Bharatha met Sri Rama in the forest and asked Him to come back with him. When Rama refused, Vasishta maharishi tells Him "Do not be false to Yourself" ('AtmAnam nAti vartetA:' - Ayodhya Kanda 111-7). There were some who interpreted this as 'Bharata is verily the life of Rama. Therefore, Vasishta is telling Him "Do not be disagree with Bharata who is Your life" ("AtmabhUtam bharatam nAti vartetA:").'

When this was told to Bhattar, he said "Rama's nature is that He is subject to His devotees. Therefore, Vasishta is saying 'Do not decline Your brother's word and lose Your nature'".

That is, Bhattar is taking the meaning of the word Atma to be the nature of the soul. His nature is being 'Ashrita paratantra'. Bhattar is using this interpretation to bring out the greatness of Rama's qualities.