rule


 

 

Canto 11

Mānasa Deho Geho


 

Chapter 29: Bhakti-Yoga: the Most Auspicious way to Conquer Death

(1) S'rī Uddhava said: 'This process of yoga is, I think, most difficult to execute for someone not spiritual. Please, oh Acyuta, tell me in simple terms how a person may easily succeed [see also B.G. 6: 33-34]. (2) Generally, oh Lotus-eyed One, [beginning] yoga practitioners get frustrated trying to unite the mind and grow weary of subduing their thoughts being unable to find absorption. (3) For that reason, oh Lotus-eyed Lord of the Universe, the swanlike [devotees] delight in taking to the shelter of Your lotus feet that are the source of all ecstasy, while they who take pride in the results of their yoga, do not [take shelter] and are defeated by Your material energy. (4) It comes as no surprise Acyuta, that You as a friend to all servants with no other shelter, are joined in intimacy with them [are commanded by them], You who [as Rāma] were affectionate with the animal-like [Vānaras] while the edges of Your footstool were covered by the effulgen  t helmets of the great controllers [like Brahmā]. (5) Knowing the benefit You offer, oh Supreme Soul, Bestower of All Perfections and dearest Lord to those seeking shelter, who would reject You or ever be devoted to anything else and forget [about You in exchange] for some opulence? What would not be granted to those serving the dust of Your feet [see also 10.44: 15, 10.47: 46]? (6) The scholars - despite all their work - would not even with a lifetime as long as Brahmā's be capable of expressing the gratitude [we owe You], oh Lord. For You, in order to remind us of the greater [spiritual] joy of dispelling the sadness of being embodied, show us Your path in two ways: in the form of that what from the caittya authority [of the Supersoul] is mentally conceived within and that what from the outside is conceived on the authority of the ācārya [the paramparā-guru of the tradition].'

(7) S'rī S'uka said: 'Thus questioned by Uddhava who in his heart was most attached to Him, the Lord of all Lords spoke lovingly with an attractive smile, He who - with the universe as His plaything - by His energies assumed His three [principal] forms [the guna-avatāras].' (8) The Supreme Lord said: 'I shall explain to you My most auspicious dharma by means of which, with faith executed, a mortal being may defeat unconquerable death. (9) He whose mind is attracted to My devotional service and has offered his heart and intelligence unto Me, should remember to perform, step by step, all his prescribed duties for My sake. (10) One should take shelter of the holy places frequented by My saintly devotees and [follow the example of] the conduct of My devotees among the demigods, humans and demons. (11) Either alone or in association one should with respect for the position of the moon [e.g.], at special occasions and at festivals, engage in singing and dancing and so on, with royal opulence [and generous contributions]. (12) With a pure heart one should see Me, the Supreme Soul free as the sky, as being present within and without oneself and all living beings [see also B.G. 13: 16 and 1.7: 10]. (13-14) Oh brightest spirit, when one with My love thus is of respect for all living beings, one with such an approach has taken shelter of the highest possible knowledge, the absolute unity of spirit. This way regarding the brahmin and the outcast, the thief and the man faithful to the brahminical culture, the sun and the spark, the gentle one and the cruel one equally, one is considered a wise person [see B.G. 5: 18]. (15) Of the person who constantly meditates on My presence in all men, quickly the rivalry, envy, disdain and false ego will disappear. (16) Ignoring the laughter of one's friends and without being embarrassed about outer appearances, one should [factually] throw oneself like a rod to the ground and offer one's obeisances to [all,] even [to] dogs, outcasts, cows and asses [see also S'rī S'rī S'ikshāshthaka-3]. (17) With the functions of speech, thought and action, one thus has to be of worship, for as long as one has not developed the vision of Me being present in all living beings [see also tridanda]. (18) For the one who by knowledge and realization sees the Supreme Soul everywhere, everything is based upon the Absolute Truth. Thus free from doubt he desists [from activities so as to unite within]. (19)  I consider this - with the functions of one's mind, words and actions seeing Me within all living beings - the most appropriate of all processes. (20) My dear, because this by Me perfectly established method is free from the modes and has no ulterior motives, there is, when one thus tries to be of service unto Me, Uddhava, not even the slightest loss [see also B.G. 2: 40]. (21) Oh best among the pious souls, when one is capable of performing one's duty free from ulterior motives for the sake of Me, the One Supreme, [the emotions] of that endeavor like fear and such, will be futile [see also B.G. 18: 6]. (22) This in one's life, by means of [desisting from] the deceptive and mortal, achieving of Me, the One Immortal, constitutes the cleverness of the clever and the intelligence of the intelligent.

