Those Who Cannot Run Wring Their Hands
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 121
Doha 121 · Movement 2 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Children, elders, and the physically frail hear that Ram has passed nearby. They cannot race along the road like stronger villagers, so their hands turn against each other in helpless regret.
The lost glimpse seems unbearably close. Dust still hangs where the travellers walked, and others return shining with what their eyes received, while those left behind can only imagine the forms already beyond reach.
Thus the journey reveals a quiet law. Wherever Ram goes, people fall under love's power. Ability may decide who reaches the visible road, but longing claims every age and body. The feet that cannot follow may remain still while the heart runs farther than the swiftest villager.
Small hands and aged hands remain behind, yet love sends their hearts racing after Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
अबला बालक बृद्ध जन कर मीजहिं पछिताहिं।। होहिं प्रेमबस लोग इमि रामु जहाँ जहँ जाहिं।।121।।
The frail, the children, and the elderly wring their hands in regret. Wherever Rama goes, the people there fall under the sway of love.