Sri Rukmini Mangalam 20th May 2024

20 May 2024
Speaker: Srish Krishna Prabhuji
Theme: Sri Rukmini Mangalam

Hare Krsna!

I am feeling very happy. I know the fact that many disciples of HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj from different locations join this zoom conference daily and chant with him with firm faith and obey his orders. I have been told to speak upon Rukmini Mangalam as today is Rukmini Dwadashi, a very pious day. Rukmini ji had appeared today. It’s important to know that there has been no description of Rukmini Mangalam in the original Bhāgavata; though only marriage of Rukmini has been described. Mangalam means benefactor. Sridhara Swami had written a very beautiful commentary on Bhāgavata which is followed by many Acāryās and named as Rukmini Mangalam by him.

(02:08:03) rukmini mangalam nama bahu mangalam sarva mangalamayam mahapataka nasanam

Those who contemplate on the divine personality Rukmini, he is bound to get blessed with auspiciousness. If we want our behavior to be right, we must listen to Rukmini Mangalam. Without her mercy, we cannot progress in devotional life. Even the biggest problems can be destroyed just by listening to Rukmini Mangalam. It has been described in Bhāgavata that just by remembering and surrendering unto the Lord, all our miseries get vanished.

tasmin praviṣṭe ’sura-kūṭa-karmajā
māyā vineśur mahinā mahīyasaḥ
svapno yathā hi pratibodha āgate
hari-smṛtiḥ sarva-vipad-vimokṣaṇam

Translation

As the dangers of a dream cease when the dreamer awakens, the illusions created by the jugglery of the demons were vanquished by the transcendental prowess of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as soon as He entered the battlefield. Indeed, simply by remembrance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one becomes free from all dangers. (ŚB 8.10.55)

Theme: the importance of hearing

How did Rukmini ji choose Sri Krishna? It has been described that at first, she heard about the Lord.

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām
akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

Translation

Śrī Rukmiṇī said [in her letter, as read by the brāhmaṇa]: O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your qualities, which enter the ears of those who hear and remove their bodily distress, and having also heard of Your beauty, which fulfills all the visual desires of those who see, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You, O Kṛṣṇa. (ŚB 10.52.37)

It is said that Parikshit Maharaj is an exemplary personality for śravana but Rukmini ji is the primary exemplary personality for śravana, who heard about the Lord just for once from Nārada Muni and accepted the Lord for the lifetime. Bhajan is also known as Śravana Bhakti (hearing). The main pillar of devotional service is śravana or hearing about the Lord, just like strong pillars of a building act as a base for a tall or strong building. Therefore, we must learn from Rukmini ji. She saw the Lord through hearing. Actually, hearing is also seeing. When we hear something, we start imagining or seeing those things. So, śravana or hearing about the Lord is very important. As soon as Rukmini ji heard about the Lord, she wrote a love letter to Him. She expressed Her feelings or prayers to Him.

Translation

We should recite this verse frequently. We tend to start a letter by addressing that person with a relation or bond we have with him like respected sir, my dear, etc. Similarly, Rukmini ji addressed the Lord in Her letter as Bhuvana Sundara or beauty of the worlds. She says, “O beauty of the worlds, having heard of your qualities from Nārada Muni, who always talks, hears and contemplates about you, I have fixed my shameless mind upon You. Since that time, all my miseries have gone.” So how can we expect to situate our mind unto the lotus feet of the Lord till the time we don’t hear about Him. Therefore, hearing is very important. We should hear about the Lord again and again. Valmiki Ramayan describes, when Śrī Rāma asked Hanuman ji to come to Saket Dhāma, he denied. He said to Śrī Rāma that he enjoys hearing His pastimes which will not be available in the Saket Dhāma but wherever the pastimes of the Lord are spoken, the Lord will be there. That’s why he surrendered himself in listening to the Lord’s pastimes. And that is the reason Rukmini ji also surrendered herself unto the Lord because the Lord is really very beautiful in and out.

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

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. (Śrī brahma-samhitā 5.33)

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam

Translation

Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes. (Śrī brahma-samhitā 5.1)

Everything about the Lord is beautiful be it His body, His mind or His heart. He is the same inside out. The Lord is not like us who just pretend to be beautiful from inside but filled with so many sins. He is all beautiful. That’s why Rukmini ji, while writing a letter to Krishna, mentioned His character, His potential and His temperament. The Lord’s character is sweet.

Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram
Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram
Hrdayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram
Madhura-Adhipater-Akhilam Madhuram

Translation

O Krishna, Your lips are sweet, Your face is sweet, Your eyes are sweet, Your smile is sweet, Your loving heart is sweet, Your gait (walk) is sweet, Everything is completely sweet about You, the Lord of Sweetness.

We should pray to Rukmini ji for Her mercy so that we can also situate our mind unto the lotus feet of the Lord. It is important to understand that śravana is more important than kīrtana. This is the reason we are given two ears and one mouth. We have to listen more than to speak. The more we listen about the Lord, the better we can perform devotional services. Some people just want to speak and not listen but we are given two ears to listen more and more. But when it comes to speak, we should speak less and just the truth. To speak the truth, we should first listen. So we must follow the footsteps of Rukmini ji and hear more and more about the Lord so we can also attain the lotus feet of Krsna and become dear to Him.

Theme: the advent of the love letter

Rukmini ji is a resident of Vidarbha, Amravati. Her father’s name is Hiranyaroman, also called Bhishmaka. He has five sons and one daughter. The eldest among five sons is Rukmi; then Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesa and Rukmamali and the youngest is Rukmini ji. When Nārada Muni was glorifying Lord Krsna among Bhishmaka, his wife, five sons and Rukmini ji, Bhishmaka became very happy listening to the glories of Sri Krsna as every father would want a handsome groom for his daughter and Sri Krsna is the most beautiful and handsome in the three worlds. His wife also wanted her daughter Rukmini to get married to Sri Krsna. His four younger sons also wanted the same as Rukmini was very dear to all. Bhishmaka decided to get his daughter married to Sri Krsna but as soon as Rukmi, his eldest son and Rukmini’s eldest brother heard this, he got very angry. He said that Sri Krsna is the greatest thief. He won’t let his sister get married to Him. Then Bhishmaka ji asked him the reason for his denial as Sri Krsna has everything. He is beautiful, wealthy, knowledgeable, etc. Every parent must see two things before getting their daughter married. First, the behavior and character of the person and second, the capability of that person to run a household; in other words how wealthy he is. All these things are present in the Lord. That’s why Bhishmaka ji was in favor of this marriage. But Rukmi was not. On asking the reason for his denial, he said, “Krsna is a thief. He had stolen everything He has now in Dwarka. He further added that Krsna has no strength as He was unable to kill Kalayavana. He took help of a Mahatma to kill him whose name was Mukund and after the demon was killed, Krsna stole all his wealth. Otherwise Krsna had no wealth. Therefore, I would not allow my sister to marry such a thief.” Then he advised his father to marry Rukmini with his friend whose name was Shishupal. He told him that Shishupal is the son of King Damaghosha and about to be a king. He is wealthy and powerful. Rukmini ji was listening to her brother Rukmi and she didn’t like what all he said and felt miserable. Then Rukmi consoled his father saying that he will arrange everything for marriage with Shishupal in 2 days. This thing bothered Rukmini ji a lot. She immediately started writing a letter. She wrote,

Translation

The Lord is hearing these words of Rukmini very carefully. When the brahmanas went to Dwarka with the letter of Rukmini, the Lord became very excited to hear her out. Then a brahmana recited the letter to the Lord. The Lord reciprocated with her in His mind. He consoled Rukmini that He belongs to her now. Those who hear about the Lord and get attached to Him, the Lord becomes more attached to that person. Therefore, if we want the Lord to get attached to us, then we need to hear about Him. We can learn this from Rukmini ji.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

Hare Krsna!

Rukmini Mangalam Part 2 21st May 2024

Topic – Rukmini Mangalam Part 2
Date – 21st may 2024

HG Anant Shesh Pr- Today HG Sri Sri Krsna Prabhu is here with us to give Japa Talk. He is younger brother of HH Gaur Krsna Swami Maharaja and disciple of HH Radha Govind Swami Maharaj. We heard from him Rukmini katha part 1. Guru Maharaj’s vyasa puja will be celebrated in Vrindavan Dham. We will get the association of many Prabhupada disciples there. Initiations will take place on 18th July in Sri Vrindavan dham. And aspiring devotees from Maharashtra will take initiation in Bhuvaikuntha Pandharpur Dham on 20th July.

HG Sri Sri Krishna Prabhu –

om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
cakshur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah

nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine

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

vande ‘ham sri-guroh sri-yuta-pada-kamalam sri-gurun vaishnavams ca

sri-rupam sagrajatam saha-gana-raghunathanvitam tam sa jivam

sadvaitam savadhutam parijana-sahitam krishna-caitanya-devam

sri-radha-krishna-padan saha-gana-lalita- sri-visakhanvitams ca

he krishna karuna-sindho

dina-bandho jagat-pate

gopesa gopika-kanta

radha-kanta namo ’stu te

tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrindavanesvari

vrishabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye

(jaya) sri-krishna-caitanya prabhu nityananda

sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

I offer humble obeisances to the lotus feet of Maharaj and all Vaishnavas. Let us continue with the discussion on Rukmini Mangalam. Yesterday, we initiated this topic, and today we shall proceed further. It is imperative for us to make strides in sadhana bhakti. We must earnestly pray to Rukmini Devi, as without her grace, progress in our devotional journey remains arduous. As I have previously mentioned, both Radharani and Rukmini are our spiritual guides. Rukmini perpetually serves at the lotus feet of the Lord. We learned yesterday that upon hearing about the Lord from Narada, Rukmini accepted him as her husband in her heart.

Bhishmak had 5 sons and 1 daughter. Except, Rukmi everyone wanted that Rukmini should get married to Krishna. But Rukmini was against this. She wondered why her elder brother acted as her adversary, despite the absence of enmity in this life. Rukmini contemplated on the fact that everyone wished for her marriage with Krishna, yet her brother remained unsupportive.Regardless of the circumstances, she resolved that she could only accept Krishna as her husband, having dedicated herself entirely to him. She expressed that if Krishna did not accept her, she would find no purpose in continuing her existence.This is very beautiful. We should understand her mind. She thinks,”I have given myself to Krsna completely. Now how can I accept anyone else as a husband?” In the past, individuals would honour their commitments without fail, never reneging on their promises.

If my brother forces me to marry someone else, then i will give up this body. Then someone can say,”then give up this body because your brother won’t allow you to marry Krsna.” She says,”No. No. Now I don’t have any right to my body. Because i have given it to Krsna. Now Krsna has right on my body. He is life and soul. My body is his property and how can I destroy it without his consent.” She thinks,”I have accepted him as my husband but he should also know that. Somebody should inform him.” Although he is Parmatma, supersoul. But she wants to inform him.

Then a brahmin comes infront of her. That time a brahmin comes and sees that she is very upset. Brahmin sees that she is very morose and asks her,”why are you so miserable?” She starts weeping in front of him. She says,”O Brahmin, please help me and protect me.” Brahmin says,”I will surely go to Dwarka. Dont worry.” This type of work only a Brahmin can do. Because krishna katha and marriages, sacrifices are done by Brahmin only.They go to each and every house and see their boys and girls and inform others about boys and girls they have seen. Thats how marriages would take place. That time, people used to have strong faith in Brahmin, that they would easily believe them and give their daughters for marriage. We should always have faith in Sadhu and Vaishnavas. They are our true well wishers. Brahmin says,”DOnt worry, have faith in me. I will convey your message to Him. And I am sure Krsna will accept you. Just like you want him, he will surely accept you.” Then Brahmin departs for Dwarka with a love letter written by Rukmini.

When he reached Dwarka, Krishna got to know that from Kaundilyapur a brahmin had come. When he heard Brahmin, he immediately ran towards Brahmin just like he ran when Sudama came. Lord paid obeisances to him, gave a nice seat to him, gave sumptuous prasadam to him, gave service to him.

CC Madhya 13.77. Viṣṇu Purāṇa (1.19.65)
namo brahmaṇya-devāya
go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya ca
jagad-dhitāya kṛṣṇāya
govindāya namo namaḥ

Translation:

“ ‘Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Kṛṣṇa, who is the worshipable Deity for all brahminical men, who is the well-wisher of cows and brāhmaṇas, and who is always benefiting the whole world. I offer my repeated obeisances to the Personality of Godhead, known as Kṛṣṇa and Govinda.’

He has a nature to serve brahmins, spiritual master.he started massaging his feet. Rama and Lakshaman would serve Vishwamirta when he would got to take rest.

Tulasi carita manasa Balakanda
munibar sayan kinhi tab jaee.
lage charan chapan dou bhaee॥
jinh ke charan saroruh lagi.
karat bibidh jap jog biragi॥

Translation:

“Then the revered sage went to rest. Both brothers began to press his feet, for touching which even renunciants engage in various kinds of chanting and meditation for the vision and touch of the lotus feet.”

Both of them would massage his spiritual master’s lotus feet. He has practised that. He does the same when this Brahmin comes, he asks Brahmin,”is everything fine in Vidarbha? Is the king able to fulfil his duties properly?” is there any challenge?” Brahmin says,”No. No. there is no problem but there is one problem also.”