(23) This survey, I thus both in brief and in detail explained to you, constitutes the complete science of the Absolute Truth, that even for the demigods is difficult to access. (24) With clear, logical arguments I repeatedly explained to you the spiritual knowledge; properly understood this will put an end to the doubts a person may have, and liberate him. (25) He who concentrates on this question of yours as also on My clear reply, will attain the eternal secret of the Vedas, the Supreme, Absolute Truth. (26) I shall give Myself to that person who, without reservation, passes on to devotees this traditional instruction of Mine, this knowledge of the Absolute Truth. (27) He who repeats [for others] this Supreme [Knowledge] that is so sanctifying and clear, reveals My presence with the lamp of knowledge and will find purification day after day. (28) The person who attentively and with faith regularly listens to this and is of transcendental devotional service unto Me [is a bhakta], will not get entangled in karmic activities [see also B.G. 3: 9]. (29) Uddhava, oh friend, do you have a clear understanding of the spiritual now, and has this lamentation and illusion that arose in your mind been removed [see 11.6: 42-49 and also B.G. 18: 72]? (30) Do not share this with a hypocrite, an atheist or a cheat, nor with someone not willing to listen, a non-devotee or an obstinate person [compare to B.G. 18: 67]. (31) Share it with a person free from these bad qualities, someone virtuous and pure, kindly disposed and dedicated to the welfare of the brahmins, as also with laborers and women if they are of devotion [compare B.G. 9: 32]. (32) For the inquisitive one fully understanding this, there is nothing further to know; once one has drunk the nectar of this palatable beverage, nothing will remain. (33) Everything that people of success with the four goals of life [catuh-vidhah] may find in knowledge, in fruitful labor, in mystical yoga, in ordinary activities or in political ruling, you can equally find in Me, My best one [see also B.G. 18: 66]. (34) When a mortal surrenders himself to Me and forsakes all his self-interested labor in his desire of service, he at that time attains freedom from birth and death and qualifies for sharing in My nature.'

(35) S'rī S'uka said: 'After he had heard the words of Uttamas'loka and thus was shown the path of yoga, Uddhava with folded hands said nothing because his throat was choked up with love and his eyes were brimming with tears. (36) Checking himself to steady his mind that was overwhelmed by love, oh King, he felt most grateful. With folded hands he touched the lotus feet of the Hero of the Yadus with his head and addressed Him. (37) S'rī Uddhava said: 'The great darkness of the delusion I embraced, oh Unborn Primeval Person, was dispelled by Your presence. What cold, darkness and fear would have power over someone who approached the sun? (38) You who are so merciful in Your goodness offered to me, Your servant, in return the torchlight consisting of Your wisdom. Whoever filled with gratitude can abandon the basis of Your feet and look for another shelter? (39) The because of Your māyā firmly binding rope of my affection for the Dās'ārhas, Vrishnis, Andhakas and Sātvatas, cast by You for the production of offspring, was severed by the sword of the correct knowledge about the soul. (40) Let me offer my obeisances unto You, oh Greatest Yogi, please tell me how I as a surrendered soul can be steadfast in the attraction of Your lotus feet.'

(41-44) The Supreme Lord said: 'Please Uddhava, accept My advice to head for My hermitage called Badārika. At the riverbanks there be purified by the touching of and bathing in the water emanating from My feet [see 5.17]. Be, with your eyes fixed upon the Alakanandā [a tributary of the Ganges] cleansed of all impurities, dress yourself in bark, My dear, eat from the forest and be happy freed from desire. Exercise with your intelligence, spiritual knowledge and wisdom, forbearance with all dualities, keep saintly to your principles, restrict your senses and live in peace and absorption. Believe in and meditate on that what you from Me have learned to discriminate. When you with your words and mind absorbed in Me thus devote yourself to My dharma, you will, with that discipline reaching beyond the three destinations [the three worlds], thereupon reach Me.'

