This conversation comes from Shyamdas’ and Musta Ram’s study of Vallabhacharya's Purushottama Sahasranama, the 1008 names of God. This section describes the Gopis' search for Shri Krishna, who has run off alone with Shri Radha into the depths of the Vrindavan forest. 

Shyamdas weaves in details from the Shrimad Bhagavatam to explain the Gopis' various natures, the pride that arises in Radha and makes Krishna disappear, and the song of the Gopis in separation from their Beloved Lord. It concludes with a brief yet rich description of the Rasa Lila dance. 

Amidst all of this incredible literature, Shyamdas states hidden meanings that could never be grasped if one just “picks up the Gita Press version" of the Bhagavat. For example, “The order of eligibility in the spiritual realm is destroyed" and every soul who plays is perfected, whether she is sattvic, rajas, tamas or nirguna. Now each and every one of these tendencies is needed to create a symbiotic cry out for God, to try to sway Him to come back into their embrace, and Shyamdas explicitly states how this is done. 

This recording is a perfect example of the state that Shyamdas was in all of the time. He was an example of a true Braja rasika, a soul who can drink the nectar of God through his senses, heart and mind. Shyamdas’ access to divine reality is shared in this recording and it gives us a delightful entry point into the world of lila.

Purushottama Sahasranama - Gopis in search of Shri Krishna

Shyamdas translates and sings a rainy season poem, "Bunda acanaka lagi mohi" in Malhar Raga with a small audience. This recording was from a mini disc recording in his collection with the title "Il Pilagio" and the date 2002. 

Shyamdas Rainy Season Poem

Another from Shyamdasji's mini disc collection, a 2002 event in Italy at "Il Pilagio." This recording highlights Shyamdasji's astounding talents in the ragas and talas of Indian Haveli Sangeet music, with this poem in Saranga Raga and 12-beat dhrupad beat. 

Shyamdas, "Jako Veda Ratata"

From Shyamdasji's mini-disc collection, a performance of his at "Il Pilagio" Italy. Shyamdas popularized this lively traditional Vrindavan arati, interluded here as he often did with "Govinda Jaya Jaya Gopala Jaya Jaya, Radha Ramana Hari Govinda Jaya Jaya"

Shyamdas, "Arati Kunja Bihari ki, Shri Giridhara Krishna Murari ki"

This recording begins with a description of Braj, the sacred region of North-central India, and swiftly transitions into the famous Govardhana pastime found within the Shrimad Bhagavatam, wherein 7-year old Krishna lifts the Hill to protect His bhaktas from Indra’s wrath. More crucially, the events that lead up to this amazing climax are meticulously discussed. To remove His bhaktas' "Anya ashraya" (taking another refuge besides the root), Krishna create a scenario where they have no other choice but to realize who really gives Indra, the rain god, the power to feed their cows and get their milk for their life’s sustenance. In a jealous rage over his stolen worship, Indra showers torrential rains onto the village. The disaster can only be resolved by a boy who happens to be the Lord of Universe. Shyamdas gives an excellent recollection of this pastime and elaborates on the subjects of worship, liberation, and devotion.

Shyamdas's unique voice is also captured here as he reflects on Shri Vallabhacharya's and Shri Gusainji’s expressions within the Pushti Margiya (Grace-filled Path), as well as stories from their day that describe the nature of Shri Nathji's worship according to the times, the lineage and the nature of the soul.

The recording concludes with a playful discussion about the spring festival of Holi, with various personal anecdotes delightfully recounted. 

Purushottama Sahasranama - Govardhan Lila

The Shyamdas Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the charitable purpose of preserving and advancing the legacy of Shyamdas, who dedicated his life to the music, literature, and people of the Northern Indian region of Braj. The foundation aims to preserve, publish and distribute the writings, translations and music of Shyamdas. As Shyamdas was a talented and prolific linguist, the foundation will continue his legacy by advancing the study of Indian languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati, and Brajbhasha, classical Indian and temple music, yoga, and Indian religions and spiritual practices. Lastly, the foundation will work on environmental issues, such as reforestation, in the Braj region.

ShyamdasFoundation

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