Date- 12^thApril 2024 
Speaker – Ananga Mohan Prabhu
Theme- Great dynasty of Lord Ramacandra

DakshineLakshmano, YasyeVame Cha Janakathmaja, PurathoMaruthirYasya Tham Vande Raghunandanam.

Translation:

I salute that Rama who is surrounded by Laxmana on the right, Sita on the left and Hanuman in the front.

First of all, I want to thank Guru Maharaj and his dear disciples. Please accept my humble obeisances. From few days Prabhu is asking me to come here and take blessings from all of you. So, Rama Navami is on 17th April. Lord Rama will appear. So, to prepare for that and to get ready to welcome the Lord in our hearts, we are going to discuss today. So, first of all when we talk about the Lord, we know that Lord Krishna is the source of all incarnations.

etecāṁśa-kalāḥpuṁsaḥ
kṛṣṇastubhagavānsvayam
indrāri-vyākulaṁlokaṁ
mṛḍayantiyugeyuge

Translation:

All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the theists. [SB.1.3.28]

And Lord says in Bhagavad Gita

paritrāṇāyasādhūnāṁvināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāyasambhavāmiyugeyuge

Translation:

To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium. [BG 4.8]

According to Jayadeva Goswami’s song and according to Sastras there are many incarnations of the Lord, like purusavatar, gunavatar, lilavatar, saktyavesa avatar, manvantar avatar, and yugavatar. So, in the song of Jayadeva Goswami in the list of incarnations like Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Krsna, Buddha and Kalki and in this list comes Lord Rama.Krishna is Lila Avatar and Lord Rama is Maryada Purushottam Avatar and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is AudharyaPurushottamAvatar.

Sub-theme: Brief information of Ramayana

In Valmiki Ramayan, there is special mention about Lord Sri Rama. The meaning of Ramayana is Rama Ayana, means Rama’s path, the path on which Sri Rama walked is known as Ramayana, just as Uttrayana and Daksinayana are of Sun god. So,Rama yuktaayana is Ramayana. Ramayana is compiled by Valmiki Muni. In other sasras also like Vayu Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, and Visnu Purana in this sasaras also there is description of Lord Rama and about His pastimes and His dynasty. In the Valmiki Ramayan there are 24,000 verses. It is written in Karun rasa and it is having 500 chapters. And it is sapta-gandha Ramayana; it is written in seven parts. Therefore, whenever we hear about Sri Rama, we feel that Lord Rama should come in our home and in our heart, and we should respect Lord Sri Rama. So, if we want to know about Lord Rama, about His appearance, there is clear mention in Valmiki Ramayan that Rama will appear in Surya dynasty. We know that when Lord Rama appeared in Surya, sun dynasty, Sun God was present above Ayodhya for many months. There was no night, because in his dynasty the Lord appeared.

ShantakaramBhujagashayanamPadmanabham Suresham
VishvadharamGaganasadrishamMeghavarnamShubhangam।
Lakshmikantam KamalanayanamYogibhirdhyanagamyam
Vande VishnumBhavabhayaharamSarvalokaikanatham॥

Translation:

I bow to Lord Vishnu the preserver and the protector of the universe, who is peaceful, who reclines on the great serpent bed, from whose navel springs the Lotus of the creative power, who is the Supreme Being, who supports the entire universe, who is all-pervading as the sky, who is dark like the clouds and has a beautiful form. The Lord of Lakshmi, the lotus-eyed One, whom the Yogis are able to perceive through meditation, salutations to Lord Vishnu who removes the fear of worldly existence and who is the Lord of all worlds. [Vishnu Shantakaram Mantra]

When Lord appeared in Sun dynasty, it is said that Sun God was so happy, that for three months he was present above Ayodhya.

So today we are going to discuss about the ancestors of Lord Rama which is mentioned in Ramayana. Sometimes we feel that we love Lord Ramchandra and Sita, and He should reside in our hearts. So, if we want Lord Rama to reside in our heart then our heart should be that much pure. When our heart, our mind and especially our consciousness will be fully surrendered-

savaimanaḥkṛṣṇa-padāravindayor
vacāṁsivaikuṇṭha-guṇānuvarṇane
karauharer mandira-mārjanādiṣu
śrutiṁcakārācyuta-sat-kathodaye
mukunda-liṅgālaya-darśanedṛśau
tad-bhṛtya-gātra-sparśe ’ṅga-saṅgamam
ghrāṇaṁ ca tat-pāda-saroja-saurabhe
śrīmat-tulasyārasanāṁ tad-arpite
pādauhareḥkṣetra-padānusarpaṇe
śirohṛṣīkeśa-padābhivandane
kāmaṁ ca dāsyenatukāma-kāmyayā
yathottamaśloka-janāśrayāratiḥ

Translation:

MahārājaAmbarīṣa always engaged his mind in meditating upon the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, his words in describing the glories of the Lord, his hands in cleansing the Lord’s temple, and his ears in hearing the words spoken by Kṛṣṇa or about Kṛṣṇa. He engaged his eyes in seeing the Deity of Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa’s temples and Kṛṣṇa’s places like Mathurā and Vṛndāvana, he engaged his sense of touch in touching the bodies of the Lord’s devotees, he engaged his sense of smell in smelling the fragrance of tulasī offered to the Lord, and he engaged his tongue in tasting the Lord’s prasāda. He engaged his legs in walking to the holy places and temples of the Lord, his head in bowing down before the Lord, and all his desires in serving the Lord, twenty-four hours a day. Indeed, MahārājaAmbarīṣa never desired anything for his own sense gratification. He engaged all his senses in devotional service, in various engagements related to the Lord. This is the way to increase attachment for the Lord and be completely free from all material desires. [ŚB 9.4.18-20]

When we will completely surrender at the lotus feet of Sri Ramchandra, will hear about the Lord, will use our tongue only to speak Rama Katha, then only the Lord will reside in our hearts. Bhakti Vinod Thakur also sings –

mama mana mandirerahaniśi-din
kṛṣṇamurāriśrīkṛṣṇamurāri

Translation:

Please abide in the temple of my heart both day and night, O Krsna Murari, O Sri Krsna Murari! [Verse 1 from Song ‘Mama Man Mandire’ by BhaktivinodaThakura]

If we want to bring Sri Rama in the temple of our heart, if we want to welcome Lord Rama in our heart then we must please Him.

Sub-theme: Satyavadi, truthful King Harishchandra

Therefore, today I thought to speak about two special personalities who came in the dynasty of Lord Sri Rama. This dynasty is very special. In this dynasty acaryas, special kings and Rsis appeared. Lord had to come in this dynasty because Lord loves this dynasty. Many kings appeared in this dynasty. They were preparing that Lord Himself should appear in their dynasty. So, one of these special kings was King Harishchandra. Srila Prabhupada also tells about King Harishchandra during his commentaries and room conversations. Those who are from India and those who are vaishnavas know about King Harishchandra, satyavadi Harishchandra. If anyone of you have ever went to Varanasi then you must have visited Harivashchandra Ghat.Out of 80 ghats there is one Harishchandra Ghat.

So, all of us like to hear about acharyas or special personalities. Are you all ready to hear about Harishchandra? Even if some of you are not ready to hear, then also I will speak. So, I will tell in brief.This story is very big and beautiful. You know that Ramachandra had taken vow of Eka patnivrata, to have only one wife. King Harishchandra also had taken same vow. He got married with Taramati, a great vaishnavi. And from her he had one son whose name was Rohit. So, one day Harishchandra went to forest. There he saw that some mad elephants are attacking women. Those ladies became very bewildered and Harishchandra saved them. Those ladies were manasaputri, daughters of Vishvamitra, who appeared from the mind of Vishvamitra. Once Visvamitra came to visit King Harishchandra and said that ‘my daughters have accepted you as their husband. You are a king.You should accept them.’ Harishchandra said,‘I have taken vow of having only one wife. I cannot do this. Please give me any other service. I will definitely do it.’

So Vishvamitra Muni became very angry. We know that he becomes angry very quickly. Once Vishvamitra Muni went to heaven. Everyone was in the assembly. King Harishchandra had never spoken lie, no matter what is the situation. And that was his power. You know that in Kaliyuga, bull who is the personification of Dharma is standing only on one leg. And that leg is ‘truth’. One must speak only truth. So, in that assembly everyone was talking about King Harishchandra. Vishvamitra Muni had anger for King Harishchandra, he was not happy with Harishchandra as something had taken place earlier, so Vishvamitra Muni said,‘I will test him, how much truth he speaks? How much strength is there in his words?’

So, one day he came to Ayodhya. Harishchandra was the king of Ayodhya at that time. Vishvamitra Muni came in the assembly of King Harishchandra and he said,‘I will accept your welcoming.’ So, as he was Rsi, a brahman, Harishchandra welcomed him very nicely. He said ‘you ask anything, we want to serve you.’ raghukularitisadachaliaaye,pranjaaye paravachannajaaye, in the dynasty of King Raghu, the sun dynasty, all kings were very fixed on their words. For that they used to be ready even to give their life.

So, to test him,Vishvamitra said, ‘will you give promise that whatever I will ask you will give?’ King Harishchandra said, ‘yes definitely, we will give you whatever you ask for. This is the rule of our dynasty that whatever promise we have given, we will definitely fulfillthat. For that even if we have to give our life, we do that.’ Vishvamitra Muni said,‘whatever opulence you have, your wealth, your cattle, your kingdom, everything, you give it to me.’ King Harishchandra said, ‘okay, I am giving everything to you in charity.’ So Vishwamitra said, ‘Okay, then everything is mine now.’ ‘Yes, everything is yours.’ Now Vishwamitra said, ‘I am a brahmin, and I have accepted your charity. Now give me daksina.’ King said, ‘now I don’t have anything. How can I give you dakshina?’ Charity is not complete until you give daksina. This is the rule mentioned in scriptures. So, how much was this dakshina that is mentioned differently in different puranas. Therefore, I am taking the essence of that. He said, ‘you give me thousand golden coins. And you go away from this area, because now it is not yours. It is mine. I will rule over it.’ So Rsi started to rule over it and King Harishchandra left with his wife Taramati and Rohit, who was only 7 years old. And Vishvamitra Muni said, ‘within three months you have to give these thousand gold coins to me.’

King Harishchandra had nothing but only his wife and child with him and he left. This is very big pastime, but to make it short, then they came to Varanasi. Time was passing by. Vishwamitra Muni sent his servant to collect those gold coins from Harishchandra. In between this, Vishvamitra Muni took many exams of Harishchandra and by the blessings of the Lord, Harishchandra passed all those exams. He was surrendered at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu and he was pure hearted. So, when the servant arrived, only two days were remaining from the three months’ time period. Taramati knew everything that her husband has tolerated all pains to fulfill his promise. So, she said that, ‘you sell me’. Now if we will talk about this in Kaliyuga, then we may think this cannot happen. King Harishchandra said, ‘how can I sell you?’ So Taramati said, ‘no, you must keep your words.’

So, there was fun fair. Some says, it was market. So Harishchandra went on the stage with his wife and child. It was very painful situation. By going on the stage he announced,‘is there anyone who want to purchase my wife? She can become your servant.’ People became angry on him and started to blaspheme him, ‘what kind of person is this? He is selling his wife?’ That time one brahman came there. ‘I want to purchase your wife. What is the rate?’ So,Harishchandra asked, ‘how much you can give?’ He said, ‘I will give 250 gold coins.’ Harishchandra said, ‘No. I want 500 gold coins. Because I had promised somewhere and need to give that money there.’ Then brahman said, ‘no, this is not possible.’ Yet Harishchandra had to sell his wife. So he sold her and requested, ‘please don’t ask her to clean used pots and used clothes as she is a queen. She can help in all other works.’

When Taramati was leaving, Rohit, who was a small child, also started to go with mother. Everyone knows that small kids need mother. So, the brahman said, ‘okay, I will take this child also and I will give you 500 gold coins.’ Then after this Harishchandra himself stood and asked, ‘is there anyone who wants to purchase me?’ So, one Chandala, who burns dead bodies, came. This was Varanasi, Kasi. His clothes were torn, but he had money. So, he purchased Harishchandra with 500 gold coins. So Harishchandra sent 1000 gold coins to Visvamitra through his servant. Many things happened in between this.

Then one day, a snake bites Rohit. So,while carrying his dead body Taramati comes in crematorium. So, there Harishchandra was working. His beard was grown. His clothes were torn. While holding on stick, he used to collect cloth, one gold coin, rice and fruit from those who would come to burn dead body. Without this he was not letting them to do last rites. So, Taramati came with her son. Harishchandra said, ‘my master has told that if anyone will not give this, then I cannot burn the body ‘ So like this he faced very tragic situations, but never gave up.

So Taramati went to collect cloth, gold coin, rice and fruit. At that time, in Varanasi, many children were dying. So, everyone thought that this lady is pisachini and she is killing all children. So King’s soldiers caught her. At late night, where is she going. She must be the one who is killing the children. So, they took her to Harishchandra and said she is having death sentence. And who will give this punishment, the helper is chandal will do this.

So as per the order of his master, Harishchandra was going to cut Taramati’s head with sword, but at that moment the brahman who had purchased Taramati, came there with his wife. Chandal also came with his wife. Chandal and his wife were Shankar and Parvati. And brahman and his wife were Narayana and Lakshmi. All demigods and Sapta-Rsis and even Visvamitra Muni came there and they were raising their hands and saying, ‘satyavati Raja Harishchandra ki Jay.’ So all of them are very pleased. Chanakya Pandit says

Chalam vittamchalam chittam chalejIvitayauvane |
ChalachalamidamsarvamkIrtiyasyasajIvati ||

Translation:

The mind, the wealth, youth and life of people, all these are extremely perishable, but surely only the fame and glory achieved by a person is steady and unchangeable. [Quote by Chanakya pandit]

If fame, glory is still there, then one can survive in any condition. Just as Prabhupada, his spiritual master Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur, our spiritual master, they are glorious. So, Satyavadi, truth-speaker like Harishchandra.

Sub-theme: Kings from Sun dynasty brought Ganga on earth

We know that later also in the dynasty of Ramachandra, everyone was very firm in keeping their words. So Harishchandra and all the kings who came in the dynasty of Ramachandra gave their life for the welfare of humanity. One more such personality was king Sagar. Sagar had 60 thousand sons. One day King Sagar was doing ashwamedha yajna. 99 ashwamedha yajna were done and this was the hundredth yagya. Indra stole the horse of this ashwamedh yajna and kept it in the asrama of Kapil Muni. When all the sons of king Sagar went to search the horse, they came to the ashram of Kapil Muni and they thought that this Muni has kidnapped the horse. They attacked on Kapil Muni. But just by the sight of Kapil Muni all of them turned into ashes.

