Prakarana 13

Verse 1 (चौपाई)

अस कहि मुनि बसिष्ट गृह आए। कृपासिंधु के मन अति भाए।। हनूमान भरतादिक भ्राता। संग लिए सेवक सुखदाता।। पुनि कृपाल पुर बाहेर गए। गज रथ तुरग मगावत भए।। देखि कृपा करि सकल सराहे। दिए उचित जिन्ह जिन्ह तेइ चाहे।। हरन सकल श्रम प्रभु श्रम पाई। गए जहाँ सीतल अवँराई।। भरत दीन्ह निज बसन डसाई। बैठे प्रभु सेवहिं सब भाई।। मारुतसुत तब मारूत करई। पुलक बपुष लोचन जल भरई।। हनूमान सम नहिं बड़भागी। नहिं कोउ राम चरन अनुरागी।। गिरिजा जासु प्रीति सेवकाई। बार बार प्रभु निज मुख गाई।।

Verse 2 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तेहिं अवसर मुनि नारद आए करतल बीन। गावन लगे राम कल कीरति सदा नबीन।।50।।

Verse 3 (चौपाई)

मामवलोकय पंकज लोचन। कृपा बिलोकनि सोच बिमोचन।। नील तामरस स्याम काम अरि। हृदय कंज मकरंद मधुप हरि।। जातुधान बरूथ बल भंजन। मुनि सज्जन रंजन अघ गंजन।। भूसुर ससि नव बृंद बलाहक। असरन सरन दीन जन गाहक।। भुज बल बिपुल भार महि खंडित। खर दूषन बिराध बध पंडित।। रावनारि सुखरूप भूपबर। जय दसरथ कुल कुमुद सुधाकर।। सुजस पुरान बिदित निगमागम। गावत सुर मुनि संत समागम।। कारुनीक ब्यलीक मद खंडन। सब बिधि कुसल कोसला मंडन।। कलि मल मथन नाम ममताहन। तुलसीदास प्रभु पाहि प्रनत जन।।

Verse 4 (दोहा/सोरठा)

प्रेम सहित मुनि नारद बरनि राम गुन ग्राम। सोभासिंधु हृदयँ धरि गए जहाँ बिधि धाम।।51।।

Verse 5 (चौपाई)

गिरिजा सुनहु बिसद यह कथा। मैं सब कही मोरि मति जथा।। राम चरित सत कोटि अपारा। श्रुति सारदा न बरनै पारा।। राम अनंत अनंत गुनानी। जन्म कर्म अनंत नामानी।। जल सीकर महि रज गनि जाहीं। रघुपति चरित न बरनि सिराहीं।। बिमल कथा हरि पद दायनी। भगति होइ सुनि अनपायनी।। उमा कहिउँ सब कथा सुहाई। जो भुसुंडि खगपतिहि सुनाई।। कछुक राम गुन कहेउँ बखानी। अब का कहौं सो कहहु भवानी।। सुनि सुभ कथा उमा हरषानी। बोली अति बिनीत मृदु बानी।। धन्य धन्य मैं धन्य पुरारी। सुनेउँ राम गुन भव भय हारी।।

Verse 6 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तुम्हरी कृपाँ कृपायतन अब कृतकृत्य न मोह। जानेउँ राम प्रताप प्रभु चिदानंद संदोह।।52(क)।। नाथ तवानन ससि स्रवत कथा सुधा रघुबीर। श्रवन पुटन्हि मन पान करि नहिं अघात मतिधीर।।52(ख)।।

Verse 7 (चौपाई)

राम चरित जे सुनत अघाहीं। रस बिसेष जाना तिन्ह नाहीं।। जीवनमुक्त महामुनि जेऊ। हरि गुन सुनहीं निरंतर तेऊ।। भव सागर चह पार जो पावा। राम कथा ता कहँ दृढ़ नावा।। बिषइन्ह कहँ पुनि हरि गुन ग्रामा। श्रवन सुखद अरु मन अभिरामा।। श्रवनवंत अस को जग माहीं। जाहि न रघुपति चरित सोहाहीं।। ते जड़ जीव निजात्मक घाती। जिन्हहि न रघुपति कथा सोहाती।। हरिचरित्र मानस तुम्ह गावा। सुनि मैं नाथ अमिति सुख पावा।। तुम्ह जो कही यह कथा सुहाई। कागभसुंडि गरुड़ प्रति गाई।।

Verse 8 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बिरति ग्यान बिग्यान दृढ़ राम चरन अति नेह। बायस तन रघुपति भगति मोहि परम संदेह।।53।।

Verse 9 (चौपाई)

नर सहस्त्र महँ सुनहु पुरारी। कोउ एक होइ धर्म ब्रतधारी।। धर्मसील कोटिक महँ कोई। बिषय बिमुख बिराग रत होई।। कोटि बिरक्त मध्य श्रुति कहई। सम्यक ग्यान सकृत कोउ लहई।। ग्यानवंत कोटिक महँ कोऊ। जीवनमुक्त सकृत जग सोऊ।। तिन्ह सहस्त्र महुँ सब सुख खानी। दुर्लभ ब्रह्मलीन बिग्यानी।। धर्मसील बिरक्त अरु ग्यानी। जीवनमुक्त ब्रह्मपर प्रानी।। सब ते सो दुर्लभ सुरराया। राम भगति रत गत मद माया।। सो हरिभगति काग किमि पाई। बिस्वनाथ मोहि कहहु बुझाई।।

Verse 10 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राम परायन ग्यान रत गुनागार मति धीर। नाथ कहहु केहि कारन पायउ काक सरीर।।54।।

Verse 250 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जासु नाम भव भेषज हरन घोर त्रय सूल। सो कृपालु मोहि तो पर सदा रहउ अनुकूल।।124(क)।। सुनि भुसुंडि के बचन सुभ देखि राम पद नेह। बोलेउ प्रेम सहित गिरा गरुड़ बिगत संदेह।।124(ख)।।

jāsu nāma bhava bheṣaja harana ghora traya sūla | so kṛpālu mohi to para sadā rahau anukūla ||124(ka)|| suni bhusuṇḍi ke bacana subha dekhi rāma pada neha | bolēu prema sahita girā garuṛa bigata saṁdeha ||124(kha)||

Whose Name is the medicine that removes the dreadful threefold torment of saṁsāra—may that Compassionate One ever remain favorable to me. Hearing Bhushundi’s auspicious words and seeing his love for Rama’s feet, Garuda spoke in loving speech, his doubts dispelled.

