Rama's Command Gives Bharata the Far Shore of Exile
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 307
Doha 307 · Movement 1 of 2
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Rama's words enter the assembly like nectar stirred into an ocean of love. Everyone grows still in the absorption of affection, and even Sarasvati finds no speech equal to the moment.
Bharata feels complete contentment. The master's face is turned toward him, and grief and blame lose their hold. His expression brightens as if one born mute has suddenly received the gift of voice. He bows again and joins lotus hands.
He has received the happiness of Rama's presence and the true fruit of human birth. Now he will place any command upon his head and fulfill it with reverence. Bharata asks only that the command become his support, a practice strong enough to carry him across the appointed years of separation.
The exile remains, but Rama's command becomes the bridge by which Bharata can cross every day of its appointed span.
Read the passage from the Manas
सभा सकल सुनि रघुबर बानी। प्रेम पयोधि अमिअ जनु सानी।। सिथिल समाज सनेह समाधी। देखि दसा चुप सारद साधी।। भरतहि भयउ परम संतोषू। सनमुख स्वामि बिमुख दुख दोषू।। मुख प्रसन्न मन मिटा बिषादू। भा जनु गूँगेहि गिरा प्रसादू।। कीन्ह सप्रेम प्रनामु बहोरी। बोले पानि पंकरुह जोरी।। नाथ भयउ सुखु साथ गए को। लहेउँ लाहु जग जनमु भए को।। अब कृपाल जस आयसु होई। करौं सीस धरि सादर सोई।। सो अवलंब देव मोहि देई। अवधि पारु पावौं जेहि सेई।।
Sabhaa sakal suni raghubar baanee. The entire assembly heard Raghubara's words, which seemed like nectar stirred into an ocean of love. Sithil samaaj saneh samaadhee. The gathering grew soft and still, absorbed in the samadhi of tender affection. Seeing their condition, even Saraswati fell silent. Bharatahi bhayau param santoshoo. Bharat felt supreme contentment. When the master turns his face toward you, sorrow and blame turn away. Mukh prasann man mitaa bishaadoo. His face grew radiant and the grief in his heart dissolved, as though a person born mute had suddenly received the gift of speech. Keenh saprem pranaamu bahoree. He lovingly bowed once more and spoke with lotus-like hands joined together. Naath bhayau sukhu saath gae ko. O Lord, what happiness has come from being in your presence! I have received the true reward of being born into this world. Aba kripaal jas aayasu hoee. Now, O compassionate one, whatever command you give, I shall carry it out with reverence, placing it upon my head. So avalamb dev mohi deee. Grant me that support, O divine Lord, by serving which I may reach the far shore of this appointed time of separation.