SARANAGATI by Bhaktivinode Thakur (written in 1880-1897)

Introductory song
1. sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu jibe doya kori
swa-parsada swiya dhama saha abatori
2.atyanta durlabha prema koribare dana
sikhaya saranagati bhakatera prana
3.dainya, atma-nivedana, goptritwe barana
abasya rokhibe krsna
biswasa, palana
4.bhakti-anukula-matra karjera swikara
bhakti-pratikula-bhava barjanangikara
5.sad-anga saranagati hoibe jahara
tahara prarthana sune sri-nanda-kumara
6.rupa-sanatana-pade dante trina kori
bhakativinoda pore duhun pada dhori
7.kandiya kandiya bale ami-to adhama
sikhaye saranagati koro he uttama
Translation, Introductory song
1-2)Out of compassion for the fallen souls, Sri Krisna Caitanya came to this wor
ld with His personal associates and divine abode to teache saranagati, surrender
to the almighty Godhead, and to freely distribute ecstatic love of God, which i
s ordinarily very difficult to obtain. This saranagati is the very life of the t
rue devotee
3-4)The ways of saranagati are humility, dedication of the self, acceptance of t
he Lord as one s only maintainer, faith that Krishna will surely protect, executio
n of only those acts favorable to pure devotion, and renunciation of conduct adv
erse to pure devotion.
5)The youthful son of Nanda Maharaja, Sri Krishna, hears the prayers of anyone w
ho takes refuge in Him by this six-fold practice.
6-7)Bhaktivinoda places a straw between his teeth, prostrates himself before the
two Goswamis,Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana, and clasps their lotus feet with his ha
nds. I am certainly the lowest of men. he tells them weeping, but please make me th
e best of men by teaching me the ways of saranagati
Dainya, humility, 7 songs
Song (1)
1. bhuliya tomare, somsare asiya
peye nama-bidha byatha
tomara carana asiyachi ami,
bolobo duhkhera katha
2. janani-jathare, chilama jakhona,
bisama bandhana-pase
ek-bara prabhu! dekha diya more,
boncile e dina dase
3. takhona bhavinu, janama paiya,

koribo bhajana taba

janama hoilo, pori maya-jale
na hoilo jnana-laba
4. adarera chele, swajanera kole,
hasiya katanu kala
janaka-janani- snehete bhuliya,
somsara lagilo bhalo
5. krame dina dina, balaka hoiya,
khelinu balaka-saha
ara kichu dine, jnana upajilo,
patha pori ahar-ahah
6. bidyara gaurave, bhromi dese dese,
dhana uparjana kori
swajana palana, kori eka-mane,
bhulinu tomare, hari!
7.bardhakye ekhona, bhakativinoda
kandiya katara ati
na bhojiya tore, dina britha gelo,
ekhona ki habe gati!
Translation, Song (1)
1)I forsook You, O Lord, and came to this world of pain and sorrow. Now I submit
my tale of woe at Your lotus feet.
2)While still in the unbearable fetters of my mother s womb, I saw You before me Y
ou revealed Yourself but briefly and then abandoned this poor servant of Yours.
3)At that moment I swore to worship You after taking birth; but birth came, and
with it the network of wordly illusion which robbed me of all good sense.
4)As a fonded son in the lap of relatives, I passed my time smiling and laughing
. My parents affection helped me to forget the pangs of birth, and I thought the
world was very nice.
5)Day by day I grew and soon began playing with other boys. Shortly my powers of
understanding emerged. I read and studied my lessons incessantly.
6)Travelling from place to place, proud of my education, I grew wealthy and main
tained my family with undivided attention. O Lord Hari, I forgot You!
7)Now in old age, Bhaktivinoda is sad. He weeps. I failed to worship You, O Lord
, and instead passed my life in vain. What will be my fate now?
Song (2)
1) bidyara bilase katainu kala,
parama sahase ami
tomara carana, na bhojinu kobhu,
ekhona sarana tumi
2) porite porite, bharasa barilo
jnane gati habe mani
se asa bifala, se jnana durbala
se jnana ajnana jani
3) jada-bidya jato, mayara vaibhava,
tomara bhajane badha

moha janamiya, anitya somsare,

jibake karaye gadha
4) sei gadha ho ye, somsarera bojha,
bhavinu aneka kala
bardhakye ekhona, sakti na abhave,
kichu nahi lage bhalo
5) jibana jatana, hoilo ekhona,
se bidya abidya bhelo
abidyara jwala, ghatilo bisama,
se bidya hoilo selo
6) tomara carana, bina kichu dhana,
somsare na ache ara
bhakativinoda, jada-bidya chari
tuwa pada kare sara
Translation, Song (2)
1)Confidently, I spent my time in the pleasures of mundane learning and never wo
rshiped Your Lotus feet, O Lord. Now You are my only shelter.
2)Reading on and on, my hopes grew, for I considered material knowledge to be li
fe s true path. How fruitless was that hope, and how feeble that knowledge proved
to be. I know now that all such knowledge is ignorance.
3)Knowledge of this world is knowledge born of Your illusory energy (maya). It i
mpedes devotional service and makes an ass of the eternal soul by encouraging hi
s infatuation with this temporary world.
4)Here is one such ass who for so long has carried on his back the burden of mat
erial existence. Now in my old age, for want of the power to enjoy, nothing plea
ses me.
5)Life has become agony now, my material knowledge has proven itself worthless,
and ignorance has penetrated my heart with the intolerable, burning pain of a po
inted shaft.
5)O Lord, I seek no other treasure in this world than Your lotus feet. Bhaktivin
oda abandons everything to make them the sum and substance of his life.
Song (3)
1) jaubane jakhona, dhana-uparjane,
hoinu bipula kami
dharama smariya, grihinira kara,
dhorinu takhona ami.
2) somsara pata ye tahara sahita,
kala-khoy koinu kato
bahu sutaasuta, janama lobhilo,
marame hoinu hato.
3) samsarera bhara, bare dine dine,
acala hoilo gati
bardhakya asiya, gherilo amare,
asthira hoilo mati.
4) piraya asthira, cintaya jwarita
abhave jwalita citta
upaya na dekhi, andhakara-moya,

ekhona ho yeche bhita.

5) somsara-tatani srota nahe sesa
marana nikate ghora
saba samapiya, bhojibo tomaya
e asa bifala mora.
6) ebe suno prabhu! ami gati-hina
bhakativinoda koya
taba krpa bina, sakali nirasa,
deho more padasroya.
Translation, Song (3)
1)When I was young, I greatly desired to earn money. At that time bearing in min
d the codes of religion, I took a wife.
2)Together we set up a household, wasted much time, had many sons and daughters.
.. my heart grew heavy.
3)The burden increased day by day, I felt my life at a standstill. Old age came,
grabbed me, and made my mind fickle and disturbed.
4)Diseases trouble me now, and constant anxiety has made me feverish. My heart b
urns from lack of satisfaction, and I see no way out. All is darkness and I am v
ery much afraid.
5)The current of this worldly river is strong and relentless. A frightening, glo
omy death approaches. How I wish I could give up my worldly attachements. I woul
d worship You, O Lord, but it is a useless hope.
6)Now please hear me, O Lord, for I am utterly helpless. Bhaktivinoda says, Witho
ut Your mercy, everything is lost. Please give me the shelter of Your lotus feet
.
Song (4)
1) amara jibana, sada pape rata
nahiko punyera lesa
parere udvega, diyachi je kato
diyachi jibere klesa
2) nija sukha lagi, pape nahi dori,
doya-hina swartha-paro
para-sukhe duhkhi, sada mithya-bhase,
para-duhkha sukha-karo
3) asesa kamana, hrdi mahje mora,
krodhi, dambha-parayana
mada-matta sada, bisaye mohita,
himsa-garva vibhusana
4) nidralasya hata, sukarje birata,
akarje udyogi ami
pratistha lagiya, sathya acarana,
lobha-hata sada kami
5) E heno durjana, saj-jana-barjita,
aparadhi nirantara
subha-karja-sunya, sadanartha-matah,
nana duhkhe jara jara

6 bardhakye ekhona, upaya-bihina,

ta te dina akincana
bhakativinoda, prabhura carane
kare duhkha nibedana
Translation Song (4)
I am an impious sinner and have caused others great anxiety and trouble.
I have never hesitated to perform sinful act for my own enjoiment. Devoid of all
compassion, concerned only with my own selfish interests, I am remorseful seein
g others happy. I am a perpetual liar, and the misery of others is a source of g
reat pleasure for me.
The material desires within the core of my heart are unlimited. I am wrathful, d
evoted to false pride and arrogance, intoxicated by vanity, and bewildred by wor
ldly affairs. Envy and egotism are the ornaments I wear.
Ruined by laziness and sleep, I resist all pious deeds; yet I am very active and
enthusiastic to perform wicked acts. For worldly fame and reputation I engage i
n the practice of deceitfulness. Thus I am destroyed by my own greed and am alwa
ys lustful.
A vile, wicked man such as this, rejected by godly people, is a constant offende
r. I am such a person, devoid of all good works, forever inclined toward evil, w
orn out and wasted by various miseries.
Now in old age, deprived of all means of succes, humbled and poor, Bhaktivinoda
submits his tale of grief at the feet of the Supreme Lord.
(5)1.(prabhu he!) suno mor duhkher kahini
bisaya-halahala sudha-bhane piyalun
ab abasana dinamani
2.khela-rase saisaba, porhaite kaisora,
gowaolun, na bhelo vibeka
bhoga-base jaubane, ghara pati boshilun
suta-mita barhalo aneka
3.brddha-kala aolo, saba sukha bhagalo,
pida-base katainu katar
sarbendriya durbala, khina kalebara,
bhogabhave duhkhita antar
4.jnana-laba-hina bhakti-rase banchita,
ara mora ki habe upaya
patita-bandhu, tuhun, patitadhama hama,
kripaya uthao tapa paya
5.bicarite abahi, guna nahi paobi,
krpa karo, chorato bicara
taba pada-pankaja- sidhu pibaoto
bhakativinoda karo para
Translation
Hear, O Lord, my story of sadness. I drank the deadly poison of worldliness, pre
tending it was nectar, and now the sun is setting on the horizon of my life.
I spent my childhood in play, my youth in academic pursuit, and in me there was

no sense of right or wrong. In young manhood I set up a household and settled do

wn to the spell of material enjoyment. Children and friends quickly multiplied.
Soon old age arrived, and all happiness departed. Subjected to disease, troubled
and weak, all my senses are feeble now, my body racked and exhausted, and my sp
irits downcast in the absence of youthful pleasures.
Devoid of even a particle of devotion, lacking any enlightenment
what help is th
ere for me now? Only You, O Lord, friend of the fallen. I am certainly fallen, t
he lowest of men. Please, therefore lift me to Your lotus feet.
Where You to judge me now, You would find no good qualities. Have mercy and judg
e me not. Cause me to drink the honey of Your lotus feet and thereby deliver thi
s Bhaktivinoda.
(6)1.(prabhu he!) tua pade e minati mor
tava pada-pallaba, tyajato maru-mana,
bisama bisaye bhelo bhor
2.uthayite takata, punah nahi milo-i,
anudina korohin hutas
dina-jana-natha, tuhun kahayasi,
tomara carana mama asa
3.aichana dina-jana, kohi nahi milo-i,
tuhun more koro parasada
tuwa jana-sange, tuwa katha-range,
charahun sakala paramada
4.tuwa dhama-mahe, tuwa nama gaoto,
gowayabun dina-nisi asa
tua pada-chaya, parama susitala,
mage bhakativinoda dasa
Translation
At Your feet, soft as new-grown leaves, I offer this humble prayer. Those feet s
helter the fallen souls who burn from the heat of material existence. But I gave
up their shelter, and now my mind scorched by the fire of worldliness, has drie
d up like a desert.
I find no strength to go on, and thus I spend my days lamenting My only desire n
ow is for Your lotus feet, O Lord of the meek and humble.
Has there ever been a soul as forlorn as me? Please be merciful and award me the
association of Your devotees, for by tasting the pleasure of hearing your pasti
mes I shall give up all evils.
One hope animates my soul: to spend day and night in Your divine abode singing Y
our holy name. Your tiny servant Bhaktivinoda begs a place in the delightfully c
ooling shade of Your feet.
(7)1.(prabhu he!) emona durmati, samsara bhitore,
poriya achinu ami
tab nija-jana, kono mahajana
pataile dile tumi
2.doya kori more, patita dekhiya,
kohilo amare giya

ohe dina-jana suno bhalo katha

ullasita he be hiya
3.tomare tarite, sri-krishna-caitanya,
nabadwipe abatara
toma heno kato, dina hina jane,
korilena bhava-para
4.bedera pratijna, rakhibara tare,
rukma-barna bipra-suta
mahaprabhu name, nadiya mataya,
sange bhai abadhuta
5.nanda-suta jini, caitanya gosai,
nija nama kori dana
tarilo jagat, tumi-o jaiya,
loho nija-paritrana
6.se katha suniya, asiyachi, natha!
tomara carana-tale
bhakativinoda, kandiya kandiya,
apana-kahini bale
Translation
A wicked mind brought me into this world, O Lord, but one of Your pure and eleva
ted devotees has come to bring me out.
He saw me so fallen and wretched, took pity, and came to me saying, O humbled sou
l, please listen to this good tiding, for it will gladden your heart.
Sri Krishna Caitanya has appeared in the land of Navadvipa to deliver you. He ha
s safely conducted many miserable souls such as you across the sea of worldly ex
istence.
To fulfill the promise of the Vedas, the son of a brahmana bearing the name Mahap
rabhu of golden complexion, has descended with His brother the avadhuta Nityanan
da. Together They have overwelmed all of Nadia with divine ecstasy.
Sri Caitanya, who is Krishna Himself, the son of Nanda, has saved the world by fr
eely distributing His own holy name. Go also and receive your deliverance.
O Lord, hearing those words, Bhaktivinoda has come weeping to the soles of Your
lotus feet and tells the story of his life.
(Atma-nivedana, dedication of the self, 8 songs)
(1) 1.na korolun karama, geyana nahi bhelo,
na sebilun carana tohara
jada-sukhe matiya, apanaku banca-i,
pekhahun caudisa andhiyara
2.tuhun natha! karuna-nidana
tuwa pada-pankaje atma samarpilun,
more krpa korobi bidhana
3.pratijna tohara oi, jo hi saranagata,
nahi so janabo paramada
so hama duskrti, gati nahi oi ana,
ab magon tuwa parasada

