Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata 003

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#SrimadBhagavatam #Bhakti #Krishna #Vaisnava #Sastra #GranthaRaja #Caitanya-caritamrta #WayToKrishnaPrema

Srimad Bhagavatam is known as the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this divinely immaculate, tri-guna-free, spiritual sastra, the amalapurana, one will find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practices and final goal) of GaudiyaVaisnavism.

In the most wonderful sastra, Sri CaitanyaCaritamrita, Sri Krishna DasaKaviraja has mercifully summarized the teachings of CaitanyaMahaprabhu and the six Goswamis of Vrindavana. To prove these truths, he cites key Bhagavata verses throughout his treatise, which the Goswamis themselves have also discussed in their voluminous works.

To highlight its importance for all devotees of Sri Caitanyadeva and Radha-GovindaYugala, the same Bhagavatam verse is quoted once, twice or even four times in the Sri CaitanyaCaritamrta.

With the grace of Sri Advaita Prabhu, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas, the “Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata” series will focus on these Bhagavatam verses which clearly reveal the absolute truth about Sri Krishna, Sri Radha, Sri Guru, the Vaisnavas, Bhakti Sadhana, Sri Harinama and Krishna Prema.

* BEAUTIFUL TRUTHS OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM

By citing key verses and selected commentaries, this post discusses the identify, power and uniquely supreme position of the SrimadBhagavatam, the crown jewel of all transcendental tomes. Sincere sadhakas should learn and reflect upon these verses.

Absorbing, and implementing these truths will strengthen your faith, expand your joy, and double your enthusiasm to love, serve and respect all the humble servants of Sri SriRadha and Krishna.

Srimad Bhagavatam Maha Purana ki jai!

Why Bhagavata Is the Best Scripture?

dharmaḥ -projjhita-kaitavo ’tra, paramo -nirmatsarāṇāṁ -satāṁ

vedyaṁ –vāstavam- atra- vastu, śivadaṁ -tāpa-trayon-mūlanam

śrīmad-bhāgavate- mahā-muni, kṛte -kiṁ -vā –parair- īśvaraḥ

sadyo- hṛdyava-rudhyate ’tra, kṛtibhiḥ- śuśrū-ṣubhis- tat-kṣaṇāt

“Bhagavan Sri Krishna becomes immediately captured in the heart of anyone who hears the SrimadBhagavatam. This does not happen with other spiritual books. The Bhāgavatam alone, manifested by the Sri Krishna Himself, presents the true and permanent objective of human life which can be understood by unselfish persons.

“The SrimadBhagavatam bestows auspiciousness everywhere and frees one from the miseries of material existence. Only the Bhagavata teaches the process of attaining that highest objective of life which is completely devoid of all material goals and liberation.” (SB 1.1.2; Cc. 1.1.191, 2.24.100, 2.25.149)

Sri VisvanathaCakravartipadatika:

By illustrating what is beneficial and unbeneficial for the jīva, the Bhagavata gives bliss to all the listeners and enables everyone to fully achieve the highest objective of human life. Simply by hearing/reading the Bhagavata, Sri Krishna (īśvaraḥ), the shelter of everything, is immediately captured (avarudhyate) in one’s heart.

Even without faith, as soon as one hears Bhagavata, Sri Krishna enters the heart. Besides that, Sri Krishna becomes very happy and filled with prema when one hears the Bhagavata. Repetition of the Sanskrit word atra (line 1 & 3) stresses that this benefit is not attained by any other scripture or other spiritual practice (kiṁ –vā- paraiḥ).

What happens when one understands the teachings of the Bhagavata? It gives the topmost auspiciousness (śivadam) by making one an eternal premibhakta of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and liberating one from the material world. Sri VisvanathaCakravartipadaki jai! Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai!

Bhagavata is the Rasa Nectar Essence of Vedanta

sarva-vedānta-sāraṁ -hi, śrīmad-bhāgavatam- iṣyate

tad-rasāmṛta-tṛptasyā, nānyatra- syād- ratiḥ- kvacit

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is accepted as the essence of all Vedanta. One who experiences satisfaction from tasting the nectar sweet rasas of the Bhagavata is never attracted to any other literature.

(SB 12.13.15/ CC 2.25.146)

Sri JivaGoswami tika: Bhāgavatam is the form of pure rasa, the fruit on the desire tree situated in Goloka Vrndavana. (Krama Sandarbha 1.1.4-4)

Ten Subjects Make the Bhagavata a MahaPurana

Atra- sargo- visargaś- ca, sthānaṁ –poṣaṇam-ūtayaḥ

manvantare-śānukathā, nirodho –muktir- āśrayaḥ

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam describes ten subjects:

(1) Sarga: Creation.

(2) Visarga: Secondary creation.

(3) Sthāna: Proctection.

(4) Poṣaṇa: Mercy of Bhagavan Visnu/Krishna

(5) Ūti: Material activity.

(6) Manvantara: Conduct of the Manus.

(7) Iśānukathā: Lilas of Bhagavan’s various descents.

(8) Nirodha: Destruction of the universe.

