The Sage's Intellect Stands Helpless before Bharata's Ocean
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 257
Doha 257 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bharata's words and love carry Vasishtha and the assembly beyond bodily composure. His glory spreads like an ocean before which the sage's intellect stands helpless upon the shore.
It searches for boat, ship, or raft and finds none. A small shell cannot contain the sea, and praise cannot enclose Bharata. Yet the sage's heart is deeply gladdened.
The company goes before Ram, bows, and takes the seats he offers under Vasishtha's instruction. Place, time, and occasion gather into silence. Then the guru addresses Ram as all-knowing treasure of dharma, policy, virtue, and wisdom, preparing to carry Bharata's offered life into the Lord's hearing.
Unable to cross Bharata's ocean with praise, Vasishtha brings that ocean before Ram and begins to speak.
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भरत बचन सुनि देखि सनेहू। सभा सहित मुनि भए बिदेहू।। भरत महा महिमा जलरासी। मुनि मति ठाढ़ि तीर अबला सी।। गा चह पार जतनु हियँ हेरा। पावति नाव न बोहितु बेरा।। औरु करिहि को भरत बड़ाई। सरसी सीपि कि सिंधु समाई।। भरतु मुनिहि मन भीतर भाए। सहित समाज राम पहिं आए।। प्रभु प्रनामु करि दीन्ह सुआसनु। बैठे सब सुनि मुनि अनुसासनु।। बोले मुनिबरु बचन बिचारी। देस काल अवसर अनुहारी।। सुनहु राम सरबग्य सुजाना। धरम नीति गुन ग्यान निधाना।।
Hearing Bharata's words and seeing his love, the sage and the whole assembly were overcome with feeling. Bharata's great glory is like an ocean, while the sage's intellect stands at the shore like a helpless woman. She longs to cross and searches her heart for a way, but finds neither boat, nor ship, nor raft. Who else could sing Bharata's praise? Can a small shell hold the sea? Bharata gladdened the sage in his innermost heart. Together with his retinue, he came before Rama. The Lord bowed in greeting and offered him a fine seat. All sat down upon hearing the sage's instruction. The great sage spoke measured words, fitting the place, the time, and the occasion. Hear me, Rama, O all-knowing, wise one, treasure-house of dharma, virtue, and wisdom.