Ram Speaks without Joy or Sorrow
Bala Kanda, Doha 270
Doha 270 · Movement 2 of 2
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Ram sees fear upon every face. He knows that Janaki is frightened, and that the court which celebrated moments ago now imagines destruction beneath Parashurama's anger.
Within Ram, neither joy nor sorrow rises. The garland upon his chest does not excite him, and the threat before him does not diminish him. He stands in the evenness from which an appropriate word can emerge.
This stillness is not indifference to Sita or the people. He speaks because he knows their fear. Equanimity becomes the ground of protection, allowing compassion to answer fury without borrowing its turbulence. Shri Raghuvira addresses the axe-bearing sage, and the hall listens for the first voice not ruled by alarm.
Because no wave rises within him, Ram can speak for everyone shaken by the storm.
Read the passage from the Manas
सभय बिलोके लोग सब जानि जानकी भीरु। हृदयँ न हरषु बिषादु कछु बोले श्रीरघुबीरु।।270।।
All the people looked on in fear, knowing Janaki was frightened too. With neither joy nor sorrow in His heart, Shri Raghuveera spoke: