Do Not Become Moths before Lakshmana's Fire
Bala Kanda, Doha 266
Doha 266 · Movement 2 of 2
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The wise rulers offer the furious kings a final counsel. Set down jealousy, pride, and anger. Fill the eyes with Ram instead, receiving the incomparable form that the moment has placed before them.
Another danger stands beside him. Lakshmana's wrath is a powerful fire, already restrained once by his brother's gesture. To rush against it would be the folly of moths seeking flame.
The warning presents two directions for the same attention. One may behold Ram and become full, or fix upon wounded pride and burn. Nothing in the scene forces the kings toward destruction. They are asked to release the passions that darken sight. Darshan and ruin wait within the same hall, chosen by the gaze.
Ram offers fullness to the eyes; Lakshmana's fire waits for those who choose anger instead.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखहु रामहि नयन भरि तजि इरिषा मदु कोहु। लखन रोषु पावकु प्रबल जानि सलभ जनि होहु।।266।।
Behold Rama with your eyes filled full; set aside jealousy, pride, and anger. Know that Lakshmana's fury is a mighty fire. Do not become moths rushing toward it.