The Ramcharitmanas 2

by Tulsidas

  But only one whose heart is sweetened by love for Ram

  Is greatly honoured in the assembly of holy men.

  Learning without love for Ram does not please or adorn,

  But is like a ship without a helmsman.

  The muni consoled Videh in many ways,

  And all the people bathed at Ram’s ghat.

  All the men and women were full of grief,

  And that day passed without anyone taking a sip of water.

  Even the cattle, birds and deer did not eat,

  So what can be said of Ram’s own dear family and household?

  At dawn next day, the two parties bathed

  With Nimi’s royal descendant and the lord of the Raghu line,

  And then all went and sat under the banyan tree,

  Their hearts heavy, their bodies weak and thin.

  (277)

  The Brahmans—from Dasharath’s city, Avadh,

  And those from the capital of the king of Mithila,

  With the guru of the solar line and Janak’s family priest,

  Who had explored the paths to worldly prosperity and spiritual truth—

  Began to give numerous discourses

  Filled with dharma, prudence, detachment and discernment.

  Rishi Kaushik related ancient tales and legends,

  Eloquently instructing the entire assembly.

  Then Raghunath said to Kaushik,

  ‘Master, yesterday, everyone remained without water.’

  Said the muni, ‘Raghurai speaks rightly—

  Two and a half watches of this day have also passed.’

  Perceiving what was in the Rishi’s mind, the king of Terahuti said,

  ‘It is not fitting, here, to partake of grain.’55

  The king’s gracious words pleased everyone,

  And, receiving his royal permission, they went to bathe.

  At that same time came the forest-dwellers,

  Bringing with them great quantities

  Of fruits, flowers, shoots and roots of many kinds

  In brimming baskets slung on poles across their shoulders.

  (278)

  By Ram’s favour, the hills became granters of all desires,

  And merely to look upon them removed all sorrow.

  Lakes, streams, forests, and every part of the land

  Seemed to overflow with joy and love.

  Creepers and young trees became laden with fruits and flowers,

  And birds, beasts and bees called in harmony.

  At that time, the forest was overflowing with immense joy,

  And cool, soft and fragrant breezes soothed and delighted all.

  Its heart-enchanting beauty was impossible to describe—

  It was as though earth herself was welcoming Janak as her guest.

  Then, all the people in Janak’s train bathed,

  And, receiving permission from Ram, Janak and Vasishtha,

  The townsfolk delightedly picked out suitable trees,

  Beneath which they set up camp.

  Shoots and fruits, tubers and roots of various kinds,

  Pure, fresh and delicious as nectar,

  Were reverently sent to all by Ram’s guru, Vasishtha

  In laden baskets, filled to the brim.

  After offering worship to ancestors, gods, guests and guru,

  They began their meal of fruit and forest fare.

  (279)

  In this way, four days went by,

  And gazing upon Ram, the men and women were blissful.

  In the hearts of both companies was this feeling:

  ‘It is not good to return without Sita and Ram.

  Living in the forest with Sita and Ram

  Is ten million times more delightful than living in Indra’s immortal city.

  One who would prefer home,

  Leaving Lakshman, Ram and Vaidehi,

  Is surely ill-fated.

  For it is only when the gods are favourable to us all,

  That we can we live close to Ram, in the forest.

  Bathing daily all three times in the Mandakini,

  Seeing Ram, the accumulation of joy and well-being,

  Wandering on Ram’s hill, through the forests, and amidst the ascetics’ hermitages,

  Feasting on nectar-sweet tubers, roots and fruits,

  The period of twice-seven years will pass in bliss

  Like a moment, and we will not even know of its passing.’

  ‘But we are not worthy of such happiness,

  We do not have such good fortune,’ said all.

  Such was the innate and artless love

  In both parties for Ram’s feet.

  (280)

  Thus they all yearned for their heart’s desire,

  And to hear their loving words stole one’s heart away.

  Just then, handmaidens sent by Sita’s mother

  Came, and determining a suitable hour for a visit, returned.

  Learning that all Sita’s mothers-in-law were at leisure,

  The royal women of King Janak’s family came there.

  Kaushalya reverently welcomed them,

  And offered them such seats as the situation allowed.

  There was such courtesy and love on both sides

  That to see it or hear of it would melt even adamant.

  Their weak bodies trembling with love, their eyes full of tears,

  They sat sorrowing, scratching the earth with their toenails.

  All were like personifications of love for Sita and Ram,

  Like pity itself sorrowing in many forms.

  Sita’s mother said, ‘Perverse is the mind of fate,

  That he uses a chisel of adamant to shatter the foam on milk!

  We hear of amrit, but can see only poison,

  And the actions of the Creator are terrible indeed.

  Crows, owls and storks are everywhere,

  But the virtuous swan, only upon the Manas lake.’

  (281)

  Hearing this, the lady Sumitra sorrowfully agreed,

  ‘The ways of the Creator are contrary and strange,

  Who makes and nurtures, and then destroys—

  Destiny is as mindless as a child at play!

