Ayodhya Kaanda
99 - Vasistha's speech
Chaupais
Description
The chief of the sages, Vasistha, spoke in words appropriate to the occasion "Listen, O councillors, and you, wise Bharata; the sun of the solar race, King Rama, is a champion of righteousness and the almighty Lord dependent on none but Himself. Sri Rama is true to His word and maintains the standard of morality set up by the Vedas; His very advent is a source of blessing to the world. Obedient to the commands of His preceptor and parents, He crushes the armies of the wicked and is a friend of the gods. Propriety of behaviour, love, the highest object of life and worldly interests-no one knows these aright as Rama does. Brahma (the Creator), Hari (the Preserver) and Hara (the Destroyer of the universe), the moon-god, the sun-god and the guardians of the various quarters, Maya (the deluding potency of God), Jiva (the individual soul), the various forms of Karma (the residue of actions) and the Time-Spirit, Sesa (the lord of serpents), the rulers of the earth and whatever other powers there are and even so the accomplishments of Yoga extolled in the Vedas and other scriptures-ponder in your heart and consider well-Sri Rama's commands exercise their authority over all."