Ram Understands Lakshmana's Only Fear
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 72
Doha 72 · Movement 2 of 2
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Ram hears his brother's soft and humble words. Beneath them he recognizes a fear deeper than tigers, hunger, storm, or the unknown forest.
Lakshmana is afraid only of being left behind. The wilderness carries no terror if Ram is there; Ayodhya itself becomes unbearable if Ram departs without him.
The Ocean of Compassion draws Lakshmana to his heart and consoles him. His anxious body begins to soften. Argument yields to direct understanding. Ram does not merely approve a companion; he embraces the total devotion whose vulnerability has finally been spoken.
Ram finds the one fear within fearless Lakshmana and answers it by drawing him against his heart.
Read the passage from the Manas
करुनासिंधु सुबंध के सुनि मृदु बचन बिनीत। समुझाए उर लाइ प्रभु जानि सनेहँ सभीत।।72।।
Hearing the soft, humble words of His noble brother, the Ocean of Compassion knew that Lakshmana was afraid; not of the forest, but of being left behind. He drew him to His heart and consoled him. (72)