This blog post is about the conversation between Kumbakarna (the brother of Ravana) and Ravana himself.  A conversation that made me understand what Pujya Swamiji would say, “There is no good person or bad person. They are given to do something that either conforms to dharma or does not conform to it.”

Kumbakarna is known to sleep for 6 months, wakes up for a day and goes back to sleep for the next 6 months. On the one day that he is awake, he has the freedom to wander wherever he wants to.

Ravana on seeing that his leaders are being killed, asks for Kumbakarna to be woken up. Kumbakarna is known to be giant sized, and this physique of his is said to make everyone fearful of him. After much effort, the asuras wake him up from his deep slumber. He goes to Ravana and asks him why he was woken up. He is aware that Ravana would have had him woken up, ONLY due to an emergency.

Ravana briefs Kumbakarna on all that has happened, since the time Kumbakarna went into his slumber. He then asks him to go to the battlefield and fight against Rama; as he has the ability to destroy him.

Kumbakarna makes certain statements to Ravana that..

– he took his decision to keep Sita in Lanka, despite others suggesting to the contrary

– the danger that was forecasted is what has actually happened

– actions were taken without thinking about its consequences

– those who completed things in a hurry or procrastinated, were people who could not discriminate between what should be done and what should not be

– a king should always surround himself with people who will offer appropriate suggestions.. avoid being with those who will tell him what he wants to hear.. know those who will willfully cause hardship to him

– Every king should always be mindful of the following

  • Resolve conflicts if the strength of the king and the opponent, is similar
  • Give things in kind, if the opponent’s strength is more than that of the king
  • Wage a war if the king is stronger than the opponent

– There are 5 aspects to consider, whichever of the above 3 options are explored..

  • The way a task is begun
  • The process of optimising resources to complete the task
  • Time and place of completion of the task
  • Having a back up plan
  • Ability to conclude / decide on the approach of victory

He also says that the king should know to

  • Offer things in kind to get things done
  • Create a divide in the opponent’s supporters
  • Show his strength

He finally tells Ravana to follow the wise counsel given by Vibheeshana and Mandodhari (Ravana’s wife) – the counsel was to send Sita back to Rama.

Hearing all this, Ravana gets angry. He tells Kumbakarna that talking about what he (Ravana) rejected due to his pride, confusion, ignorance or immense faith in his own strength, is of no use; it is hence wiser to talk about what needs to be done. He also says that informed people don’t fret over what has happened, neither can what happened, be changed. He requests Kumbakarna to help him in the current situation.

Kumbakarna understands that Ravana is showing his helplessness and tries to give him confidence. He asks him to set aside his anger and sorrow and maintain balance in emotions. He then goes on to tell him that he does not need to fear anything; and that Rama, Lakshmana and the monkey army will be destroyed. This talk of Kumbakarna enthuses Ravana a great deal.

Ah!! When we wake up after a good night’s sleep, we remain groggy for a while. 6 months Kumbakarna is asleep and on the one day he is awake, he is so energetic?? His presence of mind is something else altogether too!! Brother or not, to be able to stand up to Ravana and call his shots as a wrong decision, takes a lot of courage, maturity and clarity in thinking. 

What Kumbakarna said that every king could do, seems to be what quite some of us are doing also. In every situation, we handle ourselves based on how we perceive other people to be

– When they are as strong as we are in what they say and behave, we are equally careful about what we say and behave, so that conflicts don’t arise..  

 – When they are stronger than we are, we offer them something in kind (or cash also??). We commit to offer rewards to our children, if they do what we would like them to do. This means we are aware that they may not do, what we want them to do. So the power rests with our children? They are hence stronger than what we are (in terms of having the upper hand)?? .. Quite some of us offer to give the almighty something, when we get what we want.. We are fully aware that the almighty is more powerful than we are.. Whether it is king or children or the almighty, when we give something in cash or kind to get what we want to get, aren’t we offering a bribe?? If we say it is not, then what is it called as? Is that the right thing to do? 

 – When we are stronger than the opponent, we wage a war of words or sometimes may even resort to physical abuse (be it on a child or adult) .. 

The 5 aspects that need to be considered according to Kumbakarna, is so applicable in today’s life also; and in every role that we play in life. They are so self explanatory that any elaboration I give, will dilute the value of each one of them.

However, there is one thing that niggles me.. Giving things in kind to get things done or to cause a divide in the opponent’s supporters, does not ring well for me.. when we are trying to foster collaboration, won’t these two things foster competition? Competition maybe critical for one’s success but at the expense of exploiting others or causing someone else pain? 

There is no explanation in this book on offering things in kind, to win others over; or on causing divide amongst the opponent’s supporters. I am NOT sure if I have missed understanding what was meant, and perceived something else. I am sure that these will ring in my mind till I get the answers. Will I or won’t I, that’s the question!! 🙂