Shakuni and Ravana – the Model of Scamming and Deception in the Hindu Tradition and the Punishment They Deserve

Understanding Modern Indian Scammers and Deception Through the Hindu Traditions of Shakuni and Ravana

Primary Category: Philosophy of Scam Victim Recovery

Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends / General Public / Others

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Polymath, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Modern scammers, much like the deceivers Shakuni and Ravana from Hindu mythology, exploit trust and vulnerabilities for personal gain. Hindu teachings emphasize that while deception may bring short-term benefits, it ultimately leads to negative karma and severe consequences, whether through legal repercussions, social disgrace, or spiritual suffering in Naraka.

At the same time, Hinduism encourages compassion for victims, discouraging blame and urging forgiveness as a path to inner peace. However, forgiveness does not mean ignoring justice—wrongdoers must atone for their actions, and karma will ensure they face the consequences. By staying vigilant, upholding dharma, and supporting those who have been deceived, individuals can navigate modern fraud with wisdom and integrity.

Understanding Modern Indian Scammers and Deception Through the Hindu Traditions of Shakuni and Ravana

Scammers have become a serious threat to everyone in today’s world, preying on individuals by exploiting trust, emotions, and financial vulnerabilities.

However, they have become even more dangerous with Indians scamming Indian victims – not to mention foreigners. Within the Hindu faith, deception and trickery are not new concepts; they have been well-documented in sacred texts. Two figures that exemplify such deception in Hindu mythology are Shakuni and Ravana. Their actions provide insight into how deception works, the consequences of fraud, and the way Hindu teachings address both justice and forgiveness.

By examining how these mythological figures engaged in deceit and manipulation, Hindu followers can gain a deeper understanding of modern scammers and how to respond to them in a manner that aligns with dharma (righteousness).

The Methods of Deception: Learning from Shakuni and Ravana

Shakuni: The Master Manipulator

Shakuni, the cunning uncle of Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, serves as one of Hinduism’s most well-known deceivers. His primary weapon was psychological manipulation. He masterminded the infamous dice game that led to the Pandavas losing their kingdom, their wealth, and even their dignity. His tactics closely resemble those of modern scammers who use rigged games, financial fraud, and deceitful persuasion to rob people of their assets.

Modern scammers, like Shakuni, create illusions of trust and fairness while ensuring that their victims remain unaware of the deception until it is too late. They exploit vulnerabilities, using greed, desperation, or false assurances to lure victims into making irreversible mistakes. Like Shakuni’s fixed dice game, today’s scammers manipulate situations so that victims believe they have control when, in reality, they do not.

Ravana: The Master of Disguise and False Promises

Ravana, the demon king of Lanka in the Ramayana, used deception for personal gain, much like scammers who assume false identities to exploit trust. Ravana’s most notorious act of deception was disguising himself as a wandering sage to abduct Sita, deceiving her into stepping outside her protective boundary. This form of fraud mirrors modern scams such as phishing, romance scams, and identity fraud, where scammers misrepresent themselves to gain victims’ trust before exploiting them.

Scammers today pose as trustworthy individuals—bank officials, romantic partners, or even spiritual leaders—to deceive victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. They use persuasion, emotional manipulation, and false promises, much like Ravana, who assured Sita of safety while leading her toward captivity.

The Consequences of Deception: What Hindu Teachings Say About Punishment

Hindu philosophy, particularly through the concepts of karma and dharma, teaches that those who engage in deception and fraud will face inevitable consequences, either in this life or in future rebirths. The Hindu scriptures outline various forms of punishment for those who engage in dishonesty, similar to what befell Shakuni and Ravana.

The Law of Karma: Every Action Has Consequences

In Hindu teachings, karma dictates that deceitful individuals will eventually suffer the repercussions of their actions. Scammers may enjoy short-term gains, but their deception inevitably leads to suffering, whether through legal consequences, financial ruin, or spiritual degradation.

Shakuni, after manipulating events that led to the Kurukshetra war, met a gruesome end at the hands of the Pandavas. His deception ultimately backfired, leading to the downfall of his family.

Ravana, despite his immense power and intelligence, was ultimately destroyed due to his deceit and moral corruption. His kingdom was devastated, his family was killed, and he lost his life at the hands of Lord Rama.

Similarly, modern scammers may believe they are escaping justice, but their karma catches up with them, either through legal consequences, social disgrace, or personal misfortunes that mirror the suffering they caused others.

Naraka: The Hellish Punishments for Deceivers

Hindu scriptures describe Naraka (hell) as a realm where sinners, including fraudsters and deceivers, suffer punishments based on their misdeeds. According to the Garuda Purana, those who deceive and defraud others may be:

Boiled in oil, symbolizing the torment they inflicted upon others.

Torn apart by wild beasts, representing the betrayal they committed.

Condemned to wander in darkness, symbolizing their separation from truth and righteousness.

