Kishkindha Kaanda
137 - Dialogue between Sugriva and Sri Rama and the departure of the monkeys in quest of Sita
Chaupais
Description
"Listen, O Nila, Angada, Hanuman and Jambavan: you are all resolute of mind and wise. Proceed all of you, gallant warriors, together to the south and enquire of everyone you meet the whereabouts of Sita. Use every faculty of yours to devise some means of tracing Her and thereby accomplish the object of Sri Ramacandra. (For warming oneself) one should wait upon the sun turning one's back towards the same, while fire should be waited upon turning one's breast towards it; but a master must be served with one's whole being (in thought, word and deed) without resorting to any wiles. Similarly one should strive for (lasting happiness in) the other world by discarding the unrealities of the world. In this way all one's woes incident to birth and death are eradicated. The consummation of human birth, brethren, lies in worshipping Sri Rama in a disinterested spirit. He is verily a man of flair and he alone is highly blessed, who is enamoured of Sri Rama's feet." Taking leave of Sugriva and bowing their head at his feet they joyously set out with their thoughts fixed on the Lord of Raghus. The last to make obeisance was Hanuman, (the son of the wind-god). The Lord knew that His work was going to be accomplished by him and therefore called him near. He stroked his head with His lotus hand and recognizing him to be His devotee gave him the ring off His finger. "Comfort Sita in various ways and return quickly after telling Her of my might and the agony of my heart due to separation from Her." Hanuman felt that he had reaped the reward of his birth and departed with the image of the All-merciful enshrined in his heart. Although the Lord knew everything, the Protector of the gods respected the recognized principles of statecraft (by sending spies in the first instance to trace out His lost spouse).