Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

I have sold myself into Sitavar’s hands—let whatever is destined happen.
I shall not peer anywhere else; I shall sleep at the Lord’s doorway.

The wise saints understand supernatural attainments to be a thousand gallows.
They remain intoxicated by the stainless Name wherever the canopy of the world is spread.

Eight-period contemplation

The Name is nectar in which the mind delights, regarding cold and heat alike.
Desire diminishes, worldly becoming is pacified, and inspired love becomes fixed.
Sacrifice masses of jewels every moment; do not retain even a breath as your own.
Yugalananya says: never forget—bathe in the Lord’s nectar of rasa.

When one ghaṭī of night remains, awaken Sita and her Beloved.
Behold their auspicious offering, beautiful ārati, and lovely forms.
Afterward come cleansing, charming adornment, and other graceful services.
The Couple meet in playful wonder; behold them and bless your eyes.
Perform this contemplation daily for four ghaṭīs,
steady yet inwardly quick, with firm detachment and beautiful affection.
Behold the excellent offering, ārati, and the true morning games
as the first watch of the beautiful day rises, filled with joyful auspiciousness.
At the royal dining hall come graceful foods of many kinds.
Intoxicated, behold the Couple’s playful wonder and glittering radiance.
Until the midday repose, contemplate their affection and refined taste.
Their excellent play lies beyond mind and speech; by grace its treasury of rasa is attained.
Filled with love’s absorption, behold the Couple’s beauty with exhilaration,
while the colourful company of companions sings songs of delight.
Then, near the lake and garden, behold their beautiful play among the flowers.
For one ghaṭī, an exceedingly great and incomparable joy rains down.
For four more ghaṭīs, darling and Beloved sit in the pure assembly hall
and joyfully reveal the vast mystery and determination of love.
Yutheshvari and the entire company sit in their appointed places.
Song, melody, supreme festival, and grave compositions of rasa fill the gathering—