Let Love Be Honored without Breaking Rama's Vow
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 293
Doha 293 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bharata names the boundaries within which the decision must arise. Rama's own inclination must be preserved. Dharma and the vow already accepted must remain unbroken.
He asks Janaka to remember that he is dependent, not free to turn love into personal sovereignty. Nor should the outcome be created by one heart alone, however pure its intention. The consent of the gathered society must be heard.
Within these disciplines, love is not rejected. It is to be recognized and followed for the welfare of all. Bharata seeks a form in which affection, truth, duty, community, and surrender cease competing and reveal their common center in Rama.
Bharata asks for a decision where love is fulfilled through Rama's will, sacred vow, shared consent, and the good of everyone.
Read the passage from the Manas
राखि राम रुख धरमु ब्रतु पराधीन मोहि जानि। सब कें संमत सर्ब हित करिअ पेमु पहिचानि।।293।।
Keeping Rama's wish and dharma and vrat in view, knowing me to be dependent on others, with the consent of all, for the good of all, let prem be recognized and followed.