Krishna asks,”What is the problem?” Brahmin says,”He has one daughter- Rukmini- very beautiful, sincere. Maharaj has 5 sons. All the other 4 sons and the king himself with Rukmini want you to marry her. Rukmini has accepted you as husband from her body, mind and soul completely. But her elder brother Rukmi doesnt want that to happen.he is against it. That’s why Rukmini has written a letter for you out of fear. Please read this letter which she has written.” Krishna says,”you read the letter for me.” Brahmin starts reading the letter. Rukmini lives in Maharashtra and Lord is in Gujarat. Then Rukmini has written a letter in which language? Marathi or gujarati? If she writes in marathi then Krsna may not understand and if she writes in gujarati then that means she knows gujarati also. We should inquire like that. She has written neither in marathi nor in gujarati. She has written in sanskrit. Sanskrit is the mother of all languages. We should carefully read sanskrit. When I was in Varanasi and studying sanskrit. There is a place called “Sarvabhauma Sanskrit school”. From there, we used to go to take bath in ganges. They used to teach us how to speak sanskrit. I read that in 1974 and I still remember. Nobody wants to study Sanskrit nowadays, there is no good for them in future. Because then you can’t understand the scriptures, Bhagavatam. What is the use then if we can’t understand our scriptures. When they will see themselves unqualified to read scriptures, they will be embarrassed. So whatever happened . it’s ok. But now, please be alert now. Start studying and reading sanskrit carefully. With sanskrit , we should understand Hindi also. Both languages we should understand. And we should learn english also. Sanskrit, Hindi and English – these 3 languages we should know. That’s why Rukmini has written in Sanskrit and not in Gujarati or marathi. So that we also learn sanskrit. That’s why i said she is our spiritual master. This is the duty of a spiritual master to illuminate and destroy ignorance. She is illuminating us by writing in sanskrit.

ŚB 10.52.37

śrī-rukmiṇy uvāca
śrutvā guṇān bhuvana-sundara śṛṇvatāṁ te
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me

Translation:

Brahmin repeats the words of Rukmini, “ since I heard about your name, form, qualities and pastimes, I have shamelessly desired to marry you. I can’t see anything else. I Can only see you everywhere. Since the day, I heard your glories from Narada, wherever I see, I can only see you. I see you inside, outside and everywhere. You have captured my heart and mind.

ŚB 10.52.38

kā tvā mukunda mahatī kula-śīla-rūpa-
vidyā-vayo-draviṇa-dhāmabhir ātma-tulyam
dhīrā patiṁ kulavatī na vṛṇīta kanyā
kāle nṛ-siṁha nara-loka-mano-’bhirāmam

Translation:

O Mukunda, You are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, youthfulness, wealth and influence. O lion among men, You delight the minds of all mankind. What aristocratic, sober-minded and marriageable girl of a good family would not choose You as her husband when the proper time has come?

She says,”O lord, bestower of love, my life, there’s no one like you. Nobody is as knowledgeable, wealthy, beauty, power, renowned, powerful, opulent. Everything comes from you. Nobody is compatible with you. Who would like to marry other than you?

Everyone wants to have a very nice husband, knowledgeable, wealthy, powerful, beautiful husband. Their Relatives and parents also want the same for the girl. But all these qualities are there in Krsna only.

(Visnu Purana 6.5.47)

aisvaryasya samagrasya viryasya yasasah sriyah

nana-vairagyayos caiva sannam bhaga itingana

Translation:

“Full wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation – these are the six opulences of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Vishnu Purana 6.5.47) By these six opulences one can ascertain what is God.

Wherever lord goes, everyone wats to have His darshan. Once Radharani writes a letter to Krsna, in that she claims clouds as her brother “oh brother, please convey my message to Shyamsunder.” Because clouds always moves from one place to another. Then cloud says,”how will i recognise who is your lover?” Radharani says,”His color is bluish” Clouds says,”there can be many people with bluish color.” Radharani says,”he must be having flute in his hands.” cloud says,”there can be many bluish people with flute in hands.” Radhrani says,”he must be in yellow garments then you’ll understand that he is my master.” Clouds says,”there can be many bluish people with flute in hands and wearing yellow garments.” Radharani says,”Oh dear brother, wherever my beloved may go, hundreds and thousands of people will be drawn to catch a glimpse of him. Then you will understand he is my master and my only lover.”

Lord is so beautiful that everyone is longing to have his darsana. His face is so beautiful that even dust looks beautiful on his face. Not that he gets ready and then he looks beautiful.

ŚB 3.2.12

yan martya-līlaupayikaṁ sva-yoga-
māyā-balaṁ darśayatā gṛhītam
vismāpanaṁ svasya ca saubhagarddheḥ
paraṁ padaṁ bhūṣaṇa-bhūṣaṇāṅgam

Translation:

The Lord appeared in the mortal world by His internal potency, yoga-māyā. He came in His eternal form, which is just suitable for His pastimes. These pastimes were wonderful for everyone, even for those proud of their own opulence, including the Lord Himself in His form as the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha. Thus His [Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s] transcendental body is the ornament of all ornaments.

Every aspect of Krishna is so exquisite that even ornaments and garments become resplendent when adorned by him. Rukmini is also saying- You are incredibly beautiful; there is no one else quite like you. Your qualities are unmatched by anyone in this world. Your knowledge is unparalleled; no one else can possess 64 qualities in just 64 days. Oh Lord! What patient maiden would not eagerly accept you as her husband?Who would not be willing to accept you as husband or master? I, too, desire only you as my husband.

SB 10.52.39

tan me bhavān khalu vṛtaḥ patir aṅga jāyām
ātmārpitaś ca bhavato ’tra vibho vidhehi
mā vīra-bhāgam abhimarśatu caidya ārād
gomāyu-van mṛga-pater balim ambujākṣa

Translation:

Therefore, my dear Lord, I have chosen You as my husband, and I surrender myself to You. Please come swiftly, O almighty one, and make me Your wife. My dear lotus-eyed Lord, let Śiśupāla never touch the hero’s portion like a jackal stealing the property of a lion.

She says “Oh Lord, I have accepted you as my husband. I have completely surrendered to you. You are Supersoul. You know my mind and heart. Please accept me as your wife.Oh lord of my life,I have surrendered to you. Just like jackal should not take the prey of a lion, nobody should take me(your wife) apart from you. This is your responsibility. This is your duty and dharma. Shishupal should not take me. There is very little time.”

ŚB 10.52.40

pūrteṣṭa-datta-niyama-vrata-deva-vipra
gurv-arcanādibhir alaṁ bhagavān pareśaḥ
ārādhito yadi gadāgraja etya pāṇiṁ
gṛhṇātu me na damaghoṣa-sutādayo ’nye

Translation:

If I have sufficiently worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead by pious works, sacrifices, charity, rituals and vows, and also by worshiping the demigods, brāhmaṇas and gurus, then may Gadāgraja come and take my hand, and not Damaghoṣa’s son or anyone else.

If ever i have done any piety(giving charity, gave food to poor, made home for beggars, made wells in a village, made gardens for others). This is all religious. If ever i did nay piety, served any vaishnavas, guru or sadhu then the result should be only that you accept me as your wife. I dont want anything else.

CC Antya 20.29

na dhanaṁ na janaṁ na sundarīṁ
kavitāṁ vā jagad-īśa kāmaye
mama janmani janmanīśvare
bhavatād bhaktir ahaitukī tvayi

Translation:

‘O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, materialistic followers, a beautiful wife or fruitive activities described in flowery language. All I want, life after life, is unmotivated devotional service to You.’

I just want to be yours. I want to be your wife. Accept me as your wife. Oh Shyamsunder, please accept me.

ŚB 10.52.41

śvo bhāvini tvam ajitodvahane vidarbhān
guptaḥ sametya pṛtanā-patibhiḥ parītaḥ
nirmathya caidya-magadhendra-balaṁ prasahya
māṁ rākṣasena vidhinodvaha vīrya-śulkām

Translation:

O unconquerable one, tomorrow when my marriage ceremony is about to begin, You should arrive unseen in Vidarbha and surround Yourself with the leaders of Your army. Then crush the forces of Caidya and Magadhendra and marry me in the Rākṣasa style, winning me with Your valor.

You are unconquerable. Just one day before my marriage, please come to Kaundilyapur. All warriors will be present here. My elder brother Rukmi, will invite all the powerful demons here. So you come one day before my marriage and kill all of them and take me with you.

Now Krishna may say, “you are princess, living in a palace, how will I come? You must be inside the core of the palace. How will I come and kidnap you?”

Rukmini answers that also,”Oh Lord, you dont know about one ritual. I will tell you that in our family,there is one religious affair.

ŚB 10.52.42

antaḥ-purāntara-carīm anihatya bandhūn
tvām udvahe katham iti pravadāmy upāyam
pūrve-dyur asti mahatī kula-deva-yātrā
yasyāṁ bahir nava-vadhūr girijām upeyāt

Translation:

Since I will be staying within the inner chambers of the palace, You may wonder, “How can I carry you away without killing some of your relatives?” But I shall tell You a way: On the day before the marriage there is a grand procession to honor the royal family’s deity, and in this procession the new bride goes outside the city to visit Goddess Girijā.

There’s one ritual in our family where a girl before marriage goes to Girirja temple and worships her. It is a big festival. They dress the girl very beautifully and she goes to the temple with all her girlfriends. Oh lover of my life, that time you come and kidnap me. You hold my hand and take me with you on your chariot. Nobody will do anything that time.

ŚB 10.52.43

yasyāṅghri-paṅkaja-rajaḥ-snapanaṁ mahānto
vāñchanty umā-patir ivātma-tamo-’pahatyai
yarhy ambujākṣa na labheya bhavat-prasādaṁ
jahyām asūn vrata-kṛśān śata-janmabhiḥ syāt

Translation:

O lotus-eyed one, great souls like Lord Śiva hanker to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet and thereby destroy their ignorance. If I cannot obtain Your mercy, I shall simply give up my vital force, which will have become weak from the severe penances I will perform. Then, after hundreds of lifetimes of endeavor, I may obtain Your mercy.

Oh lord, lotus eyed one, Personalities like Lord Shiva and other great demigods worship your lotus feet for their purification. If I don’t get you then I will do the necessary austerities and give up my life. And lifetimes after lifetimes I will do austerities till I get you as my husband. If you won’t come to take me then i will do austerities and i will dry up my body but will never go to Shishupal.

When Uddhava came to Vrindavan,

ŚB 10.47.61

āsām aho caraṇa-reṇu-juṣām ahaṁ syāṁ
vṛndāvane kim api gulma-latauṣadhīnām
yā dustyajaṁ sva-janam ārya-pathaṁ ca
hitvā bhejur mukunda-padavīṁ śrutibhir vimṛgyām

Translation:

The gopīs of Vṛndāvana have given up the association of their husbands, sons and other family members, who are very difficult to give up, and they have forsaken the path of chastity to take shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, Kṛṣṇa, which one should search for by Vedic knowledge. Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers or herbs in Vṛndāvana, because the gopīs trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.

Dust of the lotus feet of Krsna is the dust of Vrindavan. Rukmini wants to serve the lotus feet of Krsna. When lord heard this letter of Rukmini, he immediately says to Brahmin,”Dont worry, i will surely come.” He called his charioteer and with the Brahmin came to Kaundilyapur from Dwarka. When he approached Kaundinyapur, the Brahmin requested, ‘Please allow me to alight from the chariot so that the citizens do not learn of my visit to Dwarka.” On the other hand, Rukmini was very morose, sad and at that time Brahmin came and informed her,”Please don’t worry. Shyamsunder has come.” When she heard, Rukmini was in ecstasy. All the kings have come to take her. As soon as Rukmini removed her veil, all the kings were illusioned,lust aroused in their heart and they fell down from their chariot. They were awestruck. That time, Lord Krsna came and hold the hand of Rukmini and pulled her to chariot. Everyone was looking at Rukmini and Krishna. Everyone was witnessing the beautiful divine couple of Rukmini and Krishna. Then all the kings came into their senses.

Le gayo re Rukmini ko bhaga kar le gae re (song. Couldn’t find source)

Translation –

Rukmini was taken away, they abducted her away.

When Krsna started his chariot, everyone started shouting. Then her elder brother said,”don’t worry. I am here. Till I kill this Krsna and bring my sister back , I am not kshatriya.if i can’t do that then I will never come back to kaundinyapur, Vidarbha.” he was a fool number one. How can he bring Rukmini back and fight with Krsna. He went with one whole army. Krsna killed his army and He tied Rukmi up with a piece of cloth and snipped at his mustache, beard and hair, keeping some spots here and there. Then Rukmi didn’t return to Vidarbha. He made his own place – Bhojakata.

Then Lord Krsna and goddess Rukmini went to Dwarka. They performed a marriage ceremony properly, this way He created the fortune of Rukmini and also He created our fortune. Because we read and hear this beautiful pastime. From this pastime, we learn that Rukmini never saw Lord but she only heard pastimes of Krsna. She heard it so beautifully that she fully dedicated her life to Krsna. We should also be attentive while hearing. Krishna has given us two ears to hear and one mouth to speak. So we should not speak instead we should hear more and more. If we hear properly and attentively then only we can speak. That in why in nine devotional process, first is hearing (sravanam). Sravan should be from bonafide spiritual teachers. Spritual teachers who read bonafide literatures, are connected to bonafide sampradaya, have taken shelter of bonafide parampara. If we hear from those acaryas with love and devotion, then we will also achieve Krsna prema. Just like Rukmini achieved Krsna.

HG Anant Shesh Pr- We are very grateful to Prabhuji. His voice reminds us of HH Radha Govind Goswami Maharaja and especially HH Gaur Krsna Swami Maharaj. It is our great fortune that Maharaj has set aside two days for us. Prabhuji with his brother studies Sanskrit in Vrindavana and Barsana. Presently also, Prabhuji studies Bhagavatam near samadhi of HH Gaur Krsna maharaj. Everyone invited him for Bhagavat class worldwide. He did one katha in Belgaon on 24 acaryas for 3 weeks. Again, we will express our gratitude to Prabhuji.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

We should also remember what he taught us that how we should hear about Krishna just like Rukmini.

