Vasishtha Lifts Guha with the Love Scattered upon Earth
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 243
Doha 243 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ram hears that his guru has arrived, leaves Sita nearby, and hurries forward with Lakshmana. At sight of Vasishtha the brothers begin full prostration, but the sage runs to lift and embrace them.
Guha calls Ram's name and bows from a distance. Vasishtha draws the forest chief to himself by loving force, as though gathering into one embrace all the affection scattered across the earth.
Gods praise and shower flowers upon the power of devotion to Raghupati. Social measure places Guha low and Vasishtha incomparably high, yet bhakti makes their meeting intimate. Greatness bends eagerly toward humility because both are joined at Ram.
Vasishtha gathers the prostrate Guha into his arms, and devotion closes the distance the whole world believed unbridgeable.
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सीलसिंधु सुनि गुर आगवनू। सिय समीप राखे रिपुदवनू।। चले सबेग रामु तेहि काला। धीर धरम धुर दीनदयाला।। गुरहि देखि सानुज अनुरागे। दंड प्रनाम करन प्रभु लागे।। मुनिबर धाइ लिए उर लाई। प्रेम उमगि भेंटे दोउ भाई।। प्रेम पुलकि केवट कहि नामू। कीन्ह दूरि तें दंड प्रनामू।। रामसखा रिषि बरबस भेंटा। जनु महि लुठत सनेह समेटा।। रघुपति भगति सुमंगल मूला। नभ सराहि सुर बरिसहिं फूला।। एहि सम निपट नीच कोउ नाहीं। बड़ बसिष्ठ सम को जग माहीं।।
Seelasindhu, the ocean of virtue, heard of his guru's arrival. He kept Sita nearby, that vanquisher of foes. At once Rama set out swiftly, that steadfast upholder of dharma, ever compassionate to the humble. Seeing the guru, the Lord and his brother were overcome with love. Prabhu began to offer full prostrations. The great sage Vasishtha rushed forward and drew them to his heart. Overflowing with prema, both brothers embraced him. Thrilled with devotion, the Kevat called out Rama's name and offered dandavat pranaam from afar. The rishi, friend of Rama, embraced him with irresistible force, as though gathering up all the sneha scattered upon the earth. Devotion to Raghupati is the root of all sumangala, all sacred good fortune. The devas in the heavens praised this scene and showered flowers. There is none so utterly lowly as this one, and none in all the world as great as Vasishtha.