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Gitamala

Please support Dasharatha-suta dasa for his wonderful translations by purchasing the paper books from http://www.nectarbooks.com/list.htm

 1.  The Ecstasies of Yamunacarya

 2.  A Diary of Selfish Humility

 3.  The Dispelling of Grief

 4.  A Mirror Reflecting the Worship Which Follows Shrila Rupa Gosvami

 5.  Intense, Eager Longing for the Highest Spiritual Perfection

 

A Songbook of 80 Bengali Songs

by

Shrila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura

 

Translation by Dasaratha-suta dasa

published by Nectar Books

 

NECTAR BOOKS
P.O. Box 574
Union City, Georgia 30291

Introduction

Introduction

The unlimited mercy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, has come down on all of us to allow this publication of Gita-mala by Shrila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

Shrila Prabhupada writes in his Foreword to The Songs of the Vaishnava Acaryas: "...I am greatly pleased to see this collection of songs composed by Thakura Bhaktivinoda, Narottama dasa, and other great acaryas of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. Songs composed by the acaryas are not ordinary songs. When chanted by pure Vaishnavas who follow the rules and regulations of Vaishnava character, they are actually effective in awakening the Krishna consciousness dormant in every living entity. I have advised Shriman Acyutananda Svami to sing more songs of the Vaishnava padavali and record them in books so that my disciples and others in the Western countries may take advantage of this chanting and thus advance in Krishna consciousness more and more...We should always remember the danger of maya's influence and endeavor to save ourselves from her great power. We must therefore always merge in the transcendental mellow of kirtana-rasa, for kirtana-rasa is the safest situation within this material world. Hare Krishna."

So now we are pleased to extend the mellows of kirtana-rasa with this first English publication of Gita-mala, for the pleasure of His Divine Grace Shrila Prabhupada. This volume joins the BBT's Songs of the Vaishnava Acaryas, the Bala Books presentation of Bhaktivinoda's Saranagati and Gitavali together in one volume, the Krishna Institute's printing of Narottama dasa's Prarthana and Prema-bhakti-chandrika, and our Nectar Books edition of Kalyana Kalpa-taru. Thus, the world is gradually being flooded with the nectarean sound of kirtana.

Gita-mala was composed by Thakura Bhaktivinoda in 1893, the same year as Saranagati and Gitavali. The word gitavali means a series of songs, which indicates that the book is a collection of songs on various topics. But the word gita-mala means a rosary or garland of songs, which indicates more subtly that it is a connected string of songs which are interrelated. So this entire book Gita-mala, from beginning to end, is all one unit meant to delineate a clear-cut path of devotional service which progressively (and quickly!) develops from the most basic moods of devotion right on up to the topmost ecstasies of the most exalted pure devotees. The book is so potent that it may bring about a tremendous explosion of transcendental bliss which totally devastates the reader's material attachment to mundane body, mind and words.

Gita-mala contains the concentrated essence of all the literatures of the Gosvamis headed by Shri Rupa and Raghunatha. The editors sincerely feel that the study of Gita-mala has greatly helped in understanding the grave statements contained within Shrila Prabhupada's books, which are themselves like an ever-expanding eternal ocean of nectarine bliss. Thus one can find each word of each sentence in Shrila Prabhupada's books to be overflowing with newer, fresh meanings, which one may not have previously realized.

Basic Outline of Gita-mala

Basic Outline of Gita-mala

(1) Gita-mala develops systematically, beginning first with Yamuna-bhavavali, a series of mellow yet directly ecstatic songs based on the primary devotional mood of eternal servitude and submission to the Lord.

(2) Then Karpanya-panjika injects a very strong booster shot of topmost divine seva to Shri Shri Radha and Krishna, accompanied by very intense pleading prayers borne of pure spiritual humility.