Srimati rukmini Maiya ki Jai!

Srila Gurudeva ki Jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

Pastimes Of Lord Narsimha Deva 22nd May 2024

Date: 22 May 2024
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj and HH Karunamayi Vanmali Swami Maharaj
Topic: Pastimes Of Lord Narsimha Deva

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

I would like to request HH Karunamayi Vanmali Maharaj to give a nectarian lecture on the mercy of Narsimha dev.

nahamtisthamivaikunthe
yoginamhrdayesuva
tatratisthaminarada
yatra gayanti mad-bhaktah

Translation:

“I am not in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of the yogis. I remain where My devotees engage in glorifying My activities.” It is to be understood that the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not leave the company of His devotees.

In 2015, HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj had installed lord Narasiṁha Deva deities in this very day in Ujjain.Last year, on this day, I was in Delhi, when HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj was installing Lakshmi Narasiṁha deities at Radha Parthasarthi temple and half day, I had spent here in Ujjain. So, please shower the mercy of lord Narasiṁha Deva by relating his glories to all of us.

HH Karunamayi Vanmali Swami Maharaj:

Today is most beneficial day for us devotees.Today is lord Narasimha Deva’s appearance day.By mercy of Lord Narasimha Deva all our obstacles and problems are vanquished.

When people of this material world choose us, then we can get the seat in parliament. And when God chooses us then, we get good association. In Satya Yuga, Prahlad Maharaj received the Lord’s mercy.So, does it happen now? Few years back, in Iskcon Durban, South Africa.
One 4 years old girl was attracted to Lord Narasimha dev there.She even got a little stuffed doll of lord Narasimha, who she would feed and put to sleep and play with.A year later, she was playing ball with her friendsand her father was watching from the balcony.The ball bounced away and was going to towards road,where there was traffic.Her father started shouting.A big truck hit her. Truck was coming in a very high speed. and she was hit and she fell 30 feet away on a haystack. She was taken to hospital in an unconscious state. When she regained consciousness after 2 days.And she started asking where is Narasimha Dev?He picked me up in his arms and put me onthe hay stack and saved me.

As Narsimha dev protects Prahlad Maharaj, He surely saves us too. So, if we serve Narasimha Dev with even a little dedication, seriousness and sincerity., he will be pleased and protect us. Even though we may not be as pure as Prahlad Maharaj, So, even too we can see his mercy.

We should trust on his strength. Because lord say the truth only and the strength in the prayers are even stronger.

On this day, I usually call HH Prabhodananda Saraswati Maharaj, a disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. That in 2010 or 2011, you had told a pastime of Lord Narasimha Deva and you told his mother and father’s name.Please tell me that pastimes.

SB 1.1.10:

prāyeṇālpāyuṣaḥsabhya
kalāvasminyugejanāḥ
mandāḥsumanda-matayo
manda-bhāgyāhyupadrutāḥ

Translation:

O learned one, in this iron Age of Kali men almost always have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.

He said why don’t you make note of it? He scolded me but he agreed to tell me after some request.

This same happen next year also.

So, every year, I would call him and he would tell me same pastime after scolding me.In Pakistan, on the banks of river Indus, a couple prayed and wanted to get a child as lord Narasimha Dev. The couple’s name was Haritmani and Lilavati. They did penance for 21 yugas.The lord being pleased and asked them to make a boon. The couple asked to get a child, like Narsimha Deva.

Lord says no one is like me. I myself will be come as your son soon.

BG 7.7:

mattaḥparataraṁnānyat
kiñcidastidhanañ-jaya
mayisarvamidaṁprotaṁ
sūtremaṇi-gaṇāiva

Translation:

O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.

Lord Narsima was pleased with the couple and promised themto have a son like Narasimha Dev.No one like me or more than me. How can I fulfill this? Only by becoming your son. They both became very happy. and on this day, lord appeared in the evening of Forteen day of Vaishakh Month and did many childhood pastimes. In padma puran, it is mentioned that one who remembers this pastime and the form of Harimuni and Liladevi alongwith the child Narsimha dev, one can get lot of benefit.

Child Nrasimha relished the Vatsalya Rasa very much and he also make his parents relished the same rasa. Parents were very happy to have him.

When prahlad pointed saying my lord is in the pillar. Narasimha dev came and appeared there in the state Multan, in Pakistan and made Prahlads words true.

Lord says onlt truth and nothing and the devotees are also same.

Hiranyakashipu started laughing at and counting all the boons, he had received from brahma Making him almost immortal.

Lord Narsimha slapped him continuously. In Andra Pradesh, we see that Ugra pillar and 18 miles away he dragged Hiranyakashipu to the gate. So, you canimagine how big was Hiranyakashipu palace. Lord put him on his lap. This is no land but my lap. This is not one of the 12 months, but Purushottam month.
There are no any weapon but my nails.Hiranyakashipu become furious on seeing that.

Hiranyakashipu had a heart attack and lord Narsimha Deva cut his stomach by his nails only. Lord Narsimha Dev was very angry, as Hiranyakashipu tortured his devotee at a very extent.

Lord Narsimha was amused as no one is praying in front of him. Whenever, He took any incarnation, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva offered their prayers onto his lotus feet. But, this time no one is coming forward. Not even a garland is offered. He himself dragged a throne to sit.

Hiranyakashipu disappearance day came once in a four year but Narsimha Chaturdashi is celebrated every year on the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh Month.

SB 7.8.17:

satyaṁvidhātuṁnija-bhṛtya-bhāṣitaṁ
vyāptiṁ ca bhūteṣvakhileṣucātmanaḥ
adṛśyatātyadbhuta-rūpamudvahan
stambhesabhāyāṁnamṛgaṁnamānuṣam

Translation:

To prove that the statement of His servant Prahlāda Mahārāja was substantial — in other words, to prove that the Supreme Lord is present everywhere, even within the pillar of an assembly hall — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, exhibited a wonderful form never before seen. The form was neither that of a man nor that of a lion. Thus the Lord appeared in His wonderful form in the assembly hall.

Lord full filled the desire of Jaya and Vijaya to play a war in 3 births. He kept the promise of Brahma. Lord kept the words of narada muni, who said this boy in the womb of kayadu is agreat devotee who will be protected by lord. Also, he kept the words of the 4 Kumars when they cursed Jaya and Vijaya. And also, he kept the words of prahlad that my lord is in the pillar.

In padma puran, it is said that on Brahman named Vasudeva became fallen. And he was very distressed upon losing his prostitute Friends after fighting with them and wandering through the forest he came upon a broken temple of Lord Narasimha Deva.It was this very day of the fourteenth day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh Month.

and he happened to keep a Nirjala fast remembering his friends.But, because it was Narasimha chaturdasi, he got benefit for fasting.If, we observe Narsimha Dev Chaturdashi, then we get the benefit of 10,000 Dwadashi (Ekadashi, that lies on Dwadashi with rising sun) and a fast of Janamashtami gives the benefits of 1 crore ekadashis. So, we should pray, “oh lord Narasimha Dev please protect us till we are alive.” This was advised by Srila Prabhupada. When Chaitanya math was being constructed, dacoits were troubling again and again.Bhaktivinod Thakur and Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur installed lord Narasimha dev and asked to worship him.

Later Srila Prabhupada also installed it in mayapur during trouble times.

The Ugra Narsimha Iis not installed anywhere, but when Jaya Pataka Swami Maharaj asked to install it. Then the person, who makes deities on the name of ISKCON. We should pray to the lord to protect us, our Bhakti, our organization our Acharyas and Guru. We should go forward to get the Krishna Prem. Radha Rani also worship Lord Narsimha to get the love of Krishna. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also hears the pastimes of Lord Narsimha Many times. So, we should also follow the footstep of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Mati Radha Rani.

Hare Krishna!

HH Bhakti karunamayivanamalimaharajspeaks – Hare Krsna 23rd May 2024

Speaker :HH Bhakti karunamayivanamalimaharaj
Date 23-05-2024
HH Bhakti karunamayivanamalimaharajspeaks – hare Krsna

Main Theme: Importance of Devotional Service by Great Acharya and end result
Sub Theme: Sri Radharaman Lal ji Appreance day narration

Today is very auspicious day, It is appreance day of Srimad Gopal Bhat Goswami Maharaj. Also we have today SrimadMadhavendra puri appeared today.

Srimadparmeshwar puri s dis-appearance day

Srinivas acharyas appearance day.

Today is Purnima, Srila Gopal bhatta Goswami was one of the pioneers amongst the 6 goswamis of Vrindavan. He lived for 120 years. When he was a small child he met Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Sri Rangam.

The temple is situated in the centre of the city. Anyone can take darshan during Mangala aarti in Sri rangam. This is our Vaishnava etiquette. A temple should be the tallest building in a city so that everyone can take darshan of the chakra and tomb of the temple. So when Mahaprabhu arrived in Sri rangam everyone though that He was not an ordinary person

Srila Venkata bhatta, father of Gopal bhatta was moved to see the 8 changes of Mahaprabhu while taking darshan of the dieties. He invited Mahaaprabhu to his house. He met little Gopal Bhatta. After accepting bhoga ,mahaaprabhu was ready to leave.

teṣāṁsatata-yuktānāṁ
bhajatāṁprīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁtaṁ
yenamāmupayāntite

Translation

To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.[BG 10.10]

Krsna Bhakti is very clear “ Krsna Bhakt Bada Chatur”. He said you are Sanyasi and now it is Chaturmas and Sanyasis do not travel during this time. Venkat bhatta requested Mahaprabhu to stay with them for the rest of the chaturmaasi.e 120 days..

Little Gopal served Mahaprabhu for 4 months. Sri Krishna Chaitanya MahaPrabhu was performing Puja, reciting prayers, he would circumabulate Sri Ranga Shetra, Bath in Kaveri river every day etc.Gopa Bhatt was always serving Sri Mahaprabhu through Vapu and Vani sewa. He was attached to Mahaprabhus service. After serving for 120 days when Mahaprabhuwas about to leave Gopal Bhat Started crying. Mahaprabhu blessed and instructed him to come to vridnavan only after their parents leave their bodies. So Mahaprabhu left performing his Kirtan. Gopal Bhat served his parents till they left their body and was intensely remembering Sri Mahaprabhu. So, it happened during this time from his uncle Shri Prabodhananda Saraswati, Gopal bhatta learnt and became expert in Bhakti Vaibhav, Bhakti Vedanta and BhaktiSarvabhom and others scriptures. During this period he was serving his parents and also learnt the scriptures and become expert in them.

After Venkat Bhatt’death and his mother’s departure, Gopal Bhat planned his journey to Vrindavan. During this time at Vrindavan Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told Rupa Goswami that when Gopal Bhat comes to Vrindavan, receive him well, treat him just like your brother Sanatan Goswami.

When Gopal Bhat Goswami reached Vrindavan, he was happily received by Rupa Goswami and he was very happy. Gopal Bhat Goswami was an expert in Shastra and followed all Vaishnav Etiquette, which impressed others in Vrindavan and was respected by all.

When ChaitanayaMahaprabhu heard that Gopal Bhatt Goswami had come to Vrindavan than he arranged to some items for him from Jaganthpuri. He was given the dhot,Uttatri,chaupai (Wooden Chauki on which wordship was being conducted by Mahaprabhu) of Mahaprabhuas he served Him very diligently. Since then, all these things are being worshipped in Vrindavan earlier by Gopal Bhat Goswami and is continued till todayeveryday. In this way Srila Rupa Goswami, Sanatan Goswami and gopal Bhat Goswami started working on the scriptures and preaching they were fully absorbed in devotional service of the Lord. They were involved in finding the lost places and temples connected with pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna and also building temples. During this time Lord Chaitanya disappeared from this material world when Gopal Bhat Goswami was 30 years old. He was feeling great separation from Mahaprabhu and was not understanding what he needs to do. At the time Mahaprabhu appeared in his dreams and instructed him to go to Nepal in Gandaki river and will never leave you, I will always be with you. When he was dip in Gandaki river he got 12 shilas, he placed them back in the river. But this process happened many times, (~ 108 times) the shilas appeared as smiling at Gopal Bhat Goswami. He was wondering what is this and why is this happening. Looks like lord wants to come with me or accompany me. There he got 12 Shilas in the form of Shaligram. He remembered that Lord had mentioned in his dream that will always be with him. He brought them with him and served nicely, built a beautiful temple for them. Then during Shukalpakash Chaturdashi which happens to be NarsihmChaturdeshi. He was performing kirtan and preaching.

At that time a businessman was distributing clothes in Vrindavan for deities, he visited Gopal Bhatta Goswami also and gave him beautiful clothes. But Gopal bhatta Goswami said did not have any deities, have just shilas, which are served by offering Yamuna water and Tulasi what will I do with these clothes. The businessman pleaded not to reject this offering. Gopal Bhatt remembered the past times of Narasimha dev wherein Narshim dev had emerged from a pillar. Gopal bhatta Goswami begged the Lord that if you can appear form a pillar for Prahalad Maharaj, can you not appear from these shilas ? Gopal Bhatt Goswami had all qualities of surrender to lord.

Sub Theme: Pure devotional love and service results in Lords appearance

He was praying to Narsim dev bhagawan whole night. Next say while he was bathing in Yamuna he found 11 shilas, one was missing. He saw the missing shila had got converted into a nice deity, bent 3 fold , appeared. Sri Radha Raman appeared with big eyes. Jai Jai Sri Radharaman lal ki Jai. Everyone in Vrindavan came to see the beautiful deity of Sri Radharaman ji.

