Miscellany

Miscellany

[1504]

Counsel to a Loving Gentleman

O Sri Nehalata, filled with affection, you are forever blessed, for through the Divine Couple’s grace you attained rare friendship with Krishna. Your supremely worshipful beloved, friend, master, guru and benefactor is Syama alone, crown jewel of rasikas and beloved of the gopis. You are supported by His limitless compassion; what injury can the terrible age of Kali do to you? Every affliction and torment, every dreadful calamity and evil, has been sent by your Beloved Himself. Brave one, joyfully endure the great pain that pierces the heart. It is the Beloved’s cherished message; say nothing from your own mouth. Even a great householder, if loving Hari, following Him through all eight watches and absorbed in service, is greatly fortunate. Why fear hearing and understanding the mystery of knowledge and action? Through everyone, serve your own Enchanter. Service to Nanda’s son alone is the supreme and ultimate fruit of all. To sell oneself without price into Ghansyama’s hands is exceedingly auspicious. Terrible planets and adverse destiny cannot torment Syama’s maidservant. Love for Syama always compels every necessary work. The maidservant’s heart forever recognizes Syama alone. Syama, her dark Beloved, knows whether the result is good or bad. Become carefree and serve Syama’s inconceivable feet. Day and night give the heart to remembrance of Syama, the mind’s repose.

[1504, continued]

Like wingless nestlings watching the path for their mother, like a wife staggering with an anguished heart for sight of her beloved, so, burning again and again in the supremely sacred fire of separation from the dear Beloved, attain stainless and unearthly bliss at every moment. Never abandon sole reliance upon Syama’s feet. Forget anxiety for the moving and unmoving world and worship Gopala. Ask Sri Hari to show compassion to me also. Looking toward me, please continue to show affection. Fame increased in the world and desire to please people overshadowed the mind; forgetting talk of rasa, I wasted time in vain. When will those days come when Sri Radharani, counting me Her servant, lovingly places Her hand upon my head, makes all my conduct accord with Her pleasure, and causes me to serve Her feet together with Syama? Please give some worldly introduction if the mind approves. May Syama always regard you and me as His own people.

Bhaiji composed this pad in reply to the poetic letter by an unidentified revered person printed below. It was written on Vaisakha Krishna 1, Vikrama Samvat 1999, and published in Kalyana.

Our supremely worshipful beloved friend, master, guru and benefactor, Sri Hanuman Prasadji, deeply laden with devotional feeling; I forever bow my head at your lotus feet. Give this blessing: may the Divine Couple dwell within our hearts. The dreadful age of Kali now overshadows everything, and no trace of dharma remains anywhere. Wherever one looks, misconduct, hypocrisy and sin have increased.

[1505]

The Condition of Love

(Raga Chaya Nata - Tintal)

From the moment the Enchanter entered my sight, His glance made me forget the body entirely and His smile stole the heart. Dharma, discernment and detachment disappeared, and affection for home was forgotten. Possessiveness, modesty and shame all departed, and the treasury of beauty was chosen. Worldly repose, enjoyment and happiness were plundered, while sorrow assumed the form of joy.

Deceivers, cowards, the crooked, those controlled by lust and the exceedingly angry have increased, as have thieves, gamblers and opponents of brahmanas, gurus and saints. Living among them is as difficult as the tongue dwelling amid teeth. Speaking truth means death, while meeting the Beloved is extremely difficult, friend. Moreover, the body continually burns beneath the terrible threefold afflictions. In such a dreadful hour of calamity there is no support. Had I been deeply worldly, I could have endured all this without taking upon my head the weight of anyone’s favor. What can I say? The wounds of the heart can no longer be spoken. The great pain piercing the core is the matter of brave rasikas. Parents and other relatives dryly teach lofty knowledge; someone explains the mystery of desireless or desire-driven action. Not one of their countless remedies appeals to me. What shall I do? Friendship with Krishna has taken possession of me. It will not leave now, though I have tried many measures. Syama forcibly made me His maidservant without price. I do not know what adverse destiny has arisen that remains arrayed against me like an enemy. It forcibly makes me perform unwanted actions, crushing me day and night, yet the fool still does not perish.

[1506]

(Raga Pilu - Tintal)

Even after meeting Him, the heart’s longing did not depart. The Enchanter’s ocean of beauty is so deep that no one has found its bottom. His infinitely beautiful face, a fresh raincloud, showers abundant nectar. Two eyes gaze yet cannot be satisfied; they long for hundreds of billions more. What shall I do? By what means can I drink the nectar of beauty in one unbroken flavor? How can I give these eyes infinite happiness all at once?

[1507]

(Raga Imana - Tintal)

Crown jewel of love, jewel of prema and sovereign among lovers, Vrajaraja forever dwells as the life within the lover’s heart. Syama is the heart of the heart, mind of the mind and life of life, the sweet life of life, beloved and delight of the vital breath. Dearer than millions of lives within supreme lovers’ hearts, treasury of beauty’s nectar and treasure of love, He is supremely lovely and filled with every treasure. Let not a single desire for enjoyment or liberation remain in the mind. Remain attached day and night and never abandon this resolve. I continually fall into bad company; the body does not dwell in satsanga. There is no hearing or singing of Bhagavata and Purana narratives. Alas, by my own hands I keep causing my own harm. Whenever I reflect upon this, the chest fills with emotion. Like a wingless bird I leap and fall. Helpless in the forest fire of becoming, alas, I now burn every day. Friend, show compassion in your heart and draw me out, or give me fitting counsel, and with Hari in the heart I shall follow it. In this severe and unfavorable hour my understanding and course remain bewildered. O giver of Kalyana’s nectar, fill my begging bag with affection.

[1507, continued]

Do not leave Syama’s company even for an instant. Within and without, always remain holding His hand.

[1508]

(Doha)

The sweet and enchanting feelings of Mahabhava and the sovereign of rasa are divine, supremely sweet, filled with passionate love and adorned by humility. Each naturally renounces everything for the other. They become sources of mutual happiness as love overflows. Each is eternally the other’s great lover and most beloved, a perpetual, infinite, inconceivable, pure and indescribable treasury of rasa. Both happiness and sorrow are joyful when they serve the Beloved’s happiness, while every other false bridge to personal happiness naturally collapses. The rasa of Radha and Madhava’s love lies beyond speech and mind; sixteen songs point toward it like a branch indicating the moon.

