Ravana's Dying Message to Lakshmana as Lessons on Life: A Poem

The mighty king lay broken on the sand,

As Lakshmana approached with humble tread,

To hear the truth from king's decaying hand,

Before the spirit from the body fled.

"The foolish mind pursues a bitter path,

Avoiding good to chase the hollow prize,

It dwells in greed and wakes a storm of wrath,

Too blind to see the wisdom in its eyes.

"Do not delay good work that must be done,

Nor wait to mend the soul while time remains,

And treat your foe as if he were your son,

To win his heart and break the heavy chains."

Do not find joy in another’s deep pain,

For cruelty leaves but a dark, heavy stain.

Hold birth and death as natural and true,

Both are divine, passing life through to you.

He blessed Rama, then took his final breath,

A flash of light within embrace of death!

LEARNING IS LIFE