Kishkindha Kaanda
138 - The monkeys' arrival at the seashore; their meeting and conversation with Sampati (Jatayu's brother)
Chaupais
Description
On this side (standing on the sea-coast) the monkeys thought to themselves, "The time-limit (fixed by Sugriva) has expired, yet nothing has been done." Sitting together they all said to one another, "Without obtaining any news (about Sita) what shall we gain by returning to Kiskindha either?" Said Angada with eyes full of tears, "It is death for us both ways.* Here we have failed to get tidings of Sita and if we go home King Sugriva (the lord of monkeys) will behead us. He would have finished me immediately my father was killed, had not Sri Rama protected me; hence I owe no gratitude to him." Again and again Angada told them all, "Our death has arrived: there is no doubt about it." When the monkey chiefs heard Angada's words, they could make no answer and tears rolled from their eyes. For a moment they remained plunged in sorrow; but at last they spoke as follows: "We are not going to return without obtaining Sita's news, O sagacious prince!" So saying all the monkeys went to the sea-shore and spreading Kusa grass there squatted on it. Seeing Angada's distress Jambavan (the old bear chief) gave a highly instructive discourse. "Imagine not Rama to be a mortal, dear child; know Him to be the same as Brahma (the Supreme Spirit) without attributes, invincible and unborn. We, His servants, are all highly blessed in that we are ever devoted to the same Brahma endowed with a qualified form.