SURDAS MADANMOHAN
AS ROYAL OFFICIAL
43, Hearers, listen to another story. The story of Surdas Madanmohan is an extremely purifying one.
Listen to this delightful story with its deep meaning.
44. King Akbar was ruling in Hastinapur ( Delhi }, and Surdas was an official under him. The king soon appointed him to be an official in the distriot of Matburs.
45. It was here at Mathura, Gokul and Yrindavan, ancient sacred cities, that Shri Krishna, becoming an avatar, manifested all His lila (voluntary deeds).
46. Therefore many Vaishnava bhaktas, holy men, and many Vdragis ( ascetics ) live here. Although engaged in worldly affairs they are indifferent to worldly things and devote themselves to worship.
47. When giving garments and food to Vaishnavas, the Life of the world feels that He Himself has been supplied. Just as when the wishes of one about to be a mother are carried out, the
child>to be bornfeels satisfied;
48. and as a father rejoices, when he hears of the success of his son ; so Krishna feels the same happiness when anyone reverences his bhaktas ;
49. or as when water is lovingly given to the roots of a tree, all the branches are refreshed ; so the Lord of Vaikunth rejoices when His bhaktas are reverenced in love,
50. or as a mother feels great pride when she adorns her infant child with ornamant ; so Krishna rejoices at the constant rever-ence for Vaishnavas.
51. With this idea in his mind Surdas began to serve the Vaishnavas; he used to prepare dainty
foods and lovingly feed the saints.
52. He used to fill carts with sweetmeats and milk-cakes, and send them to the saints.
53. In thus spending his money for worthy objects the Husband of Rukmini was greatly pleased. He said to Himself, * Although Surdas is engaged in worldly business, still he lovingly worships My bhaktas.'
SPENDS ALL MONEY IN CHARITY
54. Possessing this feeling towards the Vaishnavas he spent on them all the money he possessed. That threw the mind of Surdas into an ocean of anxiety.
55. He exclaimed, ' Now my own money has been spent. And my service of the saints will fall short. And if I do not provide dainty food for the Vaishnavas, then what is the use of my living this earthly life ?'
56. Then he thought to himself, ' I am in charge of the king's revenue. I can spend that with a
solemn purpose and feed the saints
MISAPPROPRIATION
57. Although the king may become angry with me, he may even put me to death, still this earthly life of mine will have served its purpose.' He therefore decided definitely to do so.
58. For He said, ' Although I should give away my life, it would be in the service of Vaishnavas, and it would at once remove the terribly hard diseases of this earthly life.'
59. Thus thinking he broke into the treasury containing the money of the King. He had the noble idea of at once being of service to the Vaishnavas.
60. He had all kinds of dainty food prepared and began to feed the saints. He supplied the needs of the saints in Mathura, Gokul and Vrindavan.
61. After making an offering to God of garments and ornaments, he gave them to the saints. He built many free lodging-houses and gave them to all.
63. Thus he gave away more than eight million and ten thousand rupees on this occasion. His assistant was an evil man and seeing what Surdas did he became very angry.
ACCUSED OF MISAPPROPRIATION
63. He went to Hastinapur and told tho facts to the king. He said, 'You have appointed Surdas Madanmohan over the district of Mathura.
64. He has spent all your money in a wrong way. ' When King Akbar heard this he became
very angry;
65. just as when melted butter falls into a sacrificial fire, the ignorant say it has been wasted in vain;
or as when one gives water to the tuisi plant, fools think of it as a waste ;
66. or as when one has given food to one who asks for it, misers feel as though they had been
robbed; or when yogis wander from bathing place to bathing place, those who live for enjoyment regard it as a orazy act;
67. or when Brahmans continually read the Pataman [in the Sig Veda], the Muhammadans think that
they are merely babbling ; or when one lovingly reverences the saints, revilers think it a foolish thing to do ;
68, so ^ hen Surdas spent money for the Vaishnavas, his evil- minded assistant thought that it was spent in vain. So when the king was told of what Surdas had done, his heart was convulsed with anger.
SUMMONED BEFORE THE KING
69. The king then sent his officers to go and call Surdas. He said to them, ' Tell Surdas to bring here at once all the money belonging to the district of Mathura. '
70. Having written such a letter he sent it by the hands of his messengers. He said to them, ' You must ask of him eight million and ten thousand rupees.*
71. The messengers of the king suddenly appeared at the house of Surdas. They surrounded his house and spoke with great anger.
