(Glories of the Spiritual Master by Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura)
(1) samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(2) mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gita-
vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(3) shri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana- shringara-tan-mandira-marjanadau yuktasya bhaktamsh cha niyunjato 'pi vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(4) chatur-vidha-shri-bhagavat-prasada- svadv-anna-triptan hari-bhakta-sanghan
kritvaiva triptim bhajatah sadaiva vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(5) shri-radhika-madhavayor apara- madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam prati-kshanasvadana-lolupasya vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(6) nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai ya yalibhir yuktir apekshaniya tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(7) sakshad-dharitvena samasta-shastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(8) yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(9) srimad-guror ashtakam etad uccair
brahme muhurte pathati prayatnat yas tena vrindavana-natha-sakshat-
sevaiva labhya janusha 'nta eva
Translation
(1) The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
(2) Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(3) The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(4) The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(5) The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(6) The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna's conjugal loving affairs within the
groves of Vrindavana. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(7) The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Shri Hari [Krishna].
(8) By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my a spiritual master.
(9) That person who very attentively recites this ashtakam to Sri Gurudeva during the brahma muhurta is sure to achieve direct service to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, the very life and soul of Vrindavana (Vrindavana-natha), upon attaining his vastu-siddhi, or pure spiritual form.
Comments
srimate bhaktivedanta swamy iti namine
Namashte saraswate deve goira vani pracharine
Nirvisesh sunyavadi paschatya desa tarine