Hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika

BY: SUN STAFF

Venugopala
Thanjavur, c. 1830

Jun 16, 2019 — CANADA (SUN) — Fourteen clusters of flowers on 'The Flowering Vine of Devotion to Lord Hari'.

Distributing a copy of this manuscript, Kusakratha dasa noted that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura found the unsigned manuscript of Sri Hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika, was impressed by it, and printed it in his Sajjana-tosani. Later, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur printed it as a book, reprinting it regularly.

Hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika

FIRST STABAKA

Text 1

sarvatmanam asesha-loka-pitaram sarvesvaram sasvatam
yam no vetti jagan-nivasam amritam yan-mayayandham jagat
yam jnatva kritino visanti paramanandavabodham ca yam
tam bhakta-priya-bandhavam saranadam vande mura-dveshinam

Blinded by His illusory potency, maya, the entire world cannot understand that Lord Krishna is the all-pervading Supersoul, the father and controller of all the worlds, the eternal resting-place of the entire universe, and as sweet as nectar. When the learned devotees understand Him, they become conscious of supreme spiritual bliss. He is the dear friend of the devotees and the giver of shelter. I offer my respectful obeisances to Him, Lord Krishna, the enemy of the Mura demon.

Text 2

vraja-strinam prema-pravana-hrdayo va kim athava
krpa-yukto bhakteshv asura-nidhana-cchadma-nipunah
api svatmaramo ya iha vijohirshur vrajam agat
tam anandam vande nava-jalada-jalodara-nibham

Perhaps it is because, although He is independently full of supreme transcendental bliss, He is nevertheless also full of love for the Vraja-gopis, or perhaps it is in order to show mercy to the devotees, on the pretext of killing the demons, that Lord Krishna, desiring to perform pastimes, has descended to the land of Vrajabhumi in this world. I offer my respectful obeisances to that Lord Krishna, the all-blissful Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose complexion is like the color of a multitude of dark rain-clouds.

Text 3

asatyam api samsaram
yad-bhaktih satyatam nayet
gopinam hrdayanandam
tam anandam upasmahe

Lord Krishna's devotional service transforms this illusory material world into the real spiritual world. Let us worship that blissful Lord Krishna, who delights the hearts of the gopis.

Text 4

punyambhodhi-bhava tamo-vighatini sat-sanga-mulottama
sraddha-pallavini virakti-kalika prema-prasunojjvala
sandrananda-rasavaham ca paramam jnanam phalam bibhrati
seyam sri-hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika bhuyat satam pritaye

The celebrated desire-creeper of Lord Hari's pure devotional service grows from the ocean of pious deeds, and it destroys all ignorance. It's excellent roots are the association of devotees, and it's new sprouts are faith in Lord Hari. It's budding flowers are renunciation of the world, and it's splendid fully blossomed flowers are pure love of God. Supreme transcendental knowledge is that creeper's fruit, which is full of the nectarean sweetness of intense spiritual bliss. May that celebrated creeper delight the saintly devotees.

Text 5

kvaham manda-matir jade 'nadhigata-sruty-adi-sastragamo
vidya-tattva-viveka-nirmala-dhiyam bhaktih kva visveshituh
svam cittam tad api pramarshthum atha tam vijnatu-kamo 'py aham
kurve sahasam idrisam yad iha tat kshantum mahanto 'rhatha

What is the comparison between me, a slow-witted fool who has never properly studied the Vedic scriptures, and the devotion which the pure-hearted souls, expert at understanding spiritual truths, bear for Lord Krishna, the controller of the universe? Although I am unworthy to describe this pure devotional service, because I wish to understand it, and because I also wish to cleanse my heart, I am recklessly writing this poem. I beg the great pure devotees please to forgive me.

Text 6

atha nitya-satyamalataya sarva-prabhavatvena parama-karunikataya
paramanando vasudeva eva bhajaniya iti tan-mahimanam avedayann aha:

cid-anandambhodhau bhavati viharanto 'pi bhagavan
vidhus te mahatmyam na khalu vidhi-sambhu-prabhritayah
tathapi tvat-padambhoja-madhu-lavamodam avidan
jado 'pihe vaktum tad iha kim iyam me capalata

Describing the glories of the transcendentally blissful Lord Vasudeva, who is supremely worshipable because of His eternal existence, truthfulness, purity, supreme mercy, and because He is the origin of everything, the author says: O Lord, although Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, and other great devotees perform pastimes in the ocean of transcendental bliss and knowledge which is Yourself, they remain unable to actually understand Your glories. Nevertheless, I, who am unintelligent, ineloquent, and unable to perceive the fragrance of even a tiny drop of the honey of Your lotus feet, am trying to describe Your glories. Am I not very reckless and foolhardy in this attempt?