4.ana mano-ratha, nihsesa chorato,

kab hama haubun tohara
nitya-sebya tuhun, nitya-sebak mui,
bhakativinoda bhava sara
Translation
I have earned neither piety nor knowledge. Overwhelmed by sensual pleasures, I h
ave cheated myself and now see only darkness in all directions.
You, O Lord, are the fountainhead of all mercy. I surrender myself at Your lotus
feet. Kindly show me Your compassion.
It is Your promise that one who takes refuge in You will know no dangers or fear
. For a sinner like me there is no other shelter. I beg You now for infinite gra
ce.
O when will I know freedom from desire and thus become Yours? You are eternally
to be served, I am Your eternal servant, and that is the sum of Bhaktivinoda s dev
otional mood.
(2) 1.(praneswar!) kohabun ki sarama ki bat
aichana pap nahi, jo hama na koralun,
sahasra sahasra beri nath
2.sohi karama-fala bhave moke pesa-i,
dokha deobo ab kahi
takhonaka parinam, kichu na bicaralun
ab pachu tara-ite cahi
3.dokha bicara-i, tunhu danda deobi,
hama bhoga korabun somsara
karato gatagati, bhakata-jana-sange,
bati rohu carane tohara
4. apana caturpana, tuwa pade sonpalun,
hrdoya-garaba dure gelo
dina-doya-moya tuwa krpa niramala,
bhakativinoda asa bhelo
Translation
How much more shall I tell You of my shameful story? There is no sin which I hav
e not committed thousands and thousands of times.
My life in this world has been one of affliction and torment as a result of thos
e sins. Whom will I blame but myself? At the time I did not consider the consequ
ences; now, in the aftermath, I seek to be saved.
After judging my sins, You should punish me, for I deserve to suffer the pangs o
f rebirth in this world. I only pray that, as I wander through repeated births a
nd deaths, my mind may ever dwell at Your lotus feet in the company of Vaisnavas
.
I offer You this judicious prayer. My heart s false pride has gone far away. O You
who are so kind to the meek, Your pure mercy has become Bhaktivinoda s only hope.
(3) manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor
arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor!

sampade vipade, jivane-marane

day mama gela, tuwa o-pada barane
marobi rakhobi - jo iccha tohara
nitya-dasa prati tuwa adhikara
janma obi moe iccha jadi tohar
bhakta-grhe jani janma hau mora
kita-janma hau jatha tuwa dasa
bahir-mukha brahma-janme nahi asa
bhukti-mukti-sprha vihina je bhakta
labhaite tako sanga anurakta
janaka, janani, dayita, tanaya
prabhu, guru, pati--tuhu sarva-moya
bhakativinoda kohe, suno kana!
radha-natha! tuhu hamara parana
Translation
Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus f
eet, O youthful son of Nanda!
In good fortune or in bad, in life or at death, all my difficulties have disappe
ared by choosing those feet of Yours as my only shelter.
Slay me or protect me as You wish, for You are the master of Your eternal servan
t.
If it is Your will that I be born again, then may it be in the home of Your devo
tee.
May I be born again even as a worm, so long as I may remain Your devotee. I have
no desire to be born as a Brahma averse to You.
I yearn for the company of that devotee who is completely devoid of all desire f
or worldly enjoyment or liberation.
Father, mother, lover, son, Lord, preceptor, and husband; You are everything to
me.
Thakura Bhaktivinoda says, "O Kana, please hear me! O Lord of Radha, You are my
life and soul!"
(4) 1. aham mama
sabda-arthe jaha kichu hoy
arpilun, tomara pade, ohe doya moy!
2. amara ami to natha! na rohinu ara
ekhona hoinu ami kebala tomar
3. ami sabde dehi jiba ahamta charilo
twadiyabhimana aji hrdoye posilo
4.amar sarbaswa
deho, geho anucara
bhai, bandhu, dara, suta, drabya, dwara, ghara

5.se saba hoilo taba, ami hoinu dasa

tomara grhete ebe ami kori basa
6.tumi grha-swami, ami sebaka tomara
tomara sukhete cesta ekhona amara
7.sthula-linga-dehe mor sukrita duskrita
ar mor nahe, prabhu! Ami to nrskrita
8.tomar ichayaya mor ichaya misaila
Bhakativinoda aja apane bhulilo
Translation
***********************************
Whatever I am, whatever I possess, I offer at Your lotus feet, O merciful Lord.
I no longer belong to myself. Now I am exclusively Yours.
The soul inhabiting this mortal body has given up the false ego attached to the
word I , and now the eternal, spiritual sense of being Yours has entered his heart.
All my possessions - body, brothers, friends, and followers, wife, sons, persona
l belongings, house and home- all of these I give You, for I have become Your se
rvant. Now I dwell in Your house.
You are the Lord of my house, and I Your most obedient servant.. Your happiness
is my only endeavor now.
Whatever piety or sins were done by me, by mind or deed, are no longer mine, for
I am redeemed
My desire has become one with Yours. From this day Bhaktivinoda has no other ide
ntity.
(5) 1. amara bolite prabhu! are kichu nai
tumi-i amara matro pita-bandhu-bhai
2.bandhu, dara, suta, suta taba dasi dasa
sei to sambandhe sabe amara prayasa
3.dhana, jana, grha, dara tomara boliya
rakha kori ami matro sebaka hoiya
4.tomara karjera tareuparjibo dhana
tomara somsare-byaya koribo bahana
5.bhalo-manda nahi jani seba matro kori
tomara samsare ami bisaya-prahari
6.tomara icchaya mora indriya-calana
srabana, darsana, ghrana, bhojana-basana
7.nija-sukha lagi kichu nahi kori ara
bhakativinoda bale, taba suka-sara
Translation
**********************************
Nothing remains mine . Father, friend, brother

You are even these to me.

Those whom I called friends, wife, sons, and daughters are all Your servants and
maidservants. Whatever care I take for them is only as it relates to You.
If I continue to maintain my wealth, family members, home, and wife, it is becau
se they are Yours. I am a mere servant.
For Your service I will earn money and bear the expense of Your houselhold.
I know neither good nor bad. I merely serve. I am but a watchman who guards the
properties in Your household.
The exercising of my senses
according to Your desire.

hearing, seenig, smelling, tasting, touching

is done

I no longer do anything for my own pleasure. Bhakativinoda says, Your happiness i

s the essence of everything .
(6) 1. bastutoh sakali taba, jiba keho noya
aham
mama
bhrame bhromi bhoge soka-bhoy
2.aham-mama-abhimana ei-matro dhana
baddha jiba nija boli jane mane mana
3.sei abhimane ami somsare poriya
habudubu khai bhava-sindhu santariya
4.tomara abhaya-pade loiya sarana
aji ami korilama atma-nibedana
5. aham
mama -abhimana charilo amaya
ar jeno mama hrde stana nahi paya
6. ei matro balo prabhu! dibe he amare
ahamta-mamata dure pari rakhi bare
7. atma-nibedana-bhava hrde drdha roy
hasti-snana sama jeno khanika na hoy
8. bhakativinoda prabhu nityananda pay
mage parasada, jahe abhimana jay
Translation
In truth, all things belong to You. NO jiva is owner of anything. The tiny soul
wanders in this world mistakenly thinking, I am this transitory body, and everyth
ing related to this body is mine. Thus he suffers sorrow and fear.
The conditined soul is falsely proud and considers everything attached to the wo
rds I and mine to be his treasures alone.
Due to that same vanity, I fell into this world. Floundering in the ocean of mun
dane existence like a drowning man, I suffer the pangs of rising and sinking in
that ocean.
I take shelter at Your lotus feet, which award fearlessness, and dedicate myself
to You on this day.
The vanity of
heart.

and

mine has left me now. May it never again find a place within my

O Lord, please give me this strength, that I may be able to keep the false conce
ptions of I and Mine far away.
May the mood of self-surrender to the Supreme Lord remain firmly fixed in my hea
rt and not prove to be like the momentary cleanliness of an elephant after a bat
h.
Bhaktivinoda begs at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda for the grace which deliv
ers one from all false pride.
(7) 1.nibedana kori prabhu! tomara carane
patita adhama ami, jane tri-bhuvane
2.ama-sama papi nahi jagat -bhitore
mama sama aparadhi nahika somsare
3.sei saba papa ara aparadha, ami
parihare pai lajja, saba jano tumi
4.tumi bina ka ra ami loibo saran?
tumi sarbeswareswara, brajendra-nandan!
5.jagat tomara natha! tumi sarba-moy
toma prati aparadha tumi koro khoy
6. tumi to skhalita-pada janera asroy
tumi bina ara kiba ache, doya-moy!
7.sei-rupa taba aparadhi jana jato
tomara saranagata hoibe satato
8. bhakativinoda ebe loiya saran
tuwa pade kare aj atma-samarpan
Translation
I submit at Your lotus feet, O Lord, that I am fallen and wretched, a fact known
to the three worlds.
There is no sinner more sinful than me. In the entire material creation there is
no offender whose offenses equal mine.
By attempting to clear myself of all these sins and offenses I am put to shame a
nd beg Your forgiveness. All this is understood by You.
Of whom will I take shelter except for You? O son of the King of Vraja, You are
the Lord of all lords.
This world is Yours, and You pervade all things in it. You forgive the offenses
committed against You.
You alone are the shelter of those who have gone astray. Apart from You, what el
se exists, O merciful Lord?
Those like me who have offended You will know no peace until achieving Your shel
ter.
Bhaktivinoda takes shelter in You and surrenders himself at Your lotus feet on t
his very day.

(8) 1.atma-nibedana, tuwa-pade kori

hoinu parama sukhi
duhkha dure gelo, cinta na rohilo,
caudike ananda dekhi
2.asoka-abhaya, amrita-adhara,
tomara carana-dwaya
tahate ekhona, bisrama labhiya
charinu bhavera bhoya
3.tomara somsare, koribo sebana,
nahibo falera bhagi
taba sukha jahe, koribo jatana,
ho ye pade anuragi
4.tomara sebaya, duhkha hoya jato,
sei to parama sukha
seba-sukha-duhkha, parama sampada
nasaye abidya-duhkha
5.purba itihasa, bhulinu sakala,
seba-sukha pe ye mane
ami to tomara, tumi to amara,
ki kaja apare dhane
6.bhakativinoda, anande dubiya,
tomara sebara tare
saba cesta kare, taba iccha-mato,
thakiya tomara ghare
Translation
*****************************************
I have become supremely joyful by surrendering myself at Your holy feet. Unhappi
ness has gone away, and there are no more anxieties. I see joy in all directions
.
Your two lotus feet are reservoirs of immortal nectar where one may live free fr
om sorrow and fear. I have found peace there now and have given up the fear of w
orldly existence.
I shall render service in Your household and not endeavor to enjoy the fruits of
that service, but rather I shall strive for whatever pleases You, fully devoted
to Your lotus feet.
Troubles encountered in Your service shall be the cause of great happiness, for
in Your devotional service joy and sorrow are equally great riches. Both destroy
the misery of ignorance.
I have completely forgotten all past history by feeling great joy in my mind. I
am most certainly Yours, and You are indeed mine. What need is there of any othe
r treasure?
Bhaktivinoda, diving into the ocean of bliss, devotes all his efforts for Your s
ervice and dwells in Your house according to Your wishes.
(Goptritve-varana, acceptance of the Lord as Maintainer, 4 songs)
(1) 1.ki jani ki bale, tomara dhamete,
hoinu saranagata

tumi doya-moy, patita-pabana

patita-tarane rata
2. bharasa amara, ei matro natha!
tumi to karuna-moya
taba doya-patra, nahi mora sama,
abasya ghucabe bhoya
3.amare tarite, kaharo sakati,
abani-bhitore hani
doyala thakura! ghusana tomara,
adhama pamare trahi
4. sakala chariya, asiyachi ami,
tomara carane natha!
ami nitya-dasa, tumi palayita,
tumi gopta, jagannatha!
5. tomara sakala, ami matro dasa,
amara taribe tumi
tomara carana, korinu barana,
amara nahi to ami
6.bhakativinoda, kandiya sarana,
lo yeche tomara paya
khomi aparadha, name ruci diya,
palana korohe taya
Translation
How has one such as I come to Your shelter? Surely it is by Your mercy alone, fo
r You are everseeking the purification and deliverance of the fallen souls.
You are my only hope, for You are full of compassion and mercy. There is no one
who needs Your mercy more than I. You will surely drive away all fear.
No one else has the power to deliver me. O merciful Lord, by Your declaration, k
indly deliver this vile and lowly sinner.
I have given up everything and come to Your lotus feet. I am Your eternal servan
t, and You are my protector and maintainer, O Lord of the universe!
Everything is Yours. I am merely a servant, certain that You will deliver me. I
have chosen Your lotus feet as my only shelter. I no longer belong to myself.
Weeping, Bhaktivinoda takes shelter at Your feet. Forgive his offenses, afford h
im a taste for the holy name, and kindly maintain him.
(2) 1.dara-putra-nija-deho-kutumba-palane
sarbada bhakula ami chinu mane mane
2.kemone arjibo artha, yasa kise pabo
kanya-putra-vivaha kemone sampadibo
3.ebe atma-samarpane cinta nahi ara
tumi nirbahibe prabhu, somsara tomara
4.tumi to palibe more nija-dasa jani
tomar sebaya prabhu baro sukha mani

