Kausalya, overwhelmed by grief, pleaded with her son Rama, “Do not abandon me, tormented as I am by sorrow, because of the harsh words spoken by my co-wife. You are renowned for your understanding of righteousness and your devotion to its practice. Therefore, remain here and serve me, for this is your highest duty. Remember, Kāśyapa, the great sage, attained heaven simply by serving his mother with obedience in his own home. Just as you honor your father, the king, so too should you honor me. I do not permit you to go to the forest. Without you, my life holds no joy or meaning. I would rather eat grass with you by my side than enjoy riches alone. If you leave me, consumed by grief, I shall remain here and fast unto death, for I cannot bear to live without you. If you go, you will incur the infamy of unrighteousness and fall into hell, just as the ocean did for the sin of brahminicide.” As Kausalya lamented in this way, Rama, ever devoted to righteousness, replied gently, “Mother, I am powerless to disobey my father’s command. I beg you, with bowed head, grant me permission to go to the forest. Even great sages have performed difficult deeds to obey their fathers. The sage Kaṇḍu, living in the forest, once committed the unrighteous act of killing a cow at his father’s command. In our own lineage, the sons of Sagara dug the earth, causing great destruction, simply by their father’s order. And Rama, son of Jamadagni, slew his own mother Reṇukā in the forest with an axe, all to fulfill his father’s word. Many such godlike men have carried out their fathers’ commands without hesitation. I, too, must do what pleases my father. This path of obedience is not new to me alone; it has been followed by those I have mentioned, Mother. I do not seek a new or contrary way—this is the path sanctioned by the ancients. Therefore, I must do this, for no one has ever come to harm by obeying their father’s command. Having spoken thus to his mother, Rama turned to Lakshmana, who stood nearby. “Lakshmana,” he said, “I know well your deep affection for me, your valor and steadfastness, and your formidable strength. But my mother, though virtuous, is overwhelmed by sorrow and does not understand the deeper purpose of truth and self-restraint. Righteousness is supreme in the world, and truth is rooted in righteousness. Even my father’s command is founded upon righteousness and is most excellent. When one has pledged to the words of a father, a mother, or a Brahmin, one who abides in righteousness must not disregard them. Therefore, I cannot transgress my father’s command. It is at his word, urged by Kaikeyi, that I must go. Abandon, then, this resolve of yours, noble though it is and rooted in a warrior’s duty. Take refuge in righteousness, not harshness. Let your mind follow mine.” Having spoken thus to Lakshmana out of affection, Rama again turned to Kausalya, his hands joined and head bowed. “Grant me your blessing, Mother, as I depart for the forest. You are bound to me as dearly as my very life—perform the auspicious rites for my journey. Having fulfilled my vow, I will return from the forest to the city, just as King Yayati, once cast down, returned to heaven. Bear your grief in your heart, Mother, and do not sorrow. I will return, having fulfilled my father’s command. You, I, Vaidehi, Lakshmana, and Sumitra—all of us must obey our father’s word. This is the eternal law. Gather the necessary provisions and restrain your sorrow, for my mind is set on dwelling in the forest according to righteousness.” Hearing these unwavering words, so righteous and steadfast, Kausalya, as if awakening from death, gazed at Rama and spoke again. “Just as your father is to you, so am I—your teacher, by duty and affection. I do not permit you, my son, to leave me, for I am deeply afflicted. What is life or the world or even immortality to me without you? A moment in your presence is worth more than all the world.” Rama, hearing his mother’s pitiful words, felt his heart burn with even greater grief, like an elephant driven into darkness by torches. He saw his mother nearly senseless with sorrow, and Lakshmana, too, tormented by pain. Steadfast in righteousness, Rama spoke again, as was fitting. “Lakshmana, I know always your devotion and valor, but since my intention is not being considered, do not, along with my mother, increase my sorrow. In this world, righteousness is the source of all wealth and desire. Those who dwell here must be as obedient as a devoted wife and her sons. One should pursue that in which all are united, from which righteousness arises. One who seeks only gain becomes hated, and self-indulgence is not commendable. Who, acting harshly, 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? I am unable to fulfill my father’s promise as I should, for he is our teacher by command, the husband of the queen, and the very path of righteousness. While the king, who is the embodiment of righteousness, still lives and follows his path, how can the queen accompany me, as though she were bereft of her husband?” Thus Rama spoke, his words ever rooted in dharma, his heart unwavering even in the face of his mother’s anguish and his brother’s devotion.