One must never allow the mind to sink into despair, for nothing is more harmful. Despair, like an enraged serpent striking down a defenseless child, can utterly destroy a person. If one gives in to hopelessness at the very moment when action is needed, all purpose is lost, for energy and resolve are drained away. As the night gave way to dawn, Angada, the son of Vali, gathered once more with the elder monkeys to deliberate on their next course of action. The entire monkey army, encircling Angada, shone resplendently, reminiscent of the mighty winds standing in attendance around Indra himself. Truly, none but Angada or Hanuman could hope to restrain the great host of monkeys. Angada, illustrious and a subduer of foes, having consulted with the elders and the assembled army, addressed them with words full of meaning: “Who among you, endowed with immense energy, will leap across the vast ocean? Who will fulfill the promise made to Sugriva, the vanquisher of enemies? Which hero here possesses the strength to leap a hundred yojanas and rescue all these chiefs from this peril? By whose favor shall we accomplish our task and return home to see our wives, our sons, and our abodes, content and fulfilled? By whose grace will we, rejoicing, approach Rama, mighty Lakshmana, and Sugriva, lord of the forest-dwellers? If any among you is capable of crossing the ocean, let him quickly grant us the blessed gift of safety.” Hearing Angada’s earnest appeal, none among the monkeys spoke; the entire army seemed struck dumb, motionless and silent. Once again, Angada, foremost among monkeys, addressed them: “You are all the best among the strong, steadfast in valor, born of noble lineages, and honored many times. There will never be any obstacle to your journey. Each of you, O foremost monkeys, speak now according to your own ability to leap.” Now begins the sixty-fifth chapter of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, in the Kishkindha section. Having listened to Angada’s words, the foremost monkeys each declared, in turn, their own capacity and enthusiasm for the journey. Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha, Gandhamadana, Mainda, Dvivida, Sushena, and also Jambavan were present. Gaja proclaimed, “I can leap ten yojanas.” Gavaksha offered, “I will go twenty yojanas.” Sharabha declared, “O leaping ones, I will go thirty yojanas.” Rishabha said, “I will go forty yojanas, without doubt.” Then Gandhamadana, full of energy, declared, “I will go fifty yojanas, without doubt.” Mainda announced, “I am able to leap sixty yojanas.” Dvivida, mighty among monkeys, said, “I will go seventy yojanas, without doubt.” Sushena, the valiant and virtuous, promised, “With my strength, I will go eighty yojanas.” As each spoke thus, the eldest among them, Jambavan, acknowledged their words and then spoke himself. “In the past, we too possessed great prowess and speed, but now age has caught up with us. Even so, we cannot neglect this task, which both the monkey king and Rama are firmly resolved to complete. Hear now the measure of strength that remains to me: I will go ninety yojanas, without doubt. But know, O best of monkeys, that this is not the full extent of my former power. In the sacrifice of Vairocana, I once circumambulated the eternal, all-powerful Vishnu as he strode his three great steps. Now, old age has slowed my vigor in leaping, but in my youth, my strength was truly unmatched. Today, I can go only this far by myself; but even this will not be enough to ensure the success of our mission.” For the sake of the noble purpose, Angada then spoke again, first taking counsel with wise Jambavan: “I myself will attempt this great leap of a hundred yojanas; but whether I have the strength to return, I cannot say for certain.” To him, Jambavan, foremost among monkeys and skilled in counsel, replied, “Your strength for this journey is well known, O best among the heroes of monkeys and bears. Indeed, you are capable of going and returning even a hundred thousand yojanas—but that is not the proper way. Dear one, a master is never sent as a messenger; it is for you to send all these others, O best of monkeys. You are to us as a spouse is, established in the role of master; the master is the spouse and guide of the army, O subduer of enemies. Truly, you are the root of this endeavor, O destroyer of foes; therefore, you must always be protected, as one would protect a spouse. The root of a purpose must be safeguarded—this is the wisdom of those who know how to accomplish great tasks. When the root is secure, all virtues and the fruits of action are attained.