Shloka 18
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः
Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
इन्द्रियाणिपुराजित्वाजितंत्रिभुवनंत्वया ।स्मरद्भिरिवतद्वैरमिन्द्रियैरेवनिर्जितः ।।।।
indriyāṇi purā jitvā jitaṃ tribhuvanaṃ tvayā | smaradbhir iva tad vairaṃ indriyaiḥ eva nirjitaḥ ||
Xưa kia, nhờ chế ngự các căn (indriya), ngươi đã chinh phục cả ba cõi; nhưng nay—như thể chính các căn ấy nhớ lại mối thù xưa—ngươi lại bị các căn của mình khuất phục.
"It is evident that this Rama is a great yogi, eternal, who has no beginning, middle or end. He is supreme, greater than great and stands beyond darkness, a sustainer. He holds conch, discus, and mace in hand. He has symbols of Srivatsa on his chest. He is ever rich, invincible, everlasting, steady supreme soul and of truthful valour. He is prosperous, a mass of brilliance, Lord Vishnu and the Lord of all worlds, a wellwisher of all. He has come in mortal form, in the form of Vanaras also, and by all gods. He vanquished you along with Rakshasas is evident."
FAQs
Indriya-nigraha (control of the senses) is foundational to dharma and lasting success; losing that control reverses even the greatest achievements.
A moral explanation is offered for the antagonist’s collapse: inner defeat by uncontrolled senses leads to outer defeat in war.
Self-discipline—presented as the true source of sovereignty; its absence is portrayed as the decisive weakness.