Tag Archive for: Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

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Japa Mini Lila Meditations 000 “My Very Own Radha and Krishna”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Before starting the Japa Mini Lila Meditations series, we will first reveal some supremely interesting truths about the nature of the spiritual sky that we all hope to attain one day.
In the spiritual dimension of Vrindavana, every person and every “so-called object” such as a tree, rock, finger ring or a necklace is a completely transcendental person—a unique and colorful individual made of pure, love-saturated consciousness.

Everyone has a bhava-deha, a body made of transcendental loving sentiments. There are no bodies made of gross matter, flesh and bones or even mind, intellect or ego (prakriti, indriya, mana, buddhi, ahankara). In other words, everyone and “everything” is completely personal, interactive, alive and full of prema for Radha and Krishna.

In Vraja Dhama in the spiritual sky, there is only love, bhava, pure divine love interacting with pure divine love. Vraja is an eternal blissful realm wherein all the lovers and beloveds exist only to please and satisfy Sri Krishna and each other, be they acting as Sri Krishna’s servants, friends, parents, gopi lovers or dasi serving girls.

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava shastras and purvacharyas say that there is one form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna for every liberated soul! Not only one Krishna, but there is also one form of each one of Sri Krishna’s eternal loving associates in Vrindavana to interact with and accept eternal sevas from that liberated soul i.e. sadhana siddha bhakta.

This is a most astonishing and wonderfully inspiring and reassuring spiritual truth that fully enables every liberated soul, premi-bhakta, to have his or her own individual and personal Radha and Krishna to love, have, hold and humbly serve forever.

Thus we see in the books of Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura and Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti describing Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lilas and Their sevas therein, the first person tense “I” is used to speak of the eternal present or the future eternal.

For example, sometimes these acharyas describe their hankering to someday serve Srimati Radharani: “O Kishori-mani! WHEN WILL I COMB Your hair and set beautiful bakula malas in Your shimmering, silky black hair braid?”

Or they write: “O Kalyani! On the full moon night, I DRESS YOU in pure white garments, ornament You with pearls and moonstone, and cover Your beautiful lavanya lustrous face with white sandalwood paste to prevent anyone from noticing You rushing out to the kunja to meet Your beloved Priyatama.”

And these acharyas also describe how they or rather I am personally doing each and every service required by Srimati Radharani when She is alone and with Her dearest sweet heart Shyamasundara. This means when you attain spiritual perfection you will not be left out in cold, waiting one millennium for your turn to render your individual service of fanning Sri Radha.

In the spiritual dimension of pure loving consciousness, Radha and Krishna are eternally present in millions upon millions of unlimited divine, transcendental forms. And with each form the Playful Pair are being eternally loved and served by one individual liberated prema bhakta—YOU!

Now just imagine how vast, beautiful, inconceivable and personal is the spiritual sky? Radha, Krishna and all Their loving associates with YOU in Vraja Dhama forever.
Following the lead of our Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas, we will present the Japa Mini Meditations series in first person “I”. Thus while listening to the lila audios, one should think, “I am right there with Radha and Krishna and Their dedicated sakhis and manjaris. And I am personally offering each and every one of the many sevas being described here for the pleasure of my own individual Radha-Govinda Yugala.”

In the next audio, we will begin our Japa Mini Lila Meditation series.

Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya-lila ki jai!
Japa and lila ki jai!
Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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Story of Sri Radharamana

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

After coming to Vrndavana, Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami used to worship eleven salagrama silas. He never had a fixed residence. Carrying His salagrams in a cloth bag, he would wander around Vraja just like Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana Gosvamis. Once a wealthy man, desiring to serve Gopala Bhatta, gave him some opulent cloth and ornaments.

Gopala Bhatta kept those gifts and thought, “If I had a Deity then I could nicely decorate Him with these things.” That evening after offering bhoga and arati to his salagrama-silas, he put them to rest in a basket. The next morning after returning from his Yamuna bath he started his salagrama puja. He was completely astonished when he woke the Lord, and found a gorgeous Deity of Krsna playing a flute. There were now ten silas and this Deity.

Overwhelmed in spiritual bliss, he fell to the ground and offered dandavats¸avats. Then he recited various stutis and stotras [hymns and prayers]. Sri Rupa, Sanatana, and many other devotees came running when they heard the amazing news. The whole universe became enchanted by the Lord’s beautiful form. Everyone just gazed at the Lord as their tears fell in streams to bathe Him.

The Deity of Sri Radharamana Deva appeared on the full moon day of Vaisakha in the year 1542. Radharamanaji is one of the few original Deities of the Gosvamiss who never left Vrndavana. Radharamana Deva still receives a high standard of worship full of loving attention in His temple beside Nidhuvana in Vrndavana.

