________________
The Slaying of Ravan
"Dear child, Indrajit! What do you mean? Do you mean you will renounce this samsar and receive initiation into the Sadhudharma? Why should you do so? We do not desire the empire of Lanka. Therefore, you should rule over Lanka and spend your life in carrying out your duty towards your people. Our heartfelt aspiration for you is that all of you should live in prosperity and felicity. When that is so, your plan does not sound proper." Shri Ram said in a voice shaken with emotion looking towards Indrajit.
151
"O you revered one! Even after conquering Laia you are discarding all your power over Lanka and this shows your greatness but the empire of Lanka has given us this reward of our father's death. Now that empire is undoubtedly stained. We don't desire it. Now we want to pursue the path that leads us to the empire of salvation which will bring us eternal and sublime felicity."
"But will it not be a reproach on your part? Will not the splendid tradition of the Rakshasa dynasty be stained? Common people will say that you became sadhus after being defeated in the war; that you are cowards who have neglected your duty towards your people. If you are really interested in Samyamdharma, you may undertake it in your old age. This is not the time for it."
"Oh you great hero! Now, we do not fear any disgrace. Why should we fear any disgrace now? Is our name and fame still unstained even after the Rakshasa emperor abducted a woman ? Will not our name and fame become more resplendent if we adopt the path of samyam? I believe that we should adopt the Samyamdharma as an atonement for the sin committed by our father."
After that, Shri Ram did not say anything. He fell into deep thought, after hearing Indrajit's absolutely logical argument.
Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, Meghavahan, Mandodari and others were engaged in conversing with one another. The citizens of Lanka were steeped in deep grief on account of the death of their mighty and beloved emperor.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
