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456
JAIN RAMAYAN
"I? No. Dear Sugriv; it is not possible for me to console him. As soon as I see him, my heart breaks in anguish. When I see his anguish, my voice becomes choked with grief. So, only you should console him”, Kausalya said in an anguished voice.
Vibhishan glanced towards Sugriv and Shatrughna; made a decision in his mind and said in a serious tone. "Why should we not join together and make an appeal to Shri Ram ? We shall try to console him”. But of course, Vibhishan found it difficult to give expression to his idea. He was doubtful of the success of his attempt. He knew very well that when a person is in anguish caused by attachments or hatred, nobody can console him and make him see the truth.
Yet Vibhishan, Sugriv and Shatrughna decided to make the attempt. This is one special feature of human nature. Though we know that a person cannot be consoled. we try to console him. If this is not attachment, what else is this?
The three approached Shri Ram Shri Ram had taken Lakshman's body into his lap and was caressing him. He looked towards Vibhishan and others. His eyes were full of anguish. He was in deep distress. He had been successful in sending to the abode of death, such mighty heroes as Ravan fighting against them but he was utterly incapable of making Lakshman regain his life. How helpless and powerless man is ?
"O you ocean of compassion! Kindly have a little patience. You are a man of outstanding nobility. It is not proper for you thus to give way to anguish. Seeing your agony we are experiencing deep agitation. Dear Lord! Please discard the dead body of Lakshman and issue orders for his funeral. Dear Lord ! Kindly realise that Lakshman has reached heaven”.
Vibhishan made this humble entreaty to Shri Ram. Suddenly, his eyes welled up with tears. As soon as he heard Vibhishan say that Lakshman had reached heaven Shri Ram became furious. His face grew red with anger. He screamed aloud.
“Vibhishan, what did you say? Have you become mad ? You wicked man! Can't you see that Lakshman is still alive ?
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