One Cry of Surrender Can Make Even Ravana Fearless
Lanka Kanda, Doha 20
Doha 20 · Movement 2 of 2
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Angada places the words of surrender upon Ravana's many mouths. O jewel of Raghu's line, protector of all who bow, save me, save me now.
The cry asks for no defense of the past. It does not bargain with the Lord or conceal the anguish beneath royal speech. It lets the one who caused fear confess that fear has finally entered him.
Rama hears such a voice and grants freedom from fear. This promise stands inside the enemy's own court before war begins. Ravana need not earn his way across the distance his actions created. He need only turn, call, and trust the nature Vibhishana has already received. The guardian of surrender waits beyond every offense.
The last fortress between Ravana and fearlessness is the refusal to cry for Rama.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रनतपाल रघुबंसमनि त्राहि त्राहि अब मोहि। आरत गिरा सुनत प्रभु अभय करैगो तोहि।।20।।
O Jewel of the Raghu line, Protector of those who bow before You, save me, save me now! Hearing such a cry of anguish, the Lord will surely grant you freedom from fear.