"Ab Meri Raakho Laaj Hari"

The phrase "Ab Meri Raakho Laaj Hari" translates to "Now, O Lord, protect my honour" in English. It is an expression often used in devotional songs and poetry to convey a plea to the divine for protection, guidance, and support.

Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, who was known for his works written in praise of the deity Krishna. He was a Vaishnava devotee of Krishna, and he was also a revered poet and singer. His compositions glorified and captured his devotion towards Krishna.

Please uphold my honour, O Lord! O knower of all hearts, you understand everything – I have not practiced any devotion. None of the vices can I relinquish; every moment I indulge in them. I've gathered all my deceits and frauds – I carry the bundle on my head. So strong are my attachments to wife, son and wealth they have rendered me completely indiscriminate. Prays Surdas: now my boat is overloaded with misdeeds – O Lord, deliver this fallen one quickly.

In the poetry of Surdas, a 16th-century saint and devotional poet, we find a profound and heartfelt plea to the divine. His verses carry a deep sense of humility, self-awareness, and a burning desire for redemption. Surdas' words, like those of many mystics and saints, resonate with timeless wisdom, offering profound insights into the human condition and our eternal quest for spiritual fulfilment.

Surdas begins by invoking the Lord, beseeching Him to uphold his honour. This appeal is not merely a cry for help; it is a recognition of the divine's all-knowing nature. Surdas acknowledges that the Lord comprehends the depths of his heart and understands every aspect of his being. In this opening verse, Surdas conveys a fundamental truth: that in our spiritual journey, there is no room for pretense or concealing our true selves. The Lord knows our innermost thoughts and intentions, and it is this knowledge that forms the foundation of our relationship with the divine.

The poet, however, confesses a profound truth – he has not practiced any devotion. In this admission, we find a universal human experience. Often, we grapple with the desire for spiritual connection and growth, but we falter in our commitment to consistent practice. Surdas' acknowledgment of his own shortcomings is a reminder that our spiritual journey is a path paved with both intentions and actions. It is not enough to desire closeness with the divine; one must actively and sincerely engage in devotion and self-improvement.

Surdas' humility in accepting his flaws and the persistence of his vices reflects a common human struggle. He laments that he has been unable to relinquish any of his vices. This resonates deeply with many individuals who find themselves ensnared by the habits and behaviours they wish to overcome. The poet's words capture the inner conflict and the weight of one's own shortcomings that can impede the journey towards spiritual enlightenment and self-improvement.

Moreover, Surdas paints a vivid metaphor, describing how he carries a bundle of deceits and frauds on his head. This metaphor conveys the idea that our accumulated baggage of falsehoods, deceit, and wrongdoings can become a heavy burden, one that we carry with us in our daily lives. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the need for self-reflection and transformation.

The poet reveals another aspect of his inner turmoil – his strong attachments to worldly matters, such as his wife, son, and wealth. These attachments have rendered him completely indiscriminate, meaning they have clouded his judgment and led him away from the path of virtue and righteousness. This is a sentiment familiar to many individuals who find themselves entangled in the demands of material life, often at the expense of their spiritual aspirations.

In the closing lines, Surdas' words are filled with a profound sense of urgency. He likens his soul to a boat overloaded with misdeeds, in danger of sinking. This imagery vividly conveys the desperation of his situation. The poet implores the Lord to swiftly deliver him, emphasizing his state as a "fallen one."

The essence of this poignant verse by Surdas is a timeless message of self-awareness, humility, and the longing for spiritual redemption. It reminds us that on the journey of self-improvement and personal growth, acknowledging our shortcomings and vices is the first step towards transformation. It also underscores the human struggle of maintaining devotion and overcoming attachments to worldly matters. Surdas' heartfelt plea is a universal call for divine grace, a plea that transcends time and culture, and continues to resonate with those who seek to navigate the complexities of the human experience in pursuit of spiritual awakening and self-improvement.

?