(9) Mukti: Liberation.

(10) Āśraya: Shelter of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Comment: Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the one and only ultimate shelter of everything. The topics of Bhagavan Sri Krishna are primary, giving shelter to all others. (SB 2.10.1.2/CC Ādi 2.91)

jayati jana-nivāso, devakī-janma-vādo

yadu-vara-pariṣat- svair, dorbhir- asyann -adharmam

sthira-cara-vṛjina-ghnaḥ, su-smita-śrī-mukhena

vraja-pura-vanitānāṁ, vardhayan- kāma-devam

“Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the ultimate resort of all living entities. Sri Krishna is known as Devakinandana and Yasodananda. Sri Krishna is the guide of the Yadu dynasty. With His powerful arms, Sri Krishna destroys all impious men and everything that is inauspicious. Sri Krishna’s blissful smiling face always increases the amorous desires of the Vrajagopis. May Sri Krishna be happy and completely glorious.” (SB 10.90.48/CC Mad 13.79)

Sri VisvanathaCakravartipadatika:

If someone says, ‘Alas! Alas! What misfortune that Krishna did not continue to manifest His intimate pastimes down to the present time.’ To console such persons, Suka Muni composed this beautiful verse to conclude Krishna’s lilas.

The phrase jana-nivasa means that Syamasundara Sri Krishna and all His intimate associates in nara-lila are living right now on the earth planet. The word jayati, “Krishna is eternally victorious”, is in present tense, which means that Sri Krishna is eternally present in the divine dhama of Vrndavana; in His divine names; and in the recitation of His glories.

The phrase kāma-devam means that Krishna is the brilliantly effulgent transcendental embodiment of spiritual desire and amorous love. With His blissful smiling face Sri Krishna forever increases the divine amorous desires (vardhayan- kāma-devam) of the damsels of Vraja and the cultured ladies of Mathurā and Dvārakā, who are completely attracted to Krishna.

Thus, with this verse, Suka Muni establishes that all of Krishna’s lilas described in the Tenth Canto i.e. Vraja, Mathurā and Dvārakā are all eternal!

Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai! Seeing Krishna lilas with prema locana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata 002

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#SrimadBhagavatam #Bhakti #Krishna #Vaisnava #Sastra #GranthaRaja

Srimad Bhagavatam is called the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this tri-guna-free, immaculate and divine spiritual sastra, the amala purana, one will find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practices and perfection) of Gaudiya Vaisnavism.

In his most merciful and wonderful sastra, Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja summarizes all the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Goswamis of Vrindavana. Throughout the book he cites key Bhagavatam verses to prove these truths, which the Goswamis themselves also discuss in their works.

To highlight its importance for all devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Radha-Govinda Yugala, the same Bhagavatam verse is quoted once, twice or even four times in the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta.

With the grace of Sri Advaita Prabhu, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas, the “Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata” series will focus on these Bhagavatam verses that reveal the absolute truth about Sri Krishna, Sri Radha, Sri Guru, Vaisnavas, Bhakti Sadhana, Sri Harinama and Krishna Prema.

* THE BEAUTIFUL TRUTH OF THE VAISNAVAS

The first post in this series discussed Guru tattva. Now we will present the key Srimad Bhagavatam verses describing the identity of Krishna’s devotees, associating with them and serving these compassionate and tangible mercy forms of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

All sincere sadhakas should learn and reflect upon these verses. Absorbing, understanding and implementing these truths will strengthen your faith, expand your joy, and double your enthusiasm to love, serve and respect all the humble servants of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

Devotees Live in Damodara’s Heart

sädhavo hådayaà mahyaà, sädhünäà hådayaà tv aham,

mad-anyat te na jänanti, nähaà tebhyo manäg api

Sri Krishna says, “O Sage Durvasa! Saintly devotees are always in the core of My heart. And I am always in their hearts. They know nothing but Me, and I know nothing but them.” (SB 9.4.68/CC 1.1.62)

Krishna Devotees Are Walking Holy Places

bhavad-vidhä bhägavatäs, tértha-bhütäù svayaà vibho

térthé-kurvanti térthäni, sväntaù-sthena gadäbhåtä

When Vidura returned from his tirtha-yatra, Maharaja Yudhiñöhira said, “O Vibho! Devotees like yourself are the embodiments of all holy places. Because you carry Bhagavan Sri Krishna within your heart, you turn all places into holy tirthas.” (SB 1.13.10/CC 1.1.63)

Six Ornaments of a Devotee

titikñavaù käruëikäù, suhådaù sarva-dehinäm

ajäta-çatravaù çäntäù, sädhavaù sädhu-bhüñaëäù

“Devotees are adorned with the six good qualities of being tolerant, merciful, friendly to all beings, without enemies, peaceful, and straightforward.” (SB 3.25.21, Cc. 2.22.81)

Serving Saints Gives Liberation

mahat-seväà dväram ähur vimuktes

tamo-dväraà yoñitäà saìgi-saìgam

mahäntas te sama-cittäù praçäntä

vimanyavaù suhådaù sädhavo ye

“Serving saintly devotees opens the door of liberation. Whereas, association with men connected with women opens the door to hellish life. The saintly are very peaceful, pride-less, kind to all and well-behaved.” (SB 5.5. 2/Cc. 2.22.82)

Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada says sadhavah means “those who do not see fault in others.”

