The Boatman

हमारे साथ श्री रघुनाथ, तो किस बात की चिंता ?

When I read this beautiful post by Akshay ji, it reminded me of this story I stumbled upon a few months ago. Since then, this tale has lingered in my memory, and each time I think of it, I smile. If you find the time to read it, I hope it makes your heart beam.

This tale dates back to the time when Bhagwan Ram, along with Maa Sita and Lakshman, were exiled to the forest for fourteen long years. Lotus-eyed, with limbs like those of a lion, Ram was still a young prince who had been denied the throne on the eve of his coronation. Walking through the thicket, the thorns of the underwood pricked at the tender feet, which had only ever known the polished floor of exalted palaces.

The trees, distraught and helpless, clutched their branches to create a canopy. The entire forest ached with agony and paid its respect through the songs of the chirping birds and the rustle of the gentle wind as the moonlike Lord and his resolute companions carried on with forbearance.

After making it through the woods, they arrived at the bank of a river. Ram’s eyes searched for a boat, but there was none in sight. Sita gazed at Ram with worry, for the fast-flowing river had strong currents, and without a boat, there was no way they could make it across. Lakshman, always in service of his elder brother, was just as anxious to find a boat that could ferry them across the rapids. So when he spotted a solitary boat in the distance, his face lit up, and he flailed his hands in the air to catch the attention of the boatman.

The boatman spotted them instantly and rowed his boat to the bank, like a moth in search of light. The boatman’s eyes were lined with affection, and he welcomed Bhagwan Ram, Maa Sita, and Lakshman into his boat. Though the river was treacherous, the boatman skillfully ferried them across, never losing his calm or the smile that played on his face. As they neared the other side of the river, Ram gave Sita a gentle look, and she understood him at once. Without a thought, she offered her ring to the boatman.

The boatman was startled, and he refused to take the ring. Ram urged him to accept the gift as a token of their gratitude, but the boatman was adamant.

“Consider this your payment. You have been so kind, and without your help, we would have never crossed this river.”

The boatman shook his head. ” I can’t accept this ring. After all, one boatman doesn’t accept payment from another.”

Ram’s moonlike face broke into a smile. “I think you’ve made a mistake, oh good man. I am not a boatman. “

“Oh lord, you too are a boatman. I carry people across this treacherous river, and you oh my lord do the same thing, You carry us all across the river of life.”

The boatman fell to his feet. He wept profusely, his tears flowing like the river, washing away the mud that had soiled his Lord’s feet. He wept and yet he smiled, for he found what he had been looking for in every lifetime.

“You are my boatman, and you will ferry me across.” I will cling to your name till I reach the shore. Oh Ram, carry me through these currents of misery, for only you know how to steer this boat.”

Ram lifted the boatman and embraced him.

तू ही सिया का राम

राधा का तू ही श्याम

जनमो जनम का ही ये साथ है

मीरा का तू भजन

भजते हरि पावन

तुलसी ने भी लिखी ये बात है

राम सिया राम सिया राम जय जय राम राम सिया राम सिया राम जय जय राम

 

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