Verse 251 (चौपाई)

मै कृत्कृत्य भयउँ तव बानी। सुनि रघुबीर भगति रस सानी।। राम चरन नूतन रति भई। माया जनित बिपति सब गई।। मोह जलधि बोहित तुम्ह भए। मो कहँ नाथ बिबिध सुख दए।। मो पहिं होइ न प्रति उपकारा। बंदउँ तव पद बारहिं बारा।। पूरन काम राम अनुरागी। तुम्ह सम तात न कोउ बड़भागी।। संत बिटप सरिता गिरि धरनी। पर हित हेतु सबन्ह कै करनी।। संत हृदय नवनीत समाना। कहा कबिन्ह परि कहै न जाना।। निज परिताप द्रवइ नवनीता। पर दुख द्रवहिं संत सुपुनीता।। जीवन जन्म सुफल मम भयऊ। तव प्रसाद संसय सब गयऊ।। जानेहु सदा मोहि निज किंकर। पुनि पुनि उमा कहइ बिहंगबर।।

mai kṛt-kṛtya bhayauṁ tava bānī | suni raghubīra bhagati rasa sānī || rāma carana nūtana rati bhaī | māyā janita bipati saba gaī || moha jaladhi bohita tumha bhae | mo kahaṁ nātha bibidha sukha dae || mo pahiṁ hoi na prati upakārā | bandauṁ tava pada bārahiṁ bārā || pūrana kāma rāma anurāgī | tumha sama tāta na kou baṛabhāgī || santa biṭapa saritā giri dharanī | para hita hetu sabanha kai karanī || santa hṛdaya navanīta samānā | kahā kabinha pari kahai na jānā || nija paritāpa dravai navanītā | para dukha dravahiṁ santa su-punītā || jīvana janma suphala mama bhayū | tava prasāda saṁsaya saba gayū || jānehu sadā mohi nija kiṁkara | puni puni umā kahai bihaṅgabara ||

I am fulfilled by your words, for I have heard devotion steeped in the flavor of Raghubīr. A fresh love for Rama’s feet has arisen, and every calamity born of māyā has vanished. You have become a boat to cross the ocean of delusion; you have granted me many joys, O master. I can never repay such kindness; I bow at your feet again and again. You are complete in yourself and full of love for Rama—no one is as fortunate as you, dear friend. Saints are like trees, rivers, mountains, and the earth itself: all their activity is for the good of others. The saint’s heart is like fresh butter—what can poets say of it, and who can truly know it? Butter melts at its own heat; the supremely pure saints melt at another’s sorrow. My life and birth have become fruitful; by your grace all my doubts are gone. Always regard me as your own servant—thus, again and again, says the best of birds (Garuda) to Uma.

Verse 252 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तासु चरन सिरु नाइ करि प्रेम सहित मतिधीर। गयउ गरुड़ बैकुंठ तब हृदयँ राखि रघुबीर।।125(क)।। गिरिजा संत समागम सम न लाभ कछु आन। बिनु हरि कृपा न होइ सो गावहिं बेद पुरान।।125(ख)।।

tāsu carana siru nāi kari prema sahita mati-dhīra | gayau garuṛa baikunṭha taba hṛdayã rāakhi raghubīra ||125(ka)|| girijā santa samāgama sama na lābha kachu āna | binu hari kṛpā na hoi so gāvahiṁ beda purāna ||125(kha)||

Bowing his head at Bhushundi’s feet with steady mind and love, Garuda then departed for Vaikuntha, keeping Raghubīr enshrined within his heart. O Girijā, there is no gain like the fellowship of saints; without Hari’s grace it cannot be had—so sing the Vedas and the Purāṇas.

Verse 253 (चौपाई)

कहेउँ परम पुनीत इतिहासा। सुनत श्रवन छूटहिं भव पासा।। प्रनत कल्पतरु करुना पुंजा। उपजइ प्रीति राम पद कंजा।। मन क्रम बचन जनित अघ जाई। सुनहिं जे कथा श्रवन मन लाई।। तीर्थाटन साधन समुदाई। जोग बिराग ग्यान निपुनाई।। नाना कर्म धर्म ब्रत दाना। संजम दम जप तप मख नाना।। भूत दया द्विज गुर सेवकाई। बिद्या बिनय बिबेक बड़ाई।। जहँ लगि साधन बेद बखानी। सब कर फल हरि भगति भवानी।। सो रघुनाथ भगति श्रुति गाई। राम कृपाँ काहूँ एक पाई।।

kaheum̐ parama punīta itihāsā | sunata śravaṇa chūṭahiṁ bhava pāsā || praṇata kalpataru karuṇā puñjā | upajai prīti rāma pada kañjā || mana krama bacana janita agha jāī | sunahiṁ je kathā śravaṇa mana lāī || tīrthāṭana sādhana samudāī | joga birāga gyāna nipunāī || nānā karma dharma brata dānā | sañjama dama japa tapa makha nānā || bhūta dayā dvija guru sevakāī | bidyā binaya bibeka baṛāī || jahām̐ lagi sādhana beda bakhānī | saba kara phala hari bhagati bhavānī || so raghunātha bhagati śruti gāī | rāma kṛpām̐ kāhūm̐ eka pāī ||

I have spoken this supremely holy sacred history; by hearing it with the ears, the bonds of worldly existence fall away. To the surrendered, the Lord is a wish-fulfilling tree, a very heap of compassion; love for the lotus-feet of Rama arises. The sins born of mind, action, and speech are destroyed for those who hear this tale with attentive ear and heart. Pilgrimage and the whole array of disciplines—yoga, dispassion, and skill in knowledge— the many acts, duties, vows and gifts; restraint and self-control; japa, austerity, and manifold sacrifices; kindness to creatures, service of brahmins and guru; learning, humility, discernment, and honor— as far as the Vedas have expounded these means, the fruit of them all, O Bhavani, is devotion to Hari. That devotion to Raghunath is sung by the Shruti; yet by Rama’s grace alone does someone obtain it.

Verse 254 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मुनि दुर्लभ हरि भगति नर पावहिं बिनहिं प्रयास। जे यह कथा निरंतर सुनहिं मानि बिस्वास।।126।।

muni durlabha hari bhagati nara pāvahiṁ binahiṁ prayāsa | je yaha kathā nirantara sunahiṁ māni bisvāsa ||126||

That devotion to Hari, rare even for sages, is gained by human beings without strain— by those who listen to this story unceasingly, with reverent faith. (126)

Verse 255 (चौपाई)

सोइ सर्बग्य गुनी सोइ ग्याता। सोइ महि मंडित पंडित दाता।। धर्म परायन सोइ कुल त्राता। राम चरन जा कर मन राता।। नीति निपुन सोइ परम सयाना। श्रुति सिद्धांत नीक तेहिं जाना।। सोइ कबि कोबिद सोइ रनधीरा। जो छल छाड़ि भजइ रघुबीरा।। धन्य देस सो जहँ सुरसरी। धन्य नारि पतिब्रत अनुसरी।। धन्य सो भूपु नीति जो करई। धन्य सो द्विज निज धर्म न टरई।। सो धन धन्य प्रथम गति जाकी। धन्य पुन्य रत मति सोइ पाकी।। धन्य घरी सोइ जब सतसंगा। धन्य जन्म द्विज भगति अभंगा।।

soi sarbagya gunī soi gyātā | soi mahi maṇḍita paṇḍita dātā || dharma parāyana soi kula trātā | rāma carana jā kara mana rātā || nīti nipuna soi parama sayānā | śruti siddhānta nīka tehiṁ jānā || soi kabi kobida soi raṇadhīrā | jo chala chāṛi bhajai raghubīrā || dhanya desa so jahām̐ surasarī | dhanya nāri patibrata anusarī || dhanya so bhūpu nīti jo karaī | dhanya so dvija nija dharma na ṭaraī || so dhana dhanya prathama gati jākī | dhanya puṇya rata mati soi pākī || dhanya gharī soi jaba satasaṅgā | dhanya janma dvija bhagati abhaṅgā ||

