TEACHINGS OF RAVANA

Evil, Brutal, Dissolute, Envious and Criminal minded. One could easily think of these adjectives on hearing about Ravana. Yes, I am talking about the Lankadhipati Ravana who has been portrayed as a villain in the “Ramayana”. Don’t think that I am trying to justify his deeds and defend him. There is no doubt that he was evil. But do you know how wise he was?

He was one of the most learned men ever known. He had the knowledge of all four Vedas and all other scriptures and granthas. He had mastered the art of music, politics, sciences, literature and warfare. In fact the Shiva Tandava Strotam was actually composed by him. He was as wise and insightful as prabhu Sri Ram.

When Sri Ram defeated Ravana by aiming and shooting arrow at his naval, Ravana lost all his powers and fell on the ranabhumi. It was when Sri Ram advised his brother Lakshman to go to Ravana and learn some lessons about life. Hesitating for a while Lakshman sit beside Ravana's head and waited for his teachings but he didn't utter a single word. Lakshman came back to his brother and complaint him that Ravana haven't advised him anything. Ram said that one must show all respect to one's guru(teacher) and must surrender oneself towards one's teacher's knowledge. So Lakshman has to sit beside Ravana's feet to learn something. Obeying his brother, Lakshman sat next to his feet and then Ravana gave him three important lessons about life.

Ravana advised him,

Never underestimate your enemy. We can never understand anyone's power. So, we must not think our enemy weak. Underestimating our enemies gives birth to overconfidence which ultimately kills us.

We should not wait for good deeds to be done. Always try to do good to as many as possible. Avoid being in wrong path. And never leave any opportunity.