He is beautiful with amazing captivating smile. He is lotus eyed. His eyes extend from the nose to the ears. Similar 5000 years ago when krishna descended in Vrindavan He was also very beautiful with beautiful eyes. That is why Lord is being called with different names as Lotus eyed (Padam Lochan, Padam Nayan, Kamal Netra, Kamal Lochan etc). This way looking at beautiful eyes devotees praise the lord who has His eyes extend from the nose to the ears. Some times self styled bogus people call themselves God, We should get their eyes tested. So this is about Radharaman ji of Vrindavan. Great festival was conducted on his appearance day. They performed abhishek of the lord pouring Yamuna, Ganga water and applied He sandalwood paste etc. Once a naughty child took up a long stick and passed it from one ear to the other ear of Radha Raman. Soon there was blood oozing out from Radha Raman. Belive it or not

The child who witnessed this vomitted blood and left his body the next day !It has mahapran. Once a Britisher had a watch that would run on the heart beat of a person. He wanted to test Radharaman ji. But the Pujari was hesitant to put this watch thinking that he is a Melach or outcaste, but not to take any risk agreed to put the watch on Radharaman ji. After performing purification process, then that watch was taken close to the deity of Radha Raman, the watch started working.

On seeing this the Britisher was shocked, since that day he developed immense attraction to the lotus feet of Krsna. So we should not think that theseDiety are made of wood, steel, metal, just metal , it is Krsna Himself. Like Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said

pratimānahatumi — sākṣātvrajendra-nandana
vipralāgi’ kara tumiakārya-karaṇa”

Translation

“My dear Lord, You are not a statue; You are directly the son of Mahārāja Nanda. Now, for the sake of the old brāhmaṇa, You can do something You have never done before.” [CC Madhya 5.96]

The Vrindavan devotees pray their Lord in the form of Archa “ Shyam Sunder”, “Nila Sunder”, “Braj Sunder”. These are in the form of Para Veyom. But Archa is very important.

golokeraprema-dhana, hari-nama-sankirtana,
ratinajanmilokenetay
samsara-bishanale, diba-nisi hiya jwale,
juraitenakoinuupay

Translation

The treasure of divine love in Goloka Vrindavana has descended as the congregational chanting of Lord Hari’s holy names. Why did my attraction for that chanting never come about? Day and night my heart burns from the fire of the poison of worldliness, and I have not taken the means to relieve it. [Hari HariBifale 2]

Today also Radha Raman is worshipped with Yamuna water especially during boat festival. Devotees gather in lakhs to take darshan today. If anyone you are Vrindavan, you should visit the temple and take His darshan and pray as you have blessed Gopal Bhat Goswami and listened to His prayer, Please bless us too.

Jai Jai Sri Radharamn Lal Ki Jai.

Sub Theme: Importance of Archaryasappreance and Disappreance day

Today is also SrimadMadhavendra puri appeared today. Ashta Sattvik Bhawa is prevelant in three personalities one is Srimati Radharani, SrimadMadhavendra Puri and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It is said if you visit Navedeep on SrimadMadhavendra Puri’s disappearance day to Advait Acharya place and take Kichadi Prasadam one will be bestowed with Krsna Prem.

Srimadparmeshwar puri s appearance day. Just remembering Parmeshwar Puri one get Krishna Prem

Srinivas acharyas appearance day. He is one of the pioneers of book distribution and disciples of Jiva Goswami

Let us remember these great acharays today and progress in our devotional service

We shall stop here. Hare Krishna

How to relish Krsna? 24th May 2024

Date- 24^thMay 2024
Speaker- Guru Maharaj
Theme- How to relish Krsna?

While traveling I have reached Bhopal Hari Bol! I was thinking that yesterday it was announced, there will be kirtan Mela and satsang. When CaitanyaMahaprabhu used to come, He used to do only kirtan. Among public or general people- kirtan and among associates- Katha and discussions.

krsna-varnamtvisäkrsnam
sängopängästra-pärsadam
yajnaihsankirtana-präyair
yajanti hi su-medhasah

Translation-

In the Age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krsna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krsna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. [SB 11.5.32]

This is philosophy of Bhagavatam. One who issu-medhasah intelligent, yajanti hi, they will worship Lord. How? yajnaih by performing yajna. And which yajna, that is also given by SukadevaGosvami in this 11^th Canto. The intelligent people of Kaliyuga will do ‘sankirtan yajna’, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare! So, this has been authorized. Bhagavatam, scriptures, sadhu and sastra are the authority.

When CaitanyaMahaprabhu appeared, He was giving less lectures, talking less and acting more.

vairägya-vidyä-nija-bhakti-yoga-
siksärthamekampurusahpuränah
sri-krsna-caitanya-sarira-dhäri
krpämbudhiryas tam ahamprapadye

Translation-

Let me take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, who has descended in the form of Lord CaitanyaMahäprabhu to teach us real knowledge, His devotional service and detachment from whatever does not foster Krsna consciousness. He has descended because He is an ocean of transcendental mercy. Let me surrender unto His lotus feet. [CC Madhya 6.254]

Siksartham, to teach, purusahpuranah, eternal Purusa or GovindamAdipurusam appeared in the form of CaitanyaMahaprabhu. He taught vairagya vidya. In the form of CaitanyaMahaprabhu Lord Himself became a devotee.

panca-tattvätmakamkrsnam
bhakta-rüpa-svarüpakam
bhaktävatärambhaktäkhyam
namämi bhakta-saktikam

Translation-

Let me offer my obeisances unto Lord Sri Krsna, who has manifested Himself in five as a devotee, expansion of a devotee, incarnation of a devotee, pure devotee and devotional energy. [CC Adi 7.6]

Svarupakam was NityanandaPrabhu. Lord becomes devotee. But in Kaliyuga, devotee wants to become Lord. But here we can see that Lord becomes a devotee. Lord becomes Acharya. And by His own example He shows, representsBhakti.

Sub-theme: Give Krsna, Distribute Krsna

Sri KrsnaCaitanyaMahaprabhu took sannaysa. Nimai sannyasa, a special pastime. Why did He take sannyasa? We can say Bahujanahitaya, bahujanasukhaya- for the welfare of many others and for the happiness of many others. Sri KrsnaCaitanyaMahaprabhu said, ‘you do it’. But before that He Himself showed by doing it.

bhärata-bhümitehailamanusyajanmayära
janmasärthakakari’ kara para-upakära

Translation-

One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India [Bhärata-varsa] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people. [CC Adi 9.41]

This is very famous statement of CaitanyaMahaprabhu. We heard this many time from the lotus mouth of SrilaPrabhupada. Have you taken birth in Bharat?And wants to make your life perfect? Then what you have to do? kari’ kara para-upakära work for the benefit of all other people.What is that paropakar?One of our Acharya says

kṛṣṇa se tomāra, kṛṣṇadītepāro,
tomāraśakatiāche
āmi to’ kāńgāla, ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ boli’,
dhāitavapāchepāche

Translation-

Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, “Krsna! Krsna!”. [Verse 4 from song ‘OheVaisnavaThakura’ by Bhakti Vinod Thakur]

You have Krsna. You are receiving Krsna. When we come in the contact of Hare Krishna movement, come in satsang, then we meditate on Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare. And with that Krsnapraptihoyajahahoite, we started to gain Krsna. It is not that, we had zero and at next moment hundred percent achievement. It’s not zero to hundred. It is gradual process. Every day or we can say every moment we know more and more about Krsna and we have more and more realisations. Therefore, the Acharyas say,Krsna se tomarKrsnadite para, you have Krsna and you are capable to give Him to others. Then what you have to do? Give him to others.āmi to’ kāńgāla, ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ boli’, So the faithful people, who are innocent like small children, to them we should give Krsna. Take Krsna. To give Krsna to others is paropakar.

Sub-theme: Give Krsna in His various forms

So, we can give the name of Krsna. Main is the name, name is Krsna. Whose name is Krsna? Krsna’s name is Krsna or name Krsna is Krsna. Abhinnatvannamanaminoh.

nämacintämanihkrsnas
caitanya-rasa-vigrahah
pürnahsuddhonitya-mukto
’bhinnatvännäma-näminoh

Translation-

The holy name of Krsna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krsna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Krsna’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krsna Himself. Since Krsna’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with mäyä. Krsna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Krsna and Krsna Himself are identical. [CC Madhya 17.133]

So, the name of the Lord is Lord. His words Gita, Bhagavatam is the Lord.

gitäsu-gitäkartavyä
kimanyaihsästra-vistaraih
yäsvayampadmanäbhasya
mukha-padmädvinihsrtä

Translation-

Because Bhagavad-gitä is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad-gitä. In the present age, people are so absorbed in mundane activities that it is not possible for them to read all the Vedic literatures. But this is not necessary. This one book, Bhagavad-gitä, will suffice, because it is the essence of all Vedic literatures and especially because it is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. [Gitä-mähätmya 4]

What is Gita? yäsvayampadmanäbhasya Lord’s one name is Padmanabha. His navel is like a lotus; therefore, His one name is Padmanabh. Lord is having thousands of names as per His qualities and pastimes, and as per His relations. yäsvayampadmanäbhasyamukha-padmädvinihsrtä, su-gitä, that is Gita. It is not air, carbon dioxide which comes from the lotus mouth of the Lord. Lord is SacchidanandaVigraha and from His mouth only Lord comes out who is Sacchidananda. So, Gita is also Lord and Bhagavat is also Lord.

Okay, so, we have to give Krsna to others and should not sleep. So, we can give Lord’s name, can give books of Prabhupada. Prabhupada said ‘books are the basis and preaching is the essence and book distribution is the preaching’. We can give Prasad to others. This is the duty of grhastha. Anna Parabrahma, Prasad is nondifferent from the Lord. Anyways not going to say whole list what we can distribute, how we can distribute various forms of the Lord. And to do this is paropakar, welfare. If we will do this as said by Caitanya Mahaprabhu bhärata-bhümitehailamanusyajanmayärajanmasärthakakari’ kara para-upakära.

Sub-theme: Lord wants distributors

In Caitanya Caritamrta, Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu before saying this statement also said that I am the only gardener. So many trees are full of fruits in this garden. How many fruits I alone can distribute? Distributors wanted! Lord Himself is saying, ‘I want distributors.’Come on, wake up,jiva Jagogauracanda bole and what to do? Fill the baskets with fruits and distributeKrsna, share Krsna. Share market is big business now a day. We share everything but Krsna. We keep sharing Maya in so many forms. Form, taste, smell, touch and sound, these are the objects of the senses. We have five senses, so there are objects of those senses. Various senses are mounted in the body. And then the world is full with the objects of the senses.Unfortunately, we keep distributing this. What to say.

dhyäyatovisayänpumsah
sangastesüpajäyate
sangätsanjäyatekämah
kämätkrodho ‘bhijäyate

Translation-

While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. [BG 2.62]

The words, sound, cinema music and all that we have shared, that touch, cosmetics and all that to make that touch more pleasing. Cosmetic industry is biggest industry, you must have heard or read. So, sound, touch, form, taste and smell we keep distributing all this and when people use them, then what happens? Krsna says dhyäyatovisayänpumsahsangastesüpajäyate, you develop attachment. We will get attached to those objects and then will run towards mall or from home we will place orders. Home delivery from Amazon. During corona virus everything was locked down. Wine shops were closed, but many people were thinking how to survive without wine. Then government kept everything else closed but opened wine shops. Then so much rush and pushing started there. Everyone was saying, ahampurvam, ahampurvam, me first, I will be the first. So, this was a problem. So, the government had pity and then what arrangements were made? There will be home delivery. Wine will be delivered to your homes.

So, dhyäyatovisayänpumsahsangastesüpajäyate, you develop attachment and then sangätsanjäyatekämah, only by this lust arises. Intensity of the lust increases and then kämätkrodho ‘bhijäyate, then we become angry, and then

krodhādbhavatisammohaḥ
sammohātsmṛti-vibhramaḥ
smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo
buddhi-nāśātpraṇaśyati

Translation-

From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool. [BG 2.63]

krodhādbhavatisammohaḥ, from anger comes delusion and sammohātsmṛti-vibhramaḥ, smṛti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo, gradually we lose our intelligence and then buddhi-nāśātpraṇaśyati. praṇaśyati This is the path of destruction. Whole world is moving towards destruction. We want, Hare Krsna devotees want everyone to take U-turn and progress towards flourishment and not destruction. They are going towards hell. So, we have to give Lord to the people. Or have to give the words related to the Lord, this is the same thing. Senses have five objects. Soul also have senses, they are divine, transcendental senses. The soul has a form. It also has mind and intelligence and it is aham, ahamdasosmi. I am the servant of Lord Krsna. This is our real identity. Srila Prabhupada says, real ego and false ego. We really exist. And what is that existence? We are souls and

(jīv) kṛṣṇa-dās, e biśwās,
korle to’ ārduḥkhonāi
(kṛṣṇa) bolbejabe, pulakha’be
jhorbeāńkhi, bolitāi

Translation

If you just understand that the spirit soul is the eternal servant of Krsna, you will never have any more sorrows. Chant Hare Krsna and your eyes will fill with tears and your body will feel transcendental shivering. Chant, chant “Radha-Krsna!” Everyone chant!. [Verse 2 from song ‘Radha KrsnaBolBol’ by BhaktivinodaThakura]

Bhakti Vinod Thakur says, if we will understand that jīvakṛṣṇa-dāsa, e biśwās, with this understanding what will happen? duḥkhonāi, we will be free from miseries.

Sub-theme: So-called Brahmin- ‘I relish beef’

So, the Hare Krsna devotees, should relish Krsna consciousness. We have to relish Krsna. When I say relish, I remember, long time ago I was in Ahmedabad. I went to make life member to one gentle man. I called him gentle man but he was not. He introduced himself that he is from brahmin family. ‘I am born brahmin’, but do you know what he said next? He said ‘I relish beef’. He didn’t say I eat, but he said I relish beef. Do you understand what is beef? If not then it’s better. You don’t have to know. So that Brahmin didn’t say, he eat beef, but he said, I relish beef. That was hellish thing.

