Valmiki Asks Where Ram Is Not
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 127
Doha 127 · Movement 2 of 2
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Ram has asked where he should dwell. Valmiki feels a loving shyness before answering, for the question places a boundary around the one who pervades all boundaries.
The sage turns the request gently back. First name a place where Ram is absent, and there Valmiki will gladly point out a dwelling.
The exchange lets omnipresence smile. Ram seeks a location for a leaf hut, while his being already fills hermitage, wilderness, river, village, and every heart capable of asking. The practical question remains, but it opens into a truth no map can hold: there is no outside to the Lord's presence.
Asked to locate a home for the all pervading Lord, Valmiki searches only for the impossible place where Ram is not.
Read the passage from the Manas
पूँछेहु मोहि कि रहौं कहँ मैं पूँछत सकुचाउँ। जहँ न होहु तहँ देहु कहि तुम्हहि देखावौं ठाउँ।।127।।
You ask me where I should dwell. I feel shy even to put the question back to You. Tell me where You are not present, and I will gladly show You that place.