Text 7

pratyekam bhuvanani sapta-yugalam yasv eva santi sphutam
ta yasya pratiroma-kupa-nilaya brahmanda-kotyas ciram
sandranandam avikriyaparimitam nitya-prakasam gunair
asprishtam nigamair agamyam iha ke'janantatam purusham

From the pores of the Supreme Lord's transcendental body, unlimited millions of universes, replete with fourteen divisions of planetary systems, continually emanate. That Supreme Person is full of intense transcendental bliss, without change, unlimited, eternally manifest, untouched by the three modes of material nature, and unapproachable even by the Vedas. Within this material world, who has even been able to understand Him?

Text 8

santv asyaiva vibhutayo 'mara-ganah sarvartha-kama-prada
gaurisana-virinci-bhaskara-mukhah sarve hi sarvesvarah
kintu smera-mukhambujo vrajavadhu-vrindena vrindavane
svacchandam viharan mamastu paramanandaya nandatmajah

Lord Siva, Lord Brahma, Surya, and other demigods who grant benedictions and control universal affairs are all the potencies of that Supreme Person, who is nevertheless Nanda Maharaja's smiling lotus-faced son. May that Supreme Lord, who independently performs pastimes with the gopis in the forest of Vrindavana, grant to me transcendental bliss.

Text 9

yo lila-lava-matrakena jagatam srashtavita himsita
vedaih sopanishadbhir eva ya iha prastuyate sarvatah
so 'yam gokula-nagara-parivridho vrindavanabhyantare
purnananda-mahodadhir vijayate nihsima-lilamayah

That Supreme Person is glorified throughout the Vedas and Upanishads, and the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the material universes are only a small fraction of His unlimited pastimes. All glories to that Supreme Lord, who is an ocean of perfect transcendental bliss, and who, within the forest of Vrindavana, is the Lord and hero of the gopis.

Text 10

devanam api karanam niravadhi-sreyo vilasalayam
siddhinam udadhim sukhaika-vasatim nihsesha-yogesvaran
sarvaisvarya-nidhim vidher api vidhim sat-kama-kalpa-drumah
karunyakaram uttamam tri-jagatam bhaktanuraktam bhaje

That Supreme Person is the origin of even the demigods, the abode of unlimited auspicious pastimes, the ocean of all perfections, the only residence of happiness, the controller of all mystic powers, the treasury of all opulences, and the highest in all the three worlds. I worship that Supreme Lord, who is dearly loved by the devotees.

Text 11

yad dhyeyam girisatmabhu-prabhritibhir vedanta-vedyam param
vedanam phalam uttamam tri-jagatam isam gunebhyah param
mokshaikadhipam avyayam yad api ca brahmabhidhanam mahas
tat sakshad vraja-sundari-parivritam vrindavane kridati

That Supreme Lord is the controller of the three worlds, beyond the three modes of material nature, knowable by the Vedanta, and the ultimate fruit of Vedic study. That Lord is indirectly manifest as the imperishable Brahman effulgence, meditated upon by Brahma, Siva, and others, and He is directly manifest in Vrindavana, where He performs pastimes in the company of the gopis.

Text 12

yam iksante santah sva-hridi paramanandam amalam
yam advaitam brahmety abhidadhati vedanta-nipunah
api brahmesadyair aparikalitananta-mahima
sa evanando 'yam vraja-bhuvi nri-deho viharati

That transcendentally pure and blissful Supreme Lord, whom the saintly persons see within their hearts, whom the Vedantists designate as the undifferentiated Brahman, and whose unlimited glories are unknowable by Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and others, jubilantly performs pastimes in His original human-like form in the land of Vrajabhumi.

Text 13

sarvatra paripurno 'yam
ekah parama-purushah
sveccha-viharam kurute
sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah

That perfect and complete Supreme Person, who has no equal, and whose form is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss, always performs pastimes according to His own desire.

