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Lessons from the CC | Antya-lila Chapter 6 Texts 38-50

July 14th, 2005

The Glories of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami Part IV

Lesson 38: A Vaisnava is quite satisfied to be the servant of the servant of the spiritual master and the Supreme Lord.

“Raghunatha dasa never even spoke a word before the Lord. Instead, he informed the Lord of his desires through Svarupa Damodar Goswami and Govinda.” Antya-lila 6.230

Lesson 39: Although a Vaisnava is humble and will gladly, if necessary, takes his main instructions from others, even from advanced god-siblings, it is not wrong to want to hear directly from spiritual master, as one’s strongest faith usually rests there.

Although on the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Raghunatha dasa accepted instructions from Svarupa Damodara Goswami, and thus did not place his questions directly before the Lord, still on one occasion he did:

“The next day, Svarupa Damodara Goswami submitted to Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, ‘Raghunatha dasa has this to say at Your lotus feet. I do not know my duty or the goal of life. Therefore please personally give me instructions from your transcendental mouth.'” Anyta-lila 6.232

Lesson 40: A sannyasi’s devotional practices and their renunciation should be exemplary

Sri Caitanya answers Raghunatha’s inquiry about his duty:

“‘Do not talk like people in general or hear what they have to say. You should not eat very palatable food, nor should you dress very nicely. Do not expect honor, but offer respects to others. Always chant the holy name of Lord Krishna, and within your mind render service to Radha and Krishna in Vrindavana.” Antya-lila 6.236-237

Lesson 41: To get taste for chanting one must be humble.

After instructing Raghunatha dasa about the duties of sannyasa, He gives him one final instruction:

“‘One who thinks himself Lower than grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.'” Antya-lila 6.239

Lesson 42: If one pleases the devotees, one’s heart becomes fertile for the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

When the devotees from Bengal returned from Puri, Raghunatha dasa’s father asks about the welfare of his son. Sivananda Sen informs him through his servant that Raghunatha dasa is renowned for his devotion and strict sannyasa, and that he is indeed the life of all the devotees. Srila Krishna das Kaviraja notes that a similar description of Raghunatha is found in the Sri Caitanya-candrodaya-nataka of Kavi-karnapura.

“Because he is very pleasing to all the devotees, Raghunatha dasa Goswami easily became like the fertile earth of good fortune in which it was suitable for the seed by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu to be sown. At the same time that the seed was sown, it grew into a matchless tree of the love of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and produced fruit.” Antya-lila 6.264 [Sri Caitanya-cadrodaya-nataka (10.4)]

Lesson 43: If one collects money from materialist people even for the service of the Lord, there is certainly a danger of contamination. As a result one may use that money for the enhancement of one’s reputation in the guise of devotional service.

Raghunatha dasa used money sent by his father to feed Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the Vaisnavas, but then suddenly stopped inviting the devotees fearing that it would be contaminating and not pleasing to the Lord.

“‘My consciousness is impure because I accept all these goods from people who are interested only in pounds, shillings, and pence. Therefore by this kind of invitation I get only some material reputation.'” Antya-lila 6.275

Comment: In his commentary on this verse, Srila Prabhupada explains that this verse is a warning to not accept the invitations of materialistic people who only invite Vaisnavas to their home to increase their reputation. Not only do such programs not give the host the benefit of serving the devotees, but it potentially contaminates the honored Vaisnavas attending as well. Srila Prabhupada explains, however, that “If one engages for the service of the Lord whatever one has honestly earned, that is spiritual service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the spiritual master and the Vaisnavas.”

Lesson 44: One engaged in serious spiritual practices has to be careful in accepting food cooked by the materially attached. It will adversely affect one’s consciousness.

When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu hears that Raghunatha das Goswami has stopped inviting the devotees for prasadam as it was sponsored by materialistic people He is very pleased and explains why:

“When one eats food offered by a materialistic man, one’s mind becomes contaminated, and when the mind is contaminated, one is unable to think of Krishna properly.” Antya-lila 6.278

“When one accepts an invitation from a person contaminated by the material mode of passion, the person who offers food and the person who accepts it are both mentally contaminated.” Antya-lila 6.279

Lesson 45: A Vaisnava should be neutral in his dealings.

When Govinda informs Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the reason why Raghunatha dasa is no longer begging at the Simha-dvara, the Lord inquires about this from Svarupa Damodar:

“Svarupa Damodar replied, ‘Raghunatha dasa felt unhappy standing at the Simha-dvara. Therefore he is now going at midday to beg alms from the charity booth.’ Hearing this news, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, ‘He has done very well by no longer standing at the Simha-dvara gate. Such begging of arms resembles a prostitute.'” Antya-lila 6.283-284

Comment: A Vaisnava’s dealings with others should be on the basis of serving them, not materially benefit from others, otherwise their neutrality is compromised. Sri Caitanya thus aptly describes begging as resembling prostitution which also fosters partiality in relationships based only on money.

