Hanuman is filled with mixed feelings of astonishment, pity and anger when he is brought to Ravana’s court. He is sorry that all the resplendence and dazzle of this rakshasa king is heading towards disaster shortly because he has swerved from the path of dharma. When Ravana demands an explanation of his identity and credentials Hanuman is unafraid to speak out the plain truth on dharma without mincing words, said Sri Sankararama Dikshitar in a discourse.
Hanuman points out that carrying Sita stealthily from Panchavati was a cowardly act and against dharma. It is sure to end in the destruction of Lanka and the entire rakshasa race. It is time he understands that in his case having Sita in his custody portends sure death for him. How could he be blind to the wisdom that opposing dharma can never bring peace? Hanuman indicates that the phala of dharma and adharma are different. Experiences of periods of happiness or sorrow in the life of a jivatma merely indicate the effects of one’s past deeds, good or bad. It is now obvious that for Ravana the period of happiness has expired and his act of adharma in coveting Rama’s wife is soon going to show its effect. Rama’s anger and Sita’s suffering will not go in vain. The very fact that Hanuman has entered Lanka, seen Sita and caused havoc all over is proof of Lanka’s impending fate. All the merit Ravana had earned through tapas, his good deeds, his Siva Upasana, cannot undo the evil effects of his wrong doings. Is there any way to expiate for bad deeds and wipe out sin from one’s account?
The answer given by sastras is to engage in good deeds with the sole aim of exhausting the effect of one’s sins. The advice implied is to avoid any expectation of personal gain that only leads to further bondage.
