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192
JAIN RAMAYAN
“My lord, now Bharath is the king of Ayodhya. Is he not ?"
“Yes."
"And after we reach Ayodhya, he will not retain the kingship even for a moment. He will surely discard kingship. Even this is true. Is it not ?"
“Yes."
"And I think Lord Shri Ram will assume the kingship of Ayodhya.”
"I cannot say anything about it now. I am not sure of it. It is likely that Shri Ram will insist on Bharath's continuance on the throne."
"If Bharath does not agree to it what will happen ?”
"In that case Shri Ram himself has to ascend the throne. There can be no other way."
“And you ?"
Vishalya failed to complete her sentence on account of hesitation.
"Me? I will always be a humble and dedicated servant at the feet of Shri Ram. His grace is all that I seek. The only aim of my life is to render service to him; to carry out his commands and to follow him at every step.” Lakshman said looking straight at Vishalya. He was silent for a while and then realising the thoughts and feelings of Vishalya, he said in a serious and dignified voice :
"My life has no other aim. I have no other ideal. Shri Ram will always take care of us. We need not worry about anything. I never desired Kingship in the past; nor will I desire it in the future. That desire can never arise in my mind. My greatest delight is to render service to him and to remain at his feet. You too must discard all your other desires and follow me in my path. You should not agitate yourself with other desires and ambitions. A peaceful mind is the proof of prosperity in life.”
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