Ramayana

by Vālmīki

In the Vaishnava tradition, this, episode, in which Vibheeshana is taken by the Prince into his camp and innermost council, is held to be as important as the Bhagavad Gita episode in the Mahaabhaarata. It illustrates the doctrine that the Lord accepts all who in absolute surrender seek shelter at his feet, regardless of their merits or defects. Their sins are burnt out by the mere act of surrender. This is a message of hope to erring humanity. It is the heart of the Vaishnava faith that there is hope for the worst of us if only we surrender ourselves to the Lord. But why should I restrict this doctrine to the Vaishnava tradition? Is not this the heart of all the religious traditions in our land, yes, and of all the religions in the world? Every world teacher stresses this certainty of relief and redemption. It is not to Arjuna only that Krishna said: "Have no fear, cast off all doubt, I shall destroy all your sins,” Wherever in the world God has spoken to mankind in a human voice, He has given this assurance.