Jiban Debata

General notes:

i. Jiban Debata was one of 47 songs Sri Chinmoy composed during his visit to Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Holland and Greece between 15 June and 15 July, 1978.

ii. At an evening function on his 47th birthday, 27 August, 1978, Sri Chinmoy sang the 47 new songs. They were later published in his songbook, Bela Chale Jai (1979).

iii. The present recording of Sri Chinmoy’s recitation and singing is from the CD ‘Bela Chale Jai’ recorded on 27 August 1978. The recording of Sri Chinmoy singing with harmonium is from the CD ‘One Thousand Lotus Petals Part 1’ recorded at Sri Chinmoy’s home on 13 October and 15 October 1999.

iv. Sri Chinmoy frequently chose to sing Jiban Debata at his peace concerts around the world, accompanying himself on the harmonium. His first Peace Concert was on 24 March 24 1984 at the Sporthalle in Cologne, Germany. On that occasion, Jiban Debata was the first song Sri Chinmoy performed. (See video below.)

v. Jiban Debata was one of Tagore’s central concepts. He translated the phrase as Lord of Life. This is one of his quotes about the meaning: “That creative energy inside me which is unifying as well as signifying all the pleasures and pain of my life, and my changing self through many rebirths, I had called Lord of Life (Jiban-debata).”