When Bharata had spoken, the citizens and all kinds of people gathered there voiced their approval, declaring his words well spoken, and once more entreated Rama. Observing his illustrious brother so deeply afflicted and lamenting, Rama, steadfast in self-control, gently comforted him. Rama spoke with wisdom: “No person acts according to his own will, nor is anyone truly his own master. From all directions, Death draws each one along. All that is accumulated will eventually be depleted; all that rises will someday fall; every union ends in separation, and life itself concludes in death. Just as ripe fruit fears nothing but falling, so too, for one who is born, there is only the certainty of death. A house, even if built with strong pillars, will decay and collapse as it grows old; in the same way, people—subject to age and death—decline. The night that passes never returns, and the Yamuna, full of water, flows only toward the ocean. Days and nights pass for all living beings, swiftly reducing their lifespans—like the sun’s rays drying up water in the summer. Why grieve for another, Bharata? Grieve for yourself, for one’s lifespan diminishes whether one stays or departs. Death accompanies a person, sits beside him, and after a long journey, returns with him. Wrinkles appear on the limbs, hair turns white, and a man is worn out by old age—what can he accomplish then? People rejoice at the rising and setting of the sun, yet do not perceive the shortening of their own lives. They delight in each new season, but with every change, their lives are diminished. Just as two pieces of wood meet in the vast ocean and part again when the time comes, so too do wives, sons, relatives, and friends come together and inevitably separate. No living being remains unchanged; thus, lamenting for the departed holds no power. Just as a traveler on the road may say to a passing caravan, ‘I too will come after you,’ so too is the path taken by our ancestors—a certain way. Having reached it, why should one grieve, since none can deviate from it? As age declines and life’s current never turns back, one should direct the mind toward happiness, for it is the offspring who are meant to enjoy happiness. Our father, the lord of the earth, righteous and purified by auspicious sacrifices and proper gifts, has gone to heaven. By supporting his servants, protecting his people, and giving wealth righteously, he has attained the third heaven. Through auspicious deeds and desired sacrifices, King Daśaratha, our father, has reached heaven. Having performed many sacrifices, enjoyed abundant pleasures, and attained the highest span of life, the king has gone to heaven. Having achieved the highest lifespan and pleasures, honored by the virtuous, our father now dwells in heaven and is not to be mourned. He has abandoned the worn-out human body and attained divine prosperity in the world of Brahma. No wise person, of any kind, who has heard and is intelligent, ought to grieve in this way. These many kinds of sorrows, lamentations, and weeping should be avoided by the wise in all circumstances. Therefore, be at ease and do not grieve; remain in the city, as you have been instructed by our father, the best among those who command their senses and foremost among speakers. Where I too have been directed by that virtuous father, there I shall carry out his command. It is not right for me, O subduer of foes, to disregard his command. That father is always to be honored by you as well; he is our kinsman, he is our father. Thus, I shall uphold the word of our father, who walks in righteousness, by dwelling in the forest as he has approved. A man who seeks the next world must act with intelligence, compassion, and obedience to elders, O tiger among men. You too, best of men, should conduct yourself according to your own nature, having heard of the virtuous conduct of our father, Daśaratha.” Having spoken these meaningful words in obedience to his father’s command, the great Rama, lordly and wise, fell silent, ceasing to address his younger brother. Thus ends the one hundred and fifth sarga in the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and illustrious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. After Rama’s words, Bharata, devoted to righteousness, addressed his brother on the banks of the Mandākinī, with remarkable and righteous words: “Who in this world could be like you, O subduer of foes? Neither sorrow disturbs you nor joy elates you. You are esteemed by the elders, and you consult them regarding your doubts. One who, whether living or dead, present or absent, possesses such discernment—why would he be troubled by anything? He who knows both the higher and lower truths, as you do, O lord of men, should not grieve even when faced with such misfortune.