The bruise on his chest hurt but not as much as the ache of having failed his dharma.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s wound was a reminder of humiliation, not just pain. Kicked in open court by his own brother, Ravana, for speaking truth. For advising restraint. For choosing dharma over blood. His clenched grip on the gada was not rage; it was resolve. Never again, he vowed, will silence pass for loyalty.
As he approached the shores of Lanka’s greatest enemy, the howls began. Stones flew. Former adversaries greeted him with suspicion and fear. One wrong step, and sharanagati would become execution. Yet one elder among them raised his hand. The stones stopped. A message was sent to Sri Rama.
He is too kind, Vibhīṣaṇa thought. Too pure. I must not let him be deceived because of me.
Counsel was called. Advice flowed freely, as it always does when fear is dressed up as wisdom.
“Test him first.”
“He abandoned his own brother.”
“The muhurta is wrong.”
Sri Rama listened quietly. And then smiled.
Not the gentle smile of indecision but the calm smile of clarity.
One by one, the doubts were undone.
Testing a truthful man insults truth itself. Emergencies do not wait for auspicious timings. And abandoning adharma even when it wears the face of family, is the highest dharma of all.
Had not Sugrīva himself done the same?
The last truth struck deep.
Yet fear lingered. “What if he harms us in our sleep?” someone whispered.
That was when the air changed.
For a brief moment, the serene prince vanished and the eternal Protector revealed himself. Like tall grass hiding a tiger. Like memory recalling a lion. For the one who once tore apart Hiraṇyakaśipu still lived within this man called Sri Rama.
And then came the words. Not merely a promise but a vrata.
“One who seeks Me even once, saying ‘I am yours,’ I grant fearlessness from all beings. Even if it brings danger to Me; this is My vow.”
Even Ravana, Sri Rama declared, would be accepted if he came in sharanagati.
Vibhīṣaṇa fell at his feet. History shifted.
Valmiki witnessed it. Hanuman carries it. And Vibheeshana; immortal; stands as proof that Sharanagati is never denied.
So what, dear seeker, keeps your hands from reaching his feet?
For those who feel the pull of sharanagati but seek guidance on how to walk it, our Tantra circle https://shorturl.at/6gxgH exists as a living space of practice, reflection, and grace.
Shri Rama Chandra Samarpanam.
Jai Hanuman
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