Argument. The wide extent of the Heart and its ultimate Dissolution.
Whatever may be the origin and nature of the human heart (which some take for the mind), it should be always inquired into in seeking out one’s own liberation. (The heart called antahkarana—an inner organ, is often supposed as the same with the mind; its cravings after worldliness, are to be suppressed under its longing for liberation from worldly cares).
2. The heart being fixed in the Supreme, becomes purified of its worldly desires and attachments; and then O Ráma! it perceives that soul in itself, which transcends all imaginations of the mind. (Kalpanás are imaginary attributes of God in the mind; who can only be seen in the heart).
3. It is the province of the heart, to secure the sedateness of the world in itself; and it lies in the power of the heart, either to make its bondage or get its freedom, from the desires and troubles of the world.
4. On this subject there hangs a curious tale relating the legend of the heart, which was revealed to me of yore by Brahmá himself; and which I will now relate to you Ráma, if you will listen to it with attention.
5. There is a long, open and dreary desert, Rámátaví by name; which was quite still and solitary and without an inhabitant, in it; and so vast in its extent, as to make a pace of a league of it. (Or rather to make a league of a pace of it).
6. There stood a man of a terrific and gigantic figure in it, with a sorrowful visage and troubled mind, and having a thousand arms and a thousand eyes.
7. He held many clubs and maces in all his manifold arms, with which he was striking his own back and breast, and then running away in this direction and that (as if for fear of being caught by some one).
8. Then having struck himself fast and hard with his own hands, he fled afar a hundred leagues for fear of being laid hold by some body.
9. Thus striking and crying and flying afar on all sides, he became tired and spent, and lank in his legs and arms.