(45) S'rī S'uka said: 'After thus having been addressed by the Lord of Understanding, Uddhava circumambulated Him keeping Him to the right, and even though he at the time of his departure was free from the influence of material opposites, he with a breaking heart with his head bowed down flooded His feet with his teardrops. (46) Finding it most difficult to let go of His love, he because of the departure was overwhelmed by emotions and could not abandon Him. Filled with pain he again and again offered his obeisances and placed the slippers of his Maintainer on his head. Then he departed [*]. (47) The great devotee then installed Him permanently in his heart and went to the illustrious place of pilgrimage [which as such is also called Vis'ālā] the One Friend in the Universe had mentioned. There properly executing his austerities, he attained the Lord's destination [Vaikunthha]. (48) Anyone who with honest belief is full of attention for [listens to, speaks about and practices] this ocean of ecstasy, this nectarean sea of spiritual knowledge [of bhakti-yoga] that by Krishna, He whose feet are served by the masters of Yoga, was collected for His devotee, will liberate [himself and therewith] the entire world. (49) I am bowed down to the greatest and first of all beings, the personality named Krishna, who makes His many devotees drink the nectar from the [milk] ocean that is the essence of the Vedas, the essence of the spiritual knowledge and wisdom that He, as the author of the Vedas, like a bee delivered in order to take away the fear of material existence.'

 

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Third revised edition, loaded August 24, 2022.

 

 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

S'rī Uddhava said: 'This process of yoga is, I think, most difficult to execute for someone not spiritual. Please, oh Acyuta, tell me in simple terms how a person may easily succeed [see also B.G. 6: 33-34].
S'rī Uddhava said: 'This process of yoga is, I think, most difficult to execute for someone not spiritual. Please o Acyuta, tell me in simple terms how a person easily may succeed [see also B.G. 6: 33-34].(Vedabase)

  

Text 2

Generally, oh Lotus-eyed One, [beginning] yoga practitioners get frustrated trying to unite the mind and grow weary of subduing their thoughts being unable to find absorption.

Generally, o Lotus-eyed One, yogis get frustrated exercising the mind and grow, unable to find absorption, weary in the attempt to subdue the mind. (Vedabase)

  

 Text 3

For that reason, oh Lotus-eyed Lord of the Universe, the swanlike [devotees] delight in taking to the shelter of Your lotus feet that are the source of all ecstasy, while they who take pride in the results of their yoga, do not [take shelter] and are defeated by Your material energy.

For that reason, o Lotus eyed One, the swanlike delight in taking to the shelter of Your lotus feet that are the source of all ecstasy o Lord of the Universe. But they who take pride in the results of their yoga, do not and are defeated by Your material energy. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 4

It comes as no surprise Acyuta, that You as a friend to all servants with no other shelter, are joined in intimacy with them [are commanded by them], You who [as Rāma] were affectionate with the animal-like [Vānaras] while the edges of Your footstool were covered by the effulgent helmets of the great controllers [like Brahmā].

It comes as no surprise Acyuta, that You are a friend to all servants who, with no other shelter, are joined in intimacy with You, You who were affectionate with the animal-like [Vānaras] while the edges of Your footstool were covered by the effulgent helmets of the great controllers [like Brahmā]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 5

Knowing the benefit You offer, oh Supreme Soul, Bestower of All Perfections and dearest Lord to those seeking shelter, who would reject You or ever be devoted to anything else and forget [about You in exchange] for some opulence? What would not be granted to those serving the dust of Your feet [see also 10.44: 15, 10.47: 46]?

Knowing the benefit You offer, o Supreme Soul, Bestower of All Perfections and dearest Lord to those seeking shelter, who would reject You or ever be devoted to anything else just to feel good and consequently forget [about You]? Would there be anything left for us to wish for when we serve the dust of Your feet [see also 10.44: 15, 10.47: 46]? (Vedabase)

 

Text 6

The scholars - despite all their work - would not even with a lifetime as long as Brahmā's be capable of expressing the gratitude [we owe You], oh Lord. For You, in order to remind us of the greater [spiritual] joy of dispelling the sadness of being embodied, show us Your path in two ways: in the form of that what from the caittya authority [of the Supersoul] is mentally conceived within and that what from the outside is conceived on the authority of the ācārya [the paramparā-guru of the tradition].'


