Rama Cools Lakshmana and Sends Him to Bring Their Friend Back
Kishkindha Kanda, Doha 18
Doha 18 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana stands ready with bow strung and arrow in hand. The apparent wrath he has seen in Rama has become immediate action within the younger brother.
Then Raghupati, the very boundary of compassion, quiets his dear younger brother and explains what he must do. The city is not to receive an uncontrolled blaze, and Sugriva is not renamed an enemy.
Rama gives a precise command. Show Sugriva fear, so that forgetfulness breaks, and bring him here. Even within correction, Rama calls him friend. Lakshmana must awaken the promise and return with the one who made it.
The arrow remains with Lakshmana, but Rama's command still names Sugriva as friend.
Read the passage from the Manas
तब अनुजहि समुझावा रघुपति करुना सींव।। भय देखाइ लै आवहु तात सखा सुग्रीव।।18।।
Then Raghupati, the very ocean of compassion (karuna), gently calmed His younger brother and said: "Go, dear brother. Show Sugriva what is at stake, and bring our friend back with you."