The Ramayana: The Book of Ayodhya

my virtues. Him, like unto the moon while in conjunction with the Pushyā A lunar mansion or star cluster in Hindu astrology; its influence is considered highly auspicious for royal consecrations and spiritual work. constellation—the foremost of those maintaining righteousness, the chief of men, will I, in the morning with a delighted heart, install as the heir-apparent to the throne. And that auspicious elder brother of Lakshmaṇa original: Lakshmīndu Lakshmanāgraja. The translator notes an alliterative beauty in the Sanskrit which roughly translates to "the moon-like beauty of prosperity, the elder brother of Lakshmana." will make a fit ruler for ye,—yea, the very three worlds might consider themselves as having a lord, by possessing him. Through his agency I shall this day bring about the welfare of the world; and shall renounce my toil by reposing in him the task of government. If what I have devised be meet, and also recommend itself to ye, do ye accord approval to it,—proposing what I am to do besides this, together with the how of effecting it. If I have thought thus solely because I find delight in it, do ye look about any other way to welfare. For different is the thought of the dispassionate; and by friction becomes far more efficacious. The king is inviting open debate, suggesting that truth and the best course of action are revealed when different, objective minds discuss a matter—much like heat is generated by friction.

As the king had said this, the princes, exceedingly delighted, seconded him even as peacocks dance at sight of a mighty mass of clouds showering down rain. Then there arose a pleasant resonance (from the assembly of the potentates;) and next from the vast concourse inspired with high rapture arose an echo generated by their voices, which seemed to shake the earth. Then being in complete possession of the views of that one (the king) versed in morality and interest, the Brāhmanas Brahmanas The priestly and scholarly class, responsible for maintaining sacred knowledge and performing rituals. and the principal personages of the army, in company with the citizens and the inhabitants of the provinces, took counsel together, and became unanimous,—and, having again revolved the matter individually in their mind, spake unto the aged king Daçartha Also spelled Dasharatha., saying,— "O king, being many thousand years old, thou hast become