Baal Kaanda
7 - Tulasidasas humility and the glory of poetry describing Sri Rama's greatness
Chaupais
Description
It contains the gracious name of the Lord of Raghus, which is exceedingly holy and the very cream of the Puranas and the Vedas. It is the abode of blessings and the remover of evils, and is muttered by Lord Siva, the enemy of the demon Tripura, along- with his consort, Uma. Even a composition of marvellous beauty and written by a gifted poet does not commend itself without the name of Sri Rama. A pretty woman with a charming countenance and fully adorned does not look attractive when undressed. On the other hand, the wise recite and hear with admiration even the composition of a worthless poet, which is devoid of all merit, knowing it as adorned with the name and glory of Sri Rama; for, like the bee, saints have a bias for goodness. Although it has no poetic charm whatsoever, the glory of Sri Rama is manifest in it. This is the only hope which flashes on my mind; who has not been exalted by noble company? Even smoke rising from burning aloe wood is impregnated with the latter's fragrance and gives up its natural pungency. Although my composition is clumsy, it treats of a commendable theme, viz., the story of Sri Rama, which brings felicity to the world.(1-5)