Srila Bhaktivinoda Takura | The Hare Krishna Movement

Narada Muni Bajay Vina

This morning we were reading from the First Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, Chapter Five entitled “Nārada’s Instructions on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for Vyāsadeva”.

…”Thus the sage amongst the gods [Nārada], comfortably seated and apparently smiling, addressed the ṛṣi amongst the brāhmaṇas.” (SB 1.5.1)

After reading for some time we were reminded of the famous song “Narada Muni Bajay Vina” by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and thought we would share it with you today.

Narada Muni Bajay Vina
by Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Lyrics in Bengali, English Translation, and Purport by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

nārada muni, bājāy vīṇā
‘rādhikā-ramaṇa’-nāme
nāma amani, udita haya,
bhakata-gītā-sāme

1) When the great soul Narada Muni plays his vina, the holy name, Radhika-raman, descends and immediately appears amidst the kirtan of the Lord’s devotees.

Kabe Ha’be Bolo

Visnujana Swami

This song written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and made famous in the West by the illustrious Visnujana Swami, has always been a favorite of mine, and the devotees of The Hare Krishna Movement.

Kabe Ha’be Bolo
(Invocation of the Holy Name)
By Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

When, oh when will that day be mine?
When my offenses ceasing, taste for the name increasing.
When in my heart will your mercy shine?
When, oh when, will that day be mine.

Lower than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree.
When will my mind attain this quality?
Respectful to all, not expecting their honor,
then shall I taste the name’s nectar sublime.

Great wealth or followers, feminine beauty,
I won’t care for them or the comforts of my body.
Birth after birth, give me, Oh Lord Caitanya,
causeless devotion to Your feet divine.

When will I utter Krsna, Krsna, Krsna,
with words choked up and shivering body?
When will I be trembling all over, lose bodily color,
tears pouring from my eyes.

When in Navadvipa along the Ganges bank,
shouting ‘Gaura-Nityananda’ as a surrendered soul,
dancing, chanting, running everywhere,
when will I become half mad of mind?

When will Lord Nityananda show mercy upon me,
when will I reject the world of Maya:
Bestow unto me the shade of Your lotus feet,
let the right to preach the name be mine.

I will beg, borrow, or steal the nectar of the name.
By the name’s effect I will feel paralyzed.
Oh! Enjoyed of the nectar of the name
when will I touch your lotus feet till the end of time?

When kindness to all beings will be appearing
with free heart forget myself comforting
Bhaktivinoda in all humility prays
“Now I will set out to preach Your order sublime.”