Printing - Bhaktivedanta VedaBase 2003.1

Later on, when I suggested writing down the songs of Çréla Bhaktivinoda
Thäkura and Narottama däsa Öhäkura in English translations, His Divine
Grace said, "Yes, we must push on this mission of Bhaktivinoda." So here in
this book, which is the first of a series of translations of the complete works of
the Vaiñëava äcäryas in the line of succession coming after Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu, I have also included a short life sketch of Öhäkura Bhaktivinoda.
In the following volumes, the lives of Çréla Narottama däsa Öhäkura, Çréniväsa
Äcärya, and other Vaiñëava äcäryas will appear.
The songs in this book are mostly by Öhäkura Bhaktivinoda and Narottama
däsa Öhäkura. While they may sometimes make awkward English poetry, the
translations are accurate renderings of the originals. All these songs have
exquisite melodies, and cassette recordings are available to accompany the
book. It should be noted that these songs and verses are all explanations of
pure devotional service and that devotional service to Çré Kåñëa is obtained
only by the mercy of the spiritual master, which can be obtained by serving his
desires perfectly. These songs are not substitutes for the main and prime
benediction of the age of Kali, the congregational chanting of Hare Kåñëa,
Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma,
Hare Hare, which is of the utmost importance. They are verses which have
expanded from the mahä-mantra, and they are explanations of the
mahä-mantra. Thus, because they are expansions of the mahämantra, they are
nondifferent from it.
The songs of Çréla Narottama däsa and Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura are
nondifferent from the Vedic mantras. But, as stated by Çréla Prabhupäda in
The Nectar of Devotion, even if someone does not have initiation into the
Gäyatré mantra, the chanting of Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare
Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare is sufficient to enable
one to attain the highest perfection of spiritual life.
The verses of these songs are wonderful sources of knowledge for preachers
of Kåñëa consciousness. In each and every line there is so much philosophy
that one can preach from one line for hours. They are all so pregnant with
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