Energy is the greatest strength, noble one—there is nothing more powerful in this world. For those who possess true energy, nothing is difficult to obtain. Men endowed with such energy do not falter in their actions. It is by relying on energy alone that we shall recover Jānakī. So, cast aside the ways of desire and let go of grief. You do not recognize your own greatness, your self-control, your noble soul. Thus was Rāma addressed by his companion, and though his mind was clouded by sorrow, he set aside his grief and confusion, regaining his composure. Steadfast and of unfathomable prowess, Rāma crossed the beautiful Pampā, its banks lush with trees, undisturbed in his resolve. Yet, as he surveyed the vast forest with its waterfalls and hidden caves, his heart was troubled. Alongside Lakṣmaṇa, he pressed on, heavy with sorrow. Rāma moved with the grace of a powerful elephant in rut, his mind steady. Lakṣmaṇa, ever devoted to his elder brother, guarded Rāghava with both righteousness and strength. As the brothers neared the slopes of Ṛṣyamūka, they came upon two extraordinary leaders of the monkey bands—beings so strange and wondrous that they neither trembled nor stirred at the sight of the princes. There, the great-souled leader of the monkeys, moving with the slow, majestic gait of an elephant, saw the two wandering men. Overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, he fell into deep despondency. The other monkeys, frightened by the sight of the mighty Rāghava and Lakṣmaṇa, hurried to a nearby hermitage—a place holy, blissful, and a refuge, always frequented by the chiefs of the monkey bands. Now begins the second sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa. When Sugrīva, lord of the monkeys, saw the two noble brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—bearing excellent weapons and displaying valor—he became apprehensive. Unable to remain still as he observed these mighty men, the greatly frightened monkey's mind became unsettled. Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Sugrīva, righteous by nature, was deeply distressed, as were all the monkeys with him. In his anxiety, Sugrīva informed his counselors, all the while gazing at Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. "These two must have entered this difficult forest at Vāli's command," he said. "Disguised in ascetic garb, they wander here with some hidden purpose." Sugrīva's counselors, seeing those supreme archers, swiftly moved from that mountain slope to another excellent peak. Having reached it, the monkey leaders gathered around Sugrīva, the foremost among monkeys. Together, they moved in a line, leaping from mountain to mountain with such speed that the very peaks trembled. In their leaps, they broke blossoming trees growing in inaccessible places and frightened the deer, cats, and tigers of the forest. Gathered together with their chief on the lordly mountain, all the counselors stood with joined palms. Then Hanumān, skilled in speech, addressed Sugrīva, who was tormented by fear and suspicion of Vāli's schemes. "Let this great anxiety about Vāli be abandoned by all," Hanumān said. "This Malaya mountain is excellent; there is no danger from Vāli here. Because you have fled in fear, I see that cruel Vāli is not here. Your fear arises from the evil deeds of your elder, but that wicked-hearted Vāli is not present; I perceive no danger." "Ah, your monkey nature is clear, O leaping one. Your fickle mind does not remain steady in thought. Endowed with intelligence and discernment, you should act with care in all matters. For a king who lacks wisdom cannot rule over all beings." Hearing these auspicious words from Hanumān, Sugrīva replied with his own auspicious counsel. "With their long arms and wide eyes, bearing bow, arrows, and sword—who would not feel fear at the sight of these two, who resemble the sons of the gods? I suspect these men have been sent by Vāli; even among kings with many allies, trust is not appropriate here. Enemies who act in disguise must be recognized; those who are not trusted by the trusting will strike even at points of weakness. Vāli is wise in his actions, and kings are far-seeing. You must recognize those who are destroyers of others, even if they appear as ordinary men." "Therefore, go and discern their purpose, as if you were an ordinary monkey—observe their gestures, manner, and speech. See if their hearts are joyful, and win their trust with praise, reading their gestures. Stand before me and ask what purpose these two bowmen have in entering this forest. If their hearts are pure, discern it by their speech or appearance, for the wickedness of people can be recognized." Thus instructed by the monkey king, Hanumān, son of the Wind, resolved to approach Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Having said, "So be it," and honoring Sugrīva's wise command, the mighty Hanumān went to where Rāma, strong and accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, was. Now, listen to the third chapter in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Kiṣkindhā section.