Seeing that Rama was very angry and Jabali was somewhat embarrassed, Vashishta decided to intervene. He told Rama "Even Jabali is aware of the comings and goings of this world. He spoke in this manner because of his desire that you should return. Let me tell you about the creation of the world! In the beginning all was only water from which element the earth was formed. After that, the self-existent Brahma with all the gods came into existence. Thereafter, that Brahma, assuming the form of boar, caused the earth to rise from water and with his sons, created the entire world. The eternal, changeless and imperishable Brahma was begotten from NOWHERE and HE begot Marichi. Marichi's son was Kashyapa. From Kashyapa, Vivasvan (sun-god) was born. Manu was the son of Vivasvan. Manu for his part, was formerly the lord of creation. Ikshvaku was Manu's son. The entire fertile earth was given by Manu to Ikshvaku and know that Ikshvaku was thus the first king of Ayodhya! Ikshvaku's son was known as Kukshi, the illustrious king. Then, Kukshi's son was the valiant Vikukshi. To Vikukshi was born the most splendid and powerful son, Bana. To Bana was born Anaranya the mighty armed and the most illustrious son. While this King Anaranya, the most excellent among beings was reigning, there was neither dearth of rain nor a drought. No one was a thief. From Anaranya was born the mighty armed king Prithu. From Prithu was born the Emperor Trishanku. That valiant man ascended to heaven along with his mortal body, because of his truthfulness. Dhundumaara was the son of Trishanku. Dhundumaara begot a highly glorious and a speediest charioteer Yuvanaashva as son, and Mandhaata emerged as the son of Yuvanaashva. To Mandhata was born the hero, Susandhi. There were two sons Dhruvasandhi and Prasenajit to Susandhi. From Dhruvasandhi was born the illustrious Bharata, the annihilator of enemies. From the mighty armed Bharata was born a son named Asita, for whom his royal adversaries, Haihayas, Talajanghas and the valiant Shashibindavas became the enemies. Having drawn out his battle-array against all those kings in a combat, the king Asita was driven away. Asita then took asylum in an excellent and charming mountain. Asita's two wives became pregnant. It is a hearsay that one of his wives gave poison to the other co-wife in order to destroy her fetus. A sage called Chyavana, belonging to Bhrign race was staying in a Himalayan mountain. Kalindi (Asita's wife) approached that sage and offered her salutation. That Brahmana told her 'O, Queen! A son, who will be world-famous, righteous, with good conduct, a perpetuator of the race and an annihilator of enemies will be born to you.' The delighted Queen Kalindi circumambulated that sage, took permission from him to leave and thereafter on reaching home, had delivered a son, having eyes resembling lotus-leaves and having a radiance like that of Brahama the Lord of creation. Poison was given earlier by her co-wife with an intention to kill her fetus. Born with that poison itself, he became to be known as Sagara (a man with poison). It was king Sagara who excavated the ocean and who, by his sacrifice, on the day of the full moon, by his energy, frightened the people here by the speed of his digging. Asamanja was Sagara's son. There was a hearsay that on account of his wicked deeds, Asamanja was banished by his father even during his life time. A valiant son called Amshuman was born to Asamanja. Dilipa was Amshuman's son. Bhagiratha was Dilipa's son. Of Bhagiratha was born kakutstha, from whom the dynasty Kakutsthas take their name. To Kakutstha was born a son called Raghu, from whom sprang Raghavas. From Raghu was born a renowned son named Pravriddha, known in the world under the names Purushadaka, Kalmashapada and Soudasa. Kalmashapada's son was renowned as Shankhana.
"The fortunate Sudarshana was the son of Shankhana. Sudarshana's son was Agnivarna; and of Agnivarna was born Shighraga. Shighraga begot Maru and Maru's son was Prashushruva. Prashushruva's son was Ambarisha. To Ambarisha was born a son named Nahusha who was full of valour. Nahusha's son was Nabhaga of outstanding virtues. Aja and Suvrata were the two sons of Nabhaga and it was Aja who begot the virtuous King Dashartha.
"You are the eldest son of that Dasharatha, very well-known as Rama, the heir who has the right over the inheritance. O, King! Hence, take over your kingdom and look after your people there.
