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Bharath's Detachment
surrounded by countless comforts and luxuries. When you were experiencing anguish, I was here enjoying peace and prosperity. You had to wander through wild forests and you had to spend time in caves and mountains. What other adversity can we ever think of ?" Saying this Bharath began to weep, like a child.
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Bharath could not contain his overpowering grief. His patience had broken its bounds. He continued to weep like a helpless child. His voice was choked with tears. Shri Ram said trying to console him;
"Dear brother! Were you really in a palace surrounded by royal splendour ? You physically lived in Ayodhya; but your heart and soul were always with us sharing all our hardships and agonies. Your body remained here; but your heart and soul followed us in our wanderings through the forests."
Then the two brothers were silent for a while. It is hard to say how long they kept conversing with each other in the mysterious language of muted silence. Bharath's anxious soul seemed to be begging for peace supreme.
"Revered brother! Now, kindly release me from your command; and take over the responsibility of the administration of the kingdom."
"Do not say such inauspicious things. You must continue to rule over our kingdom."
"Revered brother! That is impossible. Now, I can only be your humble servant. Kindly release me from bondage."
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"Bharath! You have been witnessing how Lakshman and I have been flooded with visitors. Yes. I will be ruling over the kingdom through you. I am in you; and Lakshman is in you; and so when you are seated on the royal throne, it is as good as our sitting on it. When you are ruling over our country, it is as good as our ruling over the country. Please do not take up this matter again."
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