Janaka Asks Bharata to Give the Command
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 292
Doha 292 · Movement 2 of 2
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Janaka places Rama's character before Bharata: devoted to truth, absorbed in dharma, gentle toward all, and filled with affection for every being.
Such a Lord bears hardship quietly because his modesty will not let him press his own suffering upon others. The very virtues that make Rama worthy to decide also make him reluctant to impose a decision.
So Janaka turns toward Bharata. Tell me what command should be given. The request is astonishing, yet it follows the logic of the assembly. Rama has made himself obedient to love, the guru has entrusted discernment to Janaka, and Janaka now seeks the will of the servant who refuses all self-interest.
Because Rama's gentleness bears every hardship in silence, Janaka asks selfless Bharata to speak the command the Lord will not impose.
Read the passage from the Manas
राम सत्यब्रत धरम रत सब कर सीलु सनेहु।। संकट सहत सकोच बस कहिअ जो आयसु देहु।।292।।
Rama is devoted to satya and steeped in dharma, full of sheela and sneh for all. He bears every hardship with quiet patience; tell me now, what is your command?