Seeking ways to relax, no pressures for the mind,
State free of anxieties and inconveniences to find.
But Prabhupada to the streets went to patrol,
From patrons faced rejections untold.
But for his guru taking the risk,
From spreading bhakti not to desist.
All glories to founder giving magazine’s birth,
Not to end there, publishing venture only his first.
Soon to expand worldwide, the burden to increase,
No worry for him, wisdom of Bhagavata to release.
Today worried about that and this,
Fearing that enjoyment’s chance to miss.
Outcome in one way or other to fall,
Soon after the issue not again to recall.
On Lakshmana mind should have been set,
Then benefit from experience would get.
For Rama’s interest his only care,
By brother’s side to find him where.
In making excuses expert you are,
But never keep Lakshmana from you far.
Lakshmana to find where today,
For since Ramayana past many a day?
As devotion firmly in him to reside,
Know that now right by Rama’s side.
Never to shake, always steady,
To serve Rama always ready.
Predictable he is where to find,
When in trouble keep this in mind.
Sugriva, of the monkeys was king,
But in sibling feud lost everything.
Of brother Vali lived in fear,
Causing towards Rishyamukha to steer.
From superior force unable to defend,
Worried that each day his life to end.
From this horrible dream to be free,
Only when Shri Rama he would see.
As remover of fears Hari is known,
This in friendship with Sugriva shown.
Dasharatha’s son shot Vali in the back,
Monkey getting his kingdom and wife back.
To the left of husband to stand,
In peace holding a flower in her hand.
Peeking at Shri Hanuman below,
Their greatest devotee she knows.
Like her in beauty none there are,
Loves Rama whether near or far.
Shows her devotion in even trying circumstance,
To honor her today I will not miss the chance.
Now the dawn of a new day,
But how to get going on my way?
As before the Supreme Lord adore,
And His divine mercy don’t ignore.
To act selfishly the easy path,
But complacency’s misery the aftermath.
Fixed worship surely a fight,
But your spirits it will excite.
Of Sita and Rama think and write,
Then always to start the day right.
Rocks for Vanaras are enough,
For in battle to remain tough.
From time to time surely to bleed,
But Rama’s leadership all they need.
Without scruples the enemies to fight,
Seen now, then disappear from sight.
The way of the Vanaras I choose,
Through Rama’s ability never to lose.
Caring not whether you think he’s real or fake,
Away from the side of brother none can take.
That enhancer of Sumitra’s delight,
Can be seen to Shri Rama’s right.
Always with Rama through thick or thin,
Drove away Shurpanakha of mighty sin.
Ended the life of Ravana’s powerful son,
In fighting and honor like him there are none.
That love which Nishada chief saw,
Leaves devoted souls in appreciative awe.
Why idly by will I sit?
Why from pressure decide to quit?
As long as I have the power to speak,
I’ll honor he for whom love I keep.
Through good luck increased my intelligence,
Will use for honoring brother of magnificence.
Though to Shri Rama he is younger,
In dedication than him none stronger.
Endless words to my mind the Lord gave,
Why those precious thoughts will I quietly save?
This life for Lakshmana’s glory to enhance,
Will make best use of this wonderful chance.
From Vedas so many verses come,
Difficult to choose only a single one.
In Ramayana’s end favorite for me,
That allowing Lakshmana’s love to see.
Before to formidable foe fateful arrow sent,
His thoughts to Rama’s character went.
Victory to arrive on that brother’s strength,
Released arrow travelled just the right length.
Whether I find trouble or peace,
My love for that verse never to cease.
Bhakti Poems 