[1509]

(Raga Imana)

She whose body and mind are not her own, who bears only the Beloved’s body and mind, who is filled with the Beloved: what devoted woman in this world is like Radha?

[1510]

(Raga Malakosa - Tevara)

Mother Yasoda stands holding Syama in her lap, while Dau stands very near, his mind filled with immense joy. Treasury of form, character and beauty, abode of Mahabhava’s rasa, incomparable Syama who delights Syama, Radha of supreme renown. The darling girl fills a water pot pierced by a thousand holes, and, destroyer of stigma, sprinkles its water upon Syama’s body.

This pad was composed as the colophon to Sri Radha-Madhava-rasa-sudha, the Sixteen Songs.

[1510, continued]

In beautiful Bhandiravana, Brahma duly performed the wedding rites. Both oceans of beauty shone, filled with lovely delight. Radha stood holding the water, with Her brother Sridama beside Her. Kirti stood holding the lovely bride, the beautiful crown jewel Syama. Syama introduced His beloved at King Bhanu’s door. Their joyful birth festival filled the mind with limitless delight. Ever-new divine virtues, beauty and rasa increase without end. Muralidhara, Radha’s life, is beautiful, generous Syama. Taking the bride, She went toward Kanha, abode of supreme splendor. The gopis’ hearts became supremely joyful, beholding the essence of future happiness.

[1511]

The Brahmana and the Scorpion

(In the style of Lavani - Kaharva)

A saint once lived in Varanasi, purifier of the world. His consciousness was absorbed at Rama’s feet, devoted to the name, skilled in right conduct and without expectation. Each day he bathed in the Ganga and worshiped Visvesvara. Forgiving and distressed by others’ sorrow, he feared no one. One day the learned brahmana bathed in the holy Bhagirathi, singing the hidden virtues of Devakinandana, ocean of compassion. He saw a scorpion being swept along by the current. Regarding it as helpless, the saintly brahmana immediately lifted it out. Placing it upon his palm, the saint fearlessly began drying it. The wicked, ungrateful and sinful scorpion struck him with its terrible sting. His hand instantly trembled, and the base creature fell into the water. Through its own action that cruel being began sinking in the fathomless stream. Seeing it near death, the saint’s heart filled with compassion. Forgetting intense pain, he again lifted and accepted it upon his hand.

[1511, continued]

As soon as it recovered awareness, it struck with the same sting again. The hand shook, it fell and the current began carrying it away. The saint again saw the lowly, unclean creature swept through the water. Even then the brahmana, embodiment of forgiveness and free of retaliation, began lifting it. People bathing nearby said, “What are you doing? Saving a violent creature is not dharma but complete sin. You immediately tasted the terrible fruit, yet repeat the mistake. India has drowned dharma and action upon the shore of this cowardice.” “Brothers, forgiveness is not cowardice; it is the attire of heroes. Only a few great souls have known its true nature. India’s true dharma never drowned through forgiveness. It drowned when, through confusion, it donned cowardice as armor. The great devotee Prahlada was a supremely beautiful ideal of forgiveness. Through him dharma was protected, for he had conquered elation and resentment.” When the brahmana smilingly said this, others replied, “If you know, then continue; this practice displeases us.” The saint said, “Brothers, I have done nothing great. I merely practiced my nature, and it practiced its own. My nature is to save and its nature is to sting. Mine is to defeat it and its is always to lose. Should I become violent in response to this violent creature? Should I forget my duty and become immersed in retaliation? As often as it stings, that often I shall save it. Ultimately I shall surely defeat it through my dharma of forgiveness.” Sight, touch and speech of saints are rare upon the earth. Through meeting the saint, the scorpion was freed of sins in that moment. The eyes of knowledge opened and memory of many births returned. Its wicked nature departed, and simplicity and purity arose.

[1511, continued]

It clung to the saint’s feet to purify its body. Freed from the grave disease of worldly becoming, it too became a beautiful devotee of Hari. If violent and insentient creatures can become saintly and wise through forgiveness, why cannot humans, who are considered conscious and knowledgeable? Reading this deeply joyful dialogue between the scorpion and saint, if it seems good, accept it and abandon retaliation, enmity, dispute and dejection.

[1512]

The Master’s Gift

(In the style of Lavani - Kaharva)

The report spread through the land that the devotee Kabir was a perfected man. Hundreds of thousands of men and women came and surrounded his woodland hut. One said, “Blow a mantra and remove my disease.” A childless woman wept for a son and said, “Saint, fill my lap.” Another said, “Show these eyes some divine power. Prove and explain the world-maker’s existence within the world.” Distressed, Kabir folded his hands and wept, saying, “Lord, You showed great compassion by causing me to be born in a low Muslim household. I thought that through Your incomparable grace no one would come near. Hidden from everyone’s eyes, You and I alone would dwell together. But O wielder of maya, creating illusion, I think You are deceiving me. Having called the world’s people here, where are You fleeing?” Filled with great anger, the city’s brahmanas said, “All four legs of Kali’s age are complete and sin has spread now. The whole world is dying for dust from a weaver’s feet. If there is no resistance now, the entire earth will drown.” Conspiring together, they prepared a disreputable woman, paid her money and secretly instructed her in everything.

