Rama Chooses Angada as the Envoy Who Must Benefit Even the Enemy
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 17
Doha 18क · Movement 1 of 2
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At dawn on Suvela, Rama wakes and calls every counselor. What should be done now? Jambavan bows at his feet before speaking to the all knowing Lord who dwells in all hearts and gathers wisdom, strength, radiance, dharma, and virtue within himself.
According to my understanding, send Prince Angada as envoy. The proposal pleases the assembly. Rama turns toward Bali's son and names him an abode of intelligence, power, and goodness. Go to Lanka, dear one, and carry out my purpose.
Rama gives no long script. He knows Angada to be supremely skillful. Speak with the enemy in whatever manner serves our work and also serves his welfare. Even at the threshold of war, the mission is not merely to defeat Ravana in argument. The envoy must keep open the final path by which the enemy himself may be saved.
Rama sends courage into Lanka with one command: accomplish our purpose without abandoning Ravana's good.
Read the passage from the Manas
इहाँ प्रात जागे रघुराई। पूछा मत सब सचिव बोलाई।। कहहु बेगि का करिअ उपाई। जामवंत कह पद सिरु नाई।। सुनु सर्बग्य सकल उर बासी। बुधि बल तेज धर्म गुन रासी।। मंत्र कहउँ निज मति अनुसारा। दूत पठाइअ बालिकुमारा।। नीक मंत्र सब के मन माना। अंगद सन कह कृपानिधाना।। बालितनय बुधि बल गुन धामा। लंका जाहु तात मम कामा।। बहुत बुझाइ तुम्हहि का कहऊँ। परम चतुर मैं जानत अहऊँ।। काजु हमार तासु हित होई। रिपु सन करेहु बतकही सोई।।
Here at dawn, Shri Raghurai awakened and summoned all his counselors to seek their advice. 'Speak quickly: what plan should we follow?' Jambavan bowed his head at the Lord's feet and said: 'Listen, O Sarvajna, you who dwell in every heart, you are the treasure of wisdom, strength, radiance, dharma, and virtue. I offer my counsel as my understanding allows: send the young prince Angada as your envoy.' This good counsel pleased every heart, and the compassionate Lord spoke to Angada: 'O son of Bali, you are the abode of wisdom, strength, and goodness. Go to Lanka, dear one, and serve my purpose. What need have I to instruct you at length? I know you to be supremely wise. Speak to the enemy in a way that serves our cause and also benefits him.'