Who Sushena is
Sushena was a wise elder of the vanaras, father of Tara and thus father-in-law of Vali, learned in the healing herbs of the mountains. In the war for Lanka he cared for the wounded, and when Lakshmana lay struck down by a terrible weapon, Sushena named the life-restoring herbs that grew on a Himalayan peak. Hanuman flew and brought back the whole mountain, and Sushena revived Lakshmana with the herbs.
“Every wound can be healed, if you know the right herb.”
How Sushena plays chess
A healer: repairs weaknesses in his own position patiently before taking any risk.
The Classicist: Sound, balanced chess: develops, castles and takes what the position offers.
Opening repertoire: Caro-Kann, Karpov · Slav, Semi-Slav Anti-Moscow · Petrov, Steinitz
Defeat Sushena in a full game from the normal starting position to earn the achievement Beyond Healing and open the way to the next guardian.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda
- Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda
Placement on the path reflects chess difficulty only — a game-design choice, not a ranking of anyone's spiritual standing.