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128
JAIN RAMAYAN
and bloodshed. Think calmly of what has happened. Kindly take such a step as would help us to maintain the splendour of the Rakshasa race. Take such a step as would bring felicity to all.
The only way to prevent the destruction of the Rakshasa race is to send back Sita to Ram. There is no other way. Therefore do not think of retaining Sita. You have already witnessed the dreadful consequences of your obstinacy to retain Sita. Now you understand the terrible calamities that will ensue if you remain obstinate. Whatever step we take we should think of the pros and cons of the step before we take it. You should not take a hasty or thoughtless decision. Please think of the benefits that will accrue from the restoration of Sita to Shri Ram. Even now Indrajit and Meghavahan are alive but they are in captivity. Many Rakshasa warriors and heroes are in captivity. They have not yet been killed. Please see how you can save their lives and how you can meet them again. We wonder why you are so bent upon reaping the destruction of Lanka and the Rakshasa race. Kindly send back Sita to Shri Ram and if you do so, the clouds of calamities that have enveloped Lanka will disappear.”
The wicked Ravan kept listening to the counsel of his Chief Minister who was old and sagacious but his evil destiny impelled him to pursue the path of destruction. Therefore the Chief Minister's words of wisdom produced no effect on Ravan. The advice of the ministers that he should send back Sita to Shri Ram, put rancours into his soul and made it bitter. He dismissed the court for the day. He went to his private chamber and began walking there to and fro, lost in deep thought. The Emperor of Lanka was speeding towards destruction.
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