(3) Soka-satana bestows the merciful benediction of the Most Merciful incarnation and yuga-avatara, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Whose ecstatic lila depicted herein is especially meant to dispel all the sufferings of the Kali-yuga victims. Without such mercy from Lord Chaitanya, one cannot fully appreciate or enter into the final goal of confidential personal service to Radha and Krishna which was described in the previous chapter.

(4) Then Rupanuga-bhajana-darpana presents the complete detailed science of the transcendental rasa-tattva that permeates Krishna's eternal divine pastimes, as it is understood by those who strictly follow Shrila Rupa Gosvami. It is based on Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu and Ujjvala-nilamani. Although very technical at times, a sincere study of it will open up a whole new world of understanding of Shrila Prabhupada's most exquisite, transcendentally delightful presentation of The Nectar of Devotion. Rupanuga-bhajana-darpana contains, in a nutshell, all the necessary details of the science of devotion beginning from the preliminary thirsty greed for rasa all the way up to the highest peaks of maha-bhava which saturate the Lord's eternal daily asta-kaliya pastimes.

(5) The final chapter called Siddhi-lalasa presents the consummate moods of the topmost swan-like devotees, who hanker for attaining the supreme destination of becoming one of Shrimati Radharani's personal maidservants. After a thorough study of all the details of the science of rasa (as in the previous chapter), the crystal-clear hearts of the pure devotees then issue forth pure desires for eternal service to Shri Radhika in their transcendental siddha-deha, or spiritual body. Such desires are expressed in this chapter of Siddhi-lalasa, the last word in ultimate ecstatic beatitude.

So, from the very beginning to the very end, Shri Gita-mala forcibly captures one with all its delightful charms and pulls one's eyes open to witness an ecstatic preview of our ultimate goal in Goloka Vrndavana, which definitely changes the life of the reader for the better. The sincere follower can imbibe such permanent convictions that will cause one to finally be finished with petty material attachments and sense gratification for good, and one will only increase daily appreciation of the wonderful gifts that Shrila Prabhupada has so kindly given to us. It was Prabhupada's expressed desire that more songs and books of the Vaishnava padavali (devotional poetry) be translated into English. Therefore we pray with all our humility that this insignificant attempt to present Gita-mala of Bhaktivinoda Thakura in a sincere way will please His Divine Grace and the Vaishnava community, as well as to invoke the personal blessings of Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura upon us.

We also pray that if the Vaishnavas will be merciful to allow us to serve Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, then future volumes of Nectar Books may be brought out. May the noble readers bless us and show the path leading to the lotus feet of the great acaryas, who are all eternally accompanying Lord Chaitanya as He continuously benedicts all the universes with swelling floods of free Krishna-prema. Haribol!

Dasaratha-suta dasa

Chapter 1
The Ecstasies of Yamunacarya

Yamuna-bhavali

Introduction to Chapter One

Introduction to Chapter One

In this first chapter of Gita-mala, Thakura Bhaktivinoda has composed all the songs based on Sanskrit verses from the book Stotra-ratna, which was written by Yamunacarya, a previous acarya coming in the line of the Shri sampradaya. The original Stotra-ratna contains 62 Sanskrit verses, and Bhaktivinoda Thakura has selected 27 of the most important ones and expanded them into Bengali verses.

These 27 songs specifically show the function of the subordinate ecstasies of neutrality and servitude (santa and dasya) as being inseparably interwoven and contained in the superior ecstasy of conjugal love expressed by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The following chart shows how the songs correspond to the original slokas of Stotra-ratna. The titles of the songs are not part of the original text, but are added in this publication as an index to the topics of the songs.

Song 1: The Glories of the Lord’s Lotus Feet

Song 1
The Glories of the Lord’s Lotus Feet

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
ohe prabhu doyamoy, tomar carana-dvoy,
sruti-siropari sobha pay
guru-jana-sire puna, sobha pay sata guna,
dekhi amar parana juday

TRANSLATION

Oh my Lord, Oh most compassionate Personality! Your two divine lotus feet are beautifully decorating the summit of all the scriptures. And when those lotus feet in turn decorate the heads of all the spiritual masters coming in the line of disciplic succession, then their beauty and splendor increases a hundred-fold. Seeing this truth, my heart has become fully satisfied.