"The eldest son only becomes the king in the entire Ikshvaku race. When the eldest son exists, the younger son does not become a king. The eldest son only is anointed to the crown. O, the celebrated one! This is the eternal tradition of your race, those born in Raghu dynasty and ought not to be violated by you. Rule over the earth, this vast kingdom abundant with precious metals, as did your father."
Seeing that what he said did not seem to have any impact on Rama, Vasishta continued with "O, Kakutstha, From birth, the three spiritual instructors of a man are his teacher, his father and his mother. O, excellent among men! The teacher instructs him wisdom and therefore the teacher is said to be superior to the other two.
"O, Rama! I am the spiritual Preceptor to your father and to you, too. In obeying my words, you will not transgress the path of the virtuous. O, dear prince! These subjects, the traders, the other categories of people and Brahmanas are, after all, your people. In fulfilling your duty to them, you will not be transgressing your righteous path. You ought not to be lacking in reverence to your mother who is aged and possessing a noble conduct. By carrying out her words, you will not deviate from the path of the virtuous. By fulfilling the words of the beseeching Bharata, you will not be false to yourself."
Rama smilingly replied "The good, which a father and mother do, by giving whatever they can, to their son constantly, by putting him to sleep, rubbing his body with oil etc., by speaking kindly to him every moment, and by nourishing him, can never be wholly requited. The command imposed upon me by the king Dasharatha, my father, who begot me, cannot therefore be disregarded."
Hearing Rama's words, Bharata felt very much anguished and told Sumantra the charioteer who was standing nearby "O, charioteer! Spread quickly some Kusha grass on the ground here for me. I shall remain facing my illustrious brother till he gets propitiated and grant my request. I shall remain lying down in front of Rama's hut without food or drink and depriving myself of light until he returns to Ayodhya, like a Brahman who is a destitute lies down at the door of his creditor."
Comment: Satyagraha seems to exit earlier to Rama's period. Mahathama Gandhi therefore, did not invent but adopted it.
Seeing Sumantra who was gazing at Rama was not inclined to obey his order, the low-spirited Bharata, on his own, brought a heap of Kusha grass and spread it on the floor. Seeing this Rama said "O Bharata my dear brother! What wrong have I done that you lie down before me? A Brahmana may lie down on one side in order to obstruct a willful debtor in this world. But, it is not befitting for a warrior-class. O Bharata! Giving up this formidable resolve, rise up and proceed speedily to Ayodhya."
Still sitting in the same posture, Bharata looked at the citizens and rural folk around on all sides and asked them why they were not entreating his venerable brother to return.
Those people replied "We know Rama very well. He is speaking rightly. This Rama of exalted merit is indeed standing on his father's words. Hence, we are not able to convince him to return to Ayodhya."
Hearing their words, Rama said to Bharata "Reflect on the words of your companions, who see rightly. Having listened to their testimony and mine, reflect on the matter carefully. Rise and touch me and drink water (not a cool-drink or milk)."
Thereafter, Bharata rose, touched water and said "Let the audience, including ministers and the guild of traders hear me also. I never asked my father for the kingdom, nor did I counsel my mother to enthrone me. I never gave my approval for the exile of Rama, the venerable hero, who knows his duty very well. If it is absolutely essential that one of us should remain here and the command of our father be executed, then it is I who will reside in the forest for fourteen years."
Rama was amazed by the sincere words of his brother and by looking at the inhabitants of town and said
"The pledge of our father cannot be broken either by me or by Bharata. I cannot accede to the substitution which is highly distasteful. What was advised by Kaikeyi was proper and what was done by my father was a righteous deed.
I am aware that Bharata has necessary patience and due devotion for elders. All will be propitious in the case of Bharata, who is true to his promise. After returning from the forest, I shall rule the earth, assisted by my virtuous brothers. The king Dasharatha was indeed solicited for a boon by Kaikeyi. That word of the king has been fulfilled by me. Hence, relieve our father, the emperor from the blame."
"The fortunate Sudarshana was the son of Shankhana. Sudarshana's son was Agnivarna; and of Agnivarna was born Shighraga. Shighraga begot Maru and Maru's son was Prashushruva. Prashushruva's son was Ambarisha. To Ambarisha was born a son named Nahusha who was full of valour. Nahusha's son was Nabhaga of outstanding virtues. Aja and Suvrata were the two sons of Nabhaga and it was Aja who begot the virtuous King Dashartha.
