Rama, with gentle resolve, spoke to his mother, Kausalya, assuring her that obedience to one’s father was not a virtue unique to him alone; it had been practiced by many illustrious ones before, whom he had just mentioned. He explained that he was not charting a new or contrary course of righteousness, but was simply following the path approved by the ancients. This, he said, was the way things must be done on earth, for no harm ever comes to those who fulfill their father’s command. Having thus addressed his mother, Rama turned to Lakshmana, his words clear and filled with affection. He acknowledged Lakshmana’s unwavering love, his valor, steadfastness, and the strength that was difficult for any to withstand. Yet, Rama pointed out, Kausalya was overwhelmed by a sorrow unlike any other, unable to grasp the deeper purpose behind truth and self-restraint. He reminded them both that righteousness is supreme in the world, and that truth is founded upon it. Even the command given by his father was rooted in righteousness and was most excellent. Rama declared that one who is committed to righteousness must not disregard the words of their father, mother, or a Brahmin, having once pledged to them. Therefore, he could not now disobey his father’s command, especially since Kaikeyi had urged him so. Rama gently urged Lakshmana to abandon his noble resolve, which was grounded in the duty of a warrior, and instead take refuge in righteousness, not harshness, letting his mind follow Rama’s own. Then, out of affection, Rama, the elder brother, turned again to Kausalya, with joined palms and bowed head, and requested her permission to depart for the forest. He told her that she was as dear to him as his very life, and asked her to perform auspicious rites for his journey. He assured his mother that, having fulfilled his vow, he would return from the forest just as King Yayati, having once abandoned, returned again to heaven. He asked her to bear her grief in her heart, not to be sorrowful, for he would surely return after carrying out his father’s command. He emphasized that he, Kausalya, Sita, Lakshmana, and Sumitra must all abide by the command of their father, for that is the eternal law. Rama gently requested his mother to gather the necessary provisions and restrain her sorrow, since his mind was firmly set on dwelling in the forest, and he wished to do so in righteousness. Hearing these unwavering and righteous words, Kausalya, as if returning from the brink of death, looked at Rama and spoke again. She told him that, just as his father was his teacher, so too was she, by her own duty and affection. She could not permit him to leave her, so deeply afflicted was she. What, she asked, was life or the world or even the nectar of immortality without him? A single moment in his presence was dearer to her than all the world. Rama, hearing his mother's pitiful lament, felt his grief deepen, like a great elephant driven into darkness by torches. He saw his mother nearly senseless with pain, and Lakshmana, too, tormented by sorrow. Steadfast in righteousness, Rama spoke again, words appropriate and fitting for the moment. He acknowledged Lakshmana’s devotion and valor, but begged him, since his own intention was not being considered, not to distress him further along with his mother. He reminded them that in this world, righteousness, wealth, and desire all arise from the fruits of righteousness, and that those who dwell in this world are obedient, just as a devoted wife and her sons are to the head of the family. He explained that one should pursue that in which all are united, from which righteousness arises, for one who is solely intent on gain becomes hated, and self-indulgence is not commendable. Who, he asked, acting with cruelty, would fail to carry out the task assigned by a teacher, king, father, or elder, after considering what is right, whether out of anger, joy, or desire? Rama confessed that he was not able to fulfill his father’s promise completely as it should be, but acknowledged that his father was their teacher by command, the husband of the queen, and the very path of righteousness. Since the king, the upholder of righteousness, still lived and followed his own path, how could Kausalya accompany Rama to the forest, as if she were a woman bereft of her husband? He begged her not to be angry with him as he departed, but to offer her blessings, so that, when his time was complete, he might return—just as Yayati had returned by the power of truth. He said he did not seek great fame for the sake of the kingdom; in this brief span of life, he chose the lesser earth, but not unrighteously. Having thus sought to please his mother, Rama, the bull among men, his resolve set on departing for Dandaka, instructed his younger brother with earnest words and, in his heart, circumambulated his mother in reverence. Then, Rama approached Lakshmana, his dear friend and brother, who was deeply distressed and burning with indignation, his eyes blazing like those of a furious lord of elephants. Rama, steadfast in spirit, spoke to Lakshmana with composure, restraining himself with courage. Suppressing his own anger and sorrow, relying on fortitude, he cast aside humiliation and embraced supreme joy. He instructed Lakshmana that whatever had been prepared for his consecration should be quickly withdrawn, and that the task should be carried out without delay. The effort made for his consecration should now be directed toward its cancellation. They must act so that their mother, whose mind was troubled on account of his consecration, might not remain anxious. Rama declared that he could not endure, even for a moment, the pain of suspicion arising in her mind. He recalled that he had never knowingly or unknowingly done anything slight or displeasing to his mothers or father. His father, always devoted to truth and steadfast in his vows, should remain fearless, concerned only with the consequences in the next world.