Dasharath’s Agony

Dejected and almost disoriented, king Dasharath follows the chariot carrying Sri Ram, Lakshman and Sita as they depart to the forest. He cannot keep pace with the speeding chariot but stands gazing at the path it took, long until the dust raised by it is seen no more. Overcome by grief, he drops to the ground.He is helped to his feet by Kaushalya, but thinking intently about his son Ram, Dasharath laments, struck by intense sorrow. He speaks about the hardships of exile, wondering where Ram will rest for the night. He who lies on beds with cushions, would have to spend the nights at the foot of a tree, on a hard place with a stone for a pillow, covered in dust. Sita would be terrified by the forest and the beasts that lurk in the thick foliage. Care and anguish darken the king’s distraught face. He has no will to live without Sri Ram by his side. In a feeble voice, with choking sobs, he asks to be taken to Kaushalya’s chamber, where he thinks he will find some respite. But even lying on a couch there, he is restless and continues to lament saying ‘O Ram, are you deserting us? Bliss awaits those who are still around to see and hug Ram when he returns from exile’. Thus, Dasharath mourns and yearns for Sri Ram with Kaushalya by his side.Likewise, Sri Ram’s thoughts are also constantly upon his aged father. He had left Ayodhya seeing his father in pain. He continually wondered if he would ever see his father again.Dasharath means the one who is in perfect control over all ten senses. The seeker or devotee who has reigned in his mind and controlled the senses is not extroverted. He is therefore able to channel his mind to the higher reality with single-pointed devotion. Only such a mind, which is pure and free from agitation, merits the grace of the lord.As a son, Ram thought of his father and as the lord, Sri Ram doted on this devotee, with extraordinary virtues and goodness.