Lanka had fallen to Rama's army, and the city was in disarray. Ravana's mother, Nikasha, had been captured while trying to escape. Lakshmana brought her to Rama. "This woman has lost her sons and grandsons, and yet we caught her running away to save her own life. Explain this to me!"
Rama first blessed Nikasha and promised to spare her life, and then he likewise asked her to explain herself.
"I can witness the Rama Lila only so long as I am alive," she said. "I wish to stay alive to see what more you will do on this earth."
Inspired by: Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna
Notes: This is story 142 in the book. The "Rama Lila" or "Rama Play" is a theatrical tradition in India even today; find out more at Wikipedia. In this story, Ravana's mother (also called Kaikesi), sees Rama's life as a Rama Lila, the play of God.
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