Okay, the user wants to translate a poem into Sanskrit shlokas. Let me start by understanding the original poem. It's addressed to Krishna, referencing Vrindavan, his dance with the gopis, the Bhagavad Gita scene with Arjuna on the battlefield, and a personal plea to be at his feet.
First, I need to capture the essence and the key elements: the sacred woods of Vrindavan, the dance (Rasa Lila?), the guidance of Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war, the chariot (symbolizing the Bhagavad Gita discourse), and the devotee's yearning.
Sanskrit shlokas typically follow a meter, like Anushtup (8 syllables per quarter). I should maintain the structure but adapt the content to fit the meter. Also, using appropriate Sanskrit terms for the concepts mentioned is crucial. For example, "Vrindavan" is वृन्दावने, "gopis" are गोपिकाभिः, "Arjuna" is अर्जुनस्य, "chariot" as रथं, and "lotus feet" as पदाम्बुजे.
I need to ensure the translation isn't literal but conveys the poetic and devotional nuances. The first part about the dance with the gopis can use words like नृत्यं (dance) and सङ्गीतं (symphony). The guidance to Arjuna should reference the battlefield (रणाङ्गणे) and Dharma's plain (धर्मक्षेत्रे).
The plea at the end needs to express humility and longing. Words like कदा नु (when) and दीनोऽहम् (humble soul) fit here. Also, using vocative case for addressing Krishna (हे कृष्ण, प्रभो).
I should check the grammar and meter for each line. For example, "vrindavana's sacred woods" becomes वृन्दावने वने पुण्ये. The meter here should have eight syllables. Let me count: वृन्दा-वने वने पुण्ये (Vṛndā-vane vane puṇye) – that's 8 syllables each.
The second line: मधुरं नृत्यं गोपिकाभिः सह प्रवहतु (Madhuraṃ nṛtyaṃ gopikābhiḥ saha pravahatu). Each quarter should have eight syllables. Breaking it down: Ma-dhu-raṃ nṛ-tyaṃ go-pi-kā-bhiḥ sa-ha pra-va-ha-tu. Wait, maybe the second line needs to be split into two parts. Maybe adjust the structure to fit Anushtup.
Also, ensuring the verbs match the subjects. For instance, प्रवहतु (let it flow) is third person singular, but the dance is with the gopis, so maybe a plural verb? Hmm, need to check. Or perhaps the dance is the subject, so singular.
The third line: स्नेहस्य सङ्गीतं दिव्यं नित्यं च (Snehasya saṅgītaṃ divyaṃ nityaṃ ca). That's eight syllables.
For the part about the chariot, "Let your chariot forever roam" could be रथं तव धावतु सदा (Rathaṃ tava dhāvatu sadā).
The last part: "When will you pause..." – कदा नु विरमिष्यसि (Kadā nu viramiṣyasi). "Let this humble soul bow at your feet" – दीनोऽहं प्रणमेत् पदाम्बुजे (Dīno'haṃ praṇamet padāmbuje).
I need to make sure the overall flow is smooth and adheres to the traditional shloka structure. Also, using appropriate sandhi (euphonic combinations) where necessary. For example, "हे कृष्ण" (He Kṛṣṇa) is correct vocative.
Checking each line's meter again. Anushtup is four quarters of eight syllables each. Let me verify each line:
1. वृन्दावने वने पुण्ये (8 syllables)
2. मधुरं नृत्यं प्रवहतु गोपिकाभिः सह (split into two parts: maybe needs adjustment)
Wait, maybe restructure lines 2-3 to fit the meter. Perhaps:
मधुरं नृत्यं गोपिकाभिः सह प्रवहतु |
स्नेहस्वरः सदा दिव्यो नित्यं च वै ||
But syllables need to be 8 each. Let's count:
Ma-dhu-raṃ nṛ-tyaṃ go-pi-kā-bhiḥ sa-ha pra-va-ha-tu – that's 11 syllables. Too long. Need to shorten. Maybe use "सहित" instead of "सह" to save syllables? Or rephrase.
Alternatively, split into two lines:
मधुरं नृत्यं गोपिकाभिः सह वहतु |
स्नेहस्वरं दिव्यं नित्यं च सङ्गीतम् ||
Now each line has 8 syllables. "Vahatu" (flow) instead of "pravahatu".
Similarly, the part about Arjuna:
धर्मक्षेत्रे महारण्ये अर्जुनस्य पथप्रदः |
त्वं रथं नय सततं धर्मरक्षार्थमुत्तमम् ||
Checking syllables here. "Dharma-kṣetre mahā-raṇye" is 8. "Arjunasya patha-pradaḥ" is 8. Then "Tvaṃ rathaṃ naya satataṃ dharma-rakṣārtham uttamam" – each line 8 syllables.
