Baal Kaanda
14 - The metaphorical representation of the Manasa as a lake and its glory
Chaupais
Description
By the grace of Sambhu (Lord Siva) a blessed idea inspired the mind of Tulasidasa, which made him the author of Ramacaritamanasa. The author has polished his composition to the best of his intellect; yet listen to it with a sympathetic mind, O noble souls, and correct it. A refined (Sattvika) intellect is the catchment area, heart is the fathomless depression, the Vedas and Puranas constitute the ocean; while holy men represent the clouds which rain down pure, sweet, agreeable and blessed water in the form of Sri Rama's excellent glory. Pastimes of a personal God that such holy men narrate in extenso are the transparency of this water, which cleanses all impurity; while loving Devotion, which defies all description, represents its sweetness and coolness. This water is beneficial for the paddy crop in the form of virtuous deeds, it is life itself to the devotees of Sri Rama. The same holy water, when it dropped on the soil of the intellect, flowed in a volume through the beautiful channel of the ears and, collecting in the lovely spot called the heart, came to be stationary. Having remained there for a long time, it became clear, agreeable, cool and refreshing. (1-5)