Doha 7

“One would incur great sin by the very sight of those who are not distressed to see the suffering of a friend. A man should regard his own mountain-like troubles as of no more account than a mere grain of sand, while the troubles of a friend should appear to him like Mount Sumeru, though really they may be as trifling as a grain of sand. (1) “Those fools who are not of such a temperament presume in vain to make friends with anyone. A friend should restrain his companion from the evil path and lead him on the path of virtue; he should proclaim the latter’s good points and cover his faults; (2) “should give and take things without any scruple and serve his friend’s interest to the best of his ability and finding him in distress love him a hundred times more than ever. The Vedas declare these to be the qualities of a noble friend. (3) “He, however, who contrives to speak bland words to your face and harms you at your back and harbours some evil design in his heart, and whose mind is as tortuous as the movements of a snake is an unworthy friend and one had better shun the company of such a friend. (4) “A stupid servant, a stingy monarch, a bad wife and a false friend—these four are tormenting like a pike. Relying on my strength, dear friend, grieve no more; I will help you in all possible ways to tide over all difficulties and also accomplish your goals.” (5) Said Sugrīva, “Listen, O Raghuvīra, Bāli is possessed of immense strength and is exceedingly staunch in battle.” He then showed Him Dundubhi’s bones and the seven palm-trees, which were struck down by Śrī Raghunātha without any exertion. (6) When Sugrīva witnessed Śrī Rāma’s immeasurable strength, his affection for Him grew all the more and he now felt reassured that He would surely kill Bāli. He bowed his head at His feet again and again and was delighted at heart to recognize the Lord. (7) When the light of wisdom dawned on him, he said; “My mind, O Lord, has been set at rest by Your grace. Renouncing pleasure, prosperity, home, personal glory and all, I will render service to You. (8) “All these are stumbling-blocks on the path of Devotion to Śrī Rāma (Yourself); so declare saints given to the worship of Your feet. Pairs of opposites such as friend and foe, joy and sorrow, in this world are products of Māyā (Illusion) and have no reality. (9) “Bāli is my greatest benefactor, by whose grace I have met You, Śrī Rāma, the Allayer of sorrow; a person with whom if I have a duel even in a dream, on waking up I would feel sorry (as to why I fought with him even in dream). (10) “Now, my lord, do me this favour that I may renounce all and worship You day and night.” On hearing the words of Sugrīva, imbued as they were with dispassion, Śrī Rāma, who holds a bow in His hand, smiled and said, (11) “Whatever you have said is all true; but my words, O friend, can never go in vain.” Śrī Rāma (says Kākabhuśuṇḍi), O Garuḍa (king of birds), makes us all dance even as a juggler would make his monkey dance: so declare the Vedas. (12) Taking Sugrīva with Him, Śrī Raghunātha proceeded with a bow and arrow in His hands. Then Śrī Raghunātha sent Sugrīva, who, emboldened by Śrī Rāma, thundered under the very nose of Bāli. (13) On hearing his roar, Bāli sallied forth frantic with fury. His wife, Tārā, however, clasped his feet with her hands and warned him thus: “Listen, my lord, the two brothers with whom Sugrīva has concluded an alliance are of immense majesty and might. (14) “They are no other than Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the sons of King Daśaratha, the lord of Kosala, who can conquer Death himself on the battle-field.” (15)

Said Bāli, “Listen, my timid darling, Śrī Raghunātha looks upon all with equanimity. Even if He kills me, I will (attain His divine abode and) have Him as my eternal Lord.” (7)