Tag Archive for: Mahanidhi Swami

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Tenth Canto Nectar

By: Mahanidhi Swami

The Srimad Bhagavatam is the sweet liquid that Srila Vyasadeva extracted from all the transcendental Vedic scriptures. He nourished his divine son Shukadeva Goswami with that liquid. And upon realizing the ambrosial essence of the Bhagavata within his pure heart, Sri Shuka Muni concentrated it into a nectar called a rasayana.

The Tenth Canto, which is the smiling sweet face of Shyamasundara, is that rasayana. How is this? A material rasayana is an ayurvedic medicine that rejuvenates one’s body, and fills one with the nectar taste of robust health and mental satisfaction. The Tenth Canto is a spiritual rasayana which does all these things and much more as you will learn below.

Now let’s hear from Sri Chaitanyadeva and our Gaudiya rasika acharyas about the amazing power and benefits of hearing and reading the Srimad Bhagavatam. And how much more do all these glories apply to the Tenth Canto!

In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.226), Srila Rupa Goswamipada says that of the 64 limbs of sadhana-bhakti, relishing the Srimad Bhagavatam is one of five most important and powerful limbs; and also a part of pancha-anga bhakti (sankirtana, sadhu sanga, Thakuraji seva, Vraja vasa). Later in verse 240, Sri Rupa specifically singles out and glorifies the Tenth Canto as the most significant and important of all the twelve cantos. Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada stresses the special position of the Tenth Canto by stating, “One will achieve Krishna prema by hearing it.”

On several occasions, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu glorified the Srimad Bhagavatam, so that all His followers past and present would realize its topmost absolute importance. Now let’s hear Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Jiva Goswamipada, Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada, and my Gurudeva exalt the Srimad Bhagavatam:

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu said:

Krishna-tulya bhaagavata, vibhu sarvaashraya, prati-shloke prati-akshare, naanaa artha kaya

“Srimad Bhagavatam is as great as Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself, the supreme shelter of everything. In each and every verse and syllable of Srimad Bhagavatam, there are multi-faceted meanings, for it is as infinite as Krishna.” (Cc. 2.24.318)

In the next quote Lord Gauranga explains how the Srimad Bhagavatam is the transcendental body of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and it is full of pure love of God:

premamaya bhaagavata, Krishnera sri anga,

taahaate kahena yata, gopya Krishneranga

“The Srimad Bhagavatam is saturated with Krishna prema. The Srimad Bhagavatam is non-different from the beautiful body of Krishna and is a part of Krishna Himself, for it describes Krishna’s confidential pastimes with His intimate associates like Sri Radha and the Vraja-gopis.” (Cb. Antya 3.516)

In this last quote, Prema-Purusottama Gauranga establishes the Srimad Bhagavatam’s preeminent position over all other Vedic shastras and spiritual scriptures:

pade pade bhaagavata, prema-rasa-maya,

shuniyaa dravila ati, tomaara hrdaya

“Every single line of Srimad Bhagavatam is full of prema-rasa, ecstatic divine raptures. By hearing the Srimad Bhagavatam, your heart will melt.” (Cb. 2.9.91)

In the Preface to Krishna book, Gurudeva Srila Prabhupada says that love of Godhead will fructify by reading [or hearing] this one book, Krishna, which contains only the Tenth Canto pastimes of Bhagavan. In the 90th chapter of Krishna Book, Srila Prabhupada describes the wonderful benefits of the Tenth Canto. He said, “The transcendental pastimes of Sri Krishna [in the Tenth Canto] are so powerful that simply by hearing, reading and memorizing this book, Krishna, one is sure to be transferred to the spiritual world.”

We will conclude our discussion by explaining why it is so necessary and important for serious sadhakas to focus and concentrate their Bhagavata studies on hearing, reading and meditating upon the sublime rasa-filled teachings of the TENTH CANTO.

In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.226), Srila Rupa Goswamipada says that of the 64 limbs of sadhana-bhakti, relishing the Srimad Bhagavatam is one of five most important and powerful limbs; and also a part of pancha-anga bhakti (harinama sankirtana, sadhu sanga, Thakuraji seva, Vraja vasa). Later in verse 240, Sri Rupa specifically singles out and praises the Tenth Canto as the most significant and important of all the twelve cantos. Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada stresses the special position of the Tenth Canto by stating, “One will achieve Krishna prema by hearing it.”

While finishing his glorification of the Srimad Bhagavatam and the pancha-anga bhakti in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Srila Rupa Goswamipada says (1.2.244): “These five limbs or practices (pancha-anga-bhakti) have the inconceivable power to manifest both bhaava and Sri Krishna Himself at the same time.”