Unique Rarity of Krishna Bhaktas

muktänäm api siddhänäà, näräyaëa-paräyaëaù

su-durlabhaù praçäntätmä, koöiñv api mahä-mune

“Among all the perfect ones, the blissful devotee of Narayana/Sri Krishna is very rare—one in a million.” (SB 6.14.5, Cc. 2.19.150)

Sri Krishna Saves His Devotees

sva-päda-mülam, bhajataù priyasya

tyaktänya-bhävasya, hariù pareçaù

vikarma yac cot, patitaà kathaïcid

dhunoti sarvaà, hådi sanniviñöaù

“One who gives up all other engagements to surrender to the lotus feet of Sri Hari is very dear to Bhagavan. Indeed, if such a dedicated soul accidentally commits a sin, Antaryami Sri Krishna within one’s heart, immediately removes the sinful reaction.” (SB 1.5.42, Cc. 2.22.144)

Srila Prabhupada tika: Although a beloved child may accidentally commit an abominable activity, the loving father forgives the child, taking into consideration the actual good intentions of the child.

Although the devotee does not ask Sri Krishna to free him the future suffering from his sins, Sri Krishna, by His own sweet will, frees the devotee from the reactions to accidental fall downs.

This causeless mercy of Sri Krishna upon His devotee is His param- aiçvaryam, or supreme opulence. Gradually the faithful devotee becomes pure and free from sins just by thinking of and serving Govinda’s lotus feet. Thus Krishna bhaktas are never actually defeated in life.

All Nama Chanters Are Great

aho bata çva-paco to garéyän, yaj-jihvägre vartate näma tubhyam

tepus tapas te juhuvuù sasnur äryä, brahmänücur näma gåëanti ye te

“O, how astonishing and worshipable are even dog-eaters if they chant Krishna nama! They have already performed all kinds of austerities and yajnas, cultivated good saintly virtues, bathed in all tirthas, and studied all Vedas”

Sripada Vallabhacarya tika (Sri Subodhini): Devahuti says, “By birth, class or conduct a chandala cannot compare with a Brahmin. However, the chandala is greater if he is chanting Krishna’s Divine Names. A complacent satisfied Brahmin performs actions for his own benefit. He may not chant Krishna’s names due to pride, ego or his status in society! In this way, he does not become a Krishna bhakta.

Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika: The outcaste who chants even incompletely just one name of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the best. He is a guru, and fully qualified to teach the mantra and the holy name to others i.e. dikña-guru. Amara-koña says anücura (line 4 of the verse above) means “a teacher, a person proficient in recitation of the Vedas with its aìgas.”

In prior lives the chandalas must have performed all types of yajnas and tapas, so now they no longer need to perform them nor will they do so in the future.

Srimad Bhagavatam Maha Purana ki jai! Hari Kathamrta ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Gaudiya Paribhasa Sutras 0109019

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#ParibhasSutra #ImportantVerses #GaudiyaSiddhanta #BhagavatSar #Gita

What is a paribhasa sutra? It is often seen that one of the first few verses of a spiritual book or chapter presents its very essence. If it does, then this verse is called the paribhasa-sutra. Although usually appearing only once in a whole book or chapter, it is the regulator, the king ruling over all the other verses.

In other words, the paribhasa-sutra presents the sole purpose, conclusion and final message of the book ruling over and taking precedence over all the other ideas or teachings appearing in that book or chapter.

In Krishna Sandarbha (29), Sri Jiva Goswami says, “A paribhasa-sutra explains the proper method for understanding a book. It is the key shloka to understand the actual purport of a book or chapter, and a series of apparently unrelated facts and arguments that may follow.

“There may be millions of statements or verses in a book, but they are all regulated and subordinate to this one “the strongest” verse or superior statement, “the final word”, the paribhasa sutra, which is what the book is really about and the message it wants to convey.”

According to tattva-vichar (transcendent truth), Sri Jiva Goswami and other Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas say the paribhasa-sutra of Bhagavatam is (1.3.28), krishnas –tu –bhagavan –svayam, which establishes Bhagavan Sri Krishna as the supreme and topmost personal form among all the Vishnu forms.

However, according to rasa-vichar, the consideration of rasa, divine love and bliss, the first verse of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the paribhasa-sutra, because it presents the adi-rasa, or madhurya-rasa of Radha and Krishna in Vrndavana, the ultimate conclusion and purpose of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Acharyas say that the paribhasa-sutra of Caitanya Caritamrta is (Cc. 1.1.4) because it describes the internal reason for Mahaprabhu’s advent i.e. giving the gift of Sri Radha’s mahabhava madhurya prema, and the beautiful service of Sri Radha as Her confidential maidservant, gopi/manjari.

