Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

First hear the story of ishq, then listen deeply with love placed upon the head.
Contemplate it tastefully within the heart—the beautiful divine tale of happiness.

When pain arises, the yellowing body becomes the colour of turmeric.
Bewildered like dust, one continually watches every moment for the heart-stealing Lord.

Thirst for his vision makes every other hope despair; repeat the Name with every breath.
Not even a fraction of a moment diminishes the splendour of separation.

Without seeing him, the fever and flames of separation burn every limb.
When will my eyes become cool by beholding the Couple’s beautiful limbs?

Mad night and day, I speak rambling words.
Without awareness I wander about, while tears fall moment after moment.

Abandoning caste, lineage, the Vedic path, and every formal rule,
I sell myself into my Beloved’s hands day and night; love for him never stops.

Gazing upon my mahbub’s shadowed, nectar-filled beauty,
looking from nails to crown, I become absorbed and abandon awareness.

The lotus feet of Sri, ocean of the world’s life and happiness, rest in the beloved lap.
Yugalananya beholds them fearlessly and blesses his own eyes.

Each single radiance fills the world, and every limb ornaments the universe.
Before the majesty of that sight, even a king becomes a pauper.

Let me do nothing but behold from nails to crown and sing the fresh young Beloved’s virtues.
No difficult distinction remains; every appearance overflows with graceful nectar.

The auspicious relation with Siyavallabha is that of possessor and possession.
Behold the eternal, indivisible bond as that of embodied soul and body, steeped in affection.

The five afflictions do not touch one, nor does the mind become distracted,
when radiant holy company is found and body and mind remain unstained.

O excellent Lord of Sita, within this ishq you call and draw me.
You hold me fast and never release me; overwhelmed, I cry aloud.

The medicine that removes pain is your nearness, dark Shyama.
Show me your beautiful form within the stainless mirror.

The youthful Couple, drenched in the rasa of recreation, stand in the middle of the palace.
With arms about one another, they taste limitless divine sweetness.