Ayodhya Kaanda
99 - Vasistha's speech
Chaupais
Description
Hearing Bharata's words and seeing his love, the sage as well as the whole assembly were transported out of themselves Bharata's transcendent glory resembled the ocean and the sage's wit stood on its brink like a helpless woman who longed to cross it and sought many a device but was unable to find a boat, ship or raft. Who else, then, can glorify Bharata ? Can the ocean be contained in the shell of a small pool ? The sage was pleased with Bharata in his heart of hearts; with the whole assembly, therefore, he came to Sri Rama. The Lord made obeisance and offered him a seat of honour; and receiving the sage's permission all sat down. The great sage then spoke in well-considered phrases appropriate to the time, place and circumstances: "Listen, Rama; you are omniscient and wise and a storehouse of piety, prudence, virtue and knowledge.