Rama turned to Sita, his voice gentle yet firm. "O daughter of Janaka," he said, "know this: I would never go to the forest if my father's command, upheld by the truth, did not compel me. This is righteousness, O woman of lovely hips—obedience to father and mother. If I were to disregard their command, I could not bear to live." He continued, "How can one worship destiny, which is beyond our control, while neglecting those who are present—our mother, father, and teacher? Where these three are honored, O woman of auspicious eyes, it is as pure as the three worlds themselves. Nothing equals this, and thus it is to be revered. Neither truth, nor charity, nor honor, nor great sacrifices with abundant gifts, O Sita, are as powerful as service to one's father. Heaven, wealth, grain, knowledge, children, and happiness—nothing is unattainable through devoted service to one's teacher. Those great souls who are devoted to mother and father attain the worlds of the gods, Gandharvas, cows, and even Brahma's realm." Rama looked at Sita with deep conviction. "As my father, steadfast in truth and righteousness, instructs me, so I wish to act; for this is the eternal law. My mind is firmly resolved, O Sita, to lead you to the Dandaka forest. Be certain to follow me and dwell there. You have been destined, O flawless-limbed one with enchanting eyes, for the forest. Come with me, O gentle one, and be my companion in righteousness. In every way, O Sita, your resolve is fitting—for me and for your own lineage. Your decision, O beautiful one, is most admirable." He encouraged her, "Begin, O woman of auspicious hips, the tasks suited for forest life. Now, O Sita, even heaven would not please me without you. Give jewels to the Brahmins and food to the mendicants; grant to those who ask, and hurry—do not delay. All the precious ornaments, fine garments, and whatever delightful items there are for play—beds, vehicles, and all my other possessions—give them to our servants, after giving to the Brahmins." Understanding her husband's departure, Sita, the queen, felt both joy and eagerness. Promptly, she began to give away gifts. Delighted and her heart fulfilled, the illustrious lady, having heard her husband's words, began to distribute wealth and jewels with noble intent, embodying righteousness among women. At this point, Lakshmana arrived, having overheard their conversation. His face was streaked with tears, unable to bear his sorrow. He pressed Rama's feet firmly and, as the delight of the Raghu lineage, spoke to both Sita and Rama, the great vow-holder. "If you have resolved to go to the forest filled with deer and elephants," Lakshmana declared, "I will follow you ahead, bearing my bow. Joined by me, you will wander through the delightful forests, resounding everywhere with flocks of birds and herds of wild animals. I do not seek to ascend to the realm of the gods, nor do I desire immortality; nor do I wish for the sovereignty of worlds without you." Thus resolved to dwell in the forest, Lakshmana, though restrained by Rama with many gentle words, spoke again. "Since I was already permitted by you before, why now again is restraint imposed upon me? For what reason is this prohibition made against me, who wishes to go? I wish to know this, for I am uncertain, O blameless one." Then the mighty Rama spoke to Lakshmana, who stood before him, steadfast, seeking, with joined palms. "Affectionate, devoted to righteousness, steadfast, always established in the path of virtue, dear as life, obedient, victorious, and my friend—if you, Saumitri, go with me today to that forest, who will serve Kausalya or the illustrious Sumitra? The mighty king, who showers desires upon the earth like a cloud, is now bound by the fetters of desire. Having obtained the kingdom, the daughter of the horse-lord will not bring happiness to the sorrowful co-wives. Bharata, attaining the kingdom and established with Kaikeyi, will not support Kausalya and the deeply distressed Sumitra." "Saumitri, support that noble lady here yourself, or by the king's favor; fulfill this spoken duty for Kausalya. Thus, your devotion to me will be clearly shown, along with your great and incomparable righteousness in honoring the dharma-knowing elders. Do this, Saumitri, for my sake, O delight of the Raghu lineage; let not happiness be lacking for our mother, bereft of us." Thus addressed by Rama in gentle words, Lakshmana, skilled in speech and knowing how to reply, spoke to his brother. "By your own radiance, O hero, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalya and Sumitra with devotion—of this there is no doubt. If, having obtained the excellent kingdom, Bharata does not rule justly, O hero, and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one—there is no doubt; and all those on his side as well, even if they be the three worlds. That noble Kausalya could support a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with dependents." Thus, in this moment of departure, devotion, duty, and love shone forth in the hearts of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana as they prepared for their journey into the forest, each upholding righteousness in their own way.