Then Anshuman, the grandson of King Sagar came to Kapil Muni and asked, ‘how they will be liberated?’ Kapil Muni said,‘from Vaikuntha Alaknanda, Ganga flows. By the pure water of Ganga these ashes will be washed out and they will be liberated.’ Anshuman gave his life to bring Ganga on earth for the liberation of his father and uncles and for the whole humanity. His son Janamejay and his grandson Dilip all of them gave their life. Then Bhagirath, the son of Dilip did very severe austerities and brought Ganga on earth. So, this whole dynasty of the Lord gave up everything for the service of the Lord and for humanity. So, if we also want the Lord to appear in our heart and if we want to please the Lord; we should also understand that we cannot be like them, the Mahajanas

tarko ’pratiṣṭhaḥśrutayovibhinnā
nāsāvṛṣiryasyamataṁnabhinnam
dharmasyatattvaṁnihitaṁguhāyāṁ
mahājanoyenagataḥsapanthāḥ

Translation:

‘Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person. Consequently, as the śāstras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahājanas advocate.’ [CC Madhya 25.57]

We can follow their footsteps, but we cannot imitate them. If we will keep ourselves pure by chanting the Lord’s names and specifically only that Sri Ramachandra appears in the form of Gaura Chandra.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to South India in the area of Kishkindha. In Treta Yuga Lord Ramachandra shoot arrow at seven Tala trees. So, in Gauranga Avatar He hugged those trees. And as soon as Mahaprabhu hugged these Tala trees, these trees went back to Godhead.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s follower, Murari Gupta, who himself was Hanuman. If you will go to Mayapur Navadweep, then in between Chaitanya matha and our Mayapur temple, there is very beautiful residence of Murari Gupta. There we can see Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman in the alter. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu Themselves are Shri Rama and Lakshman. Mahaprabhutells about five best things to perform in Bhakti. There are total 64 things to do, if anyone will do only these five things, then he will immediately receive love of Godhead.

sādhu-saṅga, nāma-kīrtana, bhāgavata-śravaṇa
mathurā-vāsa, śrī-mūrtiraśraddhāyasevana

Translation

“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reside at Mathurā and worship the Deity with faith and veneration.

[CC Madhya 22.128]

sakala-sādhana-śreṣṭhaeipañcaaṅga
kṛṣṇa-premajanmāyaeipāṅceraalpasaṅga

Translation

“These five limbs of devotional service are the best of all. Even a slight performance of these five awakens love for Kṛṣṇa. [CC Madhya 22.129]

If we will do these five things daily or even one of these five things, very seriously, then immediately we will achieve Krishna Prema. Therefore, Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu, who Themselves are Rama and Laxmana, how They will enter in our heart if our heart is not pure?

Sub-theme: Understand the mercythat we are receiving daily

We have lots of mercy of the Lord and that’s why daily in the morning so many devotees gather together on zoom. Lord says-

bahūnāṁjanmanām ante
jñānavānmāṁprapadyate
vāsudevaḥsarvamiti
samahātmāsu-durlabhaḥ

Translation:

After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare. [BG 7.19]

All of us will find the Lord in our life. Or if we are taking shelter of Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Caitanya Charitamrita, Caitanya Mangala; and all of you are so fortunate that your spiritual master who is the representative of the Lord

jīveranistāralāgi’ sūtrakailavyāsa
māyāvādi-bhāṣyaśunilehayasarva-nāśa

Translation

“ŚrīlaVyāsadeva presented the Vedānta philosophy for the deliverance of conditioned souls, but if one hears the commentary of Śaṅkarācārya, everything is spoiled. [CC Madhya 6.169]

So, as per Caitanya Charitamrita, spiritual master is mercy personification of the Lord Krishna. He himself comes to bless us. And I am stunned to see the love of Lokanath Swami Maharaj for all of you, for us, that daily morning he chants with us. In any condition he encourages us, how we can achieve Krishna? Like, Ravana used to think always, what he is not having. It is mentioned in Ramayana that if one is having gratitude and service mood, that person will be very happy in any situation. Sometimes we do not understand the mercy we are getting. In Bengali it is said, ‘When we have teeth then we do not take care is them. And when we do not have teeth then we fix false teeth and then we have to take care of those false teeth.’ So, we are getting so much mercy and blessings. In Ramayana Lord Rama tellskritagyata, gratitude; He tells this through Laxman gratitude. What do we have? We have received spiritual master, sadguru, we have received Krishna. We have received Srila Prabhupad. We have received fortune of honoring Prasad and having Darshan. What else is there? The darshan of Lords beautiful form Dham Yatra, morning program, Katha Kirtan, so many festivals, kirtan, bhajan, what else do we need? If it is given in the scriptures that by achieving Krishna we will get everything, –

tvamevamata cha pita tvameva
tvamevabandhushchasakhatvameva.
Tvameva vidya dravinamtvameva
tvamevasarvam mama-dev-deva.

Translation

You are our mother. You alone are our father. You are our kinsman. You alone are our friend. You alone are īśvara. You are conversant with the Vedas. You are always meditated upon by persons of great magnanimity.

If Krishna is everything and we are achieving Krishna, then why we need to run anywhere else? Sometimes we do not understand this. When by the mercy of the Lord and spiritual master we understand,‘how much blessings we are getting’, then we should do self-analysis. It is also given in the Ramayana that when Dasharath Maharaj thought that I should make Ramchandra the king, he announced this in Ayodhya. So loudly everyone chanted ‘Jaya, Jaya’; Dashrath Maharaj became happy from inside, but outwardly he said ‘looks like I don’t have served you nicely. So loudly you are saying Jaya-dhvani and Raja Rama ki Jay.’ This comes in Ayodhya kanda in Adi khanda. So,he wanted to listen whether people are understanding my son or not. So, it is mentioned in Ramayana that each one of the Praja started to glorify the qualities of Lord Rama. When they started to glorify Lord Rama, they said many things like, He is dhira, santa, narasardula;narasardula means He is lion among the men. He walks like an elephant. Sastragya, sushila, ksamashila, dhairyashila everything is there in Lord Rama. One of those qualities is Lord do atma-samiksa, self-analysis. If anyone did a little service to Him, He becomes very grateful for him. As Lord says in Bhagavad Gita

nehābhikrama-nāśo ’stipratyavāyonavidyate
sv-alpamapyasyadharmasyatrāyatemahatobhayāt

Translation

In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.  [BG 2.40]

‘Even if someone does a little thing, I become indebted to him.’ Similarly, if we want that Lord should reside in our heart, then we should also become like Sagar, Bharat, Dilip, Anshuman, Bhagirath and Harishchandra. Don’t know maybe some of you are like them, but that will be very special. We can follow the footsteps of the great kings. We can follow the rules given by Srila Prabhupad and our Guru Maharaj. We can keep ekadashi fasting, can chant minimum sixteen rounds daily, can take shelter of Shrimad Bhagavatam. We should maintain love for our god brothers and God sisters and all vaisnavas. We should maintain love for all living beings. And if we will do self-analysis once in a day, then we can understand how much mercy we are receiving. Yudhishthir Maharaj asks Lord Krishna, ‘who is most unfortunate person?’ Lord Krishna says, mam aradhyaduhkhartatkutumbaasaktahmanasahsatsangorahitomrtyur ..seva paricyuta,thse four kinds of people are very unhappy. Mamaradhyaduhkhartat, one who does not worship me, kutumbaasaktah, one who is attached to the bi-products of his body, satsangorahito, one who does not go for satsang, ..seva paricyuta, one who is not having spiritual master or mentor; but those who are vaishnavas, and vaishnavas are their family, who have taken shelter a spiritual master, he is very fortunate. Krishna is in our life. Devotees are in our life. We are having mentor and we do go in satsanga. True or not?Say loudly Hari Bol. So, if we have received all this, then we are very fortunate. Therefore, we do not need to see here and there.We just need to satisfy Lord Krishna in any situation. Prabhupada has given opportunities for this through ISKCON. We must say that, our spiritual master and all his god brothers and god sisters, they always want us to achieve Krishna.

jogyatā-vicāre, kichunāhipāi,
tomārakaruṇā-sāra
karuṇānāhoile, kāndiyākāndiyā,
prāṇanārākhiboāra

Translation

If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life. [Verse 4 from Song ‘Gurudeva Krpa Bindu Diya’ by BhaktivinodaThakura]

We do not have any qualification. We have mercy of Hari, Guru and Vaisnava. Through them we have reached at the lotus feet of the Lord and have received the fortune to love the Supreme Lord. We have to progress further so that we can love the Lord. One who will be successful in this attempt can help many people because Krishna is residing in his heart.

brahmāṇḍatāriteśaktidhare jane jane
e vedapurāṇeguṇagāyajevāśune

Translation

I have heard their glorification in the Vedas and Puranas, which proclaim that each one of His devotees has the sakti to deliver an entire universe. [Verse 7 from Song ‘Vrndavana Vasi Jata Vaisnavera Gana’ by Devakinandana Dasa Thakura]

Every person can liberate the whole brahmanda. Therefore, I offer my most humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Loknath Swami Maharaj. I pray to Guru Maharaj that as he keeps smiling in every situation and keeps blessing us, he should always keep loving us. By his blessings one day we will understand how much mercy we are receiving from Lord Ramachandra, Lord Krishna and Lord Gauranga. Wishing all of you happy Rama Navami;I request all of you to please keep me also in your prayers on this Rama Navami occasion. Offer my humble obeisances to all vaishnavas.

vancha-kalpatarubhyash ca kripa-sindhubhyaeva ca patitanampavanebhyovaishnavebhyonamonamah!

Sri Siyavara Ramachandra ki Jay! Gaura premanande Hari Haribol!

13 April 2024
Srila Ramanujacharya Appearance Day
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah (Sri Guru Pranama)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge

nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine (Srila Prabhupada Pranati)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine 
nirvisesha-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

Translation: Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Chaitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.

panca-tattvatmakam krishnam bhakta-rupa-svarupakam
bhaktavataram bhaktakhyam namami bhakta-saktikam (Sri Panca-tattva Pranama)

Translation: I offer my obeisances unto the Supreme Lord, Kirishna, who is nondifferent from His features as a devotee, devotional incarnation, manifestation, pure devotee, and devotional energy.

All Glories to the appearance day of Srila Ramanujacharya! Around 1007 years back, Srila Ramanujacharya appeared at Pedembedur in Chennai (Madras). He was a very glorious spiritual master. Very few spiritual masters have the same calibre as him.

There are four main Acharyas belonging to four different bonafide Vaishnava Sampradayas. He was the first one to appear, followed was Nimbarkacharya. Why was his appearance glorious?

The younger brother of Lord Sri Rama is Rama-anuja. He was partial incarnation of Lord Lakshmana himself. Lakshmana is Balarama or Nityananda prabhu. Lakshmana represents the spiritual master.

He played a very significant role as an acharya or the spiritual master. Even Lord Buddha had appeared. I don’t have much details to research on this but I can share the details which we have.

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśhāya cha duṣhkṛitām
dharma-sansthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge (BG 4.8)

Translation: To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma I appear on this earth, age after age.

Lakshmana had to appear in this world to establish the religious principles.

yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham (BG 4.7)

Translation: Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself.”

This task falls under the responsibility of the Lord and his devotees also.

sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ (BG 18.66)

Translation: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

1000 years back we were facing the same decline in the religious principles. People were busy following the Karma Kanda and they were brutally performing animal sacrifices. Then the Lord had to appear as Buddha Dev and he preached the principles of Ahimsa, Non violence.

ahimsā paramo dharmah sarvaprāmabhrth smrtah
tasmāt prānabhrtah sarvān na himsyād brāhmanah
kva cit (Mahabharata Adi Parva)

Translation: Verily the highest virtue of man is sparing the life of others. Therefore a Brahmana should never take the life of any creature.

He said, forget the scriptures if they are inspiring you to kill these animals and the people followed. But leading life without Vedas is not vain. A person who is not following the Vedas is an atheist. Thus Buddhists and Jainism all fall in the same category. They preached the philosophy of voidism. Then Lord Shiva appeared as Shankaracharya and he preached impersonalism.

Ahaṁ Brahmāsmi

(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10 of the Yajur Veda)

Translation: “I am Brahman”, or “I am Divine”.

The Lord is omnipresent and formless. Also the goal of our life is to merge into this formless divine form. Aham Brahma Asmi! That Brahma has no form, quality or pastimes. When there is no form then what will he do in the places like Vrindavan, Ayodhya or any other Holy Dham. And to consider this body as ourselves is an illusion and we will get freed from this illusion, when we will get out of this body.

namaste saraswati deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadi
pashchatya-desha-tarine (Srila Prabhupada Pranati)

Translation: Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Caitanya and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.

The Lord has no special quality such as voidism and impersonalism. Before the appearance of Ramanujacharya, these two philosophies were dominating the society.

There were twelve Alwars. There is a place called Alarnath, near Jagannath Puri where these Alwars used to worship Lord Krsna. It’s then that Srila Ramanujacharya appeared. A person is accepted as an Acharya only when they could write a commentary on Vedanta Sutra.

Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vishnu Swami and Ramanujacharya all of them had written a commentary on Vedanta Sutra. And then fifth Sampradaya arose – the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya and Srila Baladev Vidyabhushan wrote the commentary on Vedanta Sutra from our Sampradaya.

The commentary which was written by Srila Ramanujacharya, that was named as Sri Bhasya.

Because the main worshipable deity of their Sampradaya is Goddess Lakshmi. The Lord and everyone else is one. The Lord is Lord and I can make you the Lord. But Srila Prabhupada said, The Lord is Lord and you can never become Lord.

ekale īśvara kṛṣṇa, āra saba bhṛtya
yāre yaiche nācāya, se taiche kare nṛtya (CC Ādi 5.142)

Translation: Lord Kṛṣṇa alone is the supreme controller, and all others are His servants. They dance as He makes them do so.

Ramanujacharya was the first Acharya to declare that we are two separate units, the Supreme Lord and the soul – the eternal servant.

Buddha said, zero. Shankaracharya said one and then Ramanujacharya said two. Madhvacharya placed special emphasis on these three – The Supreme Lord, Jiva and third is the devotional service. So the proper process of devotional service was given by Srila Ramanujacharya first.

At the age of 12, Srila Ramanujacharya got married. And after the death of his parents he shifted to Kanchipuran. He had five main spiritual masters. He was accepting teachings from a person named Yadav Prakash but as soon as he got to know that he was preaching impersonalism then he gave up on him. Yadav Prakash was very displeased with him and he wanted to kill Ramanujacharya but the Lord saved him.

And at the later stage, he himself accepted Ramanujacharya as his spiritual master. Ramanujacharya accepted Yamunacharya as his initiating spiritual master.

One day he received this news that his spiritual master has left this world. Thus he went to Sri Rangam and had the last darshans of his spiritual master. He was very morose, experiencing the pain of separation from his spiritual master

pāṣāṇe kuṭibo māthā anale paśibo
gaurāńga guṇera nidhi kothā gele pābo (Je Anilo Prem Dhana 4)

Translation: I will smash my head against the rock and enter into the fire. Where will I find Lord Gauranga, the reservoir of all wonderful qualities?

je anilo prema-dhana koruna pracur
heno prabhu kotha gela acarya-thakur (Je Anilo Prem Dhana 1)

Translation: He who brought the treasure of divine love and who was filled with compassion and mercy—where has such a personality as Srinivasa Acarya gone?

He observed that his spiritual master’s three fingers were in an folded position. He understood that these three fingers represented his spiritual masters three unfulfilled desires. He knew what those desires were and he spoke them out as his own responsibilities. He said,

1. I will refute the Mayavada Philosophy.
2. I’ll write a commentary on Vedanta Sutra
3. I’ll name one of my disciples as Parasara Muni

And thus with each announcement, Yamunacharya’s each finger continued to unfold. And he could understand the heart of his spiritual master.

cakṣu-dān dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei, 
divya jñān hṛde prokāśito
prema-bhakti jāhā hoite, avidyā vināśa jāte,
vede gāy jāhāra carito (Sri Guru Carana Padma 3)

Translation: He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.

