The Lowest Bird Marvels that Rama Has Made Him Pure
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 118
Doha 123ख · Movement 1 of 2
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Bhushundi lowers his head after the vast narration. He has spoken Hari's incomparable deeds only as far as his understanding allowed, sometimes at length, sometimes briefly. One conclusion of scripture remains: set every distraction aside and worship Rama.
He looks toward Garuda, embodiment of vijnana and bearer of the Lord, and wonders at the tenderness that has brought such a listener to a crow's hermitage. Rama-katha delights Shuka, Sanaka, and Shiva, and even a moment of true satsanga is rare in the world. Yet today it fills the air beneath his own tree.
Bhushundi asks Garuda to consider the unlikely vessel before him. A crow, counted lowest among birds and impure by common judgment, has been made a herald of purity throughout the world. No claim of personal worth appears. Only astonishment at Raghupati's affection remains. The Lord has not waited for a spotless creature. He has taken the disregarded form and made its voice a river through which celestial beings recover devotion.
Rama chooses the bird the world dismisses and makes his dark wings carry a story bright enough for heaven.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहेउँ नाथ हरि चरित अनूपा। ब्यास समास स्वमति अनुरुपा।। श्रुति सिद्धांत इहइ उरगारी। राम भजिअ सब काज बिसारी।। प्रभु रघुपति तजि सेइअ काही। मोहि से सठ पर ममता जाही।। तुम्ह बिग्यानरूप नहिं मोहा। नाथ कीन्हि मो पर अति छोहा।। पूछिहुँ राम कथा अति पावनि। सुक सनकादि संभु मन भावनि।। सत संगति दुर्लभ संसारा। निमिष दंड भरि एकउ बारा।। देखु गरुड़ निज हृदयँ बिचारी। मैं रघुबीर भजन अधिकारी।। सकुनाधम सब भाँति अपावन। प्रभु मोहि कीन्ह बिदित जग पावन।।
I have narrated to you, O Lord, the incomparable story of Hari, briefly according to my limited understanding. This is the conclusion of the scriptures, O enemy of serpents: worship Rama, setting aside all other concerns. Abandoning Lord Raghupati, whom else should one serve? Even upon a fool like me, He has shown His affection. You are the embodiment of vijnana, untouched by delusion. Yet the Lord has shown such love toward me. You have asked about the most sacred story of Rama, which delights the hearts of Shuka, Sanaka, and Shiva. Good company is rare in this world, even for a single moment. Look, Garuda, and consider in your heart: am I worthy of devotion to Raghuvira? I am the lowest of birds, impure in every way, yet the Lord has made me known as pure throughout the world.