Shri Krishnadas Ji Maharaj
Mama jeevanasya jeevanam udbhaashitam nityashobhanam
Tvameva devam tvameva sarvam, hrudi sthite sadaa dhaaranam
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Mama hrudayasya hriudayam sadbhaashitam nitya sadayam
Tvameva poornam tvameva svarnam, premam aanandam adbhudayam
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Mama vichaarasya vichaaram sadbhaava-hrudbhaava-sanchaaram
Tvameva satyam tvameva nityam, smruti gyaanam sarva aadhaaram
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Mama sharirasya aadhaaram tvameka nitya niraadhaaram
Tvameva dharmam tvameva karmam, sarvasutrasya sutradhaaram
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Mama sarva sukha daayakam nityasudhaa venu gaayakam
Tvameva kartaa tvameva dhartaa, maataa pitaa aatma naayakam
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Mama divya nanda nandanam aananda kanda suchandanam
Tvameva swami hey antaryaami, sarva hrudayasya spandanam
Hey Krishna hey Madhava hey Deva tvam sarva kaaranasya kaaranam.
Kaarana Shatakam: The Cause of All Causes
The "Kaarana Shatakam" composed by Shree Krishnadaas Ji is a powerful devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Krishna, extolling him as the cause of all causes and the essence of the devotee's existence. Through six distinct stanzas, the hymn unfolds the relationship between the devotee and the divine, highlighting the eternal connection between the soul (jeeva) and Krishna, the supreme being (paramatma). Each stanza dives into deeper layers of devotion, surrender, and spiritual realization, where Krishna is portrayed not only as a cosmic power but also as the closest companion, guide, and protector.
The first stanza introduces Krishna as the fundamental support of life itself. The devotee acknowledges that Krishna is not only the life force behind the physical body but also the eternal essence that sustains their soul. His divine radiance and energy are ever splendid, illuminating the path of the devotee. In this verse, Krishna is referred to as the "Deva" (God) and "Sarvam" (Everything), emphasizing that he is not just a deity but the very foundation of existence.
Krishna resides in the heart, a central theme that is recurrent throughout this hymn. The heart is seen as the seat of consciousness and devotion, where Krishna's presence ensures that the devotee is constantly supported, both physically and spiritually. The verse closes with the repeated invocation of Krishna as the cause of all causes, underscoring his ultimate role as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
The second stanza delves into the intimate relationship between the devotee and Krishna, where Krishna is described as the "heart of the heart." This metaphor signifies Krishna's role as the innermost essence of the devotee's being. He is not an external force or entity but the very core of the soul. Here, Krishna's words are not just truthful—they are truth itself. Whatever Krishna speaks becomes reality, a powerful testament to his supreme authority.
This stanza also highlights Krishna’s completeness, referring to him as "Poornam" (Complete) and "Svarnam" (Priceless). These adjectives convey that Krishna is beyond all worldly attributes—he is absolute, whole, and transcendent. The stanza ends with the mention of "Prema" (love) and "Aananda" (bliss), indicating that all forms of love and joy emanate from Krishna. These qualities are eternal and unchanging, making him the ultimate source of happiness for the devotee.
In the third stanza, Krishna is portrayed as the thought behind all thoughts. The stanza highlights the notion that the very process of thinking is infused with Krishna's presence. It touches on the idea that the "I" or the ego is a mere illusion, and in reality, the true "I" is Krishna himself. This line of thinking aligns with Vedantic philosophy, where the individual soul is seen as an extension of the supreme soul, and the ego is regarded as the root of ignorance.
