Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

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Ravana
knowledge to any use. He craved for the possession of Prakriti only; he
wanted to master the world of matter, the objective world. He was master of
material sciences. But, he was not tamed by the Spirit. He had no realisation
of higher values of the Spirit. He had discarded the Purusha – Rama; he was
content with the possession of Lanka of Prakriti, represented by Sita. That was
why he fell.
When people do not place faith in the Atma but pursue the senses only, the
danger signal is up and the Lord sends a Messenger or comes Himself, if a
great step in reconstruction has to take place. (SSS Vol.3 p.205)
State Craft:
Greed is the monstrous evil that drags man down. When Ravana lay dying,
Rama directed His brother, Lakshmana, to go to him and learn from him the
secrets of successful statecraft! (SSS Vol.25 - p4)
“Look here, Lakshmana, Ravana is not an ordinary man. He is a great
worshipper of Lord Shiva, he is a great scholar, and he is great king. Go
and learn political administration from him” (Alarm Bells! Divine p.23)
Ravana taught him that a king who is eager to win glory must suppress greed
as soon as it lifts its head, and welcome the smallest chance to do good to
others, without the slightest procrastination! He had learnt the lesson through
bitter experience! (SSS Vol.25 p.4)
Mightiest Potentate
Ravana was the mightiest potentate of his day, as Valmiki describes him. His
capital was an impregnable fortress, filled with rare treasures. (SSS Vol. 8 p.5)
None could equal him in wealth. Kubera (the treasurer of the gods) was his
own brother. He had a fortress of gold. There were wide avenues in his
kingdom, and tall mansions. Pearls decorated the walls. Such was the wealth
that he had. But, of what use was it all He had no character. Ultimately, he
had no leave all his riches and go. Hence, you must first develop character.
True education develops character. There is absolutely no use of wealth in the
hands of a person without character. He will experience the same fate of
Ravana.