Songs of Ramakrishna - 4

[Guest guest]

Let us go back once more, O mind, to our own abode!

Here in this foreign land of earth

Why should we wander aimlessly in stranger's guise?

These living beings round about, and the five elements,

Are strangers to you, all of them; none is your own.

Why do you thus forget yourself,

In love with strangers, O my mind?

Why do you thus forget your own?

 

Ascend the path of truth, O mind! Unflaggingly climb,

With Love as the lamp to light your way.

As your provision for the journey, bring with you

The virtues, carefully concealed; for, like two highwaymen,

Greed and delusion wait to rob you of your wealth.

And keep beside you constantly,

As guards to shelter you from harm,

Calmness of mind and self-control.

 

Companionship with holy men will be for you

A welcome rest-house by the road;

There rest your weary limbs awhile, asking your way,

If ever you should be in doubt, of him who watches there.

If anything along the path should frighten you,

Then loudly shout the name of the Lord;

For He is Ruler of that road,

And even Death must bow to Him.

 

 

(sung by Narendra at his first meeting with Sri Ramakrishna)