Lanka Kaanda
182 - Råvana's march to the field of battle; Sri Rama's victory-chariot and an encounter between the monkeys and the demons
Chaupais
Description
Vibhisana was disconcerted when he saw Ravana mounted on a chariot and the Hero of Raghu's line without any. His great fondness for the Lord filled his mind with diffidence; and bowing to His feet he spoke with a tender heart: "My lord, You have no chariot nor any protection either for Your body (in the shape of armour) or for Your feet (in the shape of shoes). How, then, can You expect to conquer this mighty hero?" "Listen, friend:" replied the All-merciful, "the chariot which leads one to victory is quite another. Valour and fortitude are the wheels of that chariot, while truthfulness and good conduct are its enduring banner and standard. Even so strength, discretion, self-control and benevolence are its four horses, that have been joined to the chariot with the cords of forgiveness, compassion and evenness of mind. Adoration of God is the expert driver; dispassion, the shield and contentment, the sword. Again, charity is the axe; reason, the fierce lance and the highest wisdom, the relentless bow. A pure and steady mind is like a quiver; while quietude and the various forms of abstinence (Yamas) and religious observances (Niyamas) are a sheaf of arrows. Homage to the Brahmanas and to one's own preceptor is an impenetrable coat of mail; there is no other equipment for victory as efficacious as this. My friend, he who owns such a chariot of piety shall have no enemy to conquer anywhere."