He alone is truly all-knowing and virtuous, a genuine knower, a giver, a scholar who adorns the earth— whose mind is dyed in Rama’s feet. He alone is devoted to dharma and a savior of his lineage, whose heart rests in Rama’s feet. He alone is skilled in policy and supremely wise, who has rightly understood the settled truths of Shruti. He alone is poet and connoisseur, he alone is brave in battle, who—casting off deceit—adores Raghubir. Blessed is the land where the heavenly Ganga flows; blessed the woman who follows the vow of fidelity. Blessed the king who practices righteous governance; blessed the twice-born who does not swerve from his own duty. Blessed is the wealth whose first ‘going’ is toward the highest end; blessed the mature mind devoted to merit. Blessed the hour when there is holy company; blessed the birth wherein a brahmin’s devotion is unbroken.

Verse 256 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सो कुल धन्य उमा सुनु जगत पूज्य सुपुनीत। श्रीरघुबीर परायन जेहिं नर उपज बिनीत।।127।।

so kula dhanya umā sunu jagata pūjya supunīta | śrīraghubīra parāyana jehiṁ nara upaja binīta ||127||

That family is blessed, O Uma—revered in the world and most pure—in which is born a humble man wholly devoted to Sri Raghubir. (127)

Verse 257 (चौपाई)

मति अनुरूप कथा मैं भाषी। जद्यपि प्रथम गुप्त करि राखी।। तव मन प्रीति देखि अधिकाई। तब मैं रघुपति कथा सुनाई।। यह न कहिअ सठही हठसीलहि। जो मन लाइ न सुन हरि लीलहि।। कहिअ न लोभिहि क्रोधहि कामिहि। जो न भजइ सचराचर स्वामिहि।। द्विज द्रोहिहि न सुनाइअ कबहूँ। सुरपति सरिस होइ नृप जबहूँ।। राम कथा के तेइ अधिकारी। जिन्ह कें सतसंगति अति प्यारी।। गुर पद प्रीति नीति रत जेई। द्विज सेवक अधिकारी तेई।। ता कहँ यह बिसेष सुखदाई। जाहि प्रानप्रिय श्रीरघुराई।।

mati anurūpa kathā maiṁ bhāṣī | jadyapi prathama gupta kari rākhī || tava mana prīti dekhi adhikāī | taba maiṁ raghupati kathā sunāī || yaha na kahia saṭhahī haṭhasīlahi | jo mana lāi na suna hari līlahi || kahia na lobhihi krodhihi kāmihi | jo na bhajai sacarācara svāmihi || dvija drohihi na sunāia kabahūm̐ | surapati sarisa hoi nṛpa jabahūm̐ || rāma kathā ke teī adhikārī | jinha keṁ satasaṅgati ati pyārī || guru pada prīti nīti rata jeī | dvija sevaka adhikārī teī || tā kahaṁ yaha biseṣa sukhadāī | jāhi prānapriya śrīraghurāī ||

I have spoken the tale according to your capacity, though at first I kept it concealed. Seeing the greater love in your heart, then I narrated the story of Raghupati. This should not be told to the wicked and stubborn, who do not listen with their heart to Hari’s deeds. Nor should it be told to the greedy, the wrathful, the lustful—who do not worship the Lord of all that moves and stands. Never should it be recited to one who is hostile to the twice-born—even if that person be a king equal to Indra. Only they are entitled to Rama’s story to whom holy company is exceedingly dear. Those who love the guru’s feet and are devoted to right conduct—those who serve the twice-born—are qualified. For that person it is especially joy-giving, for whom Sri Raghurai is dearer than life.

Verse 258 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राम चरन रति जो चह अथवा पद निर्बान। भाव सहित सो यह कथा करउ श्रवन पुट पान।।128।।

rāma carana rati jo caha athavā pada nirbāna | bhāva sahita so iya kathā karauṁ śravaṇa puṭa pāna ||128||

Whoever longs for love at Sri Rama’s feet, or even for the state of liberation—let that person, with heartfelt reverence, drink this sacred tale through the cups of the ears.

Verse 259 (चौपाई)

राम कथा गिरिजा मैं बरनी। कलि मल समनि मनोमल हरनी।। संसृति रोग सजीवन मूरी। राम कथा गावहिं श्रुति सूरी।। एहि महँ रुचिर सप्त सोपाना। रघुपति भगति केर पंथाना।। अति हरि कृपा जाहि पर होई। पाउँ देइ एहिं मारग सोई।। मन कामना सिद्धि नर पावा। जे यह कथा कपट तजि गावा।। कहहिं सुनहिं अनुमोदन करहीं। ते गोपद इव भवनिधि तरहीं।। सुनि सब कथा हृदयँ अति भाई। गिरिजा बोली गिरा सुहाई।। नाथ कृपाँ मम गत संदेहा। राम चरन उपजेउ नव नेहा।।

rāma kathā girijā maiṁ baranī | kali mala samanī manomala haranī || saṁsṛti roga sajīvana mūrī | rāma kathā gāvahiṁ śruti sūrī || ehi maṁ rucira sapta sopānā | raghupati bhagati kera panthānā || ati hari kṛpā jāhi para hoī | pāuṁ dei ehiṁ māraga soī || mana kāmanā siddhi nara pāvā | je yaha kathā kapaṭa taji gāvā || kahahiṁ sunahiṁ anumodana karahīṁ | te gopada iva bhavanidhi tarahīṁ || suni saba kathā hṛdayaṁ ati bhāī | girijā bolī girā suhāī || nātha kṛpāँ mama gata saṁdehā | rāma carana upajeu nava nehā ||

I have narrated, O Girija, the tale of Rama—one that quells the grime of Kali and washes away the mind’s defilement. It is the life-giving herb for the disease of worldly becoming; the Vedas and the seer-sages themselves sing Rama’s story. Within it lie seven delightful steps—the roadway of devotion to Raghu-pati. On whomsoever Hari’s great grace descends, to that one He grants entry upon this path. People attain the fulfillment of their heart’s desire when they sing this tale, casting off deceit. Those who speak it, hear it, and rejoice in it cross the ocean of existence as easily as a cow’s hoofprint. Hearing the whole narration, it pleased Girija’s heart greatly; she spoke words most fitting: ‘By your grace, Lord, my doubts are gone, and a fresh love for Rama’s feet has arisen in me.’