72. They said, ' Two years have now passed, yet you have not given account. Akbar is therefore angry, and has called you to his presence.
73. Take all the money that has been entrusted to you from the district in your charge. If you do not bring all the money, we shall bind you and take you in accordance with the king's command.*
74. Surdas said in reply, ' The king has become angry needlessly. Out of the money I have purchased priceless jewels.
75. I think if -these jewels are shown to the king, he will be satisfied. When an expert examines their value it will come to twice the value of the money. *
SURDAS' LETTER TO AKBAR
76. Saying this to them, Surdas went into his private apartment and by the hand of his wife brought out two boxes.
77. He filled them with crystals and wrote a letter to the king. He said, ' It is true, O king, that I
have spent all the money for sadhtis and saints.
78. I have spent in worthy objects more than eight million and ten thousand rupees, and Surdas absconded at midnight. ' Such were the contents of the letter.
79. He put the letter into one of the boxes and carefully locked them and placed his stamp upon them with his name.
80. He brought out the boxes and gave them to the messengers of the king who were sitting at the door. He said to them, ' I have purchased priceless things and kept them in my house-
81. It was already in my mind to come at once to see the king. ' Hearing Surdas say this, the messengers were leased.
82. They said, ' You are a wise man, and exceed-ingly alert for the work of your master. This being so, the king has certainly become angry with you neeedlessly."
83. Surdas had dainty food of various kinds prepared and fed these messengers. He gave garments and ornaments to all and made them delighted.
84. He caused them to lie down and sleep and then at midnight he ran away and went into the jungle, lovingly to worship God.
SURDAS AS VAGABOND
85. When the whole night had passed and the sun arose, the messengers of the king arose and looked for Surdas.
86. They did not find him in his house. They hunted for him in the town with great earnestness and they hunted for him in the region around the town and in the jungle.
87. They said to themselves, 'From fear of the king, Surdas must have run away and is wandering to sacred bathing-places. When the king hears of this he will punish us.'
88. Having this fear in their minds, they sought ways of comforting themselves. They said, ' Surdas filled these two boxes with jewels and has placed them with us.
89. When we show these boxes to the king, he will never be angry with us.* Saying this they started on their way to Hastinapur (Delhi).
90. They told Akbar their story and taking out the boxes they gave them to the king,
91. They said to him, 'Listen to our words, O king. Surdas is a supremely clever man. He had already put aside priceless jewels in his house.
92. But believing the complaint of the evil-minded assistant, you hastened in your demand of money. He was free of any fear and intended to come and see you.
93. But when we went and sat close to the door fear arose in his mind. After showing us the jewel-
box he finally ran away.'
94. Hearing these words of the messengers, Akbar became much astonished. Then calling
his minister Birbal, he told him all the news.
95. He took the boxes and unlocking them looked inside. He looked for jewels but found merely crystals. The messengers then began to tremble violently from fear.
96. Just then they discovered inside it the letter. As it was read, all the people listened. The king with respect and with love listened to it.
97. He said, ' Surdas has spent the sum of eight million and ten thousand rupees for sadhas and saints. But feeling fear in his mind at midnight he ran away.'
THE BACKBITER PUNISHED
98. As the king read the letter he was very much astonished. He called the slanderer to him and said, 'You have spoken an untruth.
99. Surdas has spent this money in worthy causes. You told us that he had wasted it. I see now that you are a hater of Vaishnavas- I must punish you.'
100. After punishing him, Akbar read the letter. He recognized the handwriting of Surdas,
101. Tears filled his eyes. He spoke kindly of Surdas to his ministers: ' Although I were to hunt through the three worlds, I should not find a servant as faithful as Surdas.
102. Though I have been intoxicated by my| royal position, he has caused me to seek for the supreme spiritual riches. So- give him an assurance not to be afraid, and go and bring him here.
103. Send letters from district to district to bring Surdas here quickly.' Hearing this command of
the king every one felt great joy.
104. They sent letters to the officials in the Western districts immediately saying that if they should see Surdas they should send him at once to meet the king,
105. 'Fearing me, he has started to wander with penitence to saered bathing-places. If any-
one should suddenly see him, give him an assurance not to f«ar and send him here.'
RETURN OF SUBDAS
106. The writing and sending of letters spread the news from district to district. Surdas was at that time at Mathora and there heard of the king's order.
