For one whose nature has awakened in this way, O Lord, even the abundance of all riches appears as poison—such is the net of worldly existence to him. Who, on this vast earth, could possess such greatness of spirit? Who could truly anchor such a one in the ordinary ways of the world? Seeing this ever-branching affliction that has arisen, it is only fitting that someone full of compassion should come forth to rescue him from its grip. When delusion is cast off from the mind, the one of great understanding becomes a true guide, leading all who suffer toward goodness—just as the sun, rising, dispels the darkness and brings light to the world. "If this is so," said the assembly, "then bring here swiftly the wise descendant of Raghu, just as deer bring another deer." For this delusion troubling Rama is not born of misfortune or attachment; rather, it is the great awakening that comes from discrimination and dispassion. Let Rama come here at once, and here and now, we shall dispel his delusion as the wind scatters a cloud from the face of a mountain. When his delusion is cleansed by proper means, the noble Rama will find rest in that supreme state, just as we do. Having attained truth, joyful wisdom, and perfect repose, he will become robust and radiant, his complexion glowing as if he had tasted the nectar of immortality. His mind, fully satisfied, will honor his own natural and uninterrupted course of worldly duties. He will become a great soul, knowing the entirety of the world, untouched by pleasure and pain, and viewing clod, stone, and gold with equal regard. When the chief sage had spoken thus, the king, his mind fulfilled, sent another series of messengers to bring Rama. After some time, Rama rose from his seat at home to go to his father, shining like the sun rising from behind a mountain. Accompanied by a few attendants and his brothers, he arrived at his father’s auspicious court, as if entering heaven itself, the abode of the lord of gods. From a distance, Rama saw King Dasharatha surrounded by the royal assembly, like Indra encircled by a host of gods. On either side of the king sat Vasistha and Vishvamitra, and he was protected by a council of ministers expert in all the meanings of the scriptures. Graceful women stood nearby, holding charming fly-whisks, standing appropriately like the embodied quarters of the sky. Vasistha, Vishvamitra, and the others, as well as King Dasharatha and his companions, saw Rama approaching from afar, resembling Guha, the Lord of the Forest. He came with the pride of steadfastness, cool as the Himalayas, endowed with universal service and a deep voice. Gentle, of balanced appearance, noble in humility and strength, his form was lovely and tranquil, a vessel for the welfare of others. He stood at the dawn of youth, adorned by the harmony of effort and calm, untroubled and at ease, with desires nearly fulfilled. Having considered the course of the world, he moved in the realm of pure qualities, sustained by singular greatness, as if embraced by all virtues. His noble essence filled the inner chamber of his mind, displaying the highest through an undisturbed state. Thus, adorned with a multitude of virtues, Rama appeared from afar, his garments and ornaments shining pure and white. He bowed, his beautiful crest-jewel shimmering with moving rays, his head graced with the majesty of a mountain that causes the earth to tremble. First, he bowed to his father, then to the revered sages, then to the Brahmins, then to his relatives, and finally to the teachers distinguished by even greater virtues. He graciously accepted the salutations of the people of the kingdom, responding with his own presence and sweet words. Receiving blessings from the sages, Rama, his mind at peace, approached his father’s sacred presence, radiant as a celestial beauty. The king, seeing him devoted and reverent at his feet, quickly embraced his head and kissed him again and again. In the same way, he embraced Shatrughna and Lakshmana, the destroyers of enemies, with deep affection, like a royal swan embracing lotuses. Then, as the king said, “Sit on my lap, child,” Rama instead spread out a cloth on the ground, which was then covered by attendants, and seated himself there. The king addressed him, “Son, you have attained discernment and are a vessel of virtues; with a mind matured like that of the wise, you do not let yourself be afflicted by sorrow. By following the teachings spoken by elders, sages, and teachers, one attains a blessed state—not by pursuing delusion. Calamities, though formidable, remain distant, my son, as long as the mind does not yield to the spread of delusion. “Prince, mighty-armed one, you are a hero; by you, these enemies—sense-objects—so difficult to cut off and hard to overcome, have been conquered. Why, as if ignorant, do you sink into the ocean of delusion, full of dense waves and sluggishness, though you are fit for knowledge? With eyes like moving clusters of blue lotuses, tell me: having abandoned the causes created by the mind, by what reason are you bewildered? “On what are your sorrows based? How many are they, by whom, and for what reason do they assail your mind, like thieves plundering a house? I consider you to be the highest refuge for those troubled by afflictions; for when a steadfast person is attained in adversity, those afflictions are conquered. “Speak swiftly whatever you desire, O sinless one, and you shall obtain it; by that, all your afflictions will again be shattered.