Lotus Leaves Hide Pampa's Depths as Maya Conceals the Formless Brahman
Aranya Kanda, Doha 40क
Doha 40क · Movement 2 of 2
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Lotus leaves spread across Pampa and cover the movement of the water. The current passes beneath them, but its nature and depth cannot be quickly discovered from the patterned surface.
The poet sees how nirguna Brahman is not perceived when vision is veiled by Maya. The reality has not vanished, and the obscuring appearance has not created another foundation. What is ever present becomes unseen because attention stops upon the forms that cover perception.
Within the unfathomable water, fish live in one continuous ease. Their contented movement resembles the days of those established in dharma, passing with happiness inside a depth that supports them without disturbance.
Leaves cover the lake, yet the hidden water remains whole beneath every floating form.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुरइनि सबन ओट जल बेगि न पाइअ मर्म। मायाछन्न न देखिऐ जैसे निर्गुन ब्रह्म।।39(क)।। सुखि मीन सब एकरस अति अगाध जल माहिं। जथा धर्मसीलन्ह के दिन सुख संजुत जाहिं।।39(ख)।।
The water's essence cannot be quickly grasped when covered by the lotus leaves above, just as the nirguna Brahman remains hidden beneath the veil of Maya. The fish swim joyfully in perfect harmony within the fathomless depths below, even as the dharma-shila pass their days immersed in bliss and sacred peace.