Part 10 (1/2)

Seven worlds play the rhythm

As the trembling earth sways almost to dissolution, Lo, the Great G.o.d s.h.i.+va is dancing.

s.h.i.+VA IN ECSTASY.

(Translated from a Bengali song.) s.h.i.+va is dancing, lost in the ecstasy of Self, sounding his own cheeks.

His tabor is playing and the garland of skulls is swinging in rhythm.

The waters of the Ganga are roaring among his matted locks.

The great trident is vomiting fire, and the moon on his forehead is fiercely flaming.

TO SHRI KRISHNA.

(A Song in Hindi) O Krishna, my friend, let me go to the water, O let me go today.

Why play tricks with one who is already thy slave? O friend, let me go today, let me go.

I have to fill my pitcher in the waters of the Jumna. I pray with folded hands, friend, let me go.

A HYMN TO SHRI RAMAKRISHNA.

(In Sanskrit)

1. Om! Hrim! Thou art the True, the Imperturbable One, transcending the three Gunas and yet adored for Thy virtues! Inasmuch as I do not wors.h.i.+p day and night, with yearning, Thy compa.s.sionate lotus feet which destroy all ignorance, therefore, O Thou friend of the lowly, Thou art my only refuge.

2. Spiritual powers, reverence, and wors.h.i.+p which put an end to this cycle of birth and death are enough indeed to lead to the greatest Truth. But this while finding utterance through the mouth is not at all being brought home to my heart. Therefore, O Thou friend of the lowly, Thou art my only refuge.

3. If devotion is directed to Thee, O Ramakrishna, the way of Divine Truth, then with desires all fulfilled in Thee, they forthwith cross over this sea of Rajas: for Thy feet are like nectar to the mortals, quelling the waves of death. Therefore, O Thou friend of the lowly, Thou art my only refuge.