________________
122
JAIN RAMAYAN
Minister's suggestion if I have any doubt regarding my achieving victory in this war; but I am absolutely confident of attaining a victory. I do not care for anything. I am only worried about Kumbhakarna and the others who are in captivity. I welcome any suggestion that can guide me to release them."
"Dear lord! We cannot think of any way. Kumbhakarna and the others cannot be freed from the enemy's captivity until and unless Sita is released from captivity and returned to Shri Ram. Shri Ram and Lakshman are not fools to release the enemies they have captured. They too are princes of great intelligence and abilities. They are fighting for justice and righteousness." Ravan interrupted saying, "Is it right on the part of Ram to fight such a destructive war for the sake of a woman? Do you call it culture ?"
The Chief Minister gave a firm reply in the same vein :
"Is it right on your part to fight such a destructive war for the sake of a woman who does not belong to you? Is it a sign of noble culture? O dear king! Do you realise what you are doing? You have completely failed to realise that Ram and Lakshman are fighting not for the sake of Sita but to safeguard the chastity of a helpless woman.
One of the greatest ideals of our culture is that the chastity of a woman should not be affected and you are slighting this lofty ideal. This war is taking place because of your unjust and unrighteous action of keeping Sita in captivity. According to the loftiest ethical principles, violence is inevitable to safeguard culture. But today you are completely ignoring all these lofty ethical principles and moral values and you are behaving unjustly. On account of your arrogance you are out to cause the destruction of the entire Rakshasa race."
As the Chief Minister was thus speaking, the entire court was spell-bound. All were excited by the speech. The Chief Minister's well-meant counsel made Ravan forget himself. Greatly agitated and irritated by the Chief Minister's words. Rayan said:
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
