Kishkindha Kaanda
130 - Sugriva apprizes Sri Rama of his woes; the latterís vow to kill Vali; Sri Rama expatiates on the characteristics of a friend
Chaupais
Description
"One would incur great sin by the very sight of those who are not distressed to see the distress of a friend. A man should regard his own mountain-like troubles as of no more account than a mere grain of sand, while the troubles of a friend should appear to him like Mount Sumeru, though really they may be as trifling as a grain of sand. Those fools who are not of such a temperament presume in vain to make friends with anybody. A friend should restrain his companion from the evil path and lead him on the path of virtue; he should proclaim the latter's good points and screen his faults, should give and take things without any scruple and serve his friend's interest to the best of his ability and finding him in distress love him a hundred times more than ever. The Vedas declare these to be the qualities of a noble friend. He, however, who contrives to speak bland words to your face and harms you behind your back and harbours some evil design in his heart, and whose mind is as tortuous as the movements of a snake is an unworthy friend and one had better bid good-bye to such a friend. A stupid servant, a stingy monarch, a bad wife and a false friend-these four are tormenting like a pike. Relying on my strength, dear friend, grieve no more; I will serve your cause in everyway possible." Said Sugriva, "Listen, O Hero of Raghu's race: Vali is possessed of immense strength and is exceedingly staunch in battle." He then showed Him Dundubhi's bones and the seven palm-trees, which were struck down by the Lord of Raghus without any exertion. When Sugriva witnessed Sri Rama's immeasurable strength his affection for Him grew all the more and he was now satisfied that he would succeed in killing Vali. He bowed his head at His feet again and again and was delighted at heart to recognize the Lord. When the light of wisdom dawned on him, he said; "My mind, O Lord, has been set at rest by Your grace. Renouncing pleasure, prosperity, home, personal glory and all I will render service to You. All these are stumbling-blocks on the path of Devotion to Sri Rama (Yourself): so declare saints given to the worship of Your feet. Pairs of opposites such as friend and foe, joy and sorrow, in this world are products of Maya (Illusion) and have no reality. Vali is my greatest friend, by whose grace I have met You, Rama, the Allayer of sorrow. On waking from a dream when a man comes to know the identity of him with whom he had fought in the dream, he feels abashed. Now, my Lord, do me this favour that I may renounce all and worship You night and day." On hearing the words of Sugriva, imbued as they were with dispassion, Sri Rama, who held a bow in His hand, smiled and said, "Whatever you have said is all true; but my words, O friend, can never be otherwise." Sri Rama (says the saint Kakabhusundi), O Garuda (king of birds), makes us all dance even as a juggler would make his monkey dance: so declare the Vedas. Taking Sugriva with Him the Lord of Raghus proceeded with a bow and arrow in His hands. Then the Lord of Raghus sent Sugriva, who, strengthened by Sri Rama, thundered under the very nose of Vali. On hearing his roar Vali sallied forth frantic with fury. His wife, however, clasped his feet with her hands and warned him thus: "Listen, my lord: the two brothers with whom Sugriva has concluded an alliance are of unapproachable majesty and might. They are no other than Sri Rama and Laksmana, the sons of King Dasaratha (the lord of Kosala), who can conquer Death himself on the field of battle."