Kings, Ascetics, Merchants, and Beggars Joyfully Take to the Road
Kishkindha Kanda, Doha 16ख
Doha 16ख · Movement 2 of 2
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With the rains ended and the roads visible again, movement returns to the cities. Kings depart, ascetics depart, merchants depart, and beggars depart, each entering the open ways with joy.
The four figures carry different duties and stations, yet autumn releases them together. Walls and shelters no longer hold them against impassable water, and the road becomes common ground beneath their feet.
The poet places their glad release beside the four ashramas. When those who dwell in the stages of life attain devotion to Hari, toil is laid down. The outer journey from the city becomes an image of the inward rest discovered in bhakti.
Autumn opens the road as devotion opens a rest beyond the labor of every station.
Read the passage from the Manas
चले हरषि तजि नगर नृप तापस बनिक भिखारि। जिमि हरिभगत पाइ श्रम तजहि आश्रमी चारि।।16।।
Kings, ascetics, merchants, and beggars all set out from their cities with great joy, just as devotees of Hari, upon finding true peace, joyfully go beyond the four ashramas (stages of life).