Ramayana: India's Immortal Tale of Adventure, Love, and Wisdom

by Krishna Dharma

“Kings should not act in such rash ways, O mighty one. If anything had happened to you, then what would have become of me? If you had been slain, then I surely would not have survived. Please do not be so impetuous again.”

“Take heart, O monkey king. Conflicts are always of this nature. Victory is never certain. Heroes do not lament when faced with setbacks. Rather, they exert themselves with even more energy.

Kumbhakarna became angry. “Were you not warned?” he retorted. “You are now reaping the fruits of your rash and sinful act of stealing Sita. Had you heeded the advice of your well-wishers and acted in accord with political wisdom, you would never have found yourself in such a mess.”

One who ignores the good advice of wise well-wishers always comes to grief.