Sri Radharamana Deva has a uniquely gorgeous form. He has a smooth and brilliant Syama-blue complexion, a broad chest, long arms, a waist as thin as a lion’s, and powerful sloping thighs. He has many intricate features which include lotus-petal eyes, fingernails and even teeth. Anyone who even once sees His all-attractive threefold bending form will be captivated forever. On the back of Radharamana one can still see parts of the original salagrama sila from which He manifested.

In Goloka Vrndavana, Gopala Bhatta is Sri Radha’s beloved maidservant named Guna Manjari. Let us remember the mind-enchanting Sri Radharamana Deva, and pray for the mercy of Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami as we meditate on the following translation of a sucaka kirrtana written by Manohara Dasa.

“Whenever I see the beautiful lotus feet of Sri Gopala Bhatta Prabhu my eyes flood with tears. One becomes free from the cycle of birth and death by hearing about your unlimited qualities. Being attracted by your moonlike face and lips, which are radiant like the rising sun, I am no longer pierced by Cupid’s ten golden arrows. Your beautiful teeth resemble a string of pearls. Your joyful words are saturated with the sweetest nectar.

Sri Rupa and Sanatana, Dasa Raghunatha, Bhatta Raghunatha, Raghava Panditá, Kaviraja Gosvami, and Lokanatha Gosvami are your life. Radharamanaji is your very soul. You offer obeisances to Lord Caitanya with your body overflowing with love. You are like a honeybee attached to His nectarean lotus feet. You so kindly gave shelter to Srinivasa Acarya [his disciple]. Your only activities are relishing rasa, associating with pure devotees, and tasting the divine madness of gopi bhava.”

“The pastimes of Radharamana flow through your mind like the celestial Ganges. You are the crest-jewel of rasika Vaisnavas. By relishing prema rasa you become overwhelmed with ecstatic emotions. Oh, ocean of spontaneous love for Radharamana, you are the friend of the fallen.

“Your fame is sung throughout the universe. Your divine form is sweet to behold and full of mercy. Your unlimited transcendental qualities act like a touchstone. O master, just once let me see your lotus feet, which are the essence of all sweetness.”

“After many many births I have attained the rare fortune of serving the servants of your eternal associates. Due to my bad karma I have simply wasted my life enjoying sense gratification. I am full of offenses. My only hope is that you, who are full of merciful qualities, will deliver this fallen soul. I am greedy and sinful, and although my mind is fickle, still this Manohara Dasa calls out to you: Please don’t neglect me!”

Sri Sri Radharamana Deva ki jai!
Gopala Bhatta Gosvami ki jai!
(An excerpt from Radha Kunda Mahima Madhuri)

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Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata 012 “Source of Bhakti”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Srimad Bhagavatam is called the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this triguna-free, transcendental treatise, the amala-purana, which showcases the absolutely selfless, divine love of Srimati Radharani, one can find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practice and perfection) of Gaudiya Vaisnavism.

In his most compassionate and wonderful shastra, Sri Chaitanya Caritamrita, Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja summarizes the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Goswamis of Vrindavana by mentioning the same Bhagavatam verses that they used to substantiate their sublime instructions.

To emphasize the importance of these particular verses for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas, the same Bhagavatam verse is often mentioned two, three or more times in the Sri Chaitanya Caritamrta.

This series of posts presents these verses, along with selected tikas of our acharyas and the compiler. We will cover the beautiful truths, tattvas, of Krishna, Radha, Vaisnavas, Sri Guru, Bhakti Sadhana, Nama, Prema and more.

Where Does Bhakti Come From?

In Uddhava-gita, Sri Krishna answers this question saying:

yadrcchaya -mat-kathadau
jata-sraddhas -tu -yah -puman
na -nirvinno -nati-sakto
bhakti-yogo -’sya -siddhi-dah

If by unexpected association with devotees one develops faith in hearing hari-katha, such a person, who is neither completely detached from sense gratification nor too much attached to it, can attain perfection by practicing bhakti-yoga.  (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.20.8)

Comments Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das:

Some translate the word yadrcchaya as “by good fortune”.  However, the dictionary meaning of yadrcchaya is “complete independence” or “freedom of will and action” and that is the meaning in this verse.

Sri Jiva Goswami tika:

The cause of bhakti is faith alone. That is explained in this verse. Faith arises from associating with devotees (yadrcchaya). The person develops faith in Krishna-katha and thinks, “This Krishna-katha is the best.” One then becomes disgusted with other activities.

