Small Fortune, Boundless Longing
Bala Kanda, Doha 8
Doha 8 · Movement 2 of 2
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Tulsidas measures what he possesses against what he longs to undertake. His fortune is small. His aspiration reaches beyond sight. Between them lies the immeasurable story of Ram, too vast for the resources of one poet and too beloved to leave unsung.
He does not wait for the distance to disappear. One trust is enough to begin. Good hearts will hear and find joy. The wicked will hear and make the poem an occasion for mockery. Neither response can alter the devotion from which the work rises.
The manuscript remains open before him. Limited means stand on one side, limitless longing on the other, and faith places the first line between them.
His fortune fits within two hands; his longing has already crossed the horizon.
Read the passage from the Manas
भाग छोट अभिलाषु बड़ करउँ एक बिस्वास। पैहहिं सुख सुनि सुजन सब खल करहहिं उपहास।।8।।
My bhagya (fortune) is small and my abhilasha (aspiration) is vast. Yet I hold one firm vishvas (trust): the good-hearted, upon hearing this, will find sukh (joy), and the wicked will laugh in mockery.