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DISCOURSE 13
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he presented her with excellent garlands of flowers. Sometimes, he offered her sweet tasting thambool (betel leaves, betel nuts etc.). Madanrekha was, of course, absolutely innocent devoid of any sinful thought or feeling. There was not even the slighest trace of sin in her mind or heart. She treated Manirath not only as her brother-in-law but as her father. There was no suspicion in Yugabahu's mind also. He had a great respect for Manirath. How could those faultless and pure-hearted husband and wife understand the monstrosity that was erupting like a volcano in the heart of Manirath ?
DECEPTIVE DEVICES
Manirath was burning with the fires of lust. But he was not an unmarried man. His queen was in the harem but what of it? If a man whose mind is distorted by lust can be satisfied with the company of his wife, what was lacking in Ravana's harem? There were thousands of queens in his harem, yet Ravana became infatuated with Sita. Manirath sent a message of love to Madanrekha by an attendant in whom he had confidence. The attendant came and said to Madanrekha, "Dear Lady, our King is full of admiration for your virtues and he loves you greatly. And he has sent this message to you, "O beautiful lady with a face resplendent like the moon, you marry me and accept me as your husband; you can become my Queen-Consort.” On hearing this, Madanrekha stood stupefied. Her heart overflowed with hatred, scorn, fear and grief. She said to the attendant, “You convey this message to the King, "O King, be satisfied with your wife. Desiring another man's wife surely leads you towards a terrible ruin. You must realise that a man who desires other women than his wife has to suffer inordinate tortures in hell. Think of this. You are like my father-in-law; you are like my father. You should not even entertain such a sinful thought as desiring me."
MADANREKHA EXPERIENCES A MENTAL CHURNING
Madanrekha sent this reply with great courage and calmness but there had arisen in her mind, a tremendous agitation. Yet concealing her agitation, she sent this bold reply. After the
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