(Death of Kichaka)

‘See no evil; see what is good’ is the prescription for the eyes. Kichaka (in the Mahabharata) looked with an evil eye on Draupadi (who was serving as the Queen’s maid in the palace of the king of Virata desha). His lustful vision brought about his death. His very name is abhorred by everyone.

(Kaikeyi and Manthara)

Likewise, one should not pay heed to bad or evil-minded words. Kaikeyi (in the Ramayana) is the example of well-intentioned woman who allowed her mind to be poisoned by the evil counsel of Manthara and was responsible for the death of Dasharatha and the bitter resentment of her son Bharat. Kaikeyi and Manthara have passed into history as infamous characters.

How evil thoughts influence a person and bring about his ruin is illustrated by the story of Duryodhana in the Mahabharata. He always entertained evil designs against the Pandavas. What was the ultimate result? Not only did he ruin himself but also he ruined everyone in his clan. Likewise, Ravana, who was well versed in all branches of knowledge, ruined himself and his kinsfolk by his wicked actions. Innumerable examples of this nature can be found in the Indian Epics. (SSS Vol.29, pp. 100-101)