Ohe Vaisnava

Srila Bhaktivinode thakur was not only a very prolific writer but he had the blessings of Sri Radha to use his pen. He brought to life the esoteric teachings of Lord Sri Gouranga Dev and is now renowned as the 7th Goswami of Vrindaban. He is not only held in high esteem for the eloquence of his writing style and expression of deep philosophical concepts, but of his pure devotion. At times when he was feeling emotional ecstasy he would write poetry and song. These songs are examples of a spotless and pure heart longing to unite with true Vaisnavas in the service of their Lord. What follows is one such song. -AJD

Ohe Vaisnava Thakura

Ohe!
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vaisnava thakura, doyara sagara, e dase koruna kori'
diya pada-chaya, sodho he amayai, tomara carana dhori

chaya bega domi, chaya dosa sodhi, chaya guna deho' dase
chaya sat-sanga, deho' he amare, boshechi sangera ase

ekaki amara, nahi paya bala, hari-nama-sankirtane
tumi krpa kori: sraddha-bindu diya, deho' krsna-nama-dhane

krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro, tomara sakati ache
ami to' kangala, 'krsna 'krsna 'boli', dhai tava pache pache

O venerable Vaisnava. O ocean of mercy, be merciful unto your servant. Give me the shade of your lotus feet and purify me. I hold on to your lotus feet.

Teach me to control my six passions; rectify my six faults, bestow upon me the six qualities, and offer unto me the six kinds of holy association.

I do not find the strength to carry on alone the sankirtana of the holy name of Hari. Please bless me by giving me just one drop of faith with which to obtain the great treasure of the holy name of Krsna.

Krsna is yours; you have the power to give Him to me. I am simply running behind you shouting, "Krsna! Krsna!"

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Note: The six passions are those pertaining to speech, the mind, anger, the tongue, the stomach and the genitals. The six faults are overeating, attachment to material things, inability to follow vaisnava etiquette, sense gratification, useless idle talk, and impure habits.

The six positive qualities are enthusiasm in practicing devotion, firm faith in the devotional process, a strong desire to attain prema-bhakti, a favorable service attitude, avoidance of non-devotees, and a real appreciation for genuine devotees.

The six methods of association are to go to an assembly of sadhus, to invite saintly persons into one's home, to discuss and hear devotional topics, to take the maha-prasada of great realized souls and to offer maha-prasada to sadhus.