Sunday, October 29, 2017

Karttika Purnima:  Mahaprabhu’s 500th Anniversary Vraja Yatra


Mahanidhi Swami 

#KarttikaPurnima #ChaitanyaMahaprabhuVrajaVisit

Bhagavan Sri Krishna, in the form of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, came to Vrindavana to fulfill the purpose for which He descended to this material world. There is a direct connection between Mahaprabhu’s coming to the world in 1486, and His coming to Vrindavana on Kartika Purnima in 1515.

Other than sankirtana prachara, which Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja said is the external purpose (bahya hetu Cc. 1.1.102) for His appearance, Krishna Chaitanya, assuming the mahabhava and prema kanti of Srimati Radharani, came for 3 principal reasons mentioned in Sri Chaitanya Caritamrta (1.1.6):
Sri radhayah pranaya mahima kidrsho vana yaiva
Svadyo yenadbhuta madhurima kidrsho va madiyah
Saukhyam casya mad anubhavatah kidrsham veti lobhat
Tad bhavadhyah samajani shaci garbha sindhau harinduh

“Bhagavan Sri Krishna appeared as Mahaprabhu to 1) understand the greatness of Radhikara prema; 2) taste the amazing sweetness of His own love; 3) experience the happiness Radha feels in loving Him.” 

Later Kaviraja Goswami confirms the main cause of Sri Krishna descent: 
Sei bhave nija vancha karila purana avatarera ei vancha mula karana 
“In the mood of Radha bhava (mahabhava), Mahaprabhu fulfilled His own desires. This is the root cause of Krishna’s avatara as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (Cc. 1.4.221)

In 1515, Sri Chaitanyadeva came to Vrindavana and visited many places within Vraja Mandala. After Radha-Krishna closed Their Bhauma Vrindavana prakata-lila, Sri Radha Kunda became hidden and lost (tirtha lupta) to the world. Being the sarvajna bhavagan, however, the omniscient Mahaprabhu revealed the exact location of Radha’s Lake of Love Divine. 

After joyfully bathing in Radha Kunda, Krishna Chaitanya glorified it with prayers:
“Radha Kunda is very dear to Sri Krishna because it is very dear to Priyaji Sri Radha” (taiche Radha kunda priya priyara sarasi Cc. 2.18.7). 
“Sri Krishna gives Radha prema to whoever bathes even once in Radha Kunda” (sei kunde yei eka bara kare snana, tanre Radha sama prema Krishna kare dana Cc. 2.18.10) 

Thus the merciful and compassionate Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu fulfilled His purpose in coming to Vrindavana. 

When the brothers Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis met Mahaprabhu in Ramakeli, they glorified the Lord, saying:
namo maha vadanyaya Krishna prema pradaya te
Krishnaya Krishna Chaitanya namne gaura tvishe namah
“You are Krishna Himself appearing as Sri Krishna Chaitanya with the golden color of Srimati Radharani. You are most charitable for You are giving Krishna prema. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.” (Cc. 2.19.53) 

In 1515, Mahaprabhu bestowed the greatest charity upon the world by coming to Vrindavana to reveal the lost reservoir (lupta tirtha) of Radha prema. Combining the affection of bhakta-vatsalya Sri Krishna and the unlimited compassion of Karunamayi Radha, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Vrindavana to reveal Radha Kunda and make Radha prema available to everyone in the world for time ever more. 
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Vrindavana Agaman Lila ki jai! 
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Prayer for Radha Bhajana


Mahanidhi Swami 

“May my tongue become overwhelmed in ecstasy tasting the nectarine ambrosia of Radha-nama. May my feet wander over the footpaths of Vrindavana marked with the glorious footprints of Radhika. May my hands be engaged only in Priyaji’s menial service. May my heart always meditate on Kishori’s lotus feet. May I develop pure love for Radha’s Prananatha through Radhika’s divinely rapturous festival of love.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 142)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha; 
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it; 
Close your eyes; 
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.  
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Five Rites of Purification


Mahanidhi Swami 

Any conditioned soul from any country, caste or creed can get freed from the samsara. All one needs to do is take diksha in the Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya. Then by the grace of Guru and God, he/she will eventually attain Vraja prema, the eternal seva of Radha Govinda Yugala, and life eternal in the land of loving joyful play, Sridhama Vrindavana.

To achieve this perfection one must undergo five rites of purification which are called the pancha samskaras.

The word samskaras means "perfect duties." It is a highly beneficial, purifying, and sanctifying ceremony. Its rite rests on a series of actions in harmony with metaphysical rules that manifest the invisible reality in the visible world of sense perception. Samskaras eradicate bad karma and increase the auspicious influence of material nature.

Samskaras (rites of purification for mind and body) exist in all religions and in all countries. The purer the religion is, the more its samskaras are sacred and complete. Purification rituals are needed because the original spiritual nature of every conditioned soul is covered by contamination. 

Without samskaras the life of the conditioned soul remains impure. Samskaras are rites of sanctification which purify the consciousness, attach one to God, and ultimately lead to prema. Performing a samskara renders an individual fit to execute a particular duty. Prescribed in various Vedic texts, the samskaras are a series of about ten physical and mental purification rites beginning from birth and ending at death.

Gaudiya Vaisnavas accept five sacraments or rites of purification (panca-samskaras). Upon adopting these panca-samskaras, a faithful person receives Gaudiya Vaisnava diksha and begins his life of Radha-Krishna worship, bhajana-kriya, the personal worship of God which eventually leads to pure love of Krishna. 

These five sacraments have both internal and external aspects. Tapa, pundra, nama, mantra, and yaga—these five rites are the panca-samskaras. They are the basis of intense devotion to Lord Hari.

1) Tapa—using sandalwood paste or tilaka to write the holy names on the body: Jaya Gaura-Nitai, Hare Krishna, Sri Radhe, and so on. Tapa also includes internal cleansing of the heart by repentance, and developing a genuine aversion to material life.

2) Urdhva-pundra—marking the body with the tilaka symbols of your particular Gaudiya lineage to designate it as a temple for the Lord's service. The tilaka symbol represents Krishna's footprint. Seeing it, the devotee thinks, “I have Krishna's footprint on my head. He is my eternal master, and I am His eternal servant. In all times, places, and circumstances I have an eternal relationship with Krishna.” In a broader sense, urdhva-pundra means all the things related to one's identity as an eternal servant of Krishna, such as neck beads, dhoti, sari, andjapa mala. Urdhva-pundra also means the illumination of the body, mind, soul and attachment to the Supreme Lord.

3) Nama—receiving the name of Hari (Hare Krishna maha-mantra) in the ear from the preceptor and a spiritual name as Krishna's servitor like Radha-carana dasa or Priyaji dasi. By taking shelter of the holy names, (and his diksha mantras), and by practicing intense devotional bhajana a disciple will taste the nectar of bhakti, realize his spiritual identity and rejoice in devotional service.

4) Mantra—receiving the eighteen-syllable Gopala-mantra from the spiritual master. By giving a mantra the teacher helps his student more easily experience the nectar of the holy name. The mantra also helps the disciple taste a particular flavor or mellow in the holy name of Krishna.

5) Yaga—utilizing the guru-given mantras to worship Sri Murti or Salagrama. Such puja purifies and protects the devotee from the danger of falling into maya. Yaga, the fifth and final samskara, is the procedure of worshiping the Lord by employing all the mental and physical faculties of meditation, seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, thinking, discriminating and acting. A person without yaga has no life, and he is forced to reap the results of his karma.

"Without accepting the panca-samskara system a conditioned soul cannot develop intense devotion to Lord Krishna. Therefore, panca-samskara is extremely necessary." (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
 
Our next article will define and describe the rite of initiation into sacred mantras, diksha.
(Excerpt from book Gayatri Mahima Madhuri by Mahanidhi Swami) 
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The Way to Svarupa Siddhi 


Mahanidhi Swami 

Within the Veda, we find two paths to spiritual perfection: the vedic-marga and the pancaratrika-marga. The vedic-marga, which includes Vedic mantras like the Brahma-gayatri, is based on the four original Vedas: Rg, Sama, Yajur, andAtharva. Each of these Vedas contains four parts:

1) Samhita—comprise a collection of all the verses in that particular Veda.

2) The Brahmanas—explain the history and the esoteric significance of the mantras and sacrifices. They describe the verses of the Samhitas and give some details about performing sacrifices. They are ritualistic and meant for householders living in the village. The Brahmanas contain the seeds of the knowledge that is systematically elaborated upon in the Sutras (i.e. Srauta, Grhiya, Dharma). The Srautas describe the basic obligatory Vedic rituals such as the daily agni hotra and the big public sacrifices. The Grhiyas explain the household rituals, especially the samskaras. 

The Dharma Sutras explain the vamasrama duties. The Manu-samhita and other Dharma Sastras, which explain the Dharma Sutras, are more accessible to the ordinary people. All these sutras and sastras were composed by various great sages like Manu, Narada and Yajnavalkya. These writings tell how to do things and deal basically with the sensual or bodily plane of existence.

3) Aranyakas—reveal the hidden purpose behind all the Vedas and Brahmanas. The Aranyakas and the Brahmanas are similar, but the Aranyakas cover more esoteric aspects. The Aranyakas explain the metaphysical basis of the rituals described in the Brahmanas. In other words, the Brahmanas tell how to do a ritual, and the Aranyakas explain why a particular ritual is performed. Considered dangerous for ordinary householders, the Aranyakas were studied secretly in the forest. Hence the name Aranyakas which means "forest."                                 

4) Upanisads— give the philosophical meaning behind the verses and rituals. The Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and the Upanisads are all based on the Samhita.

A brahmacari will concentrate his studies on the Samhitas. A grhasta will focus on the Brahmanas, which instruct him how to move in the material world in a proper peaceful way. A vanaprastha will develop detachment by studying the Aranyakas to understand what he has done all his life. A sannyasi will read the Upanisads in order to rise to the transcendental platform and ultimately enter the spiritual world. Of course, all the asramas study all four parts, but they will emphasize one of the four according to the needs of their particular asrama.

The vedic-marga is basically a favorable, pious process that becomes transcendental at the level of the Upanisads, whereas the pancaratrika-marga is a completely transcendental process emphasizing Deity worship and the practice of sadhana bhakti.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “The pancaratrika-vidhim made things very simplified. The vedic-vidhi is not possible at the present age. Vedic-vidhi means one must be begotten by a brahmana, and he must have followed the family tradition. Then according to Vedic rites, he can be initiated or offered the sacred thread (upavita). But the pancaratrika-vidhi is especially meant for this age. 

“Anyone who has a slight tendency to become a devotee should be given a chance. That is Lord Caitanya's special benediction. For example, Haridasa Thakura was born in a Mohammedan family, yet Lord Caitanya made him the namacarya, the authority of chanting Hare Krishna.” (SPT 27/12/69)

The pancaratrika-marga, like the vedic-marga, is also an ancient path of self-discovery existing since time immemorial. In the beginning of creation Lord Brahma heard the Vedas from Sri Krishna. At that time the demons Madhu and Kaitabha appeared from Maha-Visnu, entered Lord Brahma's mind and stole the Vedas. Krishna then manifested the Hayagriva incarnation to kill Madhu and Kaitabha. Lord Brahma asked Krishna to teach him the Vedas again, but just the essence since he might die at any moment.
For five (panca) consecutive nights (ratri) Krishna taught Lord Brahma the essence of the Vedas. That knowledge became known as the pancaratric knowledge, a system of practical philosophy and procedures for worship. There are hundreds of Pancaratras.

The Narada Pancaratra, for example, was spoken by Lord Siva to Narada Muni and later compiled by Vyasadeva. Srila Sanatana Gosvami's Hari-bhakti-vilasa contains the essence of this pancaratric knowledge.

Following the pancaratrika-marga, which includes Deity worship and chanting Gayatri mantras, keeps one off the material plane and fixed on the spiritual platform until love of God is awakened through the process of chanting the holy names of Krishna (nama-sankirtana). Perfection is achieved on the pancaratrika-marga when a disciple, by the mercy of the guru, attains svarupa-siddhi (realization of one's eternal spiritual identity). 

At this time, one fully understands that the Deity is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, and he worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead through serving His devotees.

The vedic-marga incorporates the Vedanta, the philosophy based on the Upanisads. The essence of Vedanta is the Srimad Bhagavatam, a completely pure, transcendental work. The Srimad Bhagavatam depicts the way of worship and activities performed by those desiring to attain Bhagavan Sri Krishna through the path of bhakti and nama-sankirtana. 

