EPILOGUE

On one occasion Gandhiji and I were talking about a girl very dear to both of us. I said: "How did she get all these ideas and phrases of love without having read any of present-day love stories?"

Gandhiji said in answer: "But has she not read the Raamaayana? Is the Raamaayana not a love story too?" This struck me as profound. Then we turned to other matters.

Dasaratha's troubles began with love. Then the love of Raama and Seeta is the theme and substance of Ayodhyaakaanda.

In love that is not opposed to dharma, we find a manifestation of God. So was it affirmed by Sri Krishna when he explained his manifold being to Arjuna. The Raamaayana has, for its twin theme, love that is opposed to dharma also. The Raamaayana is undoubtedly a great love story.

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