The final plea:
कदा नु विरमिष्यसि प्रभो तव लीलया |
दीनोऽहं प्रणमेत् कदा पदाम्बुजे तव ||
Each line 8 syllables.
Putting it all together, ensuring the meter and meaning align. Also, using traditional epithets where possible. Might need to adjust some words for better poetic flow in Sanskrit. For example, "beacon for the righteous" can be धर्मरक्षार्थमुत्तमम् (for the supreme purpose of protecting dharma).
Double-checking all grammatical aspects, like case endings and verb conjugations. For example, "pravahatu" is third person singular imperative, which fits if the subject is the dance.
Overall, the translation should preserve the devotional tone and key imagery of the original poem while adhering to Sanskrit prosody.
Dear Madhav,I took the liberty of copying YOUR English translation of YOUR last Krishna verse, and asked Deepseek to translate that poem into Sanskrit.See below for the result.... not that bad for a two-and-a-half week old baby ! Of course, your original creation in beautiful Sragdharaa lines is incomparable.Within its range of capacities, for "keep on guiding", pracodaya is not a very good choice, prabodhaya would have been better (where you had -udbodhanam)But I only had specified the English version as a poem, and did not ask it to translate it into a Sragdharaa verse or even just into a ;sloka...Best,Jan*** *** ***My question to Deepseek:Please translate into Sanskrit the following poem:O Krishna!
In the sacred woods of Vrindavan,
Let your sweet dance with the gopis flow on—
A symphony of love, timeless and divine.
On the vast field of Dharma’s plain,
Continue guiding Arjuna through the fray.
Let your chariot forever roam,
A beacon for the righteous, a shield for the just.
Yet, O Lord, amidst your cosmic play—
When will you pause,
And let this humble soul
Bow at your lotus feet?*** *** ***First, Deepseek gives an explanation of its thought process, which it says lasted 22 seconds:Okay, so I need to translate this poem into Sanskrit. Let me start by understanding the content and the key elements. The poem is addressed to Krishna, referencing Vrindavan, his dance with the gopis, the Bhagavad Gita scene with Arjuna on the battlefield, and a personal plea to be able to bow at his feet.
First, I'll break down each stanza to identify the main components and any specific terms that need accurate translation. For example, "sacred woods of Vrindavan" should be translated in a way that conveys both sacredness and the forest setting. "Vrindavan" itself is a proper noun, so it might remain as is or have a Sanskrit equivalent.
Next, "sweet dance with the gopis" – "gopis" is already a Sanskrit term, so that's straightforward. "Sweet dance" needs to be translated with the right adjectives and nouns. "Flow on" suggests continuity, so perhaps using a verb in the imperative or optative mood.
The second stanza mentions the "field of Dharma’s plain" which refers to Kurukshetra, the battlefield in the Mahabharata. "Guiding Arjuna through the fray" relates to Krishna's role as charioteer and advisor. Here, terms like "Dharma's plain" could be "Dharma-kshetra" as in the Gita's opening verse. "Chariot" is "ratha," and "beacon for the righteous" needs appropriate Sanskrit terms for beacon (maybe "dīpa" or "pradīpa") and righteous ("dharmic" or "satyanishtha").
The last stanza is a personal plea, asking when Krishna will pause his cosmic play to let the speaker bow at his feet. "Cosmic play" might translate to "līlā," a common term for divine play. "Lotus feet" is a standard epithet, "padma-pāda" or "charana-kamala."
I also need to consider the poetic meter and structure. Sanskrit poetry often uses meters like Anushtubh (shloka), which has four lines of eight syllables each. However, the original poem has varying line lengths, so I might need to adjust to fit a classical meter or use a free form if necessary.
Let me check some specific terms. "Sacred woods" could be "puṇya-vana" or "pavitra-vana." "Symphony of love" might be "prema-sangīta" or "sneha-sangīta." "Timeless and divine" could be "anādi-divya" (beginningless and divine) or "sanātana-divya" (eternal and divine).
For "Continue guiding Arjuna through the fray," the verb "continue" is important. Maybe using "pravartaya" (continue, proceed) in imperative. "Through the fray" could be "saṃgrāma-madhye" (in the midst of battle).
The line "Let your chariot forever roam" – "ratha" is chariot, "forever" could be "nityam" or "sadaiva," "roam" might be "caratu" (let it move).
"Beacon for the righteous" – "dharmiṣṭhānāṃ pradīpaḥ" (lamp for the righteous). "Shield for the just" – "nyāyavādinaḥ kavacaḥ" (armor for the just).
The plea section: "When will you pause" – "kadā tvam avasthāsyasi" (when will you stop). "Let this humble soul" – "mama etat vinītaṃ ātmānam" (my this humble self). "Bow at your lotus feet" – "tava padma-pāde śirasā namet" (bow head at your lotus feet).
