Tagore Poem Translations: March 2016

15. Jodi E Aamar Hridoy Duaar Bondho Rohe Go Kobhu

Interpretation:

Translation:

If ever you see the doors of my heart closed,
Break them down and enter into my heart
Do not turn away my Lord

If ever from the strains of the Veena of my soul
You do not hear songs in praise of You,
Stay around,
Do not turn away my Lord

If ever you find me sound asleep and I am unaware to your call
Jolt me awake with the pain of your thunderous awakening
But do not turn away my Lord

If ever I affectionately situate another at Your altar
Even then do not turn away my Lord
For You are my King of Kings for now and evermore

Original Poem:

16. Tumi Joto Bhaar Diyecho She Bhaar Koria Diyecho Shoja

Interpretation:

Translation:

Whatever hurdles you have placed before me Lord
You have showed me the way to ease their load
But whatever hurdles I have accumulated along
Have all now become burdens O Lord

Set down this burden dear Friend, set down this burden
I know not where I am being thrust forward with its weight
Stop this journey O Friend, stop this journey

Sorrows I draw unto me, consume me like the fire of lightening
Its hot embers stay with me and yet I attain nothing
But the agony of sorrows you bestow upon me
Drench my soul like the pouring rains of Shravan and bless me

All that has ever been imparted to me, I have held fast
Whoever sees it, asks me for explanations
Yet none forgives me

Set down this burden dear Friend, set down this burden
I know not where I am being thrust forward with its weight
Stop this journey O Friend, stop this journey.

Original Poem:

17. Ki Gabo Ami Ki Shonabo

Interpretation:

Translation:

O my beloved Lord, amidst this joyous gathering today, what shall I present, what shall I sing?

To this divine music in praise of you my Lord, I have invited everyone from here and yonder.

How can I possibly describe your creations?

How can I possibly propagate your benevolence?

And how can I possibly win hearts with your divine love?

In your name, the sun and the moon surge forward into infinity

And shower your love from the sun to planets and yonder planets, enveloping them all

Enchanted with your radiance

Your ocean of melody incessantly flows

Amid the uniformly blue, lotus like infinite sky

O my Lord, at this joyous gathering today, what shall I sing?

Original Poem:

18. Shudhu Tomaar Bani Noy Go He Bondhu He Priyo

Interpretation:

Translation:

Dear friend, dear beloved
I wish to not just hear your message
but I also want to feel your touch

I know not how to shed the weariness of my travels
I know not how to quench the thirst of my day
I know not the way forward O Lord
Tell me that this darkness is filled with You

My heart longs to give, not just take
So it wanders around carrying all I have gathered
Outstretch your hands O Lord and touch mine
I will be blessed by your grace and keep it always near me
I will then proceed with my lone beautiful journey

Original Poem:

19. Shunno Hathe Phiri He Natho

Interpretation:

Translation:

With empty hands I wander door to door from one path to another O Lord
I feel my heart, an eternal beggar, eagerly awaits somebody day and night
Not only is my heart unfulfilled, my thirst also does not quench
I lose all that I gain and get washed away by my own tears

The day draws to an end and all travelers have departed
The dark night lies ahead of me hence my day's play has also come to an end
So many paths are yet to traverse but I will now depart, leaving my alms behind
I know not across which waters and in which home has my lamp been lit

Original Poem:

20. Tumi Aamader Pita

Interpretation:

Translation:

You are our Father O Lord
May we perceive you as our Father
May we respectfully obey you
Be not cross O Father, be not cross

O Father, O Lord
Case aside all our shortcomings and wrongs
Give us whatever you feel is good
Give us whatever satisfies you

From you emanates contentment
From you emanates all that is good
And in you is all that gives contentment
And in you all is that is good

You are all good O Lord, you are all good
You embody the essence of all goodness
I bow down to you O Lord, I bow down to you.

Original Poem:

21. Maajhe Maajhe Tobo Dekha Pai

Interpretation:

Translation:

I feel your presence sometimes
Why can I not see you always?

Within my heart that is as expansive as the sky
Why do clouds appear and not let me see you?

In a sudden flash of brilliance
In the blink of an eye when I see you
In my anxiety and fear of losing you
I lose you in an instance

Tell me what I can do to keep you ever visible and within me
Where will I find so much love to keep you in my heart?

I vow with all my might O Lord to look at none other and expect no more
And if you say, I will immerse my all.

Original Poem:

22. Shoda Thako Anonde, Nirbhoyo, Nirmolo Pran E

Interpretation:

Translation:

Traverse life always happy with purity of heart and without fear

Wake up with joy at the break of dawn and work your day joyfully,
Singing joyfully return home at dusk.

In this journey, stay blessed in abundance and in hurdles
In criticism and disrespect, remain always joyful and steady

Stay joyful, forgiving all
Absorbing from the ever present flow of happiness that this world has to offer

Original Poem:

23. Bhubono Jora Aashono Khani

Interpretation:

Translation:

Come spread within my heart O Lord
Your cherished seat which covers the wide world

Bring and spread them in my heart O Lord
The sun of daylight and the stars of nighttime,
All that is visible in the light of day and amidst stars by dark of night
And all your messages that sprawl the sky

Fill the deepest recesses of my heart
With beautiful strains of the music of this world

With the delight of the day's happiness and sadness
With the touch of flowers and storms
With your auspicious, benevolent hand
Bless me O Lord and fill my heart

Original Poem: