When eyes on new task set,
Very competitive I get.
So as to keep in control my pride,
To one person first I confide.
Just his name simply to say,
Then back into work’s way.
As most glorious Lakshmana my mind to bless,
No matter the outcome, always a success.
Now I finally see what you’ve done,
Left with me friends not a one.
Though quiet endlessly I can talk,
And somehow prevented on this way to walk.
Prefer that my words reserved for you?
No issue, this I can certainly do.
But my constant loneliness you should know,
Nowhere else, only to your lotus feet I go.
Just from one look at Tulsidas to get,
And mind immediately righteously set.
Care not from where it did come,
Now of focused mission just one.
To glorify the Supreme Lord ever still,
Pages with devotional wisdom to fill.
And honor and memory of Tulsidas to prop,
Welcoming responsibility, the ball not to drop.
Friends of mine see many,
But give benefit do any?
The most to me who gave?
From ocean of nescience to save.
From sadhu a gift of value,
Knowledge of authenticity true.
For guilt-free conscience to rightfully earn,
Gift of devotion to spread, favor to return.
O Lord please know that I’m weak,
Material rewards so quickly I seek.
Like your brothers staying strong,
For resolve in devotion I long.
Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna stay,
On righteous path, showing me the way.
To trifles so much importance I give,
Rather for your interest I should live.
With devotees advised to associate,
From saintly men never disassociate.
But if speakers in ignorance what about?
And with common sense and virtue without?
Their company shouldn’t I shun?
Fast from the stupid my instinct to run.
As names of Lord repeated some worth,
Even if in basic knowledge a dearth.
O Lord just look what I do,
So much tolerated just for you [smile].
Innocence surely we like,
Makes for a pleasing sight.
For one to always keep in the mind,
Think of Lakshmana, brother following behind.
Not a selfish thought in him one,
Only of how Rama’s work to be done.
This my favorite image to keep,
To bring joy to me always a heap.
Why desire to become You?
Rather prefer service to You.
In that work not to stop,
Baton of devotion never to drop.
Your running in Vrindavana mind to see,
With Your friends vision pleasing to me.
To serve You is soul’s business understood,
Devotional principles to bring ultimate good.
But in me selfishness only to preside,
In You my innermost thoughts to confide.
Whether praised by all or none no care.
At your beautiful vision I’ll always stare.
To stop my devotion maybe You will,
But never without fight I’ll stand still.
Shri Lakshmana is my guide,
Undying enthusiasm in him to preside.
You once asked him to stay home,
Request denied, not to leave You alone.
In same way I vow not to rest,
Because I know Your association the best.
With You Sita and Lakshmana come,
Hanuman also, devotee number one.
Decision made, no matter what You say,
By Your side this mind always to stay.
Not found pure happiness so far,
Because so incredibly fallen we are.
How in rightful place can we be?
When spirit from matter we can’t even see?
Due to His endless and causeless grace,
Shri Krishna arrives at this miserable place.
With His unflinching protection,
He grabs our undivided attention.
That we’ll be happy with Him He knows,
So glimpse of His potencies He shows.
Giant mountain with finger He lifts,
Jewels to fruit vendor He gifts.
So that friends not in fear to stay,
He tosses the bull demon away.
My Lord certainly the most kind,
Pray that He’ll always live in my mind.
Bhakti Poems 