Making Known the Thinning Down (of Rama)

Sri Valmiki

1. Rama was of sixteen years age at that time.His brothers Lakshmana and Satrughna were following him (in his activities).

2. Bharata was all the time staying happily with his maternal grandfather. Dasaratha was ruling over the kingdom as usual.

3. The wise and noble Dasaratha was conferring with his ministers and knowledgable advisors about the marriage of his sons.

4. -5. (On the other hand) Rama was getting emaciated day by day like a lake in autumn.The wide-eyed Rama's face turned pale, resembling a white lotus infested by bees.

6. sitting in lotus pose and with his hand on his cheek, and in a mood of taciturnity, he used to remain silent, engrossed in some enquiry.

7. Emaciated due to sorrow and thinking, he was not talking to anybody.He sat like a still figure.

8. His lotus-like face was withered and languid.He was not performing even his daily routines even after repeated persuasions and pleadings by his servants.

9. -10. Looking at the condition of Rama, of noble qualities, his brothers also sank into a similar mood.Seeing his children in such a grievous mood, and languishing day by day, Dasaratha and his wives started worrying about them.

11. -12. "What is your problem son"- Dasaratha asked Rama severaltimes.Even so, Rama did not reply.He used to say,"Dear father, I have no worries" and fall silent immediately.

13. Then Dasaratha enquired of sage Vasista, the knower of all actions and an orator, "What is the problem with Rama?".

14. -15. Vasista said,"Do not grieve o king.There is a reason for this.Great people will never feel agitated, upset, or feel elated due to ordinary reasons. Will the great elements be agitated without prompting by the speed of creation or dissolution?".