Rama’s Reflections on Dharma and Destiny (Ramayana Series 37)

Rama’s Reflections on Dharma and Destiny

With deep sorrow, Śrī Rama spoke to Lakshmana:

“Lakshmana, you may find it surprising that our father, the incomparable warrior King Dasharatha, yielded to the words of a single woman, set aside my coronation, and sent me to the forest. It appears to me now that in this world, desire often prevails over righteousness and wealth.”

Seeing Lakshmana’s questioning gaze, Rama continued:

“Even an ignorant man may abandon his son under the influence of a wife’s wishes. But our father, though wise, has also been overcome by desire and has forsaken me. In this situation, Bharata alone is fortunate. He will now enjoy the entire kingdom of Kosala. At a time when our aged father should have retired to the forest, we have come here instead, while he enjoys royal comforts there.”

Rama concluded with a caution:

“Those who abandon righteousness and duty, and follow only desire, will quickly fall into misfortune, just as our father now faces distress.”

Hearing these words, Lakshmana felt deep compassion for his father and realized how difficult the path of dharma truly was. Rama, however, silently accepted exile in order to uphold righteousness.

Turning again to Lakshmana, Rama spoke anxiously:

“Lakshmana, Kaikeyi, intoxicated by her sudden fortune, may become arrogant. I fear she may trouble my mother Kausalya and your mother Sumitra.”

He continued:

“Kaikeyi is capable of harsh deeds. Driven by hatred, she may even harm our mothers. Therefore, Lakshmana, you should return to Ayodhya and protect Queen Kausalya, who will be left helpless.”

Reflecting sorrowfully, Rama added:

“Perhaps in a previous birth, my mother separated many women from their sons. As the fruit of that karma, she now suffers this great sorrow of separation.”

Though Lakshmana remained silent, these words revealed Rama’s deep love and concern for his family. The welfare of his mothers meant more to him than the throne of Ayodhya.

Recalling Ayodhya, Rama continued:

“Lakshmana, my mother keeps a talking sarika bird. She seems to love that bird dearly. It repeatedly says, ‘Bite the enemy’s feet!’—and by ‘enemy,’ she means Kaikeyi. Hearing the bird’s words, my mother finds some solace. Even this small comfort that she receives from the bird, I could not give her.”

Thus, Rama, the son of Dasharatha, shed tears in the forest, grieving his inability to serve his mother.

Meanwhile, Lakshmana’s anger flared at the injustice done to Rama. Holding his bow firmly, his eyes blazing, he stood ready. Observing this, Rama calmly said:

“Brother, I am not powerless. I trust your strength and courage. With your arrows, you could conquer not just Ayodhya but the entire world. But Lakshmana, displaying valor without purpose is not proper.”

Lakshmana was struck by Rama’s restraint. Rama continued:

“I do not fear enemies, but I fear committing an act of unrighteousness.”

Rama explained that true guidance lies in following dharma, not merely displaying strength. Hearing these words, Lakshmana’s anger subsided. Realizing that adherence to righteousness is superior to force, he lowered his bow and accepted his brother’s decision.

Walking through the silent forest, Lakshmana spoke with emotion:

“Brother, just as a fish cannot live without water, I cannot live without you. I desire neither father Dasharatha, nor mother Sumitra, nor even heaven itself without your presence.”

Seeing Lakshmana’s pure devotion, Rama understood that he could not send him back to Ayodhya. Lakshmana had renounced pride and attachment, embracing service as his highest duty.

Under a banyan tree in the forest, Lakshmana carefully spread dry leaves to prepare a bed. Rama and Sita rested upon it. Resolving to remain with them for fourteen years, Lakshmana dedicated himself entirely to their service. In the solitude of the forest, his sacrifice—renouncing all comforts—stood unparalleled.