These symbolic punishments serve as reminders that deception does not go unpunished. Even if a fraudster escapes justice in this life, their actions influence their next incarnation, leading to suffering and misfortune.

Rebirth in a Lower Form

According to Hindu belief, those who commit fraud, deception, and betrayal may be reborn into lower life forms—animals, insects, or beings condemned to suffer—depending on the severity of their wrongdoing.

Example: In many Puranic stories, kings or sages who acted deceitfully were cursed to be reborn as lower beings, such as snakes or demons.

Example: Ravana, the deceptive demon king of Lanka, is believed to have suffered immensely in his next life before attaining salvation.

Loss of Reputation and Social Exile

Even in earthly life, deceitful individuals often face consequences such as:

Loss of trust and honor in society.

Exile or disgrace, as seen with characters like Duryodhana, who was humiliated before his downfall.

Betrayal by their own allies, as in the case of Shakuni, who was ultimately abandoned and defeated.

Divine Retribution and Curses

Many Hindu stories involve tricksters receiving divine punishment or curses for their deceitful actions.

Example: Indra, who once used deception to seduce Ahalya, was cursed with a thousand marks resembling female genitals (later turned into eyes after penance).

Example: The asura king Virochana, who tricked others into following false teachings, was eventually destroyed for leading people astray.

Deception and fraud in Hindu teachings are serious moral offenses, bringing bad karma, disgrace, suffering, and sometimes a terrifying fate in Naraka. However, the path of redemption is always available through self-realization, repentance, and righteous living. In essence, those who deceive others will eventually face the consequences of their own actions—whether in this life, the afterlife, or future rebirths.

A Hindu Tradition Curse for the Scammers and Fraudsters

Just in case you want to share it with an Indian scammer, fraudster, or cybercriminal!

“May the weight of your deceit bind you to the endless wheel of samsara, cursed to wander a thousand lives as a lost soul, stripped of dharma and shunned by the devas. May Lord Yama, the righteous judge, seal your fate in Naraka’s darkest pits, where neither wealth nor cunning can ransom your spirit. Let every lie you’ve spun coil around your tongue like a serpent, choking your pleas as karma’s unyielding hand delivers justice. May your lineage bear the stain of your adharma, your ancestors turn their faces in shame, and your soul find no peace, forever haunted by the cries of those you betrayed—until the universe itself deems your debt repaid.”

Forgiving the Deceived: A Hindu Perspective

While Hinduism strongly discourages fraud and deception, it also teaches that victims of scams should not be blamed for their misfortune. Instead, they should be met with compassion and understanding.

Why Victims Should Not Be Judged

Many victims of scams feel shame or embarrassment, believing they were foolish or gullible. However, Hindu teachings remind us that deception is a powerful force, capable of misleading even the most intelligent individuals.

• • • The Pandavas, despite their wisdom, fell victim to Shakuni’s tricks.
    • Sita, despite her virtue and intelligence, was deceived by Ravana’s disguise.

These stories highlight that anyone can be deceived, and victims should not blame themselves for falling into a scammer’s trap. Instead of judgment, Hinduism encourages empathy and support.

The Power of Forgiveness

Hindu teachings emphasize forgiveness (kṣamā) as a divine quality. However, forgiveness does not mean ignoring justice. Instead, it allows victims to release anger and resentment, freeing themselves from the emotional burdens caused by deception.

• • • The Bhagavad Gita teaches that forgiveness brings peace and spiritual growth.
    • Lord Krishna advises that while one must seek justice, they should not let anger consume them.

Victims can seek justice while also practicing detachment from resentment, trusting that karma will ensure the deceiver faces appropriate consequences.

Hindu Teachings Talk About Forgiveness

Hindu teachings emphasize forgiveness, but they also recognize the complexities of justice, karma, and personal healing for victims of deception. While Hinduism encourages letting go of resentment to attain inner peace, it does not demand blind forgiveness; rather, it promotes a balance between dharma (righteousness), karma (cause and effect), and atonement.

Here’s how Hinduism addresses the forgiveness of victims who have been deceived:

Forgiveness as a Path to Inner Peace

Hinduism teaches that holding onto anger and resentment harms the victim more than the deceiver. Forgiveness is encouraged not to excuse wrongdoing but to free the victim from negative emotions.

Bhagavad Gita (16.3) states that forgiveness (kṣamā) is a divine quality and part of the path to spiritual liberation.

“Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of hatred, absence of pride—these belong to one born of a divine nature, O Arjuna.”

तेन तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचम् अद्रोहः नातिमानिता।
भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीम् अभिजातस्य भारत॥

Manusmriti (6.47) emphasizes that forgiveness leads to self-purification and is a sign of spiritual strength.

“Let him not eat in the company of his wife, nor look at her while she eats, sneezes, yawns, or sits at her ease.”