[1512, continued]

Kabir brought woven cloth to sell in the marketplace. Suddenly the woman seized its edge and began loudly weeping. She said, “Villain, cruel deceiver, until now I kept this secret. Is deceiving a simple, defenseless woman your saintliness? You became a saint and settled in the forest, abandoning me without fault. I wandered hungry and naked, my face darkened by the fire in my belly.” The nearby brahmanas spoke with feigned anger: “Wicked Kabir, pretended ascetic, you became a fakir and drowned dharma in dharma’s name. You sit comfortably while throwing dust in innocent people’s eyes. This lowly helpless woman wanders door to door for morsels amid public outcry.” Kabir said, “I am at fault. Come home with me. Why should you starve and wander door to door while grain remains in the house?” Bringing the wicked woman home, he humbly honored her. The saint said, “Hari has sent you to this lowly person’s hut.” She burst into tears as fear, shame and remorse arose in her mind: “Through greed I sinned; I shall die by the saint’s curse.” Kabir said, “Mother, do not fear; no fault is yours. You brought me a crown for the head in the form of criticism and humiliation.” He removed every corruption from her mind and gave her the gift of knowledge. He filled her sweet voice with lovely song of Hari’s auspicious names and virtues. The report spread everywhere: “Kabir is a deceitful and hypocritical saint.” With bowed head he said, “In truth I am lower than all. If I reach the farther shore, I shall retain no pride in my boat. If You remain above me, it is right that I remain beneath everyone.” The king inwardly desired to hear the saint’s words. A messenger came to summon him, but Kabir declined. He said, “In my low condition I remain far from everyone. Who could say that the royal court would be adorned by me?”

[1512, continued]

The messenger said, “If you do not come, the king will be angry with us. Having heard your fame, His Majesty desires your audience.” The king sat amid the assembly with all ministers suitably placed. At that moment the devotee entered, bringing the woman with him. One laughed, another raised an eyebrow and several lowered their heads. The king thought, “He is shameless, wandering with a prostitute.” At the king’s signal, the guard expelled him. Humbly taking the woman, Kabir immediately returned to his hut. Brahmanas stood along the road, all laughing at the spectacle. They repeatedly taunted and provoked him with sharp words. Seeing all this, the woman wept and placed her head at his feet. She said, “Why did you rescue me from the mud of sin? Why keep this degraded woman at home and endure such humiliation?” Kabir replied, “Mother, you are my Master’s gift.”

(A rendering of the meaning of a Bengali pad by the poet Sri Rabindranath Tagore)

[1513]

The Philosopher’s Stone

(Raga Imana - Ektal)

The saint Sanatana sat upon the Yamuna’s bank in Vrindavana, lovingly repeating Hari’s name with a motionless mind. At that time a poor brahmana arrived, bowed his head and respectfully saluted the devotee. Sanatana asked, “Sir, from where have you come? Tell me your name and what purpose brings you here.” The brahmana said, “What shall I say? I have received your audience after wandering from very far away today. Our village is Manakara in Bardhaman district. My name is Jivana; I am poor and deeply miserable.”

[1513, continued]

“No one in the world is more unfortunate than I. I once had great renown in sacrifice and ritual, but lost it. Only a little land remains and my head is being lowered. Income is slight, and the household cannot run upon it. Desiring advancement, I worshiped Siva and requested the boon my heart desired. One night Siva appeared in a dream and said, ‘What you requested will be obtained. Go to the Yamuna’s bank and grasp both feet of Sanatana Gosvami, follower of devotees’ welfare. Regard him as a father; accept this with certainty. Know that an easy means to wealth rests in his hands.’”

Hearing the brahmana, Sanatana thought, “I now have no wealth whatever to give him. I abandoned everything and came to Vrindavana, maintaining the stomach by begging.” Suddenly remembering, the devotee exclaimed, “Yes, yes! One day upon the riverbank I found a philosopher’s stone. I buried it there in the dust, thinking it might someday serve someone. Go, brahmana, and take it from the dust now. Your sorrow will immediately be removed from the root.” The brahmana quickly began clearing sand and found the desired philosopher’s stone. He possessed two iron amulets; the instant they touched the stone, both became gold.

[1513, continued]

Astonished, the brahmana sat upon the sand and inwardly considered many arguments. Through its surging song the Yamuna explained everything the anxious brahmana needed to understand. Redness spread across the sky beyond the river. Weary at day’s end, the sun reached the western mountain. Then the brahmana went and fell at the devotee’s feet. His body thrilled, and with flowing tears he said, “O saint Sanatana, please compassionately give me a portion of that wealth by which you are rich and regard this philosopher’s stone as nothing.” Saying only this, he threw the stone into the Yamuna.

(A rendering of the meaning of a Bengali pad by the poet Sri Rabindranath Tagore)

[1514]

Service to a Guest

(Raga Desa - Tintal)

Blessed was the pair of male and female pigeons, whose wealth, embodied as sacred renunciation, was devoted to serving a guest. Seeing the hunter distressed and tormented by cold, the wise female pigeon trapped in his cage said, “My husband, do not grieve even slightly on seeing me bound. I entered the cage through past action, and the foolish hunter became merely its instrument. Through fate this guest, afflicted by cold and hunger, has arrived at our door today. Serve him now, beholding within him the complete Lord of the moving and unmoving world.” Hearing this, the male pigeon swiftly carried fire in his beak from a blacksmith’s house. Placing leaves, he kindled the fire, and its heat relieved the cold. Seeing the hunter tormented by hunger, the great-souled bird again became deeply distressed. He immediately entered the fire, burning and roasting himself to become the hunter’s food. Grieved, the hunter opened the cage, and the faithful female pigeon, whose life was her husband, flew out.

[1514, continued]

At once she entered the fire and was fiercely burned to ashes beside her husband, attaining the blessed state rare even for the gods. A splendid celestial chariot arrived; assuming divine bodies, husband and wife ascended it.

[1515]

The Sacrifice of the Pigeon Who Served His Guest

(Raga Yaman)

The bird recognized that the hunter was deeply distressed and agitated by hunger. To bring comfort to his guest, he prepared to sacrifice himself. Gathering dry leaves and kindling the fire himself, the blessed, pure pigeon, pained by another’s pain, leaped into it. Seeing the pigeon’s stainless and utterly pure sacrifice for another’s good, the hunter’s heart became pure and love of righteousness awakened within it. Taking an austere vow for sacred penance, the hunter set out upon the path of the great departure, resolute and unhindered.