Verse 2

(2)

jiva-mano-ratha-patha, tanhi saba anugata,
jiva-vanca-kalpa-taru jatha
jiver se kula-dhana, ati pujya sanatana,
jiver carama gati tatha

TRANSLATION

The desires of all the jiva souls are actually following the path which leads to Your beautiful lotus feet, which are just like desire-trees in that they bestow the fulfillment of the most cherished desires of all souls. Indeed, Your feet are the very wealth of the dynasty of jivas, and they shall remain the most revered object of worship for all of time to come. Thus they are the ultimate goal and refuge of all.

Verse 3

(3)

kamalaksa-pada-dvoy, parama ananda-moy,
niskapata e seviya satata
e bhaktibinoda cay, satata tusite tay,
bhakta-janer ho'ye anugata

TRANSLATION

The two feet of the lotus-eyed Lord are abounding in supreme spiritual bliss. Honestly serving those divine feet continuously, Bhaktivinoda wants to satisfy them by remaining as a humble follower of the devotees of the Lord.

Song 2: The Power of the Lord’s Glance

Song 2
The Power of the Lord’s Glance

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
tomar iksane hoy, sakala utpatti loy,
catur-dasa bhuvanete jata
jada jiva adi kori', tomar krpaya hari,
labhe janma, ara ko'bo kota

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! Merely by Your glance, all creations throughout the fourteen worlds come into being. By Your mercy alone, Oh Lord, all souls take their birth within this world of matter. What more can I say than this?

Verse 2

(2)

tahader brtti jata, tomar iksane swatah,
janme, prabhu tumi sarveswara
sakala jantura tumi, swabhavika nitya-swami,
su-hrin mitra praner iswara

TRANSLATION

When You cast Your glance, then automatically all the souls awaken into their own different natures, propensities and activities. Thus You, my dear Lord, are the only Controller of all. You are by nature the eternal Master of all living beings, and You are thereby the dearest friend and Lord of everyone's heart.

Verse 3

(3)

e bhaktibinoda koy, suno, prabhu doyamoy,
bhakta-prati batsalya tomar
naisargika dharma hoy, aupadhika kabhu noy,
dase doya hoiya udar

TRANSLATION

Now Bhaktivinoda says, please hear me, oh munificent Lord! The loving affection You show towards Your own devotees is most natural. It can never be thought of as being a temporary, designative characteristic. Thus, the kindness You show to Your own eternal servants is most magnanimous.

Song 3: The Importance of the Scriptures

Song 3
The Importance of the Scriptures

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
para-tattwa bicaksana, vyasa adi muni-gana,
sastra bicariya bar bar
prabhu taba nitya-rupa, guna-sila anurupa,
tomar caritra sudha-sar

TRANSLATION

Oh my Lord! All the great sages headed by Shrila Vyasadeva are most experienced regarding the transcendental truth. This is because they discuss and deliberate on the revealed scriptures again and again. Thereby they manifest these sacred books which reveal Your eternal personal form abounding in all virtuous qualities, and Your divine activities which are the essence of ambrosial nectar.

Verse 2

(2)

suddha-sattva-mayi lila, mukhya-sastre prakasila,
jiver kusala su-bidhane
rajas-tamo-guna-andha, asura-prakrti manda-
jane taha bujhite na jane

TRANSLATION

Your eternal pastimes of pure transcendental goodness are described in these principal scriptures for the welfare of all souls. However, those unfortunate ones who are blinded by the material modes of passion and ignorance, who harbor the nature of demons, and who are foolish and dull-minded cannot understand Your divine form or pastimes which are depicted in all these scriptures.

