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On the way to the Conquest of the World
143
The Mahamuni Vali again became absorbed in deep meditation; with an absolute unconcern regarding the world and its ways.
Ravan's condition was pitiable. It was a sight to see! His face which had been resplendent had grown gloomy and dull. His heroic face which was reddish formerly had now become black and bleak with depression and despair. His proud and uplifted head was now bowed in disgrace. Soon after being released from the jaws of death, he ascended the Ashtapad mountain, and reached the peak on which Vali, the ocean of grace was in meditation. Feeling sorry for his blunder and full of repentance, he fell at the feet of Vali. His arrogance and his false sense of self-importance which were like Mount Meru melted in the heat of his repentance into tears and washed the holy feet of the Mahamuni who was the very embodiment of patience and nobility.
"My lord! I am the meanest of the mean! Shamelessly, I have been offending you again and again. But you who are a mighty hero and a man of enlightenment, became, a Maharshi by your spiritual endeavours and you have borne with my offences and have pardoned them". While he was saying this his voice became choked with emotion. The tears flowed from his eyes. His false sense of self-importance and arrogance melted away. Ravan, the King of Lanka; Ravan, the mighty hero and Ravan, the master of a thousand miraculous powers sat at the feet of Vali, the sage and confessed his past sins, blunders and offences and sought his forgiveness.
"Really, to day, I have realized that you renounced the fascinating and beautiful Kingdom of Kishkindha; that you discarded your incomparable wealth; you gave up your attachment for wealth, prosperity and royal grandeur; that you discarded your attachment for your kindred and friends not because you were weak or incapable but out of abounding compassion for me! To-day, I have realized the disparity between you and me. What am I but a poor, petty, powerless, helpless and weak mortal ? What am I but an ignorant child, crying in the
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