Krishna is described as the inducer of divine qualities (sadbhaava), suggesting that all virtuous thoughts and emotions originate from him. The stanza also emphasizes Krishna's eternal nature and truthfulness, indicating that he is the only reality in an otherwise transient world. Memory, knowledge, and wisdom are also attributed to Krishna, positioning him as the source of all intellectual and spiritual faculties.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of Krishna as the eternal support, but with a deeper focus on his role as the sustainer of the devotee’s physical and spiritual existence. Krishna is described as the "Aadhaaram" (foundation) of the devotee's body, mind, and soul. Yet, unlike worldly supports, Krishna himself is "Niraadhaaram" (unsupported)—he needs no external aid or foundation, as he is self-sufficient and eternal.
Krishna is also depicted as the embodiment of righteousness (dharma) and the force behind all actions (karma). This idea reflects the Bhagavad Gita's teachings, where Krishna instructs Arjuna to perform his duties without attachment to the results. Krishna is the "Sutradhaaram" (the one who holds the threads), symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life. Just as a thread binds beads in a necklace, Krishna binds the entire universe, orchestrating its functions and maintaining its balance.
The fifth stanza describes Krishna as the "Sarva Sukha Daayakam" (giver of all happiness). The devotee acknowledges that all joy, contentment, and peace in life are derived from Krishna alone. The imagery of the "Venugayakam" (flute player) is significant here, as it refers to Krishna’s iconic flute, which is often associated with divine music that captivates the hearts of all beings. The flute’s melody symbolizes the call of the divine, drawing all souls towards their ultimate source of bliss—Krishna himself.
Krishna is also identified as the "Kartaa" (doer) and "Dhartaa" (bearer), implying that everything that happens in the universe is through his will and power. He is the devotee’s mother, father, and guide, embodying all the roles of love and protection. This verse underscores the devotee's complete dependence on Krishna, who is both the cause and the sustainer of their life.
The final stanza brings together all the preceding themes, celebrating Krishna as the "Divya Nanda Nandanam" (Divine son of Nanda). This reference to Krishna’s childhood as the son of Nanda Maharaj evokes feelings of love and affection, while also acknowledging Krishna's playful and endearing qualities. The stanza refers to Krishna as the "Aananda Kanda" (root of all bliss), further reinforcing the idea that Krishna is the ultimate source of happiness.
Krishna is also described as the "Antaryaami" (the one who resides within), emphasizing his omniscience and omnipresence. The phrase "Sarva Hrudayasya Spandanam" (the heartbeat of all hearts) beautifully captures the essence of Krishna as the life force that pulses through every being. He is the reason for existence, the source of life, and the one who animates all living beings.
The overarching theme of the "Kaarana Shatakam" is the devotee's complete surrender to Krishna, recognizing him as the ultimate cause of all causes. The stanzas express a deep sense of dependency on Krishna, acknowledging that everything—from thoughts and actions to happiness and life itself—emanates from him. This surrender is not born out of weakness, but out of the realization that Krishna is the only truth, the only constant in an ever-changing world.
Through poetic language and vivid imagery, Shree Krishnadaas Ji paints a picture of Krishna as both a cosmic force and a personal deity, intimately involved in the life of the devotee. Krishna is not a distant God, but one who resides in the heart, guiding, protecting, and nurturing the soul.
The hymn also emphasizes the transcendence of Krishna, who, despite being intimately connected with the individual, remains beyond all worldly limitations. He is the "Niraadhaaram" (unsupported), the one who needs nothing yet gives everything. He is the doer of all actions, yet remains unaffected by the consequences of those actions.
The "Kaarana Shatakam" serves as a profound reminder of Krishna’s supreme role as the cause of all causes. Through six beautifully composed stanzas, the hymn captures the essence of devotion, love, and surrender. It invites the devotee to look beyond the material world and recognize Krishna as the ultimate reality, the one who sustains life, love, and bliss. By meditating on these verses, the devotee can deepen their connection with Krishna, experience his divine presence, and attain spiritual fulfillment.
The hymn concludes with a declaration that the work of Shree Krishnadaas Ji is complete, leaving the reader with a sense of spiritual satisfaction and peace, knowing that they too can surrender to the cause of all causes—Krishna.