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The Ethical Excellence of Ravan
235
How selfish! There was nothing but selfishness in this. This is the policy of safeguarding one's own interests by causing harm to others. The Chief Minister showed him the wrong path only to attain his selfish objectives. When in the life of a person sinful Karmas emerge to the surface, even a noble-minded person gives him wrong advice and shows him the wrong path. Even the other ministers unanimously supported the Chief Minister's opinion. Even before they had completed their discussion, the door-keeper came in; and said in a loud voice; “Victory to our King! The ambassador sent by Ravan, the king of Lanka desires to meet you”.
“Let him in,” Indra said by way of a reply. Stillness and silence prevailed in the chamber. Every member desired to see the messenger; and to hear his message.
The messenger, at once, entered the chamber; and bowed to Indra : He possessed a magnetic personality, a dignified and awe-inspiring gait and had put on a fascinating dress.
Introducing himself to Indra, he said: “The great king Ravan has sent me to convey to you a secret message”.
“What is the message ? Tell me soon what you have to say".
“This is the message. You must approach Ravan and give him an honourable reception. The time has come for you to accept his overlordship and imperialistic sway and you must obey his commands: All the kings in this world who are heroic, intelligent and arrogant have accepted Ravan's superiority, and have become his subordinate kings. You have not yet come under his power. That is because of his carelessness or negligence. But now the time has come to yield to him and to accept his superiority and sway".
"I see ! Ravan has become so haughty and arrogant; has he ?" Indra said with flaming anger.
"Oh king! Now, you have only two alternatives before you. Either yield to him and accept his rule or show your strength. The man who is incapable of either devotion or valour is fit to be thrown into the jaws of death”.
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