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The Great Departure
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remain at your feet. I too will adopt the Sadhudharma along with you. I cannot bear with brother Lakshman's death and with the separation from you. Therefore, kindly permit me to adopt the Sadhudharma along with you". Shatrughna's words shocked Shri Ram. He had not expected this reaction from him. Therefore, he was naturally shocked at his words. He kept thinking for a while. Then he realised "Shatrughna is right. Bharath has become a shraman. Lakshman is no more. Lav and Kush have adopted the Sadhudharma and are absorbed in spiritual austerities. I am also renouncing the samsar. When I go away from here, Shatrughna will not be happy in this palace and amidst this splendour and prosperity. This is a natural reaction. If he also desires to pursue the path of spiritual elevation, why should I stop him from doing so ? Why should I place impediments on the path of his spiritual elevation ?” Shri Ram's heart overflowed with compassion for Shatraughna so he said in a voice shaken with emotion.
"Dear brother! Your decision is commendable. I do not want to place any impediments on your path but we have to think of the kingdom of Ayodhya and the throne of Ayodhya".
"Dear brother! The throne of Ayodhya will not be vacant. We can install Anangdev, the son of Lavan, on the throne of Ayodhya and he is a worthy successor to the throne. He is worthy, capable and efficient. He is loved by the people. The members of the royal family also love him. Kindly permit me to remain at your holy feet."
While the two brothers were engaged in this conversation. Vibhishan and Sugriv arrived there. Shri Ram received them with honour. The two kings bowed to Shri Ram and sat down near him on the ground.
“Dear Lord! We hope you are well”.
"Dear King of Lanka! In this samsar, nothing is permanent. No one can be happy forever. This life is full of vicissis tudes. Joys and sorrows come in endless succession. Human beings are ground between these conflicting grind-stones. There
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