Ghazal
Shall I Ever Live Thus?
In this devotional poem, Tulsidas yearns to attain the tranquil and virtuous nature of a saint through the grace of Lord Rama. He aspires to lead a life of pure contentment, free of desire, while dedicating his thoughts, words, and actions entirely to the selfless service of others.
Source: Tulsi Granthavali, Part 2 (ed. Ramchandra Shukla, Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha) · HI
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1
कबहुँक हौं यहि रहनि रहौंगो ।
श्रीरघुनाथ-कृपालु-कृपा ते संत सुभाव गहौंगो ॥
Shall I ever come to live in such a sacred way? By the compassion of the gracious Lord Rama, shall I adopt the saintly nature one day?
Will I ever be able to live in such a detached and holy way? By the grace of the merciful Lord Rama, will I ever adopt the peaceful nature of a saint?
2
यथालाभ संतोष सदा काहू सों कछु न चहौंगो ।
परहित-निरत निरंतर मन क्रम बचन नेम निबहौंगो ॥
Ever content with whatever comes my way, seeking nothing from anyone; devoted ever to the good of others, in thought, word, and deed, this sacred vow I shall uphold.
I will always remain content with whatever I receive and desire nothing from anyone. In thought, word, and deed, I will steadfastly uphold the vow of constantly serving the good of others.
3
परुषबचन अतिदुसह स्रवन सुनि तेहि पावक न दहौंगो ।
बिगत मान, सम सीतल मन, पर-गुन, नहिं दोष कहौंगो ॥
Hearing harsh, unbearable words with my ears, I shall not burn in that fire; free from pride, with an equanimous, serene mind, I shall praise others' virtues and speak of no faults.
Hearing extremely unbearable and harsh words with my ears, I shall not burn in that fire of anger. Free from ego, with an equanimous and calm mind, I will only praise the virtues of others and never speak of their faults.
4
परिहरि देहजनित चिंता, दुख सुख समबुद्धि सहौंगो ।
तुलसिदास प्रभु यहि पथ रहि अबिचल हरिभक्ति लहौंगो॥
Forsaking bodily anxieties, I shall endure both joy and sorrow with an even mind; says Tulsidas, O Lord, treading this path, I shall attain unwavering devotion unto Hari.
Discarding all bodily anxieties, I will bear both happiness and sorrow with equanimity; Tulsidas says, O Lord, by walking this path, I shall attain steadfast devotion to Hari.
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