[1516]

Rajadharma’s Extraordinary Fidelity to a Friend

[Causeless love for a grievously ungrateful man]

(Tune: Lavani - Kaharva)

Gautama was an exceedingly ungrateful sinner, a hard demon in a brahmana’s body, who committed the horrible murder of Rajadharma, giver of refuge and wealth. Virupaksha, lord of the rakshasas, was Rajadharma’s friend. True to friendship’s duty, he had Gautama seized and brought before him. The wicked man had committed a dreadful sin, betraying a guileless man’s trust. Virupaksha had every limb of the sinful Gautama cut off with weapons. Neither the man-eating demons nor even the bands of robbers would consent in any way to eat the flesh of that supremely sinful ingrate. Virupaksha cremated his friend, performing every scripturally ordained rite. As the pyre burned, nectar-like drops of foam fell from Surabhi’s lovely mouth.

[1516, continued]

Rajadharma returned to life and immediately flew to his friend. Virupaksha embraced him, his heart filled with immense joy. Hearing this, the king of the gods came to meet the two friends. Indra, the lord of birds, and the lord of rakshasas sat together in happiness. The lord of birds bowed and said to the lord of the gods, “O emperor of heaven, bring Gautama back to life and remove the sorrow from my heart. Gautama is my friend; I can never regard him as an outsider. O god, rain nectar upon him and grant him a righteous life.” Astonished, Virupaksha and the lord of the gods said, “O bird-friend, it is extraordinary that you regard so vile and ungrateful a creature as a friend. Abandon this strange insistence, friend, and heed our words. Let that great sinner rot in the hells day and night.” The righteous bird would not agree. Yielding to his insistence, wise Indra joyfully revived Gautama with a shower of nectar. Restored to life, Gautama repented and was purified by remorse. Through the sacred power of a true friend, his life became righteous again.

[1517]

The Power of Delusion

(Raga Pilu - Kaharva)

Hearing a lion’s roar, a frightened doe leaped into the river. She miscarried, a fawn emerged, and the doe gave up her body. Deep compassion for the helpless fawn arose in Bharata’s heart. The saint lifted it into his lap and brought it to his hermitage. Though detached from pleasure, an embodiment of austerity, and devoted solely to the Lord’s feet, he developed possessive affection for the young deer and became profoundly attached to it. Forgetting both discipline and goal, he became absorbed only in raising it. Losing peace and equanimity, he sank into the ocean of attachment to the deer.

[1517, continued]

In accordance with the state of his mind at death, he received birth as a deer. At once caught in delusion’s net, he lost his already attained claim to liberation.

[1518]

Sri Narada, Wholly Devoted to Singing the Name

(Raga Malkauns - Trital)

Ever singing the Lord’s name, immersed in the ocean of nectar that is the rasa of love, he retains not the slightest awareness of body or mind; his disposition is forever joined to the Lord’s feet. Effortlessly he plays his sweet, melodious vina, hand-cymbals in hand. Dancing as though intoxicated, sage Narada remains forever fulfilled.

[1519]

(Raga Devagiri - Kaharva)

Forever and without interruption he naturally sings the Lord’s sweet virtues. Ever he strikes new melodies of honey-filled song of the Name. An embodiment of spotless supreme knowledge, a mine of stainless jewels of love, sage Narada is the great and foremost teacher on the path of loving devotion.

[1520]

(Raga Bhairava - Dhamar)

The crown jewel among teachers of devotional kirtan forever sings the Name and virtues. Roaming the entire universe, he distributes the great Name. Absorbed in feeling, he began to dance and raised a sweet, enchanting melody. Hearing the vina, the Lord came at once, as though formally invoked.

[1521]

A Mother’s Teaching to Dhruva

(Raga Vibhasa - Tintal)

O child, the ending of sorrow, the gaining of happiness, royal rank, even Brahma’s highest station, earthly and divine bliss, and the pure state of liberation sought by aspirants for release: all these rare attainments come through service to Sri Hari’s lotus feet. Without it, my child, no one ever receives the truly good reality.

[1521, continued]

Therefore worship Hari, whose eyes are like lotus petals, and place exclusive trust in Him. Supremely affectionate toward His servants, He will surely fulfill your heart’s hope.

[1522]

Prahlada’s Words While Seated in the Fire

(Raga Desa - Tintal)

Those who repeat Rama’s name have nothing anywhere to fear. This supremely sweet Name alone is the medicine that destroys every disease. Look at me, Father: all my limbs remain unharmed. Today the fire seems to offer me the touch of cooling water.

[1523]

Maharshi Vasishtha

(Raga Desa)

His saintly character was sacred, filled with renunciation, austerity and forgiveness. Skillful in action and speech, he was exceedingly learned and humble. A supreme devotee and knower, the pure and foremost brahmarshi, gentle Maharshi Vasishtha was guru of the Raghu dynasty and of Sri Rama.

[1524]

The Detached Devotee Sri Sukadeva

(Raga Bhinnashadja - Tala Mula)

Equal and free of division, a seer of Brahman, noble embodiment of Brahman, utterly detached; his wisdom firmly established in the supreme reality, he naturally abandoned the visible world-appearance. A relisher of the rasa of the Lord’s lila, best of devotees, absorbed in spotless divine feeling, sage Sukadeva, speaker of the Bhagavata, visibly embodied knowledge and love.

[1525]

Jada Bharata, Beyond the Pairs of Opposites

(Raga Bhairavi - Jhumra)

Cold and heat, pleasure and pain, good and evil, life and death, honor and dishonor, praise and blame, pleasant and unpleasant: amid every duality he remained forever equal. He had renounced attachment, aversion and desire, and was free of delusion, possessiveness and pride. Supremely peaceful and behaving like one inert, great Jada Bharata was an embodiment of knowledge.

[1526]

Sage Sarabhanga’s Departure for the Abode of Brahman

(Raga Kafi - Dipchandi)

He duly established a sacred fire and kindled it fully. Offering clarified butter with mantras, the sage entered it. Everything burned away, and he assumed the form of a radiant youth like fire. Rising above the mass of flame, he shone with incomparable beauty. Lord Ramabhadra watched together with Sita and Lakshmana. Passing beyond the worlds of gods and sages, the luminous sage reached the conscious abode of Brahman.