Thus the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta follows the lead of its source, the Srimad Bhagavatam, by presenting and focusing mostly on the adi-rasa, the intimate loving pastimes of Rasaraja Sri Krishna and Mahabhavati Sri Radha in Sridham Vrndavana, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic experience of Them.

anarpita-carim–cirat,karunaya-vatirnah-kalau

samarpayitum–unnatojjvala –rasam,-sva-bhakti-sriyam

harih-purata-sundara, dyuti-kadamba-sandipitah

sada-hridaya-kandare,-sphuratu-vah-saci-nandanah

“May Shachinandan Sri Chaitanya, who is Sri Hari Himself appearing in a splendidly beautiful golden form in Kali-yuga to mercifully give the never before given special treasure of bhakti i.e. the brilliant and supreme, mahabhavamadhurya-prema of Sri Radha (unnatojjvala- rasam) and the beauty of Radha’s service as Her manjari (sva-bhakti-sriyam), always be manifest within the core of your heart.” Cc. 1.1.4)

Srila Prabhupada tika: “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave madhurya-rasa, gopi-bhava, and the method of worship done by the gopis. Therefore, the six Goswamis of Vrndavana also followed the gopis. Gaudiya Vaisnavas especially worship Krishna in the madhurya-rasa while aspiring to become assistants of the gopis.” (BBT Folio: 740210BG.VRN)

“In Radha-Krishna lila, the gopis are simply helping Radha and Krishna combine together in the kunjas of Vrndavana, “jaya radha madhava kunja bihari”. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s contribution is Radha-Krishna lila, so we Gaudiyas worship Radha and Krishna.

“The idea of this verse (Cc. 1.1.4) is that if one becomes attracted to the loving affairs of Radha-Krishna, then one will forget the so-called amorous enjoyment in this material world.” (BBT Folio: Installation C-116 0108)

mmgd: Although many tattvas, rasas and truths are revealed in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, however, since (Cc. 1.1.4) IS THE PARIBHASA SUTRA, everyone must accept that its essential teaching, real meaning and ultimate message is Radha-Krishna madhuyra-lila, gopi-bhava and the eternal loving service of SrimatiRadharan i in Vrndavana.

One may quote Sri Caitanya Caritamrta to argue so many personal prejudices or viewpoints, but in truth, the actual meaning and purpose of Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja’s wonderful book is perfectly clear.

Summarizing all the shrutis and smrtis, Sri Rupa Goswamipada gives the most perfect definition of shuddha-bhakti or pure devotion. It is the paribhasa-sutra of his most excellent Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.1.11), and it appears in the mangalacaran, auspicious prayers beginning the book. Since we are practicing bhakti-yoga, the way of pure divine love, every genuine Gaudiya should perfectly know this verse. Srila Prabhupada quoted it 394 times in his books and classes!

anyabhilashita–shunyam, gyana –karmad -yanavritam,

anukulyenakrishnanu, shilanambhaktiruttama

“Pure bhakti means maintaining a positive, spiritually-charged and favourable attitude, and enthusiastically engaging all the activities of one’s body, mind and words in the joyful service of Bhagavan Sri Krishna solely for the happiness and pleasure of Sri Krishna.

“Such uttama-bhakti is completely devoid of all ulterior, selfish motives; totally free from aparadhas (vaishnav, nam, seva and jiva); and it is not mixed with GYAN (mundane views and philosophies), KARMA (selfish reward gaining pujas, yagnas, homas, etc.); YOGA, astrology or anything else.”

This verse establishes the purpose and essential teaching of the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu which is the topmost pure devotion.Sri Rupa Goswamipada shows in the book that Srimati Radharani and the Vraj agopis are the supreme and topmost pure devotees of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Although the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, like the SrimadBhagavatam and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta describes other tattvas and rasas , its ultimate conclusi on is madhurya-rati, Radhika and the damsels of Vraja because they exemplify the topmost standard of pure devotion, uttama-bhakti.

Acharyas say the paribhasa-sutra of Sri Bhagavad-gita is (10.8):

aham -sarvasya-prabhavo, mattah -sarvampravartate

iti-matva-bhajante–mam, buddha–bhava-samanvivitah

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, “I manifest everything both material and spiritual,and [as Paramatma] make everything work and move. Knowing this well, the intelligent worship Me with all their hearts.”

mmgd: To underscore its significance, Srila Prabhupada quoted this verse 277 times in his books and classes! Krishna says I manifest everything, so “everything” must also include Srimati Radharani, the gopi/manjaris, bhava, mahabhava and Vrajadham. Sri Krishna says budha–bhava-samanvitah, intelligent persons worship Me with bhava. Since SrimatiRadharani worships Krishna with the topmost bhava, MAHABHAVA, Sri Radha is certainly by far the most intelligent of all.

The word “samanvitah” means decorated, accompanied, following or with a relationship. Thus Krishna’s words bhava –samanvitah means in a relationship with bhava or the mahabhava of Srimati Radharani. So for the devotees and bhava-bhaktas, this means cherishing gopi-bhava in relationship with Radhika as Her intimate serving maid following the path of raganuga-bhakti.