5.tomara icchaya prabhu saba karja hoy

jiba bale,
kori ami , se to satya noy
6.jiba ki korite nare, tumi na korile?
asa matro jiba kare, taba iccha-fale
7.niscinta hoiya ami sebibo tomaya
grhe bhalo-manda ho le nahi mora daya
8.bhakativinoda nija-swatantrya tyajiya
tomara carana sebe akincana hoiya
Translation
Within my heart I have always been anxious for the maintenance of my wife and ch
ildren, my own body and relatives.
How will I earn money? How will I obtain fame? How will I arrange the marriages
of my sons and daughter?
Now, through self-surrender, I have been purged of all anxiety. O Lord, surely Y
ou will provide for the maintenace of Your household.
Surely You will preserve me, knowing me to be Your own servant. O Lord, in Your
devotional service I feel great happiness.
All events take place by Your will, O Lord. The deluded soul of this world decla
res, I am the doer, but this is pure folly.
If You do not act first, then what is a tiny soul actually able to do? By Your w
ill he can only desire to act, and unless You fulfill his desire, he cannot do a
nything.
I will serve You free from all anxiety, and at home, if any good or evil should
occur, it will not be my responsibility.
Bhaktivinoda thus gives up his independence and engages in the exclusive service
of Your lotus feet with no other interest in life.
(3) 1.sarbaswa tomar, carane sampiya,
porechi tomara ghare
tumi to thakur, tomara kukur,
boliya janaho more
2.bandhiya nikate, amare palibe,
rohibo tomara dware
pratipa-janere, asite na dibo
rakhibo garera pare
3.taba nija-jana, prasad sebiya,
ucchista rakhibe jaha
amara bhojan, parama-anande,
prati din habe taha
4.boshiya suiya, tomara carana,
cinitibo satata ami
nacite nacite, nikate jaibo,
jakhona dakibe tumi
5.nijera posan, kabhu na bhavibo

rohibo bhavera bhore

bhakativinoda, tomare palaka,
boliya barana kare
Translation
*******************************************
Now that I have surrendered all I possess, I fall prostrate before Your house. Y
ou are the Supreme Lord. Kindly consider me Your household dog.
Chain me nearby and maintain me as You will. I shall remain at the doorstep and
allow no enemies to enter Your house. I will keep them at the bounds of the moat
surrounding Your home.
Whatever remnants Your devotees leave behind after honoring Your prasada will be
my daily sustenance. I will feast on those remnants with great ecstasy.
While sitting up, while lying down, I will constantly meditate on Your lotus fee
t. Whenever You call, I will immediately run to You and dance in rapture.
I will never think of my own maintenance but rather remain transported by a mult
itude of ecstasies. Bhaktivinoda accepts You as his only support.
Song (4)
1) tumi sarbeswareswara brajendra-kumara!
tomara icchaya biswe srjana samhara
2)taba iccha-mato brahma karena srjana
taba iccha-mato visnu karena palana
3)taba iccha-mate siba karena samhara
taba iccha-mate maya srje karagara
4)taba iccha-mate jiber janama-marana
samriddhi-nipate duhkha sukha-samghatana
5)miche maya-baddha jiba asa-pase fire
taba iccha bina kichu korite na pare
6)tumi to rakhaka ar palaka amara
tomara carana bina asa nahi ara
7)nija-bala-cesta-prati bharasa chariya
tomara icchay achi nirghara koriya
8)bhakativinoda ati dina akincana
tomara icchay ta ra jibana marana
Translation Song(4)
O youthful son of the King of Vraja, You are Lord of all. Creation and destructi
on takes place in the universe according to Your will.
According to Your will Lord Brahma creates, and in accordance with Your will Lor
d Visnu maintains.
Lord Siva destroys in similar obedience to You, and by Your wish maya constructs
the prison house of this world.
By Your will the living beings take birth and die, and by Your will they meet wi
th prosperity and ruin, happiness and sorrow.

The tiny soul bound up by maya vainly struggles in the fetters of worldly desire
. Without Your sanction he is unable to do anything.
You are my protector and maintainerl Without Your lotus feet there is no hope fo
r me.
No longer confident of my own strength and endeavor, I depend solely on Your wil
l.
Bhaktivinoda is most poor, and his pride has been leveled. Now he lives or dies,
as You wish.
(Avasya Raksibe Krsna

Viswasa Palana, faith in Krsna as protector, 4 songs)

Song(1)
1) ekhona bujhinu prabhu! tomara carana
asokabhoyamrta-purna sarva-khana
2) sakala chariya tuwa carana-kamale
poriyachi ami natha! taba pada-tale
3) taba pada-padma nath! rokhibe amare
ar rakha-karta nahi e bhava-somsare
4) ami taba nitya-dasa janinu e-bara
amara palana-bhar ekhonu tomara
5) bara duhkha paiyachi swatantra jibane
saba duhkha dure gelo o pada-barane
6) je-pada lagiya rama tapasya korila
je-pada padiya siba sibatwa lobhila
7) je-pada lobhiya brahma krtartha hoila
je-pada narada muni hrdoye dhorila
8)sei se abhaya pada sirete dhoriya
parama-anande naci pada-guna gaiya
9)somsara-vipad ho te abasya uddhara
bhakativinoda, o pada koribe tomara
Translation
I know now Your divine feet are a refuge free from all sorrow and fear, eternall
y full of sweet nectar.
At the soles of those lotus feet I surrender myself and all I possess.
O Lord, there is no other protection but You in this world of birth and death.
At last I know myself to be Your eternal servant, whose maintenance You have ass
ured.
Life before, without You, held nothing but sorrow. Now I live free from all mise
ry
Laksmi, desiring such a place at Your lotus feet, excuted austerities. Only afte
r secureing a place by Your lotus feet did Lord Siva attain his sivatva, or qual

ity of auspiciousness.
Upon obtaining those feet Lord Brahma became successful in life, and the great s
age Narada Muni held those two feet to his heart.
Your lotus feet drive away all fear. Having held them to my head, I dance in gre
at ecstasy, singing their glories.
Your lotus feet will deliver Bhaktivinoda from the perils of worldly journey.
(2) 1.tumi to maribe jare, ke tare rakhite pare,
taba iccha-basa tribhuvana
brahma-adi deba-gan, taba dasa aganan,
kare taba ajnara palana
2.taba iccha-mate jato, graha-gana abirato,
subhasubha fala kare dana
roga-soka-mrti-bhoy, taba iccha-mate hoy,
taba ajna sada balavan
3.taba bhoye bhayu boy, candra surja samuday,
swa-swa niyamita karja kare
tumi to parameswar, para-brahma paratpar,
taba basa bhakata-antare
4.sada-suddha siddha-kama, bhakata-vatsala
bhakata-janera nitya-swami
tumi to rakhibe jare, ke tare marite pare,
sakala bidhira bidhi tumi

nama,

5.tomara carane natha! koriyache pranipata,

bhakativinoda taba das
bipad hoite swami! abasya tahare tumi
rokhibe, tahara e viswas
Translation
Who can protect that person whom You wish to slay? The three worlds are obedient
to Your will. The gods, headed by Brahma, are Your countless servants and stand
ready to execute Your command,
By Your will the planets exercise their auspicious or inauspicious influences. I
llness, grief, death, and fear occur by Your will. Your command is all-powerful.
In fear of You the wind blows, and the sun, moon, and all others perform their a
llotted duties. You are the Supreme Lord, the Supreme Spirit, supreme above all.
Your residence is in the heart of Your loving devotee.
You are eternally pure. All Your desires are fulfilled. Your name is Bhakta-vats
ala, for You are very affectionate to the Vaisnavas. You are the eternal Lord of
Your loving devotees. Who can slay that person whom You wish to protect? You ar
e the law of all laws.
O Lord, Your eternal servant Bhaktivinoda has bowed down at Your lotus feet. O m
aster, he cherishes the faith that You will surely protect him from all dangers.
(3)
1) atma-samarpane gela abhiman
nahi korobun nija rakha-bidahan
2)tuwa dhana jani

tuhun rakhobi, nath

palya godhana jnana kori

tuwa sath

3)caraobi madhaba! jamuna-tire

bamsi bajaoto dakobi dhire
4)agha-baka marato rakha-bidhan
korobi sada tuhun gokula-kan!
5)rakha korobi tuhun niscoy jani
pana korobun hama jamuna-pani
6)kaliya-dokha korobi binasa
sodhobi nadi-jala, baraobi asa
7)piyato dabanala raknobi mo y
gopala , gobinda nama taba hoy
8)sura-pati-durmati-nasa bicari
rakhobi barsane, giri bara-dhari!
9)catur-anana korabo jab cori
rakha koro- i mujhe, gokula-hari!
10)bhakativinoda tuwa gokula-dhan
rakhobi kesava! korato jatan
Translation
Surrendering to You lifted from me the burden of false pride. No longer will I t
ry to secure my own well-being.
O Lord, I am confident of Your protection, for, like one of Your cows or calves,
I am Your treasured property.
O Madhava, I see You leading Your herds to pasture on the banks of the Yamuna. Y
ou call to them by gently playing Your flute.
By slaying giant demons such as Agha and Baka You will always provide full prote
ction, O Gokula Kana!
Fearless and confident of Your protection, I will drink the water of the Yamuna.
The Kaliya serpent s venom poisoned the Yamuna s waters, yet that poison will not ac
t. You will purify the Yamuna and by such heroic deeds enhance our faith.
You who are called Govinda and Gopala will surely protect me by swallowing the f
orest fire.
When Indra, king of the gods, sends torrents of rain, You will counteract his ma
lice and protect us by lifting the mighty Govardhana Hill!
When the four-headed Brahma steals Your cowherd boyfriends and calves, then, too
, You will surely protect me, O Gokula Hari!
Bhakativinoda is now the property of Gokula, Your holy abode, O Kesava, kindly p
rotect him with care.
(4) chorato purusa-abhiman
kinkori hoilun aji, kan!
baraja-bipine sakhi-sath

sebana korobun, radha-nath!

kusume ganthobun har
tulasi-mani-manjari tar
jatane deobun sakhi-kare
hate laobo sakhi adare
sakhi dibo tuwa duhuk gale
durato herobun kutuhale
sakhi kahabo,
suno sundari!
rahobi kunje mama kinkori
ganthobi mala mano-harini
niti radha-krishna-bimohini
tuwa rakhana-bhara hamara
mama kunja-kutira tohara
radha-madhava-sebana-kale
rahobi moe hamara antarale
tambula saji karbura ani
deobi moe apana jani
bhakativinoda suni bat
sakhi-pade kare pranipat
Translation
Gone is the variety of male egoism, O Kana. Now I am Your faithful maidservant.
O Lord of Radha, in the groves of Vraja I will perform devotional service as a f
ollower of one of the sakhis.
I will string together a necklace of forest flowers, and tulasi buds shall be th
e jewels of that necklace.
With utmost care I will place the garland in the hands of that confidential devo
tee, and she will take it with affection.
Then she will place the garland around both Your necks, while I watch in wonder
from afar.
The confidant will then say to me, Listen, O beautiful one, you should remain in
this grove as my attendant.
Daily you shall string together beautiful flower garlands that will enchant Radha
and Krsna.
The responsibility for your maintenance shall be mine. My cottage in the grove is
yours.
When I serve Radha and Madhava, you will attend behind me. After preparing tambu
la and bringing camphor, you will give them to me, knowing me to be yours.
Bhaktivinoda, having heard all these instructions, bows down at the lotus feet o
f that confidential sakhi.

