Thirteen Thousand Years of One Longing
Bala Kanda, Doha 144
Doha 144 · Movement 2 of 2
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Six thousand years pass while water alone sustains Manu and Shatarupa. Seasons cover the forest in rain, heat, falling leaves, and new blossom, but the longing within them does not alter its direction.
Then even water is released. For seven thousand further years they live upon air, drawing the body's smallest support from the breath that moves invisibly through the hermitage. Palaces, descendants, and the memory of former power recede beyond desire.
Time becomes almost measureless, yet the prayer remains exact. They do not seek heaven, dominion, or secret powers. Across thirteen millennia, one request survives every subtraction: to behold the Lord whom love can bring into form.
Years fall away by the thousand, and still one desire stands breathing in the forest.
Read the passage from the Manas
एहि बिधि बीतें बरष षट सहस बारि आहार। संबत सप्त सहस्त्र पुनि रहे समीर अधार।।144।।
In this way six thousand years passed with only water for food. Then for seven thousand years more they lived on air alone.