telisi rAma-cintanatO

In this kriti, Tyagaraja warns against mere mechanical repetition in Nama Smarana. He emphasizes that this profound spiritual practice must be infused with devotion and a focused contemplation of the deity to truly bear its fruits.

Meditating on Rama
telisi rAma-cintanatO
nAmamu sEyavE O manasA
Show Word Meanings
With understanding and contemplation of Rama,
Chant the sacred names, O Mind!
talapulanni nilipi nimiSamaina,
tAraka rUpuni nija tatvamulanu (telisi)
Show Word Meanings
Let thoughts, for a fleeting while, cease—
Hold only His form, and His true essence.
The Lord who guides across life’s ocean.
rAmAyana capalAkSula pEru,
kAmAdula pOru¹ vAru vEru;
rAmAyana brahmamunaku pEru,
A mAnava jananArtulu tIru (telisi)
Show Word Meanings

If one utters “Rama,” it may call to mind
A fickle-eyed woman of lusty kind.
Yet those who battle desire,
Are far from those who let such thoughts inspire.

But if “Rama” evokes the Supreme Lord’s form,
Then, for such souls, the cycle of birth and strife
Shall end, revealing eternal life.

arkamanucu jilleDu-taru pEru,
markaTa buddhuleTTu tIru;
arkuDanucu bhAskaruniki pEru,
kutarkamaneDu andhakAramu tIru (telisi)
Show Word Meanings
The Milk-weed is called “Arka”;
When this name you speak, how can the monkey-mind be meek?
The Sun too is known as “Arka”; if His form appears,
Falsehood and sophistry fade, dispelled by truth’s clear years.
ajamanucu mESamunaku pEru, nija kOrikalElAgIDEru;
ajuDani vAgIzvaruniki pEru,
vijayamu kalgunu tyAgarAja nutuni (telisi)
Show Word Meanings
The goat is called “Aja”; but how can it be said,
That true aspirations bloom, if goat’s thought’s in your head?
Yet “Aja” also names Brahma, Saraswati’s guide—
If his holy form you call, success shall be your stride.
  • 1 pOru vAru vEru – pOru vAru vIru