Lesson 46: A qualified Vaisnava may worship a Govardhana Sila as the transcendental form of the Lord.

“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Raghunatha dasa, ‘This stone is the transcendental form of Lord Krishna. Worship the stone with great eagerness.'” Antya-lila 6.294

Lesson 47: Proper Deity worship must be done in the mode of goodness.

“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu continued, ‘Worship the stones in the mode of goodness like a perfect brahmana , for by such worship you will surely attain ecstatic love of Krsna without delay.'” Antya-lila 6.295

Comment: Passion means attachment, doing things for some result. Worship, however, must be done out of love, not for some result. Worship, or devotional activities, must therefore be done as much as possible in the mode of goodness, without attachment.

Lesson 48: Success in spiritual life is based on the rigid execution of the order of the Spiritual Master.

“Raghunatha dasa spent more than twenty-two hours out of every twenty-four chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra and remembering the lotus feet of the Lord. He ate and slept for less than an hour and a half and on some days that was also impossible.” Antya-lila 6.310

“Topics concerning his renunciation are wonderful. Throughout his life he never allowed his tongue sense gratification.” Antya-lila 6.311

Comment: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Raghuanatha dasa to be an exemplar of Vaisnava sannyasa. He thus took that as his service. His example is thus of the strict adherence to the order of the spiritual master more than the example of performing tapasya. This is described by Kaviraja Goswami in later verses when he describes Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s reaction when he heard that Raghunatha was eating only the inner portion of decomposed rice:

“He never touched anything to wear except a small torn cloth and a patchwork wrapper. Thus he rigidly executed the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.” Antya-lila 6.312

Lesson 49: A devotee is humble and naturally magnifies his own faults.

Kavairja Goswami describes Raghunatha dasa Goswami’s self reproach in eating even the simple food distributed from the charity booth.

“If one’s heart has been cleansed by perfect knowledge and one has understood Krishna, The Supreme Brahman, he then gains everything. Why should a person act like a debauchee by trying to maintain his material body very carefully?” Anty- lila 6.314

Comment: Natural humility is not a psychological aberration akin to a lack of self esteem, for a devotee values their position of humble servant and feels self worth in being in relation to God.

Lesson 50: There is nothing the Lord enjoys more than the love of his devotees.

Raghunatha dasa had renounced even begging at the charity booths. He was just eating Jagannatha prasadam that had been thrown before the cows at the simha-dvara gate by the Puri shopkeepers after decomposing.

“Sri Caitanya Mahprabhu said, ‘Of course everyday I eat varieties of prasadam, but I have never tasted such nice prasadam as that which Raghunatha was eating.'” Antya-lila 6.324

Comment: The decomposed prasadam that Raghunatha dasa was eating represented the height of Raghunatha dasa Goswami’s renunciation for the pleasure of Sri Caitanya. As it represented Raghunatha’s faith and love in Sri Caitanya, it was naturally very delectable for Him.

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Lessons from the CC | Antya-lila Chapter 6 Texts 25-37

July 11th, 2005

The Glories of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami Part III

Lesson 25: One should take shelter of a spiritual guide who knows the science of Krishna regardless of their birth.

“Yadunandana Acarya was the priest and spiritual master of Raghunatha dasa. Although born in a brahmana family he had accepted the mercy of Vasudeva Datta.” Antya-lila 6.161

Comment: Vasudeva Datta was not born in a brahmana family.

Lesson 26: Upon seeing the spiritual master one should immediately offer his prostrated obeisances.

“When Yadunandana Acarya entered the house of Raghunatha dasa and stood in the courtyard, Raghunatha dasa went there and fell down to offer his obeisances.” Antya-lila 6.164

Lesson 27: The ultimate order of a Vaisnava guru is to seek full shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. If one makes a decision with that intent and their decision also practically serves that purpose, one is following the wishes of their teacher, even if that decision entails superseding another of their instructions.

On his spiritual master’s order, Raghunatha dasa accompanies him to request his guru’s pujari to resume his services. On the way, Raghunatha requests his spiritual master to return home and assures him that his order will be carried out, but instead immediately leaves to join Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at Puri.

“‘You may go home without anxiety. Following your order, I shall persuade the brahmana.’ On this plea, after taking permission, Raghunatha decided to go away.” Antya-lila 6:169

Comment: Only an advanced soul can make a decision in direct contradiction to the order of their teacher by seeing a higher intention of the spiritual master within that decision. The main principle in spiritual life is to strictly follow the order of the spiritual master.

Lesson 28: By focusing intensely on attaining the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, one becomes detached and transcends dualities.

After leaving his home to join Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Puri, Raghunatha dasa took the jungle path. The ardor of his journey is described:

“Not caring about eating, he traveled all day. Hunger was not an impediment, for his mind was concentrated upon obtaining the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”

Lesson 28: To overcome seemingly insurmountable material attachments, one should seek the mercy of the Supreme Lord.

When Raghunatha dasa arrives in Puri after his long and difficult journey, he approaches Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for shelter. In response, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu marvels at the power of Lord Krishna’s mercy.

“Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, ‘The mercy of Lord Krishna is stronger than anything else. Therefore the Lord has delivered you from the ditch of materialistic life, which is like a hole into which people pass stool.'” Antya-lila 6.193

Lesson 29: A Vaisnava first understands Krishna in the mercy they receive from advanced Vaisnavas:

Upon hearing Lord Caitanya’s expressions of appreciation for how the mercy of Sri Krishna has delivered him from materialistic life, Raghunatha dasa responds:

“Raghunatha dasa answered within his mind, ‘I do not know who Krishna is. I simply know that Your mercy, O my Lord, has saved me from family life.'” Antya-lila 6.194

Lesson 30: One may take the liberty to joke with other Vaisnavas only when one has an intimate relationship with them.

Before speaking very strongly against Hiranya and Govardhana Majumdara (the father and uncle of Raghunatha dasa Goswami) for being materially attached, Sri Caitanya qualifies that criticism.

“Since your father and elder brother are young brothers of Nilambara Cakravrti, I may joke about them in this way.” Antya-lila 6.196

Comment: Nilambara Cakravarti is the grandfather of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu so his relationship was naturally also intimate with Hiranya and Govardhana Majumdara who were very close to his grandfather.

Lesson 31: Although one may practice devotional service, worship the Deity and give charity to the brahmanas, one is not a pure Vaisnava unless one is determined to give up material enjoyment.

“Although your father and uncle are charitable to brahmanas, they are nevertheless not pure Vaisnavas. However, they are almost like Vaisnavas.” Antya-lila 6.198

Comment: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu calls them “almost Vaisnvas” because they were materially attached.

Lesson 32: One should express gratitude to the Lord, especially when one is delivered from materialistic life.

In his instructions to Raghunatha dasa, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu glorifies Lord Krishna for delivering him from materialistic life.

“By His own free will, Lord Krishna has delivered you from such a condemned materialistic life. Therefore the glories of Lord Krishna’s causeless mercy cannot be expressed.” Antya-lila 6.200

Lesson 33: One who takes great pains in traveling to attain the darshan of the Lord or His devotees pleases them and invokes their mercy

“Seeing Raghunatha dasa skinny and dirty because of having traveled for twelve days and fasted, Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His heart melting due to causeless mercy, spoke to Svarupa Damodar.” Antya-lila 6.201

Lesson 34: One should take special care of pilgrims who have undergone hardship to visit the Dhama.

Appreciating the difficulty that Raghunatha dasa has undergone to visit him, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructs Govinda:

“On the way, Raghunatha dasa has fasted and undergone hardship for many days. Therefore, take good care of him for some days so that he may eat to his satisfaction.” Antya-lila 6.207

Lesson 35: A Vaisnava becomes pleased when another is the object of the Lord’s special mercy.

“Having seen the causeless mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu upon Raghunatha dasa, all the devotees, struck with wonder, praised his good fortune.” Antya-lila 6.210

Lesson 36: The Lord becomes very pleased with one who renounces sense gratification to engage fully in the service of the Lord.

“Renunciation is the basic principle sustaining the lives of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s devotees. Seeing this renunciation, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is extremely satisfied.” Antya-lila 6.207

Lesson 37: A sannyasi must not make extraneous endeavor for their own maintenance, nor depend on others for that purpose, for it will compromise his spirit of detachment and distract him from his main duty-chanting the holy name.

After hearing that Raghunatha dasa is just begging alms for his sustenance, Sri Caitanya becomes pleased and expresses his approval.

“When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu heard this he was greatly satisfied. ‘Raghunatha dasa has done well,’ He said. ‘He has acted suitable for a person in the renounced order. A person in the renounced order should always chant the holy name of the Lord. He should beg some alms to eat, and he should sustain his life in this way. A vairagi [a person in the renounced order] should not depend on others. If he does so, he will be unsuccessful, and he will neglected by Krishna.'” Antya-lila 6.222-225

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Lessons from the CC | Antya-lila Chapter 6 Texts 13-24

July 7th, 2005

The Glories of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami Part II

Lesson 13: A devotee is especially happy to honor and distribute the remnants of prasadam directly from the plate of the Lord or His devotee.

“After receiving the remnants of food left by Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Raghunatha dasa, who was greatly happy, ate some and distributed the rest among his own associates.” Antya-lila 6.99

Lesson 14: Activities done in pure love are incomparably sweet.

“The dancing of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, like the dancing of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, cannot be compared to anything within the three worlds” Antya-lila 6.104

“No one can properly describe the sweetness of Lord Nityananda’s dancing. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally comes to see it.” Antya-lila 6.106

Comment: In the next text Lord Nityananda’s dancing is called “nrtyera madhuri”, dancing that is incomparably sweet with love of God.

Lesson 15: Nicely cooked food should not only be tasty, but pleasing to look at and also fragrant.