[1527]

Guru Drona and the Kaurava and Pandava Boys

(Raga Mada)

While they played, their ball fell into a well, and they could not take it out. The Kaurava and Pandava princes remained sad and hopeless. Reproaching the princes, the grave guru said, “Heroes, can you not retrieve even this little ball?” Then the guru threw his ring into the well and said, “Watch: I shall bring both out at once.” Piercing them with reed-arrows and joining reed to reed, the guru immediately drew out both ball and ring.

[1528]

An Extraordinary Guru-dakshina

(Raga Kausiya - Dadra)

When prince Arjuna saw Ekalavya’s skill in piercing targets with arrows, intense resentment arose within him. “Master, you told me that among your pupils none would equal me,” he appealed to his guru. To fulfill that promise, the guru went to Ekalavya. On seeing him, Ekalavya fell at his lotus feet and eagerly said, “O gracious lord, by setting foot here today, how wonderfully you have given this servant a master!” Guru Drona said, “Child, you learned the science of archery, but to this day you have not given me my guru-dakshina.” Hearing the purpose of his visit, Ekalavya said, “Lord, what shall I give? What do I possess as my own? This body too is yours.” “O king of the Bhillas, give me your right thumb today. This is the divine offering I have held in my heart.” Joyfully he cut it off and gave it. Blessed, blessed Ekalavya! May one forever offer homage to your devotion to the guru.

[1529]

Draupadi’s Birth from the Sacrifice

(Raga Malkauns - Tala Mula)

On the Ganga’s bank the brahmana Yaja completed king Drupada’s sacrifice. From that very sacrifice a brother and sister arose. Prince Dhrishtadyumna possessed divine form and virtues, bow, sword, wealth, radiance, armor and earrings; the maiden was a jewel among women, endowed with noble character. Pure, lovely in every limb, incomparable, delightful and adorned with every ornament, her body spread the sweet fragrance of lotuses far and wide.

[1529, continued]

Dark-complexioned and enchanting, she was famed as Krishna, Panchali and Draupadi. On seeing them, all the Panchalas bowed reverently to Yaja.

[1530]

Arjuna’s Pure Conduct and Urvasi’s Curse That Became a Boon

(Raga Chandrakaush - Kaharva)

The celestial apsara Urvasi came and asked Arjuna for the gift of love. He recoiled on hearing her, closed his eyes, and seemed to lose consciousness. He said, “You are my mother, equal to Kunti, Madri and Sachi. I looked upon you reverently, knowing you as a mother of my lineage.” Agitated by desire and taking his reply as an insult, she cursed him: “Go! You shall become a dancer and eunuch, losing honor among women.” During his year of living incognito, the curse bore an auspicious result. It gave him a natural opportunity to remain hidden, and the curse became a boon.

[1531]

The Wretched Result of Failing to Give Food

(Raga Lalita - Tala Mula)

King Sveta was immensely prosperous, intelligent and devoted to austerity, but throughout his life he had never given food in charity. Tormented by terrible hunger, he descended each day in a celestial vehicle and on earth ate the loathsome flesh of his own corpse.

[1532]

The Glory of Devotion

(Raga Vihaga - Trital)

The glory of devotion is unequaled and boundless. Hari, the true relisher of love, was pleased by a courtesan’s love. Until then the innocent, rustic woman had sought to please pleasure-seeking men. Beholding Syama’s beauty in a dream, she forgot the entire world.

[1532, continued]

Immersed in love, she became divinely mad and adorned herself with all sixteen ornaments. Taking an ektara and cymbals in hand, she set forth as a treasury of rasa surged within her. Dancing and singing on the Yamuna’s bank, she proclaimed her Beloved’s virtues and name. With unblinking eyes, forgetting the moving and unmoving world, she gazed upon Manamohana. Syama appeared, joyfully observing the bliss-filled way of her love, and through the path of His flute began pouring a sweet stream of nectar-rasa.

[1533]

Yamaraja’s Command to His Messengers

(Raga Baradi - Trital)

Those whose hearts are fixed on Sri Hari, exclusively surrendered to Hari, the peaceful Bhagavata devotees who forever worship Hari here; or those blessed souls who, rising and sitting, sleeping and walking, falling, stumbling or standing, utter Hari’s name; do not approach any place where such fortunate people perform sankirtana. Keep far away from them and leave them entirely alone.

[1534]

Glory to Chaste Wives Whose Life Is Their Husband

(Tune: Lavani - Kaharva)

Fearlessly surrendering and effacing themselves in their husband for his good, they always hold the conviction, “My husband’s happiness alone is my eternal supreme happiness.” They serve him with body and mind and forever celebrate his victory. Glory to those venerable and blessed chaste wives whose life is their husband.

[1535]

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami, Foremost of Vaisnavas

(Raga Vihaga - Tintal)

Having entirely given up food and water, he took only a measured little buttermilk. He offered one thousand prostrations and repeated one hundred thousand divine names.

[1535, continued]

Each day he very humbly bowed to two thousand Vaisnavas. Day and night he performed beautiful mental service to Radha-Madhava. For one prahara daily he sweetly sang Sri Mahaprabhu’s lilas. At each of the three junctions of the day he bathed sacredly in Radha-kunda’s water. He always gave a loving embrace to every Vraja-dwelling Vaisnava. Thus for seven and a half praharas this treasury of rasa practiced devotion and love. He slept only four gharis, and even that sleep was interrupted. Sri Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami was the foremost Vaisnava and a great ideal.

Never listen to worldly talk and never engage in it, knowing it worthless. Never eat fine food or wear fine clothing; abandon taste and adornment. Claim no honor for yourself, honor others, and repeat and sing Krishna’s name. Within the Vraja of the mind, daily worship and meditate upon the beloved Divine Couple.

Do not become mad in this way; steady your mind and return home. Only step by step does a human being cross the ocean of becoming. It is not proper to display monkey-like renunciation. Go and engage with suitable objects without attachment. Maintain firm devotion within and ordinary dealings with the world without. Krishna will very soon grant you supreme deliverance.