The pancaratrika-marga (which includes chanting Gayatri and doing puja) regulates and purifies the conditioned soul of his material tendencies, fixes him on the transcendental plane and maintains his fitness for serving the Lord. It also helps him to perfect his chanting of Hare Krishna and progress steadily on the path of perfection. 
(Excerpt from book Gayatri Mahima Madhuri by Mahanidhi  Swami)
Vraja bhakti bhajana ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Monday, October 23, 2017

The Gaudiyas First Vyasa Puja Celebration


Mahanidhi Swami 

Srila Vrndavana dasa Thakura describes how Caitanya Mahaprabhu instituted the first Vyasa-puga ceremony in 1509 a.d. through Sri Nityānanda Prabhu in Srivāsa Angana, Mayapura, West Bengal:

“Srivasa Pandita, the head priest for the function, gave Lord Nityananda a flower garland to offer to a painting of Vyasadeva. Holding the garland in His beautiful lotus hand, Nityananda Prabhu hesitated and began glancing here and there as if He was looking for someone. Then to everyone’s surprise, Nityananda offered the garland to Sri Caitanyadeva instead. At that moment, Lord Caitanya immediately manifested His six-armed form, sad-bhuja.” (Caitanya Bhagavata (Madhya khanda chp. 5)

Thus, Sri Nityānanda Prabhu completed the Vyasa-puja ceremony by offering a garland to that personality from whom everything emanates and whose empowered incarnation is Sri Vyasadeva. By this Nityananda Prabhu established the real meaning of Vyasa-puja by worshiping the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna in the form of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Gauranga is the guru of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Therefore, the worship of Vyasadeva is actually the worship of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Lord Gauranga in the form of the present acarya.

In the scriptures, Sri Krishna tells Uddhava that the acarya is the manifestation of Himself: “One should know the acarya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods.” (SB 11.17.27)

If Sri Guru is not regarded as identical with the Supreme Lord, the worship of the acarya is not properly performed, and the said worshiper will not realize the true purport of the following edict from the Shruti: “For one who has unflinching faith in the lotus feet of the Lord, as well as in the spiritual master, the real import of Vedic knowledge can be revealed.” (Shvetashvatara Up. 6.23)
(Excerpt from Tribute of Love by mahanidhi swami)
Jagat Guru Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Mantra Siddhi


Mahanidhi Swami

This is the last article in our series of articles on Sri Guru and Mantra Tattva, offered in glorification of Srila Vyasadeva and all divine preceptors on the most auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.

Here we will discuss the meaning of attaining siddhi, or perfection in chanting one’s diksha mantras. Of course, we should always try our best in all our sadhana practices. And at the same time, we must always remember that ultimately the desirable  result and perfection will come only by the mercy of Sri Guru and Bhagavan Sri Krishna. 

There is no restriction regarding the number of times one can chant his diksa mantras. Vedic scriptures suggest chanting the Gopala or Krishna mantra and Kama Gayatri 108 times to get the best result.  Some Gurus prescribe chanting each mantra thirty-two times, twenty eight, ten times each, or even many rounds of special mantras like Kama Gayatri.  

The main point is to regularly, without fail, chant your diksa mantras the number of times requested by your spiritual master. There is no bar, however, to chanting more if time permits. In this regard, Srila Prabhupada once said we should chant a minimum of sixteen rounds on the japa beads and unlimited rounds off the beads. Kirtaniya sada harih!.

According to mantra sastras, mantra-siddhi (perfection in a particular Vedic or pancaratrika mantra) can be attained by chanting it one thousand times the number of syllables in the mantra. For example, you can attain perfection in the eighteen-syllable Gopala-mantra by chanting it 18,000 times; the twenty-four syllable Kama-gayatri by chanting it 24,000 times, and so on. The Hare Krishna maha-mantra, however, is independent of this concept, for even one pure recitation of Hare Krishna can give the highest perfection of pure love of God.

What does it mean to attain mantra-siddhi? It means one gets perfection in that particular mantra, and quickly receive the benefits or fruits of that mantra. Generally, siddhi means obtaining whatever the mantra offers. For example, Hanuman mantra-siddhi gives darshana of Hanuman and benedictions such as strength. 

The Brahmanda Purana provides another example of mantra-siddhi: "Reciting the Nrsimha Kavaca 32,000 times with a purified heart grants the most auspicious of all auspicious things. Material enjoyment and liberation are understood to be already available to such a person."

Lord Brahma himself achieved mantra-siddhi after chanting the Gopala-mantra thousands of times. He attained the perfection of hearing Krishna's transcendental flute. Then in his trance of meditation, Brahma saw Lord Govinda and the spiritual world of Goloka Vrndavana.

Mantras are extremely powerful and can award desired boons, benedictions, powers and perfections. But such attainments are not appreciated by devotees aspiring for the unalloyed service of Radha and Krishna in the pleasure groves of Vrindavana.

Our beloved prema avatara, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, taught us to desire only one perfection, namely Radha-Madhava’s nitya-seva birth after birth. 

Setting the direction and perfection for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Gauranga Mahaprabhu prayed, “O My beloved Lord Sri Krishna! I only want to serve You birth after birth without any motivation or cessation." 

This is the final perfection to be attained by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and one’s diksa mantras. Krishna’s devotees are always eager to chant, meditate upon and serve Their sweet and merciful Radha and Krishna. 

Thus we continually chant and serve the Divine Playful Pair, Radha Govinda Yugala, knowing that Sri Guru and Sri Krishna will arrange everything we need to attain Vraja prema bhakti. Indeed, there is no greater perfection or mantra siddhi then this attainable in all the three worlds! 
(Excerpt from Gayatri Mahima Madhuri by Mahanidhi Swami) 
Radha-Shyamasundara nitya prema seva ki jai!
Om tat sat!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Brahma-gayatri and Hare Krishna Maha-mantra

 
Mahanidhi Swami 

The Brahma-gayatri, om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam… is certainly a most powerful and purifying mantra available to the fortunate few. However, the pancharatrika diksha mantras and the Hare Krishna maha-mantra are supremely powerful, and they are available to everyone irrespective of one’s caste, creed, country, color or gender. Now let’s examine the power of the famous Gopala or Krishna mantra and the universally all inclusive Hare Krishna maha-mantra. 

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said (Cc.Adi 7.73): "Simply by chanting the Gopala or Krishna mantra one will be delivered from material existence. But by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra one will get the lotus feet of the Lord," Krishna mantra haite habe samsara mocana, Krishna nama haite pabe Krishnera carana.

The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is perfect, independent, and completely pure. It requires no samskaras or initiation process to be effective. Anyone can chant this mantra whether he is qualified or not. There is unlimited power in the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Even without a guru, initiation, sadhu sanga or anything else one could still attain Krishna-prema by chanting Hare Krishna. 

By staunch faith in God, sadhu-sanga, and purity of heart acquired in a previous life, a person can attain Krishna-prema just by sitting down and chanting Hare Krishna. However, such an individual may be one out of a million. Generally, due to ignorance, aparadhas, anarthas, mental impurity, and severe lack of faith one needs training, encouragement, and association with .an advanced devotee to attain perfection in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.

The initiation process involved in taking the Hare Krishna maha-mantra means that one accepts the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master. Receiving the guru's mercy, the disciple is guided safely and quickly on the path of spiritual perfection. Gaurkisora dasa Babaji said one can realize his svarupa just by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

Srila Prabhupada encourages us all by saying, "The conditioned souls are engaged in a struggle for existence. Simply by chanting the Gayatri mantra, one can be delivered. Usually only brahmanas and demigods are allowed to chant this mantra. In Kali-yuga, everyone is in a very difficult position. Only a powerful mantra can deliver one from the dangers of this age. Therefore the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His incarnation as Lord Caitanya, gives us the Hare Krishna mantra." (SB 8.6.15 p.)

"The whole thing is that Sridhara Svami is giving stress very strongly that you can simply chant Hare Krishna mantra without undergoing any ritualistic ceremonies. Madhavendra Puri has composed a nice verse wherein he says, 'My dear Gayatri mantra, I offer you my respects, but no more I can chant the Gayatri mantra.' Taking bath early in the morning is a good recommendation for spiritual advancement. But Madhavendra Puri also said, 'Now I am unable to execute this order. Please excuse me.' In this way he has described in many ways. At last he concludes that, 'I shall sit down somewhere underneath a tree, and simply remember Govinda's name. That is sufficient. Yes.' He says, 'Please excuse me, please excuse me. Please excuse me.'" (SPT 18/2/71)
(Excerpt from Gayatri Mahima Madhuri by Mahanidhi Swami) 
Sri Harinama Prabhu ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

WHY WE NEED GURU

If we do not get initiated it is an offence to the holy name. Some people say oh god  is within our heart, god is in our heart. (antaryami , paramatma)
So why do we  need guru, god is in my heart. Why can not I librated without guru, without taking instructions from a guru or some high authority.

Q. Can we get liberated without guru? Can we realize god without guru?

All the shastris says that we must come to the platform of surrendering unto guru. Without taking instructions from a guru or some higher authority we don't actually know… To attain perfection with or without guru we have to surrender to God. Krsna says in Bhagvad Gita:- Sarv Mam ekam Sharnam………….
Surrender is not something material. Krsna himself is saying that you must surrender to higher authority. The main reason that we have to surrender to guru because we don't actually know whether we ar surrendered or not. We may think that are surrendered but unless we are under  the shelter of living god or under the living representative of god we can not actually know that we are surrendered or not because the nature of conditioned soul is self delusioned  (self delusion means that we delude our self we think us our self something that we are not ). There is a tendency to be to be illusioned. There are 4 defects, tendency to be illusioned “brahma” “vipralipsa” means the tendency to cheat, So unless we are surrendered to the  living representative of god we cannot know that we are surrendered to god or not. Because surrender is not something material. Our mind is filld with different Samskaras , impressions. Acc to the actions we have in this lifetime or previous we make different impressions. Because of different samskaras which are there we rationalize our desires. The samskaras which w hav cultivated from many lifetimes will make us think that this is all right what I am doing is allright…. Not surredring to guru , not taking diksha .. it is all right. We will rationalize because of our material desires to be independent of god we will rationalize & we will tell ourself that I am all right … But who will tll at that time that desire is all right or not. You may think that I might not require a guru to get librated , god is in our heart …Sarva  Dharman …..Then how do we know that we are surrendered or not , because we have a tendency to be self dellusioned , because of previous samskaras. , pious activities , we have different mindsets …. This is all right I am own guru .. you tend to rationalize our desires

Acc to Veda Purana guru is essential because without guru we wont be having any yardstick/ standard  to measure that we are really surrendered or not.

SP - Religion without philosophy is sentimental and philosophy without religion is speculation.

If we stay devoid of guru or without guru shelter or diksha then we may think. Oh I am chanting Hare Krsna Iam doing quite well I am a vegetarian now and my mind is quite peaceful, my mind is satvik and balanced  and I see Iam equipoised and I read the bhagvad  gita and I think I have this vision –vidhya vinayak sampade ….

He see elephant, Brahaman and Dog eater, he see somehow equally. They are different body but everybody there is parmatma. Iam  doing will I don't need guru. So I think actually I am librated. There is no Raj guna in me no Tamo guna . I am actually God. Aham Narayan,Narayan Narayan.

Ques.:- Who would tell us actually we librated or not?
Ans. :- We may think like that , many people get into_trasecendeantal  course but if Iam actually librated my intelligence would be so pure there  that I will figure out the right path of action  and if I am not librated that means I am still within the three modes of nature that means Iam still covered by the three Guna, I influenced , some influence of passion or even goodness, goodness itself is also binding. Krsna says one becomes conditioned by the sense of happiness.
This is an intoxication of satvguna. You doing yoga your body is satvik you are thinking high thoughts about god and this and that you may think this is actually conditioning this is an influence  of satv guna. You are
conditioned by happiness and peace that satva guna brings because when you grow up entire life and raj guna and tam guna and all kinds of tamsik habbits and eating and thinking and we actually enters into the path of sat guna by yoga then we feel such relief from our previous entanglement (bondage of ignorance , bondage of passion).When you get transcendental knowledge, when you get yoga darshan, your mind starts elevate to satva guna and you start to enjoy satva guna that is all conditioning that is not librated you are also still bound. This was the problem with Narad Muni. Eg narada muni in forest had darsana of god ,akashwani that you will have darsana have only once have in lifetime why.. he  had a desire to live a peaceful life in a forest …on ourslf we may mislead ourself .

Its actually impossible without taking initiation from a guru to get liberated . Vraj Bhakti is very rare its very difficult to give our own thoughts & accept without any designation  or hidden motives the sastras .The process is simple but it becomes complicated because of our minds. In BG it is said if the mind is controlled its our best friend but if it is uncontrolled than its our enemy.

