Yesterday I was impressed when I read a stanza of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s poem, Siksastakam, which is based on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Siksastakam. Writing on the trnad api theme, Bhaktivinoda Thakura elaborates on the virtues of feeling unworthy, and on being forgiving and nonviolent toward all creatures. By his grace, I was able to see more clearly Lord Caitanya’s request to chant in a humble state of mind. Lord Caitanya meant that our whole approach to life and our dedication to singing the glories of the Lord has to be framed by this verse: trnad api sunicena / taror api sahisnuna /amanina manadena / kirtaniyah sada harih.
“In the course of your life you should never give anxiety to others but rather do good to them and forget about your own happiness.
“Always knowing that Lord Krishna resides within all living creatures, one should, with great respect, show honor to all living beings at all times.
“Weeping, Bhaktivinoda submits his prayer at the lotus feet of the Lord: ‘O Lord, when will you give me possession of such qualities as these?’”
(Gitavali, Siksastakam, Song 3, verses 4, 6, and 8, p. 135)
(_Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name_)
I praise Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s song “Siksastakam”
which is based on Lord Caitanya’s Siksastakam.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura elaborates on
feelings of unworthiness and non-violence
towards all living beings.
I didn’t do that today!
“Weeping, Bhaktivinoda submits his prayer
at the lotus feet of the Lord:
O Lord, when will you give me possession
of such qualities as these?”