[1536]

The Gods Reside in Every Limb of Mother Cow

(Raga Bhupali - Tintal)

Hari and Hara, Brahma, moon and sun, Indra, the Vasus, Sadhyas, Prajapatis and the great Vedas; Sarasvati, Parvati, Ganga, Lakshmi, Jyeshtha and Lord Karttikeya; sages and seers, planets and constellations, holy places, Yama, Visvedevas, ancestors and gandharvas: all the gods reside in every limb of Mother Cow.

[1537]

Let Cow Slaughter Be Stopped Completely

(Raga Mada)

Until cow slaughter is stopped completely, there will be no free and untroubled happiness anywhere in the country. Demonic feeling will increase daily and there will be no progress; grievous and terrible destruction will continue without cease. May the Lord give everyone good understanding and remove delusion and ignorance. May all speak with one voice and accept the prohibition of cow slaughter. May the government swiftly issue this pure and happy proclamation. May sin be erased, good fame spread, and cries of victory resound.

[1538]

Prayer for Mother Cow

(Raga Desakara - Tintal)

To protect Mother Cow, the Lord assumed human form. He became a cowherd and played beautifully with the calves in the dust of the cows. Taking a vow to tend cows, the Lord of the three worlds became Gopala. As Nanda’s son, staff in hand, He grazed cows from forest to forest. Today that very cow is being slaughtered in that same sacred India. For want of milk, curds and clarified butter, the entire society suffers. Lord, give everyone right understanding and at once remove all terrible ignorance. May the cow be inviolable, and may every sin, affliction and great misfortune disappear.

[1539]

(Raga Vihagada - Tintal)

Lord, grant such good understanding that all cow slaughter may cease. O source of bliss, may this great sin against the sacred land be wholly erased. May India’s cattle again flourish and thrive in freedom and well-being. May rivers of milk, curds and clarified butter flow, and joy increase among the people.

[1540]

The Glory of Cow Protection

(Raga Pilu - Kaharva)

The cow is India’s very life; come, rescue the cow. Know that if the cow does not survive, India will be destroyed. Through service to cows the four human goals are naturally attained. Sorrow is destroyed, happiness is gained, and the highest spiritual purpose fulfilled.

[1541]

A Child’s Daily Prayer

(Tune: Ghazal - Dhumali)

O Lord! O Lord! We children are all ignorant. You are our mother and father; remove everyone’s every sin. May we always love all people and dispel their sorrow and faults. May we forever desire everyone’s good and relieve the sighs of those in pain. May we obey parents and teachers and regard them as equal to God. May we always serve with body and mind, with wealth, life and youth. May we strike down anger the moment it comes and hold forgiveness and humility in the heart. May we quarrel with no one and speak ill of no one. May we abuse no one; if someone abuses us, may we bear it. May we strike or beat no one and never torment anyone. May we tell no lies or take another’s things, and always serve truth from the heart. May we daily repeat Rama’s name and daily read the Ramayana. May we daily read verses of the Gita and bow at our gurus’ feet. May we study and teach, play and eat, and rejoice through God’s grace. Lord, grant us this boon. O Lord! O Lord!

[1542]

A Child’s Aspiration

(Tune: Ghazal - Kaharva)

Mother, I shall now study very well and never quarrel with anyone. By studying I shall become capable, and everyone will love me. I shall earn abundant money and have a fine house built. My brothers and sisters, dearer than life, will all be happy through me. I shall hide nothing from them and embrace everyone to my heart. Everything mine will be theirs; I shall not keep even a straw apart. I shall regard everyone as my own and give everyone a share of my wealth. The fruit, roots, beautiful and fragrant flowers of my garden will serve everyone; I shall bring comfort to all. I shall weep at another’s pain and be happy on seeing another’s joy. Giving my happiness to everyone, I shall become happy by taking another’s sorrow. I shall give my own food to the hungry and gladly fast myself. I shall erase the distinction between self and other and thus please the Supreme Lord. I shall make your womb fruitful, live happily, and die content.

[1543]

A Mother’s Tender Love

(Raga Vasanta - Tintal)

“Mother, how many offenses I have committed!” “Son, you have done nothing at all.” “Mother, I am exceedingly ill-behaved. I am an axe laid to the tree of your good name.” “Son, why do you harbor this wrong thought? A mother’s glory lies in her love for her child.” “Mother, I rejected your words and eagerly nurtured many sins.”

[1543, continued]

“Son, I have washed all those offenses away and placed around you a garland of flowers of good repute.” “Mother, that good repute is the sacrifice of virtue.” “No, son, it is your mother’s blessing.”

[1544]

Dedication

(Raga Desa)

Without spiritual discipline, lowly and impure in mind, absorbed in sensory pleasure, we are exceedingly pitiable, Hari, while You are supremely skilled in grace. The lives of devotees are extremely difficult to obtain, and singing them is rare. Through Your great mercy, You alone gave this opportunity. The lives of Your devotees are sacred and supremely generous; they auspiciously extend Your beautiful renown. This lovely celebration of the lives of Your devotees we dedicate to You, offering what is Yours to the dearest One.¹

[1545]

(Raga Yaman)

The radiance of the Lord’s lotus feet pervades the entire world. How can I offer Them this insubstantial food-offering?²

[1546]

The Harmful Result of Trying to Deflect Someone from the Path of Dharma

(Raga Bhupali - Tintal)

A woman whose heart is filled with sinful desire approaches a great soul and makes a false and base attempt to deflect him from the path of dharma. Like the demoness Surpanakha, she destroys herself: her face is disfigured, nose and ears cut off, and she becomes an object of ridicule.

¹ Dedication from the Bhakta-caritanka issue of Kalyana.

² Dedication of the book Naivedya.

