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H.H. Sri Sri Swamiji spoke very interestingly on Vibhishana ‘sharanãgati’ (surrender of Vibhishana, brother of Ravana at the Lotus Feet of Lord Rama) one evening:

“As usual Sri Rama, just before waging war (on Ravana), consulted all present in the matter regarding crossing the ocean. Vibhishana opined, “Let us surrender unto the ocean.” Since Sri Rama felt this to be the right advice he surrendered unto Samudra Raja (Ocean king). Yet, the ocean did not give way.

Since Rama desired to be humble, he immediately surrendered. But, he did not know how to surrender! Why did he not know how to surrender? Though desirous of surrendering, he did not know how to surrender in the prescribed way because he was the Lord (Bhagavãn)! When Samudra raja refused to give way Rama at once lifted his bow and threatened him. ‘Sharanãgati’ is to remain as placed in life - be it beneficial or otherwise - by the one unto whom we have surrendered. But, here we understand that Rama had not actually surrendered by the mere fact that he had taken up the bow and begun to threaten (the Ocean)!

Why did Vibhishana offer, to Rama, the advice, ‘Surrender unto the ocean’?
The reason behind this is that as he had benefited by surrendering (to Sri Rama) he knew only that way. He thinks that only that would do good to all in the world.
‘Well! While there were so many offering advices why should Rama accept Vibhishana’s advice?’
It is always true that in a Sangha (association) when a new person steps in he enjoys respect for sometime! Here Vibhishana had joined them newly. He, therefore, enjoyed great respect. This is the reason that Sri Rama followed his advice. ”

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