107. He was astonished. He said, 'Mercy has arisen in the mind of the king. I do not understand the doings of Ood. the merciful Shri Krishna.
108. The Perrader of the universe, Shri Hari, is in the hearts .of every one. It is through this mercy that the king is now pleased in his.heart'
109. With his mind comforted, be went at onoe to Hastinapur ( Delhi ). The moment he was in the
presence of the king he received great honour.
110. King Akbar arose and gave Surdas an embrace. He said to him, ' If I should hunt through all the three worlds, I could not find a servant such as you.
111. I did net know that you had spent my money in such worthy objects. I persecuted you because of the report of the evil-minded one.
112. Now be free from fear and continue with your former authority. ' The King having said ^,his to him, Surdas replied,
113. ' Listen, O king. I have put aside all desires for earthly things. Why put me again into the
snare of these worldly things ? '
114. A^bar replied, ' I see that you have become virakta ( a Vcdragi, one indifferent to earthly things-). You have cast aside all illusory thoughts.
115. Still carry on your former authority and spend the money for the saints. I see no one,
apart from you, wise enough to be of service to the Vaishnavas.
116. On your own authority spend eight million and ten thousand rupees and feed the Vaishnaoa
bhaktat in the sacred district of Matbura.
117. Feeling repentant in your heart;, you decided to abandon the service of the king. But according to my command, receive ray authority to be of service to the saints. '
118. Listening to these humble words of the king, Surdas thought over the matter in his heart. ' If I can attain the supreme spiritual riches while still engaged in worldly things, I should not turn away from doing so. *
119, Then he said to the king, ' Your command is my authority. Give me the work of serving the saints. ' King Akbar honouring him gave him a written permission.
120. Surdas Madan- mohan then returned to the sacred city of Mathura and there^gave many forms of delicious food to the saints.
121. Formerly he feared that the king would be angry with him, but by Shri Hari's favour, that fear was no more there. His joy could not be contained in his heart.
122. Holding his love for the service of the saints, he brought often into his imagination the idol of Krishna. Day and night he would repeat God's name and lovingly describe His good deeds.
123. He composed and sang with his own lips many songs. By these Surdas pleaded with the Husband of Eukmini, with feelings of great reverence for Him.
WORDS WITHOUT ACTIONS WORTHLESS
124. One day when performing a kirtan, he was praising the saints and in the joy of love composed a poem. Listen what he said.
125. ' Surdas is the holder of the shoes of the saints. It is so written in the abhangs. ' Hearing him say this the noble Vaishnavas felt great surprise,
126. One said, ' It is an untrue' statement which Surdas has written in his poetic composition, for if it is not seen by men in his actions, then what is the good of his describing it in words?
127. If a cloud does not rain down upon the earth, then the sky-thunder is in vain. When there is no life in the body, it is the Lingayats who adorn the corpse.
128. As if one should sit in the bazaar to sell musk which has no fragrance; so of vrhak use is
poetic ability without action ?
129. Patting on different disguises an actor acts, but because his action is not real,
his colour does not remain.
130. If one has made a picture of the sun, he cannot give it light So this poetic
composition of Surdas* seems to us.'
131. The three kinds of people variously put blame upon him. Some were pious and wise and they were well satisfied.
132. Those given to talk and of curious minds said, 'This poetry is merely modern. His composition is useless as it k not realised in his action.
133. Even if a coin is new, a fool rejects it. So without good reason some blame modern poetry.
134. After many days have passed, however, people will accept it. Maya has given a wrong idea to men.
135. Last season was a good one for crops, but this season is one of famine. A dead man is fortunate. ' These are common sayings.
136. When a wise man is before them, the ignorant call him a fool. After he has died, they loudly praise him.
137. First there is a mistake, and then the remembrance of it. That is the custom of man. But wise men understand it from experience.
SURDAS PASSES HIS TEST
13S. Well, it is needless to speak any more of this. God's Maya is irresistible and puts men into the snare of wrong ideas, or sinks them into the mire of doubt.
139. The bhakta and noble Vaishnava Surdas continued constantly in the service of the saints. Those who reviled his poetry did so without proper thought.
140. They said, 'He possesses no action, and he is speaking in a hypocritical way.' As Surdas was going one day to see and worship God, a bairagi (ascetic) approached him,
141. He said to himself, 'I want to test Surdas and see how his poetic statement is true.' So thinking to himself he spoke to Surdas. Listen to what he said.
