Rama, with a gentle yet resolute voice, spoke to his mother, Kausalya, recalling the illustrious examples from their lineage: “Long ago, by the command of their father, Sagara, his sons dug into the earth, resulting in great destruction. Likewise, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, obeyed his father’s word and, with an axe, slew his own mother Renuka in the forest. Such godlike men, noble lady, carried out their fathers’ commands without hesitation or weakness. I too must do what is pleasing to my father.” He continued, assuring her, “Obedience to one’s father is not practiced by me alone; those whom I just mentioned upheld the same principle. I do not pursue a new or contrary path of righteousness—this is the course 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, Rama turned to Lakshmana, his brother. Addressing him, Rama said, “Lakshmana, I know your unsurpassed affection for me, your valor, steadfastness, and your formidable power. My mother, of auspicious character, suffers a great and incomparable sorrow, not understanding the intent of truth and self-restraint. Righteousness is supreme in the world, and upon righteousness, truth is established; even this command of my father is rooted in righteousness and is most excellent.” He explained further, “O hero, when one pledges to the words of a father, mother, or Brahmin, one who abides in righteousness must not disregard them in vain. Therefore, I cannot transgress the command again, for by my father’s word, I have been urged by Kaikeyi. Abandon this noble resolve, grounded in the duty of warriors; take refuge in righteousness, not harshness—let your mind follow mine.” Rama, out of affection, spoke thus to his brother, and then, with joined palms and bowed head, addressed Kausalya once again: “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 will return here from the forest, having fulfilled my father’s command. By you, by me, by Vaidehi, by Lakshmana, and by Sumitra, 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 righteous, unwavering words, the queen, regaining her senses as if from death, looked at Rama 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 better for me than all the world of the living.” Rama, hearing his mother’s pitiful lament, felt his grief deepen, as if he were an elephant driven into darkness by torches. He saw his mother nearly senseless with sorrow, and Sumitra’s son, Lakshmana, tormented by pain. Yet, steadfast in righteousness, Rama spoke words appropriate to the moment: “Lakshmana, 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. 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.” He continued, “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? I am not able to fulfill my father’s promise completely as it should be; for he, O father, is our teacher by command, the husband of the queen, and the path of righteousness. While the king of righteousness still lives and especially follows his own path, how could the queen accompany me from here, like a woman bereft of her husband?” Rama pleaded, “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 am not able to achieve great fame merely for the sake of the kingdom; but in this brief span of life, O queen, today I choose the lesser earth, not unrighteously.” Seeking to please his mother, Rama, the bull among men, resolved to depart for Dandaka, earnestly instructed his younger brother, and circumambulated his mother in his heart. Let the twenty-second chapter be heard. Then Rama approached Lakshmana, his dear friend and brother, who was deeply distressed and especially indignant, his eyes blazing with anger like a furious lord of elephants. Rama, steadfast in spirit, spoke to Lakshmana with composure, restraining himself with courage. Suppressing anger and sorrow, relying solely on fortitude, he cast aside humiliation and embraced supreme joy. He instructed, “Whatever has been prepared for my consecration, let all that be quickly withdrawn; carry out the task without delay. O Saumitri, the effort made for my consecration should now be directed toward its cancellation. Let us act so that our mother, whose mind is troubled on account of my consecration, may not remain anxious.