In other words, even a brief association with these five supremely powerful angas of vaidhi-sadhana bhakti [such as hearing Tenth Canto] can arouse bhaava in bhakti-sadhakas, provided that one’s practice of these is free from offenses in the form of the ten nama-aparadhas and the offenses in Thakurji archana, Deity worship.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada gives a very encouraging illumination of this section of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu: “The Srimad Bhagavatam [especially the Tenth Canto] is exclusively devoted to and full of the sweet taste of bhakti-rasa for Bhagavan Sri Krishna alone and nothing else. Anyone who hears Srimad Bhagavatam will attain pure rasa-filled bhakti, which in turn will destroy all one’s fears, diseases, material desires and false attachments. Srimad Bhagavatam is the rasa-svarupa of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Among all the scriptures existing on this planet, the Srimad Bhagavatam, and only the Srimad Bhagavatam, contains the highest bliss. Srimad Bhagavatam is totally transcendental, pure and uncontaminated with any tinge of the three modes of material nature, ignorance, passion or goodness.”

Watch our web site mnsaudio.com for a soon to be released free download CD with this title “Tenth Canto Nectar”. We call it that because by repeatedly hearing the “Tenth Canto Nectar”, we guarantee you will become completely rejuvenated and thrilled with the joy of transcendence, feeling the rapture of Radha-Krishna’s pure love flooding your entire being.

Grantha Raja Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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The Devotee is More Merciful than God

By: Mahanidhi Swami

InBhagavata-gita(18.54), Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, “After one [a bhakta] becomes liberated from the three modes of material nature, he attains para-bhakti or pure devotion, uttama-bhakti to Me (brahma bhuta prasannatma, mad-bhaktim labhate param)”.

It is significant here that Bhagavan uses the word labhate (achieves, attains), instead of the word kurute (do, make). Labhate means that uttama bhakti is achieved only by the mercy of Bhagavan or His bhaktas; it is not attainable by one’s own efforts.

This is the position of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and theBhagavad-gita: first liberation then para-bhakti.

Now let’s look at the grantha-rajaSrimad Bhagavatam(10.33.39). Here the devotee, Sri Sukadeva Goswami promises that simply by hearing or describing Radha-Krishna’s Rasa Dance, one will first attain uttama-bhakti, para-bhakti, pure devotion to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. And then he will quickly attain liberation from the modes of nature, and their concomitant qualities like lust, anger, greed and so on (vikriditam vraja-vadhubhir, srnuyad atha varnayed, bhaktim param bhagavati pratilabhya, kamam

hrd-rogam ashu apahinoti acirena).

This is the position of the bhakta Sukadeva Goswami and the Bhagavatam: first para-bhakti then liberation.

The conclusion is that the devotees of Krishna are more merciful than Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Grantha-raja Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai!

Krpa-shakti murti Sukadeva Goswami ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Beautiful Boons of Bhagavatam

By:Mahanidhi Swami

Just by casually hearing/reading about Sri Krishna’s wonderful, sweet pastimes depicted in the Srimad Bhagavatam, you will attain four amazing blessings, even without desiring such priceless gifts.

Moreover, the inner peace and heart’s satisfaction you’ll feel by hearing the Srimad Bhagavatam will soon make you “fall in love with Bhagavata”, as you hanker to hear/read it every day, nityam bhagavata sevaya (SB 1.2.15).

But how does it all happen? As you hear/read the Srimad Bhagavatam, you will automatically acquire higher knowledge which will subdue your lower material nature and remove your miseries. You won’t even realize how this is happening—a magical transformation of YOU.

An extraordinary inner joy and satisfaction will arise in your heart like a rich sweet aroma coming from a field of blossoming roses. This new found joy will make you detached from material sense objects, and non-devotional people and places, even without trying for it.

You, the former materialist, have now become a spiritualist—a seeker of life’s essence, God’s love. And with your Bhagavata treasures of a peaceful mind and a happy heart, you will move quickly along the path of Krishna prema bhakti.

As Bhagavan Sri Krishna says in Gita (18.54): “A spiritualist—free from grief and hankering—sees all equally and soon attains My pure love!”

To summarize, let’s see the four great treasures of hearing/reading the Srimad Bhagavatam:

1)You acquire divine knowledge and peace to subdue your lower nature.

2)Delight fills your mind to dispel your gloom and despair.

3)Your joy brings easy detachment from material sense objects/people.

4)You attain a state of liberation leading you to life’s goal of Sri Krishna prema bhakti.

So my dear friends of loving faces!

May you all dive deeply into the fathomless, beautiful, exciting, fulfilling, romantic, wisdom-filled, purifying and blissful ocean of immortal nectar ambrosia named “The Srimad Bhagavatam!”

