Bharata Resolves That Rama's Command Is His Highest Good
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 266
Doha 266 · Movement 1 of 2
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Brihaspati unfolds the mystery before the gods. Service to Sita's Lord is more bountiful than a hundred wish fulfilling cows. Since devotion to Bharata has entered their hearts, they may release their fear and watch the power of his goodness.
Rama is moved by Bharata's nature because Bharata is Rama's very shadow. Yet the all-knowing Lord feels tender hesitation, and Bharata knows the immense burden placed upon him. Within the stillness of his joined hands, thought turns in countless directions while heaven and earth wait.
At last his mind finds its fixed ground. Rama's command is his own highest welfare. He remembers how Rama set aside his own resolve to honor Bharata's plea, showing compassion and affection without measure. Bharata will not use that love to serve a private desire. He prepares to answer grace with obedience.
While gods and mortals wait upon his choice, Bharata anchors his whole being in one certainty: Rama's command alone is good for him.
Read the passage from the Manas
सीतापति सेवक सेवकाई। कामधेनु सय सरिस सुहाई।। भरत भगति तुम्हरें मन आई। तजहु सोचु बिधि बात बनाई।। देखु देवपति भरत प्रभाऊ। सहज सुभायँ बिबस रघुराऊ।। मन थिर करहु देव डरु नाहीं। भरतहि जानि राम परिछाहीं।। सुनो सुरगुर सुर संमत सोचू। अंतरजामी प्रभुहि सकोचू।। निज सिर भारु भरत जियँ जाना। करत कोटि बिधि उर अनुमाना।। करि बिचारु मन दीन्ही ठीका। राम रजायस आपन नीका।। निज पन तजि राखेउ पनु मोरा। छोहु सनेहु कीन्ह नहिं थोरा।।
Service to Sita's Lord (Sitapati) is as beautiful and bountiful as a hundred wish-fulfilling cows (Kamadhenu). Bharat's devotion has entered your hearts. Cast away all worry, for Providence (Vidhi) has arranged everything well. Behold, O lord of gods, the power of Bharata's goodness. By his simple, natural virtue, even Raghuraya (Rama) is moved. Steady your minds, O gods, and fear nothing. Know Bharata to be Rama's very shadow. Hear me, O guru of gods. The gods grieve together, and even the all-knowing Lord feels a tender hesitation. Bharata knows in his heart the weight that rests upon his head, and turns it over in his mind in countless ways. After deep reflection, he has resolved within himself: Rama's command is my highest good. Setting aside his own vow, he has honored mine. His compassion and love have been beyond all measure.