Chapter 2: Reasons for Writing the Ramayana

Section 3: Baradvaja's Question

20

"Tell me, O Lord, how the world is afflicted. Rama has been involved in this matter, and so has Bharata, who possesses great intellect." 20

"O revered teacher, please tell me how Rama and Bharata, who possessed great hearts, behaved amidst the suffering of this cycle of rebirth."

21

"Satrughna, Lakshmana, and Sita, all of whom are renowned. Those who follow Rama, the wise ministers."

Also, how did Shatrugna, Lakshmana, the renowned Seeta, those who followed Rama, and the ministers, along with their wise sons, behave?

22

Tell me clearly how those who are free from suffering have attained it. Only then will I become like them, striving together. || 22 ||

Please explain clearly how they overcame their suffering, so that I too can become like them and live with others.

23

Bhardwajen, Rajendra Vade, I am speaking respectfully. At that time, I was compelled to speak to the king about this matter. || 23 ||

O King, I was humbly requested by Baradvaja to "speak," and there, following the Lord's command, I began to speak.

24

Listen, O Bharadvaja, I will tell you what you have asked. By hearing this, you will dispel the illusion. || 24 ||

"My son, Bharadvaja, listen to me. I will speak of what you have asked about. By hearing it, you can dispel the impurities of delusion."

25

"As a wise person acts, so one should act to be happy." "Lord Rama, with eyes like lotus petals, possesses perfect wisdom."

Sage, behave with serenity, just as Rama, who had the eyes of a lotus, acted peacefully through intelligence that detached itself from all attachments.

26

Laxmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are great-minded. Kausalya, Sumitra, Sita, and Dasharatha as well.

Lakshmana, Bharata, the great-hearted Shatrughna, Kaushalya, Sumitra, Sita, and also Dasharatha,

27

Kritasastra and Avirodha, along with others who understand the principles. Vasishtha and Vamadeva are among the eight ministers, and there are other such individuals. || 27 ||

Kritastra, Aviloda, Vasishta, Varmadeva, the eight ministers, and other people were also reaching the ultimate state of enlightenment.

28

Drishti, Jayanto, Bhasma, Satya, Vijaya. Vibhishana, Sushena, Hanuman, Indrajit. 28.

Their names are: Drishti, Jayanta, Bhasa, Satya, Vijaya, Vibhishana, Sushena, Hanuman, and Indrajit.

29

Eight ministers are mentioned, possessing minds free from distractions. They are great souls who have attained liberation in their lifetime and follow the path as it unfolds. || 29 ||

These eight people were ministers, and their hearts equally detached from attachments, they were great individuals who attained enlightenment while still alive, and they lived according to the natural course of things.

30

As it was given, as it was received, as it was understood, and as it was remembered. Thus, if you act in this way, my son, you will be free from all dangers. || 30 ||

Son, if you live in accordance with the way they performed sacrifices, gave offerings, received blessings, lived their lives, and kept things in their hearts, then you will be released from suffering.

31

Having obtained the highest, most excellent state of being, And having attained perfect generosity and virtue. He does not grieve, he does not feel dejected, He has overcome fever and remains constantly satisfied. || 31 ||

Those who are submerged in the endless sea of reincarnation, if they attain the highest realm with a noble heart, will not fall into sorrow and will not be impoverished. They release the heat of their hearts and always remain content."