So, we should relish Krsna and Krsna is relishable. Krsna is sweet, madhuradhi pater akhilammadhuram.

adharaḿ madhuraḿ vadanaḿ madhuraḿ
nayanaḿ madhuraḿ hasitaḿ madhuraḿ
hṛdayaḿ madhuraḿ gamanaḿ madhuraḿ
madhurādhi-pater akhilaḿ madhuraḿ

Translation

His lips are sweet, His face is sweet His eyes are sweet, His smile is sweet His heart is sweet, His gait is sweet—Everything is sweet about the Emperor of sweetness! [Verse 1 from song ‘Sri Madhurastakam’ by Vallabhacarya]

Everything related to Krsna is madhuram.

Sub-theme: You read, you hear, and then share your experience

So, we have to relish and CaitanyaMahaprabhu did the same. He became devotee and He performed two things. One is relish Krsna and second is distribution of Krsna. What we have experienced, that we have to give to others. This is my first-hand experience of Krsna. And then we can explain this with the help of scriptures.

We Hare Krishna devotees should become bhajananandi, always engaged in Bhajan. And even in bhojan, if it is Krsna Prasad, then there is only bliss. When we say Bhajan, that means not only the songs of vaisnavas but italso includes the whole life style of the vaisnavas. This is not only worshiping deities. No, it is one part of Bhajan. We ask, ‘how is your Bhajan going on?’It includes everything. So, we have to become bhajananandi as well as gosthyanandi. We have to share in our own words whatever Krsna realization we have achieved. Prabhupada used to say, you read, you hear, and then share your experience in your own words. That is preaching. Your own realizations, and of course you can give reference of Gita Bhagavatam or sadhu sastra acaryas.

So, CaitanyaMahaprabhu is magnanimous.

namomahā-vadānyāya
kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāyate
kṛṣṇāyakṛṣṇa-caitanya-
nāmnegaura-tviṣenamaḥ

Translation:

“O most munificent incarnation! You are Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and You are widely distributing pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You. [CC Madhya 19.53]

Sub-theme: Become bhuri-da janah

tavakathämrtamtapta-jivanam
kavibhiriditamkalmasäpaham
sravana-mangalamsrimadätatam
bhuvigrnanti ye bhüri-däjanäh

Translation-

The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly, those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent. [SB 10.31.9]

Gopis said, those who distribute this kathamrta or Namamrta or prasad-amrta, how are they? bhüri-däjanäh they are very magnanimous. Such magnanimous we have to become. When we will develop Krsna consciousness then we will develop all these divine qualities. To be magnanimous is one quality.

yasyästibhaktirbhagavatyakincanä-
sarvairgunaistatrasamäsatesuräh
harävabhaktasyakutomahad-gunä
manorathenäsatidhävatobahih

Translation-

All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Väsudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord’s external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man? [SB 5.18.12]

When we will do bhakti, yasyästibhaktirbhagavatyakincanä, by becoming akincana, or niskincana, materially exhausted, then sarvairgunaistatrasamäsate surah, tatra, in that person all qualities of the demigods, you will become godly. You will not become God but you will become godly. So, to become kind, magnanimous is also one quality.

jive dayänämerucivaisnavasevana
ihachära dharma nähisunasanätana

Translation

“Hear, Sanätana! Kindness to all living beings, taste for the holy name, and service to Vaiñëavas—apart from these there is no other religion.”

We have to increase nämeruci, taste for the holy name. And how to do that? That formula is given. One is, serve vaisnavas, do not do any vaisnavaaparadha. We become expert in vaisnavaaparadha. Serve vaisnavas and have jive daya, have compassion for the faithful living begins. Develop ruci, taste in Holy name and to develop taste in the name of the Lord means to develop taste in the Lord. Because Lord’s name is Lord Himself. jive dayänämerucivaisnavasevana. And this is the life of Hare Krsna devotees, life of welfare for others, para-upakara.

paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah
paropakarayavahantinadyah
paropakarayaduhantigavah
paropakarthamidamshareeram

Translation

Trees give fruits for the welfare of others, rivers flow for the welfare of others and cows give milk for the welfare of others, In the same way this body is also for the welfare of others.

paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah. Do you have fruit trees here? Okay, there is guava and amalaki. So much merciful is this amalaki. Its importance is given in the scriptures.

Lord says give Me-

patrampuspamphalamtoyam
yo me bhaktyäprayacchati
tad ahambhakty-upahrtam
asnämiprayatätmanah

Translation-

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it. [BG 9.26]

From where all this coming? From tree we get patrampuspamand phalam, and even toyam we get in some quantity from trees. So, what the trees do? paroparakaryaphalantivrikshah, for others benefit, not for their own self, they give fruits. paropakarayaduhantigavah Cows give milk for others. Does the cow drink her own milk? She gives it for others. paropakarayavahantinadyah, rivers flow to give water to others. And then paropakarthamidamshareeram, this human body is for the welfare of others. So, Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants from us and Srila Prabhupada kept on repeating it, what is expectation from us by the Lord? We should do paropakara.

Time is getting over. We have to move ahead. For the benefit of our own and for the welfare of the residents of Bhopal, for their achievement of Krsna Consciousness, those who have come in the contact of Krsna Consciousness, in the contact of Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in good number, tent full. Here tent is full. One time those who used to do house full cinema theatres, they are making ISKCON temples full. ISKCON temples are full, full and overflooded, and therefore here tent is full. Yesterday we were shown 8 Acre land which we are having here. This is one project and then Acyut Krsna Prabhu and I am sure you are also having land. There are Goshalas and lands and here will be projects, because this is full now. We need a bigger facility. Looks like there is a big demand. Krsna is in demand. What else the soul needs? Soul wants the Lord. People are coming to the senses.

Sub-theme: Mercy of Corona

Dukha me smaran sab kare, sukha me karena koi- everyone remembers Lord only in miseries, and not in happiness. That Bhopal tragedy happened here right? Those chemicals and thousands of people were burnt or killed. Like that,this Kaliyuga is making our lives difficult, more and more. This is good. This is having benefit. The purpose of this is, we should turn towards Lord. After the mercy, karuna of Corona virus, the world is changed. You have noticed it or not don’t know. But wherever I am traveling, everywhere I am seeing visitors’ number, devotees’ number is increased by two three times. And young and old, youth also! Yesterday night, one Prabhuji was introducing me. He gave too much introduction. Little exaggeration was there. That happens.

So, one time I was college student, who took admission in ISKCON and became Hare Krsna devotee. But see now, the world is changed. Corona virus has changed the world more. Thoughts, thinking of the people is changing. Then there is ISKCON temple or Kumbhamela or Jaya Sri Rama! When Rama Lalla came on 22^ndJanuary, I was also there. That day and now also people are running towards Ayodhya, and now to every Dham, Holy place. Dham is asraya sthal, place of refuge, where we can live and take shelter, we are protected. This is the definition of the Holy places. People are running towards thedhama, tirtha. And Lord’s devotees are also

bhavad-vidhäbhägavatäs
tirthi-bhütähsvayamprabho
tirthi-kurvantitirthäni
sväntah-stenagadä-bhrtä

Translation-

“Saints of your caliber are themselves places of pilgrimage. Be-cause of their purity, they are constant companions of the Lord, and therefore they can purify even the places of pilgrimage.” [SB 1.13.10]

Devotees are tirthi-kurvantitirthäni, the places of pilgrimage. So, we have to take advantage. People are changing. They are coming towards Krsna. So, get ready. Not right now. Yes, all of you should get ready. Do something like this. So, when you will leave, depart, when you took birth, you were crying and everyone else was laughing, but we should work in such a way that when we will leave, we will laugh but all others will cry due to separation. Just as world is crying for Gopal Krsna Maharaj ki Jai! Bhakti Charu Maharaj moved forward and we are also in the line. Will you stay forever? Is there such plan? śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchanti…

ahanyahanibhūtāni
gacchantīhayamālayam
śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchanti
kimāścaryamataḥ param

Translation

“Day after day countless living entities in this world go to the kingdom of death. Still, those who remain aspire for a permanent situation here. What could be more amazing than this?” [Mahābhārata, Vana-parva 313.116]

Yudhistir Maharaj said, this is very astonishing. What is most wonderful? kimāścaryam? This was conversation between Yaksa and King Yudhisthir. What is most wonderful thing? Tajmahal! Wonder of the world! He didn’t say like this. He said ahanyahanibhūtānigacchantīhayamālayam, śeṣāḥsthāvaramicchantikimāścaryamataḥ param, is there anything more wonderful than this? We see that people are dying, family members and neighbors, ahanyahanibhūtāni, everyday gacchantīhayamālayam, and those who are left behind, the balance, what do they think? Sthāvaram, we are not going to die. We are not in that list. kimāścaryamataḥ param, what could be more amazing than this?

Sub-theme: Prepare for ‘ante Narayana smrti’

Hari Hari! We also have to go. We should be preparing. Govind namaleke tab prana tana se nikale. Gopal Krishna Maharaj also, I was there with him in the hospital and ICU. I was not getting idea if Maharaj is still here or left to another word, so I started chanting loudly and one time I chanted loudly ‘Hare Krishna’ so that Gopal Krishna Maharaj may listen and give some response. Body was not moving. Only activity which I noticed that Maharaj whole heartedly said ‘Hare Krishna’. I couldn’t hear the sound but definitely it was Hare Krishna. He opened his mouth wide open. Similarly, I witnessed SrilaPrabhupada’s departure in 1977, in Prabhupada’s quarter. Many other devotees also were there. I noticed that while leaving body Prabhupada said ‘Hare Krishna’. and next time few days back same thing repeated. Gopal Krishna Maharaj also said ‘Hare Krishna’and after that he didn’t say anything. After some time, the doctors declared that he is no more with us.

So, everyone will die, but if we have to die then we should die like this, leave body like this. But this doesn’t happen all of a sudden. This needs life time practice and sadhana. Ante Narayana smrti! Ante Narayana smrti!

King Pariksita was also told, what is the target? Ante Narayana smrti, Narayana should be remembered at the last moment. So, to remember Narayana ALSO at the last moment what need to do? Sravanamkirtanam and then there will be visnuhsmaranam.

śrī-prahrādauvāca
śravaṇaṁkīrtanaṁviṣṇoḥ
smaraṇaṁpāda-sevanam
arcanaṁvandanaṁdāsyaṁ
sakhyamātma-nivedanam
itipuṁsārpitāviṣṇau
bhaktiścennava-lakṣaṇā
kriyetabhagavatyaddhā
tan manye ’dhītamuttamam

Translation:

Prahlāda Mahārāja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Viṣṇu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one’s best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) — these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Kṛṣṇa through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge. [ŚB 7.5.23-24]

So, we have to prepare. There are two things. One is sadhana bhakti and other is its preaching, distribution. One this is to relish it and another is to distribute it. If we will do this then our life will be successful and others lives will also be successful with the achievement of Krsna.
Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare!

How Krsna reciprocates with his devotees 25th May 2024

25 May 2024
How Krsna reciprocates with his devotees
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. Instantaneously I am instructed to deliver today’s Japa Talk. I was not prepared. How is the climate?Everyone is talking about the rise in the temperature. I was thinking about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastime. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu never took a leave from performing his pastimes.

tṛṇād api su-nīcena
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (CC Adi 17.31)

Translation: One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was returning from his quarters. It was very hot and he was very thirsty. While passing by the market he saw a dairy shop. He stood by the shop, the shopkeeper understood that he wanted something to drink. So he offered a glass of buttermilk. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s focus was on the big pot of butter milk.

The shopkeeper understood that he wanted that pot, so he permitted him to go ahead. Then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took that pot and drank the complete pot of butter milk. And once finished he started to move ahead. The shopkeeper stopped him and asked for the payment.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu replied, I don’t have any money, I can’t make any payment. My followers are coming and there are some Grashtha’s also amongst them. You can ask them for the payment. The shopkeeper followed, as soon as followers passed by, he asked them for the payment.

But they also replied, we have nothing with us. We have been out for sankirtan for many days now. The shopkeeper then replied, tell your leader that I sponsored this pot of butter milk for him. Then he began to wonder, what would I tell my wife that how much did I earn today? Still he went on to close the shop and return back.

As soon as he went ahead to lift the empty pot of butter milk, he realized it was full of gems, gold coins, jewellery etc. Immediately he could realize this miracle was the mercy of that leader. So he immediately went to see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and offered his obeisances unto his Lotus feet. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lifted him and embraced him.

Earlier he had filled his empty pot with wealth. And now he filled his heart with Krsna prema. There is a song which says, when will that day be mine, when I’ll get a taste for Harinaam. Also he expressed this in Shikshastakam.

nayanam galad-ashru-dharaya
vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira
pulakair nichitam vapuh kada
tava nama-grahane bhavishyati (Shikshastakam 6)

Translation: O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?

ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam
adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va
yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato
mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha (Shikshastakam 8)

Translation: I know no one but Krishna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.

Either you accept me or reject. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself. So he gave his own prema to the shopkeeper. That shopkeeper was experiencing all the eight bodily transformations. Sometimes he would stand and dance and sometimes he would fall down. Now he wanted to go ahead with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had this policy.

On his way South India, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would embrace people, bless them with Krsna Prema and then they would want to travel with him.

kabe ha’be bolo se-dina āmār
(āmār) aparādha ghuci’, śuddha nāme ruci,
kṛpā-bale ha’be hṛdoye sañcār (Kabe Ha’be Bolo 1)

Translation: When, O when, will that day be mine? When will you give me your blessings, erase all my offences and give my heart a taste [ruci] for chanting the Holy Name in purity?

There were other followers heading towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They had noticed this shopkeeper running towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and now he was returning back. They could feel the difference in his consciousness and they rejoiced.

