Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great spiritual teacher and devotee in the disciplic line of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, was the father of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada). Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote many devotional songs that reveal the mood in which one should approach the Supreme Lord. The following song, translated from the original Bengali, is entitled "Humility."

(1) O Lord, I forgot You and came to this material world, where I have experienced a host of pains and sorrows. Now I approach Your lotus feet and submit my tale of woe.

(2) While I was still bound up tightly in the unbearable confines of my mother's womb, O Lord, You once revealed Yourself before me. Appearing only briefly, You then abandoned this poor servant of Yours.

(3) At that moment I thought, "After my birth, I will worship You." But alas, after taking birth I fell into the entangling network of worldly illusion; thus I possessed not even a drop of true knowledge.

(4) As a dear son fondled in the laps of relatives, I passed my time smiling and laughing. The affection of my father and mother helped me forget You still more, and I began to think that the material world was a very nice place.

(5) Day by day I gradually grew into a young boy and began playing with other boys. Soon my powers of understanding emerged, so I diligently read and studied my school lessons every day.

(6) Proud of my accomplished education, later I traveled from place to place and earned much wealth. Thereby maintaining my family with undivided attention, I forgot You, O Lord Hari [Krsna]!

(7) Now in old age, this Bhaktivinoda very sadly weeps. I failed to worship You, O Lord, and instead passed my days in vain. What will be my fate now?


Translation by Dasaratha-suta Dasa