Then Swami rose to give His second Discourse of the day to
the joy of all. Elaborating on the need to practise the Teachings,
Swami quoted the example of Ravana who knew the scriptures
but did not follow them and met with a miserable end, being
beheaded by Rama in a decisive battle. Bhagavan also mentioned
the example of Droupadi, who showed remarkable patience, forbearance
and forgiveness, when she restrained her husbands from killing
Aswattama in revenge for the murder of all her infants. Swami
mentioned that the quality of patience and perseverance in
women is great, and they are able to control evil qualities
from overtaking them. Praising Sathya (adherence
to truth) and Dharma (righteousness) as the greatest
characteristics of Indian culture, He said that they can save
the country from degeneration. Swami also exhorted everyone
to respect women and treat them with the dignity due to them.
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