Ravan Ka Lakshman Ko Updesh

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Ravan ka Lakshman ko Updesh" by Vansh Sinh, based on the provided PDF content:

The text, "Ravan ka Lakshman ko Updesh" (Ravan's Counsel to Lakshman), authored by Vansh Sinh, highlights the profound philosophical and ethical teachings conveyed by the learned and scientifically advanced Ravan to Lakshman in his final moments, as depicted in the epic Ramayana. The Ramayana is presented as a treasure trove of Indian culture, filled with quotes that elevate human life. Ravan, a great scholar who had written commentaries on the Vedas and was a renowned scientist, imparted deep wisdom to Lakshman from his deathbed.

The narrative begins with Ravan mortally wounded by Rama's Brahmastra. His lineage is devastated, his heart is pierced, and his life-giving "sudha kund" (nectar pool) in his navel is consumed by fire, causing him to fall. Rama, recognizing Ravan's impending death but also his significance as his guru in the establishment of Rameshwar and his blessing of victory, asks Lakshman to seek counsel from him. Rama instructs Lakshman to learn from Ravan before his demise, as the "sun of the science of politics" would set in his presence.

Lakshman initially approaches Ravan incorrectly, standing at his head and addressing him loudly. Ravan, unable to open his eyes, is unresponsive. Lakshman returns to Rama, who explains that Ravan's silence was due to Lakshman's lack of proper respect. A true seeker, according to scriptures, must offer due reverence and be attentive to the situation when seeking knowledge.

Lakshman then approaches Ravan again, this time standing at his feet, bowing his head, and respectfully declaring, "I, Lakshman, the younger brother of Shriram, bow at the feet of Acharya Paulastya." Ravan's eyes open, and Lakshman, joining his hands, humbly states that his elder brother has sent him to receive lessons in the science of politics and that Rama will also be present soon.

Ravan, experiencing physical weakness and the decline of his senses, acknowledges Lakshman's desire for knowledge. He explains that a scholar who disappoints an eager student, even in a short time, is cursed by knowledge and becomes a "pishach" (demon). Despite his imminent death, Ravan promises not to disappoint Lakshman and offers to share the essence of his experience, deeming it sufficient.

Ravan then shares his insights:

• Leadership and Loyalty: He emphasizes that a leader who genuinely cares for the well-being and comfort of their kin and servants, and even tolerates their occasional exuberance, earns unwavering loyalty. His own rakshasa followers, who fought and died for him and endured his fiery nature, stayed with him not just out of fear, but because he granted them freedom and consistently considered their interests and comforts.
• Valuing Dissent: Ravan advises that if a virtuous, humble, and righteous person opposes you or speaks against your wishes, instead of insulting or neglecting them, one should pay special attention to their words. He admits that he deliberately slighted his righteous brother Vibhishana, knowing that Vibhishana would speak truthfully even if it was unpleasant and at his own risk. He did this because if Vibhishana had not aligned with Rama, Lanka would have become desolate, and Rama would not have stayed to rule it. He acknowledges that he had to banish his beloved brother with a heavy heart.
• Underestimating the Enemy: Lakshman is cautioned never to underestimate an enemy. Moreover, one should not allow the fear of an enemy to instill fear among one's own followers. Ravan asserts that he cannot be blamed for underestimating his enemy, as he was vigilant from the moment Rama appeared. He recalls celebrating on Mount Subel with his army while the enemy was approaching, engrossed in wrestling matches.
• The Nature of Victory: Ravan questions Lakshman about true victory, stating that while success is desirable, it is not always paramount. He points out that he sacrificed all his warriors in battle, but as long as he lived, the enemy could not enter Lanka. He asks Lakshman to consider who truly achieved victory, implying that enduring and holding the line was also a form of victory. Lakshman concedes that Ravan's victory is indeed profound.

As Ravan's voice weakens, he beckons Lakshman closer with his eyes and begins to speak of his grand ambitions:

• Ambitious Scientific Endeavors: Ravan reveals his desire to eliminate old age and death by making trees bear "amrit phal" (nectar fruits). He believed that as someone who understood nature's deep secrets, he could have achieved this invention. Lakshman, however, remarks that the world is fortunate his ambitions remained unfulfilled, as such an achievement could have led to the end of the study of scriptures and good deeds.
• Ocean Transformation: Ravan also wished to transform the entire salty ocean into potable freshwater. He planned to dam the ocean, divide the land, heat one part of the water to create vapor, collect the salt on land in mountainous formations, and then use the vapor to form clouds and replenish all parts of the ocean with pure rainwater. He considered this an achievable feat.
• Stairway to Heaven: He also desired to build a stairway to heaven, implying that only the virtuous should ascend.

At this point, Rama arrives and stands respectfully at Ravan's right, so Ravan can see him clearly. Rama bows and states he is present to offer the customary "dakshina" (offering) to his Acharya, Dashagriva Paulastya. Ravan's gaze is fixed on Rama's face, and his final word is "Ram." A divine light then emanates from Ravan's body, circumambulates Rama, and merges into his feet.

The text concludes by noting the author's affiliation and the continuation of Ravan's unfulfilled ambitious projects, emphasizing the importance of completing tasks without procrastination.