However, one cannot give up objects of enjoyment which are the remnants of results of pious acts from previous lives even though one knows they give suffering. This person is not completely detached and not too attached. This is the devotee’s initial state. (Bhakti Sandarbha 171)

Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika:

A person develops faith (jata-shraddha) in Krishna-katha by the merciful association of devotees (yadrcchaya). That is the meaning of yadrcchaya in this verse. By the unexpected association of the devotee, even a person extremely attached to sense objects becomes qualified for bhakti.

The cause of a devotee’s mercy manifesting itself is bhakti itself residing within the devotee’s heart. Without the devotee having bhakti, there is no possibility of the devotee manifesting mercy to others. Bhakti causes the devotee’s mercy which causes bhakti in another person. Bhakti causes bhakti. The self-manifesting, causeless, independent nature of bhakti is thus concluded.

Pandit Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja tika:

That bhakti manifests in an individual without any reason is the intent of this text. The word yadrcchaya, “by chance,” appears repeatedly in the Bhagavatam. Bhakti’s appearance in an individual does not depend on any external cause.

One may ask, if devotion is truly spiritual, then how can it manifest in a devotee’s material senses? The answer is that an iron bar put into fire attains the qualities of fire—brilliance, heat and the power to burn. So too bhakti, by its own potency, destroys the material nature of a person’s senses and spiritualizes them.

Shruti and Smriti describe bhakti as sac-cid-ananda-mayi just like Bhagavan Sri Krishna and as a self-manifesting aspect of Sri Krishna’s svarupa-shakti. It is only by the mercy of devotees that ordinary human beings can attain bhakti. As Krishna is under the control of His devotees, His mercy follows that of a devotee.

By carefully considering this point, one can understand that it is bhakti herself, residing in the heart of a devotee, that causes the devotee to give mercy to others. The conclusion is that bhakti alone is the cause of bhakti. Bhakti does not depend on any other cause for its appearance. Bhakti residing in a devotee’s heart, inspires one to act mercifully to others.

Krishna on the other hand is always absorbed in His own divine bliss and can therefore not feel the pain of the conditioned souls. Compassion arises only when one becomes aware of another’s misery. As Sri Krishna is the embodiment of concentrated bliss, it is impossible for even the omnipotent Krishna to truly feel pity for the bound jiva.

The only way the misery-bound souls can attain liberation is through the independent kindness of a Vaishnava. However, Vaishnavas also exist in the realm of bliss, but they can remember the miseries of their previous lives.

Sri Krishna has given full independence to His devotees to give blessings to others, and these blessings are the only way to reach Bhagavan Sri Krishna. The conclusion is that the jivas can only receive Krishna’s grace through the form of a devotee and not directly from Him. (Madhurya Kadambini tikas)

Comments Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das:

Vaishnavas are the personified forms of Sri Krishna’s mercy, krpa-shakti-murtis. Vaishnavas have direct experience of the struggles, anxiety, tension, stress, frustration, pain and miseries of material existence.

And they themselves are the recipients of mercy, krpa-patras, from other kind-hearted, compassionate Vaishnavas. Thus, without the mercy of a Vaishnava no one can attain bhakti and the eternal loving service of Radha Govinda Yugal in Goloka Vrindavan!

Vaishnava krpa-shakti murtis ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Manjari Meditations 07: “Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vrajalilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 191 Manjari Protects Radhika
O Radhe! When will I follow You down the road and fully enchant You and Your rasika lover by pushing Krishna away from You while saying, “O most shameless boy! Don’t come anywhere near my dear friend, who becomes enchanted like a little girl whenever You simply touch the borders of Her breasts!”

Verse 208 Manjari Protects Radhika
O Radhike! When will I hide the signs of Your amorous union with Krishna from Your cruel superiors by saying, “My sakhi was picking flowers far away from here, and on the way back Radha’s breasts were scratched by the thorns, Her tilaka was washed off Her forehead from sweating, and Her lips were bruised by the cold wind!”

Verse 213 Sleeping Manjari
When will I somehow fall asleep at the end of Your flowerbed while I am softly massaging Your lotus-feet, padambhoja -samvahanani -shayyante -patita -prapta -tandra -bhaveyam?

Verse 219Manjari Helps Krishna
O Pranayini Radhe! When You are angry with Krishna, He falls at my feet, holding a straw between His teeth, and prays to me with many pitiful words. Krishna constantly follows me to ask me to arrange a meeting with You. O Radhe! I am tired of this, so now I submit Krishna’s plea to You.

Verse 224 Manjari’s Humor
O Vrshabhanu-nandini! When will I tell Your Priyatama, “O Gopendra-kumara! Don’t vainly make such proud jokes over here! With great difficulty You held one Govardhana Hill on Your hand. But as soon as You even see Sri Radha’s two golden mountains You become afraid, sri -radha -hema -shaila -yugale -drshte -bhayam!”

