Vasishtha Calls Janaka Back to Courage
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 276
Doha 276 · Movement 3 of 3
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Teachings arise throughout the overwhelmed assembly. People console one another, and great sages offer countless forms of instruction, seeking a place where grief may loosen its hold.
At the center, Vasishtha addresses Janaka directly. Hold courage, O king. The words are simple enough to sound almost impossible beside the river that has broken every bank of knowledge and restraint.
Yet the guru does not ask Janaka to cease loving, forget Dasharatha, or hide the pain of Sita and Rama. Courage must be found within love, not outside it. The lord of Videha is invited to let discernment rise again without denying the sacred bond whose depth has made even sages helpless.
Vasishtha does not call Janaka out of love's river, but asks him to recover the courage with which love can still serve.
Read the passage from the Manas
किए अमित उपदेस जहँ तहँ लोगन्ह मुनिबरन्ह। धीरजु धरिअ नरेस कहेउ बसिष्ठ बिदेह सन।।276।।
Countless words of upadesha were offered here and there by the people and the great munis. 'Hold dheeraj, O Naresha,' said Vasishtha gently to the lord of Videha.