Narsimha Mehta

One Who Feels Others Grief As His Own

One who feels others grief as his own, Who obliges others in distress Without being swollen with pride, He alone can be called a Vaishnava! Humbly he bows before everyone in the world And indeed he scorns none. He is ever resolute in his words, Deeds and mind - Glory be to his mother! For he alone is a true Vaishnava! He views everyone with equal eyes; He has relinquished the tormenting thirst And looks upon another’s woman As his own mother! He alone can be called a Vaishnava! His tongue never utters a false word, Never does he covet another's wealth. One who feels others grief as his own He alone can be called a Vaishnava! Maya never overpowers him And the spirit of renunciation is ever firm in his mind. He is forever rapt in chanting Rama Nama All the pilgrimages reside within him. He alone can be called a Vaishnava! He is without greed or cunning. He has abandoned lust and wrath. Says Narsinh, mere sight of such a man is enough To liberate seventy and one generations of your kin! He alone can be called a Vaishnava!