THE DOCTRINE OF SURRENDER AND GRACE

There are two ways in which we can regard Vaalmeeki's account of Raama's acceptance of Raavana's brother. The poet describes the rules of policy, the matters to be examined before one can accept a visitor from the enemy's camp.

This is shown in the speeches of the Vaanara king the cultured and accomplished Hanumaan and Raama, the firm upholder of dharma. But in addition to right policy, we see here Raama's character and personality due to nature and nurture.

He said: "I cannot reject anyone who comes to me for protection. This is my dharma. If Raavana himself came to me, I would not reject him."

Those who look on Raama as an avataar of God find in this utterance the essence of scripture. The solemn assurance which Krishna gives to Arjuna later in the Gita, that assurance the Prince of Ayodhya declares in the presence of Sugreeva and others in this Vibheeshana episode of the Raamaayana.

This divine assurance is the life and light that a world filled with sin and darkness, needs.

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