Letter 3

Letter 3

My dearest sons,

Before my eyes you are rapidly transforming from joyous boys to intelligent and strong young men. I have watched you learn everything placed in front of you, from the alphabet to the vast songs of Rama. You absorb this information and apply it, as is obvious in your physical training with the bow and arrow. Moments ago, Valmiki performed the Upanayana for both of you, meaning you are ready to begin learning the Vedas. In the coming years, you will learn the Vedic mantras alongside those you already know and become more skilled warriors as Valmiki prepares you for your true destinies ruling alongside your father. My heart swells with pride as I see your growth and dedication.

As the two of you become more skilled and learn how to be men, I want to talk to you about loyalty. Loyalty, my sons, is one of the most noble and important qualities to possess in this world where it is so easy to doubt and cross others.

When we were younger, your father was exiled into the forest and I followed him without hesitation. He and I, along with his brother Lakshmana, spent many years together without the distractions of societal living. We faced hardships, but those hardships brought your father and me even closer. As I've alluded to, I was taken by another man, captured in cold blood in a ploy to hurt your father after he injured the demon king's pride. Of course, you know of Rama's adventures to get his wife back from Ravana, as you sing his songs daily, but I am telling you that that woman was me.

Ravana taunted me daily, begging me to lie with him and betray your father, my love. He told me of the riches he would bestow upon me and the glory I would have if I became his queen, but I had no desire to even look upon another man's face other than Rama. I slept in the forest with the trees as my only protection as rakshasas mocked me and played with my fear that your father had been injured or killed. It was tortuous. However, my love and dedication for your father kept me strong as I remained loyal to him alone. Many others would have quickly given in to Ravana and done whatever he pleased to free themselves, but I know that there is strength in remaining steadfast and not betraying those you love.

As the songs go, you know that Rama did indeed rescue me and I proved my loyalty to him by entering and exiting a funeral pyre unscathed thanks to the god's protection. Rama and I returned home for some time, until the whispers of men in Kosala were too much for him to handle. Because lowly men whispered and wondered about what had taken place while I was in Ravana's hermitage, Rama exiled me to this forest where the sage Valmiki has protected us ever since. While your father stumbled and continues to falter in his judgement, I believe that he will return when the gods have ordained because he ultimately knows the power of loyalty and true love. With you, my sons, as my witnesses, it is clear that I have stayed true and loyal to Rama after all these years, and I know that he will return for us.

I tell you all this not to anger you with Rama, because he is only human and we have our weaknesses. When he returns, you will see him in his full glory and will be able to reunite and live out your destinies alongside him. I only tell you this tale, sons, because you need to know the importance of loyalty. My loyalty to Rama is what gave me my two precious sons and what keeps me going day in and day out. And Rama's loyalty is what will bring him to this place in the coming years to find that he has sons who sing his praises daily. As you grow into men, don't forget to remain loyal to those who love you and have stood by your side from the beginning. Remember each other and your love for one another, remember the sage Valmiki, who has dedicated himself to protecting our family and teaching the two of you how to be rulers. Lastly, sons, remember me, your mother, who desires nothing more than your success as you grow older. Your enemies will attempt to confuse your mind and cause you to betray those you love, but stand firm and know who truly supports you.

With all my heart and love,

Mother

p.s. I've attached this photograph of the both of you during one of your sessions with Valmiki. I hope that you are able to look back at it and appreciate all he has done for our family.