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Dealing with Fear

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Dear devoted friends and students.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Please be happy knowing that Sri Guru and Sri Krishna are always beside you to protect, guide and love you.

We want to share some Krishna conscious philosophy to help everyone deal with the fear surrounding today’s pandemic. This presentation has three parts; 1- cause of fear; 2- conquering fear; 3- overcoming fear of death.

CAUSE OF FEAR

Fear is part of material existence. Fear is based on insecurity and due to worrying about the future. Actually all fears boil down to the basic fear of death. It is only when one identifies oneself with the external material body that one fears death.

Fear is therefore due to ignorance of one’s real identity. Surely a fearful situation stirs up emotions within the body of a devotee, but a devotee relates to these emotions in a Krishna conscious manner.

CONQUERING FEAR

We can conquer fear by constantly analyzing the spiritual truth. Krishna arranges fear of death for a transcendental purpose: it should inspire us to turn to Krishna and take shelter in Krishna. In one sense fear is a state of mind. Factually there is nothing to fear, since Krishna guarantees protection to all souls surrendered to Him.

Rani Kunti prayed that fearful conditions would come to her again and again so that she would remember Krishna again and again. A devotee becomes peaceful through  transcendental knowledge. One who understands the meaning of life, knows that death is simply a change of body. For a devotee, however, the greatest fear is to forget Krishna, or to somehow lose the opportunity to serve Krishna. This should be our only worry and fear.

When one surrenders to Krishna in love, material fearfulness goes far away. Trust in Krishna overcomes all fear.

Overcoming fear and becoming free from worry is the subject of the Gita’s opening lines, where Sri Krishna admonished Arjun and told him not to lament (Bhagavad Gita 2.11). And in his concluding words, Krishna stresses exclusive worship in surrender unto Him. By this one will overcome all fear. One whose heart is saturated with faith in Krishna’s closing instruction in Gita will be fearless.

sarva-dharman -parityajya
mam -ekam -sharanam -vraja
aham -tvam –sarva -papebhyo
moksha -yishyami -ma -shucah

Sri Krishna says, “Forgoing all religious injunctions, take exclusive shelter in Me. I will deliver you from all sinful reactions. DO NOT FEAR!” (Bhagavad Gita 18.66).

If we have any fears, we can remove them by perceiving the love in Krishna’s voice as He speaks this verse to the grief stricken devotee Arjuna and to all of us. Trust in Krishna’s love requires no reasoning and vanquishes all fear.

When we come to understand that we are eternal, we will no longer identify with the body and have nothing more to fear. Thus fear can be defeated by knowledge of Sri Krishna and our dependent relationship with Krishna. A devotee is confident and fearless in this world, because even the prospect of death won’t interrupt one’s loving exchanges with our beloved Shyamsundar. If our minds are always fixed on our merciful Sri Krishna, we have nothing to fear!!!

DEATH THE ULTIMATE FEAR

Actually there is no death for the spirit soul, but due to our absorption in the identification of body as self, the fear of death develops. When one is fully convinced that one is not the body, there is no question of fearing death, since the spirit soul never dies.

For one who knows that the body is temporary and the soul eternal, what meaning does death have? Death is simply a change of dress. A devotee who takes shelter of merciful Krishna has nothing to fear. Even if the devotee dies, Krishna being kind upon His dear servant, either brings the devotee to Goloka Vrndavana or arranges a good next birth for serving Krishna again.

Krishna states in Bhagavad Gita (8.5), “And whoever at death remembers Me alone at once attains Me. Of this there is no doubt.” A devotee is never afraid of death because one is always secure, being protected by the lotus feet of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

As Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita (9.31), kaunteya pratijanihina me bhaktah pranasyati: “My dear Arjuna, you may declare publicly that My devotee will not be vanquished under any circumstances.”

So why be in anxiety about whether you live or die. If you live, what will you continue to do? Krishna bhakti bhajan! And if you die, what will you do? Krishna bhakti bhajan! A devotee is established in Krishna consciousness not body consciousness. Because devotees have knowledge of the next life they are never in anxiety.

So relax my devoted friends, and be peaceful knowing that Sri Krishna’s invincible loving arms are wrapped around you in an eternal embrace of friendship and protection! Just go on practicing bhakti bhajan with redoubled enthusiasm and sincerity. Keep your faith strong by trusting Sri Krishna’s words in Gita.

And live your days serving Shyam with joy in your hearts and smiles on all your pretty faces.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 006

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva:  Pleased by Shyam’s Submission

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami describes the footlac ati -sulalita –laksha because Krishna’s loving submission to Radhika’s prema is mixed with this footlac, therefore it is very charming. The hearts of Radha’s maidservants are very pleased whenever Krishna is submissive to Radha.

Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi (2) says, “Krishna feels Himself blessed when He even once feels the breeze coming from Radharani’s flapping veil?”