Que:-How do we know if the mind is controlled or uncontrolled?
Ans:- If the mind is uncontrolled that's  thae worst enemy .If the mind is controlled is the best friend.
BTG CH-7 Text-14
Devyeshi  guna mayi  imam maya taranti tey…
“you are speaking such learned words but your are acting like fool”
Krsna says this material world is impossible._Everywhere you find tri gunas , you can't escape the 3s its th world of 3s good better large …… 3 gunas .These gunas ar mineKrsna is saying that I am above these gunas  but you Arjuna and every in this world are under these gunas . But its impoosible to cross an ocean , but Krsna gives a  hint that all this world is ------ of material nature .. But there is way to out there is a way to cross the ocean by Prapdyante…..
Surrender to Krsna, quickly you will be delivered, without guru who is representative of Krsna its impossible to get liberated.Krsna is saying that this Maya is mine it's very difficult to cross .This material is like a prison house .Its difficult to move ….(durga- prison house) It's impossible for men and women to swim across to magic ocean, so imagine how broad and vast is this material universe. Without guru kripa or Bhagwan kripa it is impossible.The only way possible is to surrender to him(Krsna), can only get free from maya. Take shelter of  Krsna and that happens by inspiration which comes from Krsna himself. We think due to false ego we think we are very special, we think we are very qualified, we think we are intelligent and very resourceful or very able and we think we don't need anybody especially GOD. So this is of course a  foolish idea, but many people have this idea but everyone gets inspiration , he gets inspired to have higher thoughts, in science its called the AHA principle … eg of scientist expd …. But we say its P-A-R-MA-T-M-A principle because the god gave the answer from within 

But by good fortune gives us inspiration.We got inspired to higher thoughts something comes from within.

Que:-How do you get that inspiration?
Ans:-Inspiration comes from the association of Saints-sadhusang  (Sarva mangal) Satsang
Satsang-Sadhu cut to the Asat.He cuts out the temporary and reveals the eternal.
Sadhu cuts out the ignorance (avidhya), Ignorance which covering the self. Ignorance is the tumer on the Atma.
With the sword of his(Sadhu) knowledge he cuts of the ignocance, he cuts the bhodily concept life. And reveals the atma  because very inside of Sharir it's a Jivatma. This is what happen in the association with Sat personality. We hear something from sastras then we think ,  our thinking starts going towards god . and bhagwana becomes pleased, then he inspires us that this human life is very rare and actually you just utilize this life to realize god .  In satsang will get inspiration to serve god to turn to god, to try to get librated__________
Inspiration which coming from god in heart inspire to search for guru, because we understaind that alone I can't get out.
Even god comes as a human being, RAM, PARSHURAM, KRSNA etc, he takes guru.
Vashishta was the guru of Ram
Sanpashi muni was the guru of Krsna
Ishwarpuri  was the guru of  Caitanya mahaprabhu, human life nees teachers.
Everyone grows in ingnorance. Ignorance is the greatest cause of suffering and misfortune.

Seek your fortune, seek and you shall find.Tath Vidhi Pratipatena……
You want to see the truth your want to have darshan but truth________49.30__________
Then you must find guru.
Pratipatena:-You must surrender Tan, Man, Dhan guru samarpan. Your life, your mind what is valuable to you give to guru. For god there is nothing valuable than you.
Any thing you have value Tan, Man, Dhan, your words, your abilities, your skills that's your contribution your gift your  pushpanjali.
God given you abilities, we should offer to guru and guru offer to Krsna.She coats every offering with her heart and after coating she offers to Krsna. Krsna actually takes love not food.
Bhaktididdhanta Praphupad updeshawali A.C.Bhaktivedant updeshawali, he would say if one doesn't chant 16 rounds a day Krsna does not accept his offerings.

The holy name doesn't send our offering to Lord, our devotion doesn't send the offering to the  lord but our guru sends the offering to the lord. So if we please the guru and everything we do puja we have to go through guru, even if you have Sakhi swaroop in spiritual world and your manjri swaroop even then you go through guru, there is no direct flight, you have to stop at the feet of the guru. There you can go with  guru Agya and go your seva to Radhika rupa Manjri, lalita.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

KARTTIKA NIYAMA SEVA VRATA


I. What is It?It is a 30-day vow observed during the Karttika (Damodara)month for the sole pleasure of Srimati Radharani, the Goddess of pure love devotion to Bhagavan Sri Krsna in Vrndavana. In brief, niyama-seva means offering daily regulated extra services (eg. pujas, dipams, prayers, sastric study, parikramas).
II. Who observes it?Because the Karttika vrata is extensively glorified, described and recommended in the Puranas and other Vedas, all vaisnavas observe it, especially the Gaudiya vaisnavas who strictly follow the teachings of their mahajana Rasikacarya Srila Rupa Gosvami pada.
III. How is Karttika vrata related to Sri Radha?In BRS, Rupa Gosvami describes the observance as “Respecting the Urja vrata” and he says it is one of the sixty- four angas or important limbs of pure Krsna- bhakti. Urja refers to Sri Krsna’s internal potency for performing pastimes. Sri Radha is known as Urjesvari , the controller or Queen of all powers and pastime potencies. Therefore, Gaudiya vaisnavas observe Karttika vrata to please the Queen of Bhakti, Sri Radhika, in order to attain Her eternal service along with Her Priyatama Syama.
In Stavamala , Rupa Gosvami says Sri Radha is the ista-devata of the Karttika month by referring to Her as Karttiki Devi. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana describes the lila wherein Sri Krsna was late for His meeting with Radhika in a Vraja Nikunja. Priyaji punished Her beloved Priyatama by using many Madhavi- latas to tie Him up to a Kadamba tree.
Thus, the Gaudiya vaisnavas worship Radha-Damodara during the month of Karttika. Also in Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krsna says, “I am the month of Nov-Dec (Margasirsa aham).” As always, Sakti precedes Saktiman as in Laksmi-Narayana, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krsna. Therefore, the month preceding Nov-Dec (Krsna month) is Oct-Nov or Karttika which is Radharani’s month! Jai Jai Sri Radheee!!
IV. What are the benefits?The good results of other vratas last for only one lifetime but the Karttika vrata awards one inexhaustible benefits (aksaya phala). [HBV. 16.54] For even the smallest offering during Karttika, Sri Krsna gives one his spiritual form and eternal residence in Goloka Vrndavana.
V. When and where to observe it? Wherever you are that’s where, but beware your heart is there--- in Vrndavana. Why is Vrndavana the best place in universe to observe the Karttika vrata? It is because all the holy places, rivers and lakes reside in Vrndavana during Karttika.
The perfect atonement to purify the sins of a lifetime is to worship Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana during Karttika. Rupa Gosvami quotes Padma Purana in BRS (1.2.222), “Lord Hari awards enjoyment and liberation to devotees observing Karttika vrata outside Vraja Mandala.”
Summarizing Sri Jiva Gosvami’s tika on this verse, our Srila Prabhupada said, ”Even an unserious person who executes the Karttika Vrata in Vraja Mandala is very easily awarded Lord Krsna’s personal service.” (NOD 103)
In other words, the worship of Radha Damodara in Vraja during Karttika has such supercharged spiritual power that one immediately becomes eligible for the blessing of pure bhakti from our most merciful Lord, Bhakta Vatsala Sri Krsna.
You can start on Ekadasi or Purnima but most Gaudiya vaisnavas begin on Pasankusa Ekadasi (oct 24) and end on Utthana Ekadasi (Nov. 22), and break the fast the next day.
VI. How to observe Karttika vrata?All the sevas and practices mentioned here must be done everyday for the entire month.
A. EATING(Choose your diet plan, and then everyday FOR 30 DAYS DO NOT EAT.....)
Diet # 1Urad dal(e.g. kachoris)
Diet # 2Don’t eat #1 plus avoid the following:1. Carrots2. Favorite food items3. Fried food4. Hing5. Honey6. Kidney Beans (Rajma)7. Mustard oil (in or on the body)8. Pickles
Diet # 3Avoid items in #1 and #2, plus eat only one time during 24 hours (sunrise to sunrise).
B. TWELVE DAILY SEVAS (Observe each of the following twelve sevas everyday for 30 days of Karttika )1. Rise brahma muhurta time and offer mangala aratika.2. Recite Damodarastakam by Satyavrata Muni.3. Offer ghee lamp to Radha –Krsna.
4. Observe celibacy one month.5. Chant 16, 32 or 64 rounds Hare Krsna Mahamantra japa.6. Recite astakams and prayers glorifying Radha and Krsna, e.g. Radha/ Krsna Krpakataksam; Gopi gita.
7. Hear, recite or speak Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, Radha-Krsna Vrndavana lilas.8. Perform 1-3 hours daily Sri Hari Nama Sankirtana.9. Thakuraji/ Mandira parikrama.
10. Tulasi—aratika, song and parikrama.11, Deity puja-- Increase to maximun level.12. Keep ghee or sesame oil lamp burning daily near Thakuraji.
Finally on last day of Karttika, you should observe the Utthana Ekadasi vrata; complete fasting including water, and remain awake all night hearing, chanting, singing and dancing for the pleasure of Radha-Damodara. On Dvadasi, break fast by giving charity and donating food to vaisnava brahmanas.
VII. Last WordsBefore starting the Karttika vrata you should worship your spiritual master and the vaisnavas, and take their blessings for success. Upon conclusion of your vrata, you should again worship your spiritual master, thank him and offer mahaprasada to the vaisnavas.
From our small corner at Radhakunda in Sri Dhama Vrndavana, we sincerely pray to our Swamini Sri Radha and our Prananatha Giridhari Syama to bless you all with full success in your Karttika Niyama Seva Vrata.
And remember that whatever difficulties may arise to test your heart’s determination just think: DO OR DIE, ITS ALL FOR RAI!!JAI JAI SRI RADHE SYAMA!!

KARTTIKA NIYAMA SEVA VRATA


I. What is It?It is a 30-day vow observed during the Karttika (Damodara)month for the sole pleasure of Srimati Radharani, the Goddess of pure love devotion to Bhagavan Sri Krsna in Vrndavana. In brief, niyama-seva means offering daily regulated extra services (eg. pujas, dipams, prayers, sastric study, parikramas).
II. Who observes it?Because the Karttika vrata is extensively glorified, described and recommended in the Puranas and other Vedas, all vaisnavas observe it, especially the Gaudiya vaisnavas who strictly follow the teachings of their mahajana Rasikacarya Srila Rupa Gosvami pada.
III. How is Karttika vrata related to Sri Radha?In BRS, Rupa Gosvami describes the observance as “Respecting the Urja vrata” and he says it is one of the sixty- four angas or important limbs of pure Krsna- bhakti. Urja refers to Sri Krsna’s internal potency for performing pastimes. Sri Radha is known as Urjesvari , the controller or Queen of all powers and pastime potencies. Therefore, Gaudiya vaisnavas observe Karttika vrata to please the Queen of Bhakti, Sri Radhika, in order to attain Her eternal service along with Her Priyatama Syama.
In Stavamala , Rupa Gosvami says Sri Radha is the ista-devata of the Karttika month by referring to Her as Karttiki Devi. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana describes the lila wherein Sri Krsna was late for His meeting with Radhika in a Vraja Nikunja. Priyaji punished Her beloved Priyatama by using many Madhavi- latas to tie Him up to a Kadamba tree.
Thus, the Gaudiya vaisnavas worship Radha-Damodara during the month of Karttika. Also in Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krsna says, “I am the month of Nov-Dec (Margasirsa aham).” As always, Sakti precedes Saktiman as in Laksmi-Narayana, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krsna. Therefore, the month preceding Nov-Dec (Krsna month) is Oct-Nov or Karttika which is Radharani’s month! Jai Jai Sri Radheee!!
IV. What are the benefits?The good results of other vratas last for only one lifetime but the Karttika vrata awards one inexhaustible benefits (aksaya phala). [HBV. 16.54] For even the smallest offering during Karttika, Sri Krsna gives one his spiritual form and eternal residence in Goloka Vrndavana.
V. When and where to observe it? Wherever you are that’s where, but beware your heart is there--- in Vrndavana. Why is Vrndavana the best place in universe to observe the Karttika vrata? It is because all the holy places, rivers and lakes reside in Vrndavana during Karttika.
The perfect atonement to purify the sins of a lifetime is to worship Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana during Karttika. Rupa Gosvami quotes Padma Purana in BRS (1.2.222), “Lord Hari awards enjoyment and liberation to devotees observing Karttika vrata outside Vraja Mandala.”
Summarizing Sri Jiva Gosvami’s tika on this verse, our Srila Prabhupada said, ”Even an unserious person who executes the Karttika Vrata in Vraja Mandala is very easily awarded Lord Krsna’s personal service.” (NOD 103)
In other words, the worship of Radha Damodara in Vraja during Karttika has such supercharged spiritual power that one immediately becomes eligible for the blessing of pure bhakti from our most merciful Lord, Bhakta Vatsala Sri Krsna.
You can start on Ekadasi or Purnima but most Gaudiya vaisnavas begin on Pasankusa Ekadasi (oct 24) and end on Utthana Ekadasi (Nov. 22), and break the fast the next day.
VI. How to observe Karttika vrata?All the sevas and practices mentioned here must be done everyday for the entire month.
A. EATING(Choose your diet plan, and then everyday FOR 30 DAYS DO NOT EAT.....)
Diet # 1Urad dal(e.g. kachoris)
Diet # 2Don’t eat #1 plus avoid the following:1. Carrots2. Favorite food items3. Fried food4. Hing5. Honey6. Kidney Beans (Rajma)7. Mustard oil (in or on the body)8. Pickles
Diet # 3Avoid items in #1 and #2, plus eat only one time during 24 hours (sunrise to sunrise).
B. TWELVE DAILY SEVAS (Observe each of the following twelve sevas everyday for 30 days of Karttika )1. Rise brahma muhurta time and offer mangala aratika.2. Recite Damodarastakam by Satyavrata Muni.3. Offer ghee lamp to Radha –Krsna.
4. Observe celibacy one month.5. Chant 16, 32 or 64 rounds Hare Krsna Mahamantra japa.6. Recite astakams and prayers glorifying Radha and Krsna, e.g. Radha/ Krsna Krpakataksam; Gopi gita.
7. Hear, recite or speak Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, Radha-Krsna Vrndavana lilas.8. Perform 1-3 hours daily Sri Hari Nama Sankirtana.9. Thakuraji/ Mandira parikrama.
10. Tulasi—aratika, song and parikrama.11, Deity puja-- Increase to maximun level.12. Keep ghee or sesame oil lamp burning daily near Thakuraji.
Finally on last day of Karttika, you should observe the Utthana Ekadasi vrata; complete fasting including water, and remain awake all night hearing, chanting, singing and dancing for the pleasure of Radha-Damodara. On Dvadasi, break fast by giving charity and donating food to vaisnava brahmanas.
VII. Last WordsBefore starting the Karttika vrata you should worship your spiritual master and the vaisnavas, and take their blessings for success. Upon conclusion of your vrata, you should again worship your spiritual master, thank him and offer mahaprasada to the vaisnavas.
From our small corner at Radhakunda in Sri Dhama Vrndavana, we sincerely pray to our Swamini Sri Radha and our Prananatha Giridhari Syama to bless you all with full success in your Karttika Niyama Seva Vrata.
And remember that whatever difficulties may arise to test your heart’s determination just think: DO OR DIE, ITS ALL FOR RAI!!JAI JAI SRI RADHE SYAMA!!

