Bowing Through the Lineage of Poets
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 14
Sortha 14 · Movement 1 of 2
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Strengthened by the bridge of those who came before, Tulsidas prepares to tell Raghupati's beautiful story. Vyasa stands at the head of a vast lineage. Around him gather poets of ancient ages, poets of Kali Yuga, and wise singers who carried Hari's deeds into common speech.
The line extends beyond the horizon, holding those who lived, those now living, and those who have not yet been born. Tulsidas bows to every one without pretence and asks a single boon: may the assembly of saints honour the work. Poetry ignored by the wise is wasted labour, however fiercely the novice pursues it.
The good composition resembles the Ganga because its benefit belongs to everyone. Yet the poet worries that Ram's spotless fame has been placed in rustic language. Grace answers with another image. Even a humble woven mat becomes beautiful when covered with silk. The foundation remains simple; blessing gives it splendour.
Past and future poets raise their hands in blessing above the unfinished page.
Read the passage from the Manas
एहि प्रकार बल मनहि देखाई। करिहउँ रघुपति कथा सुहाई।। ब्यास आदि कबि पुंगव नाना। जिन्ह सादर हरि सुजस बखाना।। चरन कमल बंदउँ तिन्ह केरे। पुरवहुँ सकल मनोरथ मेरे।। कलि के कबिन्ह करउँ परनामा। जिन्ह बरने रघुपति गुन ग्रामा।। जे प्राकृत कबि परम सयाने। भाषाँ जिन्ह हरि चरित बखाने।। भए जे अहहिं जे होइहहिं आगें। प्रनवउँ सबहिं कपट सब त्यागें।। होहु प्रसन्न देहु बरदानू। साधु समाज भनिति सनमानू।। जो प्रबंध बुध नहिं आदरहीं। सो श्रम बादि बाल कबि करहीं।। कीरति भनिति भूति भलि सोई। सुरसरि सम सब कहँ हित होई।। राम सुकीरति भनिति भदेसा। असमंजस अस मोहि अँदेसा।। तुम्हरी कृपा सुलभ सोउ मोरे। सिअनि सुहावनि टाट पटोरे।।
Having shown this strength to my mind in this way, I shall now tell the beautiful story of Raghupati. Vyasa and many other great among poets have reverently sung the glorious praise of Hari. I bow at the lotus feet of each one of them. May they fulfill all the desires of my heart.