[1547]

The Discipline and Achievement of Restraining China

(Raga Pilu - Kaharva)

One Brahman pervades all; everything is an expansion of Brahman. That reality of truth and consciousness alone supports the moving and unmoving universe. There is no enemy or friend, outsider or kinsman, nor anything else anywhere. Only the unique play of the one all-pervading Lord of lila proceeds. Within lila are differing rasas and many strange dramatic roles. On the stage, enemy and friend play in harmony as actors. In that same way, today we must play out our contest with hostile China and drive it beyond the magnificent land of India. It came through betrayal, assuming the guise of a terrifying brigand. Its insolence and wicked conduct must be brought to an end. We must do more than sour its teeth; we must break its venomous fangs so that all its limbs become pure and free of poison. May sound understanding arise and remorse awaken again within its heart. May it accept dharma and God and abandon every sin of atheism. Therefore, dedicating body, mind and wealth and taking refuge in the Lord alone, with dharma and God beside us, let us struggle fearlessly in battle. Let us continually renounce every action into the Lord alone. Let us fight, abandoning expectation and possessiveness and destroying the fever of desire. Let there be prayer to God and worship of the divine, upheld by faith and trust. May India gain complete victory, and sinful understanding be naturally destroyed. May right understanding arise among the leaders of nations endowed with strength and science. May goodwill dwell in all, and beneficial love increase among everyone. May all bring happiness to all, and may everyone honor everyone. Through the purest actions of all, may the Lord forever be worshiped well.

[1547, continued]

May this pure, desireless action, filled with service to Hari, make life successful. May humanity attain its supreme fruit, the spotless transcendent abode of truth and consciousness.¹

[1548]

Aspiration for Universal Welfare

(Raga Yaman)

Knowledge, yoga, detachment, loving attachment, and good action free of every desire; Sankhya, renunciation, sannyasa, varnasrama, and all the dharmas of a pure human being; duties concerning this world and the next, father and son, husband and wife, guru and disciple; and the blessed work of offering one’s life for cows, brahmanas, women and orphans: in every direction it continually gives the brightest knowledge to every person, removes all pain, grief, fear and darkness, and establishes happiness and welfare. Forgetting distinctions between the worthy and unworthy, it forever protects everyone. In every country and every age, it always brings supreme welfare to all.

[1549]

Salutation to the Festival of Lamps

(Raga Vihaga)

May Sri Radha-Madhava always grant every kind of welfare to us all. May They grant worldly flourishing and eternal highest good, protecting everyone from obstacles. May the mind become stainless, the understanding utterly pure, and a sacred life be fashioned. May the pure, rasa-filled Lord alone remain forever delighting in our lives. Please graciously accept this humble salutation to the festival of lamps. Grant the blessing through which goodwill and supreme purity may spread. May we always desire and, according to our ability, honor and work for everyone’s good. Through the Lord’s causeless grace, may sattvic happiness expand among all.

¹ This pad was composed to awaken the people when China attacked the country.

[1550]

(Raga Bhupakalyana - Tintal)

May the lamp’s flame awaken the auspicious, boundless divine light of the Bhagavata. May eternal divine happiness, peace, love and Hari’s feet be the foundation of life. May the auspicious flute-bearer accept us as His own people. Please accept my reverent, humility-filled salutation and greeting.

[1551]

Good Wishes

(Raga Hindola - Tintal)

Daughter, keep your dedicated life always in harmony with your husband. Remain daily bowed at the feet of your parents-in-law, the source of happiness. Maintain guileless love toward the wives of your husband’s brothers. Honor your sisters-in-law and always attend to their welfare. Show reverence toward elders and respect toward relatives and kinsmen. Remain forgiving even toward one who offends; never humiliate anyone. Do not feel the slightest pride even amid abundant means of enjoyment. Speak sweetly like nectar, with humility and modest feeling. Always show goodwill to male and female servants. Work daily for every living being’s good, seeing God present in all. Be economical, renounce luxury, and abandon false display. Save abundant money and regularly give pure charity to the poor. Remain devoted to serving your husband with body, mind and speech, and do not quarrel. Live always in happiness: this is your father’s instruction and auspicious blessing.

[1552]

(Raga Yaman)

May there be sacred happiness and prosperity and soundness of body, mind and understanding. May pure love dwell between husband and wife, and stainless prosperity increase. May service, restraint, steadfastness, truth and pure conduct prevail. May humble, renunciation-filled dealings increase the family’s good name.

[1552, continued]

May they understand the entire moving and unmoving universe as the Lord’s own form and always perform incomparable, utterly pure deeds for everyone’s happiness and good. May the beloved couple attain a lofty and great life. May the auspicious Lord forever bestow such grace.

[1553]

(Raga Desa)

May the newly married couple enjoy long life, health, worthy children, auspicious wealth and dharma; may their blessed life forever be joined with love. May their thoughts be good, conduct pure and feelings of mind sacred. May their hearts always possess intense eagerness for everyone’s happiness and welfare. May their beautiful character be ideal and their generous minds free from anxiety. May good actions win them renown and extend the honor of their family. Like a good flower fragrant with harmony, courtesy, happiness and noble character, may their sweet life continually unfold, dear to and beneficial for every living being. May life have one purpose: exclusive love for the Lord’s lotus feet. Naturally dedicated to His service, may their sacred body, mind and wealth be blessed.

[1554]

May conduct and thoughts be good and mind and body remain healthy. May everyone always show pure affection to both. May they have ample, pure happiness, prosperity, children and good renown, and may good learning, sound understanding and refined taste remain everywhere. May an utterly pure desire for everyone’s happiness and welfare dwell in their minds. May delightful service to people daily become service to the Lord. May their character be supremely ideal, free of anxiety and generous. May hatred, grief and wrong thought never arise in the mind. May restraint remain in life and love be filled with renunciation. May Madhava forever bear responsibility for their well-being. May Hari, protector of dharma and death to wrongdoing, capably care for them always.

[1555]

May their blessed life remain endowed with sound understanding and refined taste, joined with happiness, good learning, pure renown and excellent prosperity. May eagerness for everyone’s welfare and happiness always remain in their hearts. May service to the Lord be felt continually within service to people. May their character be supremely ideal, free of anxiety and generous. May hatred, grief and wrong thought never arise in the mind. May restraint remain in life and love dwell at the Lord’s feet. May conduct, conviction and noble custom always turn toward growth. Through the Lord’s gracious glance, may success and accomplishment be attained. May auspicious feelings increase continually and without obstruction. May Radha-Madhava, who perform lovely play on the beautiful Yamuna’s bank, always remain favorable and grant boons. Before whose radiance millions upon millions of autumn moons are ashamed, may they forever remain Their dear ones ...

