The Citizens Hold Rama's Feet and Call Him Mother, Father, Guru, and Friend
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 45
Doha 47 · Movement 1 of 2
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Rama's words fall upon the assembly like nectar. Citizens, elders, learned ones, and brothers reach together for the feet of the dwelling of compassion.
You are our mother, father, Guru, and kin, they say, dearer than life. Body, wealth, and home exist for Rama's service. No one else gives teaching so free of self-interest, for even ordinary family affection can carry its own need.
Rama and those who serve him bless the world without cause through every age. The citizens confess that worldly friendship usually seeks return, while true welfare rests with the Lord. Their words are steeped in love, and Raghunath rejoices within his heart. Receiving permission, each person returns home repeating the beautiful conversation. The public sermon continues through Ayodhya as remembered speech shared from house to house.
The assembly ends, but Rama's nectar words travel home in every mouth and keep teaching the city after the throne falls silent.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनत सुधासम बचन राम के। गहे सबनि पद कृपाधाम के।। जननि जनक गुर बंधु हमारे। कृपा निधान प्रान ते प्यारे।। तनु धनु धाम राम हितकारी। सब बिधि तुम्ह प्रनतारति हारी।। असि सिख तुम्ह बिनु देइ न कोऊ। मातु पिता स्वारथ रत ओऊ।। हेतु रहित जग जुग उपकारी। तुम्ह तुम्हार सेवक असुरारी।। स्वारथ मीत सकल जग माहीं। सपनेहुँ प्रभु परमारथ नाहीं।। सबके बचन प्रेम रस साने। सुनि रघुनाथ हृदयँ हरषाने।। निज निज गृह गए आयसु पाई। बरनत प्रभु बतकही सुहाई।।
Hearing Rama's nectar-sweet words, all grasped the feet of the Lord of compassion. 'You are our mother, father, guru, and brother. O treasure of grace, dearer to us than life itself.' 'Our body, wealth, and home exist for Rama alone. In every way, You are the remover of devotees' sorrows.' 'No one else gives such teaching. Even mother and father are absorbed in self-interest.' 'Selflessly You bless the world through every age. O slayer of demons, You and Your servants alone are true friends.' 'In all the world, friendships are driven by self-interest. Even in dreams, Lord, there is no true welfare without You.' Hearing everyone's words steeped in the essence of love, Raghunath rejoiced in His heart. Receiving His command, each went home, recounting the Lord's delightful conversation.