  Kaushalya said, ‘It is no one’s fault,

  For grief and joy, loss and gain, all are subject to our past deeds.

  The ways of karma are inexorable and known only to the Creator,

  Who dispenses all its fruits, good and bad.

  God’s command prevails over all,

  On creation, preservation, destruction; on life-destroying poison and life-giving nectar.

  It is no use, divine lady, to grieve thus in the grip of affection,

  For such is this illusory world created by Brahma—unalterable, eternal.

  Recalling the king’s life and death,

  We grieve, my dear, only considering our own loss.’

  Sita’s mother replied, ‘Your words are true and wise,

  Queen to that pinnacle of virtue, the lord of Avadh!’

  ‘If Lakshman, Ram and Sita go to the forest,

  The end result of that will be good, not bad,’

  Kaushalya said, and added with a heavy heart,

  ‘But I am worried about Bharat.

  (282)

  By God’s grace and your blessing,

  My sons and their wives are as pure as the water of the divine Ganga.

  I have never yet sworn an oath on Ram,

  But I do now, dear friend, and say to you truthfully,

  That Bharat’s gentle nature, virtue, modesty, gracious generosity,

  His brotherly affection, devotion, trustworthiness and goodness—

  In praising them even Sharada’s eloquence falters.

  After all, can the ocean be emptied out with a shell?

  I have always known Bharat to be the light of our dynasty,

  As the king, too, told me again and again.

  Gold is tested when rubbed on a touchstone, a precious
gem in the hands of an expert,

  And a man by his behaviour in his hour of trial.

  But it is not right for me to speak thus today,

  For grief and love leave us with little wisdom.’

  Hearing her words, as pure as the divine river,

  The queens all grew distraught with love.

  Kaushalya said, composing herself,

  ‘Listen, my lady, queen of Mithila—

  Who can instruct you,

  The beloved of Janak, that storehouse of discernment?

  (283)

  But, queen, finding a suitable opportunity, say to the king,

  Explaining in your own fashion,

  “Let Lakshman be kept at home and Bharat go to the forest.”

  If this proposal is agreeable to the king,

  He should think it through carefully and try to make it happen,

  For I am deeply anxious about Bharat.

  In Bharat’s heart is such profound love,

  That if he stays home, I fear that it will not end well.’

  Seeing her gentle nature, and hearing her straight and simple words,

  All the queens were overcome with tender pity.

  Flowers fell from the sky amidst cries of praise and blessings,

  And Siddhas, yogis and munis grew weak with love.

  All the royal women were astounded at the sight,

  But then, collecting herself, Sumitra said,

  ‘My lady, an hour of the night has already passed.’

  Hearing this, Ram’s mother rose lovingly,

  And with concern and affection said,

  ‘Return quickly to your tents.

  Our only refuge now is God,

  And the help of Mithila’s king.’

  (284)

  Seeing her love and hearing her soft and gentle words,

  Janak’s beloved queen clasped Kaushalya’s sacred feet.

  ‘My lady, this modesty of yours is entirely fitting,

  For you are Dasharath’s wife and Ram’s mother.

  The great honour those who are less than them,

  Just as fire crowns itself with smoke and a mountain with grass.

  The king of Mithila is your servant in thought, word and deed,

  And Mahesh and Bhavani are your constant helpers.

  Who in this world is worthy of being your assistant?

  Can a lamp attain glory by helping the sun?

  Having gone to the forest and accomplished the gods’ purpose,

  Ram will return to reign firmly in Avadh.

  Gods, Nagas and men, by the might of Ram’s arm,

  Will live in peace and happiness, each in their own realms.

  All this was foretold by Jagbalik—

  And, divine lady, a muni’s words are never in vain.’

  So saying she clasped Kaushalya’s feet, and with great love asked

  That Sita might go with her.

  Receiving Kaushalya’s gracious permission,

  Sita’s mother then left with Sita.

  (285)

  Vaidehi met her beloved kinsfolk

  In a manner befitting each one.

  When they saw Janaki in ascetic’s attire,

  They all became distraught with sorrow.

  Janak, receiving permission from Ram’s guru,

  Left for his camp, and arriving there, saw Sita.

  Taking her in his arms, Janak clasped Janaki to his heart—

  She, the guest of his pure love and life’s breath—

  And in his bosom surged up an ocean of love for his daughter.

  The king’s heart became like Prayag,

  For in the swelling flood he saw growing the banyan of Sita’s love,

  And upon it, resplendent, the infant that was love for Ram.

  The immortal sage that was Janak’s bewildered wisdom,

  Began to drown, but reached out for the child’s help and was saved.56

  Videh’s mind was not one to be overcome by attachment—

  This was the glory of his love for Sita and Raghubar.

  Sita, overwhelmed by her father and mother’s love,

  Was so distraught she could scarcely control herself,

  But understanding the circumstances and her noble duty,

  The daughter of the earth took courage.