Verse 243 Radha Teaches Manjaris
When will my Ishvari Radha engage me in serving Her Praneshvara Sri Krishna in the solitary places of Vrindavan by teaching me how to string flower garlands, grind sandal paste, make wonderful sweet-balls, and sweep the kunja?

Verse 246 Krishna’s Bewilderment
May Sri Radha’s smile protect us when Radha smiles upon seeing Hari marveling at His own form reflected in Radha’s shining golden breasts. At that time, Krishna says, “O Radha! I see two beautiful boys in Your breasts! Their luster steals the glories of hosts of blue lotus-flowers! I am completely enchanted by their forms. Please make Me Your girlfriend, so that we two girls can tightly embrace these two boys!”

Verse 247 Radha’s Bewilderment
O Radhike! When at the very beginning of Your love festival will I hear You sarcastically tell Shyam, “O Nitigya! (knower of morality) Stay away from Me!”
Then I will watch You push away Krishna’s hand before You storm out of the kunja to go angrily lament with tear-filled eyes to Your sakhi’s that You just saw Krishna with another sakhi. Although it was actually Your own sweet form seen in Krishna’s Kaustubha gem.

Verse 259 Radha: Aim of Sadhana
I always meditate on Krishna wearing a crown of peacock-feathers. I always sing Krishna’s name in sankirtana. I always serve Krishna’s murti, and repeat His best of mantras, Gopala-mantra. During all these activities, however I am holding in my heart the desire to attain the supremely cherished service of Sri Radha’s lotus-feet.

Verse 267 Manjari Darshan
When will I, in a body maddened by ecstatic love, live in Vrindavan, that purifying, effulgent, and most amazing rasika abode that witnesses Sri Radha’s artful loving pastimes? And when will I clearly see my divine spiritual form, eyes, ears and so on that is just suitable for serving Radha Krishna in the effulgent kunjas?
Manjari meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Manjari Meditations 06: “Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 43 Assisting Radha’s First Tryst

When Vrshabhanunandini is shy and afraid of Her eternal first meeting with the king of debauchees, when will I catch Radha’s lotus hand and eagerly bring Radha to the play-bed of soft fresh sprouts in the sanket-kunja?

Verse 48 Falling in a Pool of Rasa

O Sri Radhika! When will this confidential maidservant of Yours fall into a pool of rasa as I stand by the gate of the kunja, dvara -sthita -rasa -hrade -patita kada -syam, listening to the sweet jingling of Your ornaments mixing with the sweet indistinct sounds of Your love prattles with Krishna at the beginning of Your rasa-festival?

Verse 53 Wearing Radha Prasadi Cloth

When can I see myself as Sri Radhika’s tender kishori wearing Swamini’s prasadi dress and blouse lovingly given to me with Her own hand as I always stand by Radha’s side to expertly serve Her in various ways?

Verse 56 Manjari Tastes Madhurya Rasa

O my Praneshvari Radha! Knowing that I am Your fortunate maidservant, Krishna may softly kiss me, embrace me, and intoxicate me with the wine of eros, surata- madhvya- madayati, showing a wonderful treasure of affection towards me. Even then O Radhe! My mind will always remain absorbed in the rasa-filled pastimes of Your lotus-feet, tavaiva -sri -radhe -pada -rasa -vilase -mama -manah!

Verse 59 Rasa Lila Seva

Nagari Rasikshekhara’s cheeks are moistened with sweat drops of fatigue from Their incomparable dancing during Their amazingly enchanting, laughter-filled Rasa festival. When will I joyfully serve Radha Madhava by massaging Their feet and nicely fanning Them?

Verse 61 Govinda Bows to Radha

Govinda experiences a festival of rasa by bowing down and touching the lotus feet of Radha, pada-sparsha -rasotsavam -pranatibhir -govindam, who is Krishna’s only giver of rasa, rasaikadayini.

Verse 63 Confidential Seva to Radha

When will Sri Radha order me to accompany Her and tell Nandanandan, after He repeatedly hints to Radha with His glances, which She seemingly rejects while yet indicating a beautiful trysting-place to Krishna, “O king of cheaters! My Ishvari Radha will not go alone into that solitary grove of Kadamba-trees because She is afraid of You!”

Verse 75 Radha Meditation

O Sri Radhe! In my meditation may I always see Your crooked eyebrows, widened eyes, cherry-red lips, sweet smile, full breasts, thin waist, wide hips, soft body, slow elegant steps, and the stunned condition Your rasika heart.

