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Rama honored His father’s word, even though His father was tricked by a manipulating wife intent upon removing Rama so her own son could rule. Who among us can give up all aachment to name, fame, and all worldly possessions in order to honor a parent?
Rama was also the example of a perfect husband and brother. Swami explained that Rama allowed His brother Lakshamana to join Him in exile in order to help His brother realize his own divinity.
Swami says that Rama was even the example of a perfect enemy. Swami tells a story about Rama and the demonic Ravana during their great war: a war between good and evil. Ravana’s brother came to Ravana and said, “You know, we’re really not on the right side. You shouldn’t have taken Sita (Rama’s wife); that was wrong. I am going to surrender to the Lord.” So, he had the good sense to surrender to Rama. Do you know what Rama did? He said, “For surrendering to Me, I will give you your brother’s entire kingdom, Sri Lanka, when I defeat him.”
Rama’s devotees were astonished. They said, “Lord Rama, he is the brother of Your deadly enemy, how can You trust him? Now You are going to give him so much. Why?” Rama replied, “He has surrendered to Me, and it is My duty to care for him and protect him. I reward those who surrender to Me.”
God gives us plenty of time to surrender, and when we do, it is His duty to love and protect us. Of course, we don’t consciously fight our beloved Lord, but we do resist with our monkey minds and don’t follow His commands.
Rama’s soldiers asked, “Lord Rama, You are willing to give Ravana’s kingdom away to his brother, but if Ravana, Your terrible enemy, surrenders to You, what will You give Ravana?” Then Rama taught a great lesson. He said that if this terrible demon Ravana surrendered to Him, “I will give him My kingdom!” What a great truth, that no maer how hard and long we resist God, when we surrender to Him, He will
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