Grantha Raja, Amala Purana,

Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Wearing Radha Kunda Tilaka

ByMahanidhi Swami

Often devotees ask, “Is it okay to wear Radha Kunda tilaka?” The bhava and purpose behind all actions is the most important element in all movements on the bhakti marga. So let’s take a closer look at these points and discover the answer to this question.

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava raskika poets and acharyas state that Srimati Radharani is very pleased to see and likes all things that are dark blue or black in color beginning with Her Priyatama Shyamasundara.

Because the dark blue or black color reminds Sri Radha of Her darling sweet heart Sri Krishna, Kishori jeu also likes black deer, kajjala, blue sapphire bangles and necklaces, nilambari saris, sakhis named Shyamala, monsoon clouds, Amavasya, the ratri deep night, the shimmering blue Yamuna river, the dark forest, and so on.

Every Hindu knows why every murti of Sri Hanumanji, the great monkey of Lord Rama, is covered head to toe in red/orange sindur. Bhagavan Ramachandraji once commented that He felt very happy to see the sindur in Sita Thakurani’s hairpart (simanta).

Hearing this and wanting to please His Lord Rama, the innocent bhakta Hanuman went out and covered his entire body in red sindur. When Hanuman returned, Lord Rama was very surprised and amused at Hanuman’s unusual appearance. Thus henceforth, all Hanuman murtis are colored sindur red/orange.

So this is the same devotional principle behind wearing Radha Kunda tilaka; it pleases Radharani, reminds Her of Shyama, and thus attracts Radhika’s compassion and mercy upon the wearer of black tilaka.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the first Gaudiya to wear Radha Kunda tilaka. Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja explains, “Mahaprabhu marked His body with tilaka made from the mud of Radha Kunda, collected some of the mud and took it with Him”, kundera mrttika lana tilaka karila, mrttika sange kari laila (Cc. 2.18.14).

Now let’s hear what the founder acharya of Iskcon says about wearing Radha Kunda tilaka. Thirty-nine years ago, Srila Prabhupada said, “There is no harm in wearing Radha Kunda tilaka.” (BBT Folio 760816rc.bom)

So the conclusion is that Radha Kunda tilaka is worn by those devotees who desire to gain the favor of and to please Srimati Radharani. It is especially used by those rare souls on the path of raganuga bhakti hankering to serve within Radha’s inner circle of sakhis.

Radha Kunda tilaka ki jai! Syama-kunda Radha Kunda ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prabhupada on Sweet Radha Kunda

ByMahanidhi Swami

Forty years ago, in Mayapura, West Bengal, Srila Prabhupada wrote the following words in glorification of Sri Radha Kunda. Manifesting as his comments to Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s Upadeshamrta (Nectar of Instruction), these ambrosial words gushed out of Prabhupada’s heart like a waterfall to inundate the desert dry hearts of thirsty souls hankering for love divine.

Please read them again and again. After sometime, they will magically move your mind, and then captivate your heart. And if Kundeshvari Radha glances upon you, you may find yourself living here serving the eternal sweethearts of your soul—Radha-Govinda Yugala.

First of all what is Radha-kunda?

Radha-kunda, situated at Govardhana Hill in Sri Vrndavana Dhama, is the eternal bathing place of Srimati Radharani. Sri Krishna spends six hours a day here, enjoying blissful confidential pastimes with Radhika and the Vraja-gopis. The sacred lake was created by Radharani and her gopi companions atmidnighton Bahulastami in Kartika month. It is the topmost of all the holy places in Vraja and the most exalted holy place for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

The eight major Gaudiya Vaisnava temples of Vrndavana (Govindaji, Madan-mohana, Gopinatha etc) also exist at Radha-kunda, as well as the bhajana-kutiras of Sri Jiva Gosvami, Gopal Bhatta Gosvami, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, and Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura.

The beautiful transcendental waters of Radha-kunda are considered non-different from Radharani, and easily grant one love of God, Radha-Krsna prema.

Please carefully read below how beautifully and powerfully…

SRILA PRABHUPADA GLORIFIES RADHARANI:

HER GLORIES

“There is no limit to the glory of Sri Radha-kunda.” (NOI v.11pur.)

“The importance of Radha-kunda cannot be realized by other Vaisnava sampradayas. Radha-kunda is mainly worshipped by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas.” (NOI v.9 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is very rarely attained, even by great personalities fully engaged in devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“Sri Radha-kunda, is the most exalted place.” (NOI v. 10 pur.)

“Radha Kunda is so exalted because it belongs to Srimati Radharani, who is the most beloved object of Sri Krsna” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Krsna’s love for Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani is the same in all respects.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is superior to all [places of Krsna’s pastimes] because there love of Krsna overflows.” (NO I v 9 pur).

Radha Kunda is the site of many memories of the eternal loving affairs between Krsna and Radharani, rati-vilasa” (NOI v.9 pur).

“Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that Sri Radha-kunda is the most select place for those interested in advancing their devotional service in the wake of the lady friends (sakhis) and confidential serving maids (manjaris) of Srimati Radharani.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

SERVING RADHA KUNDA

“By serving Radha-kunda, one can get an opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani under the eternal guidance of the gopis.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

BATHING IN RADHA KUNDA

“A devotee will at once develop pure love of Krsna in the wake of the gopis if he once takes a bath in Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami recommends that one should take a bath in the lake as many times as possible. This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“If, by great fortune, one gets an opportunity to come to Radha-kunda and bathe even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krsna, exactly as the gopis did.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“One should bathe there regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis. If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

RESIDENCE

“It is also recommended that one should live on the banks of Radha-kunda and should be absorbed in the loving service of the Lord.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami has given much stress to Radha-kunda because of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s desire to find it. Who, then, would give up Radha-kunda and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.” (NOI v. 9 pur.)

“Everyone interested in Krsna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha-kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one’s life. This is the conclusion of Rupa Gosvami in the tenth verse of Upadesamrta.” (NOI v. 10 pur.)

“Living entities who are eager to return home to Goloka Vrndavana, by means of attaining their spiritual bodies (siddha-deha), should live at Radha-kunda, take shelter of the confidential serving maids of Sri Radha, and under their direction engage constantly in Radha’s service.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

“There is no harm [in wearing Radha Kunda tilaka], but devotees should understand what is Radha-kunda and how to deal with Radha-kunda.

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami showed how to live in Radha-kunda.Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau. Raghunatha dasa Gosvami was circumambulating Radha-kunda, falling down making a mark [dandavat parikrama]. That is Radha-kunda vasi. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih. Not only did Raghunatha dasa count the holy names, but he was offering obeisances so many hundred times, that is Radha-kunda. So much vairagya (renunciation) Raghunatha dasa Gosvami showed. He can take bath in the Radha-kunda.

First of all, do this like Raghunatha dasa Gosvami.Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau nidrahara-viharakadi-vijitau catyanta-dinau ca yau.” (760816.rc.bom)

BOOK PUBLISHING

“In my last meeting with Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in Radha-Kunda he advised me to print some books if I get money. I took it very seriously and by His grace we have now published many translations.” (letter 15/11/76)

SRILA PRABHUPADA’S CONCLUSION:

“The conclusion is that to live on the banks of the Radha-kunda, and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of devotional service.” (NOI v.11 pur.)

“If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (NOI v. 11 pur.)

THE LAST INSTRUCTION

On November 10, 1977, just four days before His Divine Grace left this planet to enter the eternal pastimes of Radha-Govinda, Srila Prabhupada told his disciples to bathe in Radha Kunda on his behalf:

Srila Prabhupada said, “So you [Prabhupada’s disciples] will take bath in Radha-kunda on my behalf.” (RC 10/11/77)

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: In his illuminations quoted above on Rupa Goswami’s Upadeshamrita (Nectar Of Instruction), Srila Prabhupada makes four supremely significant points:

1) Glorifies the supreme position of Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani.

2) We Should Serve Radha-kunda.

3) We Should BATHE DAILY IN Radha-kunda.

4) We Should live in Radha-kunda.

Sri Shyama-kunda Radha-kunda ki jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

jai jai sri radhe

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Why Vrajavasis Did Not Go to Mathura?

By Mahanidhi Swami

Devotees often ask, “If the Vrajavasis loved Krishna so much, then why didn’t they go to Mathura to meet their dearest after Akrura whisked Krishna away from their hearts one dismal day in February? After all, Mathura is only eight kilometers from Vrndavana.”

For the following five reasons, the Vrajavasis did not go to Mathura:

1) Sweet Intimate Pastimes:

Mathura and Dvaraka are filled with opulence and grandeur (aishwarya), formality and social etiquette which generate an atmosphere of awe and reverence that creates a bridge between loving hearts. Vaikuntha is God’s office and Vrndavana is God’s playground. Only here in Vrndavana, and nowhere else, can Krishna experience the sweet and natural, free-flowing, uninhibited love of the Vrajavasis. In Vrndavana, Krishna carries Nanda’s slippers on head; Yasoda bathes Krishna in cow urine and dung; Govinda carries the winning gopas upon His shoulders; Madhava massages Radha’s feet and bathes them with His tears to mollify Hermaan; and Krishna sometimes dons a female disguise to meet Radha in Her in-laws home. In nowhere else but VrajaDhamacan such inconceivably close and warm loving exchanges take place. Thus the Vrajavasis could not leaveVrndavana, and visit Krishna in Mathura.

