The Guru Must Guard Dasharatha from Grief
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 151
Doha 151 · Movement 3 of 3
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Ram's message next turns toward Guru Vasishtha. Sumantra must clasp the teacher's lotus feet repeatedly and place the son's concern before him.
May Vasishtha give such instruction that the ruler of Ayodhya no longer grieves on Ram's account. The requested remedy is neither political maneuver nor false reassurance, but wisdom arising from the family preceptor.
At the threshold of wilderness, Ram looks back through the order of dharma. When a son's presence cannot console the father, the guru's realization must hold him. The message entrusts Dasharatha's wounded mind to the one whose teaching can open a space larger than separation.
From the Ganga shore, Ram places his father's grief at Vasishtha's feet and asks wisdom to keep watch in his absence.
Read the passage from the Manas
गुर सन कहब सँदेसु बार बार पद पदुम गहि। करब सोइ उपदेसु जेहिं न सोच मोहि अवधपति।।151।।
Convey my message to Guru Vasishtha, clasping his lotus feet again and again. May he give such teaching and counsel that the lord of Avadh (my father) carries no sorrow on my account.