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Attachment and Detachment
213
"Oh you adorable one! Kindly permit me to become a Shraman; to become a Muni and to pursue the path of spiritual elevation. I desire to discard this power and royal splendour and to spend my days in forests, in mountain-caves and in valleys and to pursue the path of spiritual elevation. Kindly permit me to engage myself in spiritual austerities and to attain felicity in this life and in the other world."
“Dear Lord! The time has come for my relinquishing my responsibilities as the king of Ayodhya. I do not want to delay even a moment, I do not have any attachment for worldly life. In fact, worldly life fills me with agitation and fear. Kindly, release me from these agitations and bondages.”
The tears flowed from Shri Ram's eyes, naturally. His heart was filled with grief. Placing his hand over Bharath's head, he said :
“Dear brother! Why do you speak of these inauspicious things? We came to Ayodhya only because we were drawn here by the bondage of your affection for us. You are all in all, for us. We shudder at the very thought of your leaving Ayodhya. Your inauspicious words break our hearts. All this belongs to you. We too belong to you. Therefore, realise your duty and continue to rule over our Kingdom. Please continue to rule over the kingdom and stop speaking of renunciation.”
Lakshman's heart was filled with grief when he heard the words of Bharath. But he found it difficult to say anything since his voice was choked with grief. His voice was muted by grief and shock. He was dumb-struck. Shri Ram's words had no effect on Bharath. He remained firm in his resolution. Now came upon him, his deep yearing for the sweet, solemn tryst that the spirit keeps. He remained stolid like a rock, in his determination. After sometime, he said;
"Revered brother! I have placed before you my innate aspiration. You are venerable like my father; and at all times, it is my foremost duty to obey you. Be gracious and do not place any impediments on my path. This is my humble appeal to you."
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