RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN
AYODHYAKANDA
CHAPTER NUMBER 23, PART TWO
“You fear treason against Dharma” Lakshmana continued, “if
you do not fulfil your father’s command. Why don’t you suspect these sinful
creatures? You should not repose faith in Dasaratha and Kaikeyi. They are
seeking your ruin and destruction. Don’t say they are servants of Dharma. The
world is full of scoundrels like them! They generally hide their cruelty and wickedness.
For them the word Dharma comes in handy. You are pure. And your heart is
innocent. You look into them yourself reflected. Why don’t you understand it is
a preconceived scheme? They are out to thwart your coronation. They should be
at it from long since. Otherwise, why should Kaikeyi put off the two boons for
such a long time? Let me shetch you their plot. Dasaratha must have told her, ‘Rama
is unfortunately my first-born. But my heart wishes to coronate your son,
Bharata. Alas! The people are obstinate. They would not sit quiet at this. We
must carry out our plan through indirect means. I will promise to the people to
place Rama on the throne. Next you come into the game. You must relentlessly
demand the two boons I granted you long back. I will fume and rage. I will rave
and swear. I will weep and entreat. I will curse and scream. But I will give in
at long last. Rama will be banished to the forests. Bharata will rule the
earth!’ ”
Lakshmana further said, “You are endowed with keenest
intellect. But in this matter you lack experience. You now have a distorted
conception about Dharma. It makes you say, ‘I will not have this coronation. I
will go to the forests. Otherwise, I will be committing a grave sin.’ That
Dharma of yourself is hated by me. Dasaratha is set up by the artful Kaikeyi.
He speaks such words which are inimical to Dharma. You have an invincible might
and valour. But you bow your head and resolve to do his bidding. Your attitude
is marked by an aberration! You take their words as gospel. They plot to
prevent your coronation. In all the world there won’t be anyone but you who
would bow before such vile people. They are our parents. But indeed they are
our bitterest enemies. They are sheep under wolf’s clothing. They are slaves to
passion and lust. They only seek our ruin and destruction. No sane person would
ever obey them!”
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