Vaishnava Jana To ( Mahatma Gandhi's Favourite Hymns)
Translation A godlike man is one, Who feels another’s pain Who shares another’s sorrow, And pride does disdain. Who regards himself as the lowliest of the low, Speaks not a word of evil against any one One who keeps himself steadfast in words, body and mind, Blessed is the mother who gives birth to such a son. Who looks upon everyone as his equal and has renounced lust, And who honours women like he honours his mother Whose tongue knows not the taste of falsehood till his last breath, Nor covets another’s worldly goods. He does not desire worldly things, For he treads the path of renunciation Ever on his lips is Rama’s holy name, All places of pilgrimage are within him. One who is not greedy and deceitful, And has conquered lust and anger Through such a man Saint Narsaiyon has a godly vision, Generations to come, of such a man, will attain salvation
The Original Hymn Vaishnav Jan to taynay kahyeeye, Jay peerh paraayee janney ray Par dukkhey upkar karey, Toyey man abhiman na anney ray. Sakal lokma sahuney vandey, Ninda na karey kainee ray Vaach kaach, man nischal raakhey, Dhan-dhan jananee tainee ray. Samdristhi nay trishna tyagee, Par-stree jaynay mat ray Jivaah thaki asatya na bolay, Par-dhan nav jhaley haath ray. Moh maya vyaapey nahin jeyney, Drud vairagya jeyna manma ray Ram-naam-shoon taalee laagee, Sakal teerth teyna tanma ray. Vanalobhee ney kapatrahith chey, Kaam, krodh nivarya ray Bhane Narsaiyon tainoo darshan kartan, Kul ekotair taryaa ray
Translation 2 He who understands the pain of others is one of God's own. Helping others in sorrow does not reduce his humility.
This person respects all people in the world, and does not condemn or criticize anyone. He is pure in speech, deed and thought. His mother is blessed indeed!
He is equanimous and has given up all desires. To him, other women are [equivalent to] mothers. He never speaks the untruth, not even if his tongue is tired. He does not covet others' wealth.
Delusion and attachment do not affect him, his mind is firm in detachment. He is ever engrossed in God's name and meditation, and he embodies all places of pilgrimage.
Such a person has no greed and deceit. He has overcome lust and anger. Narsi says: Such a person is worthy of worship, and alone elevates his entire race