Verse 260 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मैं कृतकृत्य भइउँ अब तव प्रसाद बिस्वेस। उपजी राम भगति दृढ़ बीते सकल कलेस।।129।।

maiṁ kṛta-kṛtya bhaiuँ aba tava prasāda bisvesa | upajī rāma bhagati dṛḍha bīte sakala kalesa ||129||

Now, by your grace, O Visvesa, I am wholly fulfilled: steadfast devotion to Rama has arisen, and all afflictions have passed away.

Verse 261 (चौपाई)

एहि कर होइ परम कल्याना। सोइ करहु अब कृपानिधाना।। बिप्रगिरा सुनि परहित सानी। एवमस्तु इति भइ नभबानी।। जदपि कीन्ह एहिं दारुन पापा। मैं पुनि दीन्ह कोप करि सापा।। तदपि तुम्हार साधुता देखी। करिहउँ एहि पर कृपा बिसेषी।। छमासील जे पर उपकारी। ते द्विज मोहि प्रिय जथा खरारी।। मोर श्राप द्विज ब्यर्थ न जाइहि। जन्म सहस अवस्य यह पाइहि।। जनमत मरत दुसह दुख होई। अहि स्वल्पउ नहिं ब्यापिहि सोई।। कवनेउँ जन्म मिटिहि नहिं ग्याना। सुनहि सूद्र मम बचन प्रवाना।। रघुपति पुरीं जन्म तब भयऊ। पुनि तैं मम सेवाँ मन दयऊ।। पुरी प्रभाव अनुग्रह मोरें। राम भगति उपजिहि उर तोरें।। सुनु मम बचन सत्य अब भाई। हरितोषन ब्रत द्विज सेवकाई।। अब जनि करहि बिप्र अपमाना। जानेहु संत अनंत समाना।। इंद्र कुलिस मम सूल बिसाला। कालदंड हरि चक्र कराला।। जो इन्ह कर मारा नहिं मरई। बिप्रद्रोह पावक सो जरई।। अस बिबेक राखेहु मन माहीं। तुम्ह कहँ जग दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं।। औरउ एक आसिषा मोरी। अप्रतिहत गति होइहि तोरी।।

ehi kara hoi parama kalyānā. soī karahu aba kṛpā-nidhānā.. bipra-girā suni parahita sānī. evam-astu iti bhaī nabha-bānī.. jadapi kīnha ehiṁ dāruṇa pāpā. maiṁ puni dīnha kopa kari sāpā.. tadapi tumhāra sādhutā dekhī. karihaũ ehi para kṛpā biseṣī.. kṣamā-sīla je para upakārī. te dvija mohi priya jathā kharārī.. mora śrāpa dvija byartha na jāihi. janma sahasa avasya yaha pāihi.. janamata marata dusaha dukha hoī. ahi svalpau nahiṁ byāpihi soī.. kavaneuṁ janma miṭihi nahiṁ gyānā. sunahi śūdra mama bacana pravānā.. raghupati purīṁ janma taba bhayū. puni taiṁ mama sevā̃ mana dayū.. purī prabhāva anugraha moreṁ. rāma bhagati upajihi ura toreṁ.. sunu mama bacana satya aba bhāī. hari-toṣana vrata dvija sevakāī.. aba jani karahi bipra apamānā. jānehu santa ananta samānā.. indra kuliśa mama sūla bisālā. kāla-daṇḍa hari cakra karālā.. jo inha kara mārā nahiṁ marai. bipra-droha pāvaka so jarai.. asa bibeka rākhehu mana māhīṁ. tumha kahã jaga durlabha kachu nāhīṁ.. auru eka āsiṣā morī. apratihata gati hoihi torī..

“In this lies your highest welfare; do it now, O treasure of compassion. Hearing the Brahmin’s words, filled with concern for the good of others, a voice from heaven replied, ‘So be it.’ Though this one committed a dreadful sin, I too, in anger, pronounced a curse. Yet, seeing your saintliness, I shall show him special grace. Those Brahmins who are forgiving and beneficent are dear to me as Khara’s foe is to you. My curse upon a Brahmin will not go in vain: he must undergo a thousand births. In birth and death there will be unbearable suffering; not even a little will be avoided. In no birth will knowledge be lost—hear my assured word, O Shudra. When you are born in the city of the Lord of Raghu, then your mind will turn again to my service. By the power of that city and by my favor, devotion to Rama will arise in your heart. Hear my true word now, brother: make it your vow to please Hari through service of Brahmins. Do not again dishonor Brahmins; know the saints to be like the Infinite Himself. Indra’s thunderbolt, my great trident, Time’s rod, and Hari’s dreadful discus— he whom these do not kill is burned by the fire of hostility to Brahmins. Keep this discernment in your mind; for you nothing in the world will be hard to obtain. And one more blessing of mine: your course shall be unobstructed.”

Verse 262 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुनि सिव बचन हरषि गुर एवमस्तु इति भाषि। मोहि प्रबोधि गयउ गृह संभु चरन उर राखि।।109(क)।। प्रेरित काल बिधि गिरि जाइ भयउँ मैं ब्याल। पुनि प्रयास बिनु सो तनु जजेउँ गएँ कछु काल।।109(ख)।। जोइ तनु धरउँ तजउँ पुनि अनायास हरिजान। जिमि नूतन पट पहिरइ नर परिहरइ पुरान।।109(ग)।। सिवँ राखी श्रुति नीति अरु मैं नहिं पावा क्लेस। एहि बिधि धरेउँ बिबिध तनु ग्यान न गयउ खगेस।।109(घ)।।

suni siva bacana haraṣi guru evam-astu iti bhāṣi. mohi prabodhi gayau gṛha śambhu caraṇa ura rākhi..109(ka).. prerita kāla vidhi giri jāi bhayaũ maiṁ byāla. puni prayāsa binu so tanu jajaũ gaẽ kachu kāla..109(kha).. joi tanu dharaũ tajaũ puni anāyāsa hari-jāna. jimi nūtana paṭ pahirai nara pariharai purāna..109(ga).. sivã rākhī śruti nīti aru maiṁ nahiṁ pāvā kleśa. ehi bidhi dhareũ bibidha tanu gyāna na gayau khagesa..109(gha)..