Text 14

arudha hara-murdhanam
yat-pada-sparsa-gauravat
trailoky am capunad ganga
kim tasya mahimocyate

Born from the weight of the touch of the Supreme Lord's lotus feet, and carried on Lord Siva's head, the Ganges river has purified the three worlds. How is it possible to describe the glories of that Supreme Lord?

Text 15

kim ca--- tad-dasa hara-narada-prabhritayah ko 'ham varakah sisuh
papas ceti h riys mukunda-brajana-tyagam vritha makrithah
sarv/eso 'pi durasado 'pi karuna-sindhuh subandhuh satam
bhaktyaiva svapacan apiha vasagah svenanugrihnati sah

O gentle reader, you may think: "Lord Siva, Narada Muni, and many others are the personal servants of the Supreme Lord. What am I but a small misbehaved child in their midst?" O gentle reader, please do not become discouraged. Do not give up Lord Mukunda's devotional service as something you cannot perform. Although the Supreme Lord is the controller of everything, and although He is very difficult to approach, He is like an ocean of mercy, and He is the dear friend of the devotees. He becomes controlled by devotion and shows mercy to His devotee, even if the devotee was born in a family of outcastes.

Text 16

na vedair nagamair yogair
na tapobhir na karmabhih
bhaktyaiva kevalam grahyo
yogi-mrigyah parat parah

That Supreme Person, who is greater than the greatest, and after whom the yogis search, cannot be obtained by studying the Vedas and Agamas, or by performing yoga, austerities, or fruitive activities. He is only attained by devotional service.

Text 17

tatha hi---sarva-dharma-vihino 'pi
nadhita-nigamagamah
lebhe yad-bhakti-matrena
dhruvah sarvottamam padam

Although Dhruva Maharaaja had never studied the Vedas and/Agamas, and although he had never performed materially pious actions, he attained the supreme destination simply by engaging in the devotional service of the Lord.

Text 18

sakama-matya bhajatam atad-vidam
bhakta-priyah kama-nivartakam nrinam
datte ghanananda-dugham padambujam
pita midasvadi-sisoh sitam iva

A father who sees his son eat clay, snatches it away and gives him a candy instead. In the same way, the Lord, who is very affectionate to His devotees, removes the material desires from those who, unaware of their actual spiritual nature, worship Him with material motives. The Lord gives them His intensely delightful lotus feet.

Text 19

dusceshtita ye 'pi aravindanabham
kvacid bhajante jana-ranjanartham
tathapi te tasya padam labhante
pritya bhajantah kim u sadhu-silah

If even misbehaved persons, intent on their own happiness, attain Lord Hari's lotus feet by occasionally worshipping Him, who can describe the good fortune of the saintly devotees, who worship the Lord in pure love?

Text 20

kamena para-pidabhir
yo dambhenapi sevitah
tarayaty eva tan sarvan
ko dayalur atah parah

Even if served by those with personal motives, in a troublesome and annoying way, or with hypocrisy, the Lord liberates His devotees. who is more merciful than He?

Text 21

avihita-sukrito 'pi yo vidhatte
salila-dalair api tat-pade saparyam
tam anu sakala-dharmikair albhayam
nija-padam eva da dati bhakta-bandhuh

If a person who has never attained any materially pious activities, worships Lord Hari's lotus feet by offering some water and tulasi leaves, the Lord, who is the friend of the devotees, and unapproachable by the materially pious, gives in return His own lotus feet.

Text 22

sukrita-sata-jusho 'pi yogino 'pi
sriyam anusevayato 'pi bhakti-hinan
na bhajati bhajatam satam adhinah
kim iti kripalum amum bhajen na lokah

The Lord becomes controlled by His devotees, although He does not show His mercy to the non-devotees, even if they are very pious, great yogis, or very rich and opulent. Why does the whole world not worship such a merciful Lord?

Text 23

dharman aseshan api yo vihayabhajed ananyo hari-pada-padmam
dattva padam murdhni sudharmikanam; sa eva tad-dhama sukhad upaiti;

One who gives up all materially pious duties, and with undeviating concentration, continually worships the lotus feet of Lord Hari, will easily and happily climb to the Lord's transcendental abode, stepping on the head of the materially pious non-devotees.

