The Horse Becomes a Jewel-Studded Cloud
Bala Kanda, Doha 316
Doha 316 · Movement 3 of 3
Keep this contemplation
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Ram's mind remains absorbed in deep contemplation even as the horse moves through the height of wedding display. Inward stillness and outward splendour occupy the same passage without conflict.
The verse gathers them into a storm-bright image. Dark equine form and jeweled ornaments resemble a cloud studded with stars and pierced by lightning.
Upon that cloud, Ram appears like a magnificent peacock dancing. The image does not make his contemplation rigid. Stillness contains grace, colour, and movement, just as the cloud contains lightning without losing its depth. The bridegroom advances through celebration while remaining established in a silence no bell or drum can disturb.
A jeweled cloud moves beneath him, while Ram carries the untouched sky of contemplation within.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रभु मनसहिं लयलीन मनु चलत बाजि छबि पाव। भूषित उड़गन तड़ित घनु जनु बर बरहि नचाव।।316।।
The Lord's mind is absorbed in deep contemplation, yet the moving horse attains such beauty. Like a jewel-studded cloud lit by flashes of lightning, as if a magnificent peacock dances upon it.