The few lyrics which follow were written in Gujarati by Swaminarayan saint-poets of early nineteenth century; their creativity flowered only by their spiritual experience.
In translating them into English for the benefit of those not knowing Gujarati, I have, as far as possible, avoided the temptation to transcreate. The task was undertaken as my humble offering on the occasion of the bicentenary of Shree Swami-narayan. Without the grace of Shree Maharaj and the blessings of H.H. Shree Pramukh Swami, I would not have been able to fulfill the task. It is God’s work and God has taken care of it.
I am indebted to my friend Shri Madav kamath for taking deep Interest in the project and also for writing the learned Introduction, which is an embellishment to the book. How can I forget the significant contributions of my friends Shri C.k. Venkataman, Shri H.T. Dave, helped me in understanding the philosophical implications of some of the lyrics.
When we attempt a version of a poem fromm one language to another, it is difficult to bring out the full meaning in all its nuances. I am sure these immortal poets, with their ungailing grace, will condone my shortcomings.
The metaphysical poems written by the Swaminarayan saint-poets Muktanand, Premanand, Nishkulanand, Brahmanand, Devanand and Bhumanand contain a spontaneous blending of both subtle philosophy and deep mysticism. To bring them to the intellectual minds of the philosophers, we decided to get them translated into English.renderings.
Again, merely the bare translation of the poems would not bring before the readers the subtlty of the subject. We then approached Shri M. V. Kamath, an eminent journalist and the editor of the renowned “The I!!ustrated Weekly” with a request to write a detailed Introduction on the subject, which he very readily accepted. The readers will find the Introduction amply vivid bringing out the comparison of the subject with Western and Indian poets, both medieval and modern.
We thank both the stalwarts for accomplishing the assignment.
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