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THE WAY OF LIFE
How sympathetically did Shri Rama speak to Indrajit and others! He was present there at the time of the performance of the obsequies of Ravana. He did not hasten to Sita. He did not also send Lakshman to Sita. Here, we see conformity to the sense of propriety. Shri Ram captured Lanka but at the same time, he renounced his power over Lanka and said to Indrajit and others. "This kingdom is yours. You rule over these people". What astonishing magnanimity! He did not also say this, "I am entrusting this kingdom to you. You must rule over this country according, to my orders”. He did not put forth any such, condition. Naturally enough, he relinquished his power over the kingdom. "I am bestowing a benefaction upon you. I feel like sympathising with you. You will have to wander about as homeless people. That is why, I am entrusting your country to you”. He did not say any such thing to them. He did not say anything that is blameworthy.
If Shri Ram had so desired, he could have gone to meet Sita at once. If he desired so, he could have imprisoned Kumbhakarna and others. If he wanted it, he could have become the king of Lanka. If he had done so, his action would have been contrary to tradition. His nobility would have been lost. The breach of propriety tantamounts to the loss of nobility.
THE TEARS OF SEPARATION BECAME THE FLOWERS OF RENUNCIATION
Shri Rama's conformity to traditions and customs; his excellent conformity to a sense of propriety made a tremendous impact on the minds of Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, Meghavahan, Mandodari etc. Shri Rama's magnanimity, his detachment and his cordiality and his genuine amity inspired in the heart of Indrajit, a desire for renunciation. Indrajit lost all interest in and attachment for the enjoyments of this world and he on that very spot expressed the desire to renounce this world. He expressed his decision to become a mendicant and to carry out lofty spiritual austerities of the human life. Drawing Indrajit near him, Shri Ram with a voice shaken by emotion tried to prevail upon Indrajit not to do so. "Do not renounce the worldly life. Enjoy the vast empire of Lanka. You will have no
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