Chant the Name

Chant the name of the Lord and His glory unceasingly 

That the mirror of the heart may be wiped clean

And quench that mighty forest fire, 

Worldly lust, raging furiously within.

Oh name, stream down in moonlight on the lotus heart,

Opening its cup to knowledge of thyself. 

Oh self, drown deep in the waves of His bliss,

Chanting His name continually,

Tasting His nectar at every step, 

Bathing in His name, that bath for weary souls.

Various are thy names, oh Lord,

In each and every name Thy power resides.

No times are set, no rites are needful, 

For chanting of thy name, so vast is Thy mercy.

How huge, then is my wretchedness, 

Who finds, in this empty life and heart, 

No devotion to Thy name!

Oh, my mind, be humbler than a blade of grass,

Be patient and forbearing like the tree, 

Take no honour to Thyself, give honour to all, 

Chant unceasingly the name of the Lord.

Oh, Lord and soul of the universe, 

Mine is no prayer for wealth or status, 

The playthings of lust or the toys of fame; 

For as many times as I may be reborn 

Grant me, oh Lord, a steadfast love for Thee.

A drowning man in this world’s fearful ocean 

Is Thy servant, oh sweet One.

In Thy mercy consider him as dust beneath Thy feet.

Ah, how I long for the day 

When an instant’s separation from Thee, oh Govinda, 

Will be as a thousand years, 

When my heart burns away with its desire 

And the world, without Thee, is a heartless void.

Prostrate at Thy feet let me be, in unwavering devotion, 

Neither imploring the embrace of Thine arms

Nor bewailing the withdrawal of Thy presence 

Though it tears my soul asunder.

Oh Thou, who stealest the hearts of Thy devotees,

Do with me what Thou wilt

For Thou art my heart’s beloved,

Thou and Thou alone.