The Samadhi That Would Not Move
Bala Kanda, Doha 86
Doha 86 · Movement 3 of 3
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Kamadeva exhausts every art and a crore of stratagems. His army of season, fragrance, colour, sound, and universal impulse surrounds Shiva from every side.
Nothing reaches the centre. Mahadeva's samadhi remains immovable, not through resistance tightened against desire but through absorption in a Reality from which desire has no separate leverage.
Defeat turns the heart dwelling god furious. Having failed with subtle influence, Kama prepares the direct arrow that will either disturb Shiva or complete his own destruction. The final shaft waits against the tightened string. The air holds its breath.
Spring trembles at the edge of a stillness no flower can enter.
Read the passage from the Manas
सकल कला करि कोटि बिधि हारेउ सेन समेत। चली न अचल समाधि सिव कोपेउ हृदयनिकेत।।86।।
Having tried every art and a crore of stratagems, Kama and his entire army were defeated. Shiva's immovable samadhi did not waver. Then Hridayaniketa, the dweller in the heart, grew furious.