न संनादति पत्न्या च न चास्या दर्शनं चरेत् ।
खादन्त्या जृम्भमाणाया निष्ठीवन्त्या स्वयं स्थिताः ॥

Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna in the Mahabharata that forgiveness should not come from weakness but from wisdom and the realization that karma will ultimately deliver justice.

Bhagavad Gita 2.47-48, Krishna says: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty. Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga.”

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥

Example: In the Ramayana, Rama forgives Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, even though he initially supported deception. This shows that those who recognize their mistakes and change can be accepted.

Justice and Karma: The Wrongdoer Must Face Consequences

Forgiveness does not mean the deceiver escapes justice. Hinduism upholds that karma will inevitably punish those who have wronged others. Victims may forgive in their hearts, but the cosmic order ensures that the fraudster faces the consequences.

Example: In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, known for his patience, forgave his enemies many times. However, when deception led to injustice (Draupadi’s humiliation, the Pandavas’ exile), he still fought for dharma and reclaimed justice.

Lesson: Forgiveness should not allow injustice to continue. It should come after justice is served or when the wrongdoer sincerely atones.

Atonement (Prāyaścitta) Before Forgiveness

Hinduism supports the idea that forgiveness is meaningful when the wrongdoer repents and seeks to correct their actions.

Prāyaścitta (penance) is necessary before one is truly forgiven. The wrongdoer must:

• • • • Acknowledge their deceit.
      • Make amends to those harmed.
      • Change their behavior.

Example: In the story of Valmiki, he was once a robber but, after deep repentance and meditation, he became a sage and authored the Ramayana. His transformation shows that even great wrongdoers can be forgiven through sincere penance.

Detachment: Letting Go Without Enabling Wrongdoing

Hinduism teaches Vairagya (detachment)—learning to let go of negative emotions without necessarily reconciling with the wrongdoer. This is useful for victims of fraud or deceit who cannot seek direct justice.

Example: In many Puranic stories, sages and devotees who were wronged chose to walk the path of spirituality rather than seek revenge, trusting that karma would balance the scales.

Lesson: Victims do not have to associate with the deceiver but can release their pain and move forward.

Forgiveness in Practice: What Can a Victim Do?

If someone has been deceived, Hindu teachings suggest:

Seek justice if possible—do not allow deception to continue.

Forgive internally to free oneself from hatred and suffering.

Allow karma to work—believe that wrongdoers will face consequences.

Encourage atonement—if the deceiver repents, they can be forgiven.

Practice detachment—move forward without holding onto resentment.

Hinduism teaches that while forgiveness is noble, it must be balanced with justice, atonement, and karmic law. Victims are encouraged to release their anger, not for the benefit of the deceiver, but for their own peace. However, forgiveness does not mean enabling wrong behavior—deceivers must face the consequences of their actions before true reconciliation can occur.

Protecting Oneself Through Awareness and Dharma

Hindu mythology teaches that deception is a timeless force, but it also provides guidance on how to deal with it. Followers of Hinduism can protect themselves from scammers by:

Recognizing deception—understanding how scammers operate, just as Shakuni and Ravana did in ancient texts.

Acting with dharma—being vigilant, honest, and not engaging in unethical shortcuts that could lead to fraud.

Trusting karma—knowing that scammers will face consequences, whether immediate or eventual.

Supporting victims—offering compassion rather than judgment to those who have been deceived.

By learning from Hindu teachings, followers can navigate the modern world with greater wisdom, ensuring they uphold truth and righteousness while protecting themselves from fraud and deception.

Conclusion

Modern scammers, particularly those exploiting their own communities, embody deception much like Shakuni and Ravana from Hindu mythology. These ancient figures used manipulation and false pretenses to mislead others, much like today’s fraudsters who prey on trust and vulnerabilities. By studying these stories, individuals can recognize the tactics of deception and protect themselves from being victimized, reinforcing the importance of staying vigilant and adhering to dharma.

Hindu teachings emphasize that deception ultimately leads to negative karma and severe consequences, either in this life or the next. Scammers may temporarily benefit from their fraudulent actions, but they will inevitably face punishment, whether through legal repercussions, social exile, or spiritual suffering. The scriptures also detail how fraudsters may experience Naraka, or rebirth in lower forms, ensuring justice for their dishonest deeds. This reinforces that while wrongdoers may seem to escape consequences temporarily, cosmic justice will always prevail.

At the same time, Hinduism urges compassion for victims, discouraging blame or judgment. Deception can mislead even the wisest individuals, as seen in the stories of the Pandavas and Sita. Rather than shaming those who have been deceived, the faith encourages forgiveness and emotional detachment, allowing victims to move forward without resentment. However, forgiveness does not mean ignoring justice—wrongdoers must atone for their misdeeds, and karma will ensure they face the results of their actions. By balancing vigilance, justice, and forgiveness, individuals can uphold dharma while protecting themselves and others from deception.

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