The Beggar Becomes Ekatanu
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 162
Doha 162 · Movement 1 of 2
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The disguised enemy says he remains hidden because nothing in the world interests him except service to Hari. The Lord knows every need without being told, so what accomplishment could be gained by pleasing people?
He calls Pratapbhanu pure, wise, beloved, and full of faith. To conceal anything from such a dear guest would now be a grave fault. The performance of detachment increases the king's trust with every measured word and controlled gesture.
At last the supposed sage offers another name: Ekatanu, the One Bodied. Pratapbhanu bows again and asks its meaning, eager to receive the secret history of one he now regards as an ancient perfected being rather than a dispossessed enemy.
Bhikhari falls away, and the mask takes the older, more wondrous name Ekatanu.
Read the passage from the Manas
तातें गुपुत रहउँ जग माहीं। हरि तजि किमपि प्रयोजन नाहीं।। प्रभु जानत सब बिनहिं जनाएँ। कहहु कवनि सिधि लोक रिझाएँ।। तुम्ह सुचि सुमति परम प्रिय मोरें। प्रीति प्रतीति मोहि पर तोरें।। अब जौं तात दुरावउँ तोही। दारुन दोष घटइ अति मोही।। जिमि जिमि तापसु कथइ उदासा। तिमि तिमि नृपहि उपज बिस्वासा।। देखा स्वबस कर्म मन बानी। तब बोला तापस बगध्यानी।। नाम हमार एकतनु भाई। सुनि नृप बोले पुनि सिरु नाई।। कहहु नाम कर अरथ बखानी। मोहि सेवक अति आपन जानी।।
Therefore I remain hidden in this world. Apart from Hari, I have no purpose whatsoever. The Lord knows all without being told. He Himself called me here; there is nothing more I need say.