The Story of Mira Bai

Buchun asked me to write the story of Mira. I place it before the reader.

I do not claim for it a place as history, I delight to call it a story. Based on tradition, Macaulife and Todd have done valuable work on the subject. Out contemporaries have carried out researches on Mira, and are alleged to have exploded many established traditions assigned to her, especially the one which ascribes the maltreatment of Mira Bai by her husband. The fact is, the persecutions began after the death of her husband, who was all love to her, and were met at the hands of the husband's brother at the instigation of his sister Udabai. With profit, readers interested in the subject might refer to either class of writings.

To me Mira is the moth that burnt itself in the candle of love for Giradhara and for all times filled the Temple of Devotion with fragrance. Undaunted by fire or frown, unperturbed by persecutions, this devotee of Sri Krsna sang her songs of princely renunciation and self-surrender, that shall infuse courage in the aspirant on the Path of Love. Mira lived the message she preached, scoffed at cold intellectualism and boldly proclaimed the doctrine of absolute faith in, and devotion to the Lord.

Modern Science and Art might well mock at her poetic outbursts and call those emotional effusions as mere paroxysm of a maniac or the after-effects of an "overheated" brain; I however, maintain that these charges are untenable. I hold it honestly and express it emphatically that the Path to Salvation lies through love and devotion, which transcend reason and intellect. Let them, who will, try it – Mira has given the lead and with a smile softly playing on her lips she beckons to us – let them who will follow.

Contents:

Chapter I.    The Devotees of the Lord
Chapter II.   Childhood and Marriage
Chapter III.  On the Errand of Love
Chapter IV.  In Quest of the Flute-player
Chapter V.   The Gospel of Love
Chapter VI.  The Doctrine of Sabda
Chapter VII. The Way Home
Songs of Mira Bai