Hari Haribol Haribol! They are associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu so they had an idea of what has happened and who Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is.

ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ
kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam
indrāri-vyākulaṁ lokaṁ
mṛḍayanti yuge yuge (SB 1.3.28)

Translation: All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa 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.

Raya Ramananda had his darshans also as Supreme personality of Godhead. Thus the shopkeeper returned back to his shop. He was rich now both with material as well as spiritual wealth. Also he had a similar pastime at Nandagram. When that lady fruit seller had kept her basket full of fruits in front of Nanda Bhavan.

Krsna had given just handful of grains to her. But in exchange the fruit seller gave Krsna the entire fruit basket gradually. Though she should have just given a single banana ideally. And when she was going back, she could see that the entire basket was full of gold coins and gems etc.

Similarly though Sudama Brahmin was not personally willing to do this. But his wife pushed him to go to Krsna saying you may be poor but your friend is Dwarkadhish. She asked him to go to Dwarka and ask him to help.

Sudama took some chipped rice for Krsna. He was reluctant to offer that to Krsna, but Krsna knew he should have definitely brought something for him. Krsna snatched that cloth bag with chipped rice from him forcefully and he honored it.

Similarly Shabri offered Jujube fruit to Lord Rama. So such pastimes continue to repeat. Rukmini devi stopped Krsna from finishing all the chipped rice, she said these rice are very expensive, you will find it very difficult to pay back.

Recently I was in Ujjain, there we discussed these pastimes of Sudama and Krsna. They spent the entire night discussing their different childhood memories.

mach-chittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaśh cha māṁ nityaṁ tuṣhyanti cha ramanti cha (BG 10.9)

Translation: With their minds fixed on Me and their lives surrendered to Me, My devotees remain ever content in Me. They derive great satisfaction and bliss in enlightening one another about Me and in conversing about My glories.

In the morning Sudama returned back. While returning back, Sudama immediately remembered, my wife had asked me to ask for Alms. Then he thought, it’s good that I didn’t ask anything from Krsna and neither did he give me anything in return.

I might have misused my accumulated wealth in unnecessary expenses and wasted my time. Sometimes, Krsna gives the fruits immediately, and sometimes he gives in subtle manner. To the Shopkeeper he gave immediately but to Sudama, he made a home delivery.

He gave him an extension of Dwarkapuri. Krsna can give and he can take away everything too. He is our father.

sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā (BG 14.4)

Translation: It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.

There is a verse in Shrimad Bhagavatam.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
yasyāham anugṛhṇāmi
hariṣye tad-dhanaṁ śanaiḥ
tato ’dhanaṁ tyajanty asya
svajanā duḥkha-duḥkhitam (SB 10.88.8)

Translation: The Personality of Godhead said: If I especially favor someone, I gradually deprive him of his wealth. Then the relatives and friends of such a poverty-stricken man abandon him. In this way he suffers one distress after another.

Krsna was not giving anything, instead he takes everything away. When Shrila Prabhupada was in Jhansi, Srila Prabhupada’s first disciples Prabhat Mishra received a telegram. Even when Srila Prabhupada was running his pharmacy in Prayagraj, he lost everything.

Prabhakar Mishra thought Srila Prabhupada will be sad to hear this. But Srila Prabhupada was smiling instead. He said, Krsna is being merciful towards me.

Similarly even Radharani is saying in this verse of Sri Shikshstakam (ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha (Shikshastakam 8)).

Accept me or reject. Real wealth is Krsna Prema. Real success of life is to accumulate and make fixed deposits of this wealth. A devotee of the Lord remains satisfied with Krsna’s wealth. They remain aloof from the material wealth of this world.

prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana
‘dāsa’ kari’ vetana more deha prema-dhana (CC Antya 20.37)

Translation: Without love of Godhead, My life is useless. Therefore I pray that You accept Me as Your servant and give Me the salary of ecstatic love of God.

yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo
dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca
kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate (BG 4.22)

Translation: He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.

sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā
lābhālābhau jayājayau
tato yuddhāya yujyasva
naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi (BG 2.38)

Translation: Do thou fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat – and by so doing you shall never incur sin.

He remains satisfied with the Lord’s name, form, pastimes and qualities. He has no other reason for satisfaction except the Lord. We also need to get over the effects of heat and cold. This material world is full of suffering and it’s temporary.

bhajahū re mana śrī-nanda-nandana
abhaya-caraṇāravinda re
durlabha mānava-janama sat-sańge
taroho e bhava-sindhu re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 1)

Translation: O mind just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless. Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of worldly existence through the association of saintly persons.

śīta ātapa bāta bariṣaṇa
e dina jāminī jāgi re
biphale sevinu kṛpaṇa durajana
capala sukha-laba lāgi’ re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 2)

Translation: Both in the day and at night I remain sleepless, suffering the pains of the heat and cold, the wind and the rain. For a fraction of flickering happiness I have uselessly served wicked and miserly men.

e dhana, yaubana, putra, parijana
ithe ki āche paratīti re
kamala-dala-jala, jīvana ṭalamala
bhajahū hari-pada nīti re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 3)

Translation: What assurance of real happiness is there in all of one’s wealth, youthfulness, sons, and family members? This life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal; therefore you should always serve and worship the divine feet of Lord Hari.

śravaṇa, kīrtana, smaraṇa, vandana,
pāda-sevana, dāsya re
pūjana, sakhī-jana, ātma-nivedana
govinda-dāsa-abhilāṣa re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 4)

Translation: It is the desire and great longing of Govinda Dasa to engage himself in the nine processes of bhakti, namely hearing the glories of Lord Hari and chanting those glories, constantly remembering Him and offering prayers to Him, serving the Lord’s lotus feet, serving the Supreme Lord as a servant, worshiping Him with flowers and incense and so forth, serving Him as a friend, and completely offering the Lord one’s very self.

We are dependent on the Lord.

arjuna uvāca
naṣṭo mohaḥ smṛtir labdhā
tvat-prasādān mayācyuta
sthito ’smi gata-sandehaḥ
kariṣye vacanaṁ tava (BG 18.73)

Translation: Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.

Gaur Premanande Hari Bol.

Preaching Krsna Consciousness 26th May 2024

26 May 2024
Preaching Krsna Consciousness
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. How was your japa? From the stage of remembering the Lord, two minutes prior to going to sleep and two minutes after waking up.

tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (Shikshastakam 3)

Translation: One should chant the Holy names of the Lord in a humble state of mind , thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than a tree devoid of all false prestige and should be ready to offer all respects to others . In such a state of mind , one can chant the Holy names of the Lord constantly.

So in total giving four minutes to the Lord. And remaining 23 hours 56 minutes for our own sense gratification. You understand from where I reached to this calculation. We need to get to a point of remembering the Lord always.

sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati (ŚB 1.2.6)

Translation: The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.

When we worship the Lord, we ask him for boons. We give them homework to complete. Ideal worship should be without any material motivation. We should render devotional service to the lordship, he is Adhokshaja. Devotional service can only be performed for the Lord. Worship to the demigods can’t be stated as devotional service.

arjuna uvācha

paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān
puruṣhaṁ śhāśhvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum (BG 10.12)

Translation: Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, the greatest. All the great sages such as Nārada, Asita, Devala and Vyāsa confirm this truth about You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me.

As soon as there is a desire for sense gratification, the material energy of the Lord maya steals the intelligence of this person. And blinded by the material desires he reaches at the shelter of other demigods leaving Krsna behind.

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.

Krsna has given a detailed description to everything. But who has time to go through it. After many births a person may develop some intelligence and such an intelligent person once again comes back to the shelter of the Lord.

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

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.

Demigods don’t incarnate. They remain in this world always. Incarnation is when the Lord comes to this material world from his Vaikuntha planets. There are 33 crore demigods. But the incarnations of the Lord are unlimited. So the number of demigods is very limited.

yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām (BG 9.25)

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

ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthā
madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā
adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ (BG 14.18)

Translation: Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.

Some demigods may be in the mode of Goodness and others in passion or ignorance. So the demigod worshipers may go to Swargaloka (Heaven), but those who worship Krsna will go back to Krsna loka. By misfortune our intelligence has been stolen that’s why people in general have no clue what is the difference between Swargaloka and Vaikuntha. They think it’s all one. They are not one, they are infinite. Demigods are like the workers.

They have some positions and tasks to perform. All the gyana Kanda and karma Kanda is part of demigod worship. Hinduism is full of gyana kand and karma kand. It’s based on the fulfillment of the material desires. Please bless us with a house by the side of the beach and a colour TV.

yāvat jīvet sukhaṁ jīvet ṛṇaṁ kṛtvā ghṛtaṁ pibet |
bhasmībhūtasya dehasya punrāgamanaṁ kutaḥ bhavet ||

Translation: As long as you live, drink clarified butter (means enjoy a royal life). If you don’t have money then take loans and just enjoy. When the body gets destroyed then when does it comes again?

At least he is saying drink Ghee not wine. So we should be worshiping the Lord. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to teach this to us. The latest incarnation of the Lord, who appeared around 538 years back.

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

Translation: For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for establishing Dharma, I take birth in every age.

And whatever he donated to this world, you are taking benefit of that on this day. I am very happy to see this.

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.

You left your morning sleep and ran towards the temple. This is also like the activities of Vraja Gopis. You all have gathered here and not just you all but there are devotees on Zoom temple. And not just you but there are so many in Nagpur and around the world.

āpani ācari prabhu jīvere śikhāya
āpna vañcaka yei sei jirjane bhajāya (Apani Acari Prabhu Jivere 1)

Translation: The Lord sets example Himself to teach the spirit souls. The one who performs nirjana bhajana simply cheats himself.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead himself appeared disguised as the devotee. And he performed different pastimes.

mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gitavaditra-
madyan-manaso rasena
romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam (Sri Gurvashtakam 2)

Translation: Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his bodily hairs stand on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

He was born and brought up at Navadip. Then he went to Jagannath Puri. Then for six years he went for a visit to South India. He performed Sankirtan in the forests of Jharkhand. He made the animals like lion, cat, deer etc to dance in Sankirtan. He made them chant the holy name.

The entire Jharkhand state wherever Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed by, he made the animals dance and perform Sankirtan. They were chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra. It was like a crash course. Within a very short span of time they crossed over all the nine states from sraddha(strong faith) to prema. It can take up to many years or sometimes many lifetimes but here in the association of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, these animals developed all the different 9 stages in just a few hours. This pastime is very amazing. Though we have many pastimes which prove the lordship of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They prove that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya, rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya

Translation: Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

But this pastime is also a very significant pastime to prove his supremacy. There was a sight when a lion and a deer were walking side by side rubbing the shoulders. The Lion was not looking at the deer with an enemical sight, neither the deer was afraid of the Lion.

All the pairing of animals in this material world having enemical feelings for each other were dancing side by side or on the top. All the enemical feelings had gone. These tendencies are unnatural from the Lord’s point of view.

But they are natural in this material world. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu observed that the Lion and the deer were embracing each other. The snakes were dancing. They were offering obeisances to each other.

vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha
kripa-sindhubhya eva cha
patitanam pavanebhyo
vaishnavebhyo namo namaha (Vaishnava Pranam)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord. They are just like desire trees and can fulfill the desires of everyone, and they are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.

They were embracing each other and what to speak of embracing they were kissing each other. And this sight reminded Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of the holy land of Vraja – Vrindavan. There was no lust, greed anger or any of the six anarthas. And he said, “This is Vrindavan”.

We continue to render many devotional services. We continue to have Radha Gopinath’s darshans, Read Srila Prabhupada’s books, honour prasadam, share our hearts with other devotees confidentially etc.

dadāti pratigṛhṇāti
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva
ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam (NOI 4)

Translation: Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

And in this way our lifestyle becomes completely different. And all our activities center around the chanting of Hare Krsna Mahamantra. Initially when I joined Hare Krsna Movement and there was a time I had to go back home to my village and looking at my lifestyle, the villagers used to comment. “Have you gone Crazy?” He was such a good child and later he joined Hare Krsna movement and now he has become mad.

cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambhdhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate shri-Krsna-sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

Translation: Glory to the Shri Krsna sankirtana (congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names), which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. That sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

You can also experience such comments in your life. All this revolution in consciousness is coming up in our lives because of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These activities gradually form our lifestyle. All this chanting of the holy name will reach all the towns and villages of this world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra hoibe mora nāma (CB Antya-khaṇḍa 4.126)

Translation: As many towns and villages there are on the surface of the globe everywhere people will know My name.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did a lot and then Srila Prabhupada followed and contributed a lot. And our padayatra has travelled 3+ lakh kilometers, till now spreading the holy name. And this is just the beginning. All the different teams of padayatri’s will make sure that the holy name would reach each town and village of this world Param vijayate Sri Krsna sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama (BG 18.78)

Translation: Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.

This is the Last verse of Bhagavad Gita. This is very important. And wherever we preach Hare Krsna movement all these things appear with time. We can see the transformation. Who used to come to attend Mangla Aarti 10 years back? And now we need a calculator to calculate. It’s houseful and flooded. And the transformation which we see here, this transformation is happening everywhere. Because I keep travelling everywhere. I was in Dehradun with HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. From there I went to Delhi then we went to Vrindavan and then back to Delhi.

Then Gaziabad, Faridabad, Noida. Then we went to Ujjain, Bhopal and now Nagpur. We at least went to 10 cities in the last 20 days. We as a preacher if we try a little bit, then Krsna awards us with so much. Krsna is the witness and permittor. This flood of devotees is the result of Lord’s mercy.

mayadhyaksena prakrtih
suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate (BG 9.10)

Translation: This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and it is producing all moving and unmoving beings. By its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

And it’s not that we have reached Zineth that now we have a sign board out of the temple. It’s over no more. Krsna can engage any number of the living entities in his service. He can give employment and services to anyone. And remember Bhagavan is not limited to the people of any particular caste, creed or religion.