Hearing Shiva’s words, the Guru rejoiced and said, “So be it.” Having instructed me, Shambhu returned to his abode, keeping his feet close within my heart. (109a) Driven by Time and destiny, I went to the mountain and became a serpent; then, without further effort, I cast that body after some time had passed. (109b) Whatever body I assume, I abandon it again effortlessly, as one who knows Hari— just as a man puts on a new garment and discards the old. (109c) Shiva preserved for me the path of śruti and right conduct, and I suffered no affliction; in this way I took on many bodies, yet knowledge did not depart, O lord of birds. (109d)

Verse 263 (चौपाई)

त्रिजग देव नर जोइ तनु धरउँ। तहँ तहँ राम भजन अनुसरऊँ।। एक सूल मोहि बिसर न काऊ। गुर कर कोमल सील सुभाऊ।। चरम देह द्विज कै मैं पाई। सुर दुर्लभ पुरान श्रुति गाई।। खेलउँ तहूँ बालकन्ह मीला। करउँ सकल रघुनायक लीला।। प्रौढ़ भएँ मोहि पिता पढ़ावा। समझउँ सुनउँ गुनउँ नहिं भावा।। मन ते सकल बासना भागी। केवल राम चरन लय लागी।। कहु खगेस अस कवन अभागी। खरी सेव सुरधेनुहि त्यागी।। प्रेम मगन मोहि कछु न सोहाई। हारेउ पिता पढ़ाइ पढ़ाई।। भए कालबस जब पितु माता। मैं बन गयउँ भजन जनत्राता।। जहँ जहँ बिपिन मुनीस्वर पावउँ। आश्रम जाइ जाइ सिरु नावउँ।। बूझत तिन्हहि राम गुन गाहा। कहहिं सुनउँ हरषित खगनाहा।। सुनत फिरउँ हरि गुन अनुबादा। अब्याहत गति संभु प्रसादा।। छूटी त्रिबिध ईषना गाढ़ी। एक लालसा उर अति बाढ़ी।। राम चरन बारिज जब देखौं। तब निज जन्म सफल करि लेखौं।। जेहि पूँछउँ सोइ मुनि अस कहई। ईस्वर सर्ब भूतमय अहई।। निर्गुन मत नहिं मोहि सोहाई। सगुन ब्रह्म रति उर अधिकाई।।

trijaga deva nara joi tanu dharaũ. tahã tahã rāma bhajana anusaraũ.. eka sūla mohi bisara na kāū. guru kara komala sīla subhāū.. carama deha dvija kai maiṁ pāī. sura durlabha purāna śruti gāī.. khelaũ tahū̃ bālakanha mīlā. karaũ sakala raghunāyaka līlā.. prauṛha bhaẽ mohi pitā paṛhāvā. samajhaũ sunaũ gunaũ nahiṁ bhāvā.. mana te sakala bāsanā bhāgī. kevala rāma caraṇa laya lāgī.. kahu khagesa asa kavan abhāgī. kharī seva sura-dhenūhi tyāgī.. prema magana mohi kachu na sohāī. hāreu pitā paṛhāi paṛhāī.. bhae kāla-basa jaba pitu mātā. maiṁ bana gayaũ bhajana jana-trātā.. jahã jahã bipina munīsvara pāvaũ. āśrama jāi-jāi siru nāvaũ.. būjhat tinhahi rāma guna gāhā. kahahiṁ sunaũ haraṣita khaga-nāhā.. sunata phiraũ hari guna anubādā. avyāhata gati śambhu prasādā.. chūṭī tribidha īṣanā gāṛhī. eka lālasā ura ati bāṛhī.. rāma caraṇa bārija jaba dekhaũ. taba nija janma saphala kari lekhaũ.. jehi pū̃chhaũ soī muni asa kahai. īsvara sarba bhūta-maya ahaī.. nirguna mata nahiṁ mohi sohāī. saguna brahma rati ura adhikāī..

Whatever body I take—whether of god or man—in every place I follow the worship of Rama. One piercing lesson I never forget: my Guru’s gentle disposition and gracious nature. At last I obtained a Brahmin body, which the Purānas and the Vedas declare rare even for the gods. There I played among children and enacted all the sports of the Lord of Raghu. When I grew, my father made me study; I understood, heard, and reflected, yet it gave me no delight. All desires fled from my mind; only absorption in Rama’s feet remained. Tell me, O lord of birds—who is so unfortunate as to abandon such a priceless service, like casting away the wish-fulfilling cow? So intoxicated was I with love that nothing else pleased me; my father grew weary of teaching and re-teaching. When my parents came under Time’s sway, I went to the forest, becoming a deliverer through devotion. Wherever I found great sages in the woods, I went again and again to their hermitages and bowed my head. Questioning them, I sang Rama’s virtues; they spoke, and I listened with joy, O king of birds. Thus I roam, hearing the expositions of Hari’s qualities—my course unbroken by Shambhu’s grace. The three deep cravings fell away; one longing alone swelled within my heart: ‘When shall I behold the lotus-feet of Rama? Then I will count my birth a success.’ Whomever I ask, each sage says: ‘The Lord pervades all beings.’ The nirguna doctrine does not appeal to me; love for the saguna Brahman is stronger in my heart.

Verse 264 (दोहा/सोरठा)

गुर के बचन सुरति करि राम चरन मनु लाग। रघुपति जस गावत फिरउँ छन छन नव अनुराग।।110(क)।। मेरु सिखर बट छायाँ मुनि लोमस आसीन। देखि चरन सिरु नायउँ बचन कहेउँ अति दीन।।110(ख)।। सुनि मम बचन बिनीत मृदु मुनि कृपाल खगराज। मोहि सादर पूँछत भए द्विज आयहु केहि काज।।110(ग)।। तब मैं कहा कृपानिधि तुम्ह सर्बग्य सुजान। सगुन ब्रह्म अवराधन मोहि कहहु भगवान।।110(घ)।।

gura ke bacana surati kari rāma caraṇa manu lāga. raghupati jasa gāvata phiraũ chana-chana nava anurāga..110(ka).. meru śikhara baṭa chāyā̃ muni lomasa āsīna. dekhi caraṇa siru nāyaũ bacana kaheũ ati dīna..110(kha).. suni mama bacana binīta mṛdu muni kṛpāla khaga-rāja. mohi sādar pū̃chhata bhae dvija āyahu kehi kāja..110(ga).. taba maiṁ kahā kṛpā-nidhi tumha sarbagya sujāna. saguna brahma avarādhana mohi kahahu bhagavāna..110(gha)..

Remembering my Guru’s words, my mind clung to Rama’s feet; I wandered singing the glory of Raghu’s Lord, each moment with ever-new love. (110a) On Meru’s peak, beneath a banyan’s shade, the sage Lomasa sat; seeing his feet I bowed my head and spoke most humbly. (110b) Hearing my gentle, respectful words, the compassionate sage asked, O king of birds: ‘Brahmin, for what purpose have you come?’ (110c) Then I said: ‘O treasure of mercy, you are all-knowing and wise; teach me, O Lord, the worship of the saguna Brahman.’ (110d)

Verse 265 (चौपाई)

