Neti Neti Takes the Form of Ram
Bala Kanda, Chhand 2
Doha 51 · Movement 2 of 3
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Steadfast sages, yogis, and perfected beings sit with pure minds turned toward the Reality no image can contain. Vedas, Puranas, and Agamas approach its immensity and fall into the reverent negation of neti, neti. Not this boundary. Not this concept. Not any object thought can grasp.
That same all pervading Brahman, Lord of the hosts of worlds and master of maya, appears upon the forest road as Ram. No compulsion has drawn him into birth. Ever free and governed only by his own divine will, he has descended for the sake of his devotees.
The form does not replace the infinite. The infinite has made itself lovingly visible.
Beyond every definition, Brahman steps through the forest beneath the name of Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
मुनि धीर जोगी सिद्ध संतत बिमल मन जेहि ध्यावहीं। कहि नेति निगम पुरान आगम जासु कीरति गावहीं।। सोइ रामु ब्यापक ब्रह्म भुवन निकाय पति माया धनी। अवतरेउ अपने भगत हित निजतंत्र नित रघुकुलमनि।।
He whom steadfast sages, yogis, and siddhas constantly meditate upon with pure hearts; He whose glory the Vedas, Puranas, and Agamas sing while declaring 'neti, neti' (not this, not this). He is the very same One who has appeared as Ram.