When Rama, overwhelmed with grief, spoke to Sugriva, the monkey king, Sugriva responded with deep emotion. His palms pressed together in reverence, tears choking his voice, Sugriva addressed Rama, saying, “I do not know where that wicked demon is, nor do I understand his powers, his valor, or the lineage of that evil-born Ravana. But I assure you, O destroyer of foes, cast off your sorrow. I will exert myself so that you may regain Maithili—your beloved Sita. “Having slain Ravana and his followers, and satisfying my own prowess, I will act so that you will soon be pleased. Enough of this weakness; recall your inner courage. Such fickleness of mind is not fitting for one like you. I too have suffered great misfortune from separation with my wife, yet I do not grieve in this way, nor do I abandon my resolve. “You ought to restrain these tears through your fortitude; you should not abandon the composure and endurance proper to the noble. In adversity, distress, fear, or even at the end of life, one who reflects with his own wisdom and remains steadfast does not sink. But a foolish man who always follows weakness helplessly sinks into sorrow, like a boat weighed down in water. “With these hands joined in reverence, I beseech you out of affection; rely on your strength, do not give space to grief. Those who follow grief find no happiness; their vigor diminishes. You should not grieve. For one overwhelmed by sorrow, even life is uncertain; therefore, O king, abandon grief and rely solely on courage. “I speak these words as a friend, not as a teacher; honoring our friendship, you should not grieve.” Consoled by Sugriva’s gentle words, Raghava wiped his tear-stained face with the edge of his garment. Restored to his true nature by Sugriva’s counsel, the lord Kakutstha embraced Sugriva and spoke warmly: “What ought to be done by a loving and well-intentioned friend, fitting and proper, you have done, Sugriva. And now, restored to myself, I have been comforted by you, my friend; such a companion is rare, especially in times like these. “But you must make every effort to search for Maithili, and for the cruel, evil-hearted demon Ravana. Let whatever must be done by me be spoken freely; as in a fertile field during the rains, all will prosper for you. And whatever words I have spoken out of pride, O tiger among monkeys, let them be understood by you as the truth. I have never spoken a lie before, nor will I ever speak one; this I promise you, and I swear by truth itself.” Sugriva, delighted, together with his monkey ministers, listened to Raghava’s words and especially his solemn pledge. Thus, the man and the monkey, closely united, spoke to each other of their joys and sorrows, each matching the other’s heart. Hearing the words of that great-souled lord of men, the chief among monkeys considered the task as good as accomplished, understanding it in his heart. Now, listen to the eighth chapter in the glorious Valmiki Ramayana, in the Kishkindha section. Sugriva, greatly pleased and gladdened by Rama’s words, spoke to the heroic elder brother of Lakshmana: “Truly, I am especially favored by the gods—there is no doubt—for you, endowed with virtues, have become my friend. Indeed, O faultless one, with your help, even the kingdom of the gods could be attained; what need to speak of my own kingdom, O lord? “Thus, among my relatives and friends, I am honored, O descendant of Raghu, for I have gained as a friend, with fire as witness, one born in the Raghu lineage. I too am a fitting companion for you, and you will come to know this gradually; but I am not able to speak of my own qualities in your presence. “But among great souls like you, who are self-controlled, affection is steadfast, and courage is firm, O best among the self-possessed. Whether it is silver, gold, or beautiful ornaments, the virtuous recognize that such things are undivided among the good. “For the sake of a friend, O faultless one, people will give up wealth, comfort, even their homeland, when they see such affection.” Then Rama, standing before Lakshmana and the wise Lakshmi, replied to Sugriva, who spoke kindly, saying, “So be it.” Sugriva, seeing Rama and the mighty Lakshmana, cast his restless gaze all around the forest. Nearby, he spotted a śāla tree, richly adorned with blossoms and leaves, beautified by bees. Breaking off a single leafy branch from the tree, Sugriva spread it out for Rama, and together with Raghava, sat down. Hanuman, seeing the two seated, gently seated Lakshmana on a branch of the śāla tree that he had broken off. Rama, comfortably seated and serene like the calm ocean, was on that excellent mountain, covered with śāla blossoms. Then Sugriva, delighted, spoke to Rama with gentle and auspicious words, his voice trembling with joy and affection.