142. He said to Surdas, *I am hurrying to see and worship at the temple. Keep my shoes
in your hand and for the mcxnent take good oare of them.'
143. Hearing what the bairagi said, Surdas was quite pleased. He said, ' For many days that wa^ the purpose which I was holding in my mind.
144. That Itinging in my heart has come to good fruitage. I haye lost my mental perplexities.' He then descended at onoa from his palanquin.
145. He asked the man for the shoes, and took them in his hand. He then stood by the great door
of the temple and folding the shoes in his garment held them close to his heart in his love.
146. Giving command to his servants he sent the palanquin home. Seeing the devo-
tion of Surdas, the bairagi was astonished.
147. Then hasten-ing to the great door of the temple, he thought to himself,' I will delay here and I shall then have a good chance to see whether Surdas' mind will be troubled thereby.' .
148. So going into the assembly hall be then sat down singing the praise of Hari, remaining there from early morning till the setting of the sun.
149. After two hours of the night had passed the bairagi came outside to look for Surdas.
There Surdas stood holding his shoes.
KRISHNA'S MANIFESTATION TO SUBDAS
150. Seeing the bairagi, Surdas was greatly pleased. Then springing forward he took the shoes and held them close to his feet.
151. He placed his hand on Surdas' head and said, ' You are a devoted noble VaishTtava. In order to
test your mind, I made this long delay.
152. Yon speak of yourself as a servant of the saints. And you do as you say. Ccxning here with this idea in my mind I have test- ed you.
153. In calling yourself the holder of the shoes dl the sainte you have spoken the truth.' Hearing him say this the heart of Surdas melted.
154. Then feeling repent-ance in his mind he had himself robbed of all he powess-
ed, and free fr<Hn all things he then gave himself up to the worship of God with love.
155. He gave great service to the saints and thereby the Husband of Rukmini was pleased, so that He gave to Surdas a visible manifestation of Himself.
156. In these stories are described one greater than the other supremely pious Vaishnava bkaktas. In the next chapter there is a most delightful and unusual ^ry, which if listened to will give happiness to the hearers.
157. The Husband of Bukmini, Dweller upon the banks of the Bhima, is causing me to relate the stories in the form of this book. It is by His favour that Mahipati is relating them to the hearers.
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AS ROYAL OFFICIAL
43, Hearers, listen to another story. The story of Surdas Madanmohan is an extremely purifying one.
Listen to this delightful story with its deep meaning.
44. King Akbar was ruling in Hastinapur ( Delhi }, and Surdas was an official under him. The king soon appointed him to be an official in the distriot of Matburs.
45. It was here at Mathura, Gokul and Yrindavan, ancient sacred cities, that Shri Krishna, becoming an avatar, manifested all His lila (voluntary deeds).
46. Therefore many Vaishnava bhaktas, holy men, and many Vdragis ( ascetics ) live here. Although engaged in worldly affairs they are indifferent to worldly things and devote themselves to worship.
47. When giving garments and food to Vaishnavas, the Life of the world feels that He Himself has been supplied. Just as when the wishes of one about to be a mother are carried out, the
child>to be bornfeels satisfied;
48. and as a father rejoices, when he hears of the success of his son ; so Krishna feels the same happiness when anyone reverences his bhaktas ;
49. or as when water is lovingly given to the roots of a tree, all the branches are refreshed ; so the Lord of Vaikunth rejoices when His bhaktas are reverenced in love,
50. or as a mother feels great pride when she adorns her infant child with ornamant ; so Krishna rejoices at the constant rever-ence for Vaishnavas.
51. With this idea in his mind Surdas began to serve the Vaishnavas; he used to prepare dainty
foods and lovingly feed the saints.
52. He used to fill carts with sweetmeats and milk-cakes, and send them to the saints.
53. In thus spending his money for worthy objects the Husband of Rukmini was greatly pleased. He said to Himself, * Although Surdas is engaged in worldly business, still he lovingly worships My bhaktas.'
SPENDS ALL MONEY IN CHARITY
54. Possessing this feeling towards the Vaishnavas he spent on them all the money he possessed. That threw the mind of Surdas into an ocean of anxiety.
55. He exclaimed, ' Now my own money has been spent. And my service of the saints will fall short. And if I do not provide dainty food for the Vaishnavas, then what is the use of my living this earthly life ?'