2) Faith in Krishna’s Promise:

Because of their innocence and simple love, the Vrajavasis had full faith in Krishna’s promise that He would returnsoon. Thus they patiently awaited Krishna’s arrival.”

3) Memories

Although the Vrajavasis were all burning in separation from Krishna, they sustained their lives by remembering Krishna’s lilas in the fields, forests and towns of Vraja. Memories connect separated hearts.

4) News Reports

The regular visits of Narada Muni and Uddhavato Vraja, bringing the latest news of Krishna’s activities in Mathura, gave immense pleasure. Thus the Vrajavasis remained in Vrndavana, because for them, Vrndavana was Krishna and Krishna was Vrndavana.

5) Prevent Suffering for Krishna

The Vrajavasis felt so distressed without Krishna that they wanted to give up their bodies. But they didn’t, because they thought it would cause too much pain to Krishna when He finds out. So they dragged on somehow maintaining their lives.

Our goal is Vrndavana and VrajaPrema; to lovingly serve Radha and Krishna like the Vrajavasis do in Vrndavana. I have revealed here just one drop from the unlimited ocean of attachment for Krishna that the Vrajavasis swim in. By hearing this, we can get a little understanding of the degree and depth of their absolutely selfless, totally self-sacrificing pure divine love for Krishna.

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We Only Need Krishna

By Mahanidhi Swami

For a brief period of my devotional life I wore a Nrsimha kavaca. One hearty well-wisher pointed out that my guru, param guru and paratpara guru never wore such a thing. He further reminded me of Srila Prabhupada’s famous quote: “The reason for my success is that I had complete faith in the holy name of Krishna and in the words of my spiritual master.” Off came the kavaca!

Seeing many devotees wearing nrsimha kavacas, we decided to describe the principle that Krishna alone—specifically in His nama rupa avatara is the only ONE we need. Sri Krishna’s Holy Name is our ONE AND ONLY source of protection and shelter. Surrender means believing this and following this. Hare Krishna!

Without surrender, saranagati, our sraddha will never grow and develop into nishta, ruci, bhava and prema. Our humble request to you and any other souls hearing our words is to please cast aside all kavacas and take exclusive shelter of Krishna’s ambrosial holy names.

In the words of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura, “The holy name of Krishna is the only shelter in the fourteen worlds.”

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Surrender, sharanagati, is the very life of the true devotees. Srila Rupa Goswamipada describes six aspects of surrendered in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu:

anukulyasya sankalpa, pratikulasya varjanam

raksisyatiti visvaso, goptrtve varanam tatha

atma-niksepa-karpanye, sad-vidha saranagatih

“The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favorable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavorable things, the conviction that Krishna will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one’s guardian or master, full self-surrender and humility.

PURPORT

One who is fully surrendered is qualified with the six following characteristics (1) The devotee has to accept everything that is favorable for the rendering of transcendental loving service to Lord. (2) He must reject everything unfavorable to the Lord’s service. This is also called renunciation.

(3) A devotee must be firmly convinced that Krishna will give him protection. No one else can actually give one protection, and being firmly convinced of this is called faith. A devotee wants to remain always in the Lord’s service. In this way, Krishna is merciful to His devotee and gives him all protection from the dangers found on the path of devotional service. (3) One should firmly believe that KRISHNA WILL PROTECT HIM, and that no one is a better protector than Krishna, one should always think that Krishna, or God, is great and that one is always protected by Him. [Narada Bhakti Sutras: NBS]

(4) The devotee should accept Krishna as his supreme maintainer and master. He should not think that he is being protected by a demigod. He should depend only on Krishna, considering Him the only protector. The devotee must be firmly convinced that within the three worlds he has no protector or maintainer other than Krishna.

(5) One should always remember that one’s activities and desires are not independent. In other words, the devotee should feel completely dependent on Krishna, and thus he should act and think as Krishna desires. (6) The devotee is meek and humble. (7) One should always think himself the poorest of the poor and feel totally dependent on the mercy of Krishna. [NBS]

“A devotee who follows these six principles of surrender always thinks, “O Lord, I am Yours in every respect; I am Your eternal servant.” [NBS 12]

“The six symptoms of surrender are divided into a whole and parts. Accepting Lord Krishna as one’s guardian or master is the whole or main principle; the other five items of surrender are parts or assistants of this one item.

There are three stages of surrender: 1) Initial conviction that by following religious principles, going on pilgrimages and surrendering to Lord Krishna, Krishna will protect me from the reactions of past sins. 2) Intermediate stage is the conviction that I shall give to Krishna my wife, child, friends, wealth, and other things that are my property. 3) Highest stage of surrender is the conviction that I shall place at Lord Krishna’s lotus feet, my self, my body and everything that is mine.” [Satvata Tantra]

Surrender to Sri Krishna manifests in three forms; with the body, mind, and words. This is explained in Hari-bhakti-vilasa (11.677):

“One who with words and thoughts says, “O Lord, I am Yours, and who surrenders in his body to Lord Krishna, becomes filled with bliss.” One who surrenders his entire body to Bhagavan Sri Krishna at once attains all good fortune.