Friday, October 13, 2017

Sri Shanaishchara Krta Sri Narasimha Stuti (Prayer to Pacify Saturn Planet)


Mahanidhi swami
Everyone is afraid of the malefic planet Shani (planet Saturn) because generally he is associated with extreme sorrow and suffering. However, Śanideva himself has devised a way of solving this problem by obtaining the blessings of Lord Nṛsiṁha.

Shani made an agreement with the Lord that he would never trouble those who recite his NṛsiṁhaStuti when they are facing troubles related to dvādaśa-aṣṭama-pañcama (a situation where Śani-kāta lasts for 7 1/2 births)
If one recites with devotion the following prayer or stuti, he/she will please the Lord who is the Supersoul of Shanaishchara (Saturn) and the Lord will remove all obstacles and suffering and bless His devotee.

sulabho bhakti yuktānāṁdurdarśoduṣṭacetasāṁ |
ananyagatikānām ca prabhubhaktaika-vatsalaḥ
śanaiścara tatra nṛsiṁha-deva cakārāmala-citta-vṛtiḥ |
praṇamya ṣaṣṭāṅgam aśeśa-loka kirīta nīrājita pāda-padmam || 1 |

Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva is easily accessible to the devotees and punishes those who are evil-minded. He is the saviour for those who are helpless who desire to seek refuge in Him. When the demigods of innumerable planets bow down to His lotus feet, the bright jewels from their crowns are reflected on His toenails which gives the impression that lamps are being waved in front of them.

Unto His lotus feet, Śanideva prostrated and prayed (in the court of Brahmā).
śrīśanir-uvāca -
yatpāda-pankaja-raja paramādharena
saṁsevitamsakalakalmaśarāśī-nāśam |
kalyāṇakārakamaśeṣanijānugānam |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||2||

ŚrīŚani said -
By the mercy of the dust of Your lotus feet which destroy a multitude of sins, grant infinite auspiciousness to Your devotee who always worships Your lotus feet with devotion. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

sarvatracancalatayāsthitayāpilakṣmyāḥ |
brahmādi-vandya-padayāstirayānyasevi ||
pādāravinda-yugalaṁparamā-dharena |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpāvalokam||3||

Your lotus feet are worshipped by Goddess Lakṣmī, even though She is fickle by nature (cancala) and by Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva whose feet are worthy of worship with devotion. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yadrūpamāgama-śiraḥpratipādhyamādhya |
ādhyātmikādiparitāpa haram vicintyam ||
yogīśvarairapathagākhiladoṣasaṅghaiḥ |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||4||

By contemplating or meditating upon Your appearance, which is expounded in the Vedas extensively, the best of the saints are liberated from the three-fold miseries and from all misfortunes. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

prahlādabhaktavacasāharirāvirāsa |
stambhehiraṇyakaśipuṁyaudhārabhāvaḥ ||
urvaunidhāyaudharamnakhāraidadhāra |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||5||

By the word of His devotee named Prahlāda, Lord Hari, who is generous and kind, appeared from a pillar and by placing Hiraṇyakaśipu on His thighs split open the his stomach with His nails. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

yonaijabhaktaṁanalāmbudhibhūdharogra |
śṛṇga-prapātaviśadhamtisarīsupebhyaḥ |
sarvātmakaḥparama-kāruṇikorarakṣa |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||6||

You protected your own devotee Prahlāda from a raging fire, the deep ocean, from falling from a tall mountain peak, poison, a mad elephant and the fangs of poisonous serpents. You are omnipresent and supremely generous. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

yannirvikāra para-rūpavicintanena |
yogīśvarāviśayasāgaravītarāgāḥ ||
viśrāmtimāpura-vināśavatīṁparākhyāṁ |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||7||

By meditating upon He whose great form is devoid of imperfections, the best of the saints attained liberation from the ocean of materialistic attachments and obtained unmitigated salvation. O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

yadrūpam-ugraparimardanabhāvaśāli |
saṁcintanenasakalāghavināśakāri |
bhūtajvaragrahasamudbhavabhītināśam |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||8||

By meditating upon He whose form is fearsome, all peace, happiness and prosperity can be obtained, all sins can be obliterated, the fear arising from evil spirits, fevers and unfavorable planetary positions can be removed, O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

yasyottamaṁyaśaumā-patimpadma-janma |
śakrādidaivatasabhāsusamasta-gītam ||
śaktaivasarvaśa-mala praśamaikadakṣam |
satvamnṛsiṁhamayidehikṛpā-valokam ||9||

Your transcendental fame is sung gloriously in all the divine assemblies of Śiva, Brahmā and Indra etc. and whose power is steadfast in wiping out all impurities, O Lord Nṛsiṁha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.

evamśrutvāstutiṁdevaḥ
śanināṁkalpitāṁhariḥ |
uvāca brahma vṛndasta
śaniṁtaṁbhakta-vatsalaḥ ||10||

On listening to the heartfelt prayer composed by Śanideva in the assembly of Lord Brahmā, Lord Hari who is ever compassionate to His devotees, spoke to Śanideva as follows.

śrīnṛsiṁhauvāca -
prasannohamśanetubhyaṁ |
varamvarayaśobhanaṁ ||
yaṁvāñchasitamevatvam |
sarva-lokahitāvaham ||11||

ŚrīNṛsiṁha said –
O Śani, I am pleased with your devotion. What ever you desire that will benefit the world, ask for that kind of boon and I will grant it.

śrīśaniruvāca -
nṛsiṁhatvammayikṛpām
kuru deva dayā-nidhe |
madvāsarastavaprīti-
karasyatdevatā-pate ||12||
matkṛtamtvatparamstotraṁ
śṛṇvanti ca paṭanti ca |
sarvānkāmanpūrayetās
teśāmtvaṁloka-bhāvanaḥ ||13||

ŚrīŚanideva replied –
O Lord Nṛsiṁha, O reservoir of compassion, please be kind to me. O Lord of all gods, let my week-day (Saturday) be Your favorite day. O Purifier of all the worlds, may Youfulfill the desires of all those who listen to or read this great prayer to You composed by me.”

śrīnṛsiṁhauvāca -
tataivāstuśanehamvai
rakṣo-bhuvanasaṁsthitaḥ |
bhaktakāmānpūrayiśye
tvaṁmamaikavacaḥśṛṇu ||
tvatkṛtam mat paramstotram
yaḥpaṭecchṛṇuyācchayaḥ |
dvādaśāṣṭamajanmastād
bhayaṁmāstutasyavai ||14||

ŚrīNṛsiṁha said –
O Śani, let it be so! By virtue of My being the universal protector (rakṣobhuvana), I fulfill the desires of all My devotees. Please listen to My words -let there be no fear of the twelfth and eighth birth positions (and implicitly any unfavorable birth positions) and consequent troubles from you for any one who reads or listens to this prayer to Me composed by you.
śani narahariṁ devaṁ
tateti pratyuvāca ha
tataḥ parama-saṁtuṣṭo
jayeti munayovadan ||15||

Then Śanideva replied to Lord Narahari that he would follow the Lord’s instructions. Then the joyful saints and sages present there (in Brahma’s assembly) responded with cries of, ‘jaya, jaya!’”.

śrīkṛṣṇauvāca -
itamśanaiścarasyātanṛsiṁha deva |
samvādametatstavanaṁ ca mānavaḥ ||
śṛṇotiyaḥśrāvayate ca bhaktyā
sarvānyābhīṣṭāni ca vindatedhruvam ||16||

ŚrīKṛṣṇa told Dharmarāja, “Whoever listens to or recites this conversation between Śanideva and Lord Nṛsiṁha in the form of this prayer of devotion will definitely have all desires fulfilled and will always rejoice.”
itiśrībhaviṣyottarapurāṇerakṣobhuvanamahātmeśrī
śanaiścarakṛtaśrīnṛsiṁhastutisampūrṇam
Thus ends the prayers offered to the universal protector ŚrīNṛsiṁha by the great soul Śani.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Radha Kunda Prasada


Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#RadhaKunda #SevaAtRadhaKunda #Radharani #Vrindavana #GovardhanaParikrama #RadhaKrishna
What is Radha-kunda prasada and how can one receive it? In his astakam to Sri Radha-kunda, Sri Kundashrayi Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswamipada describes how Sri Krishna Himself personally bathes in and serves Radha-kunda in hopes of attaining a merciful loving glance from His dearest Srimati.

It’s understandable how Sri Kunda, being non-different from Srimati Radharani, is kind and merciful to Sri Krishna who is Radha’s beloved sweetheart. But what about the average foolish person attached to materialistic life? Will Radha-kunda give mercy to such an unfortunate person?

“YES!” proclaims Dasa Goswamipada in verse 4 of his Sri Radha-kundastakam:
“Any person, even if they are unqualified and unscrupulous (api jana kashchit), if he/she serves Sri Radha-kunda [i.e. by arati, bathing, circling, glorifying, living, seeing, sweeping or touching], then by the mercy of the very beautiful and fragrant Radha-kunda, the desire vine of love (pranaya suralata) for Krishna, manifesting the flowers of service to my Ishvari Radha [i.e. radha-dasya in manjari-bhava] will surely and suddenly appear in one’s heart (sapadi kila mad isha dasya pushpa prashasya)!”
Karunamayi Sri Radha Kunda krpa ki jai!
Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

How I Became Enchanted by Vraja


Mahanidhi Swami

How I Became Enchanted by Vraja
The magnetic enchantment of Vraja Dhama first captivated my heart in 1977, when good fortune brought Her most rare and auspicious darshana. After lacs and lacs of births my undeserving eyes were blessed with the vision of the mind-stealing Thakuraji’s Radha-ramanji, Bihariji, Damodarji, Govindaji, Shyamasundaraji, and the enchanting vanas, kunjas and lila-shalis of Yugala Kishora. My useless hands attained worth touching the amazing ecstasy-twisted trees of Vrindavana. My feet found fulfillment in parikrama of Vrindavana and Giriraja Govardhana. Hearing the joyous parrots and midnight cries of the peacocks attracted my ears. Smelling Vraja’s exotic fragrant flowers of juhi, mogra, kadamba, kunda, parijata and rose gave purpose to my nose. The amazing remnants of the Goswami’s Thakurajis, and the cool Shyama-blue water of Yamunaji fully satiated and satisfied my sense of taste.

