The sustainable value of any spiritual text depends on its applicability and practicability to modern day living. The Ram Charit Manas of Shri. Tulasidasji contains many such gems of wisdom as sound practical advice relevant even today. The episode where Ravan goes to Mareech to seek his help in abducting Seetaji has a beautiful one line wisdom that arises in the mind of Mareech. He realises that his choice now is limited to the devil or the deep, imminent death facing him on either side.Mareech now chooses to die at the hands of ShriRam and attain moksha,rather than get killed by the wicked Ravan. At such a time, a wise saying from Chanakyaneeti comes to his mind. Chanakya is revered as one of the shrewdest political thinkers of ancient times. The couplet says: “One’s welfare is at stake if one harbours enemity with anyone of these: 1) An armed warrior 2) He who knows your secret, 3) A powerful ruler, 4) A Fool, who acts without fear of consequences. 5) An Extremely Rich man, 6) Your Doctor, 7) Minstrels who sing the glories of your achievements (media) 8) A writer or poet (journalists), 9) Your skilled cook, (even your astrologer). Ravan was all nine -in -one! Thus greatly to be feared 1) Ravan was armed (Shastri) ,while Mareech was unarmed. 2) Ravan knew Mareech’s strengths and weaknesses , so (marmi) 3) Ravan was a powerful king (Prabhu) 4)He was foolish (shuth) as he knew not the result if his action, 5) (Dhani), the owner of the golden Lanka, extremely rich. 6) (Vaid) Ravan had knowledge of many medicinal and also poisonous plants and herbs. 7) and 8) (bundi & kavi) Ravan was a creative writer and composer in Sanskrit. His composition on Lord Shiva is sung even today. 9) (Bhanas guni) Ravan was also an astrologer. By listing these Tulsidasji is cautioning his readers to beware of wrong and harmful contacts.
Prarthna Saran. President Chinmaya Mission New Delhi. Email: prarthnasaran@gmail.com