Verse 3

(3)

nahi mane nitya-rupa, bhajiya manduka-kupa,
rahe tahe udasina pray
e bhaktibinoda gay, ki durdaiva hay hay,
hari-dasa hari nahi pay

TRANSLATION

Those who live in this universe but are not interested in Your eternal form remain completely oblivious, just like ignorant frogs who live in a small, shallow well. Now Bhaktivinoda sings, alas! What an unfortunate situation has arisen here! The eternal servants of Hari are not serving their eternal Lord Hari!

Song 4: The Lord’s Transcendental Position

Song 4
The Lord’s Transcendental Position

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
jagater bastu jata, baddha saba swabhavata,
desa kala bastu simasraye
tumi prabhu sarveswara, naha sima-bidhi-para,
bidhi saba kampe taba bhoye

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! All the things contained within this universe are by nature bound up by the limits of material time, place and circumstances. But You, dear Lord, are not subordinate to any such limitation or even to scriptural injunctions. Indeed, all rules and regulations are trembling in fear of Your Lordship.

Verse 2

(2)

sama ba adhika taba, swabhavatah asambhava,
bidhi langhi' taba abasthana
swatantra-swabhava dharo, apane gopana koro,
maya-bale kori' adhisthana

TRANSLATION

It is naturally impossible for any kind of law to be equal to or surpass You, for Your transcendental position naturally transgresses all restrictions. You possess the Supremely independent nature, and thereby You conceal Yourself behind the powerful curtain of maya.

Verse 3

(3)

tathapi ananya-bhakta, tomare dekhite sakta,
sada dekhe swarupa tomar
e bhaktibinoda dina, ananya-bhajana hina,
bhakta-pada-renu-matra sar

TRANSLATION

Despite this veil of maya's illusions, my dear Lord, Your pure unalloyed devotees have the ability to see You. Indeed, wherever they turn their eyes, they see Your original personal form there. However, this Bhaktivinoda is very fallen and is completely bereft of unalloyed devotion. But he has one hope -he has considered the dust of Your devotees' feet to be the sole essence of his life.

Song 5: The Lord’s Qualities

Song 5
The Lord’s Qualities

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
tumi sarva-guna-juta, sakti taba basibhuta,
vadanya, sarala, suci, dhira
doyalu, madhura, sama, krti, sthira, sarvottama,
krta-jna-laksane punah bira

TRANSLATION

Oh my Lord Hari! You are invested with all good qualities, for all energies are fully under Your control. You are most magnanimous, straightforward, clean, patient, compassionate, sweet, equal to all, successful, peaceful, You are the best of all, most appreciative and the greatest hero.

Verse 2

(2)

samasta-kalyana-guna, gunamrta sambhavana,
samudra-swarupa bhagavan
bindu bindu guna taba, sarva-jiva-su-vaibhava,
tumi purna sarva-saktiman

TRANSLATION

You are the fathomless ocean-like origin of all immortal nectarine qualities of auspiciousness, and You are thus the Supreme possessor of all spiritual opulences. All souls can individually display only a small drop from the ocean of Your unlimited, complete qualities. Thus You are the perfectly complete energetic source of all potencies.

Verse 3

(3)

e bhaktibinoda char, krtanjali bar bar,
kore citta-katha bijnapana
taba dasa-gana-sange, taba lila-katha-range,
jay jena amar jivana

TRANSLATION

Now this most fallen Bhaktivinoda prays again and again with folded hands, humbly confessing all these talks from the core of his heart. Oh Lord, may I pass my life absorbed in enjoying all these discussions about Your transcendental pastimes in the company of Your loving servitors.

Song 6: The Lord’s Pastimes

Song 6
The Lord’s Pastimes

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
tomar gambhira mana, nahi bujhe anya jana,
sei mana anusari saba
jagat-udbhava-sthiti- pralaya-samsara-gati,
mukti adi saktir vaibhava

TRANSLATION

Oh, my Lord Hari! Your mind is extremely grave, and Your deep intentions cannot be understood by anyone else; all living beings are unconsciously following the desires of Your mind. The opulences of Your magnificent potencies produce the creation, maintenance and ultimate destruction of the material worlds, as well as provide for liberation from these temporary abodes.