During that visit in 1977, I visited Radha Kunda and had a mystical experience. While gazing at the peaceful prema-filled waters and feeling the intense spiritual ambience of the place, a prayer spontaneously arose from my heart: “O Sri Radha! I don’t when or how it will be possible, but please Radharani let me live on Your banks and attain the service of Your lotus feet.”

The magic, the sweet attraction and the indescribable enchantment of Vrindavana had somehow captured my heart. The next ten years I spent traveling back and forth between America and Vrindavana, where I would pass the month of Karttika feeling, “Yes, Vrindavana is my home, now and forever!”

Finally in 1987—my feelings, my attraction, my attachment and my enchantment with Vrindavana fused into one sankalpa. I vowed before the Lord in my heart: “O Krishna, I want to go to Vrindavana and never, ever return to America again!” With this sankalpa as my only possession and a one way ticket, I came to Vrindavana.

Somehow by the causeless mercy of Srimati Radhika, Sri Krishna, the Thakurajis of Vraja, Giridhari Shyama, Vrnda-devi, Yogamaya Yamunaji, Gopishvara Mahadeva, Sri Guru, the Vaisnavas, the Vrajavasis, and the sacred dust of Vrindavana I was able to settle in Sridhama Vrindavana. By their mercy I received Indian citizenship in 1998, and have lived continuously in Vrindavana for the last twenty-seven years.

From 1987 until 2012 I lived in various places in Vrindavana. As per my guru’s order to his sannyasis, I lived three years (1989-1992) in Srila Prabhupada’s bhajana kutira at the Radha Damodara Mandir in Seva Kunja. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada and the divine presence of Srila Rupa Goswamipada and Sri Jiva Goswamipada, I started writing spiritual books. To date we have published twenty-six books glorifying Radha-Krishna; the most famous being Appreciating Sri Vrindavana Dhama, Art of Chanting Hare Krishna and Gaudiya Vaisnava Samadhis. All books are available as E-books on Amazon.

In 2012, Srimati Radhika answered the prayer I offered to Her in 1977 while sitting on the banks of Radha Kunda. By Radha’s mercy, I moved from Vrindavana to Radha Kunda and remain here engaged in bhajana and writing. Our latest publication is titled Radha-Krishna Pastimes at Radha Kunda.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Monday, October 9, 2017

Gopi Lila


Mahanidhi Swami 

Srila Rupa Goswamipada states (Brs. (1.2.291) that the practice of raganuga-bhakti sadhana can begin when one has eager craving or strong desire (divine greed) to attain a bhaava or feeling similar to some particular residents of Vrindavana (vraja-vasi jana bhaava lubdho), such as Sri Radha and the gopis in madhura-rati, and to serve Sri Krishna in a similar way that they do. 

In Nectar of Devotion (pg. 125) Srila Prabhupada says, “There is a gradual development to become like a particular devotee.” Srila Rupa Goswamipada says (Brs.1.2.292) this development and divine greed occur by hearing [or reading] the scriptures. Sri Jiva Goswamipada says one should especially hear the Bhagavatam’s descriptions [six gitas of the Tenth Canto] of the sweet love and activities of the Vrajavasis to develop one’s interest to practice raganuga-bhakti sadhana. 

In (Brs.1.2.294) Srila Rupa Goswamipada says practicing raganuga-bhakti means to live in Vraja Mandala and be absorbed in hearing topics specifically related to the Vrajavasis whom you want to follow, such as Radhika and the Vraja-gopis. 

For devotees pursuing Vraja bhakti in the mood of the gopis conjugal love, the Srimad Bhagavatam contains six priceless jewels known as the six gitas or songs of the Vraja-gopis. As the Srimad Bhagavatam is the cream of the Vedas, these six gopi-gitas are the concentrated sweet burfy of the Bhagavata. Why is that you may ask? In these deeply emotional, love surcharged verses arising from their immaculately pure hearts, the Vraja-gopis reveal the topmost ecstatic loving sentiments of mahabhava or pure divine love for their dearly beloved Priyatama Shyama Bhagavan Sri Krishna! 
  
These songs are especially meant for sadhakas desiring to or following the path of raganuga-bhakti in pursuance of the madhura-rati of the Vraja-gopis as taught by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Devotees will quickly develop the moods and feeling of the damsels of Vraja by regularly hearing [or reading] these six songs of love divine. And moreover, since the Vraja-gopis are the topmost devotees of Bhagavan Sri Krishna in all of creation, any devotee who daily hears [or reads] these songs will surely increase his attraction, love and attachment for our Sweet Lord Sri Krishna. 
  
While commenting on the divine pastimes contained within these gitas, Srila Sukadeva Goswami (SB 10.33.36), “People must hear about these pastimes. By doing so they will become exclusively devoted to Lord Sri Krishna.” 

Here is a brief outline of the six songs:
1. Venu-gita: In these verses (10.21.7-19), the gopis describe Sri Krishna’s purvahna-lila (8:24-10:48 a.m.) after Govinda leaves in the morning to tend His cows in the forest with His cowherd friends. When the gopis back in the village hear Krishna sweet flute song echoing and resounding in the distant pastures, their hearts thrill with ecstatic hankering. In response, the lovely damsels of Vraja sing about their beloved Shyama, His amazing flute and Shyama’s enchanting pastimes in the land of Vrindavana. 

2. Pranaya-gita: This gita appears in the Tenth Canto at the end of the first chapter describing the rasa-lila, namely chapter 29 verses 31-41. After the gopis heard Sri Krishna’s flute invitation for conjugal love, they dropped everything, and ran through the dark frightening forest to stand right before their beloved Shyama. Yet Shyama appeared to reject them, so the damsels of Vraja forcefully expressed their loving sentiments and pure intentions. In these outpourings of deepest pure love, the Vraja-gopis reveal a type of sweetness in prema called pranaya. To better understand the gopis’ feelings at this time, please attentively read and reflect upon the following passage:
 
Pranaya-prema is the mentality of equality and oneness of heart between the lover and beloved. It includes boldness, firm faith and trust, and it is completely free from the slightest scent of reverence. Ujjvala-nilamani states that pranaya is the fifth stage (rati, prema, sneha, mana, pranaya) of ever-thickening sweetness in divine love. In pranaya prema the lover completely identifies with the beloved, but not like the oneness of the jiva identifying with Brahman in sayujya-mukti. 
  
At this level the lover feels that his life, mind, intelligence, body, and garments (prana, mana, buddhi, deha, vesh) are identical with the counterparts in his beloved. The lovers think, “You are my very prana and I am your very prana (life force).” Thus, in their loving exchanges there is no hesitation, fear or distance created by respect. For example, Sri Krishna can place His feet on Radharani’s breasts or pass His chewed pan into Radha’s mouth without any fear or hesitation. 

3. Gopi-gita: This gita appears in the Tenth Canto at the beginning of the third chapter describing the rasa-lila, namely chapter 31 verses 1-19. On the camphor white, soft sands of the Yamuna’s bank, the beautiful cowherd damsels of Vraja sang the Pranaya-gita in chapter 29 and this song late in the night (nisha-lila 10:48 p.m.-3:36 a.m.) during the course of the rasa dance pastimes after Sri Krishna suddenly disappeared from the scene. 

The gopis, overwhelmed by feelings of separation from Krishna, sat down on the bank of the Yamuna after continuously searching for Krishna for a long time. Each gopi began addressing Sri Krishna, the personal manifestation of all enjoyable tastes, according to her individual mode of ecstasy, and praying for Shyama’s merciful darsana. As the pastimes of Krishna spontaneously arose in the minds of the gopis, whose consciousness was fully imbued with Shyama’s presence, they sang their song (Gopi-gita), which relieves the agony of those suffering from the burning pain of separation from Krishna and which bestows supreme auspiciousness. 

4. Yugala-gita:  This gita appears in the Tenth Canto in chapter 35 verses 2-25. Every day when Sri Krishna went to the forest, the minds of the gopis would run after their beloved Syama. While staying back in the village tending to their chores, the youthful damsels sadly passed the time singing of Krishna’s pastimes while eagerly awaiting Shyama’s return. 

Standing in small groups here and there in Vraja, the gopis recited pairs (yugala) of verses describing Sri Krishna’s late afternoon pastimes (aparahna-lila 3.36 p.m- 6 p.m) of returning from the pasturing grounds (uttara-gostha lila) with the cows and cowherd boys.  

5. Viraha-gita: This gita appears in the Tenth Canto in chapter 39 verses 19-31. This chapter describes how on a dismal day in February, Akrura came to Vraja to take the tender boys Krishna and Balarama out of Vraja and on to Mathura City for a wrestling match with the fierce and hefty henchmen of the notorious demon King Kamsa. Priyaji Radha and the other gopis were frightened at the prospect of even the briefest separation from their Priyatama Shyama, who is their very life and soul. So when they heard the news, they became extremely upset and distressed.

Their faces turned pale from their heavy breathing, and their dresses, bracelets and braids began to slip off. When Radhika heard about this She remembered some of Her sweet intimate moments with Shyama and fainted. 
Tossed by the high waves of prema, the Vraja-gopis spent the night in the grips of various emotions like madness and fainting. Losing all external awareness, the gopikas began to remember Krishna’s pastimes. They lamented and condemned the creator for separating them from Shyama. The gopis said that Akrura did not deserve his name, which literally means not (a) cruel (krura), since he was actually very cruel to be taking away their dearest Shyama.

Due to the intense anxiety of thinking that they may never see Krishna again, the gopis regained external consciousness. Thus at dawn, the lovely damsels of Vraja thought let us forget our shyness and try to stop our Priyatama from leaving Vrindavana. Then they eagerly gathered in great longing before Nanda’s door to express their deep feelings of love of separation in what is called the “Viraha Gita”. 

In Sri Krishna’s divine love affairs with Srimati Radhika and the newly married brides of Vraja there are four types of meeting or sambhoga and four types of separation, which is called viraha or vipralambha. When lovers are separated by a great distance for a long time it is a type of separation or viraha called sudura-pravaasa. 

In Nectar of Devotion (ch 44), Srila Prabhupada cites Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s Padyavalli to describe this: “Since the inauspicious day when Krishna left Vrindavana to go to Mathura, Srimati Radharani has been pressing Her head on one of Her hands and constantly shedding tears. Radha’s face is always wet now, and therefore there is no chance of Radha’s sleeping even for a moment. Radharani was always weeping for Krishna because of His separation and She could not sleep for a moment.” 
 
And how did Krishna feel in separation from His dearly beloved sweetheart Radhika? In the Prahlada-samhita Uddhava says, “Lord Govinda, panic-stricken due to being pierced by the arrows of Cupid, is always thinking of Radharani, and He is not even accepting His regular meals. Nor is Govinda able to sleep at night.”  

6. Bhramara-gita: This gita appears in the Tenth Canto in chapter 47 verses 12-20. After Sri Krishna left the gopis and went to Mathura, He sent Uddhava back to Vrindavana with a message to pacify the gopis who were completely distraught in Krishna’s separation.

When the young maidens of Vraja saw lotus-eyed Uddhava, who wore a yellow garment and attractive earrings, they were astonished at how much he resembled Krishna. The gopis brought Uddhava to a secluded place where he could speak to them confidentially.

Remembering their pleasurable pastimes with Krishna, the gopis abandoned all propriety and shyness and loudly cried. At that time, Sri Radha saw a bumblebee and mistook it to be a messenger of Uddhava or someone very dear to him and Krishna. Completely bewildered by intense pangs of love in separation from Shyama (divyonmada mahabhava), Radha spoke to that bee like a madwoman.

Although Uddhava tried his best to console the deeply anguished Radharani and the damsels of Vraja, who were so anxious to see their dearly beloved Shyama once again, he failed. Rather than helping or pacifying the Vraja-gopis, Uddhava himself became completely baffled and amazed by the depth and extent of Srimati Radhika’s intensely mad love in separation from Shyama. 

In response, Uddhava spontaneously praised the gopis with prayers of gratitude, glorification, appreciation and aspiration. Uddhava, the direct disciple of the great Brhaspati; the confidential friend of Lord Krishna, and the wise counselor to the Yadavas was begging the simple cowherd damsels of Vraja to bless him with the dust of their feet in some future lowly birth of his as a creeper on the ground of Vrindavana. It seems this pastime occurred during the morning (purvahana-lila 8:36-10:48 a.m.)
 We hope this short article will inspire devotees to cultivate their individual budding attraction to follow the Vraja-gopis by regularly hearing and reading these gitas of the Tenth Canto. 

