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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 10, 2021 3:26:50 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XXI.15-17
E'en the rivers when the flute song is heard Of Mukunda, seemeth by Cupid stirred, And their currents refluent they retrace, Then with their waves Murari's feet embrace, And carry on their soft ripples to greet, Lotus flowers and seem to clasp his feet. 15
Observing how Rama and Krishna wend, With the cowherds, while they the cattle tend, How Krishna on his flute constantly plays, In the full heat of the sun's scorching rays, The cloud, perceiving this, from up above, Spreads a wide canopy, impelled by love, From the tormenting heat thus to defend, And fulfil the true office of a friend. He honoured him with soft and gentle showers Of life-sustaining rain, as if with flowers. 16
When tribal women through the forest pass They see his lotus-footprints on the grass, With fragrant Kumkum powder crimson red, Which each smears on her bosom and her head. That red powder on them relief conferred, From his beloved's bosom there transferred, And the hot passion which in them did rage, That sweet amorous torment did assuage. 17
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 10, 2021 5:05:47 GMT -6
Concluding SB.X.XXI. 18-20
Ah me, Oh tender damsels, you can see, This mount is the best servant of Hari! When Rama and Krishna with their feet press, The mountain seems to express happiness; To them, the cows, the cowherd boys beside, The mount does all necessities provide; Abundant fruit and herbage he bestows, Esculent roots and fine shady grottoes. 18
With the cows and the cowherders they wend From wood to wood and there the cattle tend; The music of his flute resonates round, And when, Oh friends, the mobile hear the sound, They stand stock still, unable to remove, While the immobile trees were stirred by love, And tremble with new sprouts of ecstasy, The brothers are a joyful sight to see, With ropes across their shoulders flung, the two, Present a wonderful exquisite view. 19
Thus the illustrious wandered and strayed, In Vrindavana's cool and woody glade; And while the cowherd dames his deeds rehearsed, Their minds in Krishna's beauty were immersed. 20
And thus ends Canto twenty one in Book ten, of the great and glorious Bhagavata Purana, the text beloved by swan-like saints, sung by the son of Vyasa
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 10, 2021 14:06:01 GMT -6
Commencing SB.X.XXII.1-6
(Sri Suka said) When the first month of the winter arrived, The virgins of Nanda's Vraja contrived, To worship Katyayani, good to gain, And subsisted on sacrificial grain. 1
As soon as the dawn arising was seen, They bathed them in Kalindi's chilly stream; An image by the bank they formed of clay, Prostrate themselves to the Goddess and pray. They made of fragrances an offering, With scents and ointments and garlands, Oh king, With lamps and plumes of smoky incense rare, Both opulent and simple dainty fare; Of fresh sprouted leaves they make sacrifice, And offer mellowed fruits and tasty rice. 2/3
'Hail great Goddess! Hail mighty yogini! Almighty dread divine Katyayini! We pray thee grant favour and benison, Let our husband be Nanda gopa's son.' With this incantation the virgins prayed, And to the Goddess adoration payed. 4
Thus for the month, to vows and fasts resigned, The virgins to Krishna devote their mind; And worship of Bhadrakali maintain, And pray repeatedly, oft and again, That Nanda's son for husband they might gain. 5
They rise at dawn and go in merry bands, Calling each other's names and holding hands; To bathe in Kalindi they move along, And loudly glorify Krishna in song. 6
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 11, 2021 2:31:33 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XXII.7-14
As once to the river they made their way, Their garments, as before, on the bank lay; While sporting in the water they remain, They loudly sing with joy of Krishna's fame. 7
That Lord of mystic lords was quite aware, And thus Almighty Krishna hastened there Surrounded by his friends he thither went, To grant of the their action the fulfilment. 8
He gathered up their garments hastily, And clomb the lofty branches of a tree, While he himself and the boys laugh and joke, Addressing the damsels, with smiles, he spoke. 9
(The illustrious one said) Oh tender damsels, hither come, I say, And each may take her own garment away; I speak the honest truth, nor do I jest, Since ye by vows are wearied and distressed. 10
I have never, shall never tell a lie, And these, my friends, to this can testify; Oh dainty waisted dames, or one by one, Or in groups, as ye please, now forward come, The varied garments gathered here survey, And each may take her own garment away. 11
Observing his conduct and levity, The cowherd maids felt love's hilarity; Each glancing at each with laughter and shame, And still within the water did remain. 12