Text 24-25

yasya bhakti-pradipo hi
sada snehena dipitah
nihsesham nasayaty eva
karma-dhvanta-samuccayam
bhava-davanalair dagdhan
kas tratum saktiman bhavet
rite dina-daya sindhum
tam ananda-sudhambudhim

Brightly blazing with the oil of love, the lamp of devotional service to the Lord completely destroys the darkness of past karma. That Lord Hari is like an ocean of mercy for the distressed conditioned souls, or like an ocean of the nectar of transcendental bliss. Except for Him, who is able to rescue those burning in the forest fire of material existence?

Text 26

hari-pada-bhajanecchur indriyaugham
dhriti-matiman vijayate durjayarim
sama-dama-niyamair yamaih svadharmair
nahi paravan sukha-sadhane samarthah

Sober and discriminating persons who aspire to serve the lotus feet of Lord Hari, easily conquer the unconquerable, inimical material senses. Those who try to subdue the senses by practicing the different restraints of the ashtanga-yoga system, or by following the prescriptions of the varnasrama-dharma, remain unsuccessful and do not become happy.

Text 27

hari-pada-bhajane pathi pravritto
nijam api karma vivarjayet pravrittam
anudinam anusilayen nivrittam
na bhavati yavad ihesvara-prakasah

Those travelling on the path of devotional service to the lotus feet of Lord Hari, should abandon all activities prescribed by the varnasrama system for material improvement and sense-gratification. Day by day they should cultivate renunciation, until the Lord is personally manifest before them.

Text 28

kim castu krishna-mahima-parayanasyapi mahima katham apivaktum na sakyata ity aha-

sa eva virah sa hi sastra-veda-vit
sa eva dhanyah sukritah sa eva hi
sa eva lakshmya svayam eva mrigyate
sa uttamo yo hari bhaktim asritah

The author has not yet been able to give us the description of the glories of Lord Krishna and His devotees. In this regard he says--- One who has taken shelter of Lord Hari's devotional service is an actual hero, an actual knower of the Vedas, and actually fortunate and pious. Laksmi-devi, the goddess of fortune personally searches out that person. That person is the best of all.

Text 29

tam arthayante 'khila-purusharthas
tam ardayante tri-vidha na tapah
tam asrayante 'khila-tattva-bodhah
sada yam anandayatisa-bhaktih-

Perception of spiritual truth takes shelter of one who continually delights in the Lord's devotional service. The three-fold material miseries do not torment him, and the goals of human endeavor (religion, sense gratification, economic-development, and liberation) beg to be engaged in his service.

Text 30

tenaiva dhanya dhrita ca medini
tenaiva kritsnam paripnitam jagat
tenavatirno bhava-sindhur asramam
yenadarenacyuta-bhaktir asrita

One who reverentially and earnestly takes shelter of Lord Acyuta's devotional service, purifies the entire universe, and makes the earth prosperous and auspicious. That devotee easily crosses the ocean of repeated birth and death.

Text 31

druhyanti tasmai na manobhavadayas
tasmai namasyanti s urasura api
tasmai ca muktih sprihayaty api svayam
yasmai harer bhakti-raso hi rocate

One who delights in the transcendental mellows of Lord Hari's devotional service (bhakti-rasa), is not distressed by lust and other enemies. The demigods and demons offer respectful obeisances to him, and liberation itself aspires for his association.

Text 32

tasmat svayam bibhyati sarva-bhitayas
tasmac ca dh arma prabhavanti sarvada
tasmad asesham prapalayate tamo
yato harer bhakti-rasah prakasate

One whose heart is illuminated by the transcendental mellows of Lord Hari's devotional service, frightens all kinds of fear. Piety always emanates from him, and all ignorance flees from him.

Text 33

tasyaiva sango duritam dhunite
tasyanubhavo hi bhavam lunite
tasyaiva kirtir bhuvanam punite
yasyesa-bhaktir bhrisam ujjihite

One who has great and mature devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, destroys all sinful reactions by his association. He has the strength to cut the bonds of birth and death, and his glorification purifies the entire universe.

Text 34

tatraiva ganga-yamunadi-nadyas
tatraiva tirthani vasanti sadyah
tatraiva dharmah sakala ramante
yatresa-bhaktir bhrisam avibhati

In the heart where the Lord's devotional service shines, the Ganges, Yamuna and other sacred rivers flow. In that heart the holy places of pilgrimage immediately take residence, and all virtues perform pastimes.