56. Then he thought to himself, ' I am in charge of the king's revenue. I can spend that with a
solemn purpose and feed the saints
MISAPPROPRIATION
57. Although the king may become angry with me, he may even put me to death, still this earthly life of mine will have served its purpose.' He therefore decided definitely to do so.
58. For He said, ' Although I should give away my life, it would be in the service of Vaishnavas, and it would at once remove the terribly hard diseases of this earthly life.'
59. Thus thinking he broke into the treasury containing the money of the King. He had the noble idea of at once being of service to the Vaishnavas.
60. He had all kinds of dainty food prepared and began to feed the saints. He supplied the needs of the saints in Mathura, Gokul and Vrindavan.
61. After making an offering to God of garments and ornaments, he gave them to the saints. He built many free lodging-houses and gave them to all.
63. Thus he gave away more than eight million and ten thousand rupees on this occasion. His assistant was an evil man and seeing what Surdas did he became very angry.
ACCUSED OF MISAPPROPRIATION
63. He went to Hastinapur and told tho facts to the king. He said, 'You have appointed Surdas Madanmohan over the district of Mathura.
64. He has spent all your money in a wrong way. ' When King Akbar heard this he became
very angry;
65. just as when melted butter falls into a sacrificial fire, the ignorant say it has been wasted in vain;
or as when one gives water to the tuisi plant, fools think of it as a waste ;
66. or as when one has given food to one who asks for it, misers feel as though they had been
robbed; or when yogis wander from bathing place to bathing place, those who live for enjoyment regard it as a orazy act;
67. or when Brahmans continually read the Pataman [in the Sig Veda], the Muhammadans think that
they are merely babbling ; or when one lovingly reverences the saints, revilers think it a foolish thing to do ;
68, so ^ hen Surdas spent money for the Vaishnavas, his evil- minded assistant thought that it was spent in vain. So when the king was told of what Surdas had done, his heart was convulsed with anger.
SUMMONED BEFORE THE KING
69. The king then sent his officers to go and call Surdas. He said to them, ' Tell Surdas to bring here at once all the money belonging to the district of Mathura. '
70. Having written such a letter he sent it by the hands of his messengers. He said to them, ' You must ask of him eight million and ten thousand rupees.*
71. The messengers of the king suddenly appeared at the house of Surdas. They surrounded his house and spoke with great anger.
72. They said, ' Two years have now passed, yet you have not given account. Akbar is therefore angry, and has called you to his presence.
73. Take all the money that has been entrusted to you from the district in your charge. If you do not bring all the money, we shall bind you and take you in accordance with the king's command.*
74. Surdas said in reply, ' The king has become angry needlessly. Out of the money I have purchased priceless jewels.
75. I think if -these jewels are shown to the king, he will be satisfied. When an expert examines their value it will come to twice the value of the money. *
SURDAS' LETTER TO AKBAR
76. Saying this to them, Surdas went into his private apartment and by the hand of his wife brought out two boxes.
77. He filled them with crystals and wrote a letter to the king. He said, ' It is true, O king, that I
have spent all the money for sadhtis and saints.
78. I have spent in worthy objects more than eight million and ten thousand rupees, and Surdas absconded at midnight. ' Such were the contents of the letter.
79. He put the letter into one of the boxes and carefully locked them and placed his stamp upon them with his name.
80. He brought out the boxes and gave them to the messengers of the king who were sitting at the door. He said to them, ' I have purchased priceless things and kept them in my house-
81. It was already in my mind to come at once to see the king. ' Hearing Surdas say this, the messengers were leased.
82. They said, ' You are a wise man, and exceed-ingly alert for the work of your master. This being so, the king has certainly become angry with you neeedlessly."
83. Surdas had dainty food of various kinds prepared and fed these messengers. He gave garments and ornaments to all and made them delighted.
84. He caused them to lie down and sleep and then at midnight he ran away and went into the jungle, lovingly to worship God.
SURDAS AS VAGABOND
85. When the whole night had passed and the sun arose, the messengers of the king arose and looked for Surdas.
86. They did not find him in his house. They hunted for him in the town with great earnestness and they hunted for him in the region around the town and in the jungle.
87. They said to themselves, 'From fear of the king, Surdas must have run away and is wandering to sacred bathing-places. When the king hears of this he will punish us.'
88. Having this fear in their minds, they sought ways of comforting themselves. They said, ' Surdas filled these two boxes with jewels and has placed them with us.
89. When we show these boxes to the king, he will never be angry with us.* Saying this they started on their way to Hastinapur (Delhi).
