Rama, his heart filled with compassion and steadfast in virtue, spoke gently of his mother’s suffering. He saw how Kausalya, a lady of auspicious character, was enduring a grief beyond compare, unable to fathom the deeper intent behind his devotion to truth and self-restraint. Rama reminded those around him that righteousness is the highest principle in the world, the very foundation upon which truth stands. Even his father’s command, he declared, was rooted in righteousness and was thus most excellent. Turning to Lakshmana, Rama said that when one has pledged obedience to the words of a father, mother, or a Brahmin, a person devoted to righteousness must not disregard such commands. For this reason, Rama explained, he could not transgress his father’s order again, especially as Kaikeyi herself had urged him in the king’s name. He urged Lakshmana to abandon his noble, warrior’s resolve and instead take refuge in righteousness, not harshness, asking his brother to let his mind follow Rama’s own. Having thus spoken with affection, Rama, the elder brother, folded his hands and bowed his head before Kausalya, addressing her with reverence. He asked for her permission to depart for the forest, reminding her that she was bound to him by his very life, and requested her to perform the auspicious rites for his journey. Rama assured his mother that, having fulfilled his vow, he would return from the forest to Ayodhya, just as King Yayati had once returned to heaven after his exile. He urged Kausalya to bear her grief silently and not to sorrow, promising that he would come back after fulfilling his father’s command. He said that he, Kausalya, Sita, Lakshmana, and Sumitra must all obey the king’s command, for this was the eternal law. He gently asked his mother to gather the necessary provisions and restrain her sorrow, for his mind was firmly set on dwelling in the forest, and he wished to follow this path in righteousness. Hearing these unwavering and righteous words, Kausalya, as if returning to life from a swoon, looked upon Rama and spoke again. She reminded him that, just as his father was his teacher, so too was she, by duty and affection. She did not permit him to leave her in her deep affliction. 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, was consumed by even greater grief, much like a mighty elephant driven into darkness by burning torches. He saw Kausalya nearly senseless with sorrow and Lakshmana tormented by pain. Yet, steadfast in righteousness, Rama spoke words appropriate to the moment. He acknowledged Lakshmana’s devotion and valor, but begged him and his mother not to distress him further, since his intention was already set. He reminded them that in this world, righteousness, wealth, and desire all arise from the fruits of dharma, and all must be obedient to it, just as a devoted wife and her sons are to their lord. He urged them to act in unity for the sake of righteousness, warning that self-indulgence and pursuit of gain alone lead to hatred and are not commendable. Rama questioned who could, after due consideration of what is right, neglect the command of a teacher, king, father, or elder, whether prompted by anger, joy, or desire. He confessed that he could not perfectly fulfill his father’s promise, for his father was their teacher by command, Kausalya’s husband, and the very path of righteousness. He explained that as long as King Dasharatha, the upholder of righteousness, lived and followed his path, Kausalya could not accompany him to the forest, as she would be like a woman bereft of her husband. Rama begged his mother not to be angry with him for leaving, but instead to offer her blessings, so that when his time was done, he might return, just as Yayati had returned through truth. He asserted that he did not seek great fame for the sake of the kingdom; in this brief span of life, he chose the lesser earth, not unrighteously. Having sought to console his mother and eager to depart for the Dandaka forest, Rama, the bull among men, earnestly instructed his younger brother and, in his heart, circumambulated his mother in reverence. At this point, the next chapter begins. 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, composed and steadfast, addressed Lakshmana with courage, restraining his own sorrow and anger, casting aside humiliation, and embracing supreme joy. He instructed that whatever had been prepared for his consecration as prince should now be withdrawn without delay. The effort made for his coronation, he said, should now be directed toward its cancellation. He urged Lakshmana to act swiftly, so that their mother, whose mind was troubled by the preparations for his consecration, would not remain anxious. Rama confessed he could not bear, even for a moment, the pain of suspicion in her mind. He recalled never having done, knowingly or unknowingly, anything slight or displeasing to his mothers or father. He wished that his father, always truthful and devoted to his vows, should be fearless and only mindful of consequences in the next world. If this act were not carried out, he explained, even for Kaikeyi, his mind would be troubled by the thought that truth was not upheld, and her anguish would afflict him. Therefore, Rama resolved that all arrangements for his consecration should be withdrawn, and that he would depart for the forest immediately. He accepted that with his exile, Kaikeyi would have achieved her purpose, and then Bharata could be consecrated without anxiety. When he had gone to the forest, clad in bark garments and crowned with matted hair, Kaikeyi would find peace of mind. Rama declared that the decision which had brought this about, and the mind that was so resolved, ought not to be disturbed. Thus, he pledged to depart into exile without delay.