Sacred Concord

Ramayana 4.197a

Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

He ceased: and King Sugriva cried To sage Hanuman(642) by his side: "Summon the Vanar legions, those Who dwell about the Lord of Snows: Those who in Vindhyan groves delight, Kailasa's, or Mahendra's height, Dwell on the Five bright Peaks, or where Mandar's white summit cleaves the air: Wherever they are wandring free In highlands by the western sea, On that east hill whence springs the sun, Or where he sinks when day is done. Call the great chiefs whose legions fill The forests of the Lotus Hill,(643) Where every one in strength and size With the stupendous Anjan(644) vies. Call those, with tints of burnished gold Whom Mahasaila's caverns hold: Those who on Dhumra roam, or hide In the wild woods on Meru's side. Call those who, brilliant as the sun, On high Maharun leap and run, Quaffing sweet juices that distil From odorous trees upon the hill, Call those whom tranquil haunts delight, Where dwell the sage and anchorite In groves that through their wide extent Exhale a thousand blossoms' scent. Send out, send out: from coast to coast Assemble all the Vanar host: With force, with words, with gifts of price Compel, admonish and entice. Already envoys have been sent To warn them of their lord's intent. Let others urged by thee repeat My mandate that their steps be fleet. Those lords who yielding to the sway Of love's delight would fain delay, Urge hither with the utmost speed, Or with thee to my presence lead: And those who linger to the last Until ten days be come and passed, And dare their sovereign to defy, For their offence shall surely die. Thousands, yea millions, shall there be, Obedient to their king's decree, The lions of the Vanar race, Assembled from each distant place, Forth shall they haste like hills in size, Or mighty clouds that veil the skies, And swiftly speeding on their way Bring all our legions in array." He ceased: the son of Vayu(645) heard, Submissive to his sovereign's word; And sent his rapid envoys forth To east and west and south and north.
Ramayana 4.197a · Ramayana · 4

Themes in this passage

LeadershipJoyNatureThe DivineStrengthCharityChildrenDeath

Leadership in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Taoism and Hellenism address it.

And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.
Joshua 10:23 · Bible · Joshua
The people are difficult to govern because of the (excessive) agency of their superiors (in governing them). It is through this that they are difficult to govern.
Tao Te Ching 75.2 · Tao Te Ching
“There it was that I heard news of Ulysses, for the king told me he had entertained him, and shown him much hospitality while he was on his homeward journey. He showed me also the treasure of gold, and wrought iron that Ulysses had got together. There was enough to keep his family for ten generations, so much had he left in the house of king Pheidon. But the king said Ulysses had gone to Dodona that he might learn Jove’s mind from the god’s high oak tree, and know whether after so long an absence he should return to Ithaca openly, or in secret. Moreover the king swore in my presence, making drink-offerings in his own house as he did so, that the ship was by the water side, and the crew found, that should take him to his own country. He sent me off however before Ulysses returned, for there happened to be a Thesprotian ship sailing for the wheat-growing island of Dulichium, and he told those in charge of her to be sure and take me safely to King Acastus.
Odyssey 14.18 · Odyssey · 14
Fierce from his seat at this Ulysses springs,[87] In generous vengeance of the king of kings. With indignation sparkling in his eyes, He views the wretch, and sternly thus replies:
Iliad 2.22 · Iliad · 2

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