________________
The Invasion of Lanka
my father's brother but his enemy. How can you show such fear and cowardice being the brother of Dashmukh, the conqueror of the universe? Fie upon you! I am ashamed of you. My father is an extraordinary hero. He within a trice defeated and disgraced Indra, the Emperor of Vidyadhars. He is the supreme lord of prosperity and pelf. The mightiest heroes of the world yearn for a place at his feet and they feel blessed when they can touch his feet. He is supremely enlightened and possesses an unexampled genius and regarding him you entertain such a wicked and villainous ideas. Are you not ashamed of yourself? Till today, I thought that you were like my father and that you were my prop and protector. Therefore, now I do not find words to express my contempt for you. I feel pained to insult you and to disgrace you. Yet, I cannot refrain from saying that you are out to destroy the Danava dynasty and that your ways and policies will bring disgrace upon our dynasty. Even before this, once you deceived my father by uttering falsehood. Did you not take a vow in the royal court of Lanka to kill Dasharath and did you not go to Ayodhya saying that you would kill him? But you returned to Lanka without killing Dasharath and you deceived my father by saying that you have killed Dasharath. How deceptive you are! How villainous you
are !
69
And now you are endeavouring to save Ram, the son of Dasharath. Again and again, you try to spoil our plans by describing our enemies as great heroes. Are you not ashamed of all this? In fact, I deem it improper to allow you to participate in our secret political discussions." And then turning towards Ravan, he said in a harsh and bitter voice, "Revered father! Kindly listen to me and keep him out and do not take him into confidence.' Vibhishan's face grew red with anger. He began to shake with anger and excitement. He spoke in a resounding voice which reverberated in the skies.
"O you fool! Stop your irresponsible prattle. I am not at all taking sides with our enemies. In fact, you are an enemy to the Danava race and your policies will result in the total ruin of our race. Are you not bringing disgrace and ruin upon our race by supporting your father who is blinded by his infatua
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