(Bhakti-anukula-matra Karyera Svikara, acceptance of activities favorable to pur

e devotion, 4 songs)
(1)1.)tuva-bhakti-anukula je-je karja joy
parama-jatane taha koribo niscoy
I will surely execute with utmost care those activities favorable to Your pure d
evotional service.
2. bhakti-anukula jato bisaya somsare
koribo tahate rati indriyera dware
I will feel fondness for those things in this world which are conductive to pure
devotion, and with my senses I will engage them in Your service.
3. sunibo tomara katha jatana koriya
dekhibo tomara dhama nayana bhoriya
I will carefully listen to all discussions concerning You, and the satisfaction
of my eyes will be to behold Your divine abode.
4)tomara prasade deho koribo posan
naibedya-tulasi-ghrana koribo grahan
I will nourish my body with the sacred remnants of Your food and smell the sweet
scent of tulasi leaves adorning those offerings.
5. kara-dwara koribo tomara seba sada
tomara basoti-sthale boshibo sarbada
With my hands I will always execute Your service, and I will forever dwell at th
at place where You abide.
6. tomara sebaya kama niyoga koribo
tomara bidvesi-jane krodha dekhaibo
I will employ my desires in Your devotional service and show anger to those who
are envious of You.
7) ei-rupe sarba-brtti ara sarba-bhav
tuwa anukula hoye labhuka prabhav
In this way may all of my propensities and emotions obtain dignity and glory by
being favorable to You.
8) tuwa bhakta-anukula jaha jaha kori
tuwa bhakti-anukula boli taha dhori
I will consider as favorable to Your devotional service anything I do which is f
avorable to Your devotee.
9. bhakativinoda nahi jane dharmadharma
bhakti-anukula tara hau saba karma
Bhaktivinoda knows neither religion nor irreligion. He simply prays that all his
activities be conductive for pure devotion to You.
(2) 1. godruma-dhame bhajana-anukule

mathura-sri-nandisvara-samatule
2. tahi maha surabhi-kunja-kutire
baithobun hama sura-tatini-tire
3. gaura-bhakata-priya-besa dadhana
tilaka-tulasi-mala-sobhamana
4. campaka, bakula, kadamba, tamal
ropato niramibo kunja bisal
5. madhabi malati uthabun tahe
chaya-mandapa korobun tahi mahe
6. ropobun tatra kusuma-bana-raji
juthi, jati, malli birajabo saji
7. mance boshaobun tulasi-maharani
kirtana-sajja tahi rakhabo ani
8. baisnaba-jana-saha gaobun nam
jaya godruma jaya gaura ki dham
9. bhakativinoda bhakti-anukul
jaya kunja munja, sura-nadi-kul
1-2) On the banks of the celestial Ganges River I will dwell in a cottage at Sur
abhi-kunj in Godruma-dhama. This land of Godruma is very conductive for performi
ng devotional worship of the Supreme Lord and is nondifferent from the sacred pl
ace called Nandagram, located in the holy district of Mathura.
3-4) I will put on the garb that is dear to the devotees of Lord Gaurasundara an
d wear the twelve Vaisnava tilaka markings on my body and beautiful beads of tul
asi wood around my neck. Then, by planting flowering trees like Campaka, Bakula,
Kadamba, and Tamala, I will make an extensive grove by my cottage.
5. I will put madhavi and malati creepers on the trees and in this way make a
shady bower.
1. I will sow a variety of flowering forests and different kinds of jasmine l
ike yuthi, jati and malli. All these will be present there, arrayed in a charmin
g fashion.
2. I will install the empress tulasi on an elevated throne on the terrace, th
en procure all necessary paraphernalia for having kirtana, such as mrdanga drums
, karatalas (hand cymbals), and gongs, and place them there.
(3) 1.suddha-bhakata- carana-renu
bhajana-anukula
bhakata-seba, parama-siddhi,
prema-latikara mula
2. madhaba-tithi, bhakti-janani

jatane palana kori

krsna-basoti basoti boli
parama adare bori
3. gaur amara, je-saba sthane,
koralo bhramana range
se-saba sthana, heribo ami,
pranayi-bhakata-sange
4. mrdanga-badya, sunite mana,
abasara saba jace
gaura-bihita, kirtana suni,
anande hrdoya nace
5. jugala-murti, dekhiya mora,
parama-ananda hoya
prasada-seba korite hoya
sakala prapance jaya
6. je-dina
grhete goloka
carana-sindu,
sukha na sima

grhe, bhajana dekhi,

bhaya
dekhiya ganga,
paya

7. tulasi dekhi, juraya prana

madhaba-tosani jani
gaura-priya, saka-sebane,
jibana sarthaka mani
8. bhakativinoda, krsna-bhajane,
anukula paya jaha
proti-dibase, parama-sukhe,
swikara karaye taha
1. Dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees is conductive to devotional serv
ice, whilee service to the Vaisnavas is itself the supreme perfection and the ro
ot o the tender creeper of divine love.
1. I observe with great care the holy days like Ekadasi and Janmastami, for t
hey are the mother of devotion. As my dwelling place I choose with the greatest
of reverence and love the transcendental abode of Sri Krsna.
1. All those places where my Lord Gaurasundara traveled for pastimes I will v
isit in the company of loving devotees.
1. My mind always begs for the opportunity to hear the music of the mrdanga.
Upon hearing the kind of kirtana ordained by Lord Gaurasundara, my heart dances
in ecstasy.
1. Beholding the Deity forms of the Divine Couple, Sri Sri Radha-Krsna, I fee
l the greatest joy. By honoring the Lord s prasada, I conquer over all worldly ill
usions.
1. Goloka Vrndavana appears in my home whenever I see the worship and service
e of Lord Hari taking place there. When I see the Ganges, that river of nectar e
manating from the lotus feet of the Lord, my happiness knows no bounds.
1. The sight of the holy tulasi tree soothes my soul, for I know she gives pl
easure to Lord Krsna. By honoring sak, a great favorite of Lord Caitanya s, I cons
ider life worthwhile.
1. Whatever Bhaktivinoda obrains that is conducive for the service of Sri Krs
na he accepts every day with greatest joy.
(4) 1. radha-kunda-tata-kunja-kutir
gobardhana-parbata, jamuna-tir

2. kusuma-sarobara, manasa-ganga
kalinda-nandini bipula-taranga
3. bamsi-bata, gokula, dhira-samir
brndabana-taru-latika-banir
4. khaga-mrga-kula, malaya-batas
mayura, bhramara, murali-bilas
5. benu, srnga, pada-cihna, megha-mala
basanta, sasanka, sankha, karatala
6. jugala-bilase anukula jani
lila-bilase-uddipaka mani
7. e-saba chorato kanhi nahi jau
e-saba chorato parana harau
8. bhakativinoda kahe, suno kan!
tuwa uddipaka, hamara paran
1-6) The cottage in the grove on the banks of Radha-kunda, the great Govardhana
Hill, the banks of the Yamuna, Kusuma-sarovara, Manasa-ganga, the daughter of Ka
linda (the Yamuna) with her many waves, the Vamsi-vat, Gokula, Dhira-samira, the
trees and creepers and reeds of Vrdavana, the different varieties of colorful b
irds, the deer, the cooling breeze from the Malaya Mountains, the peacocks, the
bumblebees, the pastimes with the flute, the flute itself, the buffalo horn bugl
e, the footprints of cows in the dust of Vraja, the rows of blackish rainclouds,
springtime, the moon, the conchsell, and the karatalas
all these I know to be v
ery conductive for the pastimes of Radha and Krsna. I recognize in them a transc
endental stimulus for making the Lord s charming pastimes more intense.
7. I refuse to go anywhere if there stimuli to devotional service are not the
re, for to abandon them is to abandon life itself.
1. Bhaktivinoda says, Please hear me, O Kana! Your entourage and paraphernalia
stimulate remembrance of You and are the very sourcee of my life.
Bhakti-pratikula-bhava Varjanangikara, renunciation of conduct averse to pure de
votion, 4 songs
1.kesaba! tuwa jagata bicitra
karama-vipake, bhava-bana bhrama-i
pekhalun ranga bahu citra
2.tuwa pada-bismriti, a-mara jantrana,
klesa-dahane dohi jai
kapila, patanjali, gautama, kanabhoji,
jaimini, bauddha aowe dhai
3.sab koi nija-mate, bhukti, mukti jacato,
pata-i nana-bidha fand
so-sabu
bancaka, tuwa bhakti bahir-mukha,
ghataowe bisama paramada
4.baimukha-bancane, bhata so-sabu,
niramilo vividha pasara
dandabata durato, bhakativinoda bhelo,
bhakata-carana kori sara
Translation

This material creation of Yours, O Kesava, is most strange. I have roamed throug
hout the forest of this universe in consequence of my selfish acts, and I have b
eheld many strange and curious sights.
Forgetfulness of Your lotus feet has brought on anguish and grief. As I burn in
this fire of misery, my would-be saviors
Kapila, Gautama, Kanada, Jaimini, and B
uddha
come running to my aid.
Each expounds his particular view, dangling various pleasures and liberation as
bait in their philosophical traps. They are all cheaters, averse to Your devotio
nal service and thus fatally dangerous.
They are magnates of karma, jnana, and yoga who specialize in opinions and proof
s for cheating the materially inclined. Bhaktivinoda, considering refuge at the
feet of the Vaisnavas as essential, pays his respects to these cheating philosop
hers from afar.
(2) 1.tuwa-bhakti-pratikula dharma ja te roy
parama jatane taha tyaji o niscoy
2.tuwa-bhakti-bahir-mukha sanga na koribo
gauranga-birodhi-jana-mukha na heribo
3.bhakti-pratikula sthane na kori basati
bhaktir apriya karje nahi kori rati
4.bhaktira birodhi grantha patha na koribo
bhaktira birodhi byakhya kabhu na sunibo
5.gauranga-barjita sthana tirtha nahi mani
bhaktira badhaka jnana-karma tuccha jani
6.bhaktira badhaka kale na kori adar
bhakti bahir-mukha nija-jane jani para
7.bhaktira badhika spriha koribo barjan
abhakta-pradatta anna na kori grahan
8.jaha kichu bhakti-pratikula boli jani
tyajibo jatane taha, e niscoya bani
9.bhakativinoda pori prabhura carane
magaye sakati pratikulyera barjane
Translation
I vow to abandon without compromise all actions contrary to Your devotional serv
ice.
I will keep company with no one opposed to devotional service, nor even look at
the face of a person inimical toward Lord Gauranga.
I shall never reside at a place unfavorable for devotional practices, and may I
never take pleasure in nondevotional works.
I will read no book opposed to pure devotion, nor listen to any explanation whic
h disagrees with pure devotional principles.
I will never regard as sacred any place where Lord Gauranga is rejected. Any kno

wledge hindering pure devotional service I consider worthless.

Any season which poses obstacles to the execution of devotional service shall fi
nd no favor with me, and I will consider all relatives or family members averse
to pure devotion as strangers.
I will abandon all desires that hinder devotion and never accept food offered to
me by nondevotee atheists.
I vow to promptly shun whatever I know to contradict pure devotion. This I stron
gly promise.
Bhaktivinoda, falling at the feet of the Lord, begs for the strength to give up
all obstacles to pure devotion.
(3) 1.bisaya-bimudha ar mayabadi jan
bhakti-sunya dunhe prana dhare akaran
2.ei dui-sanga natha! na hoy amar
prarthana koriye ami carane tomar
3.se duwera madhye bisayi tabu bhalo
mayabadi-sanga nahi magi kono kalo
4.bisayi-hrdoya jabe sadhu-sanga pay
abayase labhe bhakti bhaktera krpay
5.mayabada-dosa ja ra hrdoye posilo
kutarke hrdoya ta ra bajra-sama bhelo
6.bhaktira swarupa, ara bisaya ,
mayabadi anitya boliya saba koy

asroy

7.dhik ta ra krsna-seba-srabana-kirtan
krsna-ange bajra hane tahara staban
8.mayabada sama bhakti-pratikula nai
ataeba mayabadi-sanga nahi cai
9.bhakativinoda mayabada dura kori
baisnaba sangete boishe namasraya dhori
Translation
Both the monist philosophers and those bewildered by worldly affairs live in vai
n, for both are devoid of devotion to You.
I pray at Your lotus feet, O Lord, that I may be spared the company of them both
.
Yet of the two the worldly man is better. I ask never to have the company of may
avadi.
When the worldly man enters into the company of saintly persons within his heart
he becomes inspiried by pure devotion through the mercy of those devotees.
But woe to him who has known the offensive presence of impersonalist philosophy.
Such sophistry makes the heart hard as a thunderbold.
The mayavada philosopher declares that the true form of bhakti, its object (Sri

Krishna), and its possessor (the devotee) are all transitory and thus illusory.
Fie on his pretense of service to Krishna, of hearing and chanting His glories!
His so-called prayers strike the body of Krishna with blows more cruel that a th
underbolt.
There is no philosophy as antagonistic to devotional service as mayavada philoso
phy. Therefore I do not desire the association of the mayavadi.
Bhaktivinoda drives away the philosophy of illusionism and sits safely in the so
ciety of Vaisnavas under the shelter of the holy name.
(4) 1.ami to swananda-sukhada-basi
radhika-madhava-carana-dasi
2.dunhara milane ananda kori
dunhara biyoge duhkhete mari
3.sakhi-sthali nahi heri nayane
dekhile saibyeke paraye mane
4.je-je pratikula candrera sakhi
prane duhkha pai tahare dekhi
5.radhika-kunja andhara kori
loite cahe se radhara hari
6.sri-radha-govinda -milana-sukha
pratikula-jana na heri mukha
7.radha-pratikula jateka jan
sambhasane kabhu na hoiye man
8.bhakativinoda sri-radha-carane
sanpeche parana ati ba jatane
Translation
I am a resident of Svananda-sukhada-kunja and a maidservant of the lotus feet of
Radhika and Madhava.
At the union of the Divine Couple I rejoice, and in Their separation I die in an
guish.
I never look at the place where Candravali and her friends stay. Whenever I see
such a place it reminds me of Candravali s gopi friend, Saibya.
I feel pain in my heart when I catch sight of Candravali s girl-friends, for they
are opposed to Radha.
Candravali wants to take away Radha s Lord Hari, thus covering the grove of Radhik
a with the darkness of gloom.
I never look at the faces of those who are opposed to Sri Radha and Govindas joy
ous union.
Nor do I find any pleasure in conversing with those who are opposed to Radha.
Bhaktivinoda has enthusiastically entrusted his soul to the lotus feet of Srimat
i Radharani.