Others attain different degrees of good fortune according to the degree of their surrender. Surrender to the Lord is glorified in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.19.9):

“My dear Lord, for one who is being tormented on the terrible path of birth and death and is constantly overwhelmed by the threefold miseries, I do not see any possible shelter other than Your two lotus feet, which are just like a refreshing umbrella that pours down showers of delicious nectar.” This verse means that the showers of Shyama’s sweetness chase all miseries far away from the surrendered souls.

My dear friends, think over the discussion so far. If you are ready—then solemnly take the following vow:

“O my beloved Lord Sri Krishna! I will do whatever is favorable for pure devotional service unto You, and I will reject whatever is not favorable for it. In all circumstances, times and places, You my Lord Sri Krishna are my one and only protector. I cannot protect myself.

“I will serve You my dearest Lord Shyama as far as I am able. I believe and I know that You will always protect me. In this way I will be protected. Who am I? I am Your property—Your own part and parcel. Whatever You wish, that I will do. In this way, I offer myself to You My eternally beloved, sweet master and Lord Sri Krishna.”

Jaiva Dharma says: “What does it mean that in every condition a devotee should be surrendered soul?” It means to think, “O Lord Sri Krishna, I am Yours” and “O my Lord Krishna, I surrender unto You”!

In his purport to Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s “surrender verse” in Gita (18.66), Srila Prabhupada says: “With faith and love, one should surrender unto Krishna. One should be confident that in all circumstances Krishna will protect him from all difficulties.”

Conclusion: We need no other shelter besides Krishna and His holy names. At all times and in all places we should always chant the holy names for all protection, shelter and perfection. Within the Hare Krishna maha-mantra all the other avataras and incarnations are contained.

Millions of years ago, Lord Nrsimha immediately manifested from the stone pillar to protect Prahlada Maharaja. Similarly, today in any place at any moment, the Lord Nrsimha form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna will also instantly manifest from the syllables of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra to protect any sincere devotee.

Srila Prabhupada describes this point in his Nectar of Devotion thus: “When Narada Muni was chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, he chanted so loudly that it was apprehended that Lord Nrsimha had appeared. Thus all the demons began to flee in different directions.” (NOD cp. 27)

The Four P’s of Srila Prabhupada:

Srila Prabhupada started the Hare Krishna Movement; personally always chanted the Hare Krishna maha-mantra; and Srila Prabhupada inspired millions worldwide to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. He repeatedly instructed us to just depend on Krishna, and always chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra for purity, peace, PROTECTION and perfection!

The Chandogya Upanisad (8.13.1) sums up everything beautifully—both the practice and the goal: “To attain Lord Sri Krishna, I surrender to Sri Radha. And to attain Sri Radha, I surrender to Lord Krishna.” BAS!!! (shyamac chavalaà prapadye shavalac chyamam)

O Lord Damodara, sharanagati Prabhu!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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The Talking Flute

By Mahanidhi Swami

The soothing flute song of Shyama sweetens everyone’s heart and maddens all beings. Streams of nectar ragas emanate from every hole of Madhava’s murali. With one tune, Krishna breaks Brahma’s meditation; one tune reverses Yamunaji’s flow; and another tune turns rocks into liquid streams.

Nandarani hears Gopala’s flute saying, “Ma, bring Me butter.” Nanda Baba hears Lala’s flute calling, “Pitaa! Make Me some new ball bats!” “Come let’s go to the meadows“, says Krishna’s flute to the gopa boys. For Priyasundari, Kanu’s vamshi implores, “O Rai, come quickly! I waiting impatiently for You in the kunja!”

Vamshi Dhari Shyama ki jai!

Rasavati Rai ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Madhukantha Describes Krishna’s Birthday

Mahanidhi Swami

Our acharyas advise us that on the path of raganuga-bhakti sadhana one must first read gaura-lila in order to successfully approach and benefit from reading Radha-Krishna’s vraja-lila. If possible, it’s best to read a particular gaura-lila that is analogous to the vraja-lila you intend to read or hear.

For example, first read about Gaura-Gadadhara’s nishanta-lila (3.36-6 a.m.), waking in the flower groves of Srivasa Thakura’s estate before reading Radha-Madhava’s nikunja bhanga lila in Nidhivana during the same time.