The cooking of Raghava Pandit was so perfect that the devotees considered that Srimati Radharani personally came to his house to prepare it. It is thus described in superlative terms:

“Aromatic and pleasing to see, the food was the essence of all sweetness. Thus the two brothers, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda, ate it with great satisfaction.” Antya-lila 6.117

Comment: The cooking of Raghava Pandit is described as su-gandhi, very fragrant and sundara, very beautiful. According to ayurveda, digestion begins first with the eyes, what we see, and then with nose, what we smell.

Lesson 16: To honor guests one may offer them garlands and sandalwood paste after prasadam.

“After eating, the two brothers washed Their hands and mouths. Then Raghava Pandita brought flower garlands and sandalwood pulp to decorate Them.” Antya-lila 6.120

Lesson 17: One should honor maha prasadam with utmost respect for it has great spiritual potency.

After the two Lords finished eating lunch, Raghava Pandit encourages Raghunatha dasa to take Their remnants.

He said, “Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has eaten this food. If you take His remnants, you will be released from the bondage of your family.” Antya lila 6.123

Lesson 18: By serving the Deity with pure devotion, one will certainly realize the Lord’s personal presence in one’s home.

After Raghava Pandit cooked for His Deity, he would make a separate offering for Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It was done with such devotion that Sri Caitanya would visibly appear to accept those offerings. Krishna dasa Kaviraja comments on this phenomenon:

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead always resides either in the heart or home of the devotee. This fact is sometimes manifest, for the Supreme Personality of Godhead is fully independent.” Antya-lila 6.124

Lesson 19: Petitioning the Lord’s mercy should be done with sincere humility.

Raghunatha Das submits his appeal for shelter at the lotus feet of the Lord through Raghava Pandit:

“I am the lowest of men, the most sinful, fallen and condemned. Nevertheless, I desire to attain the shelter at the lotus feet.” Antya-lila 6.128

Lesson 20: One should not just depend on one’s own effort to overcome the insurmountable obstacles in one’s spiritual path, but one should also petition the mercy of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

Raghunatha dasa appeals to Sri Nityananda Prabhu for the shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu:

“No one can attain the shelter of Sri Caitanya Maharprabhu without Your mercy, but if you are merciful, even the lowest of men can attain shelter at His lotus feet. Although I am unfit and greatly afraid to submit this plea, I nevertheless request You, Sir, to be especially merciful toward me by granting shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya. Placing Your feet on my head, give me the benediction that I may achieve shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu without difficulty. I pray for this benediction.” Antya-lila 6.131-132

Lesson 21: One can only become indifferent to temporary material happiness by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who bestows the greater happiness of Krishna consciousness.

When Lord Nityananda heard Raghunatha Das’s humble entreaty for shelter at the Lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he praised Raghunatha’s indifference to sense gratification and asked the devotees to benedict him.

“Because of the mercy bestowed upon him by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Raghunatha dasa, although situated in such material happiness, does not like it at all. Therefore let everyone of you be merciful toward him and give him the benediction that he may very soon attain the shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.” Antya-lila 6.135

Comment: The above verse also teaches another important lesson: To help those who desire the shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, we may petition the blessings of the Vaisnavas on their behalf.

Lesson 22: Obstacles in spiritual life can best be removed by serving the Vaisnavas.

To relieve Raghunatha dasa’s anxiety about the apparently insurmountable obstacles to his attainment of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s shelter, Lord Nityananda informs him:

“‘My dear Raghunatha dasa,’ He said, ‘since you arranged the feast on the bank of the Ganges, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came here just to show His mercy.'” Antya-lila 6.139

“‘Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Gaurahari, came here personally to deliver you. Now rest assured that all impediments meant for your bondage are gone.'” Antya-lila 6.141

Lesson 23: One should offer daksina (a donation) for the care and worship of the pure Vaisnavas as an expression of our gratitude to them.

Raghunatha dasa offers Raghava Pandit money to be distributed to Lord Nityananda and his assistants in appreciation for Lord’s Nityananda’s mercy upon him.

“‘I want to give money,’ he said, ‘just to worship the lotus feet of all great devotees, servants and subservants of Lord Nityananda.'” Antya-lila 6.150

Lesson 24: A responsible devotee keeps good accounts.

“Raghunatha dasa drew up an account of the amount to be given and submitted it to Raghava Pandita, who then made up a list showing how much money was to be paid to each and every devotee.” Antya-lila 6.152

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Lessons from the CC | Antya-lila Chapter 6 Texts 1-12

July 4th, 2005

The Glories of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami Part I

Lesson 1: To perfect spiritual life one must become detached from family life.

In the introductory verse to the chapter, Srila Krishna dasa Kaviraja gives a strong warning about the danger of becoming overly attached to family life.

