From the very foundation of the world, righteousness is the source of wealth and happiness, and by following it, one gains all things. It is through discipline and effort, skillfully practiced, that one attains righteousness; happiness does not arise from mere pleasure. Therefore, dear one, always keep your mind pure and practice righteousness amidst the forest's austerities. You already possess knowledge of all things, even the truths of the three worlds. This situation has come upon me because of the fickleness of a woman; who could instruct you in righteousness when you know so much? Consider with your brother what pleases you, and act without delay. Now, let the tenth chapter be heard. Vaidehī, out of devotion to her husband, spoke these words. Hearing them, Rāma, steadfast in righteousness, replied to Jānakī, “You have spoken what is beneficial, O lady, words full of affection, befitting your noble lineage and understanding of righteousness, O daughter of Janaka. What more can I say, when you yourself have spoken: ‘The bow is borne by Kṣatriyas so that the cry of distress may not arise’? The afflicted sages of the Daṇḍaka forest, firm in their vows, have come to me for refuge. Living according to the seasons, subsisting on roots and fruits, they find no happiness, O timid one, because of the cruel deeds of the rākṣasas. These fierce rākṣasas, who feed upon human flesh, devour the ascetics dwelling in Daṇḍaka. The foremost of the twice-born approached me, saying, ‘Let us rely upon you.’ Hearing their words, I replied, ‘May you all be gracious to me; this is a profound sense of modesty within me.’ When these brāhmaṇas came to me as guests, I asked them, ‘What should I do?’ They said, ‘We are greatly afflicted, O Rāma; please protect us, especially during offerings and festivals, O sinless one. The exceedingly formidable rākṣasas, eaters of flesh, harass us; ascetics devoted to austerity are oppressed. You are our supreme refuge as we seek a way out. By the power of austerity, we could destroy these night-dwellers, but we do not wish to break the austerity we have long acquired. Austerity is always beset with obstacles and difficult to practice, O Rāghava. Therefore, even when being devoured by rākṣasas, we do not utter curses. The ascetics dwelling in Daṇḍaka, afflicted by rākṣasas, ask you to protect us, together with your brother, for we are under your guardianship in the forest.’ Having heard all this, I made a promise to the sages of Daṇḍaka, O daughter of Janaka. Having pledged it, I cannot break my word while I live. It is my cherished truth never to act otherwise towards the sages. I would even abandon my life, or you, Sītā, along with Lakṣmaṇa, but having made a promise, especially to brāhmaṇas, I cannot forsake it. Therefore, I must certainly protect the sages. Even if it had not been spoken, O Vaidehī, how could I pledge again? Out of affection and friendship, you have spoken these words to me. I am fully satisfied with you, Sītā; for one who is not worthy is not instructed. This is fitting for your noble lineage, O beautiful one. You are my companion in righteousness, more precious to me than life itself.” Having thus spoken to his beloved Sītā, the daughter of the king of Mithilā, the great-souled Rāma, bearing his bow, together with Lakṣmaṇa, went to the delightful hermitages. Let the eleventh chapter be heard. In the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Araṇyakaṇḍa, the eleventh chapter begins. Rāma walked ahead, Sītā, radiant, was in the middle, and Lakṣmaṇa, holding his bow, followed behind. Together with Sītā, they observed rocky slopes, forests, and delightful rivers. They saw cranes and chakravāka birds roaming the riverbanks, and lakes filled with lotuses, teeming with waterfowl. Herds of deer bounded together, intoxicated and horned, as well as buffaloes, wild boars, and elephants hostile to trees. After traveling a long distance as the sun was setting, they came upon a beautiful lake, ten yojanas wide. It was crowded with lotuses and water-lilies, adorned with herds of elephants, and filled with cranes, swans, and kadamba birds, teeming with aquatic life. In that charming lake with clear waters, the sound of singing and instruments was heard, yet no one was seen. Curious, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa began to question the sage named Dharmabhṛt. “Hearing this most wondrous thing, O great sage, we have become greatly curious; please tell us what this is.” Thus addressed by Rāghava, the sage, whose soul was devoted to righteousness, promptly began to recount the power of the lake. He said, “That great sage Māṇḍakarṇi performed intense austerity for ten thousand years, subsisting only on air, while residing in the water. Then all the gods, led by Agni, became disturbed and, gathering together, spoke among themselves: ‘This sage desires a place among us.’ All the dwellers of heaven were troubled in mind.