After hearing the persuasive yet materialistic arguments of Jabali, Rama, unshaken in his resolve, responded humbly but firmly:
“O learned one, though your words appear reasonable on the surface, they are, in essence, harmful and deeply misguiding. Not a single thought you have presented is agreeable to me. When people, free from constraints, indulge in sinful behavior, they tarnish their virtuous records and lose the respect of the righteous. A person—whether noble or ignoble, courageous or cowardly, pure or corrupt—is ultimately revealed by their conduct.
If one abandons honesty, virtuous qualities, and a pious life, and fails to distinguish between right and wrong, between good and evil, they inflict irreparable harm on the moral order. Cloaking immoral actions under the guise of materialism cannot command respect. Wise individuals discern truth from falsehood, and unrestrained indulgence in unprincipled actions disrupts the family structure, which is the foundation of society.
If I, having pledged myself to the path of righteousness, act contrary to my oath, what message does it convey? Who will then respect me? I would be destined for ruin. Should I adopt your suggested way of life, other kings would follow my lead, leading to chaos in the realm. A society governed by unruly and unprincipled masses would bring about insecurity, anarchy, and the collapse of all social order.
What would become of the safety of women? Where would the protection of wealth, trade, and commerce lie? If professions were overridden in the pursuit of selfish gain, the education system itself would deteriorate. Disorder and destruction would erupt from a single misstep. The ancient and eternal code of kingship, rooted in truth, safeguards society. It is free from cruelty, grounded in dharma, and supported by sages and the divine. Truth is the very essence of dharma, the foundation of this world, and the pathway to heaven.
Those who speak the truth attain honor in society, while liars are shunned. Truth is the abode of Lord Shiva, the dwelling of Goddess Lakshmi, and the ultimate goal of survival and prosperity. Sacrifices, offerings, penances, and all virtuous deeds rest upon the foundation of truth. Thus, man must abide by truth to achieve fulfillment.
In this world, one ascends to greatness through truth, while others fall to ruin through falsehood. Truth binds individuals to dharma and determines their destiny—whether to heaven or to hell. I swore to abide by truth in the presence of my father and mother. How can I violate my sacred vow? My life is shielded by truth, impervious to illusion, emotion, or ignorance.
The offerings made by those who violate truth are rejected by the gods and forefathers. I hold truth as the very soul of existence. I honor the ancient path of the virtuous, rejecting the ways of the mean, cruel, and sinful. A man’s sins arise in three forms—through thought, word, and deed. Only those who commit themselves to good deeds are welcomed by the earth, celebrated in their lives, and mourned upon their departure.
Jabali, the path you advocate is unworthy of good people. It contradicts dharma and the principles of ascetic life, which I pledged to follow for fourteen years. How, then, can I honor Bharata’s claim to the throne? I accepted my father’s decree in the presence of Queen Kaikeyi, and I remain steadfast. By living austerely, controlling my senses, and dedicating myself to righteous conduct, I will fulfill my vow in the forest.
The divine elements—Agni, Vayu, the Sun, and the Moon—attained their revered status through truthful karma. Indra ascended to heaven through a hundred yajnas, and the sages transcended consciousness through penance and virtue.
Rama’s brilliance shone as he rejected the atheistic and materialistic doctrines of Jabali, declaring truth, virtue, bravery, and kindness as the gateways to heaven. He denounced false beliefs as equivalent to thievery and urged scholars to avoid associating with such ideologies. He praised the lineage of virtuous Brahmins who performed auspicious deeds, burned their sacred fires, and upheld dharma for the welfare of the world.
Witnessing Rama’s unshakable resolve, Jabali, humbled and genuine, said softly: “O Rama, I am not an atheist, nor do I reject the truths of higher worlds. I spoke as I did only to persuade you to return to Ayodhya, believing it was the best way to convince you. I now recognize the wisdom in your words.”
At this moment, Sage Vasishta intervened to calm Rama and said, “Jabali spoke only to distract you momentarily from your ascetic life. O Rama, Lord of the Universe! Let me now recount the divine order of creation and the lineage of your noble ancestors to guide you.
In the beginning, the universe was submerged in deep waters, from which the earth emerged. Lord Brahma, assuming the form of a boar, protected the earth and created the cosmos with the help of his progeny, including Marichi. From Manu, the earth’s first ruler, descended the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty, whose kings upheld dharma and prosperity.
Through successive generations—Ikshvaku, Kukshi, Vikukshi, Bana, Anaranya, and others—the dynasty flourished. Among them was King Sagara, who restored the sacred Ganga to earth through penance and righteous deeds. Generations later, King Raghu, the namesake of the Raghuvamsa lineage, brought glory to Ayodhya, culminating in your father, King Dasaratha.
As the eldest son of Dasaratha, O Rama, you are the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya. Tradition dictates that the eldest son must rule. Do not forsake the customs of your ancestors. Rule this vast and prosperous land, upholding dharma as your forefathers did.”
Vasishta’s eloquent appeal, rich with history and wisdom, ignited hope in the assembly. Yet, destiny’s intricate design awaited resolution, as the profound interplay of values, faith, and human endeavor unfolded. The order of creation and the heritage of the Ikshvaku lineage stood as a testament to the enduring principles of righteousness. All eyes now turned to Rama for his response.