When he was given the secret mantra at the time of his initiation, he heard the glories of that secret mantra. That secret mantra has the potency to deliver the fallen souls from the clutches of this material world. But if this Mantra is shared with any unqualified person then, the person who shares it would go to hell.

As soon as Srila Ramanujacharya heard this, he went onto the roof of the temple and made an announcement. He told all the villagers to chant this mantra. It’s the same mood as that of Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura Prabhupada who spoke about establishing a market place of the holy name and calling out to all the faithful people.

nadiya-godrume nityananda mahajana
patiyache nama-hatta jibera karana (Nadiya Godrume 1)

Translation: In Nadiya’s Godruma the great soul Lord Nityananda has opened a marketplace to sell the holy name to the conditioned souls.

And thus he shared the mantra with all the people around, without bothering least about himself. Then he continued to stay in Sri Rangam worshiping Lakshmi Narayana. Also he travelled to different places of pilgrimage.

About 200 years prior to the appearance of Ramanujacharya, Shankaracharya appeared. Ramanujacharya had 700 Sanyasi Disciples and 12000 Brahmacharis. And thousands of Grashtha disciples and all of them were helping him to preach the glories of the Lord throughout.

Prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama
sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama (CB Antya-khanda 4.126)

Translation: In every town and village throughout the world,” said Lord Caitanya, – the chanting of My holy name will be heard.

He was the leading spiritual master, 1000 years back.

evam parampara-praptam 
imam rajarsayo viduh
sa kaleneha mahata
yogo nastah parantapa (BG 4.2)

Translation: This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.

So one should receive the spiritual knowledge from a bonafide Sampradaya only.

sampradaya-vihina ye mantras te nisphala matah 
atah kalau bhavisyanti catvarah sampradayinah
sri-brahma-rudra-sanakah vaisnavah ksiti-pavanah
catvaras te kalau bhavya hy utkale purusottamat (Padma Puran)

Translation: Any mantra that does not come in disciplic succession is considered to be fruitless. Therefore, four divine individuals will appear in the age of Kali to found disciplic schools. The founders of these four Vaisnava sampradayas are Laksmi or Sri, Brahma, Rudra and Sanaka Rishi, and the acaryas of the Kali Age who follow their lines will appear in the holy city of Purusottama in Orissa.

Otherwise the acquired knowledge wont be fruitful. Prior to the appearance of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, all these different acharyas from the four bonafide Sampradaya appeared.

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ (BG 7.19)

Translation: After many births of spiritual practice, one who is endowed with knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be all that is. Such a great soul is indeed very rare.

A spiritual master means a Vaishnava, worshiper of Lord Vishnu only. We need to go back to Goloka Vrindavan Dham. But these impersonalists have only the aim of merging into the existence of the Lord. And the worshippers of demigods and even the worshippers of ghosts will go back to their worshipable deities.

yanti deva-vrata devan
pitrn yanti pitr-vratah
bhutani yanti bhutejya
yanti mad-yajino ‘pi mam (BG 9.25)

Translation: Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors; and those who worship Me will live with Me.

The person who is not worshiping Lord Vishnu, he can’t be the spiritual master. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepts two qualities from each bonafide Sampradaya. From Sri Sampradaya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted the principle of unalloyed devotional service.

advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam
ādyaṁ purāṇa-puruṣaṁ nava-yauvanaṁ ca
vedeṣu durlabham adurlabham ātma-bhaktau
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi (BS 5.33)

Translation: I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is inaccessible to the Vedas, but obtainable by pure unalloyed devotion of the soul, who is without a second, who is not subject to decay, is without a beginning, whose form is endless, who is the beginning, and the eternal puruṣa; yet He is a person possessing the beauty of blooming youth.

Unalloyed devotional service of the different incarnations of Lord Vishnu/Vasudev/Krsna.

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ
prapadyante ’nya-devatāḥ
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya
prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā (Bg. 7.20)

Translation: Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.

No offences unto the Vaishnavas and serving them nicely (Vaishnava Seva). We were welcomed very nicely on our visits to Sri Rangam. Sri Rangam is the only place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed for four months on his visit to South India. Thus even he could experience that hospitality when he stayed at the place of Sri Ventak Bhatta, everyday he would go to have Darshans of Lord Ranganath,  then he would perform Sankirtan and make the people dance.

Venkat Bhatta’s younger brother became the follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and after initiation he got the name as Prabhodananda Thakura. And also Venkat Bhatta’s son, became Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s disciple and both of them shifted to Vrindavan in later part of their lives. The son became Gopal Bhatta Goswami. Srila Prabhodananda Thakura writes, I was cheated, I was cheated. I was given no clue of this ocean of nectar.

vancito smi vancito smi 
vancito smi na samsayah
visvam gaura-rase magnam
sparso’pi mama nabhavat (Caitanya-candramrta 46)

Translation: I have been deprived, I have been deprived, surely I have been deprived! The whole world became immersed in love for Sri Gaura, but alas! my destiny is such that not a drop of that love has touched me.

And he gave the conclusion that, this nectar of Radha Krsna’s divine love and conjugal pastimes is the topmost. We can understand the significance of Sri Ramanujacharya’s appearance in establishing and preaching of Vaishnavas Dharma. He was in Sri Rangam in his last days.

Though he left the planet, but his body (Vapu) is still present in Sri Rangam in the sitting position. He was not given a samadhi under the ground. Many times I have taken his darshans, there is a separate temple built for him.

All Glories to the appearance day of Srila Ramanujacharya!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

15 April 2024
Speaker: HH Vrindavan Chandra Swami Maharaj
Theme: Get benefitted by Dhāma
Hare Krsna!!

Upcoming is the occasion of Rāma Navamī. Today we are very fortunate to have with us HH Vrindavan Chandra Swami Maharaj who is also known as the Vrajavasī of ISKCON. We shall hear Śrī Rāma Kathā from him.

Theme: Purposes of incarnation of the Lord

It’s a bliss for me to get an opportunity to speak about Śrī Rāma Chandra for the upcoming Rāma Navamī festival. Śrī Rāma Chandra appeared in Ayodhya Dhāma. There are several purposes of the Lord’s appearance on this planet and each and every reason is very amazing.

soi jasagāibhagata bhava tarahīn
kripāsindhūjanahitatanudharahīn
rāmajanmakehetuaneka
param vicitra ek teekā

Translation

By singing that praise again and again, the devotees get immersed in the ocean of existence. Lord Kripasagar assumes the body for the benefit of the devotees.

There are innumerous reasons for Lord Ram’s incarnation, each of which is more strange than the other. (Text 1, Tulasi Ramayana)

Hanuman Ji says,

martyāvatāras tv ihamartya-śikṣaṇaṁ
rakṣo-vadhāyaivanakevalaṁvibhoḥ
kuto ’nyathāsyādramataḥsvaātmanaḥ
sītā-kṛtānivyasanānīśvarasya

 Translation

It was ordained that Rāvaṇa, chief of the Rākṣasas, could not be killed by anyone but a man, and for this reason Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared in the form of a human being. Lord Rāmacandra’s mission, however, was not only to kill Rāvaṇa but also to teach mortal beings that material happiness centered around sex life or centered around one’s wife is the cause of many miseries. He is the self-sufficient Supreme Personality of Godhead, and nothing is lamentable for Him. Therefore why else could He be subjected to tribulations by the kidnapping of mother Sītā? (ŚB 5.19.5)

The most well known purpose of Śrī Rāma’s appearance was the annihilation of Rāvana. The Lord didn’t need to descend specially to kill him as He had many other options. But Rāvana had a great boon from Brahma Ji that no one could defeat him, but humans and monkeys. That’s why the Lord appeared as a human. Rāvana was the devotee of Shiv Ji. And he was such a great devotee that he would offer his own head to him where the other devotees just offer some stone apples (bel patra).

The Lord not only appeared to kill Rāvana but He also appeared to teach lessons to mankind. He taught the world many lessons by His behaviour.

Theme: Ayodhya’s trueness

Lord Rāma appeared in Ayodhya. Ayodhya is a very pious city.

“tāmasatyanāmadrdhato” as mentioned in Valmiki Ramayan.Ayodhya’s name is very true. Its real situation is the same as the meaning of the name. Nowadays people keep unsuitable names, like a person’s name is Padmalochan but he can not see anything.

Janameraandhanamapadmalocana- “when a man’s son was blind since birth, the father, out of staunch affection for the child, named him Padmalocana”- Srila Prabhupada (Bengali saying)

His eyes are compared to a lotus. This means the situation is not as per the meaning of the name. This is not a true name. But the name of Ayodhya is totally appropriate. Let’s understand the meaning of the name Ayodhya. Like khadyasamagri, where khadyameans worth eating; Pathya pustak, where pathyameans worth teaching, kardyameans worth doing; in the similar way yodhyain Ayodhya means worth fighting with. Ayodhya means where there is no battle, not worth fighting with. This name is true to its meaning.

Theme: Description of Ayodhya Dhāma

durgagambhīraparikhāmadurgāmanyaihdurrāsadāma
vājivāranasampūrnāma
gobhirūśtraihkharaihstathā

Translation

That Ayodhya is an impassable one for trespassers, or for other invaders, owing to her impassable and profound moats, and she is abounding with horses, camels, likewise with cows and donkeys. (1.5.13, Balakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

Parighameans the outer circle of a city. It is described that the outer circle of Ayodhya is so profound that it is not possible to enter there. To safeguard the city, people would dig a hole and set it on fire. Like to stop monkeys in Vrindāvana, people would set electric wires on their houses.

kavātatoranavatīmsuvibhaktāntarāpanāma
sarvayantrāyudhavatīmusītāma
sarvaśilpibhih

Translation

That city is surrounded with gateways and archways; the front yards of buildings are well laid; it lodges all kinds of machinery, weaponry and craftsmen, and king Dasharatha dwells in such a city. (1.5.10, Balakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

There are boundaries all around the city Ayodhya and the main gate is very substantial and strong to break. Ayodhya is very well ready for any kind of attack.

sutamāgaghasambadhāmaśrīmatitulaprabhāma
ucchāttaladhvajavatīm
śataghnīśatasamkulama

Translation

With matchless splendour, it abounded in eulogists and genealogists. It contained stately edifices decorated with flags and hundreds of sataghnis (missiles).(1.5.11, Balakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

It has many powerful weapons like missiles which can kill thousands of people at once.

yodhānāmagnikalpānām
peślānāmamarshinām
sampūrnākrtvidhyānām
guhākesarināmiva

Translation

It abounded with warriors, like a cave with lions. They were almost like flaming fire, the most determined among experts and accomplished in learning (the science of arms). (1.6.21, Balakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

The soldiers there are very well fit, trained and are not very jovial. They cannot tolerate insults from anyone. The soldiers of Ayodhya are compared to lions who live in a cave in the mountain. No one can dare to enter a cave. Similarly, their soldiers are so muscular and strong that no one can fight them.

Theme: An exile to Śrī Rāma and His condition

Ayodhya is the abode of the Lord. And the Lord respects and loves Ayodhya a lot. A situation came when Śrī Rāma had to leave Ayodhya. One morning, Dashrath ji called Śrī Rāma in Rajdarbar. Dashrath ji was lying on the ground. When asked by Śrī Rāma of his father’s situation, Kaikeyi said that he had promised to give her 2 boons. She asked him to give Śrī Rāma an exile. Śrī Rāma took His father’s words seriously and when he was leaving Ayodhya, many people accompanied him till Tamasā river. They all rested there at night. Śrī Rāma thought of leaving before sunrise. As He was going far from Ayodhya, He was forgetting love towards it. He was giving instructions to Lakshman to not think about Ayodhya’s people. But at the same time, He was unable to control Himself. As He crossed many rivers towards forest, when the border came of Ushal, He stopped His chariot and stood facing towards Ayodhya and said,

āpracchetvāmpurīshreshthe
kakutsthaparipālite
daivatāni ca yānitvām
pālayantivasanti ca

Translation

O Ayodhya, the best of cities ruled by those born in the Kakutstha race I take leave of you and of all those gods inhabiting and guarding you. (2.50.2, Ayodhyakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

Śrī Rāma said to Ayodhya, “O Ayodhya, I am asking you for a leave. I am asking the demigods and the people of Ayodhya for a leave.”

Nivrittavanavāsastvāmanrno
jagatīpateh
punardrkshyāmimātrā ca pitrā ca
sahasangagatah

Translation

On completion of exile and my filial obligations to king Dasaratha, lord of the world, discharged, I shall, reunited with my parents, see you again. (2.50.3, Ayodhyakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

 He was promising that whenever His exile would get over, He would come as soon as possible to meet them all.

tatorudhiratāmrāksho
bhujamudyamyadakshinam
ashrupūrnamukho
dīnoabravījjānapadamjanam

Translation

He looked miserable, his copperred eyes filled with tears. He raised his right hand

and said to the villagers who had come to see him: (2.50.4, Ayodhyakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

He was looking very helpless and tears were falling down from His eyes.

“ayodhyasochishyantinasanshaya”

 Theme: Ayodhya, a mother

He was concerned about Ayodhya that it would mourn without Him. He was concerned about His mother that she might get blind in sobbing. But He was confident that His brother Bharat would look after His parents after He had gone. He was concerned for the people of Ayodhya. Still he went towards the forest to get His father’s promise fulfilled.

When the Lord was returning from Sri Lanka on a plane, He was on His way to Ayodhya. As soon as the City came to sight, He offered obeisances to Ayodhya and also asked Sita Ji to offer obeisances.

eshasādraśyatesīte
rājadhānīpiturmama
ayodhyāmkuruvaidehipranāmampunarāgatā

Translation

Sita! My father’s capital Ayodhya is seen. We have come here. Offer your salutations.” (6.126.55, Yuddhakanda, Valmiki Ramayana)

He gave so much importance to Ayodhya as His mother. It is seen that the devotees accept Dhāma as their mother. It is said in Vrindavan Mahimamrta,

grihāndhakūpepatitahkadā
māmuddhratyamūdamkrpyāsvayaiva
kāmādikālāhiganairnigīrnam
mātevavrindātavineśyaseangakam

Translation

I have fallen into a blind well like Grihasta, tied with a black snake like lust desires, O Vrindatavi, when will you liberate me and put me on your lap like a mother. (88, Sri Vrindavan Mahimamrta)

He is saying to Ayodhya, “O mother, I have fallen in a blind well (without water) where pythons have taken shelter. I have no knowledge. Desire like python have swallowed Me. It has become a very dangerous situation. One needs support to come out of that well.” He is comparing that well to Grihasth ashram that He has fallen in a grihasth ashram and he is not able to take wise decisions. That lusty desires has tied Him. He is asking when she will take Him out of this situation and put Him on her lap. When someone is dependent on someone, their relationship becomes stronger. Like when a child is totally dependent on his mother, his mother takes full care of him. Similarly, one who takes shelter of Dhāma, Dhāma takes care of such a person.

