Rare Bhajans Of The Gaudiya Vaisnava Tradition Song Book

Description

It is our good fortune to have the opportunity to dust off some largely unknown songs and mantras from the bhakti tradition, written or sung by the ācāryas of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava disciplic succession. Although some are more well-known than others, it is our humble and heartfelt desire to present this songbook in a simplified format, together with an audio recording. This compilation of rare devotional poetry is intended as a helpful guide alongside other existing Vaiṣṇava song guides. The bhajans of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas encapsulate the essence of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the rich mine of the precious gems of all conclusive truths. Presented herein are 14 waves or chapters consisting of 125 songs composed by 46 different Vaiṣṇava poets. Our intention is that the messages of these songs will be a daily guide and catalyst to facilitate your deep absorption in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. 

Following the process taught by the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, this book is formatted adhering to the method of approaching the Absolute Truth through the proper channels: first, praying for the mercy of Śrī Guru; next, approaching Nityānanda Prabhu, without whose mercy there is no hope of obtaining mercy from Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu; only then approaching the lotus feet of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Meditation on these verses gives proper shape to our chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Māhā Mantra, unlocking new depth and understanding in our relishment of nāma-bhajana, chanting the holy names of the Lord.

  The majority of the bhajans found in this compilation were originally written in Bengali, with English translations provided for each individual verse. Other languages include: Oriya, Sanskrit, Maithili or Brajabulī, & Vraja Bhāṣā.

A Glossary is included in Appendix 1, defining words and symbols which may be unfamiliar. Appendix 2 includes brief biographies and references for those authors or ācāryas who would not be considered ‘main ācāryas.’ Songs organized according to author are found in Appendix 3, and Appendix 4 includes an Index alphabetized by the first line of each song. 

Attempting to research the vast ocean of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava bhajans would be an overwhelming task. Thus, in an effort for historical preservation and siddhantic edification, this unique collection includes a select few songs and mantras of that tradition. Aiming to have this book be a feasible guide, we have sifted through the known bhajans and taken into consideration those which are already published in other contemporary song guides. That said, we extend this humble offering of rare and exceedingly sweet prayers of devotion. 

Owing only to the soft-hearted compassion and encouragement of the devotees, we have been inspired to present this work. It is with great reverence and sincere appreciation that we would like to thank each  merciful Vaiṣṇava who contributed to the publishing of this book. With great elation we offer our obeisances unto the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas; we are ever hopeful to serve them by sharing their beautiful songs and mantras with humanity at large. Aspiring for shelter at the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda, we humbly pray that these verses serve as a practical guide to facilitate your daily absorption in kṛṣṇa-bhakti-bhajan, life’s ultimate goal.                   

 -Yoga Pit Outreach Team