To facilitate the daily hearing of the gopis’ six gitas we are offering a free download audio CD titled “Gopi Lila’ on our website mnsaudio.com. It contains these six gopi gitas—the songs the Vraja-gopis sang, either in times of union or separation, while relishing the ecstasy of their srngara-prema prema or pure ecstatic conjugal love for Shyamasundara, the beautiful dashing sweet Lord of Love, The CD contains another track titled “Kuruksetra Vrajavasi Milana”, which is the Tenth Canto chapter 82, “Krishna and Balarama Meet the Inhabitants of Vrindavana”. This reveals the most amazing meeting of Sri Krishna and the Vraja-gopis in Kuruksetra [before the battle] after more than fifty tortuous years of separation.
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Hari’s Radha Japa


Mahanidhi Swami

Hari sits alone in a kunja mandira by the Yamuna’s shore. Like the king of yogis, Yogindra Krishna meditates on the radiance of Radha’s lotus feet. His eyes full of loving tears, Shyama always and repeatedly mutters the two enchanting syllables RA DHA. May these two supremely astonishing, blissful and rasa-filled syllables RA DHA always manifest in my heart.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 96)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha; 
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it; 
Close your eyes; 
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.  
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Friday, October 6, 2017

Madhukantha Describes Krishna’s Birthday 


Mahanidhi Swami  

Our acharyas advise us that on the path of raganuga-bhakti sadhana one must first read gaura-lila in order to successfully approach and benefit from reading Radha-Krishna’s vraja-lila. If possible, it’s best to read a particular gaura-lila that is analogous to the vraja-lila you intend to read or hear. 

For example, first read about Gaura-Gadadhara’s nishanta-lila (3.36-6 a.m.), waking in the flower groves of Srivasa Thakura’s estate before reading Radha-Madhava’s nikunja bhanga lila in Nidhivana during the same time. 

This practice is called Gaurachandrika, which means the moonbeams (chandrika) of Lord Gauranga’s most merciful and purifying lilas illuminate the dark forest path within our hearts to show us the way to the brilliantly, blissful keli-nikunjas, wherein Vrindavanachandra forever relishes conjugal intimacies with His dearly beloved Radha. 

Before we narrate the beautiful story of Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s appearance, let’s hear the acharyas conclusions regarding the interplay of Gaura and Krishna lila.

Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati said (Sri Chaitanya-chandramrta 88), “As much as you are devoted to the lotus feet Lord Gaura, to that same extent the ocean of nectar at the lotus feet of Sri Radha will automatically arise in your heart” (gaura-padaravinde bhaktim…radha-padambhoja-sudhambu-rasih).”

Sri Narahari dasa an eternal intimate associate of both Gaura and Govinda reveals the essential contribution of Lord Chaitanya to raganuga-bhakti. In one bhajana, “Yadi Gaura Na Hoito”, he said, “If Mahaprabhu had not come to this world, who would have ever understood the glories of Sri Radha’s unlimited prema-rasa? And from whom would one get the power to render ecstatic devotional service that follows in the footsteps of the damsels of Vraja?” (radhar mahima, prema-rasa-sima, jagate janato ke, baraja-yuvati, bhaver bhakati, shakati hoito kar)

Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja (Cc. 2.25.271) wonderfully describes the sweet connection between gaura and krisna-lila: “Krishna lila is the essence of bliss ambrosia flowing in all directions in hundreds of rivers. Chaitanya lila is an imperishable reservoir of nectar, saturated with the pastimes of Krishna. O swanlike mind, please wander in this transcendental lake” (krishna-lila amrta sara, caitanya-lila sarovara).

In Prarthana, Srila Narottama dasa Thakura says, “If you submerge yourself in the rasa-filled ocean of Gaura prema, you will become a confidential servant of Radha-Madhava” (gaura-prema rasarnave se, tarange yeba dube, se radha-madhava antaranga)

Following the principle of Gaurachandrika, we will first narrate from Chaitanya Caritamrta (2.15.17-31) how Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates celebrated Sri Krishna Jayanti. Then we will recount Madhukantaji’s wonderful narration of Krishna’s exciting birthday extracted from Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s Gopala Champu. 

Every year, Gauranga’s bhaktas would relish the four months of Chaturmasya in Jagannatha Puri observing various spiritual festivals in the blissful association of Mahaprabhu. One year they celebrated Krishna Janmastami and Nandotsava, the day after. Everyone including Mahaprabhu dressed up as a cowherd boys (prabhu gopa vesh). 

Everyone carried pots of milk and yogurt balanced on rods over their shoulders, and walked to the Janmastami festival grounds chanting euphorically, “Hari, Hari!” Kanai Khuntiya dressed as Nanda Maharaja and Jagannatha Mahiti dressed as Vrajeshvari Yasoda. Mahaprabhu danced jubilantly, and all the bhaktas began to throw milk, yogurt and turmeric (haldi) water on each other to celebrate Sri Krishna’s birthday. 

At this time, Advaita Acharya jestfully challenged Gaura Gopala, “I’ll believe You’re a cowherd boy only if You can wheel this lagudi (a stick carried by gopas).”
Mahaprabhu then wheeled His lagudi around and around, and repeatedly tossed it into the sky and caught it when it fell. Gaura Gopala threw the rod over His head, behind His back, in front of Him, and between His legs. Gauranga’s display of expertise in this playful art of the Vraja gopas, brought uproarious laughter to one and all. As His grand finale, Gaurasundara astonished everyone by whirling His lagudi so rapidly in a circle that it appeared like a firebrand (alata-cakra).

Entering the deep mood of Gaura’s sakhya-prema (gopa-bhaava gudha), Nitai-Balarama picked up His lagudi and also whirled it about in amazing ways. In this way, Gauranga-sundara experienced  the greatest ecstasy observing the Janmastami festival of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, who is non-different from Himself. 
 
In Gopal Champu, Sri Jiva Goswamipada describes the appearance of Sri Krishna thus: One night when all his family members had assembled in the palace entertainment hall, Nanda Baba asked Madhukanta, a court pandita and reciter, to narrate the lila of Krishna’s birth, Janmastami. 

Thus Madhukantha spoke: One day Nanda Baba said to Vrajeshvari (Yasoda), “O devi! I see very attractive child with a dark complexion and long lotus petal eyes playing on your lap. And milk is profusely flowing from your breasts. O my priya-patni! Tell me the truth. Is this a dream or is this jewel-like child within your womb?”
 Then some time later, a middle-aged, saffron-clad yogini arrived in Nandagrama accompanied by a slightly chubby brahmana boy. Introducing herself to Nanda Baba she said, “My name is Paurnamasi and this boy is my grandson, Madhumangala. O Baba, I can predict the future, and I see that you will have a most beautiful and sensational son who fill the universe with bliss.”

After a some months had passed, Yasoda Ma had a vision of a celestial child entering the lotus of her heart and a divine maiden (Yogamaya) entering her womb. The presence of the Bhagavan Sri Krishna within her womb made Yasoda Ma radiant like a thousand suns. Understanding she was pregnant, all the elderly gopis of Nanda Vraja brought gifts and auspicious items to offer Yasoda. As it often happens with pregnant mothers, Yasoda Ma had a craving to eat tulasi decorated rice mixed with camphor and lots of ghee and sugar, a favorite of Gopala. 
 
On Wednesday, Bhadra krishna-astami, as the moon rose in the Rohini star during a harsha-yoga, Krishnachandra, the ocean of surprises, appeared to relish the intense motherly love of Yasoda Ma. Baby Krishna’s tender body was more effulgent than a brilliant blue sapphire. The moon of Nandulala’s face conquered the full moon. Gopala’s eyes resembled astonishing lotuses. Krishna’s lovely hands were more splendorous than the newly unfurled leaves of a celestial desire tree. Gopala cried sweetly while slightly moving His splendid hands and feet. 
 
While gazing lovingly at her newborn, Yasoda thought, “Is He an empire of radiant darkness? Is He the topmost object of beauty for the eyes to see?” When the child cried at this time, Yasoda Ma took it to mean, “Yes, Yes Indeed I am all that and much more!”   
 
When the village ladies came to see the baby, they all became overwhelmed with motherly affection. Gathering around Yasoda’s bed, they gazed at Gopala and started chattering excitedly. One lady said, “Ah! I will caress His darling head.” A second lady said, “I want to offer my very self to His heart and reside there forever.” While looking lovingly upon the Lord of Love, each lady expressed her personal desires. 
 
Although Yasoda Ma gazed continually at her baby Gopala, she could not satiate her thirst. Streams of nectar poured from her breasts and tears of trickled from her loving eyes. 

Concluding the story of Krishna’s birth, Madhukantha said, “O Nanda Baba! Your son Gopala bestows extraordinary auspiciousness to the people of Vraja, and gives the highest bliss to the people of the universe.” 
 
Though not speaking this openly to the assembly, Madhukantha thought the following after narrating the pastime of Krishna’s appearance: “These Vrajavasis have a unique perfection, for there is nothing but Krishna in their hearts. All their heart’s affection is for Krishna alone. And Krishna will only reveal Himself to a devotee whose heart is full of love for Him. Thus Sri Krishna is always present in the hearts of these Vrajavasis.

Sri Krishna Jayanti ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!   

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Prabhupada on Sweet Radha Kunda


Mahanidhi Swami

Forty years ago, in Mayapura, West Bengal, Srila Prabhupada wrote the following words in glorification of Sri Radha Kunda. Manifesting as his comments to Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s Upadeshamrta (Nectar of Instruction), these ambrosial words gushed out of Prabhupada’s heart like a waterfall to inundate the desert dry hearts of thirsty souls hankering for love divine. 

Please read them again and again. After sometime, they will magically move your mind, and then captivate your heart. And if Kundeshvari Radha glances upon you, you may find yourself living here serving the eternal sweethearts of your soul—Radha-Govinda Yugala. 

First of all what is Radha-kunda?
 Radha-kunda, situated at Govardhana Hill in Sri Vrndavana Dhama, is the eternal bathing place of Srimati Radharani. Sri Krishna spends six hours a day here, enjoying blissful confidential pastimes with Radhika and the Vraja-gopis. The sacred lake was created by Radharani and her gopi companions at midnight on Bahulastami in Kartika month. It is the topmost of all the holy places in Vraja and the most exalted holy place for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas. 

The eight major Gaudiya Vaisnava temples of Vrndavana (Govindaji, Madan-mohana, Gopinatha etc) also exist at Radha-kunda, as well as the bhajana-kutiras of Sri Jiva Gosvami, Gopal Bhatta Gosvami, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, and Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. 

The beautiful transcendental waters of Radha-kunda are considered non-different from Radharani, and easily grant one love of God, Radha-Krsna prema.

Please carefully read below how beautifully and powerfully...
SRILA PRABHUPADA GLORIFIES RADHARANI:

HER GLORIES
“There is no limit to the glory of Sri Radha-kunda.” (NOI v.11pur.)

“The importance of Radha-kunda cannot be realized by other Vaisnava sampradayas. Radha-kunda is mainly worshipped by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas.” (NOI v.9 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is very rarely attained, even by great personalities fully engaged in devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“Sri Radha-kunda, is the most exalted place.” (NOI v. 10 pur.)
“Radha Kunda is so exalted because it belongs to Srimati Radharani, who is the most beloved object of Sri Krsna” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Krsna's love for Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani is the same in all respects.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)
“Radha-kunda is superior to all [places of Krsna's pastimes] because there love of Krsna overflows.” (NO I v 9 pur).

Radha Kunda is the site of many memories of the eternal loving affairs between Krsna and Radharani, rati-vilasa” (NOI v.9 pur).

“Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that Sri Radha-kunda is the most select place for those interested in advancing their devotional service in the wake of the lady friends (sakhis) and confidential serving maids (manjaris) of Srimati Radharani.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

SERVING RADHA KUNDA
“By serving Radha-kunda, one can get an opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani under the eternal guidance of the gopis.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

BATHING IN RADHA KUNDA
“A devotee will at once develop pure love of Krsna in the wake of the gopis if he once takes a bath in Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami recommends that one should take a bath in the lake as many times as possible. This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“If, by great fortune, one gets an opportunity to come to Radha-kunda and bathe even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krsna, exactly as the gopis did.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“One should bathe there regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis. If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

RESIDENCE
“It is also recommended that one should live on the banks of Radha-kunda and should be absorbed in the loving service of the Lord.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami has given much stress to Radha-kunda because of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's desire to find it. Who, then, would give up Radha-kunda and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.” (NOI v. 9 pur.)

