Folded Hands Before Envy
Bala Kanda, Doha 4ख
Doha 4ख · Movement 2 of 2
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Envy requires no ancient quarrel. It burns when good is spoken of a stranger, an enemy, or even a friend. The flame feeds upon the simple fact that something worthy has appeared in another life.
Tulsidas recognizes this nature and does not answer it with contempt. He joins both hands. His request is made with affection, not fear, for the poem must pass through a world where blessing and resentment often stand in the same crowd.
He asks only that the sacred work be allowed to continue. The hostile listener may laugh, turn away, or refuse the offered sweetness. Still the poet will not withdraw love from the plea.
Envy burns before him; his joined hands do not open into fists.
Read the passage from the Manas
उदासीन अरि मीत हित सुनत जरहिं खल रीति। जानि पानि जुग जोरि जन बिनती करइ सप्रीति।।4।।
Such is the nature of the wicked: they burn with envy on hearing good of anyone at all, be it a stranger, an enemy, or a friend. Knowing this well, Tulsidas joins both palms together and, with genuine affection, makes his humble request: please do not stand in the way of this sacred telling.