Bharata Bows and Remembers Sita and Rama
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 297
Doha 297 · Movement 2 of 2
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The assembly begins to see through the eyes of discernment. Love softens them, but no longer leaves them wholly submerged beneath the immediate wish to end separation.
Bharata does not stand above the others as the possessor of clarity. He bows before speaking, making the truth he is about to utter an act of reverence rather than correction.
Within himself he remembers Sita and Raghuraja. Their joined presence becomes the source from which his words will flow. By remembering both, he holds together tenderness and sovereignty, forest suffering and royal duty, the beloved person and the Lord whose will must remain supreme.
Before offering discernment to the assembly, Bharata bows and lets the remembered presence of Sita and Rama become his voice.
Read the passage from the Manas
निरखि बिबेक बिलोचनन्हि सिथिल सनेहँ समाजु। करि प्रनामु बोले भरतु सुमिरि सीय रघुराजु।।297।।
Gazing through the eyes of vivek (discernment), the assembly grew still, softened by the gentle power of love (sneh). Bowing in reverence, Bharat spoke, remembering Sita and Raghuraja (the Lord of the Raghus).