[1556]

(Raga Desa)

May they possess sattvic happiness and prosperity, children, and abundant wealth joined with blessed dharma. May they remain forever healthy and long-lived, with supremely generous mutual love. May their thoughts be good, conduct pure and feelings of mind sacred. May their hearts always possess intense eagerness for everyone’s happiness and welfare. May their beautiful character be ideal and service to people the essence of life. May good actions win them renown and extend the honor of their family. May life have one purpose: exclusive love for the Lord’s lotus feet. Then, naturally dedicated to His service, may their body, mind and wealth be blessed.¹

¹ Pads 1551 through 1556 were composed as blessings for the marriages of the sons and daughters of loving devotees.

[1557]

(Tune: Barava - Kaharva)

Going to Svetadvipa, Narada selected two hundred names of Hari. Seeking a vision, he offered an exceedingly beautiful hymn with those secret names. Pleased, the Lord appeared, assuming an astonishing universal form of countless radiant colors: blue, yellow, golden, green and black as collyrium. He possessed innumerable lovely eyes, ears, heads, hands, feet, waists and bellies, and held kusa grass, water pots, staffs, jewels and gems in His hands, an abode of splendor. With a heart bowed in devotion, Narada prostrated at the Lord’s feet. Joyful, the Lord granted rare boons and fulfilled every desire.

[1558]

(Raga Nata - Dhamar)

May India blaze with the light of Dipavali’s lamps. May a garland of pure virtues beautify India’s neck. May good conduct spread everywhere and every form of misconduct be destroyed. May violence and hatred be uprooted, and pure love expand. May all be benefited, may everyone rise, and may all be free from disease. May everyone be absorbed in bringing others the happiness of service. May all see their own Self or God within everyone. May all remain happy, and may we understand this as the auspicious Lord’s provision.

[1559]

(Raga Desa - Tintal)

Lord, You alone entered these bodies as the indwelling Self. Therefore all of them, wearing different names and forms, are worthy of reverence. So long as You remain steadily within them, they receive honor from everyone. As soon as You depart, their bodies are carried to the cremation ground to be burned. You alone are the home and its residents; You are the true, dearest intimate. You alone are to be worshiped, revered and ceaselessly chosen.

[1559, continued]

The food belongs to You, Ghansyama, and we prepare what is Yours. It is for You alone; may it be delightful and fit for Your acceptance. Please accept and taste it Yourself and transform it into mahaprasada. May our strength for service increase, and every obstruction and dejection disappear.

[1560]

(Raga Pilu - Folk Tune)

Do not be afraid; meditate upon the Lord. Do not be afraid. Remain far from sinful action and bring the mind into virtuous action. Regard your husband as a form of the Supreme Lord and serve him well. Offer body, mind and wealth entirely for your husband’s service. Through service to your husband alone, cross the ocean of becoming. Considering other men according to their age, regard them as father, son or brother. Love for another man brings the heavy sorrow of suffering hell. A woman who brings her mind selflessly into service to her husband is never overcome by sorrow and long enjoys the happiness of an unbroken marriage.

[1561]

(Raga Saranga - Folk Tune)

Come, come, relatives, to my door and sing Hari’s virtues. Always keep holy company and forget corrupting company. Bring the mind to the Lord’s feet and become intoxicated with joy. Abandon every desire and bring your mind into Hari. Know the whole world to be false and abandon delusion. Give up “I” and “mine” and break Maya’s bond. Take refuge in Hari and repeat the Name. Hold meditation upon Sri Narayana within the heart. In this age of Kali there is no other path. Repetition of Sri Hari’s name and meditation upon Him always bring happiness.

[1562]

(Raga Yaman - Folk Tune)

Everyone in my home worships Sri Rama; dear brother-in-law, worship Sri Krishna. Worshiping the Lord brings immense happiness and cuts away suffering, dear brother-in-law. My husband renounces violence; observe the vow of nonviolence, brother-in-law. My husband abandons false speech; speak truthful words, brother-in-law. My husband does not steal; abandon concealment, brother-in-law. My husband observes continence; preserve your vital energy, brother-in-law. My husband does not hoard; practice non-possession, brother-in-law. My husband remains pure; remain sacred, dear brother-in-law. My husband renounces craving; maintain contentment, dear brother-in-law. My husband performs vows and austerities; serve your parents, brother-in-law. My husband practices repetition and sacred study; repeat Rama’s name, brother-in-law. My husband is surrendered to Hari; dedicate yourself to the Lord, brother-in-law. Observe the restraints and disciplines and always find happiness, dear brother-in-law.

[1563]

(Raga Sohani - Rupaka)

May everyone attain auspicious advancement and excellent development. May theft, violence, greed, false conduct and pride be destroyed. May grief, dejection and fear disappear, and the heart become completely joyful. May God’s radiance be clearly seen in everything conscious and unconscious. May thoughts be pure, conduct auspicious, and all become devotees. May all be forever joined to Being and Consciousness and never separated from Them. May hearts turn toward God and become pure, and may every work be service to God. May all actions necessarily be performed as worship of God.

Note: Pads 1560 through 1562 were selected as samples from the author’s booklet Marvari Dharmika Gita. Gita Press printed that book in Vikrama Samvat 1992 for social reform. Because of limited space, not all its pads have been included here.

[1564]

Self-Surrender

(Raga Todi - Kaharva)

Giving power, impulse and inspiration, You cause everything to be done, Lord. Your hand is forever present in every movement of a creature’s nature. This too is a result of that sacred inspiration of Yours. Offering Your own object at Your feet, I bow down.

[1565]

(Raga Devagandhara - Tintal)

You are the impeller and Yours is the inspiration; rasa, loving attachment and feeling are Your forms. You act and reveal the action; You Yourself cause Your incomparable lila to be written. You disclose unique feelings and give the purest treasury of words. You cause the composition, and then You Yourself listen when it is offered with loving entreaty. This mirror of Your own creation, showing Your vision through the face of stainless feeling, naturally increases mutual radiance and is now being offered to You. Good or bad, this object is Yours, and You alone are wholly its master. Making this trivial, ignorant and impure person merely an instrument, You have blessed him.