Fame Is a Fire in the Forest of Tapasya
Bala Kanda, Sortha 161
Sortha 161 · Movement 2 of 2
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Bhikhari claims that no one has encountered him until this night and that he has never revealed himself to another. Secrecy becomes further evidence of the greatness Pratapbhanu already imagines.
Worldly fame, the false sage explains, is a fire capable of burning an entire forest of tapasya. Recognition, praise, and the gathering of followers can consume years of inward discipline as swiftly as flame crosses dry woodland.
The teaching is true even in a deceiver's mouth, which makes the deception difficult to detect. Pratapbhanu receives a genuine warning about renown while failing to see the former king using hiddenness not to preserve austerity, but to protect revenge.
A true warning about fame glows inside the false hermit's carefully tended fire.
Read the passage from the Manas
अब लगि मोहि न मिलेउ कोउ मैं न जनावउँ काहु। लोकमान्यता अनल सम कर तप कानन दाहु।।161(क)।। तुलसी देखि सुबेषु भूलहिं मूढ़ न चतुर नर। सुंदर केकिहि पेखु बचन सुधा सम असन अहि।।161(ख)।।
Until now no one has met me, and I have revealed myself to no one. Worldly fame is like a fire that burns down the forest of tapasya.