Verse 87 Manjaris Relish Radha’s Prasad

When will I submerge in ever-new, ecstatic blissful rasa by repeatedly chewing the sweeter than sweet remnants of Sri Radha, which are the essence of nectar?

sri -radhaya -madhura madhur -occhishta -piyusha -saram
bhojam -bhojam -nava -nava -rasananda -magnah -kada -syam

Verse 144 Siddhis Roll at Manjari’s Feet

Millions of amazing siddhis roll at the feet of Sri Radha’s maidservants, sri – radha -kinkarinam -luthati -caranayor -adbhuta -siddhi -kotih!

Verse 156 Radha’s Motherly Affection

When will Radha relish Krishna’s prasadi tambula, and then put it into my mouth to show Her motherly affection, dasi-vatsala, to me?

Verse 166 Fanning Seva

When on the terrace of a bower house of fresh creepers on the bank of the Yamuna will I fan Radha Murari in such a way that They blissfully close Their eyes while enjoying the incomparably cool breeze?

Verse 180 Nikunja Prasad

When will I enter the nikunja in the morning to sweep it, and then decorate myself with the prasadi kajal, camphor, musk, and sandalwood paste from Radha Madhava’s love bed that fell off Their divine bodies at the beginning of Their wonderful love-play? And when will I restring and wear Their broken garlands?

Manjari Meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Manjari Meditations 05: “Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 6 Radha, Essence of Rasa

Glory to Nikunja-devi Radha who revives Nandanandan when He faints from the attack of Kandarpa’s millions of  arrows by abundantly sprinkling Krishna with the nectar-waves of Her bodily contact, which is the quintessence of bliss, rasa -sara -nijanga -sanga!

Verse 14 Radha Blesses Vraja

radha -karavacita -pallava -vallarike
radha -padanka -vilasan -madhura -sthalike
radha -yasho -mukhara -matta -khagavalike
radha -vihara -vipine -ramatam -mano -me

May my mind find pleasure in the play forest of Radha, where the sprouts and vines are touched by Radha’s hands, where the lila-sthalis are sweetened by Radha’s footprints, and where the birds madly sing Radha’s glories!

Verse 9 Radha Saves Sadhus

Full of good moods, Radha delivers all the good devotees living in Vrindavan, vrndatavim -sat -tarani – krta -subhava -sudha.

Verse 17 Kunja Seva

O Radhe! After You blissfully pass the night enjoying pastimes with Your rasika nagar Krishna in a kunja, I will bathe You, and serve You some sweet foods. Then You will fall asleep while I massage Your lotus feet with my hands.

Verse 18 Radha Darshan

When will Sri Radhika who is an ocean of play manifest in my heart, sphuratu -me -hrdi -keli -sindhuh?

Verse 23 Taking Radha to Kunja

O Radhe! While carrying garlands, perfumes, and divine, soft sandalwood paste when will I follow You and point out the way as You, eager for love play, go to a sanket-kunja walking slowly like a graceful elephant?

Verse 24 Spying Shyam

O Sri Radhika! After going with You to a lonely spot on the bank of the Yamuna, when will I suddenly see Your Nagarendra Shyam intensely looking at You from a place high in a Kadamba tree, as I massage Your ambrosial limbs that are the very life of Cupid, amrtam -angam -ananga – jivam?

Verse 32 Begging for a Glance

O Sri Radhika! Please cast a merciful glance on me! I want to arrange Your meeting with Shyamchandra and make a bed for You in the trysting-bower.

Verse 39 Power of Radha’s Glance

venuh  -karan -nipatitah -skhalitam – shikhandam –
bhrashtam -ca -pitavasanam -vrajaraja sunoh
yasyah -kataksha -shara -ghata -vimurcchitasya-
tam -radhikam -paricarami -kada -rasena

When can I blissfully serve Radhika whose arrow-like sidelong glances strike Krishna, the Prince of Vraja, to make His flute fall from His hand, His peacock feather crown slip off, and His yellow dhoti fall off before He completely faints?

Verse 41 Manjari’s Only Desire

O Radhe! My only desire is to become Your maidservant, kinkari -bhavitum -mam -abhilash

Manjari meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata 011 “Power of Sadhu Sanga”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Srimad Bhagavatam is called the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this triguna-free, transcendental treatise, the amala-purana, which showcases the absolutely selfless, divine love of Srimati Radharani, one can find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practice and perfection) of Gaudiya Vaisnavism.

In his most compassionate and wonderful shastra, Sri Chaitanya Caritamrita, Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja summarizes the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Goswamis of Vrindavana by mentioning the same Bhagavatam verses that they used to substantiate their sublime instructions.

To emphasize the importance of these particular verses for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas, the same Bhagavatam verse is often mentioned two, three or more times in the Sri Chaitanya Caritamrta.

This series of posts presents these verses, along with selected tikas of our acharyas and the compiler. We will cover the beautiful truths, tattvas, of Krishna, Radha, Vaisnavas, Sri Guru, Bhakti Sadhana, Nama, Prema and more.