Thus, according to tattva-vichar, the paribhasa-sutra of Bhagavad-gita is (10.8), which establishes that Sri Krishna, the source of everything, is best worshiped by bhava-bhaktas, and especially by the MAHABHAVA of Srimati Radharani and Her gopi/manjaris.

However, according to rasa-vichar, the paribhasa-sutra of Gita is (18.65), which Sri Krishna Himself says is the sarva –guhyatamam, the topmost secret of all secret spiritual teachings in Gita; it’s very core and essence.

man -manah -bhava -mad -bhakto,

mad -yaji -mam –namaskuru

mam –evaishyasi –satyam –te

pratijane –priyo –si -me

Sri Krishna says, “Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer obeisances unto Me. Then certainly you will come to Me. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” (Bg. 18.65)

mmgd: Here Sri Krishna mentions bhava, surrender and becoming His priya-jana, dear one. Srimati Radharani is the fullest embodiment of this verse because Sri Radha constantly thinks only of Krishna and Radha is the topmost of all Krishna devotees.

And because Kishori worships Krishna with Her every breath, thought, word, deed and dream, Radha is always with Krishna. For Krishna, Sri Radha is His one and only best sweet heart and dearly beloved PRIYAJI. And for Radha, Krishna is Her PRIYATAM! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Thus in closing, we see that just like all the other essential books of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, i.e. Bhagavatam, Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu and Caitanya Caritamrta, the Bhagavad-gita also describes different tattvas and rasas. However, if one closely examines Gita, one will see that its ultimate conclusion is madhurya-rati, Radhika and the damsels of Vraja.

This is why acharyas say the Gaudiya Sampradaya is a raganuga-sampradaya teaching Vraja bhakti and the eternal loving service of Sri SriRadha-Govinda Yugala in gopi-bhava, following the moods and feelings of Srimati Radharani and the cowherd damsels of Vrajabhumi. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Paribhasa-sutra ki jai! Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya ki jai! Sri Guru ki jai! 

Seeing Radha Through Krishna’s Eyes 0409019

mahanidhimadangopal das

#Radhastami #RadhaKrishna #SeeingRadha #KrishnaGlorifies #Radharani

One day in Goloka Vrindavana, Shyama sat alone under the shade of a beautiful flowering kadamba tree that was filling the entire forest with a sweet fragrance reminiscent of Radharani. Becoming absorbed in vivid memories of His sweet beloved, Krishna spontaneously began glorifying Radha with the choicest words full of love.

Brilliant green parrots gathered in the branches, curious innocent deer collected nearby, and swans floated in the peaceful waters of the Yamuna. All were stunned in bliss and spellbound in amazement to hear what Shyam was saying.

Contemplating within Himself, –vichar –antare 238,

Krishna said:

cin-maya –purna -tattva, radhika –prem –unmatta

“I am full of spiritual truth, but Radhika’s love makes me mad. 122

na –jani –radha –prema –bal, kare -sarvada -vihval

What is that power of Radha’s love by which Radha always overwhelms Me? 123

Everywhere, everyone says I am the adi-guru, jagat-guru, spiritual master of the universe. But now I know the real truth is this:

radhika –prem –guru, ami –shishya –nat

ama –nana –nrtye, nachaya -udbhat

 “Radhika’s prem is the Guru. I am Her dancing disciple. Radha’s sweet love always makes Me dance in wonderful ways 124.

radha –prem –vibhu, 

kshane –kshane –baday –sadai

“Although Radha’s love is all-pervading, it increases at every second.” 128

While Shyam was praising His beloved Priya, He suddenly remembered Her divine form and how Radhika’s rupa, gandha, shabdha, rasa, sparsha and vritti completely attract and captivate all His senses of seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, touching and thinking.

Krishna continues speaking: “Ten million Cupids are conquered by My matchless, unsurpassed sweet beauty. But My eyes find the greatest happiness in seeing Radha. 242-3

vamshi –gitakarshay –tri -bhuvan

radha –vacane –hare -shravan

My flute song attracts the three worlds. But Radha’s voice fully enchants My ears. 244

amara –gandha –jagat –sugandha.

chitta –prana –hara, radha –anga –gandha

The fragrance of My body fills the universe with sweet aromas. But the naturally sweet scent of Sriji’s limbs fully enthralls My mind and heart. 245

amara –rasa -jagat -sarasa

radhara –adhara –ras –kar –vasha

Although My rasas fill the world with sweetness, I am totally controlled and subjugated by the sweet taste of Radha’s lips. 246

amara –sparsha –kotindu -shital

radhika –sparsha –amasushital

Although My touch is cooler than ten million moons, I am completely refreshed by the cooling caress of Kishori. 247

jagat -sukha –hetu, radha – rupa -jivatu

Although I am the cause of happiness in the world, Radhika’s sweet beauty is My life and sou. 248

anya –sanga –yata –sukha –pai, radha -sukha –shata -adhikai

I get a hundred times more happiness from meeting Radha than from anyone else.” 258

Somehow by divine arrangement, that very Queen of Shyam’s heart suddenly appeared at that lonely spot beside the Yamuna. Seizing the opportunity to flatter the cherished treasure of His heart, Gopinatha said:

“O Devi! Your divinely attractive body is the source of all beauty.

