Nisidina Barasata Naina Hamare

A Bhajan by Surdas

Introduction by Viju Kulkarni

During Sweet Surprise 2020, Gurumayi spoke about how the saints of India have written and sung about God and the Guru, describing their own experience of sadhanaand distilling the knowledge of the scriptures. One of these saints was Surdas. Surdas was blind since birth, yet he would have inner visions of Lord Krishna, including of Lord Krishna’s life as a child and as a protector of the cowherds in the village of Vrindavan.

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In many of his bhajans, Surdas expressed his yearning for union with God through the voice of the gopis, the milkmaids of Vrindavan. The devotion, or bhakti, of the gopis for Lord Krishna has been exalted throughout history. Surdas poignantly evokes the pain of their separation from their Beloved by describing the unending flow of their tears.

I have offered the amazing seva of singing Siddha Yoga music for over fifty years, and I have loved—and continue to love—every moment of it. When Gurumayi requested that I sing this bhajan by Surdas to assuage the grief and loss that many are going through in Australia and to support the long and arduous road to complete recovery, I felt that yes, I can do this; this is something I would want to do.

I recorded this bhajan in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, since this is where I am currently offering seva. The melody is in the beautiful Megh Malhar raga. One of the qualities of Megh Malhar is great happiness—the happiness with which people and nature greet the arrival of the rains after the scorching heat of summer.

My wish is that listening to this bhajan and reading the meaning of Surdas’ words will give you rāhat(राहत)—comfort and respite during these trying times.

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Om Saha Navavatu

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    One afternoon recently I listened to this bhajan, allowing it to go deep into my heart.
     
    That evening, when my husband and I were out walking, we noticed a baby bird—an Australian raven—squawking loudly. We stopped and he came over to us, seeming to need something. Realizing he was alone, we picked him up and brought him to the Animal Rescue service nearby, where they care for wildlife until they are ready to go back into the wild.
     
    We wondered whether the raven had been displaced from his home by bushfires. I cannot help but feel that the bhajan gave me the grace to be in the right place at the right time to notice and be vigilant enough to help this bird.

    Thornbury, Australia

    I feel so moved by Viju’s beautiful response to Gurumayi’s request to sing this bhajan in support of those suffering from the bushfires in Australia. The depth and power of Viju’s singing, the fruit of fifty years of offering music seva, touches a pool of calm and beauty inside me. I love the sweetness of the melody and the meaning of the words that link the gopis‘ tears with the monsoon rains. Every day, here in Australia, we still hear of ongoing fires. We also hear of rain and thunderstorms that are offering relief.

    Thank you, Gurumayi, for your request.

    Melbourne, Australia

    When I read the introduction and listened to this bhajan yesterday on Australia Day, I became very quiet. Afterwards I went to meditate in Baba Muktananda’s Samadhi Shrine in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, where I am a visiting sevite.
     
    Immediately, in meditation I saw Uluru, the massive red rock in the center of Australia, a deeply spiritual site. On top of the rock was Shiva in meditation, sitting in complete stillness. Waves of energy emanated from Shiva, reaching through Uluru deep into the earth and traveling in every direction until they reached every inch of our vast continent.
     
    I offer this experience, and the enormous love I felt from Baba, to every person in Australia, to the rivers, the unique wildlife, the stressed environment, and the creatures in the ocean surrounding the continent, for the sake of healing and support on the road to recovery.  

    Melbourne, Australia

    When I heard this exquisite, heart-touching bhajan, I felt my whole being brimming with love and devotion for Gurumayi. I could sense the longing of the gopis for Krishna after separating from him, and similarly felt intense longing to merge with my Guru.

    Sydney, Australia

    Listening to this bhajan while sitting quietly, I’ve visualized an auspicious confluence of two rivers: the one flowing from the gopis’ hearts and the other flowing from the Lord’s heart. And as they merged, nectar swirled around. Bathing in this nectar, I could feel the immortal love of the gopis for Lord Krishna. The feelings of deep yearning and devotion arose in my heart.

    Sydney, Australia

    I am delighted to read and listen to this beautiful bhajan by Surdas. I became familiar with this bhajan early in my life while growing up in India, particularly as it is composed in Hindi, my mother tongue. However, revisiting it this time provided me with an opportunity to open myself to its deeper meaning and to relate it to my sadhana
     
    I am touched by the feelings and images expressed in the words of the bhajan. Transcending the specifics of time and culture, the longing of the gopis and their loving prayers to their Lord connect me to my own longing to know God.
     
    I feel deeply grateful and so fortunate to have been given this connection.

    New York, United States

    As I was reading this lovely bhajan by Surdas, I immediately fell into a rhythm and melody and began not only reading, but singing along with it. I felt as if Gurumayi were singing this beautiful poem through me. (I hadn’t yet listened to Viju’s recording.) I love these words, expressing such longing and devotion.

    From my own experience, I know that no matter what has happened, no matter what separation I may be feeling, the light within has never wavered; it’s always been aflame. Gurumayi has shown me again and again—I am always one with Lord Krishna, with God.

    New Jersey, United States