“Everyone interested in Krsna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha-kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one's life. This is the conclusion of Rupa Gosvami in the tenth verse of Upadesamrta.” (NOI v. 10 pur.)

“Living entities who are eager to return home to Goloka Vrndavana, by means of attaining their spiritual bodies (siddha-deha), should live at Radha-kunda, take shelter of the confidential serving maids of Sri Radha, and under their direction engage constantly in Radha's service.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“There is no harm [in wearing Radha Kunda tilaka], but devotees should understand what is Radha-kunda and how to deal with Radha-kunda.
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami showed how to live in Radha-kunda. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau. Raghunatha dasa Gosvami was circumambulating Radha-kunda, falling down making a mark [dandavat parikrama]. That is Radha-kunda vasi. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih. Not only did Raghunatha dasa count the holy names, but he was offering obeisances so many hundred times, that is Radha-kunda. So much vairagya (renunciation) Raghunatha dasa Gosvami showed. He can take bath in the Radha-kunda.
First of all, do this like Raghunatha dasa Gosvami. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau nidrahara-viharakadi-vijitau catyanta-dinau ca yau.” (760816.rc.bom)

BOOK PUBLISHING
“In my last meeting with Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in Radha-Kunda he advised me to print some books if I get money. I took it very seriously and by His grace we have now published many translations.” (letter 15/11/76)

SRILA PRABHUPADA'S CONCLUSION:
“The conclusion is that to live on the banks of the Radha-kunda, and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

THE LAST INSTRUCTION
On November 10, 1977, just four days before His Divine Grace left this planet to enter the eternal pastimes of Radha-Govinda, Srila Prabhupada told his disciples to bathe in Radha Kunda on his behalf:
Srila Prabhupada said, “So you [Prabhupada's disciples] will take bath in Radha-kunda on my behalf.” (RC 10/11/77)

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: In his illuminations quoted above on Rupa Goswami's Upadeshamrita (Nectar Of Instruction), Srila Prabhupada makes four supremely significant points:

1) Glorifies the supreme position of Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani.
2) We Should Serve Radha-kunda.
3) We Should BATHE DAILY IN Radha-kunda.
4) We Should live in Radha-kunda.

Sri Shyama-kunda Radha-kunda ki jai!
Srila Prabhupada ki jai!
jai jai sri radhe

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

REFERENCES TO THE HARE KÅÑËA MAHÄ-MANTRA

(Collected by Mädhavänanda Däs)

1. References from the followers of Çré Caitanya.................2
2. References predating Çré Caitanya...................................7
3. An excerpt from Nama-tattva Vijïäna...........................15
4. Commentaries on the meaning of the mahä-mantra.....18

REFERENCES FROM THE FOLLOWERS OF ÇRÉ CAITANYA

Dhyänacandra Gosvämé describes the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra in his Gaura Govindärcana-smarana-paddhati (132-136) in the following words, drawing from the Sanat-kumära Samhitä:

siddhäù kåñëasya sat-prema-bhakti-siddhi-karä matäù ||131||
taträdau mantroddhäro yathä sanat-kumära-saàhitäyäm--
hare-kåñëau dvir ävåttau kåñëa tädåk tathä hare |
hare räma tathä räma tathä tädåg ghare manuù ||132||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||133||

“There are three Kåñëa-mantras that are very pure and powerful; they are famous for bestowing prema-bhakti on their chanters. A reference for the first mantra is from the Sanat-kumara-samhita:

‘The words Hare Kåñëa are repeated twice, and then Kåñëa and Hare are both separately twice repeated. In the same way, Hare Räma, Räma and Hare are twice repeated.’
The mantra is thus: ‘Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare’”

asya dhyänaà yathä tatraiva—
dhyäyed våndävane ramye gopa-gobhir alaìkåte |
kadamba-pädapa-cchäye yamunä-jala-çétale || 134 ||
rädhayä sahitaà kåñëaà vaàçé-vädana-tat-param |
tribhaìga-lalitaà devaà bhaktänugraha-kärakam || 135 ||
viçeñato daçärëo ’yaà japa-mätreëa siddhi-daù |
païcäìgäny asya mantrasya vijïeyäni manéñibhiù || 136 ||

“The meditation which accompanies this mahä-mantra is also found in the Sanat-kumära Samhitä: Çré Kåñëa is sporting in the cooling waters of the Yamuna, or in the shade of a Kadamba tree in the beautiful Våndävana forest. He is ornamented (surrounded) by the cows and gopas, and is accompanied by Çré Rädhä. He is very skillful at playing the flute as He stands in a charming tribhanga pose, bestowing mercy and kindness upon the bhaktas.”
Gopäla Guru Gosvämé, drawing from the Brahmäëòa Puräëa (and adding the second stanza), has presented the following meaning for the mahä-mantra:

vijïäpya bhagavat-tattvaà cid ghanänanda vigraham |
haratyavidhaà tatkäryamato haririti småtaù ||
harati çré-kåñëa-manaù kåñëähläda-svarüpiné |
ato harety anenaiva çré-rädhä parikértitä ||
änandaikasukhaù çrémän çyämaù kamala locanaù |
gokulänando nanda-nandanaù kåñëa éryate ||
vaidagdhé säräsarvasvaà mürtalélä dhidaivatam |
çré rädhäà ramayan nityaà räma ity abhidéyate ||

“The Lord is known as Hari because he takes away the ignorance of his devotees by revealing to them the actual nature of the Supreme Lord and his personal spiritual form. Because She steals Kåñëa's mind, because She is the incarnation of Kåñëa's joy, Rädhä is also known by the name Harä. The dark, lotus-eyed lord, the only master of the highest joy, who brings pleasure to Gokula, the son of Nanda, is known as Kåñëa. Kåñëa is also known as Räma because the joys of conjugal life are the essence of his being, because he is the titulary deity of loving sports incarnate, and because he brings pleasure to Çrématé Rädhäräëé.”
Rüpa Gosvämé praises the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra in his Laghu Bhägavatämåtam (1.4):

çré-caitanya-mukhodgérëä hare-kåñëeti varëakäù |
majjayanto jagat premëi vijayantäà tad-ähvayäù || 4 ||

“The syllables ‘Hare Kåñëa’ and so forth emanated from the mouth of Çré Caitanya, drowning the universe in prema. Let these names be glorified!”
He longs to again attain the darçana of Çré Caitanya’s calling out the holy names, as presented in Stavamälä, Prathama Caitanyäñöakam (5):

hare kåñëety uccaiù sphurita-rasano näma-gaëanäkåta-
granthi-çreëé-subhaga-kaöi-sütrojjvala-karaù |
viçäläkño dérghärgala-yugala-kheläïcita-bhujaù
sa caitanyaù kià me punar api dåçor yäsyati padam || 5 ||

“When will Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu - whose tongue is always dancing by loudly calling out ‘Hare Kåñëa!’; who counts the names which He is calling out on the splendorous strip of cloth from around His waist which has been tied with knots for chanting; whose eyes are so large that they seem to reach His ears; and whose arms extend down to His knees – again become visible to me?”
Here the word “uccaiù”, “loudly”, is used for Mahäprabhu’s chanting of Hare Kåñëa. Baladeva confirms in his Stava-mälä-vibhüñaëa-bhäñya that this indeed refers to the thirty-two syllable mahä-mantra:

hare kåñëeti mantra-pratéka-grahaëaà. soòaça-nämätmanä dvätréàçadaksareëa mantreëoccair-uccäritena sphuritä kåta-nåtyä rasanä jihvä yasya saù.

“The Hare Kåñëa mantra was resounding in His mouth. The mantra consisting of sixteen names and thirty-two syllables was uttered and dancing on His tongue.”
Raghunätha Däs Gosvämé states in his Çacé-Sünvañöakam (5):

nijatve gauòéyän jagati parigåhya prabhur imän
hare-kåñëety evaà gaëana-vidhinä kértayata bhoù |
itipräyäà çikñäà janaka iva tebhyaùparidiçan
çacé-sünuù kià me nayana-çaraëéà yäsyati punaù || 5 ||

“When will that son of Mother Çacé – who, taking the residents of Bengal as His own, inspired them to chant Hare Kåñëa a prescribed number of times daily and who like a father gave them many cherished instructions – again become visible to me?”
This verse uses the word “kértayata” to describe Mahäprabhu’s chanting, adding that this chanting is “gaëana-vidhinä”, “counted as prescribed.” Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya states in his Caitanya Çatakam (64):
viñaëëa cittän kali päpa-bhétän
saàvékñya gauro hari näma mantraà |
svayaà dadau bhakta janän samädiçat
kuruñva saìkértana-nåtya vädyaiù || 64 ||

“Seeing the people of the world afraid of the sins of the age of Kali and dejected at heart, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu personally gave them the hari näma mantra and also ordered them to do loud sankértana of this mahämantra while dancing and playing musical instruments.”
Prabodhänanda Sarasvaté states in his Våndävana Mahimämåta (17.89):

hare kåñëa kåñëeti mukhyän
mahäçcarya-nämävalé-siddha-manträn |
kåpä-mürti-caitanya-devopagétän
kadäbhyasya våndävane syän kåtärthaù || 89 ||

“Çré Caitanya òeva, the very form of mercy, sung the perfected mantra, ‘Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa’ and so forth. When will ùe give ùis favor to me, causing me to attain Çré Våndävana?” Prabodhänanda also states in his Caitanya Candrämåtam (16):

badhnan prema-bhara-prakampita-karo granthén kaöé-òorakaiù
sankhyätuà nija-loka-mangala-hare-kåñëeti-nämnäà japan |
açru-snäta-mukhaù svam eva hi jagannäthaà didåkñur gatäyätair
gaura-tanur vilocana-mudaà tanvan hariù pätu vaù || 16 ||

“Engaged in japa of Hare Kåñëa and so forth, ùis own holy names which bring auspiciousness to the world, ùis hand trembling with love as ùe touches the knotted string about His waist to count the number of names, His face bathed in tears as He comes and goes, eager to see ùis own form of Lord Jagannatha, and bringing great delight to the eyes of all – may the golden form of Lord Hari protect you all.”

Kavi Karnapura describes the shaving-ceremony of Çré Caitanya in his Caitanya Carita Mahäkavya (11.54):

tataù çré gauräìgaù samavadad atéva pramudito
hare kåñëety uccair vada muhur iti çrémaya tanuù |
tato ’sau tat procya pratibalita romäïca lalito
rudaàs tat tat karmärabhata bahu-duùkhair vidalitaù || 54 ||

“When Çré Gauräìga accepted sannyäsa, the barber took the blade in his hand but was not able to shave any of the Lord’s curly locks out of grief. In great ecstasy Çré Gauranga deva told him to repeatedly chant the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra out loud. Then the barber loudly chanted the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra and began his job of shaving while he wept and his body was studded with goose pimples.”

Våndävana Däs describes the ÿord’s instructions to Tapana Miçra in the Caitanya Bhägavata (1.14.143-147) as follows:

sädhya-sädhana-tattva ye kichu sakala |
hari-näma-saìkértane milibe sakala || 143 ||
harer näma harer näma harer nämaiva kevalam |
kalau nästy eva nästy eva nästy eva gatir anyathä || 144 ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare || 145 ||
ei çloka näma bali laya mahä-mantra |
çola-näma batriça-akñara ei tantra || 146 ||
sädhite sädhite yabe premäìkura habe |
sädhya-sädhana-tattva jänibä se tabe || 147 ||

“Everything is accomplished by Hari-näma sankértana, including the goal of life (sädhya) and the means for its attainment (sädhana). In this age of Kali, the only means for deliverance is the chanting of the names of Hari. There is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way. ‘Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare, Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare.’ This verse of names is called the mahä-mantra. It contains sixteen names of the Lord, consisting of thirty-two syllables. Chanting this mantra again and again will awaken the sprout of prema within the heart, and thus the goal of life and the means for its attainment is understood.”

The following famous instructions of Çré Caitanya are related in the Caitanya Bhägavata (2.23.75-78):
äpane sabäre prabhu kore upadeçe |
kåñëa-näma mahä-mantra çunoho hariñe || 75 ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare|| 76 ||
prabhu kohe kohilam ei mahä-mantra |
iha japa giyä sabe koriyä nirbandha|| 77 ||
iha hoite sarva-siddhi hoibe sabära |
sarva kñaëa bolo ithe vidhi nähi ära || 78 ||

“The Lord ordered everyone in great joy: ‘Listen to the Kåñëa-näma mahämantra: hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare | hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare.’ The Lord said: ‘I spoke this mahämantra. Perform japa of this mantra a prescribed number of times. All perfection will be attained through this. Chant this mantra every moment – there is no other rule.’”