तब मुनिष रघुपति गुन गाथा। कहे कछुक सादर खगनाथा।। ब्रह्मग्यान रत मुनि बिग्यानि। मोहि परम अधिकारी जानी।। लागे करन ब्रह्म उपदेसा। अज अद्वेत अगुन हृदयेसा।। अकल अनीह अनाम अरुपा। अनुभव गम्य अखंड अनूपा।। मन गोतीत अमल अबिनासी। निर्बिकार निरवधि सुख रासी।। सो तैं ताहि तोहि नहिं भेदा। बारि बीचि इव गावहि बेदा।। बिबिध भाँति मोहि मुनि समुझावा। निर्गुन मत मम हृदयँ न आवा।। पुनि मैं कहेउँ नाइ पद सीसा। सगुन उपासन कहहु मुनीसा।। राम भगति जल मम मन मीना। किमि बिलगाइ मुनीस प्रबीना।। सोइ उपदेस कहहु करि दाया। निज नयनन्हि देखौं रघुराया।। भरि लोचन बिलोकि अवधेसा। तब सुनिहउँ निर्गुन उपदेसा।। मुनि पुनि कहि हरिकथा अनूपा। खंडि सगुन मत अगुन निरूपा।। तब मैं निर्गुन मत कर दूरी। सगुन निरूपउँ करि हठ भूरी।। उत्तर प्रतिउत्तर मैं कीन्हा। मुनि तन भए क्रोध के चीन्हा।। सुनु प्रभु बहुत अवग्या किएँ। उपज क्रोध ग्यानिन्ह के हिएँ।। अति संघरषन जौं कर कोई। अनल प्रगट चंदन ते होई।।

taba muniṣa raghupati guna gāthā. kahe kachuka sādar khaga-nāthā.. brahma-gyāna rata muni bigyānī. mohi parama adhikārī jānī.. lāge karana brahma upadesā. aja advaita aguṇa hṛdayesā.. akala anīha anāma arūpā. anubhava gamya akhaṇḍa anūpā.. mana-gotīta amala abināsī. nirbikāra niravadhi sukha rāsī.. so taiṁ tāhi tohi nahiṁ bhedā. bāri bīci iva gāvahi bedā.. bibidha bhā̃ti mohi muni samujhāvā. nirguna mata mama hṛdayã na āvā.. puni maiṁ kaheũ nāi pada sīsā. saguna upāsana kahahu munīsā.. rāma bhagati jala mama mana mīnā. kimi bilagāi munīsa prabīnā.. soī upadesa kahahu kari dāyā. nija nayananhi dekhaũ raghurāyā.. bhari locana biloki avadhesā. taba sunihaũ nirguna upadesā.. muni puni kahi hari-kathā anūpā. khaṇḍi saguna mata aguṇa nirūpā.. taba maiṁ nirguna mata kara dūrī. saguna nirūpaũ kari haṭha bhūrī.. uttara prati-uttara maiṁ kīnhā. muni tana bhae krodha ke cīnhā.. sunu prabhu bahuta avagyā kiẽ. upaja krodha gyāninha ke hiẽ.. ati saṅgharṣana jaũ kara koī. anala pragaṭa candana te hoī..

Then the sage spoke some words, respectfully recounting the virtues of Raghu’s Lord, O king of birds. That wise ascetic, delighting in Brahman-knowledge, deemed me a most fit recipient, and began to teach of Brahman—unborn, non-dual, attribute-less, the Lord within the heart: beyond thought, desireless, nameless, formless; knowable by direct experience; unbroken, incomparable; beyond the mind’s range, stainless, imperishable; without modification; an infinite treasury of bliss. ‘You and That are not different,’ so sing the Vedas—like water and its waves. In many ways the sage explained to me, yet the nirguna doctrine did not enter my heart. Again I said, bowing my head at his feet: ‘O sage, tell me the worship of the saguna Lord. My mind is a fish in the water of Rama’s devotion—how can you separate it, O skilled master? Have mercy and give me that instruction by which I may behold the King of Raghu with my own eyes. When my eyes are filled with the sight of the Lord of Ayodhya, then I shall listen to nirguna teaching.’ The sage again spoke incomparable Hari-katha, refuting saguna views and expounding the attributeless. Then I set the nirguna view aside and stubbornly pressed the saguna description. Back and forth I replied; the sage’s body showed the marks of anger. Hear, O Lord: I committed much disrespect; anger arises in the hearts of the learned. If one provokes too much friction, fire appears even from sandalwood.

Verse 266 (चौपाई)

ग्यान पंथ कृपान कै धारा। परत खगेस होइ नहिं बारा।। जो निर्बिघ्न पंथ निर्बहई। सो कैवल्य परम पद लहई।। अति दुर्लभ कैवल्य परम पद। संत पुरान निगम आगम बद। राम भजत सोइ मुकुति गोसाई। अनइच्छित आवइ बरिआई।। जिमि थल बिनु जल रहि न सकाई। कोटि भाँति कोउ करै उपाई।। तथा मोच्छ सुख सुनु खगराई। रहि न सकइ हरि भगति बिहाई।। अस बिचारि हरि भगत सयाने। मुक्ति निरादर भगति लुभाने।। भगति करत बिनु जतन प्रयासा। संसृति मूल अबिद्या नासा।। भोजन करिअ तृपिति हित लागी। जिमि सो असन पचवै जठरागी।। असि हरिभगति सुगम सुखदाई। को अस मूढ़ न जाहि सोहाई।।

gyāna pantha kṛpāna kai dhārā | parata khagesa hoi nahiṁ bārā || jo nirbighna pantha nirbahai | so kaivalya parama pada lahai || ati durlabha kaivalya parama pada | santa purāna nigama āgama bada || rāma bhajata soi mukuti gosāī | an-icchita āvai bariāī || jimi thala binu jala rahi na sakāī | koṭi bhāँti kou karai upāī || tathā moccha sukha sunu khagarāī | rahi na sakai hari bhagati bihāī || asa bicāri hari bhagata sayāne | mukti nirādara bhagati lubhāne || bhagati karata binu jatana prayāsā | saṁsṛti mūla abidyā nāsā || bhojana kari-a tṛpiti hita lāgī | jimi so asana pacavai jaṭharāgī || asi hari-bhagati sugama sukhadāī | ko asa mūṛha na jāhi sohāī ||

The path of knowledge is like the edge of a sword; one does not traverse it easily, O king of birds. Whoever completes that path without obstacles attains the supreme state of kaivalya. Yet that highest state is exceedingly rare, as even saints, Purāṇas, Vedas, and Āgamas declare. But for one who worships Rāma, liberation—O Lord—comes of itself, unasked. As dry land cannot remain without water though one attempt a thousand devices, so too, hear me, O Garuḍa: the joy of mokṣa cannot remain without Hari’s devotion. Knowing this, wise devotees disregard liberation, enamored only of bhakti. Practising bhakti, without strain or contrivance, destroys ignorance, the root of worldly becoming. As food is taken for satisfaction and is digested by the gastric fire, so is devotion to Hari—easy and bestowing happiness; who would be so foolish as not to seek it?