Not even with a lifetime as long as that of Brahmā the learned - despite all their work - would be capable of expressing the gratitude [we owe You] o Lord. For You show us Your path in two ways: in the form of that [authority of the Supersoul] what is mentally conceived within in order to remember the joy and in the form of the ācārya outside of us who is there to dissipate the misfortune of one's being embodied [the caittya- and the paramparā-guru].' (Vedabase)

 

Text 7

S'rī S'uka said: 'Thus questioned by Uddhava who in his heart was most attached to Him, the Lord of all Lords spoke lovingly with an attractive smile, He who - with the universe as His plaything - by His energies assumed His three [principal] forms [the guna-avatāras].'

S'rī S'uka said: 'Thus by Uddhava being asked who in his heart was most attached to Him, the Lord spoke lovingly with an attractive smile, He who has the universe as His plaything and by His own energies has assumed the three different personal forms of the Controllers [the guna-avatāras]. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 8

The Supreme Lord said: 'I shall explain to you My most auspicious dharma by means of which, with faith executed, a mortal being may defeat unconquerable death.

The Supreme Lord said: 'Right here I will now explain to you the dharma in relation to Me that is most auspicious and by which a mortal being, executing with faith, conquers death so unconquerable. (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

He whose mind is attracted to My devotional service and has offered his heart and intelligence unto Me, should remember to perform, step by step, all his prescribed duties for My sake.

Having offered one's mind and intelligence to Me, one should for My purpose stepwise [learn to] perform all work and thereto remember, by the grace of one's own loving spirit, the example of My respect of duty. (Vedabase)

 

Text 10

One should take shelter of the holy places frequented by My saintly devotees and [follow the example of] the conduct of My devotees among the demigods, humans and demons.

One should take shelter of the holy places frequented by My saintly devotees and [follow the example of] the activities of My devotees operating among the godly, the demoniac and the human beings. (Vedabase)

 

Text 11

Either alone or in association one should with respect for the position of the moon [e.g.], at special occasions and at festivals, engage in singing and dancing and so on, with royal opulence [and generous contributions].

Either alone or in assembly one should with respect for the position of the moon, at special occasions and at festivals engage in singing, dancing and such and be generous with contributions. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 12

With a pure heart one should see Me, the Supreme Soul free as the sky, as being present within and without oneself and all living beings [see also B.G. 13: 16 and 1.7: 10].

One should with a pure heart see Me within oneself as the Supreme Soul that alike the unlimited sky is present inside and outside of all living beings [see also B.G. 13: 16 and 1.7: 10]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 13-14

Oh brightest spirit, when one with My love thus is of respect for all living beings, one with such an approach has taken shelter of the highest possible knowledge, the absolute unity of spirit. This way regarding the brahmin and the outcast, the thief and the man faithful to the brahminical culture, the sun and the spark, the gentle one and the cruel one equally, one is considered a wise person [see B.G. 5: 18].

O brightest spirit, when one with My love thus is of respect for all living beings, one has with such an approach taken shelter of purely spiritual knowledge. When one this way regards the brahmin and the outcast, the thief and the man faithful to the brahminical culture, the sun and the spark, the gentle one and the cruel one equally, one may call oneself a wise person [see B.G. 5: 18]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 15

Of the person who constantly meditates on My presence in all men, quickly the rivalry, envy, disdain and false ego will disappear.

Of the person who constantly is meditating upon My presence in all men will quickly the rivalry, envy, disdain and false ego disappear. (Vedabase)

  

Text 16

Ignoring the laughter of one's friends and without being embarrassed about outer appearances, one should [factually] throw oneself like a rod to the ground and offer one's obeisances to [all,] even [to] dogs, outcasts, cows and asses [see also S'rī S'rī S'ikshāshthaka-3].

Ignoring the laughter of one's friends and without being embarrassed about outer appearances one should throw oneself like a rod to the ground and offer obeisances to [all,] even [to] dogs, outcasts, cows and asses [see also S'rī S'rī S'ikshāshthaka-3]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 17

With the functions of speech, thought and action, one thus has to be of worship, for as long as one has not developed the vision of Me being present in all living beings [see also tridanda].

As long as one has not developed the vision of Me being present in all living beings, one has to be of worship this way with what one says, thinks and does with one's body [see also tridanda]. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 18

For the one who by knowledge and realization sees the Supreme Soul everywhere, everything is based upon the Absolute Truth. Thus free from doubt he desists [from activities so as to unite within].

