The Ocean Grasps Rama's Feet and Accepts the Boundary of Its Nature
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 59
Doha 59 · Movement 1 of 2
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Trembling, the ocean grasps Rama's feet and begs forgiveness for every failing. Sky, wind, fire, water, and earth are inert elements, he explains. Brought forth through Maya at the Lord's impulse, each remains within the nature and boundary assigned to it for creation.
Whatever command the Lord gives a being, that being finds order by remaining in it. The ocean accepts Rama's correction and says the Lord has rightly established discipline. Within the plea he cites a hard old proverb, naming those his age placed beneath authority as responsive to correction. The words arise from the ocean's submission, not as a command spoken by Rama.
By Rama's power the sea can become dry and carry the army, though no credit would belong to the water itself. The Vedas declare the Lord's command irresistible. Pride has left the ocean, the golden plate rests near Rama's feet, and the ancient element waits to perform swiftly whatever will please him.
The sea that would not answer prayer now holds Rama's feet and asks for its command.
Read the passage from the Manas
सभय सिंधु गहि पद प्रभु केरे। छमहु नाथ सब अवगुन मेरे।। गगन समीर अनल जल धरनी। इन्ह कइ नाथ सहज जड़ करनी।। तव प्रेरित मायाँ उपजाए। सृष्टि हेतु सब ग्रंथनि गाए।। प्रभु आयसु जेहि कहँ जस अहई। सो तेहि भाँति रहे सुख लहई।। प्रभु भल कीन्ही मोहि सिख दीन्ही। मरजादा पुनि तुम्हरी कीन्ही।। ढोल गवाँर सूद्र पसु नारी। सकल ताड़ना के अधिकारी।। प्रभु प्रताप मैं जाब सुखाई। उतरिहि कटकु न मोरि बड़ाई।। प्रभु अग्या अपेल श्रुति गाई। करौं सो बेगि जौ तुम्हहि सोहाई।।
Trembling with fear, the ocean grasped the Lord's feet: "Forgive me, O Master, for all my failings." "Sky, wind, fire, water, and earth: these elements, O Lord, are naturally inert and without will of their own." "Inspired by You through Maya, they were brought into being for the work of creation, as all the scriptures declare." "Whatever command the Lord gives to whichever being, that being remains happily in that ordained state." "The Lord has done well in giving me this instruction and in establishing rightful boundaries." "Drums, the untutored, the simple, beasts, and those without learning: all these respond to a firm hand." "By the Lord's might I could be made to dry up so the army may cross, though that would not be to my credit." "The Lord's command is irresistible, as the Vedas proclaim. I shall swiftly do whatever pleases You."