* POWER of VAISNAVA ASSOCIATION

tulayama -lavenapi, na -svargam napunar -bhavam
bhagavat-sangi-sangasya, martyanam -kim -utashisha

A moment’s association with a Krishna bhakta cannot be compared to elevation to Svarga, attaining mukti, or what to speak of any blessings in this world. (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.18.13)

Sri Jiva Goswami:

Bhagavat-sangi-sanga means association with persons who are attached to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. A moment’s association with such a person cannot be compared to attaining the heavenly planets. The affectionate nature (snigdha) of devotees should be implied from the verse. (Bhakti-rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.228)

Sri Vallabhacharya:

In association of Krishna bhaktas one enjoys unlimited happiness by relishing Krishna’s nectarine lilas. Even one second’s association with a true bhakta gives rise to bliss! (Subodhini tika)

Visvantha Cakravartipada:

Here the sages at Naimisharanya glorify the influence of Suta Goswami. The fruits of karma, jnana, or worldly enjoyments are insignificant compared to the benefit one gains by bhagavat-sangi, a moment’s association with a Krishna bhakta. By this one receives the bhakti-beeja which results in prema. Thus, there is no possibility of comparing this with the fruits of karma and jnana. It is like comparing a mustard seed to Mount Meru. (Bhakti-rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.228)

Srila Prabhupada:

One cannot compare the association of a pure devotee to anything material. The pure devotees are factually liberated even in the material world because they are engaged in a transcendental loving service of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Devotional service is eternal; it has no end because it is spiritual. Association with Krishna bhaktas is always desirable; it is worshipable, it is praiseworthy, and one may accept it as the highest goal of life.

Pandit Sri Ananta Dasaji Maharaja:

Without sadhu-sanga, no one is able to engage in bhagavad-bhajana with a mind freed from the vile decoction of attachment and aversion and the pollution of beginningless karma-samskaras.

Bhagavan Sri Krishna is filled with profound transcendental joy and always enjoying His prema-lilas. Thus, the miseries of the jivas can never touch Him. Even though the full power of compassion exists within Krishna, it is impossible for Krishna to directly express it toward the suffering jivas.

“Then how will they be delivered?” Sri Krishna’s compassion is present in the hearts of the sadhus. The rays of bhakti spread from their hearts in all directions and infuse pure love into the hearts of those around them. Such is the enormous power of sadhu-sanga.

Thus, it is the supremely merciful sadhus living in this world who help the illusion-bound suffering jivas. Other than sadhu-sanga, there is no way to obtain the mercy of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. 

Vaishnava sadhu sanga ki jai! Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Manjari Meditations 04: “Vrindavan Mahimamrta”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 14.57 Manjaris’ Guru

Radhika personally teaches her dasi manjaris, radhika -dasih -shikshayate.

Sataka 14.70 Manjari Begs Radha Krishna 

A manjari holds the lotus feet of Radha Madhava and begs, “O Swami and Swamini Radha! Please come to my dear sakhi’s supremely charming kunja.” Radha Madhava then happily go there and lavishly praise that dasi. Just meditate on this.

Sataka 15.2 Manjari Makes a Garden

With her own hands the manjari prepares an astonishing flower garden in the forest of Vrindavan. Within it she builds a charming mandap and decorates it with varieties of fragrant flowers. She sprinkles lots of soft lotus petals on the path leading to that mandap. Radha Govinda Yugal then come there and enjoy many loving pastimes.

Sataka 15.44 Sakhis Teach Manjaris

The main gopis like Lalita and Vishakha personally teach their own extraordinary arts and skills to the newly arrived young gopis, sadhana siddhas, nava -prakata-ballavih -samupashikshya -mukhyalibhir, nijam -nijam -ananyagadbhutatamam -kala-kaushalam.

Radha Govinda merge in happiness whenever They call out the names of these wonderful new manjaris and accept their seva.

Sataka 15.73-75 The Topmost Secret Mantra

I will tell you a mantra hidden from the Vedas, and not found anywhere even in the most confidential scriptures. This infinitely glorious mantra is the sweetest nectar, the zenith of all auspiciousness, and the ultimate goal of all attainments.

It is the supreme madness of all forms of maddening bliss. It is the secret of all secrets. Without thinking of anything else, day and night chant this mantra: RADHA!

Sataka 15.83 Extreme Intimacy of Manjaris

All glories to Radha, who on the pathway just outside the nikunja confides to her manjari saying, “O auspicious well behaved dasi, anuchari -shubha -shile! I have a problem, so please tell me what should I do?

