The Parents Smile at the Fear
Bala Kanda, Doha 95
Doha 95 · Movement 3 of 3
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Mothers and fathers listen to the breathless accounts and understand that the terrifying host belongs to Mahesh. Fearsome appearance does not make the attendants enemies.
The elders smile and comfort the children in many ways. Beneath ash, skulls, blood, and impossible limbs stands the protection of the Lord whose household includes what the world fears.
The children are told to become calm. There is no danger here, only a sacred reality arriving in forms their eyes have not yet learned how to read. Recognition slowly replaces terror. The door opens again.
A mother's hand stills the trembling child while Shiva's ghosts dance safely beyond the door.
Read the passage from the Manas
समुझि महेस समाज सब जननि जनक मुसुकाहिं। बाल बुझाए बिबिध बिधि निडर होहु डरु नाहिं।।95।।
Understanding that this is the retinue of Mahesha, the mother and father smile to themselves. They comfort the frightened children in gentle ways: "Be at ease, little ones. There is nothing to fear."