Govinda's joking speech thus having heard, Their minds were fondly attracted and stirred; And shivering, neck deep in water, they, Trembling with cold, then to him gan to say. 13
'Oh! injustice do not commit, dear one, We know you as the cowherd Nanda's son; You are in Vraja very much adored, But we are cold, let our clothes be restored! 14
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 11, 2021 5:17:39 GMT -6
Proceeding further. SB.X.XXII. 15-19
'Oh dark and handsome one, we shall fulfil, As maidservants, whatever be your will; But you, as a knower of righteousness, Must give us back our clothes, lest we confess; And if you fail to return them again, We shall protest to the king and complain!' 15 (The illustrious one said) Well, if ye are my servants, as ye say, It follows, what I said ye should obey; So come and pick out your garments the while, And do it with a fresh and pleasing smile. If not, I will not give your clothes to you, And what, e'en if angry, can the king do? 16
Then out from the chilly water they rose, And their trembling naked persons expose. Shamefastness to them modesty imparts, And with their hands they hide their private parts. 17
Observing with delight, the mighty One, Was struck by their pure loving affection, And the garments over his shoulder laid, And with smiles and affection deep he said, 18
'You have, like those who vows and fasts commence, By bathing naked, made a dire offence To the gods, hence as occasion demands, You must in salutation join your hands, Held above your heads to propitiate The gods, and sin incurred expatiate. Which having done, your obeisances make, And then you may your lower garments take. 19
Additional verses are inserted here as are found in Vira Raghava and Vijayadhaja's editions. I do not have the original but have presumed to versify from the English translation found in the Motilal edition.
The cowherd damosels when they had heard His stern commandment, trusting in his word, Who was the mighty Lord whom all obey, In fear, with but one hand they humbly pay Obeisance, yet in shame the other hand Conceals their private parts while there they stand. 19a
Marking the violation of their vow, By only using one hand while they bow, That gracious Lord, observant of decrees Of righteousness, began in words like these, 'Those who are learned in the Vedas know, That he who would to Lord Acyuta bow With but one hand, commits a heinous deed, The punishment for which has been decreed, For those who bow in this improper way, Is that the other hand be lopped away. 19b
Therefore, whoso respects the Lord's commands, When bowing down should use both of the hands. So come, fair damsels, and do as I tell, And by this action you should please me well. 19c
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 11, 2021 13:32:45 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XXII. 20-22
This speech of him who never slips when heard, They understood they had a slip incurred In the observance of their pious vow, And to fulfil their wish to him they bow; Those tender maids with lowered head salute The one who grants of endless deeds the fruit, And having thus Acyuta satisfied, They were from all taint and sin purified. 20
Observing them bow in humility, The illustrious son of Davaki, Was pleased with how they lovingly adored, And their garments kindly to them restored. 21
Although they were toyed with, deceived and shocked, Deprived of modesty, jeered at and mocked; And though he did their garments confiscate, They felt nor spite, nor injury, nor hate. But revelled in supreme felicity, To join in their beloved's company. 22
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 11, 2021 14:52:48 GMT -6
Proceeding further with SB.X.XXII. 23-27
Enamoured of his close society, They dressed themselves in decent modesty; Their minds could not withdraw and were steadfast; And stood quite still and fond shy glances cast. 23
The Almighty knew their pious desire, And that to touch his feet they did aspire, He knew why they the vow did undertake, Thus to those damsels Damodara spake. 24
'I know of your resolution and how To worship me you have observed this vow; It is approved of very much by me, Of which due attainment shall surely be. 25
Those who their minds engross in me entire, Are no more prompted by worldly desire; As when are burnt or cooked the seed or grain, It is certain they will not sprout again. 26
Now, pious damsels, to Vraja repair, You have achieved fulfilment of your prayer; You shall with me revel during those nights, For which you worshipped the Goddess with rites. 27
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 11, 2021 17:26:36 GMT -6
Concluding SB.X.XXII.28-38
(Sri Suka said) Accosted thus by the Almighty one, Those virgins gained their wish by worship done; Their minds upon his lotus-feet intent, Regretfully they back to Vraja went. 28
Now, once surrounded by his cowherd friends, The son Almighty of Devaki wends, And roaming from Vrindavan far away, Tending the cows, did with his elder stray. 29
