Struck Dust Rises above the Head
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 229
Doha 229 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana names the foundations of his courage. He was born in the warrior lineage of Raghu and is known throughout the world as one who follows Ram.
Such service cannot remain passive when insult appears to strike the beloved. The blow itself becomes a summons upward.
Dust kicked by a foot does not merely lie defeated upon the road. It rises and may pass above the head that struck it. Lakshmana sees himself in that image, low at Ram's feet yet capable of ascending in defense of them. Humility and valor meet in the same particle: it is because he is dust that he can be stirred so completely by the Lord's cause.
Lakshmana accepts the lowliness of dust, knowing that when Ram is struck, even dust can rise above kings.
Read the passage from the Manas
छत्रि जाति रघुकुल जनमु राम अनुग जगु जान। लातहुँ मारें चढ़ति सिर नीच को धूरि समान।।229।।
Born of the Kshatriya line, born in the house of Raghu, known to all the world as Rama's devoted follower. Even when kicked, such a soul rises higher, like dust that soars above the head when struck.