Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Like startled deer, all the cultivated companions stand transfixed, their bodies enclosed by the ache of separation.
Desiring union in the Beloved’s arms, they gaze without reserve and surrender themselves.

The graceful līlā of Sita and her Beloved lies beyond Maya’s three guṇas.
No male can reach that place; eligibility belongs only to the female companion.

Rasik Ali’s very life consists in meditating upon this day and night.
Without beholding the Couple’s play of rasa, how could the heart find peace even for an instant?

Pañcaśataka

By Sri Ramcharandas “Karunasindhu”

The Pañcaśataka, written by Mahatma Ramcharandas—the crest-jewel among Rasika worshippers—comprises five “centuries”: (1) Viveka-śataka, the Century of Discernment; (2) Vairāgya-śataka, the Century of Detachment; (3) Upāsanā-śataka, the Century of Worship; (4) Viraha-śataka, the Century of Separation; and (5) Nāma-śataka, the Century of the Name.

It is honoured as a principal foundational text of amorous worship, and among doctrinal works the Pañcaśataka is universally accepted. These works clearly show that Mahatma Ramcharandas was both an experienced practitioner of Rasika worship and a learned saint. Such a union of knowledge and steadfast devotion is rare.

Viveka-śataka

2. Rāma-rasāmṛta-khaṇḍa

A handwritten copy is held at Rahasya Pramod Bhavan in Ayodhya. It treats detachment, recognition of true saints, and the eleven kinds of devotees, and concludes with a section on rasa. The work ends after approximately four divisions.

Several examples from the Upāsanā-śataka and Viraha-śataka follow.

Description of beauty

Surpanakha went out to perform a base act, her mind cruel;
but when she beheld Rama’s form, she became absorbed in it, and her evil intention and fear disappeared.

Putana approached Krishna intending to commit a base act.
Even after seeing him she did not become absorbed; she carried out her wicked purpose, with no love for him in her heart.

By singing, playing instruments, and listening, the women of Vraja became enchanted by Krishna;
but on seeing Rama, the ascetics of Dandaka became women at Rama’s feet.

Ramcharan says: from a single guru, innumerable virtues may be known.
When one fruit is tasted, one discovers that the whole tree is filled with nectar.