A story from Caitanya lila, retold by
T.A. Drescher
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Dog Days
Once upon a time there did live
a most liberal and generous man.
of the name Sivananda Sena
renowned throughout the land.
So great and kind and generous his deeds
on his journeys hale and hearty.
For an outing into the countryside
their transcendental party.
Bring with him all the pilgrims did he
and take care of all their needs.
As they joined together along the way
and performed great generous deeds.
Then journeyed on along their way
to the place where their Lord did stay.
Now back in those golden days of yore
dogs were not always given much welcome.
Nor considered to be man’s best friend
and never let inside one’s door.
Well kind Mr. Sena had not a single mean bone
not anywhere in his whole body.
A kind and generous man was he
filled with love and virtuosity.
Well it so happened that a certain dog
fortunate indeed was he.
Tagged along to become a part of
the transcendental traveling party.
With Mr. Sena always careful to see
the dog was well cared for and fed.
At night finding his place nearby
where he could rest his canine head.
Well by and by the pilgrims did come
to a river flowing wide.
At a crossing there hired a boatman
to carry them over to the other side.
The boatman not a lover of dogs he
refused to ship the hound.
To take him where the party was bound.
Mr. Sena did humbly implore the man
not giving up easily, he.
And offered the boatman an extra fee
to which he agreed quite readily.
Well by and by it came to pass
Mr. Sena became waylaid.
By a toll man who insisted
that the toll he owed be paid.
And in the confusion that followed that day
his servant not feeding the pup.
When Mr. Sena returned at last
was ready for his evening sup.
He knew the time for feeding the dog
was by hours long since past.
And wondered if any had fed the poor dog
of each person he did ask.
But no one there did raise their hand
and Mr. Sena feeling quite sad.
the most unhappy man in the whole land.
He then called out for the dog
knowing how he must hunger.
Ordering ten men to search high and low
as the sky began to thunder.
But none could find him on that night
though they tried with all their might.
Mr. Sena said he would not eat
and fasted all through the night.
In the morning they again looked all around
but the dog he couldn’t be found.
Mr. Sena feeling most anxious
when they couldn’t find the hound.
As the party drew closer on that day
in anticipation as they rounded each bend.
To meet with Krsna Caitanya their Lord
as they neared their journey’s end.
Well just imagine their pleasant surprise
as they met their Lord
like a balm for weary eyes.
To find the dog sitting near the Lord
on that most auspicious day.
The dog sitting up happy and alert
the Lord smiling in His own way.
And throwing the dog bits of food
the remnants from His very own tray.
The dog chanting the holy names
and eating bits of coconut pulp.
Swallowing each piece down whole
all in one great gulp.
Krsna! Krsna! He chanted with glee
following Caitanya’s order.
With Mr. Sena quite amazed
and most relieved to see.
The dog acting on that day
so transcendentally.
Happy he’d found his place at last
with a truly worthy master.
And bowed before the dog that day
in all humility.
Begging forgiveness for neglecting him
Liberated by Sri Caitanya.
Jai Sri Gaurahari!
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