The Eyes of the Alphabet
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 20
Doha 20 · Movement 1 of 2
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The whole alphabet gathers like a jeweled court, and at its centre gleam two living eyes. Ra and Ma are sweet upon the tongue, simple enough for a child, yet they watch over the journey through this world and the next. Their affection is the affection of Ram and Lakshman walking shoulder to shoulder, distinct in form and inseparable in purpose.
The vision widens. The two syllables stand like Brahman and the individual soul, like Nara and Narayana in sacred brotherhood, like the sun and moon adorning devotion. They become the nectar and the deep satisfaction of tasting it, the cosmic tortoise and the serpent supporting the earth, two ancient strengths bearing worlds no eye can measure.
Within the heart's lotus they move as dark bees, entering the fragrance where thought cannot follow. Upon the tongue they play like Krishna and Balaram, bringing delight to the field of speech. Every image changes, yet the intimacy remains. Two sounds face one another across no distance at all.
The alphabet opens its eyes, and the two brothers look out upon the worlds.
Read the passage from the Manas
आखर मधुर मनोहर दोऊ। बरन बिलोचन जन जिय जोऊ।। सुमिरत सुलभ सुखद सब काहू। लोक लाहु परलोक निबाहू।। कहत सुनत सुमिरत सुठि नीके। राम लखन सम प्रिय तुलसी के।। बरनत बरन प्रीति बिलगाती। ब्रह्म जीव सम सहज सँघाती।। नर नारायन सरिस सुभ्राता। जग पालक बिसेषि जन त्राता।। भगति सुतिय कल करन बिभूषन। जग हित हेतु बिमल बिधु पूषन । स्वाद तोष सम सुगति सुधा के। कमठ सेष सम धर बसुधा के।। जन मन मंजु कंज मधुकर से। जीह जसोमति हरि हलधर से।।
Both syllables are sweet and captivating. They are the very eyes of the alphabet, the life-breath of every devotee. To remember them is easy, and they bestow happiness upon all. They bring fulfillment in this world and safe passage through the next.