The chief of the sages, Vasiƒ¢ha, spoke in words appropriate to the occasion “Listen, O councillors, and you, wise Bharata; the sun of the solar race, King RŒma, is a champion of righteousness and the almighty Lord dependent on none but Himself. Ýr¶ RŒma is true to His word and maintains the standard of morality set up by the Vedas; His very advent is a source of blessing to the world. Obedient to the commands of His preceptor and parents, He crushes the armies of the wicked and is a friend of the gods. Propriety of behaviour, love, the highest object of life and worldly interests—no one knows these aright as RŒma does. BrahmŒ (the Creator), Hari (the Preserver) and Hara (the Destroyer of the universe), the moon-god, the sun-god and the guardians of the various quarters, MŒyŒ (the deluding potency of God), J¶va (the individual soul), the various forms of Karma (the residue of actions) and the Time-Spirit, Ýeƒa (the lord of serpents), the rulers of the earth and whatever other powers there are and even so the accomplishments of Yoga extolled in the Vedas and other scriptures—ponder in your heart and consider well—Ýr¶ RŒma’s commands exercise their authority over all.” (1—4)