In this way, the manjaris want to see Sri Radha’s superiority, but that does not make Shyam, rather it brings His superiority to the limit! This is the specialty of the manjaris meditation.

The idea of worshiping Krishna without Radharani is intolerable for Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami. In his Sva Niyama Dashaka (6) he says, “It is my solemn vow that not even for a moment will I go near that impure place where a proud hypocrite worships Govinda alone while neglecting or disrespecting His most expert lover Sri Gandharva Radha, whose glories are sung by the Vedic scriptures and by great sages like Narada Muni!”

Whoever cherishes Radha’s sweet lotus feet in the heart will have such a beautiful mind. Sripad Raghunatha Dasa Goswami ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Manjari Tattva: Manjaris Maha Mantra

While bathing, dressing and decorating Radhika in the morning in Yavat, the manjaris ease Radha’s pain of separation from Shyam by singing the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. For the manjaris the mantra meaning is from Radha’s perspective. Thus ‘Hare’ means “O Hari, You take away all My attachments to My husband, family and prestige.”

‘Krishna’ means “You attract Me with Your sweet beauty and enchanting flute song to leave My home and You draw Me into the forest to meet You.”

‘Rama’ means “Then You enjoy intimately (ramayati) with Me.”

Radha fully appreciates the manjaris’ singing Hare Krishna with this conception. One meditating upon oneself as a manjari of Srimati Radhika can always remember Radharani in this sweet way throughout the day while chanting:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Manjari Lila: Becoming Radha’s Marked Maidservant

After Rasika Yugal’s love dalliance is finished, the surrendered maidservants enter into the kunja. Sri Radhika assumes the nayika-bhava of svadhina -bhartrka (controlling the lover). Kishori lies down and submissive Shyam sits at Swamini’s feet, desiring to paint red lac on them.

Tulasi-manjari holds the brush and a cup with lac. As tears of love stream from Shyam’s eyes, Nagara begins to paint Swamini’s foot soles, thinking: “Everyone says that I am nondifferent from My name, so let My name stay on Srimati’s footsoles!” As Krishna writes His name on the sides of Swamini’s feet, He becomes overwhelmed by the intoxicating natural fragrance of Radhika’s lotus feet, and the beauty of His own name written in red lac.

Tulasi enjoys seeing Shyam’s zeal in decorating her Swamini and she giggles, covering her mouth with her veil. Seeing Tulasi giggling, Swamini says: “What’s going on?”, and kicks Tulasi with Her foot covered with wet lac still. Fortunate Tulasi thus receives the auspicious signs i.e. a flag, thunderbolt, barleycorn, chariot, and conchshell of Swamini’s footsoles printed on her shoulder through the footlac.

Swamini does not kick everyone like this: It is a sign of intimacy! With these auspicious signs Tulasi proudly goes from kunja to kunja so that all the sakhis can see that “I’m Sri Radha’s marked maidservant!” Raganugiya sadhakas will treasure this sweet loving exchange between Radhika and Her lucky manjari, and long for such a fortune in their heart of hearts.

Tulasi-manjari ki jai! Manjari Bhava Upasana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 005

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva: Introduction Necessary

At every stage of bhakti bhajan from the beginning to perfection, a disciple is dependent on Sri Guru’s mercy, guidance and love. Radha-Krishna’s lila-bhumi of Vrndavana is an eternal realm filled with varieties of loving relationships. Every activity is personal, intimate and performed simply to please Sri Hari.

In his Prarthana Giti, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura describes how a sadhaka of raganuga bhajan who attains perfection as Radharani’s maidservant, sadhana siddha kinkari, is first introduced to Radha-Krishna by Sri Rupa Manjari:

“When will my Guru-sakhi submit me to Sri Rupa Manjari’s lotus feet? When will that blessed moment come when Sri Rupa Manjari will look at me and order me: ‘O Nava-dasi! Come here! Quickly get the paraphernalia of your service!’

“My heart will fill with joy when she orders me like this, and I will do my service with a pure heart. I will fill a golden pitcher with scented water and quickly come before Radha Govinda.

“I will shyly stand behind Sri Rupa as Radha and Krishna repeatedly glance at me affectionately. Smilingly, They will say, ‘O Rupa! Where did you get this new maidservant?’

Hearing Their inquiry, Sri Rupa Manjari will reply, ‘Krpa-rati manjari has given me this maidservant to bring to You! Knowing her to be very humble I kept her here to serve You.’

“After telling this to Radha-Madhava, Sri Rupa Manjari will engage Nava-dasi in Radha-Madhava’s eternal seva.”

Manjari Tattva: Service not Friendship

Swamini Radha stands before Tulasi-manjari (Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami) and wants to offer her a friendly relationship like Radha’s other sakhis such as Lalita-sakhi and Visakha-sakhi.