"You are the eldest son of that Dasharatha, very well-known as Rama, the heir who has the right over the inheritance. O, King! Hence, take over your kingdom and look after your people there.
"The eldest son only becomes the king in the entire Ikshvaku race. When the eldest son exists, the younger son does not become a king. The eldest son only is anointed to the crown. O, the celebrated one! This is the eternal tradition of your race, those born in Raghu dynasty and ought not to be violated by you. Rule over the earth, this vast kingdom abundant with precious metals, as did your father."
Seeing that what he said did not seem to have any impact on Rama, Vasishta continued with "O, Kakutstha, From birth, the three spiritual instructors of a man are his teacher, his father and his mother. O, excellent among men! The teacher instructs him wisdom and therefore the teacher is said to be superior to the other two.
"O, Rama! I am the spiritual Preceptor to your father and to you, too. In obeying my words, you will not transgress the path of the virtuous. O, dear prince! These subjects, the traders, the other categories of people and Brahmanas are, after all, your people. In fulfilling your duty to them, you will not be transgressing your righteous path. You ought not to be lacking in reverence to your mother who is aged and possessing a noble conduct. By carrying out her words, you will not deviate from the path of the virtuous. By fulfilling the words of the beseeching Bharata, you will not be false to yourself."
Rama smilingly replied "The good, which a father and mother do, by giving whatever they can, to their son constantly, by putting him to sleep, rubbing his body with oil etc., by speaking kindly to him every moment, and by nourishing him, can never be wholly requited. The command imposed upon me by the king Dasharatha, my father, who begot me, cannot therefore be disregarded."
Hearing Rama's words, Bharata felt very much anguished and told Sumantra the charioteer who was standing nearby "O, charioteer! Spread quickly some Kusha grass on the ground here for me. I shall remain facing my illustrious brother till he gets propitiated and grant my request. I shall remain lying down in front of Rama's hut without food or drink and depriving myself of light until he returns to Ayodhya, like a Brahman who is a destitute lies down at the door of his creditor."
Comment: Satyagraha seems to exit earlier to Rama's period. Mahathama Gandhi therefore, did not invent but adopted it.
Seeing Sumantra who was gazing at Rama was not inclined to obey his order, the low-spirited Bharata, on his own, brought a heap of Kusha grass and spread it on the floor. Seeing this Rama said "O Bharata my dear brother! What wrong have I done that you lie down before me? A Brahmana may lie down on one side in order to obstruct a willful debtor in this world. But, it is not befitting for a warrior-class. O Bharata! Giving up this formidable resolve, rise up and proceed speedily to Ayodhya."
Still sitting in the same posture, Bharata looked at the citizens and rural folk around on all sides and asked them why they were not entreating his venerable brother to return.
Those people replied "We know Rama very well. He is speaking rightly. This Rama of exalted merit is indeed standing on his father's words. Hence, we are not able to convince him to return to Ayodhya."
Hearing their words, Rama said to Bharata "Reflect on the words of your companions, who see rightly. Having listened to their testimony and mine, reflect on the matter carefully. Rise and touch me and drink water (not a cool-drink or milk)."
Thereafter, Bharata rose, touched water and said "Let the audience, including ministers and the guild of traders hear me also. I never asked my father for the kingdom, nor did I counsel my mother to enthrone me. I never gave my approval for the exile of Rama, the venerable hero, who knows his duty very well. If it is absolutely essential that one of us should remain here and the command of our father be executed, then it is I who will reside in the forest for fourteen years."
Rama was amazed by the sincere words of his brother and by looking at the inhabitants of town and said
"The pledge of our father cannot be broken either by me or by Bharata. I cannot accede to the substitution which is highly distasteful. What was advised by Kaikeyi was proper and what was done by my father was a righteous deed.
I am aware that Bharata has necessary patience and due devotion for elders. All will be propitious in the case of Bharata, who is true to his promise. After returning from the forest, I shall rule the earth, assisted by my virtuous brothers. The king Dasharatha was indeed solicited for a boon by Kaikeyi. That word of the king has been fulfilled by me. Hence, relieve our father, the emperor from the blame."
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