Bhajana-lalasa, hankering for divine service, 13 songs

(1) 1.Hari he!
prapance poriya, agati hoiya,
na dekhi upaya ara
agatira gati carane sarana
tomaya korinu sara
2.karama geyana, kichu nahi mora,
sadhana bhajana nai
tumi krpa-moya, ami to kangala,
ahaituki krpa cai
3.vakya-mano-vega, krodha-jihva-vega,
udara-upasta-vega
miliya e saba, somsare bhasa ye
diteche paramodvega
4.aneka jatane, se saba damane,
chariyachi asa ami
anathera natha! daki taba nama
ekhona bharasa tumi
Translation
O Lord Hari, having fallen helplessly into the illusion of this world, I see no
other means of deliverance but You. You are the only recourse for the helpless.
I accept the shelter of Your lotus feet as essential.
I have no knowledge, no background of pious activities, nor any history of stric
t devotional practice. But You are full of compassion and kindness. Therefore, a
lthough I am certainly destitute, I solicit Your causeless mercy.
The powerful urges of speech, mind, anger, tongue, belly, and genital have bande
d together to cast me adrift on the sea of this material world, thus causing me
great anxiety and trouble.
After great endeavor to subdue these material demands, I have completely given u
p all hope. O Lord of the destitute, I call upon Your holy name, for now You are
my only shelter.
(2) 1-2.Hari he!
arthera sancaye, bisaya-prayase
ano-katha-prajalpane
ano-adhikara, niyama agrahe,
asat-sanga-samghatane
asthira siddhante, rohinu mojiya,
hari-bhakti roilo dure
e hrdoye matro, para-hamsa, mada,
pratistha, sathata sphure
3.e saba agraha, charite narinu,
apama dosate mori
janama bifala, hoilo amara
ekhona ki kori, hari!
4.ami to patita, patita-pabana,
tomara pabitra nama

se sambandha dhori, tomara carane,

sarana loinu hama
Translation
O Lord Hari, I have become absorbed in accumulating wealth and endeavoring for m
aterial possessions. I am addicted to speaking of topics apart from You and am a
lways eager to accept practices apart from my own duties. I am in the habit of m
eeting with worldly men and am absorbed in speculative thinking. Therefore, devo
tion to You has remained distant from me. In this heart of mine dwells only envy
and malice towards others false pride, hippocrisy, deceitfulness, and the desir
e for fame and honor.
I have not been able to give up any of these attachments. Thus my own faults hav
e been my down fall. My birth as a human being has been wasted. O Lord Hari, wha
t am I to do now?
I am indeed fallen; but Your holy name is the savior of the fallen. Clinging to
that holy name, I have taken shelter at Your lotus feet.
(3) 1-2.hari he!
bhajane utsaha, bhaktite biswasa,
prema-labhe dhairja-dhana
bhakti-anukula, karma-prabartana,
asat-sanga-bisarjana
bhakti-sadacara, ei choya guna,
nahilo amara natha!
kemone bhojibo, tomara carana,
chariya mayara satha
3.garhita acare, rohilama moji ,
na korinu sadhu-sanga
lo ye sadhu-besa, ane upadesi,
e boro mayara ranga
4.e heno dasaya, ahaituki krpa,
tomara paibo, hari!
sri-guru-asroye, dakibo tomaya,
kabe ba minati kori
Translation
Enthusiasm in devotional service, faith in the process of devotional service, th
e treasure of patience in endeavoring to attain love of God, performing activiti
es conducive to pure devotion, abandoning the company of worldly people, perform
ing approved devotional practices
I have never possessed these six devotional qu
alities. How, then, shall I give up the association of maya and worship Your lot
us feet, O Lord?
Absorbed in abominable activities, I never kept company with sadhus. Now I adopt
the garb of the sadhus and instruct others. This is maya s big joke.
O Lord Hari, in such a helpless condition surely I will obtain Your causeless me
rcy. O when, under the shelter of my spiritual master, will I call out to You wi
th humble prayers?
(4) 1.hari he!
dana, pratigraha, mitho gupta-katha,
bhakata, bhojana-dana

sangera lakhana,ei choyahoya,

ihate bhaktira prana
2.tattwa na buhjiye, jnane ba ajnane,
asate e saba kori
bhakti harainu, somsari hoinu,
sudure rohile hari
3.krsna-bhakta-jane, ei sanga-lakhane,
adara koribo jabe
bhakti-maha-devi, amara hrdoyaasane boshibe tabe
4.josit-sangi-jana, krsnabhakta ara,
dunhu-sanga-parihari
taba bhakta-jana- sanga anukhana,
kabe ba hoibe hari!
Translation
O Lord Hari, to offer a gift and receive one in return, to give and receive spir
itual food, to reveal one s confidential thoughts and make confidential inquiries
these are the six characteristics of loving association, and in them is found th
e very soul of devotion.
I have failed to understand the Absolute Truth, and by practicing these six acti
vities with nondevotees, either knowingly or unknowingly, I have lost all devoti
on. Thus I have become a materialist. For me, You, O Lord, remain afar.
The day I cherish these activities of intimate association with the devotees of
Sri Krsna, that day the great goddess of devotion will ascend the throne of my h
eart.
When will I give up the company of those who are addicted to women and those who
are not devoted to You? When will I get the constant association of Your devote
es, O Lord?
(5) 1.Hari he!
sanga-dosa-sunya, diksitadiksita,
jadi taba nama ga ya
manase adara, koribo tahare,
jani nija-jana taya
2.diksita hoiya, bhaje tuwa pada,
tahare pranati kori
ananya-bhajane, bijna jei jane,
tahare sebibo, hari!
3.Sarba-bhute sama, je bhaktera mati,
tahara darsane mani
apanake dhanya, se sanga paiya,
caritartha hoilun jani
4.niskapata-mati baisnabera proti,
ei dharma kabe pa bo
kabe e somsara- sindhu-para hoiye
taba braja-pure ja bo
Translation

O Lord, I will mentally honor and consider as my brother one who avoids bad comp
any and sings Your holy name, be he formally initiated or not.
I offer obeisances to that person who is initiated and worships Your lotus feet,
and I will serve, O Lord, anyone who is fixed in unalloyed devotion to You.
I consider myself greatly fortunate to even see that devotee who looks upon all
living beings equally. By obtaining his association I know that I become success
ful in life.
When will my mind become simple and inoffensive toward the Vaisnavas, and when w
ill I cross over the ocean of worldly existence to reach Your abode of Vraja?
(6) 1.hari he!
nira-dhama-gata, jahnavi-salile,
panka-fena drsta hoya
tathapi kakhona, brahma-draba-dharma,
se salila na charoya
2.baisnaba-sarira, aprakrta sada,
swabhava-bapurna dharme
kabhu nahe jada, tathapi je ninde,
pare se bisamadharme
3.sei aparadhe, jamera jatana,
paya jiba abirata
he nanda-nandana! sei aparadhe,
heno jeno nahi hata
4.tomara baisnaba, baibhava tomara,
amare koruna doya
tabe mora gati, tomarera prati
ha-i be taba pada-chaya
Translation
Mud and foam are seen in the waters of the Ganges, for that is the inherent natu
re of river water. Yet Ganges water never loses its transcendental nature.
One may likewise find defects in the body of a Vaisnava, yet his body is always
spiritual, never material. That person who criticizes the body of a Vaisnava fal
ls into deadly irreligion.
For such an offense, the fallen soul continuously suffers the tortures of Yamara
ja, lord of death. O youthful son of Nanda, I pray that I not be destroyed by co
mmitting such an offense.
The Vaisnava is Yours, and he is Your glory. May he be merciful to me. Then my l
ife s journey will lead to You, and I will obtain shelter in the shade of Your lot
us feet.
(7)- ohe!
vaisnaba thakura, doyara sagara,
e dase koruna kori'
diya pada-chaya, sodho he amaya,
tomara carana dhori
chaya bega domi, chaya dosa sodhi

chaya guna deho' dase

chaya sat-sanga, deho' he amare,
boshechi sangera ase
ekaki amara, nahi paya bala,
hari-nama-sankirtane
tumi krpa kori: sraddha-bindu diya,
deho' krsna-nama-dhane
krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro,
tomara sakati ache
ami to' kangala, 'krsna 'krsna 'boli',
dhai tava pache pache
Translation
O venerable Vaisnava. O ocean of mercy, be merciful unto your servant. Give me t
he shade of your lotus feet and purify me. I hold on to your lotus feet.
Teach me to control my six passions; rectify my six faults, bestow upon me the s
ix qualities, and offer unto me the six kinds of holy association.*
I do not find the strength to carry on alone the sankirtana of the holy name of
Hari. Please bless me by giving me just one drop of faith with which to obtain t
he great treasure of the holy name of Krsna.
Krsna is yours; you have the power to give Him to me. I am simply running behind
you shouting, "Krsna! Krsna!"
(8) 1.Hare he
tomare bhuliya, abidya-piraya,
pirita rasana mora
krsna-nama-sudha, bhalo nahi lage,
bisaya-sukhate bhora
2.proti-dina jodi, adara koriya,
se nama kirtana kori
sitapala jeno, nasi roga-mula
krame swadu hoya, hari!
3.durdaiba amara, se name adara,
na loilo, doyamoya!
dasa aparadha, amara durdaiba,
kemone hoibe khoya
anudina jeno, taba nama gai,
kramete krpaya taba
aparadha ja be name ruci ha be
aswadibo namasaba
Translation
O Lord Hari, because I forgot You my tongue has become afflicted with the diseas
e of ignorance. I cannot relish the nectar of Your holy name, for I have become
addicted to the taste of worldly pleasures.
O Lord Hari, if I sing Your holy name aloud every day with great respect, then a
s sugar candy taken medicinally destroys the very disease which makes it taste b
itter (jaundice), so Your holy name will cure my spiritual disease and allow me

to gradually taste His sweetness.

O merciful Lord, how great is my misfortune that I feel no appreciation for Your
holy name! In such a lamentable state, how will I be freed from committing the
ten offenses to the holy name?
If I sing Your holy name every day, by Your mercy the ten offenses will graduall
y disappear. A taste for Your holy name will grow within me, and then I will tas
te the intoxicating spirit of the name.
(9)
1.hari he!
sri-rupa-gosai, sri-guru-rupete,
sikha dila mora kane
jano mora katha, namera kangala!
rati pa be name-gane
2.krsna-nama-rupa guna -sucarita,
parama jatane kori
rasana-manase, koraho niyoga,
krama-bidhi anusori
3.braje kori basa, raganuga hoiya,
smarana kirtana koro
e nikhila kala, koraho japana,
upadesa-sara dharo
4.ha rupa-gosai, doya kori kabe,
dibe dine braja-basa
ragatmika tumi, taba padanuga,
hoite dasera asa
Translation
O Lord Hari, Sri Rupa Gosvami, in the form of the spiritual master, gave these i
nstructions to my ears: Try to understand my words, O you who begs for the gift o
f the holy name, for by these instructions you will develop attraction for chant
ing the holy name.
Follow the scriptural rules and regulations and engage your tongue and mind in ca
refully chanting and remembering the holy names, divine forms, qualities, and wo
nderful pastimes of Lord Krishna.
Dwell in the holy land of Vraja, cultivate spontaneous loving devotion (raganugabhakti), and spend your every moment chanting and remembering the glories of Sri
Hari. Just accept these as the essence of all instructions .
O Rupa Gosvami, when out of your causeless mercy, will you enable this poor wret
ched soul to reside in Vrndavana? You are a ragatmika devotee, an eternally libe
rated, intimate associate of Radha and Krsna. This humble servant of yours desir
es to become a follower at your lotus feet.
(10) 1.gurudev! boro krpa kori , gauda-bana majhe,
godrume diyacho sthana
ajna dila more, ei braje boshi ,
hari-nama koro gana
2. kintu kabe prabhu, jogyata arpibe,
e dasere doya kori

citta sthira habe, sakala sohibo,

ekante bhojibo hari
3.saisaba-jaubane, jada-sukha-sange
abhyasa hoilo manda
nija-karma-dose, e deho hoilo
bhajanera pratibandha
4.bardhakye ekhona, panca-roge hata,
kemone bhojibo bolo;
kandiya kandiya, tomara carane,
poriyachi subhiwala
Translation
Gurudeva! Because you are so merciful, you gave me a place in Godruma amid the w
oodlands of Gauda, with this order to fulfill: Dwell here in this Vrndavana and s
ing the holy name of Hari.
But when, O master, out of your great mercy, will you bestow upon this servant o
f yours the spiritual competence to fulfill that order? When will my mind become
tranquil and fixed? When will I endure all hardships and serve Lord Hari withou
t distractions?
Due to attachment to worldly pleasures in childhood and youth, I have developed
bad habits. Because of these sinful acts my body has become an impediment to the
service of the Supreme Lord.
Now, in old age, afflicted by the five-fold illnesses, how will I serve the Lord
? O master, please tell me. I have fallen at your feet weeping, overwhelmed by a
nxiety.
(11) gurudev!
krpa-bindu diya, koro'ei dase,
trnapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro',
nija-mane sprha-hina
sakale sammana korite sakati
deho' natha! jathajatha
tabe to' gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe
aparadha ha'be hata
kabe heno krpa, labhiya e jana,
krtartha hoibe, natha!
sakti-buddhi-hina, ami ati dina,
koro' more atma-satha
jogyata-vicare, kichu nahi pai,
tomara karuna - sara
karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya,
prana na rakhibo ara
Translation
Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade o
f grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desir
es or aspirations.
I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly.

Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease.
When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Al
low me to be with you.
If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made
of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to
maintain my life.
(12) 1.gurudev!
kabe mora sei din ha be
mana sthira kori , nirjana boshiya,
krsna-nama ga bo jabe
somsara-fukara, kane na posibe,
deho-roga dure ro be
2.hare krsna boli, gahite gahite,
nayane bohibe lora
dehite pulaka, udita hoibe,
premete koriba bhora
3.gada-gada bani, mukhe bahiribe,
kanpibe sarira mama
gharma muhur muhuh, birbarna hoibe,
stambhita pralaya sama
4.niskapate heno, dasa kabe ha be,
nirantara nama ga bo
abese rohiya, deha-jyatra kori,
tomara karuna pa bo
Translation
Gurudeva! When, with a steady mind in a secluded place, will I sing the name of
Sri Krsna? When will the pandemonioum of worldly existence no longer echo in my
ears and the diseases of the body remain far away? When will that day be mine?
When I chant Hare Krsna , tears of love will flow from my eyes and ecstatic rapture
will arise within my body, causing my hair to stand on end and my body to becom
e overwhelmed with divine love.
Faltering words choked with emotion will issue from my mouth. My body will tremb
le, constantly perspire, turn pale and discolored, and become stunned. All of th
is will be like a devastation of ecstatic love and cause me to fall unconscious.
When will such a genuine ecstatic condition be mine? I will constantly sing the
holy name and remain absorbed in profound devotion while maitaining the material
body. In this way I will abtain your mercy.
(13) 1.gurudev!
kabe taba karuna-prakase
sri-gauranga-lila, hoya nitya-tattwa,
ei drdha biswase
hari hari boli, godruma kanane,
bhromito darsana-ase
2.nitai, gauranga adwaita, srivasa,
gadadhara panca-jana
krsna-nama rase, bhasaibe jagat,
kori maha-sankirtana

3.nartana-bilasa, mrdanga-badana
sunibo apana-kane
dekhiya dekhiya, se lila-madhuri,
bhasibo premera bane
4.na dekhi abara, se lila-ratana,
kandi ha gauranga! boli
amare bisayi pagala boliya,
angete dibeka dhuli
Translation
Gurudeva! Lord Gauranga s transcendental pastimes are eternal realities. I await t
he day when, with this firm faith manifested by your mercy, I will wander throug
h the groves of Godruma, chanting Hari! Hari! and hoping to behold those pastimes.
The Panca-tattva Nitai, Gauranga, Advaita, sSrivasa and Gadadhara
will flood the
entire universe with the intoxiacting nectar of the holy name of Sri Krsna by p
erforming a maha-sankirtana.
In my ears I will hear the sounds of dancing and the playing of the mrdangas. By
constantly beholding the sweetness and beauty of that pastime of Lord Gauranga s,
I will swim in the flood tide of divine love.
Materialists will throw dirt at my body and proclaim me thoroughly mad. For bein
g again bereft of seeing the jewel of that pastime, I shall weep and cry out, O m
y Lord Gauranga!
Siddhi-lalasa, hankering for spiritual perfection, 3 songs
(1) kabe gaura-bane, suradhuni-tate
ha radhe ha krsna bole
kandiya bera bo, deho-sukhachari ,
nana lata-taru tale
sva-paca-grhete, magiya khaibo,
pibo saraswati-jala
puline puline, gara-gari dibo,
kori krsna-kolahala
dhama-basi jane, pranati koriya,
magibo krpara lesa
baisnaba-carana-renu gaya makhi
dhori abadhuta-besa
gauda-braja-jane, bheda na dekhibo,
hoibo baraja-basi
dhamera swarupa, sphuribe nayane,
hoibo radhara dasi
Translation
When will I wander weeping under the shade of various trees and creepers on th b
anks of Ganges in the land of Navadvipa, crying, O Radha! O Krsna! and forgetting
all physical comforts?
I will even take my meals by begging at the homes of the candalas and will drink
the water of the Sarasvati. In ecstasy I will roll on the ground along the bank
s of the river, raising an uproar of Krsna! Krsna!

Bowing down to the inhabitants of the holy land of Navadvipa, I will beg a bit o
f their mercy. I will wear the dress of a mendicant and smear the dust of the Va
isnavas s feet on my body.
I will see no difference between the inhabitants of Vraja Bhumi and those of Nav
advipa, and I will be transformed into a resident of Vraja. The true nature of t
he Lord s abode will manifest itself to my eyes, and I will become a maidservant o
f Srimati Radharani.
(2) 1.dekhite dekhite, bhulibo ba kabe,
nija-sthula-paricoya
nayane heribo, braja-pura-sobha,
nitya cid-ananda-moya
2.brsabhanu-pure, janama loibo,
jabate bibaha ha be
braja-gopi-bhava, hoibe swabhava,
ano-bhava na rohibe
3.nija-siddha-deho, nija-siddha-nama
nija-rupa-sva-basana
radha-krpa-bale, lobhibo ba kabe
krsna-prema-prakarana
4.jamuna-salila aharane giya,
bujhibo jugala-rasa
prema-mugdha ho ye, pagalini-praya
gaibo radhara jasa
Translation
When, in a flash, will I forget my false bodily indentity and be able to behold
the exquisite beauty of the realm of Vraja, full of eternal spiritual bliss?
I shall take my birth in the town of King Vrsabhanu and be married in Yavatagram
. My sole disposition and character shall be that of a cowherd girl, and I shall
know no other.
When, by the power of Radha s mercy, will I obtain my own eternal spiritual body,
name, form and dress and when, by Her mercy, will I obtain initiation into divin
e love of Krsna?
As I go to draw water from the Yamuna, I shall cherish knowing the love that uni
tes Radha with Krsna. I shall sing Sri Radha s glories like a madwoman, enchanted
by divine love.
(3) 1.brsabhanu-suta-carana-sebane
hoibo je palya-dasi
sri-radhara sukha, satata sadhane,
rohibo ami prayasi
2.sri-radhara sukhe, krsnera je sukha
janibo manete ami
radha-pada chari , sri-krsna-sangame,
kabhu na hoibo kani
3.sakhi-gana mama, parama-suhrit,
jugala-premera guru
tad-anuga ho ye, sevibo radhara,

carana-kalapa-taru
4.radha-pakha chari, je-jana se-jana,
je bhave se bhave thake
ami to radhika- pakha-pati sadha,
kabhu nahi heri ta ke
Translation
For serving the lotus feet of Sri Radha, the daughter of Vrsabhanu, I will becom
e a maidservant of one of the gopis in Vraja. I will always strive to bring abou
t the happiness of Sri Radha.
Within my heart I will know that Radha s pleasure is Krsna s source of Joy. Therefor
e I will never desire to abandon Her lotus feet for His solitary company.
The sakhis are my best friends and teachers concerning the love uniting Radha wi
th Krsna. As one of their attendants, I will serve Radha s lotus feet, which are l
ike wish-fulfilling desire trees.
I myself am always partial to Radhika and therefore never look at those who have
abandoned Radha s entourage, whoever they may be and whatever their ways.
Vijnapti, spiritual request, 1 song
kabe ha'be bolo se-dina amar
(amar) aparadha ghuci', suddha name ruci,
krpa-bale ha'be hrdoye sancar
trnadhika hina, kabe nije mani',
sahisnuta-guna hrdoyete ani'
sakale manada, apani amani,
ho'ye aswadibo nama-rasa-sar
dhana jana ara, kobita-sundari,
bolibo na cahi deho-sukha-kari
janme-janme dao, ohe gaurahari!
ahaituki bhakti carane tomar
(kabe) korite sri-krsna- nama uccarana,
pulakita deho gadgada bacana
baibarnya-bepathu ha'be sanghatana,
nirantara netre ba'be asru-dhar
kabe navadwipe, suradhuni-tate,
gaura-nityananda boli' niskapate
naciya gaiya, beraibo chute,
batulera praya chariya bicar
kabe nityananda, more kori'doya,
charaibe mora visayera maya
diya more nija- caranera chaya,
namera hatete dibe adhikar
kinibo, lutibo, hari-nama-rasa,
nama-rase mati' hoibo bibasa
rasera rasika- carana parasa,
koriya mojibo rase anibar
Kabe jibe doya, hoibe udoya,

nija-sukha bhuli' sudina-hrdoya

bhakativinoda, koriya binoya,
sri-ajna-tahala koribe pracar
Translation
When, oh when will that day be mine? When my offenses ceasing, taste for the nam
e increasing, when in my heart will your mercy shine, when, oh when will that da
y be mine
Lower than a blade of grass,more tolerant than a tree. When will my mind attain
this quality? Respectful to all, not expecting their honor, then shall I taste t
he name's nectar sublime. When, oh when will that day be mine?
Great wealth or followers, feminine beauty, I won't care for them or the comfort
s of my body. Birth after birth give me, Oh Lord Caitanya, causeless devotion to
Your feet divine, when, oh when will that day be mine?
When will I utter Krsna,Krsna, Krsna, with words choked up and shivering body? W
hen will I be trembling all over, lose bodily color, tears pouring from my eyes,
When, oh when will that day be mine?
When in Navadvipa along the Ganges bank, shouting 'Gaura-Nityananda' as a surren
dered soul, dancing, chanting, running everywhere, when will I become half mad o
f mind? When, oh when will that day be mine?
When will Lord Nityananda show mercy upon me, when will I reject the world of Ma
ya:' Bestow unto me the shade of Your lotus feet, let the right to preach the na
me be mine. When, oh when will that day be mine?
I will beg, borrow, or steal the nectar of the name. By the name's effect I will
feel paralyzed. Oh! Enjoyer of the nectar of the name, When will I touch your l
otus feet till the end of time? When, oh when will that day be mine?
When kindness to all beings will be appearing, with free heart forget myself com
forting, Bhaktivinoda in all humility prays, "Now I will set out to preach Your
order sublime." When, oh when will that day be mine?
Sri Nama-Mahatmya, the glories of the holy name, 1 song
1.krsna-nama dhare kato bal
bisaya-basananale, mora citta sada jwale,
rabi-tapta maru-bhumi-sam
karna-randhra-patha diya, hrdi majhe pravesiya,
barisoya sudha anupam
2.hrdoya hoite bale, jihvara agrete cale,
sabda-rupe nace anukhon
kanthe mora bhange swar, anga kape thara thar,
sthira hoite na pare caran
3.cakhe dhara, dehe gharma, pulakita saba carma,
bibar na hoilo kalebar
murchita hoilo man, pralayer agaman,
bhave sarba-deha jara jar
kori eto upadrab, citte barse sudha-drab
more dare premer sagare
kichu na bujhite dilo, more ta batula koilo,
mora citta-bitta saba hare

loinu asroya ja r, heno byabahara ta r,

barnite na pari e sakal
krsna-nama iccha-moy, jahe jahe sukhi hoy,
sei mora sukhera sambal
premera kalika nam, adbhuta rasera dham,
heno bala karaye prakasa
isat bikasi punah, dekhay nija-rupa-guna
citta hori loya krsna-pasa
purna bikasita hoiya, braje more jaya loiya,
cekhay more swarupa-bilash
more siddha-deha diya, krsna-pase rakhe giya,
e dehera kare sarbe-nas
krsna-nama-cintamani, akhila rasera khani
nitya-mukta suddha-rasa-moy
namera balai jato, saba loiye hoi hato,
taba more sukhera udoy
Translation
How much power does the name of Krsna possess? My heart constantly burns in the
fire of worldly desires, like a desert scorched by the sun. The holy name, enter
ing within my heart thorugh the holes of my ears, showers unparalleled nectar up
on my soul.
The holy name speaks from within my heart, moves on the tip of my tongue, and co
nstantly dances on it in the form of transcendental sound.
My throat becomes choked up, my body violently trembles, and my feet move uncont
rollably.
Rivers of tears flow from my eyes. Perspiration pours from my body. My body thri
lls with rapture, causing my hair to stand on end and my skin to turn pale and d
iscolored. My mind grows faint, and I begin to experience devastation. My entire
body is shattered in a flood of ecstasies.
While causing such an ecstatic disturbance, the holy name showers liquid nectar
on my heart and drowns me in the ocean of divine love of Godhead. He does not al
low me to understand anything, For He has made me truly mad and has stolen away
my heart and all my wealth.
Such is the behaviour of Him who is now my only shelter. I am not capable of des
cribing all this. The holy name of Krsna is independent and thus acts at His own
sweet will. In Whatever way He becomes happy, that is also my way of happiness.
The holy name is thebud of the flower of divine love, the abode of devotion s wond
erful mellows. Such is the power that He manifests, that although He displays Hi
s power only slightly, He reveals His own divine form and qualities, steals my h
eart and takes it to Krsna.
Being fully manifest, the holy name of takes me to Vraja and reveals to me His o
wn love dalliance. He gives to me my own divine, eternal body, keeps me near Krs
na and completely destroys this mortal frame of mine.
The name of Krsna is touchstone, a mine of all devotional mellows, eternally lib
erated, and the embodiment of pure rasa. When all impedimets to the pure chantin
g of the holy name are taken away and destroyed, then my happiness will know its

true awakening
Thus ends the Saranagati of Thakura Bhaktivinoda
Gitavali (Selected Songs)
Sri Namastaka, prayers glorifying the holy name, 8 songs
(1) sri-rupa-badane sri -saci-kumar
swa-nam-mahima koralo pracar
jo nam, so hari -kachu nahi bheda
so nam satya-miti gayati beda
sabu upanisada, ratna-mala-dyuti,
jhakamaki carana-samipe
mangal-arati, koro-i anukhan,
dvi-gunita-panca-pradipe
caudda bhuvana maha, deba-nara-danaba,
bhaga jakor balavan
nama-rasa-piyusa, pi-oi anukhana,
chorata karama-geyan
nitya-mukta punah, nama-upasana,
satata koro-i sama-gane
goloke baithata, gaowe nirantar,
nama-biraha nahi jane
sabu-rasa akara, hari iti dvikhar,
sabu-bhave karolun asroy
nama carane pari bhaktivinoda kohe,
tuwa pade magohun niloy
Translation
Through the mouth of Srila Rupa Gosvami, Krsna, in the form of Lord Caitanya, th
e son of Mother Saci, preached the glories of His own holy name.
There is no difference between that holy name of Lord Hari and Lord Hari Himself
. The Vedic scriptures sing of the true value and glory of the holy name.
All the Upanisads are like a necklace of beautifully effulgent jewels shining be
fore the lotus feet of the holy name. They are perpetually perform mangala arati
for the holy name with arati lamps of ten ghee wicks.
Within the fourteen worlds , those demigods, men and demons whose fortune is ver
y great, perpetually drink the nectar of the sweet mellows of the holy name, cas
ting aside all kinds of fruitive activities and speculative froms of knowledge.
The eternally liberated souls, however, always worship the holy name in beautifu
lly composed hymns and songs and sit in Goloka Vrndavana constantly singing the
name. Therefore they do not know any separation from the holy name.
The two syllables ha and ri are a mine of all devotionall mellows. All the ecsta
sies of devotion have taken shelter in them. Falling at the lotus feet of the ho
ly name, Thakura Bhaktivinoda says, O Harinam, I pray for residence at Your lotu
s feet.
(2) jaya jaya harinam, cidanandamrta-dham,

