When the four children were born, Emperor Dasharatha performed all the rituals connected with the birth of the children. On the second day, Dasharatha asked Sage Vashistha, to bestow his blessings on the four children. At first, Sage Vashistha remained speechless and could not utter the words of blessing. Recovering, Vashistha then said: ‘How can I utter them when I am spell-bound? The mission for which I came to the royal house is fulfilled today.’ He added: ‘I came here as a priest so that I may have the good fortune of associating myself with the Lord, who has chosen to be born in your lineage. I did not come to you tempted by your wealth and stature. The One who has taken birth in your lineage is verily God Himself. But swayed by illusion, you harbour the notion that He is a human child.’ Vashistha returned home shedding profuse tears of Bliss, for he realized that his life had attained fulfilment that day. (SSB 1996, p. 20)
It is by dint of devotion that one should find fulfilment in life
Whether he is a prince or a pauper, a fool or a scholar,
It is by dint of devotion that he should find fulfilment.
Whether he performs penance holding his nose,
Whether he dons ochre robe or holds his breath,
Whether he is adorned by ornaments and necklaces,
It is by dint of devotion that he would find fulfilment. (SSB 1996, p. 74)