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16
JAIN RAMAYAN
of unexampled nobility and chastity. On account of Ravan's infatuation for Sita, the empire of Lanka will be destroyed. Eventhough Ravan, the emperor of Lanka is a mighty hero under whose heels the whole universe shudders cannot enjoy peace or happiness if he antagonises Shri Ram and Lakshman. The people of Lanka will have to face a terrible war and our Rakshasa race which has been prosperous and illustrious for ages will be decimated.”
The ministers fell into deep thought. “Dear Lord! What counsel can we give at this juncture ? You are far-sighted and you are a real well-wisher of the empire of Lanka. You are an enlightened person. You possess outstanding nobility, whereas we are merely ministers. So, only you must find a solution to this serious problem.”
“What is it that I can do in this distressing predicament when the emperor of Lanka is maddened with sensual passion? At present, it is useless to give him any advice. The man who does not realise the value of dharma cannot practise it. I have found out from secret and reliable sources that Sugriv, Hanuman, Viradh and many other mighty heroes have joined Shri Ram. They are searching for Sita everywhere. Who would not extend help to noble men in this world ? Shri Ram and Lakshman embody the virtues which their names signify. They are, indeed, great men. Lakshman destroyed the Vidyadhar, Khar and his fourteen thousand able warriors single-handed. I fear that the time has come for the total destruction of the Rakshasa Race."
"No honoured lord! Only you must make some plan to avert that disaster. Kindly make proper arrangements to protect the innocent citizens of Lanka.”
“What you say is absolutely right but you should not forget that weapons, military arrangements and mighty armies cannot defeat noble men who follow the path of Dharma and sanctity and justice. Shri Ram is the very embodiment of nobility,
eousness and ethical excellence. The unexampled chastity of Sita is Shri Ram's impregnable armour. The Rakshasa warriors can never break that armour."
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