“During our never-ending love battles my lover always becomes totally exhausted, nitya -klanta -sa -kanta, even though Lalita, Vishakha and other sakhis try to encourage Shyam.”

Sataka 16.15 Fanning Radha Krishna 

I blissfully worship Radha Krishna as They sit facing each other on a beautiful cushion at the door of a vine cottage. Within Their hearts They are relishing a recent lover’s quarrel as They happily throw dice, and I gently fan Them with a camara fan.

Sataka 16.62 Reading Radha’s Hints

Remember Radha’s manjaris as they expertly serve Ishvari Radha according to Radha’s every splendid hint, motion or tasteful gesture.

Sataka 17.2 All Senses Connected with Vrindavan

May my feet walk in the forest of Vrindavan; may eyes see the beauty of Vrindavan; may my tongue sing the glories of Vrindavan and may my ears hear them. May my nose smell the sweet fragrance of Vrindavan. May my body, its hair erect in ecstasy, roll on the ground of Krishna’s lila sthalis.

Sataka 17.83 Proper Vision of Vrajavasis

If one lives in Vrindavan committing the offense of thinking that the Vrajvasis do not have eternal spiritual forms of condensed bliss and knowledge, one will not attain Goloka Vrindavan.

Sataka 17.84 Becoming Genuine Servant of Radha

When one understands that the moving and non-moving residents of Vrindavan have forms of eternal spiritual nectar, one will attain the form of a beloved servant of Radha, radha-priya-sevi-rupah.

Manjari meditations ki jai! Sridham Vrindavan ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Manjari Meditations 03: “Vrindavan Mahimamrta”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 6.85 Joy of Manjaris

Due to their naturally intense, sweet loving attachment for Radha Krishna, the manjaris experience ecstatic symptoms like erect bodily hairs as they continually dive into an ever-expanding ocean of transcendental bliss. Radha’s manjaris smile, laugh, and their bodies blossom with excessive loving madness at every moment.

Sataka 7.30 Manjari Abhiman

For manjaris, Radha Krishna are everything, their very life and soul. “Alas! Even in the greatest calamity may I never fall into the bodily conception thinking, ‘My body, my home, and its many things are mine.’”

Sataka 7.36 Mercy of Vraja

All glories to Vrindavan which forgives all one’s faults and offenses, and nicely maintains and nourishes one who vows to take complete shelter there, vrindavanam -ashrita -poshanam -vratam -ashesha -dosha -kshama.

Sataka 8.17 Constant Meditation

Always meditate on Radha’s millions of dasi manjaris, dasi -yutha -kotir -anusmara.

Sataka 8.23 Manjaris Unique Position

What more can I say about the special mercy Radha gives to her manjari? When Radha enjoys pastimes with Priyatama in a cottage of creepers, she sometimes sits her manjari on the bed and covers her with a sheet, paryanka -sthapitam, -vastrair -vacchaditam -kvachit

Sataka 8.42 Why Hear About Manjaris

By repeatedly hearing about the forms, feelings and sevas of the manjaris and their intimate relationship with Sri Radha, you will become happy and hanker to hear more, shrutva -srutvati -sukhitam, punah shravana lalasam

Therefore, surely in all times and places you should always remember and meditate upon this. Even if you have not seen or realized these topics, still you should hear and speak about them and live in beautiful Vrindavan, asphurtitah -kathato -pi -srimad -vrindavane -va.

Sataka 8.73-74 Manjari Sevas

As Radha’s kinkari, you repeatedly fan your dearest Radha with the edge of your veil, offer her betel nuts, and offer Radha to her beloved Prityatam Shyam. You lovingly offer Radha a delicious cool, nectar drink scented with camphor and other spices poured from a jewel studded water pot.

Sataka 9.72 All Senses Engaged

The manjaris’ ears are immersed in the sweet nectar of Radha Hari’s conversations. Their eyes are fixed on Radha Krishna’s effulgent forms and loving pastimes. And their minds are greatly intoxicated from arranging the festive meetings of Radha and Krishna.                                                                                     

Sataka 10.89 Radha’s Lotus Feet

I always remember the incomparable effulgence of Sri Radha’s lotus feet, smarami -sri -radha -charan -kamal -jyotir -atulam

Sataka 10.96 Mother Vrindavan

“I am full of great faults and I don’t have even the slightest trace of good qualities. I repeatedly commit many unforgiveable offenses. But still, O Vrindavan! You are like my mother and I am your son. So please don’t reject me.’’

Sataka 11.116 Manjari Abhiman

“I have a beautiful body of a Radha dasi, and I always live in Radha vana. I satisfy Radha’s heart by tastefully serving Radha’s lotus feet day and night, radha -dasya -lasad -vapur, anisha – radha -pada -seva, antas -toshita – radha, rasiko – radha -vane -sada -nivasa.”