He saw how Arka's tormenting heat blazed, And how for shade the trees canopies raised; And thus to praise the glory of the trees, Spoke to his cowherd friends in words like these. 30
Oh little Stoka-Krishna, Sridama! Oh Amsu, Subala and Arjuna! And Oh, Vrisala, and Devaprastha! Rishabha, Ojasvi, Varuthapa! Behold the blessed fortune of the trees! Who act exclusively others to please; Whose life is dedicated for the gain Of others, and while enduring the rain, The summer heat, the wind and winter snow, From all these do to us shelter bestow. 31/32
Ah me! the birth of trees is glorified, Who for creatures abundantly provide, As those who to a generous man pray, Will never disappointed go away. 33
With leaves and flowers, bark and shade and fruits, Their wood, their fragrant perfumes and their roots, With ash and pulp and shoots and sappy juice, They provide for necessity and use. 34
This much then indicates the perfect birth, For the embodied soul who dwells on earth Who does his life and wealth and thought commit, And acts and speaks for other's benefit.' 35
Thus he, then from the forest he removes, Through flowery and leafy fragrant groves; Where trees bow with of fruits abundant store, And came to the sandy Yamuna's shore. 36
They did the cows to drink the water bring, Which was clear, cool and wholesome, my dear king; The cowherd boys also their thirst to slake, Of the pure and sweet water did partake. 37
Thus tending the cows through the woody shade, Along the river bank, Oh king, they strayed. Thereon the boys were by hunger oppressed, And thus Rama and Krishna they addressed. 38
And thus ends Canto twenty two in Book ten of the great and glorious Bhagavata Purana, the text beloved of swan-like saints, sung by the son of Vyasa.
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 12, 2021 5:05:05 GMT -6
A verse that came up in discussion on the nomenclature of the seasons. ŚB 10.65.17
द्वौ मासौ तत्र चावात्सीन्मधुं माधवमेव च । राम: क्षपासु भगवान् गोपीनां रतिमावहन् ॥ १७ ॥
dvau māsau tatra cāvātsīn madhuṁ mādhavaṁ eva ca rāmaḥ kṣapāsu bhagavān gopīnāṁ ratim āvahan
During the two months of the springtime famed, Which as Madhu and Madhava are named; Almighty Rama spent those pleasant nights With cowherd dames in amorous delights.
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 13, 2021 23:37:30 GMT -6
Commencing SB.X.XXIII. 1-9
(The cowherds said) Oh Rama, Rama! of the arms of might, Oh Krishna! who the wicked ones doth smite; You should, it seems, do something to appease, This hunger that torments us, if you please. 1
(Sri Suka said) When Devaki's Almighty son was sought For succour by his cowherd friends, he thought, And spoke to them, as occasion contrives, Intending to favour some Vipra's wives. 2
"Some sacerdotal brahmanas maintain An Angirasa rite, heaven to gain, And thus worship the gods, I therefore rede, You to that sacrificial ground proceed. 3
"When there arriving, Oh cowherds, request For food, with due humility expressed, The glory of my elder there proclaim, And beg for food in his and in my name." 4
The Almighty one's order to ensue, Their way to the hallowed ground they pursue, With folded palms and modesty profound, To the Vipras, fell prostrate on the ground. 5
They said, 'Hail noble brahmans of high worth, We honour thee who are like gods on earth; Know us cowherds, may all good attend you, Have come here Rama's orders to pursue. 6
Rama and Acyuta, not far away, Are hungry, tending cattle while they stray, Therefore, Oh twice-borns, knowing right and good, And if you regard them, give us some food'. 7
Before initiation in the rite, To abstain from eating is only right, Or in sacrifice of a votive beast, And other rites conducted by the priest; Aside from these, during the sacrifice, There is no interdict concerning rice'. 8
When they the Almighty's petition heard, They payed no heed and uttered not a word; With puerile attachment to rituals, They thought themselves old and wise, but were fools. 9
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 14, 2021 6:08:41 GMT -6
SB.X.XXIII. 10-11
The place, the time, the diverse articles, The hymns, the priest, the fire and rituals, The gods, and the performer resolute, All these his divine being constitute, And the bestowal of the pious fruit. The Almighty one directly revealed, Adhoksaja, whose essence is concealed, Was conceived by them as a mortal child, Themselves by mortal existence beguiled, And thus their minds were polluted and dim, Which being so, they did not honour him. 10/11
They neither acquiesced 'Om, let it be'. Nor, 'no', Oh scorcher of the enemy. The cowherds were downcast and felt disgraced, Rama and Krishna's presence they retraced. 12
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 14, 2021 11:32:58 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XXIII. 13-22 When the divine illustrious had heard, The world ruler, what had to them occurred, Laughed knowingly; the cowherds comforted, And showing the ways of the world, he said. 13.
