Bharata listened to the guru’s advice and the ministers’ approval, which were as soothing to his heart as cooling sandal-paste. Then he heard the mother’s gentle speech, so full of the nectar of amiability, affection and simplicity.

When Bharata heard his mother’s pathetic plea, so fully flavoured with simplicity, he was troubled; his lotus eyes shed tears that watered the fresh shoots of desolation in his heart. All those who saw his condition at that time lost all consciousness of self and reverently extolled him, says Tulasidasa, as the very pattern of artless love.

Folding his lotus hands, Bharata, foremost among men of fortitude and wisdom, took courage and proceeded to make fitting answers to all in words that seemed dipped in nectar:

‘The guru has given me excellent advice, which has been approved by my people, ministers and all. My mother, too, has enjoined on me what she has thought fit and to me it is surely most gratifying that is why I wish to obey her.

The advice of a guru, a father, a mother, a master or a friend should be cheerfully followed as soon as heard, and as conducive to one’s good. By pausing to think whether it is right or wrong one fails in one’s duty and incurs a load of guilt.

You are surely giving me honest advice which, if followed, will do me good; yet, though I fully understand this, my heart is not content.

Now listen to my prayer and give me such counsel as may suit me. Pardon my presumption in answering you, for good men reckon not the virtues or faults of the distressed.