?With the ropes of His causeless mercy, Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu employed a trick to deliver Raghunatha dasa Gsowami from the blind well of contemptible family life. He made Raghunatha dasa Goswami one of His personal associates, placing him under the charge of Svarupa Damodar Goswami. I offer my obeisances unto Him.? Antya-lila 6.1

Comment: In this verse entanglement in family life is described as ?ku-grha?, contemptible and ?andha kupat?, a blind well. Entanglement in family life is condemned for its tendency to foster the illusion that our relationships in this world, based on bodily identification, is our eternal identity. Although the story of Raghunatha dasa will make this point strongly, it is not just condemning the grhastha ashram, which invokes detachment when properly followed, but the tendency in any ashram to not move forward in spiritual life due to material attachment when a higher level of commitment is beckoning.

Lesson 2: A devotee absorbed in Krishna consciousness is especially sensitive to the feelings of others.

?Although Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu felt pangs of separation from Krishna, He didn?t manifest His feelings externally, for he feared the unhappiness of His devotees.? Antya-lila 6.4

Lesson 3: An aspirant for sannyasa should be tested before leaving household life.

Raghunatha dasa goes to see the Lord at Santipur with the desire to leave his family. He is instructed, however, by Sri Caitanya to return home.

?Instead of becoming a so called renunciant, Raghunatha dasa, following the instructions of the Lord, returned home and played exactly like a pounds-and shillings man.? Antya-lila 6.14

Comment: Many people seek a life of renunciation without proper qualification and for the wrong reason. Sri Caitanya thus instructs Raghunatha dasa to return home to test his resolve for renunciation.

Lesson 4: True detachment is not just remaining aloof from sense objects, but indifference to them.

?Ragaunatha dasa was inwardly completely renounced, even in family life, but he did not express his renunciation externally. Instead, he acted like an ordinary businessman. Seeing this, his father and mother were satisfied.? Antya-lila 6.14-15

Lesson 5: One should not take sannyasa simply because of material frustration.

While at home Raghunatha dasa demonstrated his competence in material affairs by using his diplomatic skills to resolve his uncle?s serious legal problems. Srila Krishna dasa Kaviraja comments on Raghunatha?s expertise affirming that his eventual renunciation of the world was not due to incompetence and frustration.

?In this way Raghunatha dasa passed one year exactly like a first class business manager, but the next year he again decided to leave home.? Anty- lila 6.35

Lesson 5: The highest renunciation is based on mature devotion invoked by the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.

Almost daily, Raghunatha dasa would run away from home only for his father to bring him back. In frustration his mother suggests binding him with ropes. His father replied:

?Raghunatha dasa, our son, has opulences like Indra, the heavenly King, and his wife is as beautiful as an angel. Yet all this could not tie down his mind.? Antya-lila 6.39

?How then could we keep this boy home by binding him with rope? It is not possible even for one?s father to nullify the reactions of one?s past activities.? Antya-lila 6.40

?Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has fully bestowed His mercy on him. Who can keep home such a madman of Caitanyacandra?? Antya-lila 6.41

Lesson 6: One should humbly enter the assembly of an exalted Vaisnava.

As Raghunatha dasa shyly enters the assembly of Lord Nityananda, his arrival is called to the Lord?s attention.

?Raghunatha dasa offered his obeisances by falling prostrate at a distant place, and the servant of Nityananda Prabhu pointed out, ?There is Raghunatha dasa, offering you obeisances.?? Antya-lila 6.47

Comment: Falling prostrate at a distant place is a symptom of natural humility.

Lesson 7: When intimate love is expressed indirectly it increases the expression of that love.

Lord Nityananda responds to the announcement of Raghunatha dasa?s arrival.

?Hearing this, Lord Nityananda Prabhu said, ?You are thief, now you have come here. Today I shall punish you!?? Antya-lila 6.47

Comment: Just as a candle in a dark room loses its brilliance when it is opened to the outside light, the demonstration of intimate love loses force when directly expressed. The strongest expression of love is thus indirect. As an articulation of deep affection for Raghunatha dasa, Lord Nityananda therefore called him a thief, a distant person, when he is actually accepting him as a close associate. He announces that he will punish him, when he is bestowing upon him the highest reward, the service of the Vaisnavas.

Lesson 8: Senior vaisnavas and those socially prominent should be seated in front and served first during prasadam.

?On that platform, all the most important associates of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, as well as other important men, sat down in a circle around the Lord.? Antya-lila 6.60

Comment: The word for the most important associates ?prabhura nija gane? means ?the most intimate associates of the Lord?, and the word for important men is ?bada bada loka? literally ?big, big people?.

Lesson 9: Although prasadam is ideally honored quietly, one may also enthusiastically call the Lords Holy Names.

?Lord Nityananda Prabhu ordered, ?All of you eat, chanting the holy name of Hari.? Immediately the holy names ?Hari, Hari? resounded filling the entire universe?. Antya-lila 6.86

Lesson 10: While honoring prasadam one can also meditate on Krishna and Balarama eating with the cowherd boys.

?When all the Vaisnavas were chanting the holy names ?Hari, Hari? and eating, they remembered how Krishna and Balaram ate with Their companions the cowherd boys on the bank of the Yamuna.? Antya-lila 6.87

Lesson 11: To invoke the presence of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, we must appeal to the mercy of Lord Nityananda by serving the Vaisanvas.

