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CHAPTER III Rşabha's initiation (I-80)
The Master then summoned his vassals, etc., from all quarters; and Bharata and his other sons, Bāhubali, etc. The Lord addressed Bharata, “Son, take our kingdom. Now we intend to assume the sovereignty of self-restraint." At this speech of the Master, Bharata stood for a moment with his face downcast; then bowed, his hands folded together, and spoke in a choked voice: "Even as there is happiness for me in falling before the foot-stool of your lotus-feet, so there is none for me seated on the jeweled lion-throne,-0 Master. Even as there is happiness for me running on foot before you, O Lord, so there is none for me mounted on the shoulder of a pleasure-elephant. Even as there is happiness for me clinging to the shadow of your lotusfeet, so there is none for me covered by the shadow of the white umbrella. If I should be deprived of you, what use would I have for the glory of sovereignty ? The pleasure of sovereignty is like a drop in the Ocean of Milk of your service." The Master said, “In any case, we are resigning the kingdom. In the absence of a king, the law of the fishes prevails on earth. Therefore, son, control this earth properly. You are obedient. This is our command.”
Unable to transgress the Lord's unalterable command, he agreed. Such, indeed, is the proper behavior toward superiors. Bowing his head before the Master in reverence, Bharata then adorned his father's lofty lion-throne, as well as his noble stock. At the Master's command, Bharata's' consecration was made by ministers, vassals, and generals, just as that of the Lord
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