Recipe for Disaster!


Seeing their leader Akampana lying lifeless, demon troops trembled & fled towards Lankā, with broken pride. Triumphant Vānaras paid homage to Hanumān & were delighted by his valor. Rāvan hearing this was little depressed, reflected and deliberated with his ministers & went to inspect defenses of Lankā. He saw innumerable troops guarding Lankā but besieged by Vānaras from all sides


At this critical time, he called Prahasta, skilled in warfare & said-You’re proficient in war & I don’t see any other deliverance for this city but war with enemy. Either I, Kumbhakarna or yourself, Indrajit or Nikumba & no one else can undertake task to protect the city. I command you to quickly place yourself in company of warriors & set forth to triumph over Vānaras. A skeptical misfortune is preferable to one that is certain, so whether it is pleasing to hear or not, say what you consider is good for us


Prahasta said-O King! We deliberated this matter before with wise ministers & after having a good dialogue, there was disagreement between us. To return Sitā is what I consider preferable & not to fight this war. I’ve ever been honored by you by gifts & felicitations & when opportunity arises, I’ll also render you service. I’ll sacrifice my life for your sake in battle. Saying this Prahasta moved to prepare for assault


Shortly terrific demon warriors gathered, propitiated fire god with offerings & paid homage to Brahmanas. Armed they marched at brisk pace & ranged themselves around Prahasta, who then paid obeisances to King & mounted a chariot yoked with swift horses to proceed


Demons with terrific forms, shouting in dreadful voices went in front as forerunners. Prahasta emerged from eastern gate of Lankā, appearing like death reincarnated. There were bad omens in nature, which dampened spirits but still he moved forward


Tumultuous war ensued between Vānaras & demons, challenging & slaying each other. Prahasta sallied forth to decimate Vānara army, with accelerated speed, as grasshopper rushes towards flame. But he knew outcome of this attack


Despite being admonished by Rāvan, Prahasta said what is right, but arrogance of demon king couldn't understand who his well-wisher is. When we think we know, we are not willing to listen to good counsel. Spiritual progress means simplicity & humility & if that is lacking, we won’t listen thinking that we know better


Gita explains

dhyāyato viṣayān puṁsaḥ saṅgas teṣūpajāyate

saṅgāt sañjāyate kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyate

krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛti-vibhramaḥ

smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo buddhi-nāśāt praṇaśyati


While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises & from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down


This is recipe for disaster!


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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