Rama Asks Leave, and Atri Cannot Bring Himself to Say Go
Aranya Kanda, Chaupai 5
Doha 7क · Movement 1 of 3
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Janaki receives Anasuya's words with deep joy and bows reverently at her feet. Then Rama approaches the sage and asks permission to enter another forest. The treasure-house of compassion speaks as a servant, asking Atri to keep his grace upon him and never withdraw his love.
Atri hears the Lord of dharma request a sage's blessing. Love fills his reply. Brahma, Shiva, Sanaka, and seekers of the highest truth long for Rama's grace, yet that same Rama stands before him speaking gently as friend of the lowly. The sage marvels at Lakshmi's wisdom in worshiping him alone, beyond all other gods.
No one is Rama's equal or superior, Atri says, so how could such humility be strange in him? Still, the sage cannot form the words of departure. He asks the knower of every heart to tell him how he can say, 'Go now, Master.' His body thrills, tears stream from his eyes, and his gaze clings to the Lord he must release to the road.
The forest path waits, while Atri's tear-filled eyes refuse to pronounce the word of farewell.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनि जानकीं परम सुखु पावा। सादर तासु चरन सिरु नावा।। तब मुनि सन कह कृपानिधाना। आयसु होइ जाउँ बन आना।। संतत मो पर कृपा करेहू। सेवक जानि तजेहु जनि नेहू।। धर्म धुरंधर प्रभु कै बानी। सुनि सप्रेम बोले मुनि ग्यानी।। जासु कृपा अज सिव सनकादी। चहत सकल परमारथ बादी।। ते तुम्ह राम अकाम पिआरे। दीन बंधु मृदु बचन उचारे।। अब जानी मैं श्री चतुराई। भजी तुम्हहि सब देव बिहाई।। जेहि समान अतिसय नहिं कोई। ता कर सील कस न अस होई।। केहि बिधि कहौं जाहु अब स्वामी। कहहु नाथ तुम्ह अंतरजामी।। अस कहि प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि धीरा। लोचन जल बह पुलक सरीरा।।
Hearing this, Janaki was filled with the deepest joy and respectfully bowed her head at the sage's feet. Then the treasure-house of mercy spoke to the sage: "Grant me leave. I would go to another forest. Always keep your grace upon me. Knowing me as your servant, do not let your love waver." Hearing the words of the Lord, that upholder of dharma, the wise sage spoke, brimming with love: "Brahma, Shiva, Sanaka and all the seekers of the highest truth long for your grace. You are that very Rama, beloved of the desireless, friend of the lowly, whose words are gentle as flowers. Now I understand Lakshmi's wisdom. She worshipped you alone, setting aside all other gods. One who has no equal, no superior: how could his nature be anything but noble? How shall I say 'Go now,' O Master? You tell me, Lord, for you know every heart." Saying this, the steadfast sage gazed upon the Lord. Tears streamed from his eyes and every hair on his body stood on end.