O Sulochana, Your radiant cherry-red lips are softer than the sense of immortal sweetness.

O Pranapriya! The effulgent orb of Your perfectly shaped face bears the aroma of a lotus.

O Radha! Your heart-touching, honey sweet words silence the soothing warbling of the cuckoo.

O Sriji! Your shapely golden limbs are cooler than sandalwood.

Actually, O Shyamaa! Each and every one of My senses floods with bliss whenever I am with You, who are the abode of the most attractive and sensational qualities.”

Jai Jai Sri Radheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Verses numbered above are from “Sri CaitanyaCaritamrta” adi-lila, chapter four.

Radharani’s Three Day Party 0509019

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#Radhastami #AppearanceRadha #Varsana #Janmotsava #KrishnaJayani

To celebrate Sri Krishna’s Janmotsava every year, King Vrshabhanu, Rani Kirtida, Radharani and their whole family stay four days in Nanda Baba’s palace (Bhadra Krishna 7-10^th).

Two weeks later, Nanda Maharaj, Yashoda Maa, Krishna and family come to Varshana and stay three days in King Vrshabhanu’s palace to celebrate Srimati Radhika’s birthday. From the first to the 8^th day of thebright half of Bhadra month, King Vrshabhanu elaborately decorates all the homes and streets in Varsana in preparation for Radha’s appearance. Musicians and drummers purify the atmosphere with a continuous flow of auspicious songs and ragas.

Two days before Radhashtami, Vrshabhanu Maharaj sends Sridham to invite Nanda Baba and family to come honor Sri Radha’s birthday. On the 7^th morning, Nanda Baba, Sri Krishna and Their family come to Varshana in bullock carts, palanquins and by walking. Kirtidarani and Vrshabhanu Maharaj warmly greet them, arrange their rooms and feed them nicely.

Sri Radha, Lalita-sakhi, Vishakha-sakhi and other gopiyutheshvaris cook rice, puris, sabjis and kheer, which is offered to Bhagavan Narayana and then served out to all the guests.  Sri Radhika and the gopis lovingly quarrel over serving first. Yashoda pacifies everyone by making different lines with a different sakhi serving each one. After eating, everyone rests in their guestrooms.

As per the usual asta-kaliyalilaschedule, Sri Radha cooks something for Krishna. Then carrying these items, Srimati and all go to Radha-kunda, meet Krishna, and enjoy Their midday pastimes.

Radhashtami

In the morning of Radhashtami, everyone watches Radhika’s grand abhisheka performed by Gargi, daughter of the kula-guru Garga Rishi. Musicians play vinas,dolaks, mrdangas, dundubhisand pakhowajas. Paurnamasi blesses Radha with different mantras. After bathing Radhawith herbal water, panchaamrit and gavya, a hundred pots of water, and a huge conch showering water through the 1,000 jalpatra, Sri Radha is anointed with fragrant oils, musk, sandal and camphor and dressed.

The manjaris offer a beautiful arati to Radharani. Yashoda Maa offers blessings and wonderful gifts of costly clothes and ornaments to both Sri Radha and Her yutheshvaris. Vrshabhanu Maharaj and Radharani donate ornamented cows and calves. Then Radhika and Her sakhis take some prasada and then start cooking a feast.

In jest, Yashoda Maa says to Kirtida, “Sakhi, you are so hard hearted that you make tender Radha cook so much!” Kirtida replies, “Because our Radhika got a unique boon to cook nectar-filled health foods, my Prabhu Vrshabhanu wants you and Nanda Maharaja to savor Radha’s delicious preparations today. After Radha and the sakhis finish cooking, Yashodarani blesses them all and has some manjaris fan Radha to remove Her fatigue. 

The Yogurt Game

Later everyone proceeds to the bank of Bhanukhor, King Vrishabhanu’s bathing tank on the east side of Varshana hill. Then like Janmashtami, everyone starts playing Dadhikada, a game of throwing yogurt, butter and milk on each other. Afterwards, according to age and gender, everyone bathes in different corners of Bhanukhor, eats and takes rest.

Later Sri Radha goes to Radha-kunda and enjoys all Her usual pastimes with Krishna. The only exception to Their daily asta-kaliyalila flow is that for these three days, Sri Krishna is staying with Radha in Her own palace in Varshana!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Naumi Lilas

The next morning in Varshana, Radha-Krishna and the gopis bathe, eat and go out to perform Their usual morning pastimes. At noontime, Radha-Krishna and the gopis go to Mor Kutir in Varshana and Krishna entertains the gopikas by dancing like a peacock. Then Radha and Krishna throw laddus to all the sakhis. Later in the midday, Radha and Krishna dance the Rasa in a secret place in Gehvara, Radha’s personal garden/forest just near Her father’s palace.

In the late afternooneveryone returns to the palace.At that time, Sri Krishna, Nanda Baba and his family take leave from King Vrshabhanu and return home to Nandagram in the topmost bliss.

