Bhajan
(On the eve of the English New Year)
By Dr. Rajendra Bimal

Lord, You are my only refuge!
In the trembling ocean of existence, I row, my breath a fragile boat,
This fleeting garden of two days, with its thorns and its branches,
The heart beats heavily, the pulse ticks, the sound of Thanatos' footsteps echoes,
In childish wisdom, stone once seemed gold, now it feels just stone,
I am slowly becoming food for time!
Lord, You are my only refuge!

In some event, I arrived here, this life is temporary,
Whatever comes, must eventually leave, that is the truth of life and the world,
Birth was not in my control, nor is death,
What I could, I’ve done, and now I must leave, every act I’ve performed,
How shall I cross the river of death?
How shall I find the shore??

I am a sinner, I have come to Your refuge, where else can I go?
Washing Your feet with my tears of remorse, I sing Your praise,
I have repeatedly caused grief to my companions,
Now, I take up the beggar's bowl, may I find forgiveness,
Today, rivers of tears flow from my eyes, like the Koshi-Kamala stream!
Lord, You are my only refuge!!