RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER NUMBER 23 PART THREE
“I heard you say that Kaikkeyi was not to blame,” Lakshmanan
continued, “and you further said that only Destiny has put this evil counsel
into her!” Lakshmana took a deep breath; “It is a lame argument, at best. It is
also highly ridiculous in my opinion. Let me tell you once again that only
weaklings bend before Destiny!” Rama gave Lakshmana patient heed and
Lakshmana continued further: “Destiny is utterly powerless before heroes like you. You have an iron will. Destiny
does not bother men like you. You should bear with me for this long speech. I
should like to speak to you about the merits of Free-Will and Destiny. Man’s
will triumph over Fate. One should hear to this objective lesson: Many have the
idea that your coronation has been prevented by Destiny. Destiny is sure to
flee before my iron resolve. You will see that. Destiny is like a tied elephant.
It snaps its chains like cobwebs. Mindless of the sharp goads, it lords it
over. My intellect is like a fatal noose. My intellect will throw the elephant
down and drag it to my feet. There are
countless myriads in the three worlds. They are impotent to prevent your
coronation. Why speak of this puny father of ours? They who are behind your
banishment could easily be banished for fourteen years to the wild forest! This
day I will nip in the bud their hopes of preventing your coronation. One can
afford to brave Destiny and live. But have you seen anyone who could brave my
anger and continue to live?”
