Recently, we made an interesting discovery while doing some research on Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura\u2019s poem glorifying Harid\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura. The ninth stanza is well-known amongst the devotees and reads:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe reasons ill who tells that Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas die, when thou art living still in sound.
\nThe Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas die to live and living try to spread the holy name around.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is the way you will see the verse throughout the internet and printed in contemporary books also.<\/p>\n
The poem, consisting of 10 stanzas, was originally written in English by Bhaktivinoda in 1871 after he visited the sam\u0101dhi<\/em> of Harid\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura in Jagann\u0101tha Pur\u012b. In the version of the poem that we find today all over the internet, the last line of ninth stanza reads, \u201c\u2026to spread the holy name around.\u201d However, I thought I remembered that line being different. My recollection was that the original line was, \u201c\u2026to spread a holy life around.\u201d<\/p>\n Our research has proved my otherwise wretched memory to be correct. We found a 1929 edition of Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta\u2019s Harmonist<\/em> magazine, wherein the entire poem was printed and the last line of stanza 9 reads:<\/p>\n \u201cThe Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas die to live and living try to spread a holy life around.\u201d<\/p>\n The complete poem is given below.<\/p>\n Of course, one may think that to say, \u201c\u2026to spread the holy name around\u201d sounds better, but that raises the question, \u201cWho are we to change the words of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura?\u201d Keep in mind, this is not a matter of translation. Bhaktivinoda wrote the poem in English. It seems that the conditioned souls of this world are infected with the disease of \u2018change\u2019 \u2013 addicted to changing everything\u2014change, change, change!<\/p>\n In fact, in the present day, the disciples of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da who are in charge of the Bhaktived\u0101nta Book Trust (BBT) have made more than 7,000 changes to Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s original books. One may argue that those changes were simply to improve the language, but sadly, while trying to \u2018improve\u2019 Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s use of the English language, a significant number of those changes have philosophically altered the meaning of what \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da had originally written. Among other things, the siddh\u0101nta<\/em> has been changed to fit the narrative of \u2018society consciousness\u2019 rather than that of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness.<\/p>\n At present, devotees worldwide are very disturbed by the changes to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s original books and they have every right to be so. They are now fighting in the courts regarding the changes in Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s books. Unfortunately, they never stop to think how much this affair displeases \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da. It is shameful, it is an abomination!<\/p>\n Here is a quote from His Divine Grace regarding changes to the writings of the spiritual master:<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da:<\/strong> \u201cYou cannot make any changes in my spiritual master\u2019s book.\u201d<\/p>\n Govinda D\u0101s\u012b:<\/strong> What about the incorrect grammar?<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da:<\/strong> \u201cYou cannot change one comma, not even a comma, not even a punctuation mark. That is the etiquette! The etiquette, is called \u0101r\u1e63a prayoga<\/em>\u2026 which is\u2026whatever the guru has spoken, that is set in cement for eternity.<\/p>\n \u201d I am practically seeing that as soon as they, our students, begin to learn a little Sanskrit they immediately feel they have become more than their Guru.<\/p>\n \u201d Then the policy is kill their guru and become guru themselves.<\/p>\n \u2026\u201dAs soon as he learns Guru Mah\u0101r\u0101ja is DEAD, I am so advanced that I can kill guru and become guru, then he is finished.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n So let this be a warning to devotees everywhere. That which our Guardians have given us will deliver us from sa\u1e41s\u0101ra<\/em>, the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, we should not be over-intelligent and change their teachings, thinking that we know better. Such arrogance and pride should never arise in the heart of a pure devotee.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Original Poem of \u201c\u1e6ch\u0101kura Harid\u0101sa\u201d 1) Oh born of Moslem parents Haridas! 2) Is there a soul that cannot learn from thee 3) Thy love of God and brother soul alone 4) I weep to read that Kazis and their men 5) And God is boundless grace to thee, Oh man! 6) And He it was who led you all that came 7) Thy body rests upon the sacred sands 8) The waters roar and storming winds assail 9) He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die 10) Now let the candid man that seeks to live Book Changes Interview with Garuda Prabhu<\/p><\/h2><\/div>
\nby Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura<\/p>\n
\nAnd trained in youth in Moslem creed
\nThy noble heart to Vaishnava truth did pass
\nThy holy acts thy candor plead!<\/p>\n
\nThat man must give up sect for God
\nThat thoughts of race and sect can ne\u2019er agree
\nWith what they call Religion broad<\/p>\n
\nBereft thyself of early friends
\nThy softer feelings oft to kindness prone
\nLed on thyself for higher ends!<\/p>\n
\nOft persecuted thee, alas!?
\nBut thou didst nobly pray for th\u2019 wicked then!
\nFor thou wert Vaishnava Haridas!<\/p>\n
\nUnited thee to one who came
\nTo save the fallen souls from Evil\u2019s plan
\nOf taking human souls to shame<\/p>\n
\nFor life eternal, holy, pure!
\nAnd gave you rest in Heaven\u2019s endearing Name
\nAnd sacred blessings ever sure!<\/p>\n
\nOf Svargardvar near the sea,
\nOh, hundreds come to thee from distant lands
\nT\u2019 enjoy a holy, thrilling glee!<\/p>\n
\nThy ears in vain, ah, Vaishnava soul!
\nThe charms of Vrindavan thy heart regale,
\nUnknown the wheel of time doth roll!<\/p>\n
\nWhen thou art living still in sound
\nThe Vaishnavas die to live and living try
\nTo spread a holy life around!<\/p>\n
\nFollow thy way on shores of time
\nThen posterity sure to him will give
\nLike one song in simple rhyme!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>Related Articles<\/h2><\/div>
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Further Reading<\/h2><\/div>
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