Verse 267 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सेवक सेब्य भाव बिनु भव न तरिअ उरगारि।। भजहु राम पद पंकज अस सिद्धांत बिचारि।।119(क)।। जो चेतन कहँ ज़ड़ करइ ज़ड़हि करइ चैतन्य। अस समर्थ रघुनायकहिं भजहिं जीव ते धन्य।।119(ख)।।

sevaka sebyā bhāva binu bhava na tari-a uragāri | bhajahu rāma pada paṅkaja asa siddhānta bicāri ||119(ka)|| jo cetana kahaँ jaṛa karai jaṛahi karai caitanya | asa samartha raghunāyakahiṁ bhajahiṁ jīva te dhanya ||119(kha)||

Without the servant-and-Lord relation in the heart, one does not cross the ocean of becoming, O foe of serpents. Worship the lotus feet of Rāma—ponder this as the settled doctrine. He who can make the conscious seem inert, and can quicken even the inert into consciousness— blessed indeed are the souls who worship such an all-powerful Lord of the Raghus.

Verse 268 (चौपाई)

कहेउँ ग्यान सिद्धांत बुझाई। सुनहु भगति मनि कै प्रभुताई।। राम भगति चिंतामनि सुंदर। बसइ गरुड़ जाके उर अंतर। परम प्रकास रूप दिन राती। नहिं कछु चहिअ दिआ घृत बाती। मोह दरिद्र निकट नहिं आवा। लोभ बात नहिं ताहि बुझावा। प्रबल अबिद्या तम मिटि जाई। हारहिं सकल सलभ समुदाई। खल कामादि निकट नहिं जाहीं। बसइ भगति जाके उर माहीं। गरल सुधासम अरि हित होई। तेहि मनि बिनु सुख पाव न कोई। ब्यापहिं मानस रोग न भारी। जिन्ह के बस सब जीव दुखारी। राम भगति मनि उर बस जाकें। दुख लवलेस न सपनेहुँ ताकें। चतुर सिरोमनि तेइ जग माहीं। जे मनि लागि सुजतन कराहीं। सो मनि जदपि प्रगट जग अहई। राम कृपा बिनु नहिं कोउ लहई। सुगम उपाय पाइबे केरे। नर हतभाग्य देहिं भटमेरे। पावन पर्बत बेद पुराना। राम कथा रुचिराकर नाना। मर्मी सज्जन सुमति कुदारी। ग्यान बिराग नयन उरगारी। भाव सहित खोजइ जो प्रानी। पाव भगति मनि सब सुख खानी। मोरें मन प्रभु अस बिस्वासा। राम ते अधिक राम कर दासा। राम सिंधु घन सज्जन धीरा। चंदन तरु हरि संत समीरा। सब कर फल हरि भगति सुहाई। सो बिनु संत न काहूँ पाई। अस बिचारि जोइ कर सतसंगा। राम भगति तेहि सुलभ बिहंगा।।

kaheūँ gyāna siddhānta bujhāī | sunahu bhagati mani kai prabhutāī || rāma bhagati cintāmaṇi sundara | basai garuṛa jāke ura antara || parama prakāsa rūpa dina rātī | nahiṁ kachu cahi-a diā ghṛta bātī || moha daridra nikaṭa nahiṁ āvā | lobha bāta nahiṁ tāhi bujhāvā || prabala abidyā tama miṭi jāī | hārahiṁ sakala salabha samudāī || khala kāmādi nikaṭa nahiṁ jāhīṁ | basai bhagati jāke ura māhīṁ || garala sudhā-sama ari hita hoī | tehi mani binu sukha pāva na koī || byāpahiṁ mānasa roga na bhārī | jinh ke basa saba jīva dukhārī || rāma bhagati mani ura basa jākeṁ | dukha lava-lesa na sapanehuँ tākeṁ || catura siromaṇi teī jaga māhīṁ | je mani lāgi sujatana karāhīṁ || so mani jadapi pragaṭa jaga ahaī | rāma kṛpā binu nahiṁ kou lahaī || sugama upāya pāibe kere | nara hatabhāgya dehiṁ bhaṭamere || pāvana parbata beda purānā | rāma kathā rucirākara nānā || marmī sajjana sumati kudārī | gyāna birāga nayana uragārī || bhāva sahita khojai jo prānī | pāva bhagati mani saba sukha khānī || moreṁ mana prabhu asa bisvāsā | rāma te adhika rāma kara dāsā || rāma sindhu ghana sajjana dhīrā | candana taru hari santa samīrā || saba kara phala hari bhagati suhāī | so binu santa na kāhūँ pāī || asa bicāri joi kara satasaṅgā | rāma bhagati tehi sulabha bihangā ||

I have explained the doctrine of knowledge; now hear the sovereign power of the jewel of devotion. Rāma’s devotion is a beautiful wish-fulfilling gem; it dwells within the heart of him, O Garuḍa, who holds it. It is light itself, shining day and night; it needs no lamp, no ghee, no wick. Delusion and the poverty of the soul do not come near; the wind of greed cannot extinguish it. The dense darkness of ignorance is dispelled, and all the moth-like hosts (of passions) are defeated. Wickedness and lust and the rest cannot approach where bhakti dwells in the heart. Poison turns to nectar and enemies become well-wishers; without that gem no one finds true happiness. No grave diseases of the mind afflict him—those diseases that keep all beings in bondage. In whose heart the gem of Rāma-bhakti abides, not even a trace of sorrow appears, even in dream. Truly wise are those in the world who carefully strive to obtain that gem. Though it is openly present in the world, none obtains it without Rāma’s grace. The means are easy, yet the unfortunate wander astray. The holy mountains, the Vedas and Purāṇas, the many lovely mines of Rāma’s story, insightful saints, good counsel as a spade, knowledge and dispassion as eyes—O foe of serpents— whoever seeks with heartfelt love obtains the gem of devotion, the mine of every joy. My heart holds this faith: Rāma’s servant is greater than Rāma Himself. Rāma is an ocean, a raincloud; the steadfast good are like sandal trees; the saints are Hari’s cooling breeze. The fruit of all is the beauty of devotion to Hari; without saints no one attains it. Knowing this, whoever keeps holy company—O bird—finds Rāma-bhakti easily.

Verse 269 (दोहा/सोरठा)

ब्रह्म पयोनिधि मंदर ग्यान संत सुर आहिं। कथा सुधा मथि काढ़हिं भगति मधुरता जाहिं।।120(क)।। बिरति चर्म असि ग्यान मद लोभ मोह रिपु मारि। जय पाइअ सो हरि भगति देखु खगेस बिचारि।।120(ख)।।

brahma payonidhi mandara gyāna santa sura āhiṁ | kathā sudhā mathi kāḍhahiṁ bhagati madhuratā jāhiṁ ||120(ka)|| birati carma asi gyāna mada lobha moha ripu māri | jaya pāi-a so hari bhagati dekhu khagesa bicāri ||120(kha)||

Brahman is the ocean; knowledge is the Mandara; saints and gods are there. Churning the nectar of sacred story, they draw forth devotion—sweetness itself. Detachment is the leather strap; with the sword of knowledge they strike down pride, greed, and delusion, the enemies. The victory that is won is nothing but devotion to Hari—see this, O Garuḍa, and reflect.

