A Body Light as Grass
Bala Kanda, Doha 16
Doha 16 · Movement 2 of 2
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Dasharatha sits upon Ayodhya's throne, yet the true sovereignty within him is love for Ram's feet. It is not ceremonial affection or the pride of a king in his son. Tulsidas calls it true love and bows before its absolute measure.
When separation comes, the palaces, armies, and weight of royal identity cannot hold the body in place. Without the dear and compassionate Lord, the frame once guarded by a kingdom becomes lighter than a dry blade of grass.
The king releases it. Love has altered the scale by which life and death are weighed.
A blade of grass leaves the royal hand and disappears upon the wind of separation.
Read the passage from the Manas
बंदउँ अवध भुआल सत्य प्रेम जेहि राम पद। बिछुरत दीनदयाल प्रिय तनु तृन इव परिहरेउ।।16।।
I bow to the King of Ayodhya, Dasharatha, whose love for the feet of Ram was true and absolute. When separated from his dear, compassionate Lord, he cast off his body as lightly as a blade of grass.