Våndävan Däs describes the meeting of Çré Caitanya and Advaita as follows:

prasanna çré mukhe hare kåñëa kåñëa bali |
vijaya hailä gauracandra kutühalé ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa bali prema sukhe |
pratyakña haila äsi advaita-sammukhe ||

“One day when He came to the home of Advaita Äcärya, His face filled with pleasure as He chanted the hare kåñëa mahä-mantra.”
Then let us turn to the various statements of the Caitanya Caritamrita which appear to be references to the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra. In this work, the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra is nowhere listed in its entire length. The following excerpts are from the Ädi-lélä (7.72, 78, 81, 83), describing the exchange between Çré Caitanya and the sannyäsés of Benares:

mürkha tumi, tomära nähika vedäntädhikära |
kåñëa-mantra japa sadä ei mantra-sära || 72 ||

“You are a fool, you have no eligibility for Vedanta. Always do japa of the Kåñëa-mantra, the essence of all mantras.”

dhairya dharite näri, hailäma unmatta |
häsi, kändi, näci, gäi, yaiche madamatta || 78 ||

“Unable to maintain my patience, I have become maddened. I laugh, cry, dance and sing like a madman.”
kibä mantra dilä, gosäïi, kibä tära bala |
japite japite mantra karila pägala || 81 ||

“What kind of mantra you have given, Gosäi, and what is its power? By constantly engaging in japa of this mantra, I have become mad!”

kåñëa-näma-mahä-mantrera ei ta’ svabhäva |
yei jape, tära kåñëe upajaye bhäva || 83 ||

“It is the nature of Kåñëa-näma mahä-mantra that anyone who does japa of it, in him bhäva for Kåñëa awakens.”

There are numerous references of someone chanting “Hari, Kåñëa”. Here Mahäprabhu inspires others to chant the holy names (Madhya-lélä, 7.97-98):

ei çloka paòi pathe calilä gaurahari |
loka dekhi’ pathe kahe bala hari hari || 97 ||
sei loka prema-matta haïä bale hari kåñëa |
prabhura päche saìge yäya darçana-satåñëa || 98 ||

“Reciting this verse (Kåñëa ùe…), Gaurahari walked along the path. Seeing people on the way, ùe told them, ‘Say ùari ùari!’ These people became maddened in prema, saying ‘Hari Kåñëa!’ They would follow behind the Lord, being eager to see ùim.”

The Muslim messenger in Madhya-lélä (16.168) also chanted “Hari Kåñëa”:

eta kahi sei cara hari kåñëa gäya |
häse kände näce gäya bäulera präya || 168 ||

“Saying this, that messenger sang ‘Hari Kåñëa!’, laughed, cried, danced and sang like a madman.”

Also in Madhya-lélä (17.159) we have an example of two brähmaëas chanting “Hari Kåñëa”:
duìhe preme nåtya kari’ kare koläkuli |
hari kåñëa kaha duìhe bale bähu tuli’ || 159 ||

“Both of them danced and embraced in ecstatic love, uttering “Hari Kåñëa”, thus both of them sang, raising their arms.”

Upon the departure of Haridäs, everyone chanted “Hari Kåñëa!” (Antya, 11.58):

hari kåñëa çabde sabe kare kolähala |
premänande mahäprabhu hailä vihvala || 58 ||

“All of them very loudly chanted ‘Hari Kåñëa!’ in the bliss of ecstatic love, and Mahäprabhu became overwhelmed.”
In Antya-lélä (9.55-57), Mahäprabhu inquires about Väëénätha Räya:

ethä prabhu sei manuñyere praçna kaila |
väëénätha ki kare, yabe bändhiyä änila || 55 ||
se kahe väëénätha nirbhaye laya kåñëa-näma |
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kahe aviçräma || 56 ||
saìkhyä lägi dui-häte aìguléte lekhä |
sahasrädi pürëa haile aìge käöe rekhä || 57 ||

“Prabhu inquired from him, ‘What was Väëénätha doing when he was arrested?’ ùe replied, ‘Fearlessly Väëénätha was chanting the name of Kåñëa, incessantly he chanted “Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa.” ùe used the fingers of his two hands for counting, and upon completing one thousand, he made a mark on his body.’”
Thus no specific references to saìkértana of Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra are found in the Caitanya Caritämåta, though saìkértana of Kåñëa’s names is mentioned, as well as japa of mahä-mantra. The following instance of Çré Caitanya’s chanting the mahä-mantra is found in the Caitanya Maìgala of Locana Däs:

bähu prasäriyä prabhu brähmaëe tulilä |
tära ghare bhakti bhare gäna äraàbhilä ||
brähmaëera ghara yena haila våndävana |
hari-näma çunibäre äise sarva-jana ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||

“Once Mahäprabhu visited the home of a brähmaëa and embraced him. The kértana that followed made that home become just like Våndävana and a multitude of people gathered to hear and chant the holy names: ‘hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare | hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare’.”

The 15th chapter of the Caitanya Maìgala relates:
“Keeping His hands above His head, He started chanting over and over, ‘Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa’.”

Locan Däs also states: hare kåñëa näma seho bole nirantara – “He constantly chanted the holy names ‘Hare Kåñëa’”.

REFERENCES PREDATING ÇRÉ CAITANYA -

In the Rädhä Hådya Khanda of the Brahmäëòa Puräëa, Romaharñana Suta prays to Çré Veda Vyäsa as follows:

yat tvayä kértitaà nätha hari-nämeti sanjitam |
mantraà brahma-padaà siddhi karaà-tad-vad-no-vibho ||

“O master, O mighty one! Please glorify the hari-näma mantra situated in transcendence, the cause of all perfection!”

gåhaëäd yasya mantrasya dehé brahma-mayo bhavet |
sadhyaù pütaù suräpo ‘pi sarva-siddhi-yuto bhavet |
tad-ahaà te ‘bhidhäsyämi mahä-bhägavato hamsi ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||
iti ñoòaçakaà nämnäà tri-käla kalmañäpaham |
nätaù parataropäyaù sarva vedeñu vidhyate ||

“The embodied soul who accepts this mantra will become filled with transcendence, and by accepting it, even a drunkard will attain all perfections. I will recite this mantra to you, for you are a swan-like mahäbhagavata.

hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare | hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare.’ These sixteen names can destroy the sins of the three worlds, and nothing higher than them is to be found in all the Vedas.” Agni Puräëa states:

hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
raöanti helayä väpi te kåtärthä na saàçayaù ||

“Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare: Whoever chants this mantra, even neglectfully, will attain the supreme goal of life. Of this there is no doubt.”

Padma Puräëa states:

dväntrià-sad-akñaraà mantraà näma-ñoòa-çakänvitam |
prajapan vaiñëavo nityaà rädhä-kåñëa-sthalaà-labhet ||

“Any Vaiñëava who chants the mantra consisting of thirty-two syllables and sixteen names will attain the abode of Rädhä and Kåñëa.”

The following statement on the congregational chanting of the Hari-näma mahä-mantra also found in the Padma Purana:

harer näma mahä-mantrair naçyet päpa piçäcakaà |
harer agra svarair uccair nåtyaà stan-nämakrin-naraù |
punäti bhuvanaà vipra! gaìgädi salilaà yathä ||
hare pradakçinaà kurvann uccais tan näma krin naraù |
karatälädi sandhänaà susvaraà käla çabditam ||

“Anyone who dances in front of Çri Hari and loudly chants the hari näma mahä-mantra will destroy all witches of sin. Just as the water of sacred rivers like the Ganga purify the universe, similarly those who circumambulate Çri Hari and loudly perform näma saìkértana of the 16-word mahä-mantra with sweet voices and while clapping the hands, purify the entire universe.”

The Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra is also related in the Brahmäëòa Puräëa, Uttarakhaëòa, 6.55. The Pippalada-branch of the Atharva Veda states:

svanäma-müla-mantreëa sarvaà hlädayati vibhuù |
sa eve mülam-mantraà japati haririti kåñëa iti räma iti ||

“The name is the root of all mantras, the splendid one bringing joy to everyone. This root-mantra is chanted as Hari, Kåñëa and Räma.”

Kali-santarana Upaniñad (2) of Kåñëa Yajur Veda states:

hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||
iti soòaçakaà nämnäà kali-kalmaña-näçanam |
nätaù parataropäyaù sarva-vedeñu dåñyate ||

“The sixteen names of the ùare Kåñëa mahä-mantra – ‘hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare | hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare -- destroy all the inauspiciousness of the age of Kali. This is the conclusion of all the Vedas.”

Räma-täpanéyopanisad (1.6) explains the meaning of the mahä-mantra as follows:

harati tri-vidhaà tapaà janma-koti-çatodbhavam |
päpaà ca smarataà yasmät tasmäd dharir iti småtaù ||

“The Lord is known as Hari because He takes away the sins and three types of suffering accumulated over millions of births, of those who remember him.”

kåñir bhür-väcakaù çabdo nas ca nirvåti-çucakaù |
tayor aikyaà paraà brahma kåñëa ity abhidhéyate ||

“The root kåñ indicates the supreme attractiveness of the Lord, the suffix ëa indicates the supreme joy. Thus, the name Kåñëa indicates the Supreme Brahman who is the acme of these two characteristics.”

ramante yogino ’nante satyänande cid-ätmani |
iti räma-padenäsau paraà brahmäbhidhéyate ||

“The yogés take pleasure in the Supreme ñelf which is existence, knowledge and bliss absolute. Therefore that truth, known as the Param Brahman is also called Räma.”

The Caitanya Upaniñad published by Kedärnäth Bhaktivinoda also has a reference to the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra:

sa eva müla-mantraà japati harir iti kåñëa iti räma iti || 11 ||

“He chants the original mantra consisting of Hari, Kåñëa and Räma.”

harati hådaya-granthià väsanä-rüpam iti hariù. kåñiù smaraëe tac ca ëas tad ubhaya-melanam iti kåñëaù. ramayati sarvam iti räma änanda-rüpaù. atra çloko bhavati || 12 ||

“He who removes the knot in the heart in the form of material desire, is called Hari. The union by the remembrance of the root kåñ and the affix ëa, is the hymn of praise - Kåñëa. He who gives pleasure to everything is the form of bliss - Räma. Thus the verse becomes.”

Ananta-samhita, one among the voluminous pancarätra-ägamas, states:

hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||
ñoòaçaitäni nämäni dvätriàçad varëakäni hi |
kalau yuge mahä-mantraù sammato jévatäraëe ||
varjayitvä tu nämaitad durjanaiù parikalpitam |
chandobaddhaà susiddhänta viruddhaà näbhyaset padam ||
tärakaà brahma-nämaitad brahmaëä guruëädinä |
kalisantaraëädyäsu çruti-svadhigataà hareù ||
präptaà çré brahma-çiñyeëa çré näradena dhématä |
nämaitad-uttamaà çrauta-päramparyeëa brahmaëaù ||
utsåjyaitan-mahä-mantraà ye tvanyat kaepitaà padam |
mahänämeti gäyanti te çästra-guru laëghanaù ||
tattva-virodha-saopåktaà tädåçaà daurjanaà matam |
sravathä parihäryaà syäd ätma-hitärthinä sadä ||
hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare |
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare ||

“‘Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare, Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma Räma Hare Hare’ -- This sixteen-name, thirty-two syllable mantra is the mahä-mantra in the age of Kali by which all living beings can be delivered. One should never abandon chanting this mahä-mantra and take to other so-called purificatory processes which are practiced by rascals, or engage in chanting other metrical compositions of the name of Kåñëa that are against the pure conclusions of the scriptures, or are filled with rasäbhäsa. About this divinely spiritual mahä-mantra, which delivers one from material existence, the original guru, Lord Brahmä, has said, kali-santaranädi çrutite, ‘The Çrutis have declared this mantra to be the best means of deliverance in the age of Kali’. Having all heard this from Brahmä, the sons and disciples of Brahmä, beginning with Närada, all accepted the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra and, having meditated on it, attained perfection.”

In Jïänämåta Sära, a scripture belonging to the Pancarätrika corpus of literature, the following statement is found:

çiñya ‘syodaì mukha-sthasya harer-nämäni ñoòaça |
saàçrävyaiva tato dagdhän mantraà trai-lokya-mangalam ||

“Located next to him (the Guru), the disciple should hear the sixteen names of Hari from his mouth, thus taking shelter of the mantra which protects from inauspiciousness and causes auspiciousness for the three worlds.”

Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 003

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das #Manjaris #RaganugaBhakti #Gopis #Radharani #RadhasSeva #VrajaPrema This series of posts will present facts...