The Lord Who Made Stones into Boats
Bala Kanda, Sortha 28
Sortha 28 · Movement 2 of 2
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Tulsidas stands before Sita's Lord as a foolish servant with an offering too small for the court. Laughter may follow the claim that such a poet belongs to Ram, but he accepts the laughter. The name of the Master is his shelter, and servant is the only title he seeks.
Across the sea, stones descend into water and do not sink. They become a passage because merciful Ram has accepted them into his purpose. Around him, monkeys and bears gather as counsellors, commanders, builders, and companions. The Lord who received their unlikely wisdom did not measure devotion by polish or pedigree.
Remembering that bridge, the poet entrusts his love to the same compassion. If Ram can make a boat of stone, he can carry an awkward song.
The stone floats, and the foolish servant dares to place his song beside it.
Read the passage from the Manas
सठ सेवक की प्रीति रुचि रखिहहिं राम कृपालु। उपल किए जलजान जेहिं सचिव सुमति कपि भालु।।28(क)।। हौहु कहावत सबु कहत राम सहत उपहास। साहिब सीतानाथ सो सेवक तुलसीदास।।28(ख)।।
Merciful Ram will surely honor even a foolish servant's love and devotion. He is the one who made stones float upon the sea, whose wise counselors were monkeys and bears.