Chapter II
15
of indescribable bliss. How can anyone gain security without proper investigation? 53. Want of judgement is certain death, yet many are in its clutches. Success attends proper deliberation, till eventually the end is without doubt accomplished. 54. Indeliberateness is the ever-present weakness of the Daityas and Yatudhanas (Asuras and Rakshasas); deliberation is the characteristic of the Devas (Gods), and therefore they are always happy. 55. Owing to their discrimination they depend on Vishnu and inevitably conquer their enemies. Investigation is the seed capable of sprouting and flourishing into the gigantic tree of happiness. 56. A deliberating man always shines over others, Brahma is great because of deliberation; Vishnu is worshipped because of it. 57-58. The Great Lord Siva is omniscient for the same reason. Rama, though the most intelligent of men, came to disaster for want of judgement, before attempting to capture the golden deer; later with due deliberation, he spanned the ocean, crossed over to Lanka, the island of the Rakshasa brood, and conquered it. [Note: The reference is to the Ramayana. Ravana, the arch enemy of Rama, induced one of his lieutenants to assume the shape of a golden deer and entice Rama away from his hermitage, so that Ravana could forcibly carry away Sita, who would thus be left unprotected. The ruse succeeded; and later the great battle ensued, in