Let Me Take the Forest and Let Rama Guard the World
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 268
Doha 268 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata's request finally emerges, and its shape reveals the work love has done within him. He does not ask Rama to abandon truth, nor does he ask the kingdom to remain without its rightful protector.
Send me into the forest with my younger brother, he says, and make everyone blessed beneath Rama's care. Let the hardship fall upon Bharata. Let Ayodhya receive the shelter for which every citizen and mother has crossed the wilderness.
He leaves a second form of the same surrender. If that exchange cannot be made, then let Rama and Lakshmana return while Bharata goes beside Rama into exile. In every version he removes himself from the throne and places his body wherever service is hardest. His desire is not to choose his own fate, but to make Rama's presence available to all.
Bharata asks for no kingdom and no relief, only the privilege of bearing the forest so that Rama may become the shelter of everyone.
Read the passage from the Manas
सानुज पठइअ मोहि बन कीजिअ सबहि सनाथ। नतरु फेरिअहिं बंधु दोउ नाथ चलौं मैं साथ।।268।।
Send me to the forest with my younger brother, and give everyone the blessing of a protector. Otherwise, let both brothers return, and I, O Lord, shall walk beside You.