Ram Offers the Gods Seats within His Heart
Bala Kanda, Chhand 31
Doha 321 · Movement 2 of 3
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Joy has erased ordinary self-awareness from the gathering. No one can tell who recognizes whom while the source of bliss sits as bridegroom and both sides overflow.
Ram knows the gods concealed among the Brahmins. Without exposing their play, he worships them inwardly and offers each an honoured seat within his heart.
The celestials behold this gracious nature and become supremely delighted. The one they have come to worship receives them as worthy of worship. Omniscience protects their disguise, humility honours their assumed role, and love completes the exchange in silence. Within the public mandap, an invisible ceremony takes place between the Lord and the gods who know him.
Hidden gods sit among the priests, while Ram secretly seats them again within his heart.
Read the passage from the Manas
पहिचान को केहि जान सबहिं अपान सुधि भोरी भई। आनंद कंदु बिलोकि दूलहु उभय दिसि आनँद मई।। सुर लखे राम सुजान पूजे मानसिक आसन दए। अवलोकि सीलु सुभाउ प्रभु को बिबुध मन प्रमुदित भए।।
Who could recognize whom? All had lost awareness of their very selves. Seeing the bridegroom, that fountain of bliss, joy overflowed on both sides of the assembly. The all-knowing Rama perceived the gods among the gathering, and He worshipped them, offering seats of honor within His heart. Witnessing the Lord's gracious nature and gentle character, the hearts of the celestials blossomed with supreme delight.