New Vrindaban and the Jerusalem dance challenge (video)
Some of the vaishnavis in New Vrindaban decided to join the Jerusalem dance challenge, basically taking up the challenge to perform a dance reel to the song Jerusalema, a gospel-influenced house song by South African producer and singer-songwriter. Our intention was to spread a little of the beauty and joy of New Vrindaban. While the song is in the Zulu, it has become popular across the globe– music is the universal language, after all—and we know from engaging in kirtan, what joy and harmony it brings to everyone participating.
The simple translation of the song is as follows:
Jerusalema ikhaya lami [Jerusalem my home]
Ngilondoloze [Keep me]
Uhambe nami [Walk with me]
Zungangishiyi lana [Don’t leave me here]
Ndawo yami ayikho lana [My place is not here]
Mbuso wami awukho lana [My kingdom is not here]
Our wish on this auspicious day, is for all of us to reflect on that hope, brimming with beauty and purpose. It is ours in our all merciful Krishna—and Lord Nityananda—the epitome of mercy. This world is temporal. So too are its frustrations and pains. Hope lies beyond, though it is found now in Krishna. He has prepared for us a place where all our longings and love for Him will be fully, finally, and forever satisfied.
Narottama dasa Thakura prays, ha ha prabhu nityananda, premananda sukhi/ krpabalokana koro ami boro dukhi: “My dear Nityananda, You are always happy.” Ha ha prabhu nityananda, premananda sukhi: “You are always happy in the bliss of love for Krsna, and I am very unhappy. Please cast Your merciful glance upon me and make me happy.” Now, that might seem like a selfish desire. We said that pure devotees have no selfish desire. But really, the only way that we can actually be happy is by making Krsna happy. So, by the merciful glance of Lord Nityananda we can chant the holy names of Krsna and spread the sankirtana movement and through disciplic succession make Krsna happy. Then we will automatically be happy. That is what Lord Nityananda wants. And that is what Srila Prabhupada wanted: for people to be happy. Hence his motto: “Chant and be happy.”
We hope our little offering makes you happy.