Uddhav ji is describing the situation of Kaliyuga Jiva.

daṣṭaṁjanaṁsampatitaṁ bile ’smin
kālāhinākṣudra-sukhoru-tarṣam
samuddharainaṁkṛpayāpavargyair
vacobhirāsiñcamahānubhāva

Translation

O almighty Lord, please be merciful and uplift this hopeless living entity who has fallen into the dark hole of material existence, where the snake of time has bitten him. In spite of such abominable conditions, this poor living entity has tremendous desire to relish the most insignificant material happiness. Please save me, my Lord, by pouring down the nectar of Your instructions, which awaken one to spiritual freedom. (ŚB 11.19.10)

This well is the material world and black snake is the time. When a snake bites someone, he feels very hot and becomes very thirsty. Similarly, when this snake of time bites us, we become more thirsty for material enjoyment. Uddhav ji is praying to the Lord to deliver the fallen souls. Tongue plays a very important role and thus it should always be engaged in Harināma. By doing so we can control other urges for engaging into sinful activities.

“jaramayasarthyathaausadham sat”

Like proper medication can cure a person suffering from high fever. Or water can satisfy a person’s thirst. So devotees believe and respect Dhāma a lot. Lord Rāma had been an exemplary character that how one should behave towards Dhāma. He treats Ayodhya as His mother and so the Vrindāvanavasīs. They feel safe around the arms of Dhāma like a child feels safe in his mothers lap.

Question: How can one develop niśthā(firm faith) towards the Lord and His holname while fighting with our six enemies of the mind?

Ans: We should take shelter of a Dhāma. Dhāma will take away our six enemies of mind from us. Now everyone will ask if they should leave the city and get situated in Dhāma. This is best but if it’s not possible then ŚrīlaRūpaGoswāmī explains nine ways to take shelter of Dhāma. One can perform any of the nine ways to get benefitted.

sruta- smrta –kirtita -ca
vanchita- preksita -gata
sprsta- sritasevita -ca
mathur -abhista -da -nrnam

Translation

“[Due to the unlimited power of Vrndavana], anyone can fulfil their cherished desires [for Krishna’s eternal service] simply by:

1) Hearing about Vrndavana (sruta)

2) Remembering Vrndavana (smrta)

3) Glorifying Vrndavana (kirtita)

4) Desiring Vrndavana (vanchita)

5) Seeing Vrndavana (preksita)

6) Visiting Vrndavana (gata)

7) Touching Vrndavana (sprsta)

8) Living in Vrndavana (asrita)

9) Serving Vrndavana (sevita).”

Hare Krishna!

Topic: Ram Katha Day 2
Date:16^th April 2024
Speaker: HH Anant Krishna Maharaj
HG Padmamali Prabhu:

We have HH Ananta Krishna Goswami Maharaj with us to deliver today’s Japa Talk. He is a great devotee of Lord. We welcome you all to this second session in this series of lectures on Sri Rama Navami. Maharaj is a very senior disciple of HH Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj. And he is very famous for his Rama Katha in ISKCON. Maharaj is connected to ISKCON Juhu. We have around 2-2.5 K devotees hearing this session today.

HH Anant Krishna Maharaj:

nama om vishnu-padayakrishna-preshthayabhutale
srimatebhaktivedanta-swaminitinamine
namastesaraswatedevegaura-vani-pracharine
nirvisheshashunyavadipashchatyadeshatarine

jayasri-krishna-chaitanya
prabhu nityananda
sri-adwaitagadadhara
shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

First of all, I want to pay my obesiancesunto Maharaj’s lotus feet and take his blessings. He gave a nice feedback for my Sannyasa initiation and he always gives me enthusiasm.HH Gaur Krishna Maharaj asked me to take blessings of Maharaj before taking Sannayasa. In Mira Road temple, I met Maharaj and asked for his mercy and he gave his personal association to me. In Juhu temple, he introduced me to HH Prahaladanand Swami Maharaj and  furthertold Maharaj that I am aSannyasa candidate. I feel ashamed to speak in front of Maharaj but since this is a service to him, I will try to say something about Rama ji. It is just like showing a lamp in front of the sun. I will speak in my broken language.

Lord Rama appeared with his brothers in Ghatawangdynasty.Ghatawang’s son was Drigavayu, Drigvayu son’s was Raghu, Raghu’s son was Ajah, Ajah’s son was Dashrath Maharaj and Dashrath’s son was Sri Rama appeared with his four brothers who are part and parcels of Lord Vishnu which is calledas  ChaturVyuh. He has presented his ideals in all his relations- as son and father, husbandand wife etc. He teaches the world through his actions.

ŚB 6.16.18-19

oṁnamastubhyaṁbhagavate
vāsudevāyadhīmahi
pradyumnāyāniruddhāya
namaḥsaṅkarṣaṇāya ca

namovijñāna-mātrāya
paramānanda-mūrtaye
ātmārāmāyaśāntāya
nivṛtta-dvaita-dṛṣṭaye

Translation

[Nārada gave Citraketu the following mantra.] O Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, who are addressed by the oṁkāra [praṇava], I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. O Lord Vāsudeva, I meditate upon You. O Lord Pradyumna, Lord Aniruddha and Lord Saṅkarṣaṇa, I offer You my respectful obeisances. O reservoir of spiritual potency, O supreme bliss, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You, who are self-sufficient and most peaceful. O ultimate truth, one without a second, You are realized as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān and are therefore the reservoir of all knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.

He has presented his ideals in all his relations- as son and father, husband and wife, teacher and student, King and  peopleetc. He teaches the world through his actions.

What is Ekashloki Ramayana? – Whole of Ramayana is said in just one shloka.

Answer: Whole of Ramayana is being explained in just one (Eka) shloka as given below:

adau Rama tapovananigamanam, Hathwamrugamkanchanam |
Vaidehi haranam, jatayumaranam, Sugreeva sambhashanam ||
vaalinigrahanam, samudrataranam, Lankapureedahanam |
Paschat Ravana Kumbhakarna hananam, EthatithiRamayanam ||

Translation

Sri Rama went to forest. He chased the deer. Sita was kidnapped, Jatayu was killed. There were discussions with Sugriva. Bali was killed. The ocean was crossed. Lanka was burnt and later Ravana and Kumbha karna were also killed. This is the story of Ramayanam.

When Lord was going to Chitrakoot via Prayagraj,and asked Khevat to take him to Chitrakoot. Khevat was a nice devotee of Lord. Khevat says that your lotus feet’s dust is very rare and my boat will be collapsed and my business will be collapsed. He should let him wash his feet. Because dust of his Lotus feet is so powerful.That even a stone turned into a very beautiful lady

What if something happened to my boat this is the only means of existence for me

Thus let me wash your feet first

Shloka

You can kill me but I want to wash your feet. How is this devotee. Rama said all three of you argued and now he is also doing that. So what can I do.

Shloka

Kausalya was not happy when Sita wanted to go to forest. She asked how will she survive in the jungle

Shloka

How will she face all the animals, monkeys. She never kept her feet on ground till now. Sita said tha where Sri Rama will stay there I will stay. So even Laxman didn’t listen. So he is also making this hatha. If you don’t want to wash you feet then you can go to a ghat where you can cross Ganga where you can cross my going across the river. So Rama ji said show me. So Kevat said that this is daytime if I show that path then who will travel from boat. Then Rama ji said what can I do? So kevat said I will show you that path in the evening and if you go in the daylight then customers will go away. But Rama said it is very difficult and sita is with me. He said I will show that path in evening only. So sita is very soft how will she cross? So he said if you are so admandant to go then why don’t you let me wash your feet.

Shloka

From whose feet ganga originates, whose feet have all the dhams and worlds. He agrees and says plz wash my feet. Then Kevat enthusiastically fills water from ganga in wooden vessel- khat ka vessel he brought. So this will examine that the lotus dust is actually very magically. Si Kevat kisses his lotus feet. So demigods are seeing at the bhagya pf this kevat. While washing his lotus feet and then he puts it on the ground and it get dirty again and then he again washes. He says that keep one feet in the wooden pot and one in my lap. Then Rama said I will fall. Kevat said Lord plz keep your hand on my head.  Then he does the same. Watching this demigods recite the glories of his fortune. Then he takes the charanmrita. Nishad also use to serve Lord and saw that they used to sleep on ground and said wring words to Kaikeyi. He said that are you a kasiyi and the Laxman consoles him and says that whatever Lord wants this what destiny is we hv to accept it. Gaur Krishna Mahraj says that you have put mercy onme and when you embraced me I am glorified. Earlier people used to take bath whenever they saw my shadow also. So this is fortune. So he goes with them in Kevat. He says Kevat that it has a lot of holes to see where can we take this boat. So I am seeing the path how can we cross the path. Lord Rama says plz go faster I have to go far  and then finally he makes him reach the destination and Rama ji stands on sand with sita ji and laxman ji. And Rama said that we have to give something to him. I don’t have anything to him. I f someone gives Tulasi to Lord, he gives everything to him. Sita mata understood him.

Sholoka

So just like rupagoswami understood CM. So similarly she gave her ring to Lord and he is very merciful, he wanted to give something.

Shloka

No one is as merciful as Rama. Kevat did a lot for Lord Rama. Rama said that I am giving you my most valuable thing, I and you hv same class. You don’t give anything when I go at your ghat, plz let me across. Rama ji smiled  and asked him to keep this. Kevat says that when you come back you will again give me a chance to serve again. Even the hotels say the same thing. He says that you have increased my fortune. Whatever you give me I will then accept your gift. Now don’t give me anything. He is very intelligent and Ram ji understands that. Everything works under his guidance. Under your guidance only I could row this boat.

Shloka

Shloka

Everything is provided by you. Everything is yours. Ramji insisted to take that ting said you also have a family, so you should accept. He doesn’t accept. We perform our duties in material world just to attain Perfection by having connection with the Supreme personality of Godhead He sits in samadhi after Lord went for 14 years. He left everything and sat in samadhi. And gives everything in the service of Lord. When he returned back, he could a opportunity to serve again. And when this Kevat had attained that position then he felt no need to execute his duties any further.

I repeatedly thank HH Lokanatha swami Maharaj and HH Gaur Kishore das maharaj for this  opportunity to serve

Let’s thank maharaj by chanting

We shall stop here and meet tmrw.

Date: 17 April 2024
Speaker: HH Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnava Swami Maharaj
Topic: Teachings of Ramayana

HH Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnava Swami Maharaj

Hare Krishna!

Jai Sri Ram!

Congratulations to all of you on the occasion of Ram Navami.

I was asked to give a talk on the lesson from Ramayana. Ramayana is full of lessons. Lord Rama Himself is an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal disciple, an ideal leader, an ideal king and an ideal father.

In the Baal Kand, it is referred that how lord Rama is dedicated for Dashratha and other Ayodhyavasis. This is also a lesson for us.

Further, He accepted all the suffering for his Guru when he was a student of Guru Vishvamitra. He shows how to serve spiritual master.

Further, He shows the quality of ideal husband and an ideal father.

When King Dashratha announced the coronation of Lord Rama. He accepted that not for the designation, but to serve the demos.At the same night, mother Kaikayi take a boon to send Rama for exile. Lord Rama accepted the word of His father and at oncewent for exile. From this we can take a lesson that we should not serve to get a designation, we must work to serve others.

Lord Rama accepted all the rules of exile; like, walk barefooted, eat the fruits of the trees, sleep on the floor etc. He never made any adjustments in the rules.

When Bharat went to meet Lord Rama. There is a lot of lesson we can take from the behaviour of Bharat. This shows a true relationship of love and forgiveness. He killed many demons in the forest. These demons are the anarthas in our lives. These are the obstacles in the path of devotion. To kill these anarthas, we must austerity.

Then Mother Sita was abducted. This incidence tells us how one can get trapped in Maya. There is no golden deer in reality. Marichi had disguised as a deer. Mother Sita wants to give us a lesson. If we will indulge in Maya, we will trap like that.

Ravan kidnapped Mother Sita by disguise his personality. If one will deceit in devotion, then he must will be duped. One can not get the spiritual power by deceit.

Lord Rama meets hanuman, when he was in search of Mother Sita. We should go to the Lord with open heart. We should not wear makeup I our heart.

And then, Lord Rama met with Sugriva, who is a dear friend of Lord Rama. He kills Bali.

Then comes Shabari, who depicts enthusiasm, determination and patience in serving lord Rama.

Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3:

utsāhānniścayāddhairyāt
tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgātsatovṛtteḥ
ṣaḍbhirbhaktiḥprasidhyati

Translation:

There are six principles favorable to the execution of pure devotional service: (1) being enthusiastic, (2) endeavoring with confidence, (3) being patient, (4) acting according to regulative principles [such as śravaṇaṁkīrtanaṁviṣṇoḥsmaraṇam – hearing, chanting and remembering Kṛṣṇa], (5) abandoning the association of nondevotees, and (6) following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas. These six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.

She waited every day and night to take darshan of Lord Rama. She cleans her house, decorate it with flowers and make garlands for Lord Rama. So, like this there are many teachings of Ramayana.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came as His own devotee to teach us devotion. He teaches us surrender.

Vaishnava Song, Sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu jive dayakari’, By Bhakti Vinod Thakur:

atyantadurlabhapremakoribāre dāna
śikhāyaśaraṇāgatibhakateraprāna

Translatrion:

Out of compassion for the fallen souls, Sri Krisna Caitanya came to this world with His personal associates and divine abode to teach saranagati (the goal of surrender), surrender to the almighty Godhead, and to freely distribute ecstatic love of God, which is ordinarily very difficult to obtain. This saranagati is the very life of the true devotee.

We must surrender to revive our devotion. Vibhishan always thought about the good of all.He thought that if one must go somewhere that should be the lotus feet of Lord Rama. He taught us how to take shelter. When Lord Rama reaches near sea with his army to bring back Mother Sita. Vibhishan advised Ravana to take shelter of Lord Rama, as Vibhishan is one of the consultants in the assembly.

Once Indrajeet insulted Vibhishana. Vibhishana scolded Indrajeet that you don’t know about lord Rama. Ravana become angry on Vibhishana and kicked him out. Vibhishana leave everything and taught us that we should that is favourable to our devotion. He was sure that he will go and take shelter of lord Rama.

In some scriptures it states that he once approached Shiva, he at once advised him to take shelter of Lord Rama. As lord Rama is merciful enough to give shelter to Ravana also!He went in his airplane and took darshan of lord Rama with his devoted allies Sugriva and hanuman. Sugriva at once came to know that the demons had come to meet Rama.Vihishana directly says that I am the brother of Ravana and wants to take shelter of lord Rama.Sugriva informed lord Rama. Lord Rama asked Sugriva to take advice of other Vanaras. All main vanaras came and met and they told lord Rama that they should not be allowed to meet Rama as they are from the enemy side. They should be killed as once. Jaambavant, Angad and others also shared their opinions. So, there is a learning that whenever we stucked in such a difficult situation, we must take advise of our friends.So, all were against them meeting lord Rama. Hanuman ji was also supportive of them. Jaambavant was most experienced vanara. He knew that Vibhishana was a righteous person. Although he was from the demon’s side, but he was not a demon himself. He was the minister of Ravana. Nevertheless, he was righteous. He had not come as a spy. He had come to lord Rama’s door and was introducing himself. In this way all allies gave their opinion on Vibhishana meeting lord Rama. Everyone gives their advice on the basis of their experience. So,Hanuman was the only one who spoke positive about Vibhishan and no one else, not even Laxmana. Dharma shastra says that even an enemy comes to take shelter with folded hands, then he should be accepted. For example, once a female pigeon was caught by a hunter. Male pigeon asked the hunter to leave the female pigeon and, in the return, he can eat his half of the body.That pigeon then completely surrendered and was saved. Now lord Rama has heard everyone’s opinions.He says that he is agreed that Vibhishana is Ravana’s brother, but he was nevertheless from the enemy side. Sugriva repeatedly denied lord Rama form meeting Vibhishana. He became quite as he felt bad that in spite of his advising lord Rama, he was adamant on meeting Vibhishana. He was thinking that Why lord Rama is doing that? Why he is giving shelter to an enemy? He can kill lord Rama!

