Jain Ramayana Part 3

SR No.: 002023
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 518
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Story, & Literature
File Size: 24 MB

Page 135

The Royal Court of Lanka
"But dear Chief Minister! How can we give importance to the ideals of culture in politics? Culture is made for man; but man is not made for culture. All is fair in love and war. I am enamoured of Sita. I value her more than my life. She is his dearer to me than life! Therefore, Ram has to give up attachment for Sita. He must give her up. Instead of being his queen, she will be my....
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123
"Dear King! Your words are totally improper. Absolutely wrong! What is culture? What is politics? I have taught these things even to your ancestors. The political set-up that does not safeguard culture should be cast away. Similarly, culture which enables men to attain spiritual elevation and to lead a noble life should not be dependent on the political set-up. In other words, political power should be governed and guided by culture; not the other way about.
What right did you have to abduct Sita and to retain her in Lanka? As the Chief Minister of the vast empire of Lanka and as the spokesman for the splendid Rakshasa culture, I assert and declare that you have bismirched the illustrious and sublime Rakshasa culture and tradition."
Ravan's heart was lacerated by the words of the Chief Minister; but he said nothing. If he said anything improper in reply to the words of the Chief Minister, the citizens of Lanka would he angry with him; and there would be domestic dissensions leading to serious consequences. So, he thought it wise to restrain himself in that situation. After recovering his composure, he said;
"Dear Ministers! I have thought of a plan. I will tell you what it is. You please think over it and see if it is suitable. I will send an intelligent and tactful messenger to Rama's camp. He will convey my message to him."
"What is the message? By whom are you sending it ?" Several voices said at once.
"Samant will convey my message to Ram."
"All right!"