The Intimacy of the Enemy

As Raavan lay dying, he told Lakshman to learn from his defeats. Ram hailed him a great scholar and said there is no enemy or enmity when the war is over

- Radha Viswanath

THE Ram-Raavan yuddh (battle) had ended. The mighty Lord of Lanka had fallen to the all-powerful Brahmastra. He had slipped to the ground from his chariot and lay amidst the blood and gore of the battlefield, just like any other ordinary soldier.

Mandodari and Raavan's other wives were grieving over his death and Vibhishan, with great effort, managed to persuade them to return to the palace.

Ram, with Lakshman by his side, watched the scene dispassionately from a distance. He knew that the life force had not yet separated from Raavan's prone form, even though he had not once opened his eyes to look at Mandodari and others.

He nudged Lakshman to go and seek knowledge and wisdom from Lankadheesh. "He is our enemy!" exclaimed Lakshman, clearly unwilling to do his bhrata's (brother's) bidding. "When the war is over, there is neither enemy nor enmity. And do not forget, Raavan is a great scholar, a great Shiva bhakta and also a great king and administrator," said Ram.

Lakshman returned to report that Raavan had not responded to his questions. "Ah! That is because you stood near his head. When you are seeking knowledge, he is the 'Guru' and you are the 'sishya' (disciple). A sishya's place is at the Guru's feet," Ram said and led his brother back to the dying Raavan. Kneeling at Raavan's feet and with utmost respect, Ram said, "O Lord of Lanka, you abducted my wife.

It was a terrible crime and I had to punish you. Now, that is behind us and you are no more my enemy. I bow to you and request you to share your wisdom with me. Your wisdom is too valuable to be lost to the world after you." The vanquished Raavan obliged, and there ensued a series of life lessons that have stood the test of time and have relevance to date.