With hands folded and head bowed low, Rama addressed his mother with gentle firmness: “Mother, I do not have the power to disobey my father’s command. I beg you, please grant me permission—let me go to the forest.” He continued, drawing upon the examples of old: “Even great sages, while living in the forest and obeying their fathers, sometimes performed difficult deeds. The sage Kaṇḍu knowingly committed the unrighteous act of killing a cow, all for the sake of his father’s word. In our own lineage, the sons of Sagara, at their father’s command, dug into the earth, bringing about great destruction. And Rama, son of Jamadagni, slew his own mother Reṇukā in the forest with an axe, simply to fulfill his father’s wish. “Many godlike men before me, O noble lady, have carried out their father’s commands without hesitation. I, too, shall do what is pleasing to my father. It is not only I who follow this path—those I have just mentioned also did so. I do not seek a new or contrary way; I follow the course approved by the ancients. “Therefore, this must be done by me, and in no other way. For no harm ever befalls one who fulfills a father’s command.” Having thus spoken to his mother, Rama then turned to his brother Lakshmana, who stood nearby. “Lakshmana, I know your deep affection for me, your valor, steadfastness, and your strength, which is difficult to withstand. My mother, of auspicious character, is suffering a sorrow beyond compare. She does not fully understand the intent behind truth and self-restraint. “Righteousness is supreme in the world, and upon righteousness, truth stands. Even my father’s command is rooted in righteousness and is most excellent. O hero, one who is devoted to righteousness must never disregard a pledge made to father, mother, or Brahmin. Therefore, I cannot disobey my father’s word again; for, urged by Kaikeyi, I must fulfill his command. “Abandon this resolve, noble though it is, grounded in the duty of warriors. Take refuge in righteousness, not in harshness—let your mind follow mine.” Speaking thus out of deep affection for his brother, Rama, with joined palms and bowed head, again addressed Kausalya: “Mother, grant me your permission as I depart for the forest. You are bound to me by my very life—perform for me the auspicious rites. “Having fulfilled my vow, I shall return from the forest, just as King Yayati, having once abandoned, returned again to heaven. Bear your grief in your heart, Mother, and do not sorrow. I will come back from the forest, having fulfilled my father’s command. “By you, by me, by Sita, by Lakshmana, and by Sumitra, we must all abide by our father’s word—this is the eternal law. Gather the necessary provisions, Mother, and restrain your sorrow. My mind is set on dwelling in the forest; let it be followed in righteousness.” Hearing these steadfast and unwavering words, the queen, as if returning to life from death, looked upon Rama and spoke again, her heart overflowing: “Just as your father is to you, so am I—your teacher, by my own duty and affection. I cannot permit you, my son, to leave me, so deeply afflicted. What is life to me without you? What is the world, or even the nectar of immortality? A single moment in your presence is dearer to me than all the world.” Rama, hearing his mother’s pitiful lament, felt his heart burn with grief, as a great elephant driven by torches enters the darkness. He saw his mother, nearly senseless, and Lakshmana, tormented by pain. Steadfast in righteousness, Rama spoke words fitting for the occasion: “Lakshmana, I know always your devotion and valor. But since my intention is not being heeded, do not, along with my mother, distress me with such deep sorrow. “In this world, righteousness, wealth, and desire all arise from the fruits of righteousness. All who dwell here are, without doubt, 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. One who seeks only gain becomes hated in the world, and self-indulgence is not commendable. “Who, acting with cruelty, would neglect a task assigned by teacher, king, father, or elder, whether out of anger, joy, or desire, after considering what is right? I am not able to fulfill my father’s promise completely as it should be; for he is our teacher by command, the husband of the queen, and the path of righteousness. “While the king of righteousness still lives and follows his own path, how could the queen accompany me, like a woman bereft of her husband? Do not be angry with me, O queen, as I go to the forest. Offer us your blessings, so that when my time is complete, I may return, just as Yayati returned by truth. “I do not seek great fame merely for the sake of the kingdom. In this brief span of life, O queen, today I choose the lesser earth, not unrighteously.” Having thus sought to please his mother, Rama, the bull among men, resolute in his decision to depart for Dandaka, earnestly instructed his younger brother and, in his heart, circumambulated his mother with reverence. Now, let the next chapter be heard. Rama then approached Lakshmana, his dear friend and brother, who was deeply distressed and burning with indignation, his eyes blazing like a furious lord of elephants. Rama, steadfast in spirit, spoke with composure, restraining himself with courage. Suppressing anger and sorrow, relying solely on fortitude, he cast aside humiliation and embraced supreme joy. He said, “Whatever has been prepared for my consecration, let all that be quickly withdrawn. Carry out the task without delay.