This practice is called Gaurachandrika, which means the moonbeams (chandrika) of Lord Gauranga’s most merciful and purifying lilas illuminate the dark forest path within our hearts to show us the way to the brilliantly, blissful keli-nikunjas, wherein Vrindavanachandra forever relishes conjugal intimacies with His dearly beloved Radha.

Before we narrate the beautiful story of Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s appearance, let’s hear the acharyas conclusions regarding the interplay of Gaura and Krishna lila.

Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati said (Sri Chaitanya-chandramrta 88), “As much as you are devoted to the lotus feet Lord Gaura, to that same extent the ocean of nectar at the lotus feet of Sri Radha will automatically arise in your heart” (gaura-padaravinde bhaktim…radha-padambhoja-sudhambu-rasih).”

Sri Narahari dasa an eternal intimate associate of both Gaura and Govinda reveals the essential contribution of Lord Chaitanya to raganuga-bhakti. In one bhajana, “Yadi Gaura Na Hoito”, he said, “If Mahaprabhu had not come to this world, who would have ever understood the glories of Sri Radha’s unlimited prema-rasa? And from whom would one get the power to render ecstatic devotional service that follows in the footsteps of the damsels of Vraja?” (radhar mahima, prema-rasa-sima, jagate janato ke, baraja-yuvati, bhaver bhakati, shakati hoito kar)

Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja (Cc. 2.25.271) wonderfully describes the sweet connection between gaura and krisna-lila: “Krishna lila is the essence of bliss ambrosia flowing in all directions in hundreds of rivers. Chaitanya lila is an imperishable reservoir of nectar, saturated with the pastimes of Krishna. O swanlike mind, please wander in this transcendental lake” (krishna-lila amrta sara, caitanya-lila sarovara).

In Prarthana, Srila Narottama dasa Thakura says, “If you submerge yourself in the rasa-filled ocean of Gaura prema, you will become a confidential servant of Radha-Madhava” (gaura-prema rasarnave se, tarange yeba dube, se radha-madhava antaranga)

Following the principle of Gaurachandrika, we will first narrate from Chaitanya Caritamrta (2.15.17-31) how Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates celebrated Sri Krishna Jayanti. Then we will recount Madhukantaji’s wonderful narration of Krishna’s exciting birthday extracted from Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s Gopala Champu.

Every year, Gauranga’s bhaktas would relish the four months of Chaturmasya in Jagannatha Puri observing various spiritual festivals in the blissful association of Mahaprabhu. One year they celebrated Krishna Janmastami and Nandotsava, the day after. Everyone including Mahaprabhu dressed up as a cowherd boys (prabhu gopa vesh).

Everyone carried pots of milk and yogurt balanced on rods over their shoulders, and walked to the Janmastami festival grounds chanting euphorically, “Hari, Hari!” Kanai Khuntiya dressed as Nanda Maharaja and Jagannatha Mahiti dressed as Vrajeshvari Yasoda. Mahaprabhu danced jubilantly, and all the bhaktas began to throw milk, yogurt and turmeric (haldi) water on each other to celebrate Sri Krishna’s birthday.

At this time, Advaita Acharya jestfully challenged Gaura Gopala, “I’ll believe You’re a cowherd boy only if You can wheel this lagudi (a stick carried by gopas).”

Mahaprabhu then wheeled His lagudi around and around, and repeatedly tossed it into the sky and caught it when it fell. Gaura Gopala threw the rod over His head, behind His back, in front of Him, and between His legs. Gauranga’s display of expertise in this playful art of the Vraja gopas, brought uproarious laughter to one and all. As His grand finale, Gaurasundara astonished everyone by whirling His lagudi so rapidly in a circle that it appeared like a firebrand (alata-cakra).

Entering the deep mood of Gaura’s sakhya-prema (gopa-bhaava gudha), Nitai-Balarama picked up His lagudi and also whirled it about in amazing ways. In this way, Gauranga-sundara experienced the greatest ecstasy observing the Janmastami festival of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, who is non-different from Himself.

In Gopal Champu, Sri Jiva Goswamipada describes the appearance of Sri Krishna thus: One night when all his family members had assembled in the palace entertainment hall, Nanda Baba asked Madhukanta, a court pandita and reciter, to narrate the lila of Krishna’s birth, Janmastami.

Thus Madhukantha spoke: One day Nanda Baba said to Vrajeshvari (Yasoda), “O devi! I see very attractive child with a dark complexion and long lotus petal eyes playing on your lap. And milk is profusely flowing from your breasts. O my priya-patni! Tell me the truth. Is this a dream or is this jewel-like child within your womb?”

Then some time later, a middle-aged, saffron-clad yogini arrived in Nandagrama accompanied by a slightly chubby brahmana boy. Introducing herself to Nanda Baba she said, “My name is Paurnamasi and this boy is my grandson, Madhumangala. O Baba, I can predict the future, and I see that you will have a most beautiful and sensational son who fill the universe with bliss.”

