From the Ray Ramananda dialogue

[madanmohandas]

A paraphrase on some of the question and answer dialogue between Sriman Mahaprabhu and Ray Ramananda.

The Master said, 'what is the essence true
Of learning? this I fain would learn from you.'

Ray said, 'aside from Krishna's love to learn,
There is nothing in learning to discern.'

The Master said, 'of all renown and fame,
What is the best renown a soul can gain?'

Ray said, 'as Krishna's lover who is known,
Enjoys the highest glory and renown.'

The Master said, 'of all riches and gain,
What is the true wealth a soul may attain?

Ray said, 'whoso is with true fortune blest,
Is one of Radha-Krishna's love possessed.'

'Of all those griefs that a soul may oppress,
What is the worst and heaviest distress?'

'Of a devotees severance the woe,
Is worst of all; no other grief I know.'

'Of souls who with salvation have been blest,
Which of them is enumerated best?'

'The one who Radha and Krishna loves well,
As crest jewel liberated, doth excel.'

'Of soul's natural song, what type of song?
'The songs that Radha-Krishna's love prolong.'

'Of all blessings, how is one truly blest?'
'The Krishna-lover's company is best.'

'What should the soul remember and recall?'
'Krishna's name and exploits are best of all.'

'Of meditation which is most complete?'
'To think of Radha-Krishna's lotus-feet.'

'Forsaking home, where should the soul abide?'
'In playful Vrindavan he should reside.'

'Of worshipful objects which is the best?'
'Radha-Krishna's names are worshipfullest.'

'Among those who liberation desire,
And those who for worldly pleasures aspire;
What is their destination and the term
Of their practise; this I from you would learn.'

'In immobile creatures they take abode,
Or may attain the body of a god;
The humourless crows peck the bitter fruit
Of tasteless abstract knowledge absolute,
But connoisseurs like the Koil nightingale,
In the sweetness of mango shoots regale;
The unblest who abstract knowledge pursue,
Must on the bitterness of wisdom chew,
But who Krishna's love doth intoxicate,
With sweet nectar; they are most fortunate.