Dahi and Rice Shine on His Laughing Face
Bala Kanda, Doha 203
Doha 203 · Movement 2 of 2
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Even at the meal Ram's little heart remains restless for play. He sits among family and food, but attention watches for the smallest opening through which childhood freedom may escape.
The moment appears. He darts away laughing before a hand can restrain him, carrying the feast upon his face. Dahi and rice smear cheek and lips as he runs back toward movement.
Nothing in the image is arranged for majesty, yet devotion finds the Lord completely there. The mouth from which Veda arises is marked by curd and grain, and supreme bliss looks over its shoulder with the laughter of a mischievous child.
Ram escapes the meal laughing, with dahi and rice bright upon his face.
Read the passage from the Manas
भोजन करत चपल चित इत उत अवसरु पाइ। भाजि चले किलकत मुख दधि ओदन लपटाइ।।203।।
While eating, with a restless little heart, finding any moment of opportunity, He would dash away laughing, His face smeared with dahi and rice.