For the one who by knowledge and realization sees the Supreme Soul everywhere is everything based upon the Absolute Truth. Thus being freed from doubt there is for such a person the duty of retiring from worldly activities. (Vedabase)

   

Text 19

I consider this - with the functions of one's mind, words and actions seeing Me within all living beings - the most appropriate of all processes.

This with the functions of one's mind, words and body going for the truth of Me within all living beings I consider the most appropriate of all processes. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20

My dear, because this by Me perfectly established method is free from the modes and has no ulterior motives, there is, when one thus tries to be of service unto Me, Uddhava, not even the slightest loss [see also B.G. 2: 40].

My dear, because this by Me perfectly established method is free from the modes and has no ulterior motives there is, when one thus tries to be of service unto Me Uddhava, as a consequence not even the slightest loss [see also B.G. 2: 40]. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 21

Oh best among the pious souls, when one is capable of performing one's duty free from ulterior motives for the sake of Me, the One Supreme, [the emotions] of that endeavor like fear and such, will be futile [see also B.G. 18: 6].

O best of the pious,  of whatever worldy exertion will the fear and all of that be futile, when it in being dedicated to Me, the Supreme, is religious in leaning towards activities that are performed without an ulterior motive, o pious Uddhava! [see also B.G. 18: 6]. (Vedabase)

 

 Text 22

This in one's life, by means of [desisting from] the deceptive and mortal, achieving of Me, the One Immortal, constitutes the cleverness of the clever and the intelligence of the intelligent.

This in one's life achieving of Me, the immortal, by means of the false and mortal, constitutes the cleverness of the clever and intelligence of the intelligent. (Vedabase)

 

Text 23

This survey, I thus both in brief and in detail explained to you, constitutes the complete science of the Absolute Truth, that even for the demigods is difficult to access.

With this has both in brief and in detail the complete survey of the Absolute Truth been described to you which constitutes a science that even for the gods is difficult to access. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

With clear, logical arguments I repeatedly explained to you the spiritual knowledge; properly understood this will put an end to the doubts a person may have, and liberate him.

Having properly understood this knowledge that repeatedly was explained to you with clear, logical arguments, a person will see his doubts destroyed and be liberated. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

He who concentrates on this question of yours as also on My clear reply, will attain the eternal secret of the Vedas, the Supreme, Absolute Truth.

He who but concentrates on this question of yours that was properly cleared up by Me, attains to the eternal secret of the Vedas, the Supreme Absolute of the Truth. (Vedabase)

  

Text 26

I shall give Myself to that person who, without reservation, passes on to devotees this traditional instruction of Mine, this knowledge of the Absolute Truth.

I will automatically lend him My authority who without any reservation disseminates this Supreme Spiritual Truth as the tradition for My devotees. (Vedabase)


Text 27

He who repeats [for others] this Supreme [Knowledge] that is so sanctifying and clear, reveals My presence with the lamp of knowledge and will find purification day after day.

He who loudly recites this Supreme of Me that is so sanctifying and clear, will, because he with the lamp of knowledge forms My presence, day after day find purification. (Vedabase)

 

Text 28

The person who attentively and with faith regularly listens to this and is of transcendental devotional service unto Me [is a bhakta], will not get entangled in karmic activities [see also B.G. 3: 9].

The person who attentively and with faith regularly listens to this is of transcendental devotional service unto Me [is a bhakta] and will not get entangled in karmic reactions [see also B.G. 3: 9]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 29

Uddhava, oh friend, do you have a clear understanding of the spiritual now, and has this lamentation and illusion that arose in your mind been removed [see 11.6: 42-49 and also B.G. 18: 72]?

Uddhava, o friend, do you have a clear understanding of the spiritual now and has this lamentation and illusion that arose in your mind been removed [see 11.6: 42-49 and also B.G. 18: 72]? (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

Do not share this with a hypocrite, an atheist or a cheat, nor with someone not willing to listen, a non-devotee or an obstinate person [compare to B.G. 18: 67].

