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Lakshman and Raavan

In both The Great Epics of India, Raamaayan and Mahaabhaarat, war ends not only with celebration of victory but also with transmission of knowledge. Both are guided by their leaders - Raam and Krishn.

In the Raamaayan, Raavan lies mortally wounded on the battlefield and the monkeys are celebrating their victory. Raam turns to his brother Lakshman, and says, "While Raavan was a brute, he was also a great scholar. Go to him quickly and request him to share whatever knowledge he can share with you."

The obedient Lakshman rushes to Raavan's side and whispers in his ears - "O Demon King, All your life you have taken and not given. Now the noble Raam gives you an opportunity to mend your ways. Share your vast wisdom with me. Do not let it die with you only. For that you will be surely be blessed."

Raavan responds him by simply turning away. An angry Lakshman goes back to Raam and says: "He is as arrogant as he always was, too proud to share anything." Raam looks at His brother and asks him softly, "Where did you stand while asking him for knowledge?"
"Next to his head so that I can hear clearly what he said."
Raam smiles, places his bow on the ground and walks to where Raavan lies. Lakshman watches in astonishment as his brother kneels at Raavan's feet.

With palms joined, with extreme humility, Raam says to Raavan - "Hey Lord of Lankaa, you abducted my wife, you committed a terrible crime for which I have been forced to punish you. Now, you are no more my enemy. I see you now as you are known across the world, as the wise son of Rishi Vishravaa. I bow to you and request you to share your wisdom with me. Please do that for if you die without doing so, all your wisdom will be lost forever to the world."

To Lakshman's surprise, Raavan opens his eyes and raises his arms to salute Raam, "If only I had more time as your teacher than as your enemy. Standing at my feet as a student should behave, unlike your rude younger brother, you are a worthy recipient of my knowledge. I have very little time so I cannot share much but let me tell you one important lesson I have learnt in my life. Things that are bad for you, seduce you easily; you run towards them impatiently. But things which are actually good for you fail to attract you; and you shun them creatively, finding powerful excuses to justify your procrastination. That is why I was impatient to abduct Seetaa but avoided meeting you. This is the wisdom of my life, Raam. My last words. I give it to you." With these words, Raavan dies.