Verse 2

(2)

e saba vaidika lila, iccha-matra prakasila,
jiver basana anusare
tomate bimukha ho'ye, majilo avidya lo'ye,
sei jiva karma-parabare

TRANSLATION

These pastimes of creation, maintenance and destruction are all described in the Vedic scriptures, and You have manifested the entire material realm by the power of Your will, in order to fulfill the materialistic desires of certain souls. When they become averse to You, they then become drowned in the darkest ignorance within the ocean of fruitive actions and reactions.

Verse 3

(3)

punah jadi bhakti kori', bhaje bhakta-sanga dhori',
tabe paya tomar carana
antaranga-lila-rase, bhase maya na parase,
bhaktibinoder phire mana

TRANSLATION

However, if one again revives his devotional service to You, and worships You in the association of Your devotees, then he can attain Your lotus feet. Thus Bhaktivinoda's mind has been changed back onto the path towards You by floating in the mellows of Your confidential pastimes, which maya is unable to touch.

Song 7: The Liberated Mind Can See the Lord

Song 7
The Liberated Mind Can See the Lord

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
maya-baddha jataksana, thake to' jiver mana,
jada-majhe kore bicarana
paravyoma jnana-moy, tahe taba sthiti hoy,
mana nahi pay darasana

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! So long as the minds of the jivas are conditioned by maya, they simply wander about and loiter within the world of dead matter. However, You are permanently situated in the all-conscious spiritual sky, which the material mind cannot perceive at all.

Verse 2

(2)

bhakti-krpa-khadagaghate, jada-bandha cheda ta'te,
jay mana prakrtir par
tomar sundara rupa, here' taba aparupa,
jada-bastu koroye dhikkar

TRANSLATION

By the mercy of the sharp sword of devotional service, all bondage to matter is severed, and the mind can thereafter travel beyond the bondage of material energy. Then, upon beholding Your wonderfully beautiful form, one condemns all inferior things which are simply made of dull matter.

Verse 3

(3)

ananta vibhuti janra, jini doya-parabara,
sei prabhu jiver iswara
e bhaktibinoda dina, sada-suddha-bhakti-hina,
suddha-bhakti mage nirantara

TRANSLATION

Thus, by devotion one is enabled to see He Who possesses unlimited transcendental opulences, Who is an ocean of compassion, and Who is the Lord and Master of all souls. This most fallen Bhaktivinoda, who is always bereft of pure devotional service, now begs ceaselessly for it with all his heart.

Song 8: The Soul’s Fallen Position

Song 8
The Soul’s Fallen Position

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
dharma-nista nahi mor, atma-bodha ba sundar,
bhakti nahi tomar carane
ataeva akincana, gati-hina dusta-jana,
rata sada apana bancane

TRANSLATION

Oh my Lord Hari! I don't have the determination to properly follow any kind of religious path, nor do I have any realization of my true self, nor do I have any trace of devotion to Your lotus feet. Therefore, being completely bereft of spiritual practices, this wicked, aimless soul is always fond of cheating himself.

Verse 2

(2)

patita-pavana tumi, patita adhama ami,
tumi mor eka-matra gati
taba pada-mule painu, tomar sarana lainu,
ami dasa, tumi mor pati

TRANSLATION

Dear Lord, You are known as Patita-pavana, the rescuer of the most fallen, and I am one such fallen soul. Therefore You are my only hope for deliverance. Now I have attained the soles of Your lotus feet, for I have taken complete refuge in You alone; I am Your eternal servant, and You are my eternal Master.

Verse 3

(3)

e bhaktibinoda kande, hrde dhairya nahi bandhe,
bhumi padi bole atahpara
ahaituki krpa kori', ei dusta-jane, hari,
deho pada-chaya nirantara

TRANSLATION

Now Bhaktivinoda falls upon the ground, weeping piteously, unable to maintain composure in his heart, and says, Oh my Lord! Kindly favor this rogue with Your causeless mercy! Give me the shade of Your lotus feet forever and ever.