para-tattva akhar-akar
nija-jane krpa kori, nama-rupe avatari,
jibe hoya korile apar
jaha hari , krsna , ram , jaga-jana subisram,
sarba-jan-manasa-ranjan
muni-brnda nirantar, je namer samadar,
kori gay bhoriya badan
ohe krsna-namakhar, tumi sarba-sakti-dhar,
jibera kalyana-bitarane
toma bina bhava-sindhu, uddharite nahi bandhu,
asiyacho jiba-uddarane
ache tapa jibe jata, tumi saba koro hata,
helaya tomare ek-bar
dake jadi kono jan, ho ye dina-akincan,
nahi dekhi anya pratikara
taba svalpa-sphurti pay, ugra-tapa dure jay,
linga-ghanga hoy anayase
bhakativinoda koy, jaya harinama jay,
pare thaki tuwa pada-ase
Translation
All glories, all glories to the holy name, the abode of immortal transcendental
bliss. The Supreme Absolute Truth, who possesses an eternal form, has descended
in the form of the holy name. He shows mercy to His devotees and shows boundless
compassion and kindness to all fallen souls.
All glories to the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is called by different nam
es such as Hari, Krsna and Rama. He is the auspicious resting place of all livin
g entities within the universe, and He delights the minds of all souls. Great sa
ges, honoring His holy name, constantly sing that holy name, filling their mouth
s with the sound.
O eternal holy name of Krishna, You possess all powers and bestow auspiciousness
upon the living beings. Without You there is no other friend to deliver us from
the ocean of material existence. You have come for the deliverence of all falle
n souls.
For all souls within this world there is much misery and sorrow. O Harinam, if s
omeone calls upon You just one time, feeling himself very meek and lowly, posses
sing nothing and seeing no other remedy for his relief, You then easily destroy
all his sorrows.
If one simply obtains a slight reflection or glimmer of You, then all sorts of t
errible miseries disappear. Thakura Bhaktivinoda says, All glories, all glories t
o the holy name of Lord Hari! O Harinam, I perpetually fall at Your lotus feet.
(3) 1.visve udita, nama-tapan,
abidya binasa lagi
chorata saba, maya-bibhava
sadhu tahe anuragi
2.harinama prabhakar, abidya timira-hara,
tomar mahima keba jane
ke heno pandita-gane tomara mahatmya gaya,
eccaih-sware sakala bakhane

3.tomar abhas pahilohi bhay

e bhava timira kabalita-pray
4.acire timira nasiya prajnan
tattvandha nayane korena bidhan
5.sei to prajnan bisuddha bhakati
upajay hari-bisayini mati
6.e adbhuta-lila satata tomar
bhakativinoda janiyache sar
Translation
The sun of the holy name has appeared in the universe to destroy all forms of ig
norance. Casting aside all worldly things, the saintly become devoted to Him alo
ne.
The sun of the holy name is the remover of the darkness of ignorance. O Harinam,
who actually knows Your greatness? What sort of learned man is capable of singi
ng all Your glories?
O holy name, from the very moment You first appear on the horizon of the heart,
the darkness of this material world is almost totally devoured.
Quickly destroying all remaining darkness, You bestow divine wisdom upon our spi
ritually blinded eyes.
That divine wisdom gives rise within the heart to pure devotion and an understan
ding of the transcendental characteristics of Lord Hari.
This wonderful pastime of Yours is eternal and Thakura Bhaktivinode has understo
od its essence.
(4) 1,jnani jnana-joge, koriya jatane,
brahmera saksat kore
brahma-saksatkar, aprarabdha karma,
sampurna jnanete hare
2.tabu to prarabdha, nahi hoy khay,
falbhoga bina kabhu
brahma-bhuta jiva fal-bhoga lagi ,
janama-marana labhu
3.kinto ohe nama taba sphurti ha le,
ekanti janera aro
prarabdhaprarabdha, kichu nahi thake,
bede gaya baro baro
4.tomara udaye, jibera hrdoya,
sampurna sodhita hoy
karma-jnanabandha, saba dure jaya,
anayase bhava-khay
5.bhakativinoda, bahu tule koy,
namera nisana dharo
nama-unka-dhvani, koriya jaibe
bhatibe muralidharo

Translation
The learned man, endeavoring in the practice of jnana-yoga, eventually sees the
Supreme Brahman. That realization of Brahman, in full knowledge, removes all the
potential sinful reactions lying in his heart.
By dint of Brahman realization all such potential sinful reactions are destroyed
; but unless one undergoes the suffering of current sinful reactions, they will
not be destroyed. Therefore, despite being a Brahman realized soul, even such a
learned man must undergo the current reactions to his sins and thus be implicate
d in the cycle of birth and death.
But, O holy name, if You are vibrated on the tongue of Your unalloyed devotee, t
hen all of his sinful reactions of both past and present lives are comnpletely d
estroyed. This truth is sung by the Vedas again and again.
O sun of the holy name, when You arise on the horizon of the living being s heart,
it becomes completely purified, the bondage to materialistic activities and spe
culatiove knowledge disappears and the soul s worldly existence comes to an end wi
thout any difficulty.
Thakura Bhaktivinoda, raising his arms says, Take up the banners of the holy name
and walk along sounding the drum of the holy name. In this way you will surely
obtain the direct audience of Krsna, the holder of the flute.
(5) 1.harinam, tuwa aneka swarup
jasoda-nandana, ananda bardhana,
nanda-tanaya rasa-kupa
2.putana-ghatana, trnabarta-hana,
sakata bhanjana gopal
murali-badana, agha-baka-mardana
govardhana-dhari rakhala
3.kesi-mardana, brahma-bimohana
surapati-darpa-binasi
arista-patana, gopi-bimohana,
jamuna-pulina-bilasi
4.radhika-ranjana, rasa-rasayana,
radha-kunda-kunja-bihari
rama, krsna, hari, madhaba, narahari
matsyadi-gana-abatari
5.gobinda, bamana, sri-madhusudana,
jadava-candra, banamali
kaliya-satana, gokula-ranjana,
radha-bhajana-sukha-sali
6.ityadika nam, swarupe prakam,
baruk more rati rage
rupa-swarupa-pada, jani nija sampada
bhaktivinoda dhori mage
Translation
O Harinam, You possess unlimited forms, such as the beloved son of Mother Yasoda
, the increaser of the bliss of Gokula, the son of Nanda, and the reservoir of a
ll transcendental mellows.

You are the slayer of the demons Putana and Trnavarta, the breaker of the cart,
the protector of the cows, the player of the flute, the destroyer of the demons
Agha and Baka, the holder of Govardhan Hill, and You are a cowherd boy.
You destroyed the Kesi demon, bewildered Lord Brahma, and broke the pride of Ind
ra, king of Heaven. You are the destroyer of Aristasura, the enchanter of all th
e young girls of Gokula, and You sport along the sandy banks of the river Yamuna
.
You delight Srimati Radhika and give life to the rasa dance. You sport in the gr
oves near Radha Kunda, performing a variety of pastimes. You are the reservoir o
f pleasure, attractive to every living being. You remove all inauspiciousness an
d are the husband of the goddess of fortune. You are the source of all incarnati
ons such as Lord Nrsimha, the half-man half-lion incarnation and Matsya, the fis
h avatara.
O Harinam, You are pleasing to the cows, land and senses. You are the dwarf brah
mana incarnation Vamana and the slayer of the demon Madhu. You are the moon of t
he Yadu dynasty and always wear beautiful garlands of fresh forest flowers. You
are the destroyer of the Kaliya serpent, the delighter of Gokula and You rejoice
in the worship of Srimati Radharani.
Thakura Bhaktivinoda, understanding Your glories, clasps the lotus feet of Rupa
Goswami and Swarup Damodar Goswami and prays, O Harinam, according to Your sweet
will You are manifest in all these forms and in many others also. Please let the
m increase my love and attachment for You.
(6) 1.bacya o bacaka dui swarup tomara
bacya
taba sri-bigraha cid-anandakar
2.bacaka swarup taba sri-krsnadi nama
barna-rupi sarba-jiva-ananda -bisrama
3.ei dui swarupe taba ananta prokasa
doya kori dey jibe tomara bilasa
4.kintu janiyachi natha bacaka-swarupa
bacyapekha doyamoy, ei aparupa
5.nama nami bheda nai, bedera bacana
tabu nama nami hoi te adhika koruna
6.krsne aparadhi jadi name sraddha kori
prana bhori dake nam rama, krsna, hari
7.aparadha dure jay, ananda-sagare
bhase sei anayase rasera pathare
8.bigraha-swarupa bacye aparadha kori
suddha-namasraye sei aparadhe tori
9.bhakativinoda mage sri-rupa-carane
bacaka-swarupa name rati anukhane
Translation
O Lord, You possess two transcendental forms, properly called vacya and vacaka.
The vacya is Your beautiful form full of transcendental knowledge and bliss.
The vacaka froms are Your holy names, such as Sri Krsna, etc. This transcendenta

l sound form is the resting place of the bliss of all souls.

Your unlimited manifestations are found in these two forms. Taking pity and bein
g very kind, they confer upon the fallen souls entrance to Your divine pastimes.
But I have understood Your vacaka form to be more merciful than Your vacya form,
O Lord. Thus do I find Your holy name most wonderful.
It is the declaration of the Vedas that the holy name of the Lord and the Lord a
re nondifferent, yet still the holy name is more merciful than the Lord Himself.
If one is an offender to Lord Krsna but respects His holy name and calls out wit
h all his heart and soul, Rama!
Krsna
Hari then all his offenses depart, and that pers
on then swims without difficulty in the ocean of divine bliss and transcendental
mellows.
A person may commit offenses to the vacya or the transcendental feature and pers
onality of the Lord; but if he is under the shelter of the pure holy name, he cr
osses over all those offenses.
At the lotus feet of Srila Rupa Goswami, Thakura Bhaktivinoda begs for constant
attachment and love for the vacaka or divine holy name of the Supreme Lord.
(7) 1.ohe harinam, taba mahima apar
taba pade nati ami kori bar bar
2.gokuler mahotsab ananda-sagar!
tomar carane pari hoiya katar
3.tumi krsna, purna-bapu, rasera nidan
taba pade pari taba guna kori gan
4.je kore tomar pade ekanta asroy
ta r arti-rasi nasa koroha niscoy
5.sarba aparadha tumi nasa koro ta r
nama-aparadha vadhi nasaho tahar
6.sarba-dosa dauta kori tahara hrdoysimhasane baiso tumi parama asroy
7.ati-ramya cid-ghana-ananda-murtiman
raso vai sah boli beda kore tuwa gan
8.bhakativinoda rupa-goswami-carane
magaye sarbada nam-sphurti sarba-khane
Translation
O holy name, Your glories are boundless! I therefore bow down at Your lotus feet
again and again
O festival of Gokula! O ocean of bliss! I fall down at Your lotus feet, for I am
feeling very distressed and troubled at heart.
You are Lord Krishna, Your divine form is perfect and You are the origin of all
transcendental mellows. Falling down at Your lotus feet, I sing of Your divine q
ualities.
You destroy the multitude of afflictions of that person who takes exclusive shel

ter at Your holy feet.

O holy name, you destroy all his offenses, even those he might have committed to
You directly.
Cleansing him of all impurities, You, who are the supreme shelter, sit upon a th
rone within his heart.
You are delightful and beautiful, the personification of complete cognizance and
deep ecstasy. The Vedas sing of You, saying, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
is the personification of all transcendental mellows.
At the lotus feet of Srila Rupa Goswami, Thakura Bhaktivinoda constantly begs th
at at every moment there be the transcendental vibration of the holy name.
(8) narada muni bhajay bina,
radhika-ramana-name
nama amani udita hoya,
bhakata-gita-same
amiya-dhara, barise dhana,
srabana-jugale giya
bhakata-jana, saghane nace
bhoriya apana hiya
madhuri-pura, asabo pasi,
matay jagata-jane
keho ba kande, keho ba nace,
keho mate mane mane
panca-badana, narade dhori,
premera saghana rol
kamalasana, naciya bole
bolo bolo hari bolo
sahasranana, parama-sukhe,
hari hari boli gay
nama-prabhave, matilo visva,
nama-rasa sabe pay
sri-krsna-nama, rasane sphuri,
pura lo amara asa
sri-rupa-pade, jacaye iha,
bhakativinoda-dasa
Translation
When the great soul Narada Muni plays his vina, the holy name , Radhika-raman, d
escends and immediately appears amidst the kirtan of the Lord s devotees.
Like a monsoon cloud, the holy name showers nectar in their ears. All the devote
es, due to great ecstasy, repeatedly dance to their hearts content.
All the people of the universe become maddened upon entering this intoxicating s
hower of nectar. Some people cry, some dance and others become fully intoxicated
within their minds.
Lord Siva, embracing Narada Muni, repeatedly makes loud screams of ecstatic joy,
and Lord Brahma, dancing very ecstatically, says, All of you kindly chant, Harib
ol! Haribol!

In great happiness the thousand-faced Ananta Sesa chants Hari! Hari! By the influe
nce of the transcendental vibration of the holy name, the whole universe becomes
ecstatically maddened and everyone tastes the mellows of the holy name.
Thakura
hna has
erefore
omtinue

Bhaktivinoda, the humble servant of the Lord, says, The holy name of Kris
fulfilled all my desires by vibrating on everyone s tongue. Bhaktivinoda th
prays at the feet of Sri Rupa Goswami that the chanting of harinam may c
like this always.

