From the guru sublime wisdom accept,
Sanctity of bhakti principles to protect.
But listener not to just absorb like a sponge,
To describe glories of the Lord can one take the plunge.
Story of Sita and Rama’s marriage already known,
But extra pleasure in telling in way of our own.
To speak about God is the source of supreme pleasure,
The recorded songs and poems of saints life’s treasure.
With folded hands and bowing down does Tulsi sing,
Wedding of Sita and Rama, happiness to heart bring.
On singing about marriage to embark,
Of Sita and Rama, sentiments from the heart.
So that story in right way he can tell,
Poet invokes names of devas to help.
Because seed of devotion comes from spiritual master,
At his lotus feet Tulsidas first to offer.
To ensure that obstacles are removed,
Honor Ganesha, path for devoted is smoothed.
Worship Uma with Shankara to her right,
In hearing of Sita and Rama they delight.
Since desire to write song in heart yearning,
Worshiped Sarasvati, goddess of learning.
Also honored Brihaspati, the lord of speech,
And Shesha, Shuka and saints, Vedas they teach.
Devotion to Vishnu knowledge does it feed,
To worship others one does not need.
But Tulsidas offers invocation out of respect,
For humble soul success in devotion we expect.
Tragic events reviewing news course,
Realizing that in each anger the source.
From Bhagavad-gita’s words to trust,
Then known that initial cause is lust.
How in the children behavior to prevent?
So much around them, parents to lament.
Nothing guaranteed, from holy names just learn,
Its potency even towards piety a thief can turn.
Wedding and rituals on appropriate day,
Following time and circumstance way.
As thief open door auspicious for me,
But for homeowner bad sign to be.
Duality in this world everything in,
But not for bhakti, beyond piety and sin.
Even pain pleasurable can become,
And devotion through antagonism done.
Unconditional love is shown,
To pet residing within home.
But to others extend why not?
Since loving propensity you have got.
Loving home with deity made true,
Lord’s mercy since vision lacking in you.
Worship God, then to dog and others extend,
To each and every creature be a loving friend.
To be saved from all fear,
Of the Supreme Lord just hear.
From the asura never to come praise,
So stuck are they in sinful ways.
Even if not believing what speaking,
Both they and devotee benefit reaping.
Just dedicate some time and sit,
Hear about Lord before body to quit.
Taking stock of wise and the dumb,
But Supreme Lord making distinction none.
Any person eligible His name to call,
Ready to accept service from them all.
Even without deep philosophy knowing,
At least with sincerity towards Him going.
Every fault and deficiency to be cured,
Success for devotees by Krishna assured.
Risky if to everyone deity shown,
When Lord’s true position not known.
Then improper understanding to share,
Others of deity’s potency not aware.
In reality Krishna any form can occupy,
When worshiping, better first to qualify.
Blemishes here and there, plenty to see,
But spotless original Vedic culture always to be.
So mired in material desires are you,
How from my experience to get through?
Jnana the knowledge theoretical,
Also vijnana, the practical.
The first to others I can give,
But the rest from experience to live.
Through devotional culture foundation setting,
Paving way for Krishna realization getting.
Why only the oddballs chanting to see,
Why not intelligent class to be?
Though losing in material life sign,
From that in proper consciousness to align.
Thus most fortunate are they,
Who quickly found bhakti’s way.
Should everyone blessed to so quickly taste,
Then time in material life no more to waste.
Bhakti Poems 