Sri Guru (Sri-Guru-vandana)

The song 'Sri Guru (Sri-Guru-vandana)' by Rasa is a heartfelt homage to the spiritual teacher, or Guru, who plays a pivotal role in guiding the devotee towards enlightenment and divine love. The lyrics are steeped in reverence and gratitude, emphasizing the Guru's essential role in the spiritual journey. The opening lines, 'sri-guru-carana-padma, kevala bhaktati-sadma,' highlight the Guru's feet as the abode of pure devotion, a metaphor for the foundation of spiritual practice. The devotee expresses a deep sense of respect and careful attention, acknowledging that it is through the Guru's grace that one can transcend the material world and attain Krishna.

The song continues to underscore the importance of the Guru's words, 'guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,' urging the devotee to internalize the teachings and abandon all other desires. This reflects the traditional belief in the transformative power of the Guru's guidance, which aligns the disciple's heart and mind with divine will. The Guru is depicted as the one who bestows the 'cakhu-dan,' or the gift of divine vision, making him a perpetual master across lifetimes. This divine knowledge dispels ignorance and fosters 'prema-bhakti,' or loving devotion, which is celebrated in the Vedas.

The final verses, 'sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu,' portray the Guru as an ocean of mercy and a friend to the fallen. The devotee's plea for the Guru's compassion and shelter underlines the deep emotional bond and dependence on the Guru's benevolence. The song concludes with a wish for the Guru's glory to spread across the three worlds, signifying the universal and timeless nature of the Guru's grace. Through its poetic and devotional language, 'Sri Guru (Sri-Guru-vandana)' encapsulates the essence of the Guru-disciple relationship, a cornerstone of many spiritual traditions.