90. They told Akbar their story and taking out the boxes they gave them to the king,
91. They said to him, 'Listen to our words, O king. Surdas is a supremely clever man. He had already put aside priceless jewels in his house.
92. But believing the complaint of the evil-minded assistant, you hastened in your demand of money. He was free of any fear and intended to come and see you.
93. But when we went and sat close to the door fear arose in his mind. After showing us the jewel-
box he finally ran away.'
94. Hearing these words of the messengers, Akbar became much astonished. Then calling
his minister Birbal, he told him all the news.
95. He took the boxes and unlocking them looked inside. He looked for jewels but found merely crystals. The messengers then began to tremble violently from fear.
96. Just then they discovered inside it the letter. As it was read, all the people listened. The king with respect and with love listened to it.
97. He said, ' Surdas has spent the sum of eight million and ten thousand rupees for sadhas and saints. But feeling fear in his mind at midnight he ran away.'
THE BACKBITER PUNISHED
98. As the king read the letter he was very much astonished. He called the slanderer to him and said, 'You have spoken an untruth.
99. Surdas has spent this money in worthy causes. You told us that he had wasted it. I see now that you are a hater of Vaishnavas- I must punish you.'
100. After punishing him, Akbar read the letter. He recognized the handwriting of Surdas,
101. Tears filled his eyes. He spoke kindly of Surdas to his ministers: ' Although I were to hunt through the three worlds, I should not find a servant as faithful as Surdas.
102. Though I have been intoxicated by my| royal position, he has caused me to seek for the supreme spiritual riches. So- give him an assurance not to be afraid, and go and bring him here.
103. Send letters from district to district to bring Surdas here quickly.' Hearing this command of
the king every one felt great joy.
104. They sent letters to the officials in the Western districts immediately saying that if they should see Surdas they should send him at once to meet the king,
105. 'Fearing me, he has started to wander with penitence to saered bathing-places. If any-
one should suddenly see him, give him an assurance not to f«ar and send him here.'
RETURN OF SUBDAS
106. The writing and sending of letters spread the news from district to district. Surdas was at that time at Mathora and there heard of the king's order.
107. He was astonished. He said, 'Mercy has arisen in the mind of the king. I do not understand the doings of Ood. the merciful Shri Krishna.
108. The Perrader of the universe, Shri Hari, is in the hearts .of every one. It is through this mercy that the king is now pleased in his.heart'
109. With his mind comforted, be went at onoe to Hastinapur ( Delhi ). The moment he was in the
presence of the king he received great honour.
110. King Akbar arose and gave Surdas an embrace. He said to him, ' If I should hunt through all the three worlds, I could not find a servant such as you.
111. I did net know that you had spent my money in such worthy objects. I persecuted you because of the report of the evil-minded one.
112. Now be free from fear and continue with your former authority. ' The King having said ^,his to him, Surdas replied,
113. ' Listen, O king. I have put aside all desires for earthly things. Why put me again into the
snare of these worldly things ? '
114. A^bar replied, ' I see that you have become virakta ( a Vcdragi, one indifferent to earthly things-). You have cast aside all illusory thoughts.
115. Still carry on your former authority and spend the money for the saints. I see no one,
apart from you, wise enough to be of service to the Vaishnavas.
116. On your own authority spend eight million and ten thousand rupees and feed the Vaishnaoa
bhaktat in the sacred district of Matbura.
117. Feeling repentant in your heart;, you decided to abandon the service of the king. But according to my command, receive ray authority to be of service to the saints. '
118. Listening to these humble words of the king, Surdas thought over the matter in his heart. ' If I can attain the supreme spiritual riches while still engaged in worldly things, I should not turn away from doing so. *
119, Then he said to the king, ' Your command is my authority. Give me the work of serving the saints. ' King Akbar honouring him gave him a written permission.
120. Surdas Madan- mohan then returned to the sacred city of Mathura and there^gave many forms of delicious food to the saints.
121. Formerly he feared that the king would be angry with him, but by Shri Hari's favour, that fear was no more there. His joy could not be contained in his heart.
122. Holding his love for the service of the saints, he brought often into his imagination the idol of Krishna. Day and night he would repeat God's name and lovingly describe His good deeds.
123. He composed and sang with his own lips many songs. By these Surdas pleaded with the Husband of Eukmini, with feelings of great reverence for Him.