"Go to their wives and tell them I have come, And with Sankarshana, nearby I roam; By me they are affected with desire, And food will give, as much as you require." 14
Now the cowherds having gone there again, Repair to the house where the wives remain, And saw them sitting, well ornamented, And respectfully bowing low, they said. 15
'All hail to thee! the Vipra's wives, give ear, And, Oh, our speech with kind attention hear; By Krishna we have been sent to convey, His petition; he is not far away. 16
He has with the cowherds come far from home, And does with Rama and the cattle roam, He is hungry and by weariness spent, So let some food to him be thither sent.' 17
When they had heard what Acyuta had said, To see him were eager and excited, Descriptions of his glory having heard, Their minds were with anticipation stirred. 18
They filled vessels and pots with pious care, With four varieties of dainty fare; And forward paced, their beloved to see, As the flowing floods rush into the sea. 19
Although by husbands and by sons forbid, And by their brothers and relatives chid, For long they had heard his fame, and imbibed, His glory as in divine verse described; Thereon they reach the dark Yamuna's shore, With fresh Ashoka blossoms covered o'er, There with his friends and elder brother bold, The beloved those worthy dames behold. 20/21
His dark blue person shone with lustrous sheen, Like burnished gold his shiny garments gleam, Adorned with flower wreaths and peacock plumes, Coloured mountain pigments and tender blooms; He did in the dress of a dancer stand, And rested on his friend's shoulder his hand; A lotus in the other hand he twirls, His hair over his cheeks dangles in curls, His mouth, with smiles, like a lotus unfurls. 22
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 14, 2021 13:35:36 GMT -6
SB.X.XXIII.23-24
For long their ears were with his glory filled, And had imbibed the nectar there distilled, And were deep submerged in his qualities, But now they saw him with their open eyes; They drew him through the eyes into the mind, And shut them tight to keep him there confined, Him in their warm loving embraces press, And were relieved of all their sore distress, As those who gain inner awakening, Free from the ego sense, Oh my dear king. 23
He knew they had forsaken all desire, And earnestly to see him did aspire; Thus he who in all living creatures sees, With merry laughter, spoke in words like these. 24
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 15, 2021 2:37:44 GMT -6
SB.X.XXIII.25-28
"Welcome, Oh pious dames, most fortunate, Be at your at your comfort and to me relate, What service can I do for you, pray tell, You have come to see me, and that is well. 25
Certainly it is a matter of fact, The discerning who know their welfare act In pure love for me, unmotivated, For to the self I am most beloved. 26
The vital breath, the intellect and mind, The body, wife, the children, and such kind, Accumulation of riches and pelf, Are only loved because we love the self; Therefore, what dearer object could appear, Than the self more beloved and more dear? 27
Therefore, return to your husbands once more, Those twice-borns who with vows the gods adore, Since as householders it is apposite, And need your presence to conclude the rite." 28
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 15, 2021 4:50:10 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XXIII. 29-33. The brahmana's wive's response to Krishna's advice.
(The wives said) Speak not, dear Lord, such words of cruelty, For certainly such speech becomes not thee; Fulfil the truth that scripture does maintain, So we may refuge of thy feet attain. Let us with Tulsi wreaths of fragrance rare, From thy feet, decorate our flowing hair; Thy commands we are fain to undertake, And our relatives utterly forsake. 29
Our husbands, our fathers, sons and brethren, Our friends and relations, our kith and kin, To take us back will be willing no more, And who else for refuge might we implore? We fall at thy feet, tamer of the foe, We pray, ultimate fulfilment bestow.' 30
(The illustrious one said) Nay, fear not, you are fortunate and blest, Your lords, fathers, brothers, sons and the rest, And the common crowd will not envy you, But will regard you with a friendly view; And I am pleased: by admiration moved, Your conduct by the gods will be approved. 31
To dwell in my direct propinquity, Would cause disturbance in society, But meditation in your mind maintain, And before long you will to me attain. 32
By seeing and by hearing of my fame, Contemplation and chanting of my name, These are the prescribed means my love to gain, Therefore, methinks, you should go home again. 33
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