Lord Rama knew what was going on in Sugriva’s mind.Lord Rama said that do you think this demon can harm me in any way?

Valmiki Ramayan Yuddha kanda, 6.18.22:

suduShTovaaapiaduShTovaakimeSharajaniicaraH
suukShmamapiahitamkartum mama ashaktaHkatha.ncana

Translation:

What does it matter whether that demon is very bad or not bad? He is incapable of doing even a little harm to me.

Valmiki Ramayan Yuddha kanda, 6.18.23:

pishaacaandaanavaanyakShaanpR^ithivyaamcaivaraakShasaan 
anguliagreNataanhanyaamicchanharigaNaiishvara

Translation:

“O, Sugreeva, Lord of monkey-troops! If I wish, I can kill those devilish beings, demons, supernatural beings and ogres living on earth with just a tip of my finger”

This is the first time when lord Rama showed His magnanimity. He told Sugriva that just by the tip of His finger, He could annihilate all the demons and ghosts of the earth!Just by pressing the delete button!So then why so much planning with vanaras-Sugriva thought.

So, Lord Rama was reading the mind of Sugriva. So, Lord Rama does this to deliver everyone. If one serves Lord Rama, he will deliver them. So, do not delay and serve Lord Rama. Vibhishana was still in the sky. When he approached Lord Rama, and He welcomed Vibhishana.

Be it Vibhishana or Ravana himself, Lord Rama will always protect him. Sugriva understood Lord Rama’s teachings. So, Sugriva went to fetch Vibhishana to bring him to Lord Rama and lord Rama was very eager to meet Vibhishana.

Valmiki Ramayan Yuddha kanda, 6.18.33:

sakṛdevaprapannāyatavaasmiiti ca yācate ||
abhayamsarvabhūtebhyodadāmietadvratam mama |

Translation:

“He who seeks refuge in me just once, telling me that �I am yours’, I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is my solemn pledge”

Valmiki Ramayan Yuddha kanda, 6.18.34:

ānayaenamhariśreṣṭhadattamasyaabhayammayā ||
vibhīṣaṇovāsugrīvayadivārāvaṇaḥsvayam |

Translation:

“O, Sugreeva, the chief of monkeys! Let him either be Vibhishana or even Ravana himself; I have given an assurance of safety to him. Bring him here.”

Lord Rama said all brothers are not like Bharata, son should be like Me and an ideal friend should be like Sugriva.

Lord Rama could give his decision at once. But he never did so till Sugriva agreed.

He could have gone Himself but he delegated this duty to the senior most ally. Vibhishan soon lands on the ground and paid obeisances to lord Rama.

Valmiki Ramayan, Yuddha Kanda, 6.19.5:

parityaktāmayālaṃkāmitrāṇi ca dhanāni ca ||
bhavadgatam hi me rājyam ca jīvitam ca sukhāni ca |

Translation:

“Abandoning Lanka, friends and possessions, I place my kingdom, life and happiness at your disposal.”

He introduced himself as Ravana’s brother. He was insulted by Ravan. So, he had come with his wealth and friends to surrender to Lord Rama.

Valmiki Ramayan, Yuddha Kanda, 6.19.6-7:

tasyatadvacanamśrutvārāmovacanamabravīt ||
vacasāsāntvayitvainamlocanābhyāmpibanniva |
ākhyāhi mama tatvenarākṣasānāmbalābalam ||

Translation:

Hearing those words of Vibhishana, Rama in a soothing tone and with a refreshing look in his eyes, spoke these words: “Tell me really the strengths and weaknesses of the demons.”

Hearing this Lord Rama was so overwhelmed with love for Vibhishana. Vibhishan now tells lord Rama about all his friends and allies and defeats of Ravana. Lord Rama assures Vibhishana that He will soon kill Ravana and make him the king of lanka. Unless He kills Ravana, Rama will be return to Ayodhya. Ravana could not be saved from me.

Valmiki Ramayan, Yuddha Kanda, 6.19.21:

ahatvārāvaṇamsamkhyesaputrajanabāndhavam |
ayodhyāmnapravekṣyāmitribhistairbhratṛbhiḥśapeḥ ||

Translation:

“I will not enter Ayodhya without killing Ravana together with his sons, companions and relatives in battle. I take oath on my three brothers.”

Hearing this Vibhishan again paid obeisances to lord Rama. He assures Rama that he will be with lord Rama until the end of the war. So,Ramayan depicts the mood of surrender of a devotee towards the Lord.

When Hanuman went in search of Mother Sita, after returning he told that in Lanka, there was a mother Tulasi, diety of Lord Rama in the palace of Vibhishana and Mangala aarti. Hanuman was surprised to see all this happening in a demon’s kingdom. So,this was Vibhishana’s palace. He also saw lord Rama names on the walls. Then, he saw Vibhishana praying to lord Rama.

Once Ravan saw this written on his walls. He drew his sword to kill Vibhishan. But Vibhishana cleverly said that RAMA was an abbreviation of Ra- Ravan and ma –Mandodari. This way Vibhishan was saved due to his presence of mind.

We sometimes hide ourselves anarthas. Our enemy is lust. So, one must identify this enemy. We must not hide them. Treat them like our enemy openly.

BG 3.39:

āvṛtaṁjñānametena
jñāninonitya-vairiṇā
kāma-rūpeṇakaunteya
duṣpūreṇānalena ca

Translation:

Thus, the wise living entity’s pure consciousness becomes covered by his eternal enemy in the form of lust, which is never satisfied and which burns like fire.

Vibhishana now took complete shelter of lord Rama and was ready to serve lord Rama. In this way, one’s enemy lust can be killed.

 BG 7.14:

daivīhyeṣāguṇa-mayī
mama māyāduratyayā
māmeva ye prapadyante
māyāmetāṁtarantite

Translation:

This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.

Rama is more anxious to meet us. Even before Vibhishana’s landing, lord Rama was ready to welcome him.

Valmiki Ramayan Yuddha kanda, 6.18.33:

sakṛdevaprapannāyatavaasmiiti ca yācate ||
abhayamsarvabhūtebhyodadāmietadvratam mama |

Translation:

“He who seeks refuge in me just once, telling me that �I am yours’, I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is my solemn pledge”

There will not be any fear then. Some can say that Ravan is still the king of Lanka, the seat is not vacant yet. Nevertheless, lord Rama promised Vibhishana to become the king. This is the peer uttering the holy name of Rama even once. This is the mercy of lord Rama. He always keeps Him words. A devotee has to just surrender Him.

Jai Sri Ram!

18 April 2024
Speaker: HG Parthasarthi Prabhu
Theme: Teachings from Ramayana

Hare Krishna!

Today we will discuss 25 teachings from the life of  Śrī Rāma. We will be having the very first Bhāgavatam class today in new Rohini Temple by the mercy of Guru and Gaurānga. Let’s pray to Śrī Rāma to appear inside our hearts in the form of His holy name.

śrīrāma chandra charaṇau manasā smarāmi
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau vachasā gṛhṇāmi ।
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau śirasā namāmi
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau śaraṇaṃ prapadyē ॥

Translation

The two feet of Rama, I remember them in my mind, I praise them by my speech, I bow to them by my head I take resort in them (Text 29, Rama Raksha Stotra)

lōkābhirāmaṃ raṇaraṅgadhīraṃ
rājīvanētraṃ raghuvaṃśanātham ।
kāruṇyarūpaṃ karuṇākaraṃ taṃ
śrīrāmachandraṃ śaraṇyaṃ prapadyē ॥

Translation

I take refuge in that Rama who is quite pleasing to the sight, the master of the stage of war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race and compassion- personified. (Text 32, Rama Raksha Stotra)

rāmāya rāmabhadrāya rāmachandrāya vēdhasē ।
raghunāthāya nāthāya sītāyāḥ patayē namaḥ ॥

 Translation

I salute that Rama who is benevolent and cool as moon, and who is the lord of Sita and the master guardian of all. (Text 27, Rama Raksha Stotra)

We should always remember the Lord. When we chant in the association of devotees, the Lord manifests before us.

Theme: The meaning of Rāma

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, there are 4 Rāma in the Hare Krsna mahāmantra.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare – Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

Rāma who are Balrāma, Parashurāma or Śrī Rāma.

Śrī Jayadeva Goswāmī also explains in Gita Govinda,

kshatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-papam
snapayasi payasi samita-bhava-tapam
kesava dhrita-bhrigupati-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

Translation

0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Bhrigupati [Parasurama]! All glories to You! At Kurukshetra You bathe the earth in the rivers of blood from the bodies of the demoniac kshatriyas that You have slain. The sins of the world are washed away by You, and because of You people are relieved from the blazing fire of material existence. (Text 6, Sri Dasavtar Stotra)

vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam
dasa-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam
kesava dhrita-rama-sarira jaya jagadisa hare

Translation

0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Ramacandra! All glories to You! In the battle of Lanka You destroy the ten-headed demon Ravana and distribute his heads as a delightful offering to the presiding deities of the ten directions, headed by Indra. This action was long desired by all of them, who were much harassed by this monster. (Text 7, Sri Dasavtar Stotra)

vahasi vapushi visade vasanam jaladabham
hala-hati-bhiti-milita-yamunabham
kesava dhrita-haladhara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

Translation

0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the wielder of the plow! All glories to You! On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a fresh blue rain cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful

dark hue of the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to the striking of Your plowshare. (Text 8, Sri Dasavtar Stotra)

The Lord comes in the form of Rāma, Balarāma, Nityānanda Rāma, Parashurāma, etc to bestow mercy upon all of us. Prabhupāda explains, in Hare Krsna mahāmantra, Hare means Radharani, Krsna means the all attractive Śrī Krsna and Rāma means the source of bliss. When we chant the holy name, we pray Them all to engage us in Their service. This is how we pray and call the Lord.

Caitanya Caritāmrta explains the meaning of the name Rāma.

ramante yogino ’nante
satyānande cid-ātmani
iti rāma-padenāsau
paraṁ brahmābhidhīyate

Translation

‘The Supreme Absolute Truth is called Rāma because the transcendentalists take pleasure in the unlimited true pleasure of spiritual existence.’ (CC Madhya 9.29)

The yogīs always try to take pleasure from the name of the Lord since eternity. They try to understand the meaning of the name Rāma. But we can easily understand the meaning of Rāma by the mercy of a spiritual master, vaiśnavas, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad Gītā. Rāma means the source of eternal transcendental bliss. When we chant, we call Rāma to engage us in His service so we can get the transcendental bliss from Him who is the source of bliss.

Rāma where R is responsiblity and renunciation, we have renounce something, be it house or other things to take responsibility; A is authorised and authentic, means the name of Rāma is true. People have to accept this fact. The Lord Himself comes to establish this authority; M is margadarshan (guidance). He comes to guide us through His pastimes, words, mercy and His devotees; A is austerity or adversity, we have to do some penances and austerities to get Lord’s mercy.

Shaanta-Aakaaram Bhujaga-Shayanam Padma-Naabham Sura-Iisham
Vishva-Aadhaaram Gagana-Sadrsham Megha-Varnna Shubha-Anggam|
Lakssmii-Kaantam Kamala-Nayanam Yogibhir-Dhyaana-Gamyam
Vande Vissnnum Bhava-Bhaya-Haram Sarva-Loka-Eka-Naatham ||

Translation

(Salutations to Sri Vishnu) Who has a Serene Appearance, Who Rests on a Serpent (Adisesha), Who has Lotus on His Navel and Who is the Lord of the Devas, Who Sustains the Universe, Who is Boundless and Infinite like the Sky, Whose Colour is like the Cloud (Bluish) and Who has a Beautiful and Auspicious Body, Who is the Husband of Devi Lakshmi, Whose Eyes are like Lotus and Who is Attainable to the Yogis by Meditation, Salutations to That Vishnu Who Removes the Fear of Worldly Existence and Who is the Lord of All the Lokas. (Vishnu Stuti, Shuklambara Dharam)

We can sustain our body, our house or our locality at large but the supreme Lord sustains the universe. Such a Lord is Śrī Rāma. Yesterday was Rāma Navamī, Lakshman Navamī, Bharat Navamī and Shatrughan Navamī. Like the whole Ayodhya vāsīs were happy on their appearance, similarly we should also be happy and say, “Jai Śrī Rāma! Jai Śrī Rāma!” Everything about Him is mentioned in scriptures. We have to have faith on it. Once a sannyāsi vaiśnava said, “Dashratha (Śrī Rāma’s father), whose chariot goes to Dasha means ten directions. Those ten directions are filled with bliss and Kaushalya (Śrī Rāma’s mother), those ten directions are also filled with kushalta means proficience. This both gives birth to total bliss Śrī Rāma. And Ayodhya where they live, is a place which no one can ever defeat.

Theme: 25 teachings from Ramayana

Now Let’s try and understand the 25 teachings from Rāmayana.

1. Artha Pravritti is necessary along with Anartha Nivritti, removal of unwanted things, when we aim to progress in spiritual life. If we chant the holy name Rāma, then the evil things won’t effect us. The power we get from chanting safeguard us from those things. Prabhupāda says, we should take Maya or material energy seriously along with Krsna. We need to understand Maya and its effects in order to stay away from it. Even Kaikeyi got effected with bad association of Manthra. Therefore we should always be cognizant of what’s good or what not. We can be aware or cognizant by doing nityam bhāgavata sevayā e., by regular serving the vaiśnavās and hearing Bhāgavatam.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu
nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā
bhagavaty uttama-śloke
bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī

Translation

By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact. (ŚB 1.2.18)

We should chant everyday in order to defeat Maya. We should only hear the holy name and pastimes of the Lord instead of material gossip to keep the obstacles and  evil things away from us.

2. Attachment towards devotional service, not towards title. This way evil things always stay away from us. Śrī Rāma was always dedicated towards serving. When Dasharatha asked Him to go to exile, He said that He would have gone if only a servant had asked Him to. This was His attitude towards serving. He was about to get state consecration or coronation but He was never attached to the title. As soon as He got the orders from His father, He accepted and went to the forest. That is why He was an ideal son, husband and a father. Hence, we should be attached towards serving the Lord, spiritual master and vaiśnavas in order to progress in spiritual life and remove unwanted things or anartha nivritti. This will cleanse our heart which is the aim of life. Then we will be able to understand the Lord and His pastimes.
3. The sages once called Śrī Rāma to kill the demons who were creating obstacles in their devotional services. Hence, our heart gets purified only by chanting the name of Śrī Rāma and our mode of ignorance gets vanished.
4. We should accept all types of difficulties. If our motive is Krsna conscious, then our desires will be less and we won’t be shocked by what comes next. Like Śrī Rāma had never thought of going to exile but He was always ready to face any austerity or challenge. Similarly, we also need to face the challenges in life. We should make the challenges into chances, adversities into opportunities.

ugram viram maha-vishnum
jvalantam sarvato mukham
nrisimham bhishanam bhadram
mrityur mrityum namamy aham

Translation

May my head be protected by the moon colored one, who is the greatest among humans. My obeisances unto the ferocious and powerful, the great Visnu, the fiery one, who’s faces are on all sides, the fearful one, Nrsimha, who causes the death of even death personified, (or who can overcome death). (Ugram Viram Mahavishnum, Narsimha Kavaca Bica Mantra)

Devotees overcome even death and reach the

abode of the Lord. So we should turn the challenges into chances then we make gradual progress. We are able to perform activities due to the force of gravity. If gravity would not be there, we were unable to do anything and just would have been flying. So we must face challenges, austerities and difficulties in order to progress.

