Sumitra Blesses Lakshmana with Ever-New Love
Ayodhya Kanda, Chhand 3
Doha 75 · Movement 2 of 3
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Sumitra teaches Lakshmana to bring such joy to Ram and Sita that forest life softens around them. Through his presence, they may forget the comforts of parents, family, and city.
Then she grants permission and places blessing upon the service she has described. Duty is not left as a burden; grace is sent with it.
May Lakshmana's love for Sita's and Ram's feet remain constant, pure, and ever new day after day. Repetition of service must never become dull habit. Each forest morning is to renew the freshness of the first bow.
Sumitra sends Lakshmana forth with a love commanded to remain pure, constant, and new every morning.
Read the passage from the Manas
उपदेसु यहु जेहिं तात तुम्हरे राम सिय सुख पावहीं। पितु मातु प्रिय परिवार पुर सुख सुरति बन बिसरावहीं।। तुलसी प्रभुहि सिख देइ आयसु दीन्ह पुनि आसिष दई। रति होउ अबिरल अमल सिय रघुबीर पद नित नित नई।।
This is the teaching by which, dear son, your presence will bring joy to Rama and Sita, and make them forget the comforts of father, mother, dear family, and city while in the forest. Tulasidas says: having given the Lord this counsel, she granted her permission and then bestowed her blessing. May your love for the feet of Sita and the Hero of Raghu's line be constant, pure, and ever new, day after day.