During the cida-dadhi mahotsava, where all the vaisnava?s were so excellently served, Lord Nityananda, in meditation, called Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Krishna Das Kaviraja thus comments:

?Who can understand the influence and mercy of Lord Nityananda Prabhu? He is so powerful that He induced Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to come eat chipped rice on the bank of the Ganges.? Antya-lila 6.89

Lesson 12: A devotee is very eager to distribute prasadam

The author describes the enthusiasm of Raghunatha dasa to distribute the Lord?s prasadam:

?As they came, bringing all kinds of food, Raghunatha dasa purchased it all. He gave them the price for their goods and later fed them the very same food. Anyone who came to see how these funny things were going on was also fed chipped rice, yogurt and bananas.? Antya-lila 6.92-93

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Lessons from the CC | Antya-lila Chapter 12

April 25th, 2005

Lessons from the CC
Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila Chapter 12

Lesson One:
Before leaving on pilgrimage one should seek the permission and blessings of one?s seniors.

Before going to Bengal to visit Sri Caitanya, the devotees of Nabavipa first
approach Mother Saci.

?The devotees first saw Sacimata and took her permission. Then in great happiness they started for Jagannatha Puri, congregationally chanting the holy name of the Lord.?
Antya 12.15

Lesson Two:
When a Vaisnava, especially a respected senior, is upset with one, one should first search for one?s own fault out of respect.

Sivanananda Sena took responsibility for making all arrangements for the devotees from Bengal on their pilgrimage to Puri. When paying the toll collectors, the devotees had to wait for some time before being assigned by him to their residences. Annoyed by the delay, Lord Nityananda became angry and cursed him.

?Crying, his wife informed him, ?Lord Nityananda has cursed our sons to die because His quarters have not been provided.?
Antya 12.23

?You crazy woman! Why are you needlessly crying? Let my three sons die for all the inconvenience we have caused Nityananda Prabhu.?
Antya 12.24

Lesson Three:
A man should not worship the Lord or even enter the Deity room wearing an upper garment.

Srikant, the nephew of Sivananda Sena is reprimanded by Govinda for wearing an upper garment when offering obeisances to Lord Caitanya.

?When Srikanta offered obeisances to the Lord, he was still wearing his shirt and
coat. Therefore Govinda told him, ?My dear Srikanta, first take off these garments.?
Antya 12.38

Lesson Four:
When a guest comes, one should first situate him comfortably in his room and then offer him prasadam.

Sri Caitanya greets the devotees visiting on pilgrimage from Sri Navadvipa.

?The Lord again arranged for the residential quarters of all the devotees and
thereafter called them to partake of the remnants of food offered to Lord
Jagannatha.?
Antya 12.44

Lesson Five:
One should show special respect to the relatives of a respected devotee.

?Sivanada Sena introduced his three sons to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because they were his sons, the Lord showed the boys great mercy.?
Antya 12.45

Lesson Six:
Out of affection one may choose to overlook the innocent breaches of etiquette from someone noticeably junior.

Paramesvara, a very simple and intimate associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, after introducing himself to the Lord, innocently announced the arrival his own wife. Out of affection Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ignores his breach of etiquette.

?Hearing the name of Mukundara Mata, Lord Caitanya hesitated, but because of
affection for Paramesvara, He did not say anything.?

Purport
A sannyasi is restricted from even hearing a woman?s name, and Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu conducted Himself very strictly in His vow. Paramesvara informed the Lord that his wife, Mukundara Mata, had come with him. He should not have mentioned her, and therefore the Lord hesitated for a moment, but due to His affection for Paramesvara, He did not say anything. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had known Paramesvara Modaka since His childhood, and therefore Paramesvara did not think twice about informing the Lord of his wife?s arrival.
Antya 12.60

Lesson Seven:
When a breach of etiquette towards one is the innocent result of their intimate
relationship with you, then it may even be accepted with pleasure.

?An intimate relationship sometimes makes a person overstep formal etiquette. Thus Paramesvara actually pleased the Lord in His heart by his simple and
affectionate behavior.?
Antya 12.61

Lesson Eight:
One should not hesitate to takes pains for pilgrimage to see the Lord or his pure
devotees for they will naturally will feel indebted and want to reciprocate
one?s effort.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu informs the devotees who came on pilgrimage how much He appreciates the trouble they took to see Him.

?All My devotees come here just for Me. Leaving aside their homes and families, they travel by very difficult paths to come here in great haste.?
Antya 12.72

?There is no fatigue or trouble for Me, for I stay here at Nilacala, Jagannatha
Puri, and do not move at all. This is the favor of all of you.?
Antya 12.73

?I am a mendicant and have no money. How can I clear My debt for the favor you have shown Me??
Antya 12.74

?I have only this body, and therefore I surrender it unto you. Now, if you wish, you may sell it anywhere you like. It is your property.?
Antya 12.75

Lesson Nine:
A sannaysi should not be inclined to take help from others for luxurious bodily
comforts.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu expresses displeasure that Jagadananda Pandit offers him high quality scented oil as a gift.

