The Ninefold Path of Bhakti

Now hearken while we sing their praise
Who follow bhakti's ninefold ways.
But name them with the rising sun, —
Thy sins are burned up everyone.

The hearing ear saved Bhupati;
In seven days was he set free.
The mighty Bhagavat to hear
He made himself one listening ear.

Sri Suka tried the ktrtan, — so
He, too, was saved, as all men know.

The name was chanted by Pralhad
Till truth shone forth and made him glad.
Hari himself came down to men
And slew the demon, Daitya, then.

Rama was dear unto the Lord,
For she the feet divine adored.

Her soft hands tend with ceaseless care
Those lotus feet, so fine, so fair.

When he the Cowherd's footprints sees
Akrura falls upon his knees,
And prostrate thus he sings his praise,
Lost in a rapture of amaze.
SIta exalted Maruti,
Serving his master lowlily.
The humble service of a slave
To Sita's lord he gladly gave.

Next Arjun, of the Lord's own kin,
Whom to his heart he gathered in
And taught the GIta's way of peace,
To find from birth and death release.

Krisna, — himself when Bali gave, —
Before his door served as a slave;
Three paces all the land he sought,
Contented with a beggar's lot.

Now Bhakti's ninefold path behold,
By which nine saints attained of old.
Say I, — to render up the soul,
Yea that is bhakti's highest goal.