Rama Alone Is the Comparison for Rama
Uttara Kanda, Chhand 10
Doha 93 · Movement 2 of 3
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The Vedas give the final verdict upon every comparison: the incomparable has no likeness. Rama alone can be compared with Rama.
To place even a hundred crore fireflies beside the sun does not magnify the fireflies into equality. It only diminishes the sun in speech. So the vast metaphors Bhushundi has offered confess their own inadequacy.
Sages nevertheless praise Hari according to the delight and reach of their understanding. The compassionate Lord listens with love because he receives bhava, the inward feeling carried by the words, rather than weighing whether language has matched his infinitude. This makes praise possible without pretense. The devotee need not describe Rama adequately, an impossible task. One must offer the true heart through whatever image, name, rhythm, and understanding have been given. Rama hears the love that comparison cannot contain.
No image reaches Rama, yet every sincere image reaches his heart because he receives the love within it.
Read the passage from the Manas
निरुपम न उपमा आन राम समान रामु निगम कहै। जिमि कोटि सत खद्योत सम रबि कहत अति लघुता लहै।। एहि भाँति निज निज मति बिलास मुनिस हरिहि बखानहीं। प्रभु भाव गाहक अति कृपाल सप्रेम सुनि सुख मानहीं।।
There is no comparison for the incomparable One. Rama alone equals Rama, as the Vedas declare. Just as a hundred crore fireflies appear utterly small when compared to the sun, In this way, sages describe Hari according to their own understanding and delight. The Lord, who cherishes bhava above all, most graciously listens with love and feels pleased.