Text 35

atanvate tatra ratim divaukaso
vasanti tatraiva sada mahad-gunah
jnannam ca tatraiva sada prakasate
yatrasti bhaktir madhusudanasraya

One devoted to Lord Madhusudana delights the demigods. Transcendental virtues always dwell within him, and spiritual knowledge continually shines in his heart.

Text 36

kim caivam cet krishna-karunyam bhaktanam apy evam mahima sada, tarhi sarve kim iti
na bhajantity aha---ahni svodara-purti-matra-vikala nidra-smarehadibhir
dushpurais ca manorathair aviratair akshipta-citta nisi
tan-maya-vibhavena mohita-dhiyo mithya-prapancadrita
yogindrair api durgamam katham ami krishnam bhajantam janaah

If this glorification of Lord Krishna's mercy to the devotees is true, then why does not everyone worship Him? The author replies--- Bewildered by the Lord's illusory potency (maya), worshipping the false material manifestation, by day only concerned with how to fill the belly, and at night absorbed in sleeping or sex, their minds tossed about by continual, insatiable desires, how will the common people be able to worship Lord Krishna, who is unapproachable even by the kings of the sages?

Text 37

api ca--tat-tat-kama-nikama-lubdha-manasam nanamara-sevinam
nana-karma-tapo-japadi-gamitasesha-kshananam api
anyesham api
siddhi-sadhana-vidhau yoga-prayogarthinam
tan-maya-vibhavena mohita-dhiyam bhaktis tu dure sthita

And furthermore--- Their intelligence bewildered by the Lord's illusory potency (maya), some are unlimitedly greedy after material benefits, and take to worshipping various demigods, constant performance of fruitive activities, austerities, or mantra-chanting. Others take to the regimin of astanga-yoga to attain mystic powers. For all of them, the Lord's devotional service is far away.

Text 38

anandamrita-varidhau nava-ghana-syamabhiramakritau
krishne 'nanta-mahimni naiva ramate nitye'ti-nediyasi
samsare mriga-trishnika-jala-nibhe 'satye 'pi satya-bhraman
mudho dhavati g ahate 'bhiramate duhkhaika-hetau sukhi-

Although unlimitedly glorious Lord Krishna, whose delightful form is dark like a fresh rain-cloud, is staying nearby, appearing like the nectarean ocean of transcendental bliss, the foolish materialist does not turn to Him for happiness. That bewildered fool sees the mirage of happiness in the desert of material existence. Eager to find that happiness he runs deeply into that desert, which ultimately becomes the sole source of his suffering.

Text 39

deho gaham anuttamam rasavati sad-vasana gehini
svacchandam hari-bhaktir uttama-dhanam s antosha ekah suhrit
siddham sasvata-saukhyam asti hi ta thapy atmaika-bandhe mudha
gehad avasati prayasyati jano mithya-sukhecchaturah

One's body is his ultimate home and pious thoughts and desires are his charming wife. Devotional service to Lord Hariis available as the ultimate wealth, and spiritual satisfaction is his only friend. These associates bring one perfection and eternal happiness. Agitated with desire, the foolish conditioned soul leaves that home to uselessly search for the illusory happiness of this world.

Text 40

asa-bhogi-sahasra-bhaji mamatahankara-bhimadrume
kama-krodha-mukhari-varga-makara-grahavali-sankule
tat-tat-klesa-mahormi-malini maha-mohambu-pure nrnam
duspare bhava-sagare pravisatam govinda-bhaktih kutah

The difficult to cross ocean of material existence is filled with the waters of great illusion, and agitated with many different waves of distress. That ocean is crowded with the sharks and crocodiles of lust, anger, and other vices. It is filled with the fearful seaweed jungle of false-ego and possessiveness, and thousands of snakes of false-hopes. How is it possible for those drowning in that ocean to attain Lord Govinda's devotional service?

Text 41

yady evam tarhi bhaktih katham syad ity aha---tatradau para-lokato bhayam atah punye matir jayate
sambhedas tata eva sadhushu bhavet tesham prasadodayat
sraddha syat bhgavat-katha\asu ca tato bhaktir viraktis tatas
tattva-jnanam amanda-sandra-paramanandam samudyotate

If this is the description of devotional service (bhakti), then how is it possible to ever attain it? To this the author replies--- In the beginning there is respect for saintly persons, and from that the mind becomes a little purified. In that condition, one begins to associate with devotees, and when he receives their mercy, he develops faith in the description of the Lord's instructions and pastimes. From that one develops devotional service, and from that service, renunciation follows. From renunciation, spiritual awareness, which is full of great and intense bliss, follows.