?Have I taken sannyasa for such happiness? Accepting this oil would bring My
ruination, and all of you would laugh.?
Antya 12 113

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Saving Sergeant Schoenberg

February 22nd, 2005

February 22, 2005
Vrindavana

Saving Sergeant Schoenberg *

Although B.B. Govinda Swami has a place in Vrindavana next door to where I am staying, I rarely see him. He doesn’t visit much, only in the spring when I’m already in the West. When I heard today that he would be stopping here for the night on his way from the Middle East to Central Asia, I immediately went to see him.

It was nice to see Maharaja again, but he was talking long distance on a speaker cell-phone when I came in. I could hear the conversation. I was surprised that it was from a US soldier in Iraq! Govinda Swami immediately explained to the caller who I was and then introduced the soldier to me:

?This is Sergeant Schoenberg, Partha-sarathi dasa. He?s in Iraq. Everyday at 3 PM, when possible, he holds kirtan for over thirty soldiers. Fifteen also came yesterday for his Bhagavatam class. They?re even letting him use the camp chapel. His tour of duty is up in only thirty days, but he is thinking of staying on as a chaplain for soldiers of Eastern religion. There is talk that they may even offer it for him. Please offer him some inspirational words. He would appreciate it.? Govinda Swami then suddenly handed me the phone and asked me to speak.

What could I do but speak from the heart? Naturally, being here for almost six months, the mood of Vraja came out:

?Risk is always rewarded in Krishna consciousness. That?s why parikiya rasa is the highest. The gopis risk everything for Krishna, even their good karma?their reputation, their families?but that risk heightens their love for Krishna to the highest level of prema. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada told us that a preacher who takes risks for spreading Krishna consciousness, particularly in the Muslim countries, is especially rewarded. Your efforts to help give Krishna consciousness to others, even at the risk of life, will certainly be noted by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.?

I wish I wasn’t put on the spot so that I could weigh my thoughts and words more carefully. Comparing gopi bhava to fighting in Iraq? Who am I to encourage someone to risk their life?

Two days later I received the following letter and essay from Partha-sarathi:

Dear Maharaja

Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

Hare Krishna! My name is Partha-sarathi dasa. I am a devotee who has been fighting and preaching in Iraq for 19 months. We spoke briefly in H.H. B.B. Govinda Maharaja’s room in Vrindavana the other day. I wanted to thank you for the kind words you said to me. It was very inspiring and it helped me a lot with my day. I have enclosed an article I have written about it. I feel more devotees need to know more about death. Please let me know what you think.

Your servant,
Partha-sarathi dasa

Face To Face With Death
by Partha-sarathi dasa

Iraq is an intense place with death around every corner. You never know when some car bomb will go off or you might be killed in an ambush. Soldiers everyday die, but would it be possible for me to be fixed on Krishna facing death?

As I sit in my vehicle, I keep on staring at the crimson blood on my uniform. The events of today are indelibly etched into my consciousness.

Earlier, I was driving down the road as part of convoy heading to another base camp. It was three of us in our vehicle. We were scanning the surroundings to avoid an ambush.

I notice another US convoy coming our way. I briefly turn again to scan the road. When I turn back to the convoy ahead I see a flash of light and then the loud boom that always follows. The vehicle bursts into flames. The air quickly fills with the stench of burning rubber and metal.

My driver and I immediately jump out of our vehicle. Our gunner sets up to protect us and secure the site. Other soldiers in the convoy follow suit as we run towards the damaged vehicle. I prepare myself for the worst, but hope for the best. My beating heart calls out, “O Krishna, let these soldiers be O.K.!”

It was much worse than I thought. The passenger and gunner are seriously injured, each covered in blood. Thankfully, at least the driver was saved as the blast came from the right side. We quickly grab the two soldiers out of the smoldering vehicle to give whatever medical care we can. Two of us work feverishly to save the passenger, another two on the gunner. We are trained to reassure the casualties. While administering care, I bend down and start describing relevant teachings from the Bhagavatam, even something of the glories of Lord Nrsimhadeva. It?s intense, but I remain focused on his care while simultaneously concentrating on the powerful verses in the Srimad Bhagavatam that I continue to chant softly.

Medevac (medical evacuation) arrives. As we prepare to move the seriously wounded, I spontaneously rip a piece of Lord Nrsimha?s dhoti that I always keep tied around my wrist and place it in the soldier?s hand. I turn to him and chant “Hare Krishna!” Our duty done, I solemnly walk away hoping that my prayers have been heard.

* ?Saving Sergeant Schoenberg? means that Sergeant Schoenberg is doing the saving, not that he is being saved.