WORDS WITHOUT ACTIONS WORTHLESS
124. One day when performing a kirtan, he was praising the saints and in the joy of love composed a poem. Listen what he said.
125. ' Surdas is the holder of the shoes of the saints. It is so written in the abhangs. ' Hearing him say this the noble Vaishnavas felt great surprise,
126. One said, ' It is an untrue' statement which Surdas has written in his poetic composition, for if it is not seen by men in his actions, then what is the good of his describing it in words?
127. If a cloud does not rain down upon the earth, then the sky-thunder is in vain. When there is no life in the body, it is the Lingayats who adorn the corpse.
128. As if one should sit in the bazaar to sell musk which has no fragrance; so of vrhak use is
poetic ability without action ?
129. Patting on different disguises an actor acts, but because his action is not real,
his colour does not remain.
130. If one has made a picture of the sun, he cannot give it light So this poetic
composition of Surdas* seems to us.'
131. The three kinds of people variously put blame upon him. Some were pious and wise and they were well satisfied.
132. Those given to talk and of curious minds said, 'This poetry is merely modern. His composition is useless as it k not realised in his action.
133. Even if a coin is new, a fool rejects it. So without good reason some blame modern poetry.
134. After many days have passed, however, people will accept it. Maya has given a wrong idea to men.
135. Last season was a good one for crops, but this season is one of famine. A dead man is fortunate. ' These are common sayings.
136. When a wise man is before them, the ignorant call him a fool. After he has died, they loudly praise him.
137. First there is a mistake, and then the remembrance of it. That is the custom of man. But wise men understand it from experience.
SURDAS PASSES HIS TEST
13S. Well, it is needless to speak any more of this. God's Maya is irresistible and puts men into the snare of wrong ideas, or sinks them into the mire of doubt.
139. The bhakta and noble Vaishnava Surdas continued constantly in the service of the saints. Those who reviled his poetry did so without proper thought.
140. They said, 'He possesses no action, and he is speaking in a hypocritical way.' As Surdas was going one day to see and worship God, a bairagi (ascetic) approached him,
141. He said to himself, 'I want to test Surdas and see how his poetic statement is true.' So thinking to himself he spoke to Surdas. Listen to what he said.
142. He said to Surdas, *I am hurrying to see and worship at the temple. Keep my shoes
in your hand and for the mcxnent take good oare of them.'
143. Hearing what the bairagi said, Surdas was quite pleased. He said, ' For many days that wa^ the purpose which I was holding in my mind.
144. That Itinging in my heart has come to good fruitage. I haye lost my mental perplexities.' He then descended at onoa from his palanquin.
145. He asked the man for the shoes, and took them in his hand. He then stood by the great door
of the temple and folding the shoes in his garment held them close to his heart in his love.
146. Giving command to his servants he sent the palanquin home. Seeing the devo-
tion of Surdas, the bairagi was astonished.
147. Then hasten-ing to the great door of the temple, he thought to himself,' I will delay here and I shall then have a good chance to see whether Surdas' mind will be troubled thereby.' .
148. So going into the assembly hall be then sat down singing the praise of Hari, remaining there from early morning till the setting of the sun.
149. After two hours of the night had passed the bairagi came outside to look for Surdas.
There Surdas stood holding his shoes.
KRISHNA'S MANIFESTATION TO SUBDAS
150. Seeing the bairagi, Surdas was greatly pleased. Then springing forward he took the shoes and held them close to his feet.
151. He placed his hand on Surdas' head and said, ' You are a devoted noble VaishTtava. In order to
test your mind, I made this long delay.
152. Yon speak of yourself as a servant of the saints. And you do as you say. Ccxning here with this idea in my mind I have test- ed you.
153. In calling yourself the holder of the shoes dl the sainte you have spoken the truth.' Hearing him say this the heart of Surdas melted.
154. Then feeling repent-ance in his mind he had himself robbed of all he powess-
ed, and free fr<Hn all things he then gave himself up to the worship of God with love.
155. He gave great service to the saints and thereby the Husband of Rukmini was pleased, so that He gave to Surdas a visible manifestation of Himself.
156. In these stories are described one greater than the other supremely pious Vaishnava bkaktas. In the next chapter there is a most delightful and unusual ^ry, which if listened to will give happiness to the hearers.
157. The Husband of Bukmini, Dweller upon the banks of the Bhima, is causing me to relate the stories in the form of this book. It is by His favour that Mahipati is relating them to the hearers.
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