Kirtan Guide
Śrī Śikṣāṣṭakam
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The third verse of the Śrī Śikṣāṣṭakam is as follows:
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- tṛṇād api sunīchena
- taror iva sahiṣṇunā
- amāninā mānadena
- kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
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One who is humbler than a blade of grass, more forbearing than a tree who gives due honour to others without desiring it for himself is qualified to always chant the Holy Name of Krishna.
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1
- śrī-kṛṣṇa-kīrtane jodi mānasa tohāra
- parama jatane tā̐hi lobho adhikāra
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If your mind is always carefully absorbed in the chanting of the Holy Name, then you will become qualified for chanting the Holy Name of Krishna.
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2
- ṭṛṇādhika hīna, dīna, akiñchana chāra
- āpane mānobi sadā chāḍi’ ahaṅkāra
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Humbler than a blade of grass considering yourself low, poor, and meek, give up your false ego.
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3
- vṛkṣa-sama kṣamā-guṇa karabi sādhana
- pratihiṁsā tyaji anye karabi pālana
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Tolerant as a tree, you should forgive and forbear, giving up violence. Practice nurturing and protecting others.
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4
- jīvana-nirvāhe āne udvega nā dibe
- para-upakāre nija-sukha pāsaribe
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Live without causing anxiety to others; do good unto others without considering your own happiness.
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5
- hoile-o sarva-guṇe guṇī mahāśoya
- pratiṣṭhāśā chāḍi kara amānī hṛdoya
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A great soul who has all these qualities should not become proud of his saintly qualities, but, giving up position and prestige he should always remain prideless within his heart.
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6
- kṛṣṇa-adhiṣṭhān sarva-jīve jāni sadā
- karabi sammāna sobe ādare sarvadā
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Always knowing that Krishna dwells within the hearts of all living beings, you should always properly respect and honour others.
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7
- doinya, dayā, anye mān, pratiṣṭhā-varjan
- chāri guṇe guṇī hoi karaho kīrtan
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Humility, mercy, consideration of others, and giving up position are the four qualities needed to perform kīrtan.
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8
- bhakativinoda kā̐di bole prabhu-pāya
- heno adhikāra kobe dibe he āmāya
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Bhakti Vinod, crying at the Lord’s holy feet says, “O my Lord, when will You bestow upon me the qualifications for Krishna-kīrtan?”