5. Rāma means ārāma, who gives us comfort and who makes us understand things. But we want Rāma, not ārāma. If we want comfort, then we won’t get Rāma.

6. We should be alert and vigilant in order to make progress in spiritual life just like the policemen are always alert. Maya attacks every moment so we should be alert every moment. That’s why it’s necessary for us to be alert and vigilant in order to understand the Lord and His pastimes. The one who sleeps, loses. Therefore, we must engage ourselves in devotional services

right from the early morning. Lord Rama was always alert. Laxmana never slept for 14 years as he was always ready for the Lord’s service.

7. Correct one’s own mistake. If any one points out that we need to correct this or that in ourselves, then we should do that. We should always correct ourselves in order to get us saved from the material entanglement. This is possible through devotee association. Just like when a doctor gives an injection to a child, he thinks that the doctors and parents are his enemy but no, they are curing him. Parents also scold children to reform them. That’s why we should take the criticism from a devotee in a positive way and correct our mistakes which is the base for our spiritual development.

8. One pointed goal should be to please the Lord.

Like Bharat Maharaj, younger brother of Śrī Rāma, who always wanted to serve Lord Rāma. He kept the lotus footwear of Lord Rāma on the throne of Ayodhya and served His footwear. This human life is for pleasing the Lord, spiritual master and vaiśnavās, not for proving or gaining fame. The Lord bestows mercy on them who try to please the Lord by performing devotional services.

9. Lord Rāma is the master and we are His servants.

bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati

Translation

A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries. (BG 5.29)

We should know that we are servants of the Lord to be eternally happy. Bharata maharaj considered  the footwear of Lord Rāma as the king and himself as His servant. We cannot attain devotion by tricks or strength. We need to perform devotional services for that by accepting us as the servants of the Lord.

10. Bhakti cannot be achieved through cheating propensities. Only showing off does not help. One has to work hard. Like Shurpanakha who disguised herself as a beautiful lady was attacked by Laxmana. So one has to be careful of pretence otherwise we will be trapped. We have to overcome this cheating by hearing and reading the scriptures. As Bhakti cannot be achieved through cheating or strength but it can be achieved through the mercy of the Lord. So when Surpanakha came to cheat, Lakshman slashed her nose as He is adi guru. Similarly, the spiritual master also cuts off the nose of pride as they are the representative of Lakshman, Balarāma or Nityānanda Prabhu.

11. A spiritual master is the representative of Lakshman or Nityānanda Prabhu.

12. Maya makes a trap for us but one has to slash this trap with the sword of knowledge because we must be attracted towards the all attractive Krsna or Rāma, not towards Maya. If one doesn’t keep patience then one will become a patient. We should not only hear but also adhere to such hearing in order to save us from getting trapped.

13. Maya knows our shortcomings. So she will always try to trap us. Sita maiya, Lakshman all were tested. But they weren’t trapped because they had knowledge that we should not be attracted to the material world. Similarly, we should also be knowledgeable so Maya can’t trap us.

14. Always stand for truth. Like Jatayu sacrificed his life for truthfulness. He cut his wings m, sacrificed his life to serve Lord Rāma. He might get failed materially but he won in the eyes of the Lord.

Lord Rāma performed the last rites of Jatayu in gratitude, not even His own father Dashratha because Jatayu sacrificed his life to serve the Lord. So truth is always victorious. And Rāma is the only truth.

15. Patience. We should be patient to get the mercy of the Lord.

16. We should be honest. We should not do any pretence or show off as the Lord resides in our hearts so He knows everything.

17. Overcoming obstacles in the path of devotional service. Like Hanuman overcome many obstacles in the service of Śrī Rāma. We should take the shelter of Śrīmati Radharani who is the energy of Krsna to overcome any obstacle. There could be so many impediments on our path of Bhakti but we should pray and remember Radharani that time.

18. Pride always destroys. Ravana was told by Vibhishana, Mandodari but he did not listen to them. It can create a problem for us if we try to make fools understand about the Lord.

19. Everyone should chant the holy name of the Lord. Chanting the holy names of Lord Rāma made the stones Float. Even the squirrel got the Lord’s mercy. So always chant the holy name of the Lord.

20. Pride or attachment can result in loss of mind. Ravana did not leave his pride on the death of his brothers or his own son. Therefore we should be pride free in order to get mercy of the Lord.

21. Hearing about the lord is important to develop love for Krsna. Vibhishan heard about the Lord and developed love for the Lord Rāma. The more we hear about the Lord, the more it cleanses our heart, ceto-darpana-mārjanam.

22. Leaving family, possessions for pleasing the Lord. Like Vibhishana, gopis, Bharat, Bali Maharaj, etc., have left their families for the Lord which is transcendental in the spiritual plane.

bhaktiḥ pareśānubhavo viraktir
anyatra caiṣa trika eka-kālaḥ
prapadyamānasya yathāśnataḥ syus
tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭiḥ kṣud-apāyo ’nu-ghāsam

Translation

Devotion, direct experience of the Supreme Lord, and detachment from other things — these three occur simultaneously for one who has taken shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the same way that pleasure, nourishment and relief from hunger come simultaneously and increasingly, with each bite, for a person engaged in eating. (ŚB 11.2.42)

 The more we get attached to the Lord, the more we become detached from the material world.

23. We should take advice from the senior devotees in case of any trouble on the path of devotional service. Like Lord Rāma took advice of Vibhishana to kill Ravana.

24. Kill the demons within by hearing the holy names. There are six enemies of mind i.e., lust, anger, greed, ego, attachment and jealousy. We can only destroy these enemies by the mercy of the vaiśnavas and by hearing from them about the Lord.

25. Light the lamp of knowledge in the heart. Then it’s all bliss everywhere.

So it’s important to contemplate on Lord Rāma’s teachings and chant nicely.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare – Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

Hare Krishna!

JapaTalk :19 April, 2024
Speaker: H. H. Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Theme:Vyas Puja Celebration of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj

Sub Theme: Introduction

Jai Sri Ram!

All glories to H. H. Jaipataka Swami Maharaj!!
Hari Hari!!

All glories to Ram Navami Mahotsava!!

We recently celebrated Ram Navami. Lord Rama’s Katha was going on, in this forum, or in this zoom temple – I was not getting an opportunity to speak. I had thought – I would – speak about PrabhuRamchandra to you today. Today I am giving – a Japa Talk on ekadashi. Today – is the Vyas Puja – Mahotsava of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. Maharaj is personally arriving at ISKCON Noida and his Vyas Puja will be celebrated during the day. I was thinking, it is very difficult – but I should glorify Lord Rama a bit. Then we will – briefly glorify H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. I would like to do it. I was thinking – we can celebrate the Vyas Puja – of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj on our Zoom temple. I will tell in brief about him and some devotees from amongst you can express or offer your tribute – in a few words.

Will you like to do it?

Okay, many devotees have raised their hands and have expressed their desire. I do not know – how many of you will speak. We all have a desire but time constraits are also there.

Theme: Glorification of Lord Rama

Lord Sri Krsna is Lila Purushottam and Lord Rama is MaryadaPurushottam and Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is PremaPurushottam. Hari Hari!!

Ram appeared on –Ram Navmi. Lord Krsna appeared on the Ashtami day.

All glories to Ashtami Mahotsava!!

Lord Rama appeared earlier. Lord Rama was born in the generation of Surya Vansam. The Sun rules, during the day. Day time is also known as Dinesh. Dinesh is also – one of the names of Lord Sri Rama.

Lord Rama appears during the day time (specifically during the noon).

Lord Sri Krsna was born in a great family of Chandravamsa. The moon rules during the night time. Night time is also known as Rajaneesh.

During the minight, when the moon is ruling – Lord Sri Krsna descends.

Hare Krsna!!

Lord Sri Rama – is Lord Sri Krsna. But Lord Sri Rama becomes MaryadaPurushottama. Okay and Lord Sri Krsna becomes Lila Purushottama. Lord Krsna, Lord Rama and Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are same. This was shown by Lord Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Theme: Six armed form

When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – showed his Shad bhuja form (3 in 1 form) to Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. (It included Prabhu Sri Ram, Sri Krsna and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu). It is right to mention it as Ramachandra, Krsnachandra and Chaitanyachandra. All these 3 moons in 1 form.

Hari Hari!

Theme:Maha Prakash Lila

Once, Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, gave a special darshan to everybody. This is known as the Mahaprakash Lila. The devotees who were present at that time, Lord ChaitanyMahaprabhu manifested different forms – as per their relationship with the Lord.

In that one of the –manifested form was of Jai Sri Rama. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu manifested the beautiful form of Lord Sri Ramachandra to Murari Gupta. Murari Gupta was an associate of the Lord. He was born in Mayapur. They belonged to the same time and were of similar age. Here Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu manifested Himself as Lord Ramachandra for Murari Gupta. Murari – Gupta was Hanuman in Ram lila. Hanuman appeared – in the pastime of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and he became Murari Gupta.

Hari Hari!! Hari Hari!!

What should I tell and not tell.

Hare Krsna!

Okay. I will speak.

Theme: Lord’s activities

paritrāṇāyasādhūnāṁvināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāyasambhavāmiyugeyuge

Translation:

To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium. [BG 4.8]

Lord Rama appeared in the tretayuga. In the Dvaparyuga – Lord Sri Krsna appeared. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Kali-yuga.

Lord Rama – annihilated Ravana and Kumbhakarna. They were the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha – named Jaya and Vijaya who became Ravana and Kumbhakarna.

Lord Ramachandra – did not liberate them. Lord Ramachandra annihilated Ravana and Kumbhakarana but they did not return back to Vaikuntha. Since they – were cursed to be born thrice as demons.

When Lord Krsna appeared, Jaya and Vijaya – who were Ravana and Kumbhakarna in the Lord Ramachandra’s lila became – Dantavakra and Shishupala. They both were annihilated by Lord SriKrsna.

All glories to Lord Sri Krsna!!

Lord was dwarkadhesh at that time. During this lila, Jaya Vijaya had taken birth for the third time and they should have returned to Vaikuntha. They got the news that Lord is about to appear as – Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and he would be the most merciful in this form. Lord Chaitanya was more merciful than Lord Ramachandra and Lord Krsna. Jaya Vijaya instead of returning to Vaikuntha desired to participate in the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

They appeared as Jagai and Madhai. Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and NityanandaPrabhu were like Lord Ramachandra and Laxman. They became Lord Krsna and Balarama in Dvaparyuga and during Kali-yuga they appeared as Lord Gauranga and Nityananda. They worked as a team. They reformed Jagai and Madai.

Later, Jay and Vijay– attained their eternal forms and went back to Vaikuntha.

Gaur Premanande Hari HariBol!! Hari Hari!!

RaamaRaamaRaame[a-I]tiRameRaameManorame |
Sahasra-Naama Tat-TulyamRaama-NaamaVara-[A]anane ||

Translation:

Lord Śiva addressed his wife, Durgā:] ‘O Varānanā, I chant the holy name of Rāma, Rāma, Rāma and thus enjoy this beautiful sound. This holy name of Rāmacandra is equal to one thousand holy names of Lord Viṣṇu. [CC Madhya 9.32]

brahma bole caturmukhakṛṣṇakṛṣṇa hare hare
mahādevapañcamukherāmarāma hare hare

Translation:

Brahma by four heads chanting Krishna Krishna hare hare. 5 headed Shiv chanting ram ram hare hare.

Brahmaji, Shivji and the other 33 crore demigods are devotees of Lord Rama, Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Gauranga. All 3 of them appeared in various yugas together with the demigods in the sky and atmosphere.

sūtauvāca

yaṁbrahmāvaruṇendra-rudra-marutaḥstunvantidivyaiḥstavair
vedaiḥsāṅga-pada-kramopaniṣadairgāyantiyaṁsāma-gāḥ
dhyānāvasthita-tad-gatenamanasāpaśyantiyaṁyogino
yasyāntaṁnaviduḥsurāsura-gaṇādevāyatasmainamaḥ

Translation:

SūtaGosvāmī said: Unto that personality whom Brahmā, Varuṇa, Indra, Rudra and the Maruts praise by chanting transcendental hymns and reciting the Vedas with all their corollaries, pada-kramas and Upaniṣads, to whom the chanters of the Sāma Veda always sing, whom the perfected yogīs see within their minds after fixing themselves in trance and absorbing themselves within Him, and whose limit can never be found by any demigod or demon — unto that Supreme Personality of Godhead I offer my humble obeisances. [ŚB 12.13.1]

Theme: Glorifying H. H. Japaypataka Swami Maharaj

The glories of H. H. Jayapataka Swami are infinite and I cannot glorify him adequately with my single mouth. I cannot glorify him within the limited time. Please help me. In sometime, some devotees can glorify Maharaji.

Please raise your hands.

I am grateful to SrilaPrabhupada for giving me a god brother like JayapatakaMaharaj. Hari Hari!! He is one of the favorite disciples of SrilaPrabhupada. He is dear to me as well.

Of course, we are a part of the same ISKCON family. He was given the name Jayapataka which means a flag of victory. SrilaPrabhupada gave him sanyasa initiation at the age of 20. He was a lover of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s holy names since the beginning. He was fond of performing kirtans very loudly. He was born in Canada. He joined ISKCON there. He would chant Hari Naam loudly within the temple and outside. Due to this, the neighbors would complain. Well who is this causing disturbance?

SrilaPrabhupada thought about it and told him – “I will send you to such a place where you can call the holy names loudly and noone will complain against you. SrilaPrabhupada sent – H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj to Mayapur and further told him that “I am giving you Mayapurdham, please develop it.”

The headquarters of ISKCON is at Mayapur. H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj made Mayapur his own headquarters and he is busy since the past 50 years. He is connecting the entire world to Krṣṇa Conscious. He has contributed to the development of Mayapur and TOVP at Mayapur and has taken up many other responsibilities.

Hari! Due to some ill luck he faced many health issues. In the year 2008 – his health deteriorated. You all must be aware of it. But H. H. JayapatakaMaharaj is unstoppable. When we get some fever or headache or stomach ache we take sick leave or go on a vacation. Giving such excuses, we leave or stop our regular seva. Surely, H. H. Jayapataka Swami is only one – in ISKCON globally. In such health conditions, he does his seva and follows the instructions of SrilaPrabhupada – he did not withdraw or fall back.

Hari Hari!! He likes devotees and his god brothers. He loves them a lot. He loves each of you and also his own disciples. Today is the Vyas Puja of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. I do not know, whether you are aware of it, since the last 20 days, Maharaji was hospitalised. 15 days in the ICU and since the last 5 days, he has been shifted to a special ward. Not in ICU. In such a condition also, he is going out of his way. He had a desire to be at Mayapur today – in the association of his followers and friends – to celebrate his birthday / Vyas Puja. Since, the doctor’s advised him not to travel. He desired to celebrate his Vyas Puja today at Mayapurwith his disciples, godbrothers and godsisters. This is a symbol or symptom of his love towards them. As it was not possible, since the doctors did not give him permission, he is still going out of the hospital to ISKCON NCR temple, he selected Sri SriRadhaGovideva ISKCON Noida to celebrate the Vyas Puja today. This is his causeless mercy and grace.