Song 9: The Sinful Soul Fit for Punishment

Song 9
The Sinful Soul Fit for Punishment

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
heno dusta karma nai, jaha ami kori nai,
sahasra sahasra-bara hari!
sei saba karma-phal, peye abasara bal,
amay pisiche jantropari

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! There are no sinful activities which I have not performed thousands upon thousands of times! And by the fruits of all these sinful actions, I have become robbed of all strength, being helplessly taken for an excruciatingly painful ride on the machine of this material world.

Verse 2

(2)

gati nahi dekhi ar, kande, hari, anibar,
tomar agrete ebe ami
ja' tomar hoy mane, danda deo akincane,
tumi mor danda-dhara swami

TRANSLATION

Having no other hope for deliverance in sight, I am now continuously crying before You, my Lord! Please punish Your insignificant servant as You see befitting, for You are my Lord and ruling Master.

Verse 3

(3)

klesa-bhoga bhagye jata, bhoga mor hao tata,
kintu ek mama nibedana
je je dasa bhoga ami, amake na chado swami,
bhaktibinoder prana-dhana

TRANSLATION

I will gladly endure whatever misery that destiny has in store for me, but I have just one appeal to make to You: My dear Lord, no matter what calamity I must undergo, please promise that You will never forsake me, for You are the only treasure of Bhaktivinoda's life.

Song 10: The Ocean of Nescience

Song 10
The Ocean of Nescience

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!
nija-karma-dosa-phale, padi' bhavarnava-jale,
habudubu khai kotakal
santari' santari' jai, sindhu-anta nahi pai,
bhava-sindhu ananta bisal

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! By the bad fruits of my past activities, I have slipped and fallen into the waters of the ocean of nescience, and I have been thus bobbing and sinking beneath the waves for a very, very long time. Swimming and swimming, I have not been able to reach the shore, for this ocean of material existence is unlimitedly vast.

Verse 2

(2)

nimagna hoinu jabe, dakinu katara rabe,
keho more koroho uddhar
sei-kale aile tumi, toma jani' kula-bhumi,
asa-bija hoilo amar

TRANSLATION

Becoming completely submerged and drowned in this ocean, I have loudly called out with a greatly distressed voice for someone to come and rescue me. At that time You came to me, oh Lord. Knowing that You are the safe shelter at the shore of this fearful ocean has given me a ray of hope.

Verse 3

(3)

tumi hari doyamoy, paile more su-nicoy,
sarvottama doyar bisoy
tomake na chadi ar, e bhaktibinoda char,
doya-patra paile doyamoy

TRANSLATION

You, dear Lord, are actually made of compassion. I have become convinced that You are the original source of the highest form of causeless mercy. Now this most fallen rascal Bhaktivinoda will no longer reject You—for I, the befitting object of causeless mercy, have attained the favor of He Who abounds in causeless mercy.

Song 11: Exclusively Dependent on the Shelter of the Lord

Song 11
Exclusively Dependent on the Shelter of the Lord

Verse 1

(1)

hari he!,
anya asa nahi jar, taba pada-padma tar,
chadibara jogya nahi hoy
taba padasraye natha, kore sei dina-pata,
taba pade tahar abhoy

TRANSLATION

Oh my dear Lord Hari! One who spends his time under the shelter of Your lotus feet, oh Lord, becomes completely fearless. Indeed, such a person could not possibly neglect Your lotus feet, for one wouldn't have a pinch of desire for any other shelter.

Verse 2

(2)

stanya-payi sisu-jane, mata chade krodha-mane,
sisu tabu nahi chade may
jehetu tahar ar, e jivana dhoribar,
mata bina nahiko upay

TRANSLATION

A mother may sometimes neglect her breast-suckling children out of anger, but still the children could never give up their mother. This is because such small helpless children are not able to maintain their lives at all without their mother, being totally dependent on her.

Verse 3