Many people in Ayodhya knew that Rama was leaving for the forest. One aged and poor Brahmana exclaimed; ‘I hear Rama is going on to the forest for fourteen years. I do not know whether I will live so long.’ Feeling thus, the old, Trijata by name, came all the way on foot to have a last glimpse of Rama. Eyes are given to man not to look at the world but to see God. Hence, the power of sight should be dedicated to God. With that aim, the old man, after enduring many hardships, came to Rama who was to be crowned at one moment was getting ready to go on exile to the forest that very moment. Will any human being be able to bear such reversal of fortune with equal-mindedness? Will he be able to look upon both in the same manner? Anyone other than Rama would be plunged in grief. But Rama (before leaving for the forest) was engaged in giving away to the poor all his jewels and possessions. What should have been a moment of distress was turned by Rama into an occasion for distributing all to the people. Nothing is lasting in human life. No one can tell when life will come to an end, where, in what circumstances. Life may end in childhood, adolescence, middle age or old age. Death is certain. Hence man must learn to give up attachment to possessions..... Looking at Rama, he exclaimed; ‘Rama! You are indeed the embodiment of Dharma!’
Seeing the aged Brahmana Rama beckoned to him to come near and asked him. He asked him, ‘O noble Brahmana! What for have you come?’ The old man replied; ‘Swami! I am advanced in years. I do not know whether I may live that long. I wish to gaze your splendorous face once, experience your love for at least a brief moment, touch your sacred feet, and redeem my life.’ Rama asked him: ‘Have you no other desire? ‘I do not have any other desire. I have difficulty in living. But I am reconciled to what I deserve according to my karma. I am not concerned about it. I am only keen to have a vision of you, to speak to you and touch you’
Then Rama asked him what the benefit was from these three. ‘Darshanam Papa nashanam’ (vision of the Lord destroys all sins), ‘Sparshanam karma vimochanam’ (touching the feet of the Lord frees one from bondage of Karma), ‘Sambhashanam sankata nasanam’ (conversing with the Lord dispels all distress). The old man said, ‘Swami! Man is haunted by the three problems: sin, consequences of his deeds and sorrow. To get rid of these things, I need a vision of you, contact with your feet and conversation with you.’
Rama was supremely pleased with the Brahmana’s words. He drew him close on himself, embraced him and asked him: ‘Does this give you joy?’ Shedding copious tears, the old man said ‘I do not know what is heaven. I have no idea what Kailasa or Vaikuntha. But in your embrace I have experienced all these. This is my heaven. Give me some alms. I shall return to my place.’ Rama said, ‘Child! When you have offered me your love, I must offer my love in return. This is the way of love – give and take. As I have received your love, you must accept something from me.’
The old man carried a stick in his hand. Rama said: ‘Child! Through my touch you have received considerable strength. Your old age has gone. Cast your stick as far as your strength will permit. All wealth and the cows in that area covered by your throw will be yours.’
Rama’s touch had endowed the old Brahmana with immense strength. He felt he should act up to Rama’s command. ‘My life will be meaningless otherwise,’ he thought, ‘Although I have no desire, I shall obey Rama’s command.’ With the feeling, he hurled the stick with all his might. Thanks to the power of Rama, the stick traversed the banks of Sarayu and returned where Rama stood. Several mansions, buildings and cattle were within the area, which came to Brhamana as Rama’s gift.
The Brahmana said to Rama ‘O Lord! When I came solely to have a vision of you, why are you burdening me with so many possessions?’ (SSS Vol.27, pp.112-115)
(My gati (fate), Sthiti (position), mati (mind) and sampatti (wealth) are all yours only. That is why I came to see you.’ Rama said, ‘Such persons as you are the pride of our society. – (SSS Vol.27, p.127))
Rama replied ‘O noble Brahmana! This is the fruit of your good deeds in your previous life, this is not the reward earned in the present life. Imagine how many came to see me from far while I was preparing to leave for the forest? It is your wish, which stirred my love. But for the laws relating to the governance of a kingdom, I would have given the entire kingdom to you. My love for you is my greatest gift.’
So, saying Rama gave the land to the Brahmana. Then Brahmana said: ‘This is a supreme example to all the people. Even at the moment when He was leaving for the forest and the whole of Ayodhya was plunged in grief, Rama displayed His love by giving away all His possessions, His supreme quality is sacrifice!’ (SSS Vol.27, p.115)