Verse 270 (चौपाई)

पुनि सप्रेम बोलेउ खगराऊ। जौं कृपाल मोहि ऊपर भाऊ।। नाथ मोहि निज सेवक जानी। सप्त प्रस्न कहहु बखानी।। प्रथमहिं कहहु नाथ मतिधीरा। सब ते दुर्लभ कवन सरीरा।। बड़ दुख कवन कवन सुख भारी। सोउ संछेपहिं कहहु बिचारी।। संत असंत मरम तुम्ह जानहु। तिन्ह कर सहज सुभाव बखानहु।। कवन पुन्य श्रुति बिदित बिसाला। कहहु कवन अघ परम कराला।। मानस रोग कहहु समुझाई। तुम्ह सर्बग्य कृपा अधिकाई।। तात सुनहु सादर अति प्रीती। मैं संछेप कहउँ यह नीती।। नर तन सम नहिं कवनिउ देही। जीव चराचर जाचत तेही।। नरग स्वर्ग अपबर्ग निसेनी। ग्यान बिराग भगति सुभ देनी।। सो तनु धरि हरि भजहिं न जे नर। होहिं बिषय रत मंद मंद तर।। काँच किरिच बदलें ते लेही। कर ते डारि परस मनि देहीं।। नहिं दरिद्र सम दुख जग माहीं। संत मिलन सम सुख जग नाहीं।। पर उपकार बचन मन काया। संत सहज सुभाउ खगराया।। संत सहहिं दुख परहित लागी। परदुख हेतु असंत अभागी।। भूर्ज तरू सम संत कृपाला। परहित निति सह बिपति बिसाला।। सन इव खल पर बंधन करई। खाल कढ़ाइ बिपति सहि मरई।। खल बिनु स्वारथ पर अपकारी। अहि मूषक इव सुनु उरगारी।। पर संपदा बिनासि नसाहीं। जिमि ससि हति हिम उपल बिलाहीं।। दुष्ट उदय जग आरति हेतू। जथा प्रसिद्ध अधम ग्रह केतू।। संत उदय संतत सुखकारी। बिस्व सुखद जिमि इंदु तमारी।। परम धर्म श्रुति बिदित अहिंसा। पर निंदा सम अघ न गरीसा।। हर गुर निंदक दादुर होई। जन्म सहस्त्र पाव तन सोई।। द्विज निंदक बहु नरक भोग करि। जग जनमइ बायस सरीर धरि।। सुर श्रुति निंदक जे अभिमानी। रौरव नरक परहिं ते प्रानी।। होहिं उलूक संत निंदा रत। मोह निसा प्रिय ग्यान भानु गत।। सब के निंदा जे जड़ करहीं। ते चमगादुर होइ अवतरहीं।। सुनहु तात अब मानस रोगा। जिन्ह ते दुख पावहिं सब लोगा।। मोह सकल ब्याधिन्ह कर मूला। तिन्ह ते पुनि उपजहिं बहु सूला।। काम बात कफ लोभ अपारा। क्रोध पित्त नित छाती जारा।। प्रीति करहिं जौं तीनिउ भाई। उपजइ सन्यपात दुखदाई।। बिषय मनोरथ दुर्गम नाना। ते सब सूल नाम को जाना।। ममता दादु कंडु इरषाई। हरष बिषाद गरह बहुताई।। पर सुख देखि जरनि सोइ छई। कुष्ट दुष्टता मन कुटिलई।। अहंकार अति दुखद डमरुआ। दंभ कपट मद मान नेहरुआ।। तृस्ना उदरबृद्धि अति भारी। त्रिबिध ईषना तरुन तिजारी।। जुग बिधि ज्वर मत्सर अबिबेका। कहँ लागि कहौं कुरोग अनेका।।

puni sa-prema boleu khagarāū | jauṁ kṛpāla mohi ūpara bhāū || nātha mohi nija sevaka jānī | sapta prasna kahahu bakhānī || prathamahiṁ kahahu nātha matidhīrā | saba te durlabha kavan sarīrā || baṛa dukha kavan kavan sukha bhārī | sou saṅkṣepahiṁ kahahu bicārī || santa asanta marama tumha jānahu | tinh kara sahaja subhāva bakhānahu || kavan punya śruti bidita bisālā | kahahu kavan agha parama karālā || mānasa roga kahahu samujhāī | tumha sarbagya kṛpā adhikāī || ... (remaining chaupais as given)

Then Garuḍa spoke again with love: “If you are graciously inclined toward me, O Lord, knowing me as your own servant, explain seven questions. First, O wise master, which body is the rarest of all? What is the greatest sorrow, and what the greatest happiness—tell me briefly, after reflection. You know the inner mark of saint and non-saint; describe their natural dispositions. What is the great merit known to the Vedas, and what sin is most dreadful? Explain the diseases of the mind; you are all-knowing and greatly compassionate.” Bhūṣuṇḍi replied: “Listen, dear one, with respect and love; I will state this teaching in brief. No embodiment equals the human body; all moving and unmoving beings long for it. It is the ladder to hell, heaven, and liberation; it grants knowledge, detachment, and auspicious devotion. Those who, having obtained it, do not worship Hari and remain absorbed in sense-objects, are like men who trade glass for a sword, and throw away in their hand the philosopher’s stone. No misery equals poverty; no happiness in the world equals meeting saints. To do good to others in word, mind, and body—this is the saint’s natural way. Saints endure suffering for others’ good; the unfortunate non-saints cause others pain. Like the birch tree, compassionate saints constantly bear great hardships for others’ sake. But the wicked bind others like hemp, and die suffering even after being skinned. The wicked harm others without even self-interest—like a snake or a mouse, O foe of serpents. They destroy others’ prosperity as frost destroys the moon’s radiance. The rise of the wicked brings distress to the world, like the infamous comet. The rise of saints brings continual welfare, like the moon that dispels darkness. The supreme dharma, known to the Vedas, is non-violence; no sin equals slandering others. The reviler of Hari and the Guru becomes a frog, taking that body for a thousand births. The reviler of Brahmins suffers many hells, then is born in the world as a crow. Proud revilers of the Vedas and śruti fall into the Raurava hell. Those devoted to slandering saints become owls, loving the night of delusion, with the sun of knowledge gone. Those dull ones who slander everyone are born as bats. Now hear of the diseases of the mind, by which all people suffer: Delusion is the root of all ailments; from it arise many pains. Desire is wind, greed is phlegm without limit, anger is bile that ever burns the chest. When these three befriend one another, a ruinous fever arises. The many hard desires for objects—these are known as ‘pains’ themselves. Attachment is ringworm, itching is envy; with joy and grief and countless ‘planetary seizures’. Seeing another’s happiness one burns—this is consumption; wickedness is the mind’s crookedness. Ego is the drum that beats great sorrow; hypocrisy, deceit, intoxication, and pride are the snares. Craving is a swollen belly; the threefold longings are a youthful treasury of bondage. Jealousy is a recurring fever; lack of discernment—and many other maladies beyond telling.