Japa Thoughts

February 19th, 2005

February 19, 2005
Vrindavana

Japa Thoughts

Japa takes concentration. A moment of inattention and the mind jumps from the holy name to a mundane thought. We even sometimes become lost in one of the deep groves of attachment (samskaras) imbedded in our consciousness, sliding on the path of those thoughts until our good sense drags us back to the holy name. How easy it is to free fall in chutes of attachment created by our sinful life whether it?s the long furrow of sex life, the rut of money worries, the daydream of family, the channel of frivolous sports, the trough of friends, enemies, and politics?the fancy of anything but the holy name. ?He did this to me!? we think, and we glide into the fantasy of revenge. So many problems, so many dreams, endless trivial thoughts?a roller coaster of useless adventure ?full of sound and furry, signifying nothing.? And it plagues us!

The purpose of sadhana, the serious practice of Krishna consciousness, is to create within the inner recess of the mind the proper samskara?devotion for the Lord, especially in the form of kirtan. It takes some discipline, but if we realize something of the purpose of life, and a little of the glory of the holy name, that effort is nothing compared to what we will gain.

Japa is thus very important. We are dealing directly with the mind and changing the desire of the mind by practice and detachment. If we don?t devote some time in our day to changing the nature of our merciless mind now by practice (sadhana), then when will we change it? ?Trust no future however pleasant.?

A concession and recommendation: If we are lyrical by nature, if we already have a samskara for music, then we may follow our trough of melody and inject the holy name. We should do kirtan, as much as possible.

One way or another in this life, by devotional service in practice, we must create a deep impression for holy name, which is, in fact, condensed bliss, otherwise ours is a life wasted.

Lessons from Bhakti Sandarbha 1

February 1st, 2005

February 1, 2005
Vrindavana

Lessons from Bhakti Sandarbha 1

Note: My focus of studies now is Sri Bhakti Sandarbha. Sri Bhakti Sandarbha is Sri Jiva Goswami?s greatest exposition on the process of devotional service. I will occasionally write journal entries focused on my realizations from the text.

Surrender! Part 1 *

Sri Jiva lists surrender (saranagata) as the first practice of pure devotional service. It is the gateway to bhakti as devotion begins with a sense of belonging to the Lord.

Surrender is not the best translation for saranagata. Sanskrit words often imply deep and subtle concepts not conveyed properly in English by a single word.

Saranagata implies a feeling of love in the act of submission, while surrender a sense of force or defeat.

?Taking shelter? better conveys the sense of saranagata. And what is taking shelter?

Taking shelter is submitting, out of dependence and with affection, to a person capable and willing to meet the needs we are unable to meet ourselves. But, what is our deepest need?

Our deepest need is to fully repose our love in a worthy object of love. Why?

Our needs are determined by our nature, what we are made for. A fish thus needs water, a child the shelter of their mother, and the intellectual the haven of his library. And we (the soul) need??

We are infinitesimal particles of conscious of the Supreme consciousness. As a part is naturally made to serve what it is part of, loving service is our eternal nature and greatest need. But do we have to take shelter of God to fully satisfy our need to love?

Yes, that?s the definition of God. He is the asraya or shelter. But why is He our shelter? **

He is bhagavan, one fully replete with qualities that make Him worthy of love.

That naturally includes all beauty, which also means inner beauty, the fullest capacity to reciprocate love.

And those qualities, which inspire our love, don?t end in time and space, for He is ananta (unlimited).

God is also artha (the ultimate reality). He is not illusory like material objects. Unless we see things in relation to God our love will be fleeting and unfulfilled.

And He is atma, the most dear. Why? Naturally one most loves the self (atma). God is the atma of the atma and thus priya, our beloved, the most pleasing to serve.

Finally He is isvara, the Supreme Controller. He not only has the full power to satisfy our needs, but to sustain them eternally.

Conclusion: Krishna is our ultimate shelter. Without fully depending on Him we will always feel empty and in want.

* The concept of surrender (saranagata) is discussed in Sri Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 235

** The following description of Krishna as the worthy object of our worship is from Srimad Bhagavatam 2.2.6 and discussed is Sri Bhakti Sandarbha Anuccheda 2.

Japa thought: The foundation of chanting is namasraya, to consciously take shelter of the holy name by helplessly begging for mercy.

January 27, 2005 Mayapur The

January 27th, 2005

January 27, 2005
Mayapur

The devotees arrived for my yatra yesterday. The majority of them are not very experienced devotees, but that doesn’t matter here. They are quickly spiritually uplifted and devotionally overwhelmed. They can’t believe its happening to them. Even the most skeptical can’t fathom any other conclusion then the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His dhama.

January 18, 2005 Mayapur Arrived

January 18th, 2005

January 18, 2005
Mayapur

Arrived yesterday. I have heard so much about the Panca Tattva Deities. I was a little skeptical. Could they be as powerful as people report? After-all, Krishna is present in all His Deities forms. How I would react?

I was not disappointed. It was quite overwhelming. Strong devotional sentiments were immediately drawn from my heart, especially a sense of mission, Their mission. What is ecstasy, but an intense and selfless desire to serve?

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