Text 42

punya-kshunna-subhasaye samudita sat-sanga-jankura
sraddha-varibhir u kshita pratidinam vairagya-vistarita
arudha bhagavat-prabodha-tarukam priti-prasunancita
sandrananda-rasam hi bhakti-latika dhatte 'ti-saukhyam phalam

The creeper of devotional service (bhakti) may grow in the heart of one who has performed pious deeds. Planted as a seed by the association of devotees, that creeper begins to sprout when it is daily sprinkled by the waters of faith. With the appearance of renunciation, that creeper expands, and it climbs the trunk and branches of the tree of awareness of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That creeper blossoms with flowers of pure love of God. From them come the fruits of great transcendental happiness which are full of the nectar of intense spiritual bliss.

Text 43

kam ca kamadishv ajiteshu gokula-pater bhaktir na sampadyate
jeya naiva maharayah punar ami tad-bhakti-sastram vina
tasmad bhakta-jana-prasanga-padavim asthaya bhaktim sanair
abhyasyasya subuddhibhih pratidinam jeyas ca kamadayah

Although devotional service (bhakti) to Lord Krishna, the master of Gokula, cannot exist unless lust and other vices are conquered, one cannot defeat these great enemies without the weapon of Krishna bhakti. For this reason intelligent persons accept the path of association with devotees and daily engage in the Lord's service. In this way they become able to defeat lust and his associates.

Text 44

iha tu nipatitah suduhkha-nire
smara-mukha-nakma-kulakule bhavabdhau
hari-carana-maha-tarim srayed yas tarati
sukhena sudustaram tam anyaih.

The ocean of material existence is filled with the waters of great suffering, and crowded with the crocodiles of lust and other vices. Although drowning in that ocean, if one takes shelter on the boat of Lord Hari's lotus feet, he will easily cross over that ocean which was insurmountable for others.

Text 45

te na smaranti vishayan na ca karma-kandam
tena smaranti purushartha-catushthayam ca
te na smaranti suta-daara-nrhatma-deham
ye krsna-pada-kamale madhu-pana-mattah

Those who become intoxicated by drinking the honey of Lord Krishna's lotus feet do not remember the objects of the material senses, the Vedic prescriptions for material advancement (karma-kanda), the four goals of human pursuit (religion, sense-gratification, economic-development and liberation), their children, wife, home, or even their own material bodies.

Text 46

kim ca---sadbhih kshunnam anavalim vigata-santapam rajo-varjitam
tat-padambuja-bhakti-sat-partham rite nanyo'sti pantha mama
svargadau tava kala-vakra-lulite svacche 'pi naivotsahe
mokshe tvat-pada-langhanahita-bhaye notsahansam kurmahe

O Lord, the transcendental path of devotional service to Your lotus feet, which is followed by the saintly devotees, is very pure, and free from material distresses and the material mode of passion. Aside from that path, I shall not accept any other. I shall not appeal even for the shining upper planetary systems, which shall ultimately be cut to pieces by Your wheel of time. I shall not endeavor to commit the fearful and reckless crime of passing over Your lotus feet to attain an impersonal pseudo-liberation.

Text 47

sreyah kalpa-taroh phalam suvimalam ratnam tayi-varidher
mulam jnana-mahiruhasya paramanandambudher nirjhvarah
sam sararnava-para-setur amritarohasya nihsrenika
dushprapyam hari-bhaktir uttama-dhanam kamyam na kesham iha

Devotional service to Lord Hari (hari-bhakti) is the fruit of the best of spiritual desire-trees, the ultimate jewel attained from the ocean of the three Vedas, the root of the tree of transcendental knowledge, the swiftly moving current of the ocean of spiritual bliss, the bridge that enables one to cross to the far shore of the ocean of birth and death, the staircase leading up to the realm of spiritual nectar, and the ultimate treasure. In this world, who would not aspire to attain it?

(To be continued…)

Permission for publication of this series granted by Touchstone Media, the publisher. www.touchstonemedia.com.

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