Lakshmana Offers to Pay the Guru's Debt
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 273
Doha 276 · Movement 1 of 2
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Lakshmana praises the sage's famous character, then turns Parashurama's boast into an account ledger. He has repaid his parents, but debt to his guru remains. That burden has been placed upon the Raghus, and interest has grown with time.
Call the creditor, Lakshmana says. Name the sum and he will open his purse at once. Parashurama readies the axe, and the entire assembly cries out in alarm.
Lakshmana asks to see the weapon and says only the sage's Brahminhood stays his hand. Parashurama has not met steadfast warriors in hard battle, only the fame of a hero within his own house. People denounce the words as improper. At last Ram gestures, and Lakshmana falls silent before his brother's will.
The hall cries out, the axe rises, and one small gesture from Ram closes Lakshmana's mouth.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहेउ लखन मुनि सीलु तुम्हारा। को नहि जान बिदित संसारा।। माता पितहि उरिन भए नीकें। गुर रिनु रहा सोचु बड़ जीकें।। सो जनु हमरेहि माथे काढ़ा। दिन चलि गए ब्याज बड़ बाढ़ा।। अब आनिअ ब्यवहरिआ बोली। तुरत देउँ मैं थैली खोली।। सुनि कटु बचन कुठार सुधारा। हाय हाय सब सभा पुकारा।। भृगुबर परसु देखावहु मोही। बिप्र बिचारि बचउँ नृपद्रोही।। मिले न कबहुँ सुभट रन गाढ़े। द्विज देवता घरहि के बाढ़े।। अनुचित कहि सब लोग पुकारे। रघुपति सयनहिं लखनु नेवारे।।
Lakshmana said, 'O sage, your noble character is well known throughout the world. You have discharged your debt to mother and father splendidly. Only the debt to your guru remains, and it weighs heavily on your mind. That debt has now been placed upon our heads. Days have passed and the interest has grown enormously. Now summon the creditor and state the amount. I shall pay it at once, opening my purse on the spot.' Hearing these bitter words, Parashurama readied his axe. The entire assembly cried out, 'Alas! Alas!' 'Show me your axe, O best of the Bhrigus! I spare you only because you are a Brahmin, O enemy of kings. You have never encountered steadfast warriors in fierce battle. You are a Brahmin-hero, brave only within the walls of home.' All the people cried out that this was improper. Shri Rama gestured to Lakshmana to hold his tongue.