The Treasure of Joy Sleeps upon Bare Earth
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 200
Doha 200 · Movement 2 of 2
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Raghunath is the very form of happiness, the radiant jewel of Raghu's line, and the inexhaustible treasury of auspiciousness and delight.
Yet beneath the forest tree that source of comfort lay upon kusa grass spread over bare earth. The ground received the one from whom every creature seeks shelter.
Bharata stands before the bewildering reversal. No lack in Ram has brought him low, and no hardness of circumstance can diminish what he is. Still, the course of destiny has arranged the Lord of joy upon a bed without softness or ornament. The tableau makes fate appear immensely powerful, while Ram's unchanged serenity quietly reveals a power deeper than fate.
Destiny can place the treasure of all joy upon bare earth, but it cannot make the treasure cease to shine.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुखस्वरुप रघुबंसमनि मंगल मोद निधान। ते सोवत कुस डासि महि बिधि गति अति बलवान।।200।।
He who is the very svaroop of sukh, the mani of Raghuvansh, the eternal treasure of mangal and joy; that same Lord now sleeps on kush grass spread upon the bare earth. How powerful, how irresistible is the gati of Vidhi.