Jain Ramayana Part 1

SR No.: 002021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 452
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 21 MB

Page 143

Vali, the Valiant
131
mightiest forces could not vanquish Vali, the valiant. He was a warrior of unexampled heroism and tremendous abilities; so, they were absolutely fearless inspite of the prospect of a war with Dashmukh Ravan.
Vali set off to the battle-field with Sugriv, Nala and Nila and countless other warriors. He loved war; and he was never afraid of war.
There broke out a terrible war between the two armies. Floods of blood began to flow in the battle-field. The battle-field was covered with severed heads and bodies of warriors, Countless innocent people fell victims to the fiery flames of animosity and intolerance. The entire battle-field was a scene of unmitigated horror. It was a frightful and disgusting scene. The merciless massacre of so many people moved Vali to compassion. He thought within himself, "Alas! What is the use of this violence and bloodshed ? What do we get by committing this violence and killing of people ? I am here to safeguard the lives of people; not to destroy them. I should be a preserver; not a destroyer. My duty is to take care of them and not to-decimate them”. Thinking thus, he drove his chariot towards Ravan. On approaching Dashmukh Ravan, addressing him, he said in a dignified and thoughtful manner....
"Oh Dashmukh ! A sensible and thoughtful man would not kill the smallest creature. Even the decimation of the tiniest creature will not bring glory to a wise man. It only brings disgrace and dishonour. When that is so how can anyone attain glory by the decimation of human beings? You may say that this killing of human beings is necessary to attain victory in the battle-field. You may say that this kind of violence is essential for the attainment of glory. But I feel that this unnecessary destruction of human beings can be prevented if the two heroes concerned fight a duel. You are a heroic warrior. You have attained mastery over a thousand arts and accomplishments. Moreover, you are a great devotee of the Paramatma and as such you are a noble. Shravak. Therefore, you stop this fighting