The Forest Softens beneath Bharata's Barefoot Pilgrimage
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 311
Doha 311 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dharma and sacred histories fill the night until dawn arrives almost unnoticed. After morning observances, Bharata and Shatrughna receive permission from Rama, Atri, and the guru, then set out on foot with the company to wander through Rama's forest.
Their tender feet bear no sandals. The earth feels inwardly ashamed and makes the path soft. Kusha grass, thorns, pebbles, rough stones, and every harsh thing withdraw from the route.
Gentle winds bring comfort, gods scatter flowers, clouds offer shade, and trees flower and fruit above tender grass. Deer look upon the pilgrims and birds release sweet calls. Knowing that these travelers are dear to Rama, the whole forest serves them, transforming the path from hardship into a living welcome.
As Bharata walks barefoot through Rama's forest, earth and sky remove their harshness and every creature becomes a host.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहत धरम इतिहास सप्रीती। भयउ भोरु निसि सो सुख बीती।। नित्य निबाहि भरत दोउ भाई। राम अत्रि गुर आयसु पाई।। सहित समाज साज सब सादें। चले राम बन अटन पयादें।। कोमल चरन चलत बिनु पनहीं। भइ मृदु भूमि सकुचि मन मनहीं।। कुस कंटक काँकरीं कुराईं। कटुक कठोर कुबस्तु दुराईं।। महि मंजुल मृदु मारग कीन्हे। बहत समीर त्रिबिध सुख लीन्हे।। सुमन बरषि सुर घन करि छाहीं। बिटप फूलि फलि तृन मृदुताहीं।। मृग बिलोकि खग बोलि सुबानी। सेवहिं सकल राम प्रिय जानी।।
Speaking of dharma and sacred histories with love, the night passed in such sweetness and dawn arrived. After completing their morning duties, the two brothers received permission from their guru Atri to set forth. With the whole company and all provisions prepared, Rama walked on foot into the forest. His tender feet, walking without sandals, caused the soft earth itself to feel ashamed in its heart. Kusha grass, thorns, pebbles, and rough stones, all harsh and painful things, vanished from the path. The earth made the way beautiful and soft, and gentle breezes brought comfort of three kinds. The gods showered blossoms from above, clouds gathered to offer shade, trees burst into bloom and fruit, and the grass grew tender. Deer gazed upon Him with loving eyes, birds sang their sweetest songs. Knowing Rama to be the beloved of all, every creature served Him.