After a some months had passed, Yasoda Ma had a vision of a celestial child entering the lotus of her heart and a divine maiden (Yogamaya) entering her womb. The presence of the Bhagavan Sri Krishna within her womb made Yasoda Ma radiant like a thousand suns. Understanding she was pregnant, all the elderly gopis of Nanda Vraja brought gifts and auspicious items to offer Yasoda. As it often happens with pregnant mothers, Yasoda Ma had a craving to eat tulasi decorated rice mixed with camphor and lots of ghee and sugar, a favorite of Gopala.

On Wednesday, Bhadra krishna-astami, as the moon rose in the Rohini star during a harsha-yoga, Krishnachandra, the ocean of surprises, appeared to relish the intense motherly love of Yasoda Ma. Baby Krishna’s tender body was more effulgent than a brilliant blue sapphire. The moon of Nandulala’s face conquered the full moon. Gopala’s eyes resembled astonishing lotuses. Krishna’s lovely hands were more splendorous than the newly unfurled leaves of a celestial desire tree. Gopala cried sweetly while slightly moving His splendid hands and feet.

While gazing lovingly at her newborn, Yasoda thought, “Is He an empire of radiant darkness? Is He the topmost object of beauty for the eyes to see?” When the child cried at this time, Yasoda Ma took it to mean, “Yes, Yes Indeed I am all that and much more!”

When the village ladies came to see the baby, they all became overwhelmed with motherly affection. Gathering around Yasoda’s bed, they gazed at Gopala and started chattering excitedly. One lady said, “Ah! I will caress His darling head.” A second lady said, “I want to offer my very self to His heart and reside there forever.” While looking lovingly upon the Lord of Love, each lady expressed her personal desires.

Although Yasoda Ma gazed continually at her baby Gopala, she could not satiate her thirst. Streams of nectar poured from her breasts and tears of trickled from her loving eyes.

Concluding the story of Krishna’s birth, Madhukantha said, “O Nanda Baba! Your son Gopala bestows extraordinary auspiciousness to the people of Vraja, and gives the highest bliss to the people of the universe.”

Though not speaking this openly to the assembly, Madhukantha thought the following after narrating the pastime of Krishna’s appearance: “These Vrajavasis have a unique perfection, for there is nothing but Krishna in their hearts. All their heart’s affection is for Krishna alone. And Krishna will only reveal Himself to a devotee whose heart is full of love for Him. Thus Sri Krishna is always present in the hearts of these Vrajavasis.

Sri Krishna Jayanti ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Krishna Loves Bhakti Teachers

By Mahanidhi Swami

According to Bhanu Swami’s translation and the tikas of Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada, the Bhagavad Gita verses 18.68, 69 pertain to bhaktas who are preaching to other bhaktas. This is an interesting insight, because usually these verses are cited to encourage those preaching and selling books to non-devotees.

For devotees who specialize in preaching to devotees, like myself for example, or especially devotee parents who regularly teach bhakti to their devotee children, these two verses are very encouraging, enlivening and heartwarming.

Just imagine???

Bhagavan Sri Krishna is personally telling that He loves such devotees more than anybody in the world! In addition, Sri Krishna gives param bhakti and His own self to the bhakti teachers.

Please carefully study these Gita verses, and take strength to teach bhakti more and more to your devotee friends, devotee children and family members, and to any devotee whom you chance to meet.

ya idam paramam guhyam mad bhaktesv abhidhasyati

bhaktim mayi param krtva mam evaisyaty asamsayah

18.68 Without a doubt, one who teaches this supreme secret to My devotees will attain the highest bhakti and attain Me.

Tika Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada: This verse 68 and the next state the results of giving instructions on bhakti. The instructor first attains supreme bhakti (param bhaktim) and then the Lord Himself (mam eva esyati). [see these words in verse above]

na ca tasman manusyeñu kascin me priya krttamah

bhavita na ca me tasmad anyah priyataro bhuvi

18.69. Among humans there is no one so dear to Me. And there will never be one dearer (priya atara) to Me than he.

Tika Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada: Here Bhagavan Sri Krishna is telling, “There is no other whom I love so much as the person who teaches bhakti.”

Sri Krishna is speaking such wonderful, encouraging and delightful words here. Krishna is saying that He loves the bhakta who teaches bhakti to other bhaktas more than anyone else in the world!!!!

What more could any devotee want in return for his/her seva of preaching Krishna bhakti to other devotees? In other words, in two verses, Krishna says the bhakti teacher receives parama bhakti, Krishna Himself; and moreover that Sri Krishna loves him more than anybody on earth!

Preaching to Devotees ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!