Fragrance for Both Hands
Bala Kanda, Sortha 3ख
Sortha 3ख · Movement 2 of 2
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A flower rests between two cupped hands. One hand tore it from the branch. The other receives it for worship. The blossom weighs neither injury nor honour. Its fragrance enters both palms with the same unstinting sweetness.
Such is the equal heart of a saint. Friend and enemy, helper and offender, the one who praises and the one who wounds are met from a nature rooted deeper than reaction. Simplicity has made that heart spacious enough to hold the welfare of the whole world.
Tulsidas approaches with the unguarded petition of a child. He asks the saints to hear his small voice and grant the one treasure for which his poem exists: steadfast love for the feet of Ram.
The flower is lifted toward the altar, leaving the same fragrance upon both hands.
Read the passage from the Manas
बंदउँ संत समान चित हित अनहित नहिं कोइ। अंजलि गत सुभ सुमन जिमि सम सुगंध कर दोइ।।3(क)।। संत सरल चित जगत हित जानि सुभाउ सनेहु। बालबिनय सुनि करि कृपा राम चरन रति देहु।।3(ख)।।
I bow to the saints, whose hearts rest in perfect equanimity. For them there is neither friend nor foe. They are like fragrant flowers held in cupped palms: the hand that plucked them and the hand that cradles them both receive the same sweet fragrance. Saints are simple-hearted, devoted to the welfare of the whole world. Knowing their loving nature, I make this child's plea: hearing my humble prayer, please be gracious and grant me unwavering love for the feet of Sri Ram.