Bharata Reads Rama's Downcast Gaze and Asks Leave
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 313
Doha 313 · Movement 1 of 2
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At dawn the assembly bathes and gathers with Bharata, the brahmins, and Janaka. Rama knows the day of departure has come, yet compassion makes him hesitate. He looks upon guru, king, brother, and society, then lowers his gaze to the earth.
The assembly marvels that no master equals Rama in modesty. Bharata understands what the Lord cannot bring himself to say. Gathering love and courage, he rises, prostrates, and joins his hands.
Rama has honored every wish Bharata carried into the forest. Because of that journey, everyone has suffered, and Rama himself has borne pain in many forms. Bharata now asks permission to return and serve Ayodhya until the appointed term is complete. Love learns to speak the farewell that compassion cannot utter.
When Rama's eyes fall toward the ground, Bharata understands and gives voice to the departure his Lord is too tender to command.
Read the passage from the Manas
भोर न्हाइ सबु जुरा समाजू। भरत भूमिसुर तेरहुति राजू।। भल दिन आजु जानि मन माहीं। रामु कृपाल कहत सकुचाहीं।। गुर नृप भरत सभा अवलोकी। सकुचि राम फिरि अवनि बिलोकी।। सील सराहि सभा सब सोची। कहुँ न राम सम स्वामि सँकोची।। भरत सुजान राम रुख देखी। उठि सप्रेम धरि धीर बिसेषी।। करि दंडवत कहत कर जोरी। राखीं नाथ सकल रुचि मोरी।। मोहि लगि सहेउ सबहिं संतापू। बहुत भाँति दुखु पावा आपू।। अब गोसाइँ मोहि देउ रजाई। सेवौं अवध अवधि भरि जाई।।
At dawn, after bathing, the entire assembly gathered: Bharat, the learned brahmins, and the king of Tirahut. Knowing in His heart that this was an auspicious day, the compassionate Rama still hesitated to speak. Seeing the guru, the king, Bharat, and the full assembly before Him, Rama grew shy and turned His gaze to the ground. The whole assembly praised His grace and thought: nowhere is there a master so humble as Rama. The wise Bharat, reading Rama's countenance, rose with love and gathered himself with great resolve. Bowing to the earth and joining his palms, he said: "O Lord, You have honored every wish of mine. Because of me, everyone has endured suffering, and You yourself have borne pain of many kinds. Now, O Gosaaeen, grant me Your leave, that I may go and serve Ayodhya until the appointed time is fulfilled."