Do not share this with a hypocrite, an atheist or a cheat, nor with someone not willing to listen or an obstinate non-devotee [compare to B.G. 18: 67]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

Share it with a person free from these bad qualities, someone virtuous and pure, kindly disposed and dedicated to the welfare of the brahmins, as also with laborers and women if they are of devotion [compare B.G. 9: 32].

Share it with the person free from these bad qualities, the one saintly and pure, someone kindly disposed in dedication to the welfare of the brahmins, as well as with laborers and women if they are of bhakti [compare B.G. 9: 32]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

For the inquisitive one fully understanding this, there is nothing further to know; once one has drunk the nectar of this palatable beverage, nothing will remain.

For the inquisitive one fully understanding this there is nothing left to imbibe; what would there be left to imbibe once one has drunk the most palatable nectarean beverage there is? (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

Everything that people of success with the four goals of life [catuh-vidhah] may find in knowledge, in fruitful labor, in mystical yoga, in ordinary activities or in political ruling, you can equally find in Me, My best one [see also B.G. 18: 66].

Whatever people who are of success with the four goals of life [catuh-vidah] may find in spiritual knowledge, in fruitive labor, in mystic yoga, in ordinary activities or in political ruling, you can equally find in Me. (Vedabase)

  

Text 34

When a mortal surrenders himself to Me and forsakes all his self-interested labor in his desire of service, he at that time attains freedom from birth and death and qualifies for sharing in My nature.'

When a mortal offers himself to Me and gives up all his fruitive labor in his desire for the special quality of Me, he qualifies in that process of attaining immortality at that time for the opulence associated with Me.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 35

S'rī S'uka said: 'After he had heard the words of Uttamas'loka and thus was shown the path of yoga, Uddhava with folded hands said nothing because his throat was choked up with love and his eyes were brimming with tears.

S'rī S'uka said: 'After he had heard the words of Uttamas'loka and thus was shown the path of yoga, Uddhava with folded hands said nothing because his throat was choked up with love and his eyes overflowed with tears. (Vedabase)

 

Text 36

Checking himself to steady his mind that was overwhelmed by love, oh King, he felt most greatful. With folded hands he touched the lotus feet of the Hero of the Yadus with his head and addressed Him.

Completely agitated with love restraining himself to steady his mind, o King, he, feeling grateful, spoke with his hands folded to the Great Yadu Hero and touched therewith His lotus feet with his head. (Vedabase)


Text 37

S'rī Uddhava said: 'The great darkness of the delusion I embraced, oh Unborn Primeval Person, was dispelled by Your presence. What cold, darkness and fear would have power over someone who approached the sun?

S'rī Uddhava said: 'The great darkness of the delusion I fell into, has in the presence of the Sun that You are, been dispelled. What cold, darkness and fear could hold sway over the one who approached You, o Unborn Primeval One? (Vedabase)

 

Text 38

You who are so merciful in Your goodness offered to me, Your servant, in return the torchlight consisting of Your wisdom. Whoever filled with gratitude can abandon the basis of Your feet and look for another shelter?

By You who are so merciful in Your goodness was in return to me, Your servant, offered the torchlight consisting of Your wisdom. Who being grateful is able to abandon the base of Your feet and seek another shelter? (Vedabase)

 

Text 39

The because of Your māyā firmly binding rope of my affection for the Dās'ārhas, Vrishnis, Andhakas and Sātvatas, cast by You for the production of offspring, was severed by the sword of the correct knowledge about the soul.

The because of Your māyā firmly binding rope of my affection for the creation [of the family] of the Dās'ārhas, Vrishnis, Andhakas and Sātvatas expanding to Your will, was severed by the sword of the correct knowledge about the soul. (Vedabase)

 

Text 40

Let me offer my obeisances unto You, oh Greatest Yogi, please tell me how I as a surrendered soul can be steadfast in the attraction of Your lotus feet.'

Let there be my obeisances unto You, o Greatest of Mystics, please tell me how I may find stability with the transcendental attraction at Your lotus feet.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 41-44

The Supreme Lord said: 'Please Uddhava, accept My advice to head for My hermitage called Badārika. At the riverbanks there be purified by the touching of and bathing in the water emanating from My feet [see 5.17]. Be, with your eyes fixed upon the Alakanandā [a tributary of the Ganges] cleansed of all impurities, dress yourself in bark, My dear, eat from the forest and be happy freed from desire. Exercise with your intelligence, spiritual knowledge and wisdom, forbearance with all dualities, keep saintly to your principles, restrict your senses and live in peace and absorption. Believe in and meditate on that what you from Me have learned to discriminate. When you with your words and mind absorbed in Me thus devote yourself to My dharma, you will, with that discipline reaching beyond the three destinations [the three worlds], thereupon reach Me.'