Putting it all together, ensuring grammatical correctness and poetic flow. Also, considering word order since Sanskrit is flexible but certain structures are more poetic. Maybe using vocative case for addressing Krishna, like "he kṛṣṇa."
I should also verify the compounds and sandhi rules to make sure the combinations are correct. For example, "vrindāvanasya puṇyavanam" (the sacred forest of Vrindavan). "Gopībhiḥ saha madhura-nṛtyam" (sweet dance with the gopis).
I might need to adjust some phrases for conciseness, as Sanskrit tends to be more compact. For instance, "A symphony of love, timeless and divine" could be "prema-sangītam anādi-divyam" (love-symphony, timeless-divine).
Another consideration is the use of appropriate verbs in the correct mood and tense. The original has imperatives ("Let your sweet dance flow on", "Continue guiding") which in Sanskrit would use the imperative or optative forms.
After drafting each line, I should review for meter if possible, and ensure that the translation captures both the literal meaning and the poetic essence of the original. It's a balance between fidelity to the source and the aesthetic of the target language.
Finally, checking for any possible errors in case endings, verb conjugations, and sandhi. Maybe consulting a Sanskrit dictionary or grammar guide for tricky terms. Also, ensuring that the names and terms are correctly transliterated in Devanagari when writing the final version.Next Deepseek says:Here’s the Sanskrit translation of your poem, crafted with attention to meaning, classical diction, and poetic flow:
---
**हे कृष्ण!**
**वृन्दावनस्य पुण्यवने**
**गोपीभिः सह मधुरनृत्यं प्रवहतु भवतः—**
**प्रेमसङ्गीतमनादिदिव्यम् ।**
**धर्मक्षेत्रस्य विशालाङ्गणे**
**अर्जुनं संग्राममध्ये प्रचोदय नित्यम् ।**
**त्वद्रथः सर्वत्र चरतु,**
**धर्मिणां दीपः, न्यायिनां कवचम् ।**
**किन्तु, हे प्रभो! तव विश्वलीलायाम्—**
**कदा त्वं विरमिष्यसि,**
**मम विनीतं चेतः**
**तव पद्मपादेषु नमेत्? ॥**
---
### Key Notes:
1. **Meter and Style**: Uses a blend of classical Sanskrit compounds and free verse for lyrical resonance.
2. **Vocabulary**:
- **मधुरनृत्यम्** = sweet dance | **प्रेमसङ्गीतम्** = symphony of love
- **धर्मक्षेत्र** = field of Dharma (alluding to Kurukṣetra) | **प्रचोदय** = guide/urge (imperative)
- **विश्वलीला** = cosmic play | **पद्मपादेषु** = at lotus feet
3. **Tonal Balance**: Maintains reverence and intimacy, reflecting the original’s blend of cosmic grandeur and personal longing.
Let me know if you’d like adjustments to specific phrases! 🌸*** *** ***On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 at 03:10, Madhav Deshpande via INDOLOGY <indology@list.indology.info> wrote:I asked the newly released Chinese AI Deepseek to render my Sanskrit verse into Hindi. Here is the result.
हरे प्रचुरगोपिकापरिवृतोऽपि रासात्यये
न विस्मरसि कुब्जिकां सदय दूरत: संस्थिताम् ।
तथैव भवतोऽखिलं जगति भक्तवृन्दं भवत्-
पदाम्बुजरतं प्रतीक्षत इहागतिं ते हरे ।।
Here is the Sanskrit verse translated into Hindi,
हे हरि!
रासलीला के अंत में,
असंख्य गोपिकाओं से घिरे होने पर भी,
तुम दूर खड़ी कुब्जिका को दयापूर्वक नहीं भूलते।
ठीक उसी प्रकार, हे प्रभु, इस संसार में,
तुम्हारे भक्तों का समूह,
तुम्हारे चरणकमलों के प्रति समर्पित,
तुम्हारे आगमन की प्रतीक्षा करता है।
The translation is surprisingly good.
Madhav M. DeshpandeProfessor Emeritus, Sanskrit and LinguisticsUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USASenior Fellow, Oxford Center for Hindu StudiesAdjunct Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, India[Residence: Campbell, California, USA]
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--Jan E.M. Houben
Directeur d'Études, Professor of South Asian History and Philology
Sources et histoire de la tradition sanskrite
École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE, Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Sciences historiques et philologiques
Groupe de recherches en études indiennes (EA 2120)
johannes.houben [at] ephe.psl.eu
Jan E.M. Houben
Directeur d'Études, Professor of South Asian History and Philology
Sources et histoire de la tradition sanskrite
École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE, Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Sciences historiques et philologiques
Groupe de recherches en études indiennes (EA 2120)
johannes.houben [at] ephe.psl.eu