Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
by Justin E. Abbott | 1933 | 306,590 words
This is the English translation of Bhaktavijaya which is a Marathi poem written by Mahipati in 40,000 lines. The text documents the legends of Indian saints from various backgrounds and extensively covers figures like Ekanath, Tukaram, and Ramadasa, highlighting their contributions to scholarship, philosophy, poetry, and social reform. The Bhaktavi...
44.1: Moral effects of the stories of the Saints
Obeisance to Shri Ganesh. Obeisance to the Slayer of the Kaliya.
1. Today among all the sense organs the tongue appears to be holy on account of good deeds performed by it. For in describing the good deeds and character of the bhaktas of Vishnu all sins flee away.
2. Bringing into one’s imagination the appearance of the saints the very eyes are purified. By merely listening to the saints, the ears are purified without any further strenuous effort.
3. By going to listen to the stories of the saints the feet become holy. And thus in resisting laziness, and sitting listening, the whole body becomes purified.
4. In making a namaskar to this book the hands become purified. Touching it with the head, egotism quickly leaves one.
5. Bowing to the stories of the saints, the thought of one’s self is lost, and the mind, coming to the state of quietness, enjoys peace.
6. Therefore fortunate hearers should hold in their hearts intense desire to listen.