Sri Radha’s three day janmotsava ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Does Diksha Make a Difference? 2608019

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#NeedDiksha#BhaktiWithoutDiksha#WhyHaveGuru #Mantra

What is the difference between sincerely practicing bhakti and serving Krishna with and without diksha?

Diksha is a ritual involving surrendering of oneself to a spiritual guide to receive divine knowledge, purification and liberation. What counts most, however, is the humble mentality, submissive attitude and loving feelings behind a devotee’s practice. Sastras define diksha as an act of self-surrender, sincerely offering one’s body, mind, heart and very self, atma, to Sri Guru and the loving service of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

CaitanyaMahaprabhu says:

diksha –kale -bhakta-kore –atma –samarpaëa,

sei-kale –krishna –tare -kore -atma-sama

“At the time of diksha, one fully surrenders his/her very self to Sri Guru. Krishna then spiritualizes one’s body [makes transcendental], and accepts that body and devotee as His very own. (Cc. 3.4.192)

Two atmas are mentioned, the disciple and Bhagavan Sri Krishna. The disciple offers and surrenders his/her self, atma-samarpana, to Guru. Sri Krishna then accepts that atma like Himself, atma-sama, in the sense that the new devotee becomes a divine being, very dear to Krishna’s heart.

Though purifying like all rites and rituals, the diksha ritualalone will not purify the heart. Only offenselessbhakti bhajan willpurify one’s existence and deliver one to Krishna.

One may just chant Hare Krishna japa and practice Krishna bhakti without diksha. But one’s progress will be slow and full of obstacles. This is not the way of shastra, nor the million-year-old tradition of surrendering to a spiritual teacher, Sri Guru, taking diksha, humbly serving, and learning how to attain spiritual perfection, mukti and Krishna prem.

Such independent practice sans diksha is bound to be offensive and fraught with difficulties. Two major offenses will retard one’s progress, namely Nama Aparadha one and four: Sadhu ninda, offending the instructions and example of the sadhus and previous acharyas who all took diksha; and shastraninda, offending, disregarding and not following the sacred scriptures which all direct one to surrender to a Guru and take diksha.

In Hari Bhakti Vilasa (II.5-6), Sri SanatanaGoswami quotes shastraon the dire need to takediksha.

The SkandaPurana, Karttika-mahatmya, Brahma Naradsamvad says:

te–narah-pashavo–loke,kim –tesham –jivane –phalam,

yair-na-labdha-harer–diksha,narchito–va -janardanah

“Persons devoid of diksha who don’t worship Sri Hari are like animals,and attain no benefit in human life.”

The Vishnu-yamala, Rukmangada Sri Mohinisamvada says:

adikshitasya–krtam –sarvam -nirarthakam,

pashu-yonim-avapnoti–diksha -virahito-janah

“Without diksha, all one’s actions are worthlessand one takes birth in an animal’s womb.”

In summary, although dikshais not the only requirement, itis absolutely necessary to attain spiritual perfection. Sri SanatanaGoswami says:

yasya-deve-ca -mantre–ca, gurau-trishvapi-nishchala

na-vyavacchidyate-buddhis, tasya-siddhir-aduratah

“Perfection is guaranteed for one who has unflinching faith in Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Sri Guru and one’s diksha mantra [Gopal mantra].”

mantratma-devata–gyaneya, devata-guru -rupini

tesham-bhedo-na–karttavyo, yadicched -ishtam-atmanah

One should know that the diksha mantra is one with and non-different from the mantra devata i.e. Sri Krishna Govinda. The Guru is the form of the mantra devata, non-different from Sri Krishna Govinda. One desiring beneficial results should never distinguish between these three.

The absolute necessity of a diksha Guru is beautifully described in the “Samadhi” chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (IV.9):

durlabho –vishaya –tyago, durlabham –tattva –darshanam

durlabhha –sahaja -vastha, sad -guro –karunam –vina

“Without the compassion of a true Guru, one cannot renounce material sense enjoyment; understand spiritual truths, attain darshan of the Absolute Truth, Sri Krishna; or achieve spiritual perfection, Krishna prema.”

Thus every fortunate soul should take mantra diksha from a proper Guru. And for those who surrender to and humbly serve Sri Guru, the all-merciful master gives:

mantras to purify the heart and establish an eternal loving relationship with Sri Krishna, bhagavan –atma –prem -sambandha;

mercy and love to overcome offenses and negative mentalities;

a personal example of devotion to follow;

and realized teachings to remove all doubts, and illuminate the path of proper bhakti bhajan leading to the eternal service of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda Yugala in Goloka Vrndavana!

Guru diksha ki jai! Sri Guru ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Bhagavan Surya Narayana Health Puja

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#SpiritualHealth #SunWorship #SuryaPuja #SuryaNarayana #WhyWorshipSurya

Hare Krishna! Yes, we consult doctors and take medicines of different types to remove our various ailments and diseases. But at the same time, devotees know that real cause of any cure, and the background of success in all actions is the will, mercy and kindness of our sweet loving Master, Bhagavan Sri Krishna.  

