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Dharma is immutable. Dharma persists as dharma then, now, and forever. Of course, the practices and rules of applied dharma might change ac- cording to changing causes; but even then, the practices have to be tested on the basis of the scriptures (sastras), not on the basis of advantage.

Education is necessary for both men and women. But education for women has to be in accordance with their special needs. Educated women are really the promoters of dharma for the whole world.

People refer to various duties, rights, and obligations, but these are not the basic dharmic truth; they are only means and methods of regulating the complications of living. They are not fundamental.

Dharma is the moral path; the moral path is the light; the light is bliss. Dharma is characterized by holiness, peace, truth, and fortitude.

Dharma cannot be restricted to any particular society or nation, for it is closely bound with the fortunes of the entire living world. It is a flame of light that can never be extinguished. It is untrammelled in its beneficent action.

People must dedicate themselves to dharma and always be engaged in dharma, so that they may live in peace and the world may enjoy peace. Dharma is the foundation for the welfare of humanity; it is the truth that is stable for all time.

Bharatha called together the royal preceptor and the ministers of the court and assigned them various admin-istrative duties. He entrusted them with the authority to perform their duties.

Bharat meets Rama and Chitrakoots and begs him to return to Ayodhya. Rama refuses, and Bharat returns dejected - but not without Rama's sandals!

Bharatha and Shatrughna fell at Vasishta’s feet and wept aloud. “Already, there has been much delay; it is not advisable to delay any further,” he said, and directed Bharatha to prepare himself for performing the funeral rites of his father.

The house was ready for occupation even before sunset. Rama looked often and long at the neat little cottage, and he praised the devotion and skill of his brother to Sita, in high terms. Sita also appreciated the house and said that she had yearned for a long time to live in just such a habitation.

Sita slept on the soft bed of grass. Lakshmana sat at Rama’s feet in order to massage them tenderly, to relieve the tension of exertion.

Citizens of Ayodhya who had gathered at the palace gates saw them walking as hermits and broke into bitter sobs. Many were so shocked that they fell unconscious. Many beat their heads in sheer despair.