it impresses others", is one of them. "A person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities", is another. In psychology, it is defined as "the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional and social characteristics of an individual" or "the organized pattern of behavioural characteristics of an individual". Thus the various components that are common in defining personality can be collectively summarised in a single word "Character". There is a oft quoted proverb in English. "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, everything is lost". This sums up the importance of character in a person's life. 

Ancient Indian texts and literature have extensively dealt with the various dimensions of "Personality". They provide a three layered or three dimensional view of personality. A person may not be as he or she appears at first sight. First sight does indeed make an impact on others. It is often said that first impression is the best impression. Though this is true to a certain extent, we know by experience that this is not always the case. We hear people exclaim that a person is far deeper than what he appeared at first sight. This impression at first sight is known as "Roopa" (रूप). The nearest English word for Roopa is "Form". This is the first level of a person's personality. It takes time to realise the deeper impact of a personality. This understanding of finer aspects of a person's behavioural traits is called "Sheela" (शील). This "Sheela" is close to the word "Character" in English. Long periods of close association with a person opens up further layers of personality. This very finer and inner behavioural aspects is called "Maadhurya" (माधुर्य). We do not reach this level of understanding with most of the people we interact with. Nearest English word for Maadhurya is "Melody".

This combination of Roopa, Sheela and Maadhurya (or Form, Character and Melody) is what embodies "Personality" of any given person. Roopa can be changed temporarily by various aids. Sheela is more sterner stuff and change is very difficult to bring about. Maadhurya forms the inner core of the personality of a person. 

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Prahlada was anointed as the King of the Daityas after his father Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Vishnu by taking the incarnation of Narasimha. Prahlada ruled his kingdom with fairness and justice to all subjects. His was a wonderful period and there was peace and prosperity everywhere. Lord Indra who ruled over the upper worlds knew that he would not be able to hold on to his throne any longer. He voluntarily surrendered his throne to Prahlada. Prahlada now became the undisputed ruler of all the worlds. This status continued for a considerably long time.

Lord Indra was now keen on getting back his throne. He was aware that the usual methods he used earlier in similar situations would be ineffective against Prahlada. There was no way of defeating him now. He went to his Guru Brihaspati and sought his advice. Brihaspati told Indra that he should better approach the Guru of the Daityas, Shukracharya, as he may know some secret of Prahlada that would help defeat him. Shukracharya knew the reason for which Indra approached him. But he was helpless due the humble path chosen by Indra while approaching him. Time spent with Shukracharya as his disciple was no doubt useful, but it did not throw any light on the methods to be used to defeat Prahlada. On a day when Shukracharya was very pleased with the devotion of Indra, Indra sought the secret of Prahlada's success. Shukracharya told Indra that he had taught him everything he knew. If he desired something more, he should approach Prahlada himself, he advised.

Indra had no alternative but to approach Prahlada. He took the form of a Rishi and went to Prahlada. Prahlada received the Rishi form of Indra and treated him with full respect. When Indra told Prahlada that he has come to learn from him, Prahlada advised him that he may not be able to teach him as he was busy with the management of the worlds under his control as a King. Indra persuaded him to teach him at his leisure and he was ready to spend any amount of time needed for learning. Prahlada taught many things to Indra in due course.

Prahlada was very happy with the devotion showed by Indra. On a convenient day, Indra asked Prahlada what was the secret of his success and invincibility. Prahlada told thus: "My success comes from my character. I have full control over my senses and body at all times. This ensures good behaviour with all at all times. Good character is the source of all strength and means for all success." 

Pleased with Indra's dedication, Prahlada gave a boon to Indra and asked him to seek anything he had with him. Indra asked Prahlada to give him the character that was his strong point. Having agreed to give anything he had, Prahlada was now bound to part with his character. Prahlada felt a bout of weakness as a bright form of light deserted and went behind Indra. His character had deserted him. Following the character many other virtues left him as well; good conduct, piousness, truth etc. Godess Lakshmi also left him. When asked by Prahlada as to why she was also leaving him, Lakshmi said that she and all others who left him were bound by good character. When he has given away his character, it was as good as giving away all other virtues including his prosperity.

Prahlada was now very weak and without his character he was like an empty shell. It was time for him to leave the body. He left the physical body and moved to the heavenly abode.

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This story of Prahlada, from the Mahabharata, sums up the importance of character as an important dimension of Personality. Roopa, Sheela and Maadhurya or Form, Character and Melody are the three dimensions of a person's personality.

Nowadays, the word Sheela (शील) is used in a limited sense, to mean "Chastity". Sheela or Character is required for everybody. Anything done by a person in the comity of other respected persons that makes them to feel ashamed is devoid of Sheela. A behaviour that befits upholding of dignity in public and private life is Sheela or Character. Many actions may bring temporary appreciation or applause in gatherings. But if the action does not befit a person of good character, it deserves to be condemned.

Now the saying makes perfect sense; When character is lost, everything is lost.