Dharma means the laws of the Lord and they are the same for all the living entities. Srila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada instructed Srila Prabhupada to go and preach in the western countries which Srila Prabhupada executed successfully. Srila Prabhupada used to travel throughout India and the world.

One day Shrila Prabhupada was sitting with a globe. And most of his disciples were foreigners. He was pointing out that we should have a temple at this place and that place. And also he mentioned, we should have one ISKCON temple at Nagpur also. This is like the last will of Srila Prabhupada.

Importance of Association of Holyname and Lords Pure Devotees 27th May 2024

Speaker:H.G Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu

Date: 27-05-2024

Main Theme: Importance of Association of Holyname and Lords Pure Devotees

Sub-Theme: Lord glorifying his devotees

Hare Krishna

HG Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu speaks, Prayers

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Lotus feet of Shrila Gurudev and all other devotees.

Today we will read from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. While Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was travelling towards South India. On his way he reached the banks of Godavari. He remembers the dialogues of Sarvabhaum Bhattacharya who has recommended Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to meet a devotee Ramananda Rayresiding near Godavri River. SarvabhaumBhattachary mentioned earlier we were not able to distinguish between as real devotee and ordinary personal but with Mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu we are able to understand difference and recommended to meet great devotee Ramanda Ray.

Now Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meets Ramananda Ray. And through various important conversation with him he is explaining the different mellows of the Devotional service. He is making him an instrument as had made Shrila Haridas Thakura an instrument in explaining the glories of Holyname. It is so strange the Almighty Lord himself is asking questions. In this conversation is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is asking some important questions and Ramananda Ray is responding, while speaking He is explaining the different mellows. Some of them we will discuss, it is in Chaitanya Madhya lila 8.251 verse

‘śreyo-madhyekonaśreyaḥjīverahayasāra?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-saṅgavināśreyaḥnāhiāra’

Translation

Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all auspicious and beneficial activities, which is best for the living entity?” [CC Madhya 8.251]

Out of all auspicious activities which is best and which is best thing to remember.

‘kāṅhārasmaraṇajīvakaribeanukṣaṇa?’
‘kṛṣṇa’-nāma-guṇa-līlā — pradhānasmaraṇa’

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “What should all living entities constantly remember?”[CC Madhya 8.252]

RāmānandaRāya replied, “The chief objects of remembrance are always the Lord’s holy name, qualities and pastimes.”

tasmātsarvātmanārājan hariḥsarvatrasarvadā
śrotavyaḥkīrtitavyaś ca smartavyobhagavānnṛṇām

Translation

ŚukadevaGosvāmī concludes, “The business of the living entity is to always remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead in every circumstance. The Lord should be heard about, glorified and remembered by all human beings.”[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.2.36]

Sub-Theme: Importance of Devotee association

Ultimately best service of human is that Lord should be glorified and remembered by all human beings and association of devotees of Krishna.

Srila praphupada has mentioned it in this shloka. Ultimate goal of ISKCON is to attract common man to associate with devotees. That was Srila Prabhupada s mood and mission. The only motive of building such huge temples is to provide association of the devotees and will get benefitted. Similarly,the aim to establish this zoom temple is to facilitate devotee association.

There is no service bigger than this. H.H Radha Govind swami maharaj also says that association of pure devotees is the highest of all services and hear from them. Sometimes we think if we prepare any dish for the pure devotee that is highest service, but in contrary, just hearing in association of pure devotee is the highest order of service. And that pure devotee is the spiritual master.

Further in another Shlokas Mahaprabhu is saying

‘duḥkha-madhyekonaduḥkhahayagurutara?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-virahavināduḥkhanāhidekhi para’

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?”ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”[CC Madhya 8.248]

Which is the top most painful distress.ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”

sva-jīvanādhikaṁprārthyaṁśrī-viṣṇu-jana-saṅgataḥ
vicchedenakṣaṇaṁcātranasukhāṁśaṁlabhāmahe

Translation

“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”[Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta 1.5.44]

Amongst all the endeavours to be performed to attain anything in this material world, the association of the devotees of Lord Vishnu is the most attainable. And a person who lost such association of pure devotees, from where will he get satisfaction. If we have developed any auspiciousness in our lives then it is because of the association of such pure devotees and the change starts happening in your life. As soon as we lose such association all our advancement in Krishna consciousness vanishes.

Sub-Theme: How Holyname helps to take poison of envy from us

And our life becomes filled with inauspiciousness. How can we manage to lose such a precious accent of the devotee association?To understand this we need to hear the story of Kaliya Snake

He was residing in Yamuna River. Vrindavan is considered as highest abode. But Kaliya Snake was so poisonous that because of him, the cows, calves and Vrajavasis were dying. And because he caused suffering to Lord’s dear devotees thus he asked him to leave. And instructed him to leave Vraja

Why was Kaliya Naag causing trouble to the Vrajavasis?

Because he is envious in nature. He is so envious that he would bite you even if you are not disturbing him at all.That is why even the Saints would ask you to kill the Snake as soon as you see him. Even Shrila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada asked his disciples to kill a snake in the temple. Shrila Prabhupada was confused for some time, but later on he readand understood the reason.

So, if we are so envious then, Krishna will make such an arrangement that we ourselves will say, that I want to go away from here. So, we should be careful, and avoid committing offense towards the devotees. We saw how Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya Snake and took out all the poison from him

Before Krishna had to do it for us forcefully, we should leave it out ourselves. As Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya and then all the poison came out. Similarly,we should request Krishna in form of his Holyname to come and dance on our tongue. So that all the poison comes out and we could offer the required respects to the devotees of the Lord. Shrila Prabhupada used to say when we are chanting the Holyname. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, then Sri Sri Radha Krishna or Yugal Kishore are dancing in our tongue. So, we should also pray to them please remove this poison from my heart. We should sit in association of devotees and chant the holyname

kṛṣṇa – he kṛṣṇa, sva-bhakta-dvārābhajana-jñāna-dānena mac-cittaṁśodhaya

Gopāla Guru Gosvāmī’s explanation of the Mahāmantra—

Sva-bhakta-dvārā: Through the devotees (those who sincerely serve and worship the Lord).

Bhajana-jñāna-dānena: By engaging in devotional practices, gaining spiritual knowledge, and giving in charity.

Mac-cittaṁ śodhaya: Purify your mind and consciousness by focusing on Me (the Supreme Lord).

The verse encourages us to purify our hearts and minds by practicing devotion.

Krishna! O Krishna! Send me the association of your devotees who will purify my mind through instructions about your devotional service

śṛṇvatāṁsva-kathāḥkṛṣṇaḥ
puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdyantaḥ-sthohyabhadrāṇi
vidhunotisuhṛtsatām

Translation

Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.[SB 1.2.17]

Oh! Krishna by giving us intelligence to associate with your devotees please help me to practice devotional service. This is my humble request unto your lotus feet. In this way a devotee should beg from the Supreme personality of Godhead. As we observe many a times a beggar comes to us to beg alms.

Just imagine if this beggar comes well-dressed will we feel obliged to give him alms?His pity look forces us to give alms. Sometimes they come with little kids on with them. Others with torn clothes etc. They continue to beg from every single person so that we get mercy to give some alms. They try from all end so that we take pity on them and donate some thing.

Sub-Theme: Taking Mercy of the pure devotees to progress in devotional service

Someone might refuse but at least someone will be merciful and give something. Similarly, we should continue to beg from the Lord and his devotees always. We should try our best to beg their mercy and touch the heart of the Lord taking the holyname. Same thing should be applied while praying to Lords pure devotee so that we touch their heart.

As King Kulashekhar prays to the Lord

majjanmanahphalamidammadhu-kaitabhare
mat prarthaniya mad anugrahaesaeva
tvadbhrtya-bhrtya-paricaraka-bhrtya-bhrtya
bhrtyasya-bhrtyamiti mam smaralokanatha—

Translation

O Supreme Lord of all, slayer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha! Please be merciful to me and grant my prayer that You may remember me as a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of such a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of a servant of Your servant’s servant, and a servant of Your servant’s servant servant.[from Sri Mukunda mala stotram by Maharaja Kulashekara]

Maharaja Kulashekara is praying lord to be merciful. He repeats 6 times bhrityabhritya means servant of the servant of the servant. Only then will I relish Krsna’s holy names. Holyname is the personification of the Mellows of devotional service

Still, we are not getting any taste. What is the reason?Because we are not begging for mercy

nāmacintāmaṇiḥkṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥśuddhonitya-mukto
’bhinnatvānnāma-nāminoḥ

Translation

“ ‘The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.’ [CC Madhya 17.133]

Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. So we need to chant Lord name in full devotion in association of his pure devotee.

satāṁprasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvido
bhavantihṛt-karṇa-rasāyanāḥkathāḥ
taj-joṣaṇādāśvapavarga-vartmani
śraddhāratirbhaktiranukramiṣyati

Translation

In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin.[ ŚB 3.25.25]

In case we are falling in sea and do not know swimming, then we will cry with all our senses to save our life. We understand the intensity of the situation. But while chanting same intensity is missing, we will get rid of the envious behaviour if we chant with same intensity. As Lord will be dancing on our tongue and we would request lord for his blessing to be in association of the devotees. If we stand in front of Lord He may forget us, but when you are in association of the pure devotee, He will help us to remember God.

Similarly we are fortunate to have Japa in association of our Guru Maharaj, Take this opportunity and get benefitted

Hare Krishna

Ramananda Ray Disappearance Day 28th May 2024

Topic – Ramananda Ray Disappearance day

Date – 28th may 2024

HH Lokanath Swami – I am in Nagpur right now. You all know. I have to depart sometime. Today I was not supposed to give Japa Talk. We saw cows. When we see cows, naturally affection overflows. Although I was not supposed to speak, I have a heart to speak today. I will just short japa talk. I don’t know what to say. All glories to Ramananda Rai disappearance day.

He was a grihastha. But he was not less, in devotion, knowledge and renunciation, than sannyasis. Even Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya advised to Caitanya Mahaprabhu was about to leave for south India tour and Sarvabhauma Bhattachary said,”In your way, in Andhra Pradesh, Rama make sure you meet him.” he was the most important personality that is why sarvabhauma bhattacharya suggested. Sarvbhauma Bhattacharya was a renowned spiritual teacher.

One day Mahaprabhu left Jagannath Puri. And one day, without any endeavor, he met Ramanand Rai. Rai Ramananda saw Mahaprabhu at a distance. When he saw Mahaprabhu’s personality, His bodily effulgence at a distance, he started to run. He was naturally drawn towards Mahaprabhu just like a magnet is automatically attracted to iron pieces. Magnet does not put any effort but it is naturally attracted to iron. It has no option. Similarly, Ramananda Rai was attracted to mahaprabhu. All glories to Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu. Meeting has not happened yet. From a distance only, they saw and embraced each other. They don’t shake hands. Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Ramanand Rai. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is playing the role of devotee. They both are embracing each other with tears overflowing from their eyes. Their eyes were flooded with tears like torrents of rain. They are doing abhishek of each other with tears of love. Many things take place afterwards. It was a meeting of great personalities. We all have a right to have such a type of meeting with the Lord. you all have this right. But if embraces of this world is going on simultaneously with the desire to embrace the Lord – then it is not possible. Only one embrace is possible – either wordly people or worldly folks, man embracing woman or woman embracing man – then forget it. You are a soul and the Lord can embrace you. The bliss of embracing the Lord if we hear that, then we are in extreme bliss and all eight expressions of Love are visible in them. If we hear this only then our embrace to this world will be loosened. Then embracing this world will come to an end. Only if you want the Lord to embrace you.

Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu met Ramanand Rai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has come to meet all of us actually. He has come in so many forms.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Shikshashtakam vese 6

nayanam galad-aśru-dhārayā
vadanaṁ gadgada-ruddhayā girā
pulakair nicitaṁ vapuḥ kadā
tava nāma-grahaṇe bhaviṣyati

Translation:

My eyes are flowing with tears, My voice falters, choked with emotion, My body thrills with ecstatic shivers— When will that day be mine, When I chant Your holy name?

The result of that meeting of Ramanand Rai with Mahaprabhu, symptoms of devotion were easily visible there.

In Shikshashtakam, mahaprabhu says when that day will come when I will have the attraction to chant Holy names. Holy names are non different from Krsna. So when I will embrace the Holy names or Lord. This is the link. This is Bhakti yoga. Yoga means link. “Yuj” means link. Bulls are connected to each other with wood while plowing fields. That wood in “yuj”. When Holy names will embrace us. When we will meet Holy names so that one day all these symptoms are visible in us also just like mentioned in verse 6 of Shikshashtakam.

Similarly, if we do bhakti like this.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) 1.2.7

vāsudeve bhagavati
bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ
janayaty āśu vairāgyaṁ
jñānaṁ ca yad ahaitukam

Translation:

“By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world.”

The Bhagavatam states that when we perform devotional service to the Lord, the result is the acquisition of both knowledge and detachment. These two outcomes should naturally manifest as a consequence of sincere devotion.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramanand Rai had a conversation later after meeting. Conversation was going on for 1 week. One request of Ramanand Rai , Mahaprabhu stayed there for 1 week. Mahaprabhu has come as a devotee or sadhu.

