Hanuman Finds Rama's Dark Form Reflected in the Heart of the Moon
Lanka Kanda, Doha 13
Doha 13 · Movement 2 of 2
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After earth, Rahu, Rati, and poison have each been placed within the moon's darkness, Hanuman speaks from the simplicity of devotion. The moon is your beloved servant, he tells Rama.
A servant carries the master within. Rama's beautiful dark form dwells in the moon's heart, and the mark everyone has tried to explain is only the visible reflection of that hidden presence.
The wise Lord hears the son of the Wind and smiles. Hanuman has transformed a stain into indwelling, turning darkness itself into evidence of love. Then the treasure of compassion shifts his gaze from the moonlit east toward the south. Lanka rises there beneath the night, and another darkness waits to be interpreted.
For Hanuman, every darkness becomes beautiful when it reveals the form of Rama held within.
Read the passage from the Manas
कह हनुमंत सुनहु प्रभु ससि तुम्हारा प्रिय दास। तव मूरति बिधु उर बसति सोइ स्यामता अभास।।12(क)।। पवन तनय के बचन सुनि बिहँसे रामु सुजान। दच्छिन दिसि अवलोकि प्रभु बोले कृपा निधान।।12(ख)।।
Hanuman said: 'Listen, O Prabhu! The moon is your devoted servant. Your beautiful dark form dwells within the moon's heart; that darkness is its reflection.' Hearing the words of Pavana-tanaya, the wise Rama smiled. Then looking to the south, the treasure of compassion spoke: