Bhushundi Becomes a Crow, Bows to the Sage, and Flies Away Rejoicing in Rama
Uttara Kanda, Doha 113
Doha 113 · Movement 2 of 2
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The transformation is immediate. Where the brahmin seeker stood, a crow now gathers his wings. Bhushundi bows his new head at Lomasa's feet and remembers Rama, jewel of Raghu's line.
Then he rises into the air with joy. No complaint follows him from Meru. The body has changed, but love has not been interrupted, and the curse becomes another direction in the long movement of grace.
Shiva tells Uma why no hostility remains. Those absorbed in Rama's feet, free from desire, pride, and anger, see the whole world filled with their own Lord. With whom could they quarrel? Bhushundi's bow answers the sage more deeply than argument ever did. He sees Rama within the one whose anger cursed him and therefore carries reverence, not grievance, into the sky.
Black wings open above Meru, and the newly made crow leaves the curse behind as a song of Rama carries him into the sky.
Read the passage from the Manas
तुरत भयउँ मैं काग तब पुनि मुनि पद सिरु नाइ। सुमिरि राम रघुबंस मनि हरषित चलेउँ उड़ाइ।।112(क)।। उमा जे राम चरन रत बिगत काम मद क्रोध।। निज प्रभुमय देखहिं जगत केहि सन करहिं बिरोध।।112(ख)।।
Immediately I became a crow. Then, bowing my head at the sage's feet and remembering Rama, jewel of Raghu's line, I flew away rejoicing. Uma, those who are devoted to Rama's feet, free from lust, pride, and anger, see the whole world filled with their Lord. With whom would they ever quarrel?