14. “By this work of yours men will forthwith pass over this hazardous world, in the same manner as one crosses the sea in a vessel.” 15. Again said the increate Brahmá to me:—“I come to tell this very thing to you, that you complete the work for the benefit of mankind.” 16. Then Oh king, the God disappeared from my sacred hermitage in a moment, just as the wave subsides in the water no sooner it has heaved itself. 17. I was struck with wonder at the disappearance of that (deity), and then being composed in my mind, I inquired of Bharadwája, saying:— 18. Tell me, Bharadwája, what Brahmá spoke (to me) in the hermitage; to which he answered saying:— 19. “The God commanded you to complete the Rámáyana for the good of men, and as a means of their crossing over the gulf of the world.” SECTION III. INQUIRY OF BHARADWÁJA. 20. “Now Sir”, said Bharadwája, “explain to me how the great minded Ráma and Bhárata conducted themselves amidst the troubles of this world. 21. “Tell me also how did Satrughna, Lakshmana, and the renowned Sítá, and all those who followed Ráma, as also the ministers and their highly intelligent sons, conduct themselves (on earth). 22. “Tell me clearly how they escaped all its miseries, that I may do the same with the rest of mankind: (for our salvation).” 23. Being thus respectfully addressed by Bharadwája, I was led, Oh great King! to carry out the behest of my lord (Brahmá), and to narrate the Rámáyana to him; saying:— 24. Hear my son Bharadwája, I will tell you all that you have asked, and by the hearing of which you shall be enabled to cast away the dross of errors (under which you labour). 25. You are wise and have to manage yourself in the manner of the felicitous and lotus-eyed Ráma, with a mind free from (worldly) attachments. 26. (Know that) Lakshmana, Bhárata, the great minded Satrughna, Kausalyá, Sítá, Sumitrá as well as Dasaratha;— 27. With Kritástra and the two friends of Ráma, and Vasishtha and Vámadeva, and the eight ministers of state as well as many others, had reached the summit of knowledge (by this means). 28. Their names are Dhrishta, Jayanta, Bhása, Satya, Vijaya, Vibíshanah, Sushena and Hanumána. And also Indrajíta (who had attained his highest knowledge). 29. These were the eight ministers of Ráma, who are said to have been equally dispassionate in their minds, and content with what was their lot. They were great souls, and free in their lives. 30. Well my son, if you follow the manner in which these men observed sacrificial rites, gave and received their offerings, and how they lived and thought, you are at once freed from the turmoils (of life). 31. One fallen in this boundless ocean of the world, may enjoy (the bliss of) liberation by the magnanimity of his soul. He shall not come across grief or destitution, but remain ever satisfied by being freed from the fever of anxiety. CHAPTER III.