This human birth is rare and dear…

This human birth is precious beyond words—a divine gift not easily won again. The scriptures and sages remind us: we will not get this chance again so easily. And yet, how often we squander it in pride, distractions, and the endless pursuit of worldly success. Our ego, our status, our name—these may win us respect in society, but they hold no weight on the spiritual scale. Instead, we are urged to drop the facade and turn our hearts to God. Without that turn, we risk falling into the cycle of endless rebirths—an exhausting spiral of suffering and confusion.

Life, as we all know, is not without pain. Grief, uncertainty, and sorrow come to everyone. The sea of suffering is too vast to cross by our own strength. But there is one raft that floats: the grace of Shyam, the Divine. When we surrender to God, we find that we are not alone—and in that divine refuge, we rise, even through the worst storms.

Still, we remain caught in the net of Maya—illusion. We chase material success, comfort, and recognition with no pause, no reflection. Even worse, we feel no shame in how we fritter away this sacred life. We pile on tasks and duties, but leave no room for what truly matters. We cry out “Maya! Maya!” while never truly recognizing how deeply we are caught in it.

Now is the time to wake up. Think. Reflect. Act. Let your mind pause and your heart consider: where is all this rushing really taking you? It’s time to change direction. With love and humility, says Devanand, take the name of the Lord. Let your heart be full—not with fear or greed, but with love for the Divine. In that love lies the purpose, the peace, and the joy you’ve been seeking all along.

Verse	Translation
Manasno avatar mongho, nahi male fari…	This human birth is rare and dear – you won’t get it once more… • Chorus
Man mardai motap meli, bhaji lo Hari; Nahi to jasho chorashima janam bahu dhari.… 1	Give up your pride and pomp and name – start worshiping the Lord. It not, you’ll fall through countless births, through pain you can’t ignore…1
Dukh tano dariyav moto nahi shako tari; Shamaliyane sharane jata jasho ugari…2	The sea of grief is vast and deep – too strong for you to cross. But if you seek out Shyam’s grace, you’ll rise above the loss… 2
Nirlajj tu navro na rahyo ghar-dhandho kari; Maya maya karto murakh na betho thari…3	You feel no shame, you waste your life in endless work and greed. Still crying “Maya, Maya” loud – you never pause or heed… 3
Cheti le chittma vichari chalje dari; Devanandno Nath bhajo, premma bhari… 4	Now let your mind reflect with care – and walk the path with fear; Love God, says Devanand, with heart – and hold His presence near… 4

Bhajyo nahi Bhagwan murakh jivata maryo… (Audio Link): https://youtu.be/ha1FEesxRb4?list=RDha1FEesxRb4

Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx

Winning the Spiritual Battle