Sanaka and his brother sages praised Narada, and although they were established in the direct knowledge of Brahma the Infinite Absolute, they awoke from their contemplative trance on hearing the story of Rama’s perfections and listened to it with reverence, supremely qualified as they were.

Even those (like Sanaka and others) who are liberated though embodied and are intent upon the contemplation of the Supreme, turn from their meditations to listen to the tale. Truly theirs must be a heart of stone who take no delight in the story of Hari.

One day, summoned by Raghunatha, the guru (Vasishtha) and the Brahmans and all the other citizens assembled (in the royal court). When the brothers, the sages and the nobles had taken their seats in the assembly, the Lord Rama who put an end to his votaries’ fears addressed them thus:

'Give ear to my words, all you people of the city! What I am about to say is not due to any sentimental attachment at heart. I would neither say anything improper nor seek to use my authority; listen to me and act as may seem good to you.

He is my servant and my best beloved who does my bidding. If I say anything that seems improper, my brothers, then be not afraid to check me.

It is great good fortune that you have secured a human body, which – as the all the scriptures declare – is difficult even for the gods to attain. It is a tabernacle suitable for spiritual endeavours, the gateway to deliverance, and he who receives it and still wins not heaven.

Reaps torment in the next world and beats his head in vain remorse, wrongly attributing the blame to time, fate and God.