EPILOGUE

For the same reason, Tulasi relates that the Seeta seized and carried off by Raavana was not the real Seeta at all but a palpable image of hers left behind by the real Seeta. Thus the story is told in all North India. During the fire ordeal, it is the rnaaya-Seeta that disappears and the real Seeta springs again and returns from the flames.

It was perhaps presumptuous on my part to have begun the task, but it was a joy to re-tell the Raamaayana. Now, when it is over, I feel like one awaking from a dream of joy. When the Prince left the city, he felt no sorrow; it was only when he lost Seeta that he knew grief. So with me too.

When I had to step down from high office and heavy responsibility, I did not feel at a loss or wonder what to do next. But now, when I have come to the end of the tale of the Prince of Ayodhya, the void is like that of a shrine without a God.  Let no one look upon work as a burden. Good work is the secret that keeps life going. While one should not hanker after results, life without work would be unendurable.

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