“Caitanya-caritāmṛta,” Madhya-līlā 22.54

sādhu-saṅga’, sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

Translation:

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that even a moment’s association with a pure devotee brings all success in life”

SUpreme Lord has become teacher, devotee and giving his association to Ramanand Rai. In the end, he said, take early retirement. Rai Ramanand said,”My dear Lord, I am not satisfied with a few days’ association. It would have been better if I could get your association for many more days.” Mahaprabhu said,”That’s fine. When I return from the South India tour then you come to Jagannath Puri. Stay with me forever in Puri.” Why only 2-3 days or a few months. Stay with me forever or whole life. That’s what happened later. When Mahaprabhu returned from the South India tour , again he came to the banks of Godavari. There is a place called Kohur where Rai Ramanand used to stay. Rai Ramanand is Vishakha devi also.

Narottama Dasa Thakura wrote song “Radha Krsna Prana mora verse 5”

lalita visakha-adi jata sakhi-brinda
ajnaya koribo seba caranaravinda

Translation:

With the permission of all the sakhis, headed by Lalita and Visakha, I will serve the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna.

Vishakha has appeared in the form of Rai Ramanand. She was playing the role of regular governor. She was a governor of Madras(Tamil Nadu). She took early retirement. Mahaprabhu when returned from a south India tour, He said to Rai Ramanand, “let’s go to Jagannath Puri.” Rai Ramanand said, “You go. I will come after you.” Sometimes people say that but never come. Even though they say that they’re just coming now. But in this case, Rai Ramanand came. He was with Mahaprabhu for the rest of his life. Today, he departed. Today is his disappearance day. He entered into the eternal pastimes of Mahaprabhu.

So like this, including myself, we should follow in the footsteps of Ramanand Rai. Especially, taking early retirement. We should think about it. Retirement for forever. Everyday you can take some retirement, like for a few hours and not just minutes. Increase your hours of devotional service. Come fast and rush to Gauranga and be with Radha Gopinath. Chant Hare Krsna in the association of devotees. Hear, remember, preach, deity worship in the association of devotees. Like that you can increase the number of hours like 2 hours then 4 hours. But the Lord is not pleased with this much. Krishna is not pleased with just what you give. He is pleased with what you’re giving from your purse, but He is looking at what you’re holding back in your purse. He wants, “Hey, whatever is there, give.” So, Lord will be satisfied completely, when there is “Atmanivedanam” – complete surrender.

Song “Manas deho geho” written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:

manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor
arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor!

Translation:

Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda!

Bhaktivinoda Thakur said this and he lived this also. The live example of this is Ramanand Rai. He was a grihastha (householder), king, governor. He had a big post and position. We can also see the effect of association of devotees. It develops renunciation in heart and attachment to the Lord increases. This should happen. And we have to devote more and more time to the Lord, more and more time to the Lord, over which the Lord has a right. This is our religion and duty. Another name of religion is duty. Now HG Anant Shesh Prabhu will speak.

HG Padmamali Pr – Today we heard about the divine personality Ramanand Rai, His divine character and mood from our dear Guru Maharaj. We can hear in detail about Ramanand Rai from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu tomorrow. Today, time is over. We will stop our session today. This is a very nectarine topic. Few years back, Guru Maharaj gave a session on this topic – “Ramanand Rai “ in Pune.This is a very important topic also. Tomorrow, we will hear from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu. We should invite others to join Japa Session also.

Harinaam Prabhu ki Jai!

Hare Krsna Mahamantra ki Jai!

Ramanand Rai ki Jai!

Sri Ramanand Rai disappearance day ki Jai!

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu ki Jai!

Srila Gurudev ki Jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

Anant koti Vaishnava vrind ki Jai!

Disappearance day of Ramananda Raya 29th May 2024

Date: 29 May 2024
Speaker: HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji
Topic: Disappearance day of Ramananda Raya
HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji:

How lord Chaitanya release and manage the energy and makes Sri Ramananda Raya speak.
Similarly, Gurumaharaj is empowering me to speak.
Yesterday was the Disappearance day of Sri Ramananda Raya and we heard the pastimes from Gurumaharaj. Today we will hear more for the pleasure of Guru Maharaj..

In this Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to relish the love of Godhead and he came with his associates. The associates are from the pastimes of Krishna. On the Disappearance and appearance days, we usually glorify the vaishnavas. On these days their mercy intensifies. I have heard from Guru Maharaj says on the day of Srila Prabupada’s disappearance day, that on the day of appearance and disappearance, those vaishnavas enters more in our life and we become more conscious with their love and affection. So, when we gaudiya vaishnavas want to get the love of Godhead, Bhaktivinode Thakur says:

Vaishnav Song, Kabe Gaura Vane:

gauḏa-vraja-jane bhedanādekhiba
ha-ibabaraja-bāsī
(takhana) dhāmerasvarūpasphuribenayane
ha-ibarādhāradāsī

Translatrion:

When I cease to make distinctions between the residents of Gauda and Braj Dham, I will become resident of Braj. The Dham will then appear directly before my eyes and I will become Radha’s dasi.

The people resides in the abode of Gaursundar are called gauravane. When I factually observe that the transcendental land of Navadvipa is non different from Sri
Vraja-bhumi, then I shall be transformed into a Vrajabasi also. Then I will see the true form of
the transcendental realm opening up before my very eyes, and I will thus become one of the
maidservants of Srimati Radharani.

We not only get the adobe but also get the opportunity to enter in the pastimes of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Śrī Caitanya-Candrāmṛtam Chapter 4.22 &23:

ācaryadharmaṁparicaryaviṣṇuṁ
vicaryatīrthānivicāryavedān
vinānagaura-priya-pāda-sevāṁ
vedādi-duṣprāpya-padaṁvidanti

Translation:

[BhaktisiddhāntaSarasvatīṬhākura]: Even by following the rules of varṇāśrama-dharma, worshiping Lord Viṣṇu, visiting hundreds of holy pilgrimage places, and studying the Vedic scriptures, without serving the lotus feet of the dear devotees of Lord Gaura, no one can know ŚrīdhāmaVṛndāvana, the abode of Rādhā Govinda, which is rarely found by the Vedas or which is not understood by ordinary persons because it is very secretly described in the Vedic scriptures.

What is difficult to get even by the Vedas, the bhava of vraja.

The 4 things they do:

follow varnashram dharma
Worship Vishnu
Visit holy places
And read scriptures

Yet love Godhead will not come untill one takes the shelter of Gaura bhaktas

Caitanya Chandramrta chapter one:

dharmamkrdvisnusevi ca tirthati Veda paragah,
navettiVrajatatram hi gorabhaktarayam vina

When Lord was having his pastimes in Puri, on the banks of the ocean.

Harinam Chintamani:

lavanajaladhi tire nilacalesrimandire
daru brahma purusapradhana |
jive nistaritehari arca rupeavatari
bhogamoksakarenapradana ||2||

In the Sri temple, the lord has appeared as daru brahma, Jagannath to deliver all people. The Lord can give all the things of enjoyment and liberation.

sei dhamesricaitanyamanave karite dhanya
sannyasi rupetebhagavan |
kalite ye yuga dharma bujhaite tara marma
kasi misraghareadhisthana ||3||

The lord appeared in the same place in the form of a sanyasi Lord. The lord resides in Gambhira as the son of Mother Sachi and Jagannath Mishra.

nija bhakta vrndalayenijekalpataru haye
krsnapremadenasarvajane |
nana mate bhakta mukhe bhakta katha suni sukhe
jivasiksadenasuyatane ||4||

and he delivers all humans by teaching the glories of the holynamewithgout any prior qualification. He has become a desire tree. And through his devotees, he is hearing the glories. The Lord is here to spread the glories of Holy Name. Usually the lord appears to instruct his devotee, but here lord Chaitanya wants to make the people to become the best preacher.

Everyone one eager to speak, everyone has opened up the Youtube channel and create their own audience, but the lord is here trying to be an eager listener.
Only he who listens can be the best preacher. The lord who is all knowing is sitting and listening.

SB 1.1.1:

oṁnamobhagavatevāsudevāya
janmādyasyayato ’nvayāditarataścārtheṣvabhijñaḥsvarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdāyaādi-kavayemuhyantiyatsūrayaḥ
tejo-vāri-mṛdāṁyathāvinimayo yatra tri-sargo ’mṛṣā
dhāmnāsvenasadānirasta-kuhakaṁsatyaṁparaṁ dhīmahi

Traslation:

O my Lord, ŚrīKṛṣṇa, son of Vasudeva, O all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. I meditate upon Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmājī, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Him, Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth.

The lord instructed Rupa and Sanatan Goswami and got empowered them and sent them to Vrindavan.

CC Antya 5.87:

śrī-rūpa-dvārāvrajeraprema-rasa-līlā
kebujhitepāregambhīracaitanyerakhelā?

Translation:

Also, the Lord fully exhibited the ecstatic love and transcendental pastimes of Vṛndāvana through ŚrīlaRūpaGosvāmī. Considering all this, who can understand the deep plans of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the teachings to Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. Everyone, who has to preach , must be empowered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The teachings given by Chaitanya mahaprabhu is compiled by Rupa Goswami in the scriptures, like, Nectar of Instruction, Nerctar of Devotion and Lalit Madhav etc., although the speaker is lord Chaitanya himself.

CC Antya 5.86:

haridāsa-dvārānāma-māhātmya-prakāśa
sanātana-dvārā bhakti-siddhānta-vilāsa

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exhibited the glories of the holy name of the Lord through HaridāsaṬhākura, who was born in a Muslim family. Similarly, He exhibited the essence of devotional service through SanātanaGosvāmī, who had almost been converted into a Muslim.

Through Haridas Thakur he glorified the holyname and through Sanatana Goswami, he preached Bhakti shastras.
In Hari Bhakti Vilas, Sanatan Goswami explains the daily activities of a devotee; like, how to brush the teeth, how to go to toilet, how to do achamana, everything is described in the scriptures.

CC Antya 5.85:

‘bhakti’, ‘prema’, ‘tattva’ kaherāyekari’ ‘vaktā’
āpanipradyumna-miśra-sahahaya ‘śrotā’

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu preached about devotional service, ecstatic love and the Absolute Truth by making RāmānandaRāya, a gṛhastha born in a low family, the speaker. Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself, the exalted brāhmaṇa-sannyāsī, and Pradyumna Miśra, the purified brāhmaṇa, both became the hearers of RāmānandaRāya.

The philosophy of devotion is heard by Mahaprabhu from Raya Ramananda
Pradyumnya Mishra told Mahaprabhu that I’m most fallen so please tell me the pastimes of Krsna.

There are two references in Chaitanya Charitamrita: one is in Madhya lila and another one is in antyalila.

In Madhya Lila, chapter 8, where the lower devotional practices to the highest devotional practices are described, Sadhna- Sadhya Tatva, Varnashrama Dharma, Karma Mixed Devotion, Knowledge-Mixed devotion, Pure devotion and all the nectar of mellows, Shant Rasa, Servitor mellow, parental mellow, friendship mellow and conjugal love of Gopis to the topmost love of Srimati Radha Rani. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has heard all the pastimes from Ramananda Raya.

Another reference came in Antya Lila, where Pradyuman Misra reaches to Mahaprabhu and asked to tell him the pastimes. I am very fortunate to take the lotus feet of yours.

CC Antya 5.7:

prabhu kahena, — “kṛṣṇa-kathāāmināhijāni
sabe rāmānandajāne, tāṅramukheśuni

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “I do not know about topics concerning Lord Kṛṣṇa. I think that only RāmānandaRāya knows, for I hear these topics from him.

Mahaprabhu humbly replies, i don’t know. All I know have heard from Ramanand Raya. Go to Ramananda Raya and listen from him. You are very fortunate that you have developed the taste for hearing the pastimes of the lord.

SB 1.2.8:

dharmaḥsvanuṣṭhitaḥpuṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsuyaḥ
notpādayedyadiratiṁ
śramaeva hi kevalam

Translation:

The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labor if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.

So, lord Chaitanya made Ramananda Raya the speaker of the essence of devotion.

CC Antya 5.8

bhāgyetomārakṛṣṇa-kathāśunitehaya mana
rāmānanda-pāśayāi’ karahaśravaṇa

Translation:

“It is your good fortune that you are inclined to hear topics regarding Kṛṣṇa. The best course for you would be to go to RāmānandaRāya and hear these topics from him.

BG 4.34:

tad viddhipraṇipātena
paripraśnenasevayā
upadekṣyantitejñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

Translation:

Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

What are the qualities of an ideal disciple:
There are three main qualities:

surrender completely to Spiritual Master
ask questions
Serve

Can everyone get a chance to ask questions?
Is there some thing less in those disciples who can’t question?
Pari prashna really means the Disciple is very eager to hear every word from the Guru. When we get knowledge we want to speak and hear less. We think only Maharaj speaks on the zoom. We should also speak sometimes. This is bad thoughts So, questioning means eagerness to hear.

BG 4.39:

śraddhāvāḻlabhatejñānaṁ
tat-paraḥsaṁyatendriyaḥ
jñānaṁlabdhvāparāṁśāntim
acireṇādhigacchati

Translation:

A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.

Lord Chaitanya has brought the Mahabhava of Radharani. But only 3 and a half
Devotees can see that Mahabhava:

Ramananda Raya
Svarup Damodar
Sikhimahiti
And his sister Madhavi is half

So, Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada said Gaudiya vaishnavas is one, who has heard the lord Chaitanya’s pastimes 100 times.

We should ask how can we be humble.

We can learn each quality of the devotee from the pastimes of Lord. The lord emphasises by his different associates.
So, by hearing again and again, their life will develop these qualities.

SB .18.12:

Yasyastibhaktirbhagavatyakincana
sarvairgunaistatrasanaste surah
haravabhaktasyakutomahad-guna
mano-rathenasatidhavatobahih

Translation:

All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāsudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord’s external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man?

Determination to chant by Haridas Thakur, and humility by Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami, etc.
So, when we hear about them on their appearance and Dissapearance day. They become pleased by us and then, by their mercy we get these qualities not by any artificial means.

Hare Krishna!