Rama Says, So Be It, and Places Every Auspicious Quality within the Crow
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 83
Doha 86क · Movement 1 of 2
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So be it, says the Lord of Raghu's line. Joy fills Rama's words. The child praises the wisdom of the crow who has asked for bhakti, the mine of every happiness, and declares that no one in the world is more fortunate.
Millions of sages cannot obtain this treasure through countless efforts, even while burning the body in the fires of japa and yoga. Rama is delighted because Bhushundi has chosen what is dearest to the Lord himself.
Then the boon expands without being requested. Through Rama's grace, all auspicious qualities will dwell in Bhushundi's heart. Bhakti, knowledge, realized wisdom, detachment, yoga, right conduct, and the hidden divisions of spiritual paths will become known without the weariness of striving. By asking only for love, the crow receives the essence and all that naturally gathers around it. Rama's generosity answers a single-hearted prayer with a whole sky of understanding.
Bhushundi asks for one treasure, and Rama lets every true attainment gather around it like stars around the moon.
Read the passage from the Manas
एवमस्तु कहि रघुकुलनायक। बोले बचन परम सुखदायक।। सुनु बायस तैं सहज सयाना। काहे न मागसि अस बरदाना।। सब सुख खानि भगति तैं मागी। नहिं जग कोउ तोहि सम बड़भागी।। जो मुनि कोटि जतन नहिं लहहीं। जे जप जोग अनल तन दहहीं।। रीझेउँ देखि तोरि चतुराई। मागेहु भगति मोहि अति भाई।। सुनु बिहंग प्रसाद अब मोरें। सब सुभ गुन बसिहहिं उर तोरें।। भगति ग्यान बिग्यान बिरागा। जोग चरित्र रहस्य बिभागा।। जानब तैं सबही कर भेदा। मम प्रसाद नहिं साधन खेदा।।
Saying 'Evamastu' (So be it), the Raghukulanayaka (Lord of Raghu's lineage) spoke words that were supremely joy-giving. Listen, O crow, you are naturally wise. Why should you not ask for such a boon? You have asked for bhakti, the treasure of all happiness. No one in the world is as fortunate as you. What millions of munis cannot obtain through countless efforts, what those who burn their bodies through japa and yoga cannot reach. I am delighted seeing your chaturai (wisdom). You have asked for bhakti, which is very dear to Me. Listen, O bird, by My prasada (grace) now, all shubha gunas (auspicious qualities) shall dwell in your heart. Bhakti, jnana, vijnana, viraga (detachment), yoga, good conduct, and the rahasya (mysteries) of all paths. You shall know the secrets of all these. By My prasada, there will be no toil in sadhana (spiritual practice).