Sri Godruma-candra-bhajanopadesa, instructions for the worship of Lord Caitanya,

the Moon of Godruma
(1) yadi te hari-pada-saroja-sudha
rasa-pana-param hrdayam satatam
parihrtya grham kali-bhava-mayam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(2) dhana-yauvana-jivana-rajya-sukham
na hi nityam anuksana-nasa-param
tyaja-gramya-katha-sakalam viphalam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(3) ramani-jana-sanga-sukham ca sakhe
carame bhayadam purusartha-haram
harinama-sudha-rasa-matta-matir
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(4) jada-kavya-raso na hi kavya-rasah
kali-pavana-gaura-raso hi rasah
alam anya-katha anusilanaya
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(5) vrsabhanu-sutanvita-vama-tanum
yamuna-tata-nagara-nanda-sutam
murali-kala-gita-vinoda-param
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(6) hari-kirtana-madhya-gatam sva-janaih
parivestita-jamunay abda harim
nija-gauda-janaika-krpa-jaladhim
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(7) giriraja-suta-parivita-grham
nava-khanda-patim yati-citta-haram
sura-sanga-nutam priyaya sahitam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(8) kali-kukkura mudgara-bhava-dharam
harinama-mahousadha-dana-param
patitarta-dayardra-su-murti-dharam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(9) ripu-bandhava-bheda-vihina-daya
yad-abhiksa-mudeti mukhabja-tatau
tam akrsnam iha vraja-raja-sutam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(10) iha caupanisata-parigita-vibhur
dvija-raja-sutah puratabha harih

nija-dhamani khelati bandhu-yuto

bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(11) avatara-varam paripurna-kalam
para-tattvam ihatma-vilasa-mayam
vraja-dhama-rasamabudhi-gupta-rasam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(12) sruti-varna-dhanadi na yasya krpa
janane balavad-bhajanena vina
tam ahaituka-bhava-patha hi sakhe
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(13) api nakra-gatau hrada-madhya-gatam
kama-mocayad-arta-janam tam ajam
avicintya-balam siva-kalpatarum
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(14) surabhindra-tapah-paritusta-mana
vara-varna-dharo harir avirabhut
tam ajasra-sukham muni-dhairya-haram
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(15) abhilasa-cayam tad-abheda-dhiyam
asubham ca subham tyaja sarvam idam
anukulataya priya-sevanaya
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(16) hari-sevaka-sevana-dharma-paro
hari-nama-rasamrita-pana-ratah
nati-dainya-daya-para-mana-yuto
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(17) vada yadava madhava krsna hare
vada rama janardana kesava he
vrisabhanu-suta-priya-natha sada
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(18) vada yamuna-tira-vanadri-pate
vada gokula-kanana-punja-rave
vada rasa-rasayana gaura-hare
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(19) cala gaura-vanam nava-khanda-mayam

patha gaura-hares caritani muda

lutha gaura-padankita-ganga-tatam
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
(20) smara gaura-gadadhara-keli-kalam
bhava gaura-gadadhara-paksa-carah
srinu gaura-gadadgara-caru-katham
bhaja godruma-kanana-kunja-vidhum
Translation
(1) If you want you heart to be always absorbed in drinking the ambrosial mellow
s of the lotus feet of Lord Hari, then give up household life, which is full of
quarrels and strife, and just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bow
ers.
(2) Material riches, youth, long duration of life, and royal happiness none of t
hese are eternal. At any moment they may be destroyed. Give up all useless topic
s of mundane conversation and just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s fores
t bowers.
(3) O Friend, ultimately the
g women turns to fearfulness
worship Lord Gaura, the moon
by the nectarine mellows of

pleasure to be had in the company of beautiful youn

and distracts one from the real goal of life. Just
of Godruma s forest bowers with your mind intoxicated
the holy name.

(4) The taste of mundane poetry does not afford the sweet taste of actual poetry
. The sweet mellows of true poetry are found in descriptions of Lord Caitanya, t
he savior of all souls in the Kali yuga. Enough with the study of any other topi
cs! Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(5) Krishna, the transcendental paramour, stands on the banks of the Yamuna with
Radha, the daughter of Vrsabhanu, on His left side. He is absorbed in the pasti
me of playing soft, melodious songs on His flute. Just worship Lord Gaura, the m
oon of Godruma s forest bowers, Lord Caitanya, who is non-different from the son o
f Nanda.
(6) He is Lord Hari, shining like molten gold and surrounded by His loving devot
ees in the midst of hari-kirtana, He is the only ocean of mercy for the Gaudiya
Vaisnavas. Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(7) Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers Lord Caitanya, wh
o along with His beloved wife Visnu-priya is glorified by all demigods and saint
ly persons. His home, Navadvipa, is surrounded by the river Ganga, the daughter
of the Himalayas. He is the Lord of Navadvipa and the stealer of the hearts of a
ll sannyasi s.
(8) Lord Gauranga is like a powerful hammer which smashes the sin and oppression
of the mad-dog of the Kali-yuga. and He is absorbed in distributing the holy na
me of Krishna, which is the greatest medicine to release one from the material e
xistence. His transcendental form is beautiful , and His heart is full of compas
sion for the suffering, fallen souls of this world. Just worship Lord Gaura, the
moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(9) Compassion which is free from the duality of Friend

and

enemy

is always manifest

of his lotus face. He is the son of Maharaja Nanda

Krishna, who has appeared in
a golden form in the land of Navadvipa. Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Go
druma s forest bowers.
(10) In this world and in the Upanishads He is celebrated as the all-pervading S
upreme Lord. He appeared as the son of a brahmana and is Lord Hari Himself, with
a shining complexion of molten gold. In His own abode He sports with His cowher
d boy friends. Just worship this Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(11) He is the most wonderful of all avataras because He is the source of all ot
her expansions of God. He is the Supreme Truth, enjoying His pastimes here in th
is world. He is the embodiment of the most confidential flows that exist in the
ocean of rasa.
(12) Without strong devotional worship and service, mere mundane scholarship, hi
gh family lineage , wealth and so on are not effective for invoking the causeles
s mercy of the Lord. O friend, just worship Lord Gaura, the beautiful moon of Go
druma s forest bowers, by the path of unmotivated devotion.
(13) In His appearance as Hari, the Lord liberated Gajendra, the king of elephan
ts, from the grasp of the crocodile in the lake, and in His appearance as Sri Ca
itanya, He delivered King Gajapati Prataparudra from the jaws of the kali-yuga c
rocodile who was lying in the lake of politics. Lord Sri Caitanya is unborn, pos
sesses inconceivable power ,and is likened to an auspicious desire tree. Just wo
rship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(14) Lord Krsna, who was pleased with the penances and austerities of Indra and
the Surabhi cow, appeared in this world as Lord Caitanya, possessing a golden co
mplexion. He is eternal happiness and the captivator of the intelligence of all
learned sages. Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
(15) Give up all worldly desires, monistic meditation and relative conceptions o
f inauspiciousness and auspiciousness. In a favorable mood, with loving devotion
, just engage yourself in just worshipping Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s fores
t bowers.
(16) Remaining devoted to the service of the Vaishnava s, being addicted to drinki
ng the sweet nectar of the name of Hari, and with a mentality endowed with modes
ty, humility, and compassion, just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s fores
t bowers.
(17) Always worship Lord Gaura, the beautiful moon of Godruma s forest bowers, and
call out to the Lord, O Yadava, ! O Madhava O Krishna, O Hari, O Rama O Janardan
a, O Keshava, O beloved Lord of Radha!
(18) Just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers and call out to
the Lord O Lord of the Vrindavana forest, which lies along the banks of the Yamun
a! O Lord of Govardhana Hill! O sun of the forest of Gokula! O giver of life to
the rasa dance.! O Gaurahari!
(19) Go to Navadvipa, the land of Lord Caitanya, Read and recite with great joy
the wonderful pastimes of Lord Gaurahari. Roll about in ecstasy on the banks of
the Ganges, which are marked with the footprints of Lord Caitanya, and just wors
hip Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s forest bowers.
20. Remember the wonderful pastimes of Gaura and Gadadhara.
Become a servant of Gaura and Gadadhara. Listen to the beautiful narration s conce
rning Gaura and Gadadhara and just worship Lord Gaura, the moon of Godruma s fores
t bowers.

RARE HUMAN BIRTH WASTED

(1) durlabha manaba-janma labhiya samsare
krsna na bhajinu --- duhkha kahibo kahare?
The human form of life is the rarest opportunity for attaining spiritual perfect
ion. But now I am lamenting, because I've somehow or other been born with such a
n opportunity, and I wasted it by never worshiping Lord Krsna. Oh, to whom shall
I tell the tale of this misery?
(2) 'samsar' 'samsar', ko're miche gelo kal
labha na koilo kichu, ghatilo janjal
Having married and entered into the entanglements of materialistic family life,
I passed my time in vain. I never got any tangible gain or permanent benefit, on
ly trouble and botheration.
(3) kiser samsar ei chayabaji pray
ihate mamata kori' brtha dina jay
What kind of world is this anyway? It seems to be just like a magic lantern show
that I saw at a carnival, wherein so many shadows and optical illusions dance m
agically before my eyes. I feel great attachment and identification with such a
world, and thus day after day passes by fruitlessly, without any purpose whatsoe
ver.
(4) e deho patana ho'le ki ro'be amar?
keho sukha nahi dibe putra-paribar
When this body drops dead on the ground then what will remain mine? At that mome
nt, all of my sons and dearest loved ones will not be able to give me any happin
ess.
(5)] gardhaber mata ami kori parisram
ka'r lagi' eto kori, na ghucilo bhram
I work hard just like an ass every day, and now I am wondering for whom am I wor
king so hard? I am still surrounded by so many illusions.
(6) dina jay micha kaje, nisa nidra-base
nahi bhavi --- marana nikate ache bo'se
I waste every day in useless, insignificant work, and I waste every night contro
lled by sleep. And in every 24 hours I never for one second consider that cruel
death is sitting very close by my side.
(7) bhalo manda khai, heri, pari, cinta-hina
nahi bhavi, e deho chadibo kon dina
I live a very carefree life-style, sometimes eating a lot, or eating a little if
I feel like it, sometimes I see nice things around the town, or sometimes I do
not go out at all, sometimes I wear opulent clothing, or if I'm in the mood, I'l

l wear something simple. I live so carefree that I never consider that one day I
will have to give up this body.
(8) deho-geho-kalatradi-cinta abirata
jagiche hrdoye mor buddhi kori' hata
My poor heart is plagued by constant anxieties about the maintenance and daily t
urmoils created by my body, my house, my wife, my family members and my social o
bligations. All these anxieties are pinching me and destroying all my intelligen
ce.
(9) hay, hay! nahi bhavi --- anitya e saba
jibana bigate kotha rohibe baibhava?
Alas, alas! What a remorseful situation has arisen! I am absorbed in all this tr
ouble, but I never consider that all these things are temporary and subject to p
erish very soon. After I'm dead and gone, where will all of my material opulence
s remain?
(10) smasane sarira mama poriya rohibe
bihanga-patanga tay bihar koribe
When my body will be thrown int the pit at the cremation grounds, it will simply
lie there motionlessly. Then many crows, vultures, ants, and worms will come an
d playfully sport there.
(11) kukkur srgal sab anandita ho'ye
mahotsaba koribe amar deha lo'ye
All the stray dogs and jackals will then become very much delighted, and in grea
t ecstasy they will make a festival ground out of my body and will have a huge c
elebration and feast.
(12) je deher ei gati, ta'r anugata
samsar-baibhava ar bandhu-jana jata
Just see, this is the ultimate destination of this material body. And the most a
mazing thing is that all of my material opulences, house, family and friends hav
e exactly the same destination.
(13) ataeva maya-moha chadi' buddhiman
nitya-tattva krsna-bhakti korun sandhan
Therefore I ask of anyone who has any sharp intelligence: please give up all of
these temporary illusions presented by maya, and kindly search after the means t
o get pure devotion to Lord Krsna, for this is the only really tangible eternal
truth.
SONG FOUR --- WORSHIP NOW, NOT LATER
(1) jibana-samapti-kale koribo bhajana,
ebe kori grha-sukha'

kakhan e katha nahi bole bijna-jana,

e deha patanonmukha
A wise, experienced man will never say: 'At the end of my life I will woship God
, but now I will enjoy happiness in family life'-- for he knows that this body i
s tottering and unstable, about to drop at any second.
(2) aji ba sateka barse abasya marana,
niscinta na thako bhai
jata sighra para, bhajo sri-krsna-carana
jibaner thik nai
Death certainly must come, either today or in about hundred years, so don't live
so carefree, brothers! Immediately begin worshiping the lotus feet of Krsna, fo
r ther is no fixed certainty of this life.
(3) samsar nirvana kori' ja'bo ami brndabana
rna-troy sodhibare koritechi sujatana
One thinks: 'After spending my worldly life I shall go to Vrndavana, but to puri
fy myself of the three debts I am endeavoring very hard now'.
(4) e asay nahi prayojana
emon durasa base, ja'bo prana abasese,
na hoile dina-bandhu carana-sevana
This type of idea is not the ultimate goal of life. By the influence of such a n
onsensical desire, your life will depart in the end without your ever having wor
shiped the lotus feet of -dina-bandhu-, sthe dearmost Friend of the fallen.
(5) jadi sumangala cao, sada krsna-nama gao,
grhe thako, bane thako, ithe tarka akarana
If you want the topmost auspiciousness, then just sing always the name of Krsna
whether you live at home or in the forest. All these other arguments described h
ere are simply aimless excuses.