The Mountain Bears Grass upon Its Head
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 167
Doha 167 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ekatanu says many methods exist, though all are difficult. One remedy is easy and lies within his power, but he cannot enter Pratapbhanu's city. Since the day he first came into being, he claims, he has never gone to another's village or house.
Without his presence the plan cannot succeed, so the false sage presents himself as trapped between spiritual discipline and affection for the king. Pratapbhanu answers with images from the Vedas, pleading that greatness naturally bears what is small.
Mountains carry grass upon their heads. The unfathomable ocean supports foam upon its surface, and the patient earth continually bears dust. In the same way, a great ascetic may stoop to hardship for one helpless devotee without losing his height.
Pratapbhanu points to grass on the mountain and begs greatness to bend toward him.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनु नृप बिबिध जतन जग माहीं। कष्टसाध्य पुनि होहिं कि नाहीं।। अहइ एक अति सुगम उपाई। तहाँ परंतु एक कठिनाई।। मम आधीन जुगुति नृप सोई। मोर जाब तव नगर न होई।। आजु लगें अरु जब तें भयऊँ। काहू के गृह ग्राम न गयऊँ।। जौं न जाउँ तव होइ अकाजू। बना आइ असमंजस आजू।। सुनि महीस बोलेउ मृदु बानी। नाथ निगम असि नीति बखानी।। बड़े सनेह लघुन्ह पर करहीं। गिरि निज सिरनि सदा तृन धरहीं।। जलधि अगाध मौलि बह फेनू। संतत धरनि धरत सिर रेनू।।
"Listen, O king. Many are the methods in this world, yet they are hard to practise and may or may not bear fruit. There is, however, one exceedingly simple remedy. And yet, dear brother, nothing in all the world is harder."