Radha Govind Geet – Part 2

Continuing with the opening couplets from ‘Radha Govind Geet’ – ‘Dainya Madhuri’, we shall progress further in our devotion by singing the personal glories of Shri Radha and Krishna.

Couplet 7 & 8

Jivan Jivan Govind Radhe
                                                                    Jivan Dhan Ghanshyam Hai Bata De

Jivan Jivan Govind Radhe
                                                                      Shyam, Shyam Jivan Shyama Bata De

Translation

Every human being cares and fears for his/her life. Even animals are very attached to their lives and constantly fight for survival. As humans, we are gifted with intelligence that is on a higher plane compared to animals. We are able to recognize that life is something beyond mundane material existence. This gift of life is nothing but the soul. It is the soul that makes this human body sentient and “alive”. Without it, the body would remain nothing but flesh and bones, completely inert.

Where did this life force or soul come from? The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayan, Bhagawat and the Bhagavad Gita proclaim that the soul is an eternal part of God. It was not created some day out of thin air. It is part of the Tatstha Shakti, a very important power or energy of God. As God is infinite, so are his powers. Hence, souls are also infinite and just a tiny fraction of that infinite energy is evident in each person.

The Bhagavad Gita clearly states that every soul, referred to as Jiv, is an eternal part of God. Shri Krishna declares that he is the governor of each and every soul. Without God’s energy flowing in our body, we would be reduced to naught.

Couplet 7 emphasizes and reiterates the same principle in a very beautiful way by saying that Ghanshyam, another name for Shri Krishna, is the biggest asset or treasure of our lives. He is the giver of life. For any human, the most important thing is life itself! There is no bigger treasure that one would like to safeguard than his/her own precious life. As life belongs to Shri Krishna, our greatest fortune is Shri Krishna himself.

This is the essence of this very simple but deeply introspective couplet.

The next couplet (No. 8), so poetically penned by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj extends this principle even further, revealing a great secret in a deeply philosophical way.

It says, “Shri Krishna’s (Shyam) life treasure is Shyama or Shri Radha!

Shyam chants the name of Shyama with every breath he takes. His life giving force comes from Shri Radha and there is no separation or distinction between them even for the tiniest of a fraction of a second! Shri Krishna’ greatest treasure is Shri Radha. His life itself is Shri Radha!

All glories to Shri Radha who showers her grace and mercy on souls. Shri Krishna’s grace flows on us only due to the grace of Shri Radha.

Couplet 9

Radhe Radhe Gaye Ja Govind Radhe
                                                                        Aansu Bahaye Ja Jag Ko Bhula De

Translation

How does a devotee increase his devotional feelings? What must he do everyday to stay in touch with his spiritual path and progress?

Shri Maharajji answers this question in just 2 lines most profoundly!

He says, “keep chanting the name Radhe Radhe with every breath and shed tears of longing and love.”

This is a fool-proof and the simplest formula for attaining God. What more, it is the quickest and easiest solution that anybody can follow, whatever his/her condition in life is!

Even if a person is badly injured physically or is in deep mental distress, that person can remember God in his mind. A person who is blind, deaf, dumb, mute or differently abled, he or she can definitely remember God and shed tears.

You don’t have to practice Yoga or any austerities to remember God and shed tears of separation. He is always ready to embrace you with an open heart, ready to shower his grace and fulfill the purpose of your existence if only you realize that he is your only solace and only goal.

In fact, the sacred scriptures clearly state that no amount of Yogic practice, austerities and other methods will lead to divine bliss. Yoga and meditation is essential to keep our body healthy so that we can remain fit to practice pure devotion or Bhakti. God is moved by a sincere and devoted heart.

This deep contemplation and realization within the mind will automatically lead to constant remembrance of God. Chanting the names and glories will hasten the process and it makes it easier.

Such is the power of love and tears that God comes running to his beloved devotee who sheds sincere tears of longing to be united with him for eternity.