  (286)

  When Janak saw Sita in ascetic garb,

  He was filled with special love and deeply gratified.

  ‘Daughter, you have sanctified both families,

  And your fair renown has made bright the whole world, say all.

  The river of your fame surpasses even the river of the gods

  As it flows through countless universes.

  The Ganga exalts only three sites57 on earth,

  But the river of your fame sanctifies innumerable congregations of holy men.’

  Her father lovingly spoke words that were true and gracious,

  But Sita, embarrassed, seemed to shrink into herself.

  Her father and mother again clasped her to their hearts,

  Giving her wise advice and blessing her, for her good.

  Sita did not say so, but was uneasy in her heart,

  ‘It is not proper for me to stay here for the night.’

  Perceiving her hesitation, the queen told the king,

  And both praised her chaste and modest disposition in their hearts.

  Again and again they embraced Sita

  And reverently bade her farewell.

  Seeing now a good opportunity, the wise queen

  Eloquently described Bharat’s state to the king.

  (287)

  When the lord of the earth heard of Bharat’s conduct,

  Like gold infused with sweet perfume, or nectar that is the moon’s radiant essence,

  He closed his tear-filled eyes, his body trembling with love,

  And began joyously praising Bharat’s great renown.

  ‘Listen carefully, my beautiful, bright-eyed one,

  For Bharat’s story breaks the bonds of worldly existence.

  Of righteousness, statecraft and reflections upon the Absolute,

  I have some knowledge, according to my intellect,

  But this mind of mine cannot even pretend to touch

  The shadow of Bharat’s greatness, much less describe it.

  Vidhi, Ganpati, Sheshnag, Shiv and Sharada,

  Poets, scholars, learned men and those renowned for their intellect,

  To all of them, Bharat’s story, his fame, actions,

  Righteousness, goodness, virtues and stainless glory—

  When heard or contemplated, give joy,

  And are purer than the sacred Ganga, and sweeter than amrit.

  Of infinite virtues, a man without compare—

  Know that Bharat alone is like Bharat.

  The minds of all poets would hesitate

  To say Mount Sumeru weighs a ser.

  (288)

  His greatness, my lovely one, is as impossible to describe,

  As it is for a fish to walk upon dry land.

  Bharat’s infinite majesty, my queen,

  Ram alone understands—but even he cannot describe it.’

  Thus, having affectionately praised Bharat’s greatness,

  The king understood his wife’s wish, and said,

  ‘If Lakshman returns and Bharat goes to the forest,

  It may be good for all, and it is what everyone wants.

  But, my lady, Bharat and Raghubar’s

  Love and trust for each other is beyond conception.

  Bharat is the perfection of love and devotion,

  Even though Ram is the pinnacle of objective equanimity.

  Salvation, self-interest, or all the worldly pleasures—

  Bharat has never looked at these, not even in his dreams.

  Both the means and the end are in devotion to Ram’s feet—

  This, it seems to me, is the single principle of Bharat’s creed.

  Bharat would never think, eve
n by mistake,

  To flout Ram’s command.

  So do not, overpowered by love, give way to worry.’

  Thus spoke the king, his voice full of tears.

  (289)

  Thus in lovingly recounting Ram’s and Bharat’s virtues,

  The night passed like an instant for the couple.

  At daybreak, both royal parties awoke,

  Bathed, and began offering worship to the gods.

  After bathing, Raghurai went to his guru, Vasishtha,

  Paid homage to his feet, and, receiving permission, spoke.

  ‘Master, Bharat, the people of Avadh, and the royal mothers,

  Are all distraught with grief and exhausted by living in the forest.

  The king of Mithila and his entire retinue, too,

  Have been enduring hardships for many days now.

  Therefore do whatever is proper, lord,

  For the good of all is in your hands.’

  Having spoken thus, Ram was greatly embarrassed,

  But the muni was delighted to see his modest nature.

  ‘Without you, Ram, every facility for comfort

  Is like hell to both the royal parties.

  Ram, you are the very life-breath of life,

  The soul of souls, the joy of bliss itself.

  Ill-fated are those, dear son, who,

  Abandoning you, prefer their homes.

  (290)

  Let that happiness, those actions, and that dharma be destroyed

  In which there is no love for Ram’s lotus feet.

  That meditation is false meditation, and that wisdom, ignorance

  In which love for Ram is not supreme.

  Without you all are sad, and if they are happy, they are so only through you,

  For you know whatever there is in every heart.

  All honour your commands,

  For you, merciful one, know well their true state.

  And now, return to your ashram.’

  Saying this, the lord of munis was overcome by love.

  Then Ram bowed to him and departed,

  And the rishi, composing himself, went to Janak.

  The guru repeated Ram’s words to the king—

  So innately graceful, loving and beautiful.

  ‘Great king, now do what

  Is righteous and to the advantage of all.

  Protector of your people, you are a storehouse of wisdom,