The monkeys were all immersed in rapturous communion with Brahma, devoted to the feet of their Lord; day and night passed unnoticed till now six months had been spent.

They had forgotten their homes so completely that they never even dreamt of them, just as the idea of harming others never enters the soul of a saint. Raghunatha then called together all his friends; they came and reverently bowed their heads.

Most lovingly he seated them by his side and addressed them in gentle words which were the delight of his worshippers: ‘Very great is the service you have done me; but how can I praise you to your faces?

You renounced your homes and comforts solely on my account; therefore you have endeared yourselves most to me. My younger brothers, my kingdom, my wealth, Sit (my spouse), my life, my home, my kinsfolk and my friends -

all these are dear to me, but none so dear as you; I tell you no untruth, I simply reveal my nature to you. Every master, as a rule, loves his servant; but I feel a special affection for those who serve me.

Now, my comrades, return to your homes all of you, and worship me with a steadfast vow. Knowing me as always present everywhere and a benefactor of every creature, fervently devote yourselves to me.’

On hearing the Lord’s words all were so completely entranced that they forgot who they were, or where they were, and were ravished out of fleshly feeling. Joining their palms, they stood before him and looked on him with unwinking eyes, unable to speak from excess of devotion.