Any body from you can say a few words. We have 10 more minutes more. We can accommodate 2 or 3 devotees. OK who is going first.

Shyamalangi are you there. Those who are acquainted and influenced by Maharaji can share a few words now.

1. G. ShyamalangiMtji – My best wishes to Maharaji on his Vyas Puja. He has come to Dubai many times. I have got his personal association many times and have served him. In 2006, I had visited Mayapur with a friend of mine who is a close disciple of Maharaji to attend his Vyas Puja. Maharaji told me “I am your spiritual uncle”. I told him “Yes Maharaji you are my spiritual uncle.” He had come to my house when we were staying at Sharjah. He had come directly from the airport. We served him lime juice at that time. He blessed both our kids, they were very small at that time. I have done cooking seva for him many times. As gurumaharaj mentioned, he travels a lot and loves everybody. Thank you Gurumaharaj. All glories to JayapatakaMaharaj.

=================================================================

Devotee – I got the opportunity to get his blessing Gurumaharaj at the home of H. G RadhaVallabhi. He had come for – Bal UtsavaMela. A small girl was doing kirtan and Maharaji was on his wheel chair. He was dancing – and later the video got viral.

Shyampriyasi please go ahead. Please unmute yourself.

ShyampriyasiMtji – I met Maharaji at ISKCON Hyderabad two years ago. I wanted to take his darshan since a long time, but it was not possible for me due to some reasons. That day, I got a chance to take his darshan, he was facing some health issues that day. He is so merciful that he came out to give darshan and blessings to the assembled devotees at 8pm. This was my – first personal darshan of Maharaji. Second time, I was fortunate to get his darshan at Vrindavan. When Maharaji was at Prabhupada House and I was also present there. I got to see Maharajivery closely. Maharaji inspires me a lot. My learning from him is that we should not leave Bhakti in any situation. Maharaji is facing so many challenges in his day today life. I am inspired by him to do bhakti. When we face adversities in life we should keep Maharaji in our mind- as an example and not give any excuses in the performance of our devotional service. He is my inspiration.

1. G. RadhaVallabhiMtji – I would like to congratulate H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj on the ocassion of his Vyas Puja. I wish him good health so that he continues his devotional service soon. Gurumaharaj, when we were celebrating your 50^th Vyas Puja, which was attended by many of your god brother and god sisters. There was a feeling in my mind, that H. H. JayapatakaMaharaj is not present. When we were taking breakfast the next day – a mataji told us that H. H. JayapatakaMaharaj is in Vrindavan. We desired to see him. Next day, being ekadashi we visited Vrindavan I saw a car approaching the temple, I thought it was you, so I went running towards it to offer my obessainces. In the car it was JayapatakaSwami Maharaj. Devotees took him from the car, directly into the temple. To bless us and give us darshan he turned behind. This was a good experience. We got your darshanalongwith the darshan of your god brothers and god sisters and H. H. JayapatakaSwami Maharaj also. Though JayapatakaSwami Maharaj is not keeping good health but he has not reduced his daily seva. If you turn on – Mayapur TV they will tell you – Maharaji has done so much of book distribution and other seva.

Devotee – When I had visited – Mumbai just 2 months back, Jayapataka Swami Maharaj had come there for the installation of the lotus feet of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. I observed that Maharaji had waited for such a long time inspite of not keeping good health. After 9.00pm, when the temple was closed – there was a class by Maharaji for foreign devotees. When I heard about it, I thought Maharaji is expanding himself so much. We are so fit but still we cannot do seva. Maharaji is having so many bodily ailments but still he is engaged in a lots of seva. Like Gurumaharaj mentioned just now, Maharajshree is unstoppable. When we face bodily challenges, Maharajshree is an inspiration for us.

==================================================================

Devotee – I met Jayapataka Swami Maharaj in 2017 at Delhi ISKCON temple for the first time. There was a kirtan going on to welcomeMaharajshree. On hearing our kirtan, Maharajshree – tried a lot to dance after getting down from the car. Seeing him, we could understand even though we were young we could not dance like him. I got to serve Maharajshree by making him wear his shoes.

Devotee – Gurumaharaj, two months back in the month of February, we visited ISKCON Juhu. We got darshan of Maharajshree for the first time. We were going towards the temple hall and Maharajshree was boarding the lift. He lifted his hands and blessed us. I felt nice, as he blessed us with the tooth brush of Jagannathji on our head. I felt blissful.

==================================================================

Devotee – We have recently shifted to Mayapurdham. I donot know much about Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. After shifting to Sridham Mayapur we – came to know a lot in the association of devotees. Maharajshree is so glorious. Inspite of his poor health, whenever he is in Mayapurdham– he gives a class on Chaitanya Charitamrita in the evening on his roof terrace, everyday without fail. Sometimes, he is not well, still he gives a lecture of 1 hour and after class he requests the devotees to ask questions. His servants type the message as “please donot ask any questions”– and it gets displayed on the screen infront of us. Maharajshree is very tired, please let him take rest and Maharajshree would request his servants “please do not write anything. Let them speak. Let them ask questions”. It is our good fortune that we get Maharajshree’sassociation and darshan. I want to add one more pastime of Maharaji. Once a very senior devotee was telling us that once Maharaji had come to take the darshan of PanchaTattva and Narsimha deva. He was taking darshan while sitting on his wheel chair.

Devotee- I got an opportunity when H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj came to Bangalore. After he fell sick it was very difficult for him to bath. So they requested me for a bathroom stool. Usually you get it in a standard size. But for his personality it was difficult to get for his size. I took his secretary to the shopping mall, fortunately, we got two sets of bathroom stool. Maharaji and his secretary were so happy – the secretary told that this is the perfect size we will take it. They took the stool with them. This is how I got an opportunity to serve Maharaji.

Devotee- I am a disciple of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. Due to his blessings, I got initiated from him in the year 2022 at Patna. I got to see him, you and many of his god brothers. Due to his blessings I got initiated. I was aspiring to be initiated – from him since the last 2 years. I got his blessings, I feel myself to be the most fortunate. We wanted to go to Vrindavan, to take his darshan since he was not keeping good health we could not get his darshan. After getting initiation I did not an opportunity to attend his Vyas Puja. Maharaji, due to your causeless mercy, we got an opportunity to serve by glorifying our beloved Gurumaharaj on his Vyas Puja. Maharaji if you allow, I would like to speak a few words for my Gurumaharaj. Thanks Maharaji.

==================================================================So we have to stop here now.

All glories to RadhaGovindadevji.

Shringardarshan is going to open now. Please hear the live – Vyas Puja of H. H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.

21 April 2024 
How to control the mind
Speaker: HG Harikirtan prabhu

It’s a great opportunity to serve all of you. Today’s topic is Mind. Still mind troubles us. So when we chant and join zoom daily with Guru Maharaj, who is our trainer and he teaches us the do’s and dont’s of chanting and in that way control our mind.

Srila Prabhupada says the best way to control our mind is to engage it in Krsna consciousness. It’s our great fortune because we are practicing Bhakti yoga. Srila Prabhupada calls it devotional service, by this we can always remember the Lord.

mana eva manushyanam
karanam bandha-mokshayoh
bandhaya visayasango
muktyai nirvisayam manah (Amrita-bindu Upanishad 2)

Translation: For man, mind is the cause of bondage and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and mind detached from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ
nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur
ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ (BG 6.5)

Translation: One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

As much as we did sense gratification, we got entangled more and more.

ye hi saṁsparśa-jā bhogā
duḥkha-yonaya eva te
ādy-antavantaḥ kaunteya
na teṣu ramate budhaḥ (BG 5.22)

Translation: An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.

It’s very important to understand that we are struggling with this mind. If we do sort analysis of our opponent then we can win over our opponent.

And our biggest opponent is the mind. You all are devotees when alarm rings we snooze it then after some time, it rings again we snooze it, if I do it 3 times then the mind gets the idea. It is throwing googly to us and we are clean bolt. Then if this mind keeps throwing us googly then can we hit 6s and 4s on it.

So we need to hit back the mind on its first shot. So it will not trouble us again. One devotee in temple used to chant daily, I asked him the reason he said that I can chant nicely in the morning without getting affected by the googlies of the mind so I can hit 6s on the first googly of mind.

You must have heard about Avanti brahman, he was very miser. His wife and children left him, the people troubled him a lot then he became self realized.

dvija uvāca
nāyaṁ jano me sukha-duḥkha-hetur
na devatātmā graha-karma-kālāḥ
manaḥ paraṁ kāraṇam āmananti
saṁsāra-cakraṁ parivartayed yat (SB 11.23.42)

Translation: The brāhmaṇa said: These people are not the cause of my happiness and distress. Neither are the demigods, my own body, the planets, my past work, or time. Rather, it is the mind alone that causes happiness and distress and perpetuates the rotation of material life.

We keep thinking that the people are the reason of our sadness, but our mind is the only culprit.

yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ
tyajaty ante kalevaram
taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya
sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ (BG 8.6)

Translation: Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kuntī, that state he will attain without fail.

That’s the reason we are celebrating our birthdays again and again. Birthdays are the indication that we failed in the exam.

mano guṇān vai sṛjate balīyas
tataś ca karmāṇi vilakṣaṇāni
śuklāni kṛṣṇāny atha lohitāni
tebhyaḥ sa-varṇāḥ sṛtayo bhavanti (SB 11.23.43)

Translation: The powerful mind actuates the functions of the material modes, from which evolve the different kinds of material activities in the modes of goodness, ignorance and passion. From the activities in each of these modes develop the corresponding statuses of life.

Mind can create hell into heaven or heaven into hell.

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ 
nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur
ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ (BG 6.5)

Translation: One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

Once a man was sitting with his friends and his wife came and started shouting at him, but he was calm. Then the wife thought he was not affected so she brought a bucket of water and threw at him. The husband was still calm, so he made hell into heaven and another example of a girl who could not get good marks in the exam so she committed suicide.

So mind can be our best friend or enemy. If we control our mind then we come very close to the Lord.

mayy eva mana ādhatsva
mayi buddhiṁ niveśaya
nivasiṣyasi mayy eva
ata ūrdhvaṁ na saṁśayaḥ (BG 12.8)

Translation: Just fix your mind upon Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage all your intelligence in Me. Thus you will live in Me always, without a doubt.

Our devotee in Mumbai, Anandavrindavan prabhu invested and he took the shelter of Bhakti Rasamrita Maharaja and he could deal with the matter. So any issue in life like marriage of children or any health problem he took the shelter of a higher authority and definitely he could take the right decision. He is counting on the will of senior vaishnavas.

So in our life, we face many problems like I took care of my two daughters alone. My wife had left this world and then one day they will also leave us. Then who will stay with me. We start crying and fell disturbed so this opponent our mind is trying to trouble us. So I sat in room and started dialogue with the mind, this needs strong convection with our spiritual master, this mind is taking our test.

The mind is playing tag of war with us. Immediately I started thinking oh my Gurudev is with me, I have to serve him. My daughters were given to me and I’m just a care taker so they have to fly now.

And by Gurudev’s mercy in 15 minutes, I could come out of the situation. We need to win over our mind and again we can be stable. We also face problems during the exams of children. The children become negative.

Once my daughter had final exam and she started crying in the night and was saying, I cannot give tomorrows exam, I can’t study. Then I consoled her and gave her water. I asked her, did you face such situation in life. She said, yes papa during my intermediate exams and that time also I gave the exam and passed. So this mind is playing with you. Win over it, believe me you will come out of the exam hall smiling. This ten minutes of positive counselling changed the situation.

Mind says you are useless just leave this body. Life is useless. Such situations come in life but we have to overcome such situations by the mercy of spiritual master and our sadhana. We cant find the solutions.

Once sector 18 project was going on and I was coming from Jammu in flight. I could see the big buildings. This is the matter of altitude but attitude comes. Sometimes because of envy and jealousy we give the chance to our mind to take over us. We should understand that this is our mind and control it.

Hare Krsna.

Topic: Balrama Rasa Purnima
Date:  23^thApril 2024
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj
HH Lokanath Swami Guru Maharaj:

Gauranga!

Krishna Balrama ki Jai!

om namobhagavatevasudevayanamah

How many Vasudeva are there? You think that only onevasudev is there. But Balrama is also Vasudev because he is also Vasudev’s son. Vasudev should haveideally  8 children but he had 2 sons left and that’s why they are called Vasudev. So, Krishna and Balarama both are Vasudev.

There are many tithis today. Today is ShyamanandPandit’s appearance day, Baldev Rasa Purnima and Chaitra Purnima. Today Balram plays rasa dance. And of course, it happens in Vrindavan but not in Vaikunth, Mathura, Dwarka, Ayodhya. It happens only in Vrindavan. So again it is a matter of ignorance, we think that only Krishna plays Rasa dance but Balram also plays it.

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.33

advaitamacyutamanādimananta-rūpam
ādyaṁpurāṇa-puruṣaṁnava-yauvanaṁ ca
vedeṣudurlabhamadurlabhamātma-bhaktau
govindamādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁbhajāmi

Translation

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is inaccessible to the Vedas, but obtainable by pure unalloyed devotion of the soul, who is without a second, who is not subject to decay, is without a beginning, whose form is endless, who is the beginning, and the eternal puruṣa; yet He is a person possessing the beauty of blooming youth.

kesavadhrita-sukara-rupajayajagadisa hare(Text 3)
(Sri Dasavatara-stotraby Jayadeva Gosvami)

Translation

0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar!

Krishna hasmany forms-Rama, Narhari etc.

kesavadhrita-haladhara-rupajayajagadisa hare (Text 8)

Translation

0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of the wielder of
the plow!

In these forms,only  Balaram is a form who plays rasa dance with gopisand is competent to do so. And other forms have one Laxmi or Alahadnishakti.

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.29

cintāmaṇi-prakara-sadmasukalpa-vṛkṣa-
lakṣāvṛteṣusurabhīrabhipālayantam
lakṣmī-sahasra-śata-sambhrama-sevyamānaṁ
govindamādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁbhajāmi

Translation

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lakṣmīs or gopīs.

But Govinda adipurush has lakhs of Laxmis, similarly Balrama also has many crores of gopis who are ready to serve Balram and plays rasa lila with him. So today is the day- Chaitra Purnima. Since this is Vasant season so it isalso  called asVasant Rasa as well. We are aware of Sharad Purnima where Krsna’s rasa is known. Balrama appeared on Purnima and Krsna appeared on Astami. Balram plays rasa lila today in Vrindavan today on Chaitra Purnima. This description of rasa lila is vividly done in five chapters- Rasa panchadhayay Krsna

SB 10.65- Sukadeva Goswami describes Balaram’s Vrindavan visit and mentions about his rasa dance.

