Part Five: On Dissolution

Day 146

Part Five: On Dissolution

The assembled audience, captivated by Vasistha's wisdom, dispersed for the midday break. King Dasaratha, his ministers, and even the gods and celestial beings eagerly awaited the sage's next discourse. After the evening session, Rama, unable to sleep, pondered Vasistha's teachings.

Rama's mind grappled with profound questions: the nature of reality, the origin and purpose of beings, the mind's path to stillness, the illusion of Maya, and the possibility of liberation. He contemplated the means to conquer the senses and the mind, the root causes of suffering. He recognized the challenge of balancing the allure of pleasure with the pursuit of liberation. Rama yearned for a mind free from worldly illusion, a mind that tasted the supreme peace and wouldn't crave fleeting pleasures.

He addressed his own mind, urging it to find solace in the wisdom of sages and his intellect to contemplate Vasistha's teachings, a path to liberation from worldly misery.

The next day, Rama and the others resumed their religious routines before seeking out Vasistha. The sage, having finished his morning prayers, joined them in a chariot ride to the palace. King Dasaratha warmly received them, followed by the arrival of the assembly members.

King Dasaratha expressed his deep gratitude for Vasistha's enlightening discourse, acknowledging the power of wisdom to dispel sorrow and purify the hearts of listeners. He emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge from such sages and declared Rama fortunate to have this opportunity.

Vasistha then turned to Rama, inquiring whether he had contemplated the previous day's teachings and inscribed them upon his heart. He emphasized the importance of constant reflection for true understanding.

Rama responded with enthusiasm, affirming that he had spent the entire night contemplating Vasistha's words, striving to grasp the underlying truth. He acknowledged the blissfulness and sweetness of the teachings, even as they challenged his preconceived notions and offered a transformative experience. With utmost sincerity, Rama implored Vasistha to resume his discourse.