Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
He who enjoys not happiness,
Will find a long life useless to him.
Even if a lake full of water is placed before the dog
The miserable creature will not derive very satisfaction! (SSB 1996 p.108)
Invented the aeroplane:
Ravana or Hiranyakasipu....... lacked good qualities and developed hatred and
enmity towards God. Hiranyakasipu was a great scientist. Ravana was the one
who invented aeroplane. He had mastered the language of animals, birds and
insects. But, people value purity of heart more than these achievements. It is
the foremost duty of every individual to keep his/her senses under control.
(DD 19.11.99 p.3-4)
Ascetic Practices
Ravana was great and was also habituated to perform tapas. By continuous
penance, he earned the grace of Iswara and secured boons from Him. On one
occasion when he was engaged in deep penance, Brahma appeared before him
and asked Ravana what boon he wanted. Then Ravana asked of Brahma to
grant him a boon by which he will not be killed by any human being or
animal. (SSB 1977 p.154-155)
Ravana decided that he must overpower the rulers of the world and realising
that he could do so only by winning divine Grace, he went over to the depths
of the forest and selected s favourable, auspicious spot for his ascetic
practices.
The asceticism of Ravana was so intense and satisfying that God Brahma was
compelled to appear before him and offer to grant him whatever boon he
desired 54 .... (RKRV Part I p.28)
Good vs. Greatness
A good man by his good conduct achieves greatness. Ravana sought to
achieve greatness, but did not strive to lead a good life. (SSS Vol.30 p.91)
54
See under this Chapter, the para - RAVANA AND DASARATHA:
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