Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Vibhishana
Cultivate Spirit of Patriotism
You should give up dehabhimanam (attachment to the body) and cultivate
deshabhimanam (spirit of patriotism). After Ravana was annihilated,
Lakshmana prayed to Rama to rule over Lanka. He said, “Brother, it is not
proper on our part to disturb Bharatha, who is ruling over Ayodhya.
Moreover, the kingdom of Lanka is more affluent and beautiful than
Ayodhya. So, it is my humble prayer that you should become the king of
Lanka.” Vibhishana too fell at the feet of Rama, saying, “Swami, I surrender
myself, my wealth and the kingdom at your Lotus Feet.” But Rama was not
carried away by the affluence of Lanka. He said, “Janani Janma bhumischa
Swargadapi Gareeyasi (the mother and the motherland are greater than even
heaven). I cannot leave my mother-land even if it is not that affluent as
Lanka.” This shows the love and respect Rama had for his motherland. (SSS
Vol. 33 p. 57-58)
The value of gratitude
Rama thanked Vibhishana, who had helped Rama in wading through the webs
of illusions created by the demons and who had done great service to Rama.
(SSB 1996 p.102)
Failure to resist evil is an offence
Ravana's brother, Vibhishana, could not put up with the wrong deeds being
done by Ravana. Opposing these actions, he tried to correct Ravana in all
possible ways. But when his efforts failed and he had no alternative, he sought
refuge at the feet of the embodiment of Dharma, Sri Rama. The prime
offender was Ravana alone. But in the war with Rama, all the Rakshasas who
supported him or sided him, perished with him. They paid the penalty for their
abetment of his crime.
Whoever may commit an offence, whether a son, a relation or a close
associate, one will be free from the taint of being accessory to the crime only
if he opposes the wrong action and tries to correct the offender If on the
contrary, he allows it or encourages it to be done; he will be guilty of
abetment. (SSS Vol.19 p.187-188)
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