Songs of the Vaisnava Acaryas
Songs composed by the acaryas are not ordinary songs. When chanted by pure Vaisnavas who follow the rules and regulations of Vaisnava character, they are actually effective in awakening the Krishna consciousness dormant in every living entity. The translations in this book are accurate renderings of the original Bengali and Sanskrit which is also provided. All these songs have exquisite melodies. It should be noted that these songs and verses are all explanations of pure devotional service and that devotional service to Sri Krishna is obtained only by the mercy of the spiritual master, which can be obtained by serving his desires perfectly. These songs are not substitutes for the main and prime benediction of the Age of Kali, the congregational chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, which is of the utmost importance. They are verses which have expanded from the maha mantra, and they are explanations of the maha mantra, they are non-different from it. The verses of these songs are wonderful sources of knowledge for preachers of Krishna consciousness. In each and every line there is so much philosophy that one can preach from one line for hours. They are all so pregnant with meaning and they lead to such succinct spiritual conclusions that a preacher need only recall the simple lines of songs like, "Bhajahu re Mana," "Sri Rupa manjari-pada," "O Vaisnava Thakura," or the "Sri Manah Siksa," and every point of Krishna consciousness will be covered in detail. Srila Prabhupada is constantly quoting from all these lines in his lectures and books. We should always remember the danger of maya's influence and endeavour to save ourselves from her great power. We must therefore always merge in the transcendental mellow of kirtana rasa, for kirtana rasa is the safest situation in this material world. Hare Krishna. Translated by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
and Acyutananda Swami and Jaysacinandana dasa adhikari. Spiral binding, 142 pages, 6" x 8.5" |
