Bharata's Devotion Wins Even Vasishtha's Discernment
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 258
Doha 258 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ram says distress can narrow thought like a gambler seeing only his own throw. The remedy rests with Vasishtha, whose command all will gladly obey.
Whatever instruction comes first to Ram, he will place upon his head. Whatever service is assigned to each person will be fulfilled. The Lord gives the guru complete authority over the assembly's action.
Vasishtha answers that Ram speaks truth, yet love for Bharata has made even his judgment tender. The sage admits the same captivity: Bharata's devotion has won his mind. As far as he can see, honoring Bharata's deepest wish will make the outcome auspicious, with Shiva as witness. Love has entered the council not as sentiment outside reason, but as the force reshaping its highest discernment.
Ram yields the remedy to the guru, and the guru confesses that Bharata's devotion has already conquered the mind that must decide.
Read the passage from the Manas
आरत कहहिं बिचारि न काऊ। सूझ जूआरिहि आपन दाऊ।। सुनि मुनि बचन कहत रघुराऊ। नाथ तुम्हारेहि हाथ उपाऊ।। सब कर हित रुख राउरि राखें। आयसु किएँ मुदित फुर भाषें।। प्रथम जो आयसु मो कहुँ होई। माथें मानि करौ सिख सोई।। पुनि जेहि कहँ जस कहब गोसाईं। सो सब भाँति घटिहि सेवकाईं।। कह मुनि राम सत्य तुम्ह भाषा। भरत सनेहँ बिचारु न राखा।। तेहि तें कहउँ बहोरि बहोरी। भरत भगति बस भइ मति मोरी।। मोरें जान भरत रुचि राखि। जो कीजिअ सो सुभ सिव साखी।।
Those in distress speak without careful thought. A gambler sees nothing beyond his own throw of the dice. Hearing the sage's words, Raghunath replied: 'O master, the remedy rests entirely in your hands.' You hold everyone's welfare in your heart. When you give your command, all will speak with joy and certainty. Whatever instruction you first give to me, I shall bow my head and follow that counsel. Then, whatever you direct each person to do, O Lord, all will fulfill their service in every way. The sage replied: 'Rama, you have spoken truly. Yet in your love for Bharat, you have set aside your own discernment.' For this reason I speak again and again: my mind has been won over by Bharat's devotion. As far as I can see, if we honor Bharat's deepest wish, whatever is done will prove auspicious. Shiva himself stands witness to this.