When Lakṣmaṇa, his heart ablaze with indignation at the injustice done to Rāma, could no longer restrain himself, he declared with great emotion, “I will slay my aged father, whose mind is entangled by Kaikeyī, who is pitiable and childish, condemned by the weight of his years.” Hearing these fierce words from the great-souled Lakṣmaṇa, Kausalyā, Rāma’s mother, was overcome by grief. Tears streaming down her face, she turned to her son, her voice trembling with sorrow. “My beloved child,” she wept, “do not heed the unrighteous words spoken by my co-wife. Do not abandon me, tormented as I am by grief, and depart from here. You are renowned for your knowledge and practice of righteousness, and you strive to uphold it above all else. Therefore, remain here with me, serve your mother, and perform the highest duty. It is said that a son who dwells obediently in his own house and serves his mother—like the great ascetic Kāśyapa—attains heaven. As you honor your father, so too should you honor me; thus, I do not permit you to go to the forest. “For me, life and happiness hold no value if I am separated from you. Even if I must survive on nothing but grass, it would be better for me, so long as I am with you. But if you leave me, consumed as I am by sorrow, and go to the forest, I will remain here fasting until death, for I will not be able to live without you. Then, my son, you will incur the infamous hell, as one guilty of unrighteousness, just as the lord of rivers, the ocean, suffered for the sin of brahminicide.” As Kausalyā lamented thus in her distress, Rāma, ever devoted to righteousness, spoke gentle and steadfast words to her. “Mother, I do not have the power to transgress my father’s command. I beg you, with bowed head, grant me your permission to go to the forest. Consider, even a sage, while living in the forest and obeying his father’s command, knowingly committed the unrighteous act of killing a cow—such was the wise Kaṇḍu. In our own lineage, by the command of their father Sagara, his sons dug the earth, leading to great destruction. And Rāma, son of Jamadagni, slew his own mother Reṇukā with an axe in the forest, all for the sake of obeying his father’s word. “These and many other godlike men, O noble lady, have carried out their father’s command without weakness; I too shall do what pleases my father. Indeed, it is not I alone who practice obedience to the father; those whom I have mentioned did so as well, O revered one. I do not pursue a new or contrary path of righteousness; this is the way approved by the ancients, and I follow it. Therefore, this must be done by me on earth and in no other way; for by carrying out the father’s command, no one ever comes to harm.” Having spoken thus to his mother, Rāma then turned to Lakṣmaṇa, his voice calm and filled with affection. “Lakṣmaṇa, I know well your unsurpassed love for me, your valor, steadfastness, and your formidable strength. My mother, of auspicious character, suffers a great and incomparable sorrow, not fully understanding the intent of truth and self-restraint. Yet, righteousness is supreme in the world, and upon righteousness, truth is established; even my father’s command is rooted in righteousness and is most excellent. O hero, when one has pledged to the words of a father, mother, or Brahmin, one who abides in righteousness must not disregard them in vain. Therefore, I cannot transgress my father’s command again; for, O hero, by my father’s word, I have been urged by Kaikeyī. “Abandon, therefore, this noble resolve, grounded in the duty of warriors; take refuge in righteousness, not harshness—let your mind follow mine.” Having thus spoken to his brother out of deep affection, Rāma, with joined palms and bowed head, again addressed his mother. “Grant me your permission, O Lady, as I depart for the forest; you are bound to me by my very life—perform auspicious rites for me. Having fulfilled my vow, I shall return from the forest to the city, just as King Yayati, having once abandoned, returned again to heaven. Bear your grief in your heart, Mother, do not sorrow; I shall return here from the forest, having fulfilled my father’s command. By you, by me, by Vaidehī, by Lakṣmaṇa, and by Sumitrā, we must abide by our father’s command—this is the eternal law. Mother, gather the necessary provisions and restrain your sorrow in your heart; since my mind is set on dwelling in the forest, let it be followed in righteousness.” Hearing these unwavering and righteous words from her son, the queen, as if returning to life from the depths of despair, looked at Rāma and spoke again. “Just as your father is to you, so am I—your teacher, by my own duty and affection; I do not permit you, my son, to leave me, so deeply afflicted. What is life to me without you, or what is the world, or even the nectar of immortality? A moment in your presence is dearer to me than all the world of the living.” Hearing his mother’s pitiful lament, Rāma’s heart burned even more with grief, like a great elephant driven by torches into darkness. He saw his mother, nearly senseless with sorrow, and Sumitrā’s son, Lakṣmaṇa, tormented by pain. Yet, steadfast in righteousness, Rāma spoke again, offering words in accordance with dharma. “Lakṣmaṇa, I always know your devotion and valor; but since my intention is not being considered, do not, along with my mother, distress me with such deep sorrow. Indeed, in the world of the living, righteousness, wealth, and desire all arise from the fruits of righteousness; all those who are there, without doubt, are as obedient as a wife, along with her sons, who is dear and under control. “One should pursue that in which all are united, from which righteousness arises; for one who is solely intent on gain becomes hated in the world, and self-indulgence is not commendable. Who, acting with cruelty, would fail to carry out the task assigned by a teacher, king, father, or elder, whether out of anger, joy, or desire, after considering what is right?” Thus, Rāma, ever devoted to truth and dharma, sought to console his grieving mother and steadfast brother, his heart unwavering in his resolve to uphold his father’s command, even in the face of the deepest sorrow.