Sataka 12.64 Fortune of Vraja Vasa

Only the most fortunate attain residence in Vrindavan, where the fragrant air purifies everyone it touches, vrindavan -sakala -bhagyavatam -varishthair -labhyam -surabhy -anila -pavita -sarva -sabhyam

Sataka 13.2 Faith in Vrindavan

One will not see the mercy of Radha’s lotus feet until one has firm faith in the land of Vrindavan,

vrindavan -bhuvi -bhaven -napi -nishtha -garishtha -radha -carana -karuna -naiva -drshi.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! See part four manjari meditations.

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Manjari Meditations 02: “Vrindavan Mahimamrita”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 3.55 Crying in Bhajan

When with the wealth detachment will I stay in the forest of Vrindavan? I will rest my cheeks on my palms and repeatedly cry out, “O Krishna! O Krishna!”

Sataka 3.109 Life and Soul

A manjari’s supreme love for the lotus feet of Radha Krishna is her very life.

radha -krishna -padaravinda, parama -premaika -jivatubhis

Sataka 4.48 Solitary Bhajan

Even if my hair turns grey, my body becomes weak, and kaupins, torn garments, and an old shawl are my only possessions, still I will remain peaceful while staying far away from others as if I am low and fallen. But in my heart, I will always be completely absorbed in serving the lotus feet of Sri Radha.

Sataka 4.81 Mother Vraja

O beautiful land of Vrindavan! You are supremely more affectionate than millions of mothers, sri -vrndatavi -koti -matr -parama -snigdha!

Sataka 4.88 Vraja Ultimate Atonement

Radhika’s forest of Vrindavan is the perfect atonement for all sins; the ultimate shelter for all offenses to great souls; the crest jewel of all dharmas, and the crest jewel of all goals of human life.

Sataka 5.71 Vraja Only Shelter

Even though I am bewildered by lust and other material desires, still I hanker to attain that pure love which is hidden in the Vedas. Thus, I continue to stay here because the compassion of Vrindavan is my only shelter, vrindaranya -karunaika -me -sharanam.

Sataka 5.96-99 Radha Describes Krishna’s Love

One day Radhika privately met Her priya sakhi and revealed how much Krishna loves Her:

“O sakhi! Day and night your Krishna stays with Me. Krishna braids My hair in various ways; draws artistic designs on My face with musk, kunkum, and sandalwood paste. Krishna dresses Me with beautiful clothes, ornaments and flower garlands.

“Krishna always keeps His radiant moon-like face before mine and gazes at me with unblinking eyes. Krishna is very eager to talk to me. Krishna lies down holding me on His heart, and He always keeps me by His side.

“O sakhi! How can I describe the love that jewel of all romantic lovers has for me. Don’t ask me to tell you how I became so fortunate. I cannot describe my unlimited pastimes to you. Because as soon as Shyam holds my hand I forget who I am, where I was, and later I can’t remember anything.

“Alas! Shyam decorates my braid with exceptional flowers, draws a line of red sindhur in my hair part, anoints my eyes with kajal, dresses me in silken garments, and repeatedly gives me betel nuts to chew.

“Thus, in so many ways Shyam shows His love for me. Krishna is so attached to me He won’t even move me from His lap to put me in the bed.”

Sataka 6.29 Power of Vraja Connection

If you live in the earthly land of Vrindavan; or meditate upon and offer obeisances to Vrindavan; or travel to, see or touch Vrindavan; or have any connection with Vrindavan; then aho, this supremely purifying land of Vrindavan will carry you to Goloka Vrindavan!

Sataka 6.71 Intimate Seva

Alone with Lila Yugal inside the nikunja, the manjari says, “O Swamini Radha! Please stay still for a second so I can remove all the signs of amorous sporting from your eyes, limbs and clothing. Lalita and the other sakhis are coming soon. If they see you like this, they will all make jokes and laugh loudly. Then you will feel very embarrassed.”

Sataka 6.74 Intimate Sevas

Inside the nikunja, a manjari serves Radha Muralidhar by arranging Their hair, applying tilak, daubing sandalwood paste, offering betel nuts and flower garlands, feeding Them tasty foods and drinks, massaging Them, and many other sevas.

Sataka 6.75 Varieties of Sevas

Some expert manjaris decorate the kunja, some string beautiful flower garlands, some prepare varieties of fragrant things, and some sew fine silk clothes.

Sataka 6.81 Seva Bhava

I pray that Sri Radhika’s maidservants, who bitterly lament when any obstacle stops their seva to the master and mistress of their lives, may appear before me, sphurantu -mama -sri -radhika -aradhikah.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! See part three manjari meditations.