42.9: Bhanudas becomes an Ascetic

124. He returned to his home and there devoted himself entirely to the worship of Hari. He put aside all thought of whether he was being honoured or dishonoured He spent his life singing in kirtans the attributes of God.

125. He refused to enter anyone’s service. He would not let his mind be involved in the anxieties of worldly affairs. Though he had a wife and children, yet he acted with perfect indifference to worldly things.

126. It became his custom in the months of Ashadh (July) and Kartik (November) to lead bands of pilgrims to Pandhari. On the sands of its river he would perform kirtans accompanied by cymbals, drums and loud acclamations.

127. He would compose verses in different metres and would plead earnestly with the dark-complexioned One. His heart was full of intense love. In his kirtans his voice would choke with emotion.

128. When. Bhanudas stood up to perform his kirtans, tears of joy filled all eyes. And the Husband of Rukmini, seeing this love of theirs, would himself come there and dance.

129. Wicked men, evil-minded and the ignorant, even they as they listened became filled with love and would exclaim, ‘We could listen for ever to these enlightening kirtans sung by his lips.

130. How false indeed are the illusions of this worldly existence! How perishable are these bodies of ours!’ And as these listeners gained in knowledge they began to love all creatures.

131. Adopting the non-begging method of the ascetic life. Bhanudas accepted such food and clothing as were voluntarily offered to him. His own lips asked nothing of anyone.

132. The idea of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ had now no meaning to him. He realized the unity of all creatures. He had put aside all thought of differences.

133. Thus Bhanudas’ mind was characterized by utter indifference to worldly things. He spent his days and nights in the joy of his heart, in the worship of Shri Hari.

134. In the next chapter we shall listen to the story of the taking of the Saviour of the world by King Ramraja to Vidyanagar. The intelligent listener to this story will feel joy within his heart.

135. You saints and good people in this divine assembly, Mahipati stands in your presence with a handful of flowers, in the form of Marathi verses.

136. Swasti (Peace)! As the Lord of the earth listens to this book, the Shri Bhaktavijaya, He also will be pleased. Loving, devoted bhaktas, listen then to it. This is the forty-second delightful chapter; it is an offering to Shri Krishna.