Man Lagay Priti Kijai, Kar Karuva Saun - Shri Haridas, Astadash Pada (12)

(Raag Asavari)
Mann Lagaay Preeti Kijiye, Kar Karva Sau Braj-Beethin Deejiye Sohni. [1]
Vrindavan Sau, Ban-Upavan Sau, Gunj-Maal Haath Pohni. [2]
Go Go-Sutani Sau, Mrigi Mrig-Sutani Sau, Aur Tan Nainku Na Johni. [3]
Shriharidas Ke Swami Syaama-Kunjabihari Sau Chit, Jyau Sir Par Dohni. [4]
- Lalita Avtar Shri Haridas, Astadasha Pada (12)

Swami Shri Haridas Ji instructs the devotees of Nitya Vihar (the eternal love-play of Radha and Krishna) to focus their minds solely on the love for Shri Shyama Kunj Bihari. He advises them to develop love for ‘Karuva’ (made from the dust of Braj) and to sweep the sacred lanes of Braj daily with love and devotion. [1]

He encourages the devotees to partake in the service of Shri Vrindavan, its twelve forests, and sub-forests, which are the playgrounds of Krishna’s pastimes. They should gather flowers from these forests to weave garlands for Priya-Lal (Radha-Krishna) and adorn them. [2]

Just as the gaze of cows and deer is lovingly fixed on their offspring, ignoring others, a devotee must remain absorbed in single-minded devotion to Shri Shyama Kunj Bihari. Just as a calf drinks milk only from its mother, the devotee should relish only the nectar of Nitya Vihar. Similarly, as a deer roams only in a group of deer, the devotee must associate only with other rasikas. [3]

Rasik Shromani Swami Shri Haridas Ji Maharaj says that, just like a milkmaid (guzari) carries a pot full of milk on her head while chatting with her friends but keeps her mind focused on the pot, you too should perform all your tasks while keeping your heart and mind constantly fixed on the divine couple, Shyama Kunj Bihari. [4]