The Vanaras Cannot Drink Enough of Rama's Nectar Words
Lanka Kanda, Doha 106
Doha 106 · Movement 3 of 3
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Rama's words enter the ears of the assembled vanaras, but satisfaction never arrives. They have heard the Lord credit their strength and promise liberation to those who sing their service with his.
Again and again the companions bow their heads. The field still bears every mark of what their bodies endured, yet they bend as though they have received far more than they gave.
They grasp his lotus feet repeatedly. Victory, kingdom, fame, and the praise of future generations do not draw them away from the touch of the Lord before them. The more grace speaks, the more devotion discovers its hunger. Their inability to be satisfied is not restlessness toward another reward. It is the inexhaustible sweetness of nearness, where every word of Rama creates the desire to hear once more and every bow opens into another bow.
The vanaras have crossed the war, but no one among them wishes to cross beyond the sound of Rama's voice.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रभु के बचन श्रवन सुनि नहिं अघाहिं कपि पुंज। बार बार सिर नावहिं गहहिं सकल पद कंज।।106।।
Hearing the Lord's words in their ears, the host of monkeys could not be satisfied. Again and again they bowed their heads and grasped all his lotus feet.