Hanuman introduced Sugriva to Rama, who was troubled by Bali: then God assuredly said – a friend is one who stands with him in adversity.

Story

It was the first meeting of Shri Ram and Sugriva. This gift was made by Hanuman ji. Shri Ram had asked Sugriva, ‘Why do you live here in the forest? I am wandering in the forest to find my wife Sita, but you are the king.

Sugriva said, ‘My elder brother Bali has become my enemy. Once a demon came to our village. When Bali went to kill him, I also went after him. When the demon went to the cave, his brother also followed him. I was outside the cave. When blood came out of the cave I was horrified. I thought my brother Bali had been killed. I got scared and returned to my village. The people here made me the king. When my brother returned alive, seeing me as the king, he started thinking of me as an enemy. Now I am very upset.’

‘Okay, I will help you,’ Sriram said.

Sugriva did not believe in Shri Ram. He thought that Bali is so strong, how will Ram kill him? How will you help me? Shri Ram knew the power of Bali and he also knew the psychology of Sugriva. Ram understood that if Sugriva has to be convinced, then he has to tell that I am your friend.

Shri Ram said to Sugriva, ‘Sugriva, I am your friend. There are six gunas in a friend and three in a kumitra. The biggest quality of being a friend is that seeing your friend sad, consider him as your sorrow. Trying to get rid of that pain. If a friend is on the wrong track, bring him on the right track. Do not doubt at the time of transaction. Always do good to a friend. Standing by a friend in times of adversity. These are all signs of a good friend. Kummitra speaks soft words, but does evil behind his back. His mind is like the movement of a snake. Take care to leave such a mistress, but I am your friend.’

On hearing the word friend, Sugriva was convinced. Ram had explained so well. Sugriva said, ‘Okay, you are saying then I will fight with Bali.’

Lessons

Ram knew the importance of friendship, a friend is a trust, a support. People make friends only because someone can stand by them in bad times. There should be friends, but keep in mind that friendship should not become erroneous. Be so careful.