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The Conquest of Lanka
105
A terrible war broke out between Dashmukh Ravan and Vaishravan. The earth was covered with floods of blood. The battle-field was covered with the dead bodies of soldiers, their severed heads, cut off arms and legs and with their weapons. Everywhere fiery sparks rose from clashing weapons. The whole atmosphere began to reverberate with cruel, wild and heroic cries of warriors. The whole earth began to shake with the moving screams and groans of the wounded soldiers; and horrified cries of animals and birds.
The dark, dense shadow of war enveloped Lanka and held it spell-bound. The vast army of Vaishravan was devastated. When they found that they had been experiencing defeat at the hands of the Rakshasa army, those who were alive kept running away from the battle-field. Dashmukh Ravan was raging, over the battle-field like a whirlwind decimating large numbers of the enemy soldiers. His voice was lofty and loud when he issued commands to his soldiers. He blew over the battle-field like a gale blowing off all defences. He decimated the enemies by releasing magical and supernatural devices of miraculous efficacy. His proud and triumphant 'laughter stu stupefied the enemies. Everywhere, there was stampede; and cries of panic resounded in the sky. Dashmukh Ravan's army rushed forth issuing deafening cries of victory. The dream of many years came true. After a long time Dashmukh Ravan recaptured his ancestral Kingdom; and liberated it from the despotic clutches of enemies. His joy knew no bounds.
On account of the defeat and disgrace that he had suffered, a tremendous revolution had taken place in Vaishravan's mind and outlook. The flames of hostility which were burning in his heart had subsided. He began passing through the corridors of his mind exploring them one by one; and began pursuing the path of deep contemplation and concentration on his soul. His heart and mind began tossing on the mighty waves of spiritual contemplation.
"Life appears to be a poisonous fruit after one has suffered disgrace and defeat. After having such an experience, people begin to despise life. Can a lake devoid of lotuses, appear
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