Bharata Dips His Answer in Nectar
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 176
Doha 176 · Movement 3 of 3
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Bharata steadies the burden within him and joins lotuslike hands. The assembly waits after placing guru, father, mother, ministers, and citizens behind one command.
His answer rises neither in defiance nor self defense. Words seem dipped in nectar before being offered, gentle enough to honor every elder and clear enough to reveal the heart they have not persuaded.
True firmness enters through courtesy. Bharata will not seize authority by rejecting authority, and he will not conceal devotion beneath obedience misunderstood. The prince stands ready to give each person a fitting reply while keeping reverence intact.
With folded hands and a heart bearing the whole kingdom, Bharata prepares a refusal sweet enough to honor those he cannot obey as they intend.
Read the passage from the Manas
भरतु कमल कर जोरि धीर धुरंधर धीर धरि। बचन अमिअँ जनु बोरि देत उचित उत्तर सबहि।।176।।
Bharat, joining his lotus hands together, steadfast and wise, the bearer of great burdens, as if dipping his words in amrit, gave fitting reply to all.