The Council Finds No Road That Fate Has Not Blocked
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 255
Doha 255 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
All agree that Ram's consecration would give joy to everyone and is the single road of auspiciousness. Vasishtha asks how Raghunath may be brought back to Ayodhya without violating truth.
The sage's words unite policy, spiritual good, and selfless concern, yet no answer comes. The assembly remains bewildered until Bharata bows with joined palms.
He remembers the great kings of the solar line, the role of parents in birth, Providence in action, and the guru's blessing known to crush sorrow. Yet when fate itself has sealed the road, who can move the obstacle? Bharata does not offer a clever scheme. He confesses the limit at which only grace can act.
Before a council unanimous for Ram's return, Bharata sees every road blocked and places the obstacle before the guru's blessing.
Read the passage from the Manas
सब कहुँ सुखद राम अभिषेकू। मंगल मोद मूल मग एकू।। केहि बिधि अवध चलहिं रघुराऊ। कहहु समुझि सोइ करिअ उपाऊ।। सब सादर सुनि मुनिबर बानी। नय परमारथ स्वारथ सानी।। उतरु न आव लोग भए भोरे। तब सिरु नाइ भरत कर जोरे।। भानुबंस भए भूप घनेरे। अधिक एक तें एक बड़ेरे।। जनमु हेतु सब कहँ पितु माता। करम सुभासुभ देइ बिधाता।। दलि दुख सजइ सकल कल्याना। अस असीस राउरि जगु जाना।। सो गोसाइँ बिधि गति जेहिं छेंकी। सकइ को टारि टेक जो टेकी।।
Rama's consecration would bring joy to all. It is the one true path of auspiciousness and delight. How shall Raghunatha return to Ayodhya? Consider well, and let us devise that means. All listened with reverence to the great sage's words, steeped in wisdom, righteousness, and selfless counsel. No one could offer an answer, and the people stood bewildered. Then Bharata bowed his head and joined his palms. In the solar dynasty, many kings have reigned, each one greater than the last. For all beings, parents are the cause of birth, while the Creator assigns the fruits of good and ill deeds. Your blessing, as the whole world knows, crushes sorrow and brings about all welfare. O Lord, when Providence itself has blocked the way, who has the power to remove an obstacle so firmly set?