The Supreme Lord said: 'Please, o Uddhava, accept My advice to head for My hermitage called Badārika. At the riverbanks there be purified by the touching of and bathing in the water emanating from My feet [see 5.17]. Be, with your eyes fixed upon the Alakanandā [a tributary of the Ganges] cleansed of all impurities, wear bark My dear, eat from the forest and be happy free from desire. Exercise with your intelligence, spiritual knowledge and wisdom forbearance with all dualities, keep saintly to your principles, restrict your senses and live in peace and absorption. Believe in and meditate upon that what you from Me have learned to discriminate. When you with your words and mind absorbed in Me are devoted to realize My virtue you will, thus established crossing beyond the three destinations [the gunas], thereupon reach Me.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 45

S'rī S'uka said: 'After thus having been addressed by the Lord of Understanding, Uddhava circumambulated Him keeping Him to the right, and even though he at the time of his departure was free from the influence of material opposites, he with a breaking heart with his head bowed down flooded His feet with his teardrops.

S'rī S'uka said: 'After thus having been addressed by the Lord of Understanding, Uddhava circumambulated Him keeping Him to the right and even though he at the time of his departure was free from the influence of material opposites, he drenched with a breaking heart with his head bowed down His feet with his teardrops. (Vedabase)

 

Text 46

Finding it most difficult to let go of His love, he because of the departure was overwhelmed by emotions and could not abandon Him. Filled with pain he again and again offered his obeisances and placed the slippers of his Maintainer on his head. Then he departed [*].

Finding it most difficult to leave he was incapable of abandoning Him so that he overwhelmed by the separation in great pain besides himself took leave, again and again offering his obeisances and placing the slippers of his Maintainer on his head [*]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 47

The great devotee then installed Him permanently in his heart and went to the illustrious place of pilgrimage [which as such is also called Vis'ālā] the One Friend in the Universe had mentioned. There properly executing his austerities, he attained the Lord's destination [Vaikunthha].

Then installing Him in his heart the great devotee went to the illustrious place of pilgrimage [that as such is also called Vis'ālā] the only Friend in the Universe had mentioned. There he attained, having properly executed the austerities, the Lord His destination [Vaikunthha]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 48

Anyone who with honest belief is full of attention for [listens to, speaks about and practices] this ocean of ecstasy, this nectarean sea of spiritual knowledge [of bhakti-yoga] that by Krishna, He whose feet are served by the masters of Yoga, was collected for His devotee, will liberate [himself and therewith] the entire world.

Whoever in this world with honest belief accepts the service of this ocean of ecstacy, this nectarean sea of knowledge that by Krishna, He whose feet are served by the masters of Yoga, was collected for His devotee, will be liberated. (Vedabase)


Text 49

I am bowed down to the greatest and first of all beings, the personality named Krishna, who makes His many devotees drink the nectar from the [milk] ocean that is de essence of the Vedas, the essence of the spiritual knowledge and wisdom that He, as the author of the Vedas, like a bee delivered in order to take away the fear of material existence.'

I am bowed down to the Greatest and First Personality named Krishna, who makes His many devotees drink the nectar from the ocean consisting of de essence of the Vedas, the essence of the spiritual knowledge and wisdom that He, as the author of the Vedas, like a bee delivers in order to take away the fear of material existence.' (Vedabase)

 

*: The paramparā adds here: 'According to the S'rīmad Bhāgavatam [3.4: 5], while Uddhava was enroute to Badarikās'rama he heard about the Lord's journey to Prabhāsa. Turning back and following Lord Krishna from behind, he saw the Lord alone just after the withdrawal of the Yadu dynasty. After being again mercifully instructed by the Personality of Godhead (along with Maitreya, who had just arrived), Uddhava felt his knowledge of the truth reawaken, and then, by the order of the Lord, he went on his way.'

 

 

 

 

 

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The picture shows Uddhava sitting at the feet of Krishna
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Production:
Filognostic Association of The Order of Time


 

 

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