In Gita (18.14) Sri Krishna states, “There are five factors of success in all actions.”

1. Place (ksetra or adhishthanam [home, office, world]

2. Instruments (karanam) [senses, hands, legs etc.]

3. Actions (ceshtah) [work, activities]

4. Performer karta [you, and others]

5. Bhagavan (daivam) [Sri Krishna, the Paramatma and the celestial controllers, Devatas]

Of these five, Daivam or Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the ultimate, most powerful and invincible force or factor behind all the cures, wins, successes or achievements one may attain. As it’s said, “You propose and Bhagavan disposes, as He deems fit!”  

To help everyone live happy, balanced and healthier lives, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, out of His infinite mercy and compassion, has manifested two most beautiful and powerful forms of His transcendental personality i.e. Bhagavan Surya Narayana and Bhagavan Sri Dhanvantari. 

The original supreme Devata of good health is a form of Sri Krishna known as Bhagavan Surya Narayana. He lives on the Sun Planet, Surya grahan, with His eternal consort Sri Lakshmi Devi, and is forever worshiped by Suryadeva and his two wives, Samgya and Chaya. [See Srimad Bhagavatam canto 5, chapter 22]

In Gita (10.21), Sri Krishna says, “Among all brilliant lights, I am the Sun, jyotisham –ravih -amshu –man.”

Besides utilizing doctors, hospitals and medicines to cure our diseases, as devotees we should always remember, pray to Krishna and take His shelter in every aspect of life—be it healthy times or hard times. Thus for devotees facing health issues, we suggest you add the following transcendental pujas and prayers to your daily health regimens.

For thousands and even millions of years, the residents of dharma -bhumi, Bharatavarsha, have regularly prayed to Bhagavan Surya Narayana, the Devata of health, and Bhagavan Sri Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda, for both maintaining and restoring their health.

Although the Ayurveda recommends various medicines and cures, it still recognizes the supreme and ultimate control of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. In fact, the Ayurveda says that before taking any of its medicines, they must first be offered to a murti or Deity of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and before taking them the patient should chant:

om achyutaya namah

om anantaya namah

om govindaya namah

And also don’t forget to chant the topmost, complete cleansing, healing and liberating maha-mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Simple Bhagavan Surya Narayana Puja

*** Rise before sunrise= Bathe, wear clean cloth (red color is good). If you can’t take bath, just wash legs, arms and face.

*** DAILY Sunrise to 8 AM= Offer water to Bhagavan Surya Narayana in a 1-2 liter copper lota while facing East, standing barefoot on earth, or on red asana if in an apartment i.e. veranda. If it’s cloudy still follow same procedures.

[[SUNDAY; offer water, and also a full arati to Bhagavan Surya Narayana with red incense, ghee lamp, kunkuma, red flower (especially red, pink lotus), red cloth (wave like fan). You can also offer with tulasi red fruits like anar, apple, cherries. ]]]

*** Hold lota in both hands above your head.

*** SLOWLY POUR the water onto the earth, on a plant or into a flower pot while looking at the sunrays THROUGH THE FALLING STREAM of WATER. Don’t look directly at the Sun.

No water should touch your feet.

As much as possible, expose your body to the healing light rays of sunrise and the water falling from your lota.

*** Chant all the following 12 names of Suryadeva either once or 11 times, with love and devotion, while SLOWLY POURING THE WATER from the lota. Pour the water so slowly that when the water finishes your chanting is completed.

1. Om Adityaya Namaha

2. Om Arkaya Namaha

3. Om Bhanave Namaha

4. Om Bhaskaraya Namaha

5. Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha

6. Om Khagaya Namaha

7. Om Marichaye Namaha

8. Om Mitraya Namaha

9. Om Pushne Namaha

10.  Om Ravaye Namaha

11.  Om Savitre Namaha

12.  Om Suryaya Namaha

 *** Or you can chant this mantra 21 times, “O Suryaya Namaha”.

*** Personal Prayer:

“O Bhagavan Surya Narayana! You are the loving Master of good health. Please be kind upon me and cure all my diseases. Please give me good health, so I can enthusiastically serve Sri Sri Radha-Govinda Yugala, my beloved Gurudeva and all the wonderful Krishna bhaktas. And please forgive me for any mistakes made in Your worship.”

*** Offer sincere obeisances to Bhagavan Surya Narayana.

Bhagavan Surya Narayana ki jai! Bhagavan Surya Narayana ki jai! Bhagavan Surya Narayana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

*** You can also pray to Bhagavan Dhanvantari, Krishna’s expansion as the Devata of health, medicine and Ayurveda, “The Vedic Science of Life”.

Srimad Bhagavatam (8.8.34) says, “Dhanvantari is an expansion of Bhagavan Sri Visnu, sa -vai -bhagavatah –sakshad -vishnor –amsha.”

“O Bhagavan Sri Dhanvantari, may the medicines I am taking quickly cure my disease, and please bless me with strength and vitality to nicely serve Bhagavan Sri Krishna.”

Bhagavan Surya Narayana Jai Jai Sri Radhe!