Uddhaumohibrajbisaratnahi- by Surdas

So Krsna says to Uddhav in Mathura  that I cannot forget Vrindavan and the Vrajvasis .I cannot go to Vrindavan but you can go and take my message to them. Please pacify the gopis. Krsna and Balrama have now left Mathura, as they depart from Vrindavan:

SoduniyaGopinna Krishna Mathuresi Gela

You all listen to this. The demons came here. I have to cut it short to narrate Balrama’s Rasa pastimes.When Akura came, he took them to Mathura. So when he was departing from Vraja, so Krishna and Balarama said that they will come soon but  spenteighteen  years in Mathura and then went to Dwaraka and they spent so many years there and in Vrajaeveryday theVrajavasis waited for them. When will they return.So letters were exchanged between them and postman used to bring letters for Vraj vasis. They also wrote their hearts out in letters and everytime when they used to hear the messages from Krishna, they used to be very eager to listen to it. SoKrishna and Balrama have many responsibilities and Krishna had 16108 marriages and each had 10 sons. Dwarikadeesh is now the king and in Vrindavan he used to take care of the cows but now he is looking after the residents of Dwaraka as well. Now he is very busy, both of them and Dwarakavasis don’t let them go. When they go, then they will never came back. So Krsna sends Balarama from Dwaraka to Vrindavan and Dwarakavasis are ok with that. They believed that he will come back because Krsna is here. He cannot stay without Krishna.

ŚB 10.65.1

śrī-śukauvāca
balabhadraḥ kuru-śreṣṭha
bhagavānrathamāsthitaḥ
suhṛd-didṛkṣurutkaṇṭhaḥ
prayayaunanda-gokulam

Translation

Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O best of the Kurus, once Lord Balarāma, eager to visit His well-wishing friends, mounted His chariot and traveled to Nanda Gokula.

Suka goswami tells Parskshit Maharaj that Balrama who is God is sitting on his chariot and going to Vrindavan to meet their well wishers and he is very excited to go. Vrajvasis were also excited to him. Vrindavan dham ki jai. So, he reaches Vrindavan. Hari Hari. Now what should we fallen souls can think of both of their excitement to meet each other after fifty-sixty years.

We know that Rama, Laxman and Sita came back after 14 years of exile,  they reached Ayodhya so at that time both of the parties were excited to meet and when they came down the Pushpak Viman andall  mothers , Bharat and Shatughan  they welcomed them and it was like a grand meetup. Vraj vasis had more VirahaBhaav than them. Their love for Krishna and Balrama cannot be compared with Ayodhya vasis or Vaikunth vasis but as per spiritual point of view they have minute differences. This happedned in Vrindavan. Balramatouches the feet of elderly people in Vraja and meets his friends and hugs them and those who are younger, so they touch Balrama’s feet. So this is Vaishanava etiquette. He meets everyone. So think that they met after so many years and then they ask how are you? So we just say a few lines and ask about relatives, neighbours, wife and children and ask about the business. Balrama asks about everyone and they also ask Balrama. This is possible that Balrama might haveexpanded  and they had one to one conversations with them just like a lightening reaches from one point to another. So this is shastric knowledge. So they said

ŚB 10.65.9

gopyohasantyaḥpapracchū
rāma-sandarśanādṛtāḥ
kaccidāstesukhaṁkṛṣṇaḥ
pura-strī-jana-vallabhaḥ

Translation

[ŚukadevaGosvāmī continued:] Honored to have the personal audience of Lord Balarāma, the young gopīs smiled and asked Him, “Is Kṛṣṇa, the darling of the city women, living happily?

ŚB 10.65.10

kaccitsmarativābandhūn
pitaraṁmātaraṁ ca saḥ
apyasaumātaraṁdraṣṭuṁ
sakṛdapyāgamiṣyati
apivāsmarate ’smākam
anusevāṁmahā-bhujaḥ

Translation

“Does He remember His family members, especially His father and mother? Do you think He will ever come back even once to see His mother? And does mighty-armed Kṛṣṇa remember the service we always did for Him?

Balarama now Krsna is surrounded with wives and children does he remember us?

Does he remember his friends, father, mother andgopis? So Balrama brings his message from Krishna and than shares it with each and every friend, gopi, cows, father and mother and he misses all. So this message is for everyone and Balrama pacifies everyone. So this meeting continued for two months.

ŚB 10.65.17

dvaumāsautatracāvātsīn
madhuṁmādhavaṁeva ca
rāmaḥkṣapāsubhagavān
gopīnāṁratimāvahan

Translation

Lord Balarāma, the Personality of Godhead, resided there for the two months of Madhu and Mādhava, and during the nights He gave His cowherd girlfriends conjugal pleasure.

Sofor these two months – Madhu and Madhav or Chaitra and Vaishak Lord Balarama stayed in Vrindavan. And then it is written that every night he used to play Rasa with gopis and today was a mega event. Wehave to understand this that Balrama has his own gopis he cannot play rasa with Krsna’s gopis. He does not play rasa with Srimati Radharani and Balarama has his own gopis and he has Madhurya bhaavand shringar rasa relations with some of the Vrindavan devotees. So today they performed Rasalilatoday on Purnima.

ŚB 10.65.18

pūrṇa-candra-kalā-mṛṣṭe
kaumudī-gandha-vāyunā
yamunopavanereme
sevitestrī-gaṇairvṛtaḥ

Translation

In the company of numerous women, Lord Balarāma enjoyed in a garden by the Yamunā River. This garden was bathed in the rays of the full moon and caressed by breezes bearing the fragrance of night-blooming lotuses.

So mild and cool breezesare flowingand at the banks of Yamuna and he is surrounded by thousand of Gopis about to play rasa dance with them. This happened in Rama Ghat in Vrindavan.

Sri VrajaDhamaMahimamrta  byKrsnadasaKaviraja Goswami

Jai Ram-ghat, Jaya Rohini-nandan।
Jai Jai Vrindavan, Basi-jat-jan॥ (7)

Translation

All glories to Rama-ghata, where Lord Balarama performed His rasa dance. All glories to Lord Balarama, the son of Rohini. All glories, all glories to all of the residents of Vrindavana.

When we go to Vraj Mandal Parikrama for example in Khelan Van, so Vrindavan is famous for ghats- Keshi ghat, Vishram ghat. So Ram ghat is famous and Ram’s darshan is also there and when you see him holding a cup of Varuni and when we reach Rama ghat we see a lot of beehives are on the trees and this is a rare sight to see .He likes Varuni and it makes us remember this. Children show the snake dance there and Balarama’s one form is Anant sesha, which is one of the forms of Balarama and Krishna lies on Balaram. So, children earn some money from that.

ŚB 10.65.19

varuṇa-preṣitādevī
vāruṇīvṛkṣa-koṭarāt
patantī tad vanaṁsarvaṁ
sva-gandhenādhyavāsayat

Translation

Sent by the demigod Varuṇa, the divine vāruṇī liquor flowed from a tree hollow and made the entire forest even more fragrant with its sweet aroma.

Varun deva send Varuni and he made it available for him and when Balarama drinks it,

ŚB 10.65.23

upagīyamāna-carito
vanitābhirhalāyudha
vaneṣuvyacaratkṣīvo
mada-vihvala-locanaḥ

Translation

As His deeds were sung, Lord Halāyudha wandered as if inebriated among the various forests with His girlfriends. His eyes rolled from the effects of the liquor.

Balaramais intoxicated and his eyes are like a drunken man and he performs his rasa dance. The environment is nice, moon is there, and as it begins many demigods come to see this event. As he wanted to start the Rasa dance, so Balaram sees that why is Yamuna not coming here and it should be here. So he thought Yamuna should come near this area so that rasa dance should be done near the bank of Yamuna but Yamuna was doing some delays similarly like the ocean was also delaying at the time of Rama when he wanted to cross the ocean.So just as Rama was angered then Balaram was also angry:

ŚB 10.65.26

pāpetvaṁmāmavajñāya
yan nāyāsimayāhutā
neṣyetvāṁlāṅgalāgreṇa
śatadhākāma-cāriṇīm

Translation

[Lord Balarāma said:] O sinful one disrespecting Me, you do not come when I call you but rather move only by your own whim. There fore with the tip of My plow I shall bring you here in a hundred streams!

So you are not coming according to my desire, now I will show you and he picks up his plough and brings her near him. Before this only Yamuna appears and she said that:

ŚB 10.65.28

rāmarāmamahā-bāho
najānetavavikramam
yasyaikāṁśenavidhṛtā
jagatījagataḥ pate

Translation

[Goddess Yamunā said:] Rāma, Rāma, O mighty-armed one! I know nothing of Your prowess. With a single portion of Yourself  You hold up the earth, O Lord of the universe.

ŚB 10.65.29

paraṁbhāvaṁbhagavato
bhagavanmāmajānatīm
moktumarhasiviśvātman
prapannāṁ bhakta-vatsala

Translation

My Lord, please release me. O soul of the universe, I didn’t understand Your position as the Supreme Godhead, but now I have surrendered unto You, and You are always kind to Your devotees.

I forgot your strength, valour and I am your devotee and I am under your shelter. Please forgive me.So, this is a noteworthy point, Prabhupada disciples have written this, the place where Rama ghat is there, where he got angry and wanted to bring Yamuna. So there the river bed of Yamuna is very broad. It happened in the same place where he performed his pastimes. Yamuna comes to Balarama and whatever description  of Rasa dance is there on Krsna Purnima , a similar description is given here as well, because Balaram is the first expansion of Krsna and then he further expands and Srila Prabhupada writes that he is 98% Krsna. Only colour difference is there- one is black- Ghanshyam other is white- Balrama. Soin  the rasa dance, Jhulan yatra is performed along with water sports.

ŚB 10.65.30

tatovyamuñcadyamunāṁ
yācitobhagavānbalaḥ
vijagāhajalaṁstrībhiḥ
kareṇubhirivebha-rāṭ

Translation

[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] The reupon Lord Balarāma released the Yamunā and, like the king of the elephants with his entourage of she-elephants, entered the river’s water with His female companions.

Balram enters Yamuna with the gopis and just like elephant plays with his female counterparts similarly he plays with them.

ŚB 10.65.31

kāmaṁvihṛtyasalilād
uttīrṇāyāsītāmbare
bhūṣaṇānimahārhāṇi
dadaukāntiḥśubhāṁsrajam

Translation

The Lord played in the water to His full satisfaction, and when He came out Goddess Kānti presented Him with blue garments, precious ornaments and a brilliant necklace.

So Kanti devi after snan gives Balrama a lot of clothes and ornaments. Balram wears blue always and he is called Nilambarand Krishna is called Pitambar. He wears a lot of garlands.

ŚB 10.65.32

vasitvāvāsasīnīle
mālāṁāmucyakāñcanīm
reyesv-alaṅkṛtolipto
māhendraivavāraṇaḥ

Translation

Lord Balarāma dressed Himself in the blue garments and put on the gold necklace. Anointed with fragrances and beautifully adorned, He appeared as resplendent as Indra’s royal elephant.

ŚB 10.65.34

evaṁsarvāniśāyātā
ekevaramatovraje
rāmasyākṣipta-cittasya
mādhuryairvraja-yoṣitām

Translation

Thus for Lord Balarāma all the nights passed like a single night as He enjoyed in Vraja, His mind enchanted by the exquisite charm and beauty of Vraja’s young ladies.

So it is like Sharad Purnima, we think that this rasayatra continued for one night and this night so expanded so much that a lot of nights was combined in one and it kept on going. It continued till one night of Brahma. So these are Achintya things. Balarama has conjugal relationships with his gopis

So in this way he celebrates this long Purnima with his gopis and he plays with them.

Nitai Gaur Premanande. Hari Haribol. Jai Balaram. Jai Chaitra Rasa Purnima in Vrindavan.

Sri Tulasi-Aarti

mora eiabhilāṣa, vilāsakuñjediovāsa
nayanaheribosadāyugala-rūpa-rāśi (Text 3)

Translation

My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrndavana-dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krsna.

Tulasi is both Krishna and Balaram’s Preyasi and she should give us residence in this vilaskunj. Nikunjas are in Vrindavan only and not in the vyomspiritual sky.

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.43

goloka-nāmninija-dhāmni tale ca tasya
devi maheśa-hari-dhāmasuteṣuteṣu
teteprabhāva-nicayāvihitāś ca yena
govindamādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁbhajāmi

Translation

Lowest of all is located Devī-dhāma [mundane world], next above it is Maheśa-dhāma [abode of Maheśa]; above Maheśa-dhāma is placed Hari-dhāma [abode of Hari] and above them all is located Kṛṣṇa’s own realm named Goloka. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda, who has allotted their respective authorities to the rulers of those graded realms.

Golok has Mathura, Dwaraka.

vrndavanamparityajyapadamekamnagacchati-
(Yamal tantra quoted in Laghu Bhagavatam 1.5.461)

So this Vrindavan is never left by them and this rasa dance of Krishna and Balaram is performed there only.

Gauranga Bolite Habe Pulaka Sarira by Narottama Dasa Thakura

viṣayachāriyākabeśuddha ha ‘be mana
kabehāmaherabośrī-bṛndābana (Text 3)

TRANSLATION

When the mind is completely purified, being freed from material anxieties and desires, then I shall be able to understand Vrndavana and the conjugal love of Radha and Krsna, and then my spiritual life will be successful.

So we should think about this Vrindavan. We should think about this and meditate on this.

Papachivasananakodaudola
Tyahuniandhalabarachmi-

(by Saint Tukaram)

We should leave bad desires and we should pray that -make me blind if I see with this bad activities with my  eyesight.

Narottama das  thakur says when we will be free from this? For loving devotees, Krishna Balarama and  Vrindavan is there and only they can enter Vrindavan and not Kamis who stay in this material world. So when we are filled with this Kama vasna and then we take repeated birth in Jaipur etc. So this will be our condition. This is accessible for loving devotees only. This pastime is only available for them. When we leave these sex desires and material allurements, then we will be able to enter the pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

CC Antya 20.12

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ
śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁvidyā-vadhū-jīvanam
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaṁprati-padaṁpūrṇāmṛtāsvādanaṁ
sarvātma-snapanaṁparaṁvijayateśrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam

Translation

“ ‘Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.’

When we dochetodarpan, then we will be able to see these pastimes- Drishti gochar. Then we will understand this.

Sri Tulasi-Aarti
einivedanadhara, sakhīraanugata koro
sevā-adhikāradiye koro nījadāsī (Text 4)

TRANSLATION

I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.

We have to accept Anugatya, become a follower of follower.

Śikṣāṣṭakam

tṛṇādapisunīcenatarorapisahiṣṇunāamānināmānadenakīrtanīyaḥsadāhariḥ (Text 3)

One should always sing the names of Hari while considering oneself to be lower than grass, more tolerant than a tree, not desiring any honour for oneself and being respectful to others.

We have to follow this sadhna and then only we will be sadhana siddha and  will understand these things.

Preaching to the faithless is the ninth offence so it should not be told to faithless people. They will not understand. Balarama is lusty like Krishna they will think that and they will do offenses in their lotus feet. Ātmavatmanyatejagat. “Everyone thinks others like himself.”This Rasa lila is very confidential we have to be ready for this.

Bg. 4.11

ye yathāmāṁprapadyante
tāṁstathaivabhajāmyaham
mama vartmānuvartante
manuṣyāḥpārthasarvaśaḥ

Translation

As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā.

The more we surrender the more we will understand the tattva. Hari Hari.So I have to stop.

So read these pastimes of Rasa dance with Krishna in chapters- 10.29,30,31,32,33. Balrama rasa Purnima is in 10.65 in SrimadBhagavatam and you know that it is also available in Krishna book which is a summary study of the same. The 10th canto has 90 chapters and that’s why this Krishna Book has 90 chapters. So read these pastimes in different books.