The Young Ascetic Falls Like a Staff
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 110
Doha 110 · Movement 2 of 2
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Recognition reaches the young ascetic all at once. The beloved form sought within stands before his open eyes on the Yamuna road. Tears flood them, and every hair of his body rises in ecstasy.
He does not approach with a measured salutation. His whole frame falls straight upon the earth like a staff laid down, surrender expressed through the body's complete length.
Words cannot enter the state that follows. The crowd sees an unmoving figure at Ram's feet, but inwardly love has broken every boundary between search and arrival. The verse leaves the moment undescribed so contemplation may rest in the silence created when a devotee finally recognizes his chosen Lord.
One glimpse turns the ascetic's body into a single prostration and carries his inward condition beyond speech.
Read the passage from the Manas
सजल नयन तन पुलकि निज इष्टदेउ पहिचानि। परेउ दंड जिमि धरनितल दसा न जाइ बखानि।।110।।
With tear-filled eyes and a body thrilling with ecstasy, he recognized his beloved Lord. He fell to the earth like a staff laid flat. His state of love cannot be described in words.