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RAVANA'S EXPEDITION OF CONQUEST
The unreal Ratnaśravas and the others then cried in pathetic tones, their tearful eyes upraised:
"We are being killed by these people devoid of pity, who have bound us, like animals by hunters, while you look on. Get up! Get up, son! Protect us, Daśakandhara! How can you, devoted to one purpose," be so indifferent to us? Where is that strength of arm now of him who, a mere boy, put the great necklace on his neck? Where now has your arrogance gone? Kumbhakarṇa, why do you not listen to our words, that you look at us miserable, like one indifferent? Bibhiṣaṇa, you did not become lacking in devotion in a moment; why now are you averted as if by an evil fate?"
They did not move at all from meditation because of them lamenting in this way. Then the Yakṣa-servants cut off their (the relatives') heads in front of them. Their minds subject to meditation, they were not disturbed in the least, not seeing, as it were, this cruel act even if it took place before them. They made his younger brothers' heads fall in front of Rävana and Daśagriva's head before them by magic. Kumbhakarna and Bibhiṣaṇa were shaken a little from anger. Devotion to the elder was the reason of this, not small purity. Rāvaņa, knowing the highest good, not considering it worthless, remained motionless like a high mountain, absorbed in preeminent meditation. "Well done! Well done!" was the cry of gods in the sky, and the Yakṣa-servants departed quickly, terrified.
One thousand vidyās, the sky being lighted up by them, came to Daśasya, saying aloud, "We are subject to you. Prajñapti, Rohini, Gauri, Gandhari, Pară,9 Nabhaḥsañcāriņī, Kāmadāyinī, Kāmagāminī, Aņimā, Laghimă, Akşobhya, Manaḥstambhanakariņī, Suvidhānā, Taporüpă, Dahani, Vipulodari, Subhaprada, Rajorūpā, Dinaråtrividhäyini, Vajrodari, Samākṛṣṭi, Adarśanī, Ajarā, Amară, Analastambhani, Toyastambhani, Giridāraņi,
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96 48. I.e., meditation.
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