Sri Sri Gurv-astaka

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Sri Sri Gurv-astaka Eight Prayers to

the Guru by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura

 

Sri Sri Gurv-astaka

 

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, who appeared in the middle of the

seventeenth century, is a great spiritual master in the Krsna conscious chain

of gurus and disciples. He says, "One who, with great care and attention,

loudly recites this beautiful prayer to the spiritual master during the

brahma-muhurta obtains direct service to Krsna, the Lord of Vrndavana, at the

time of his death."

 

(1)

 

samsara-davanala-lidha-loka- tranaya

karunya-ghanaghanatvam praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

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)

 

mahaprabhoh kirtana-nrtya-gita-

vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena romanca-kampasru-taranga-bhajo

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical

instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana

movement of Lord Caitanya 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)

 

sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana-

srngara-tan-mandira-marjanadau yuktasya bhaktams ca niyunjato

'pi vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Radha

and Krsna. 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)

 

catur-vidha-sri-bhagavat-prasada- svadv-anna-trptan

hari-bhakta-sanghan krtvaiva trptim bhajatah sadaiva

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

The spiritual master is always offering Krsna 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 ist satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the

lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

 

(5)

 

sri-radhika-madhavayor apara- madhurya-lila

guna-rupa-namnam prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

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)

 

nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai ya yalibhir

yuktir apeksaniya tatrati-daksyad ati-vallabhasya

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

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 Krsna's conjugal loving affairs within the groves of

Vrndavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a

spiritual master.

 

(7)

 

saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair uktas tatha

bhavyata eva sadbhih kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

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

respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a

bona fide representative of Sri Hari [Krsna].

 

(8)

 

yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan

na gatih kuto 'pi dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam

vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

 

By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krsna.

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 spiritual master.