Radhika says, “O Tulasi! Please accept My friendship! You can become equal to Lalita and the others and serve both Me and Shyamsundara!”

Tulasi replies, “O Devi! I don’t want anything else but the excellent service of Your lotus feet! I offer my obeisances to Your friendship! Let it stay on my head, but I only want to serve You!”

Why does Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami say the manjaris’ seva is vara-dasyam which means excellent? It is excellent because it most intimate and devoid of any hesitation, awe and reverence. A manjari is Radharani’s sakhi and dasi at the same time.

Nothing is done for personal happiness, everything is done for the pleasure of Navina Yugala! Although the manjaris are in the category of sakhis, they are dasis or kinkaris because of their complete dedication to Radharani’s service. The sakhis have a superior position in the social hierarchy and pastimes with Krishna.

But the fortune of service intimacy is greater for the manjaris! They know Sri Radhika’s innermost desires, and therefore they can perform their service without hesitation like no one else in the world.     

Radha’s dasis are called manjaris, which means flower bud, because the manjaris enhance the beauty of the flowers known as the gopis. But the flower buds are never separately enjoyable to the blackbee, Madhusudana. The special privileged position of being a manjari of Srimati Radhika is the unique mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Manjari bhava upasana ki jai!

Manjari Lila: Fixing the Sanket Kunja

A sanket kunja means a prearranged meeting place for Rasika Yugal Radha Shyam. Once, when Krishna takes His supper in Nandishvara, a kinkari fans Him. Without being seen by others Shyam keeps His left hand on that kinkari’s foot, as a means of asking her: “Will I meet My Dearest Radha or not?”

That maidservant then places one toe on Shyam’s hand to indicate that a meeting will be possible. Then the kinkari touches a particular finger of Krishna’s to indicate the specific sanket kunja where Shyam can meet His beloved Radhika. This code was previously agreed upon. The assembly of elders is absorbed in speaking with each other and thus does not notice this exchange.

This is vara dasya, the most excellent service of Radha’s manjaris!

Radharani’s Manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

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Yearly Residences of Srimati Radharani

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Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 004

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva: Desiring the Unattainable

Although Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami understands that he desires something which is hard to attain, he cannot give up hoping. “O Radhika!  I see that I’m unworthy, yet my mind is still greedy for Your attributes.”

Although he sees that he’s completely unqualified, his mind is still illuminated by the hope for getting Radha-Madhava’s sweet mercy.

In Utkalika-vallari (34-35), Sri Rupa Goswamipada says, “O Radha-Krishna, King and Queen of Vrndavana! Although the greatest souls are not able to get Your darsan for even a moment, this fallen soul desires it, swallowing all fear and shame! But what is my fault in this? Who will not be intoxicated by the ever-fresh sweetness of Your qualities?”

Manjari Tattva: Radha’s Krishna

The acaryas teach: “We must see Shyamsundara from Radharani’s perspective and Radharani from Shyamsundara’s perspective.” Sri Krishna bestows welfare on the world and Kalyani Radha embodies Krishna’s welfare.

Once to inform Radharani about how intensely Krishna is hankering for Her, Visakha-sakhi said, “O Shyama Ju! When Subala gives Krishna a garland of golden Campaka-flowers, His mind trembles and tears of passionate love flow from Krishna’s eyes. O Sundari! Your form always awakens great love in Shyam’s heart!”

“Shyam can only pronounce the first syllable of Your name, ‘Ra’, but out of ecstasy Krishna cannot pronounce the other one, ‘Dha’. Krishna eyes cry streams of tears. That jewel of men rolls on the ground; who can describe Govinda’s distress?”

Sri Krishna bestows auspiciousness on the world, but Srimati Radhika bestows auspiciousness even on Krishna. Sri Govinda considers Himself blessed when He attains Radhika’s company. Krishna feels that His world is empty without Radha, and Radha feels the same towards Krishna.

Sarvanga-sundari is the Queen of the kunja, who excites eagerness in Shyam to enjoy. It’s as if Madhava is a beggar getting a meal in the royal palace.

Manjari Lila: Radha Kicks Her Manjari

In his spiritual identity of Tulasi-manjari, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami brings Radha and Krishna together in a lonely kunja on the bank of Radha-kunda. How expertly Radha-Madhava sweetly play! Vrndavaneshvari fulfills desires that Krishna could never even dream of! Tulasi witnesses all of Radha-Madhava’s sweet pastimes through a hole in the kunja wall.

Afterwards, the enchanted Shyam sits at Swamini’s feet, staring at Kishori’s sweet face with unblinking eyes. Understanding that her time to serve has come, Tulasi enters the kunja. Krishna holds Srimati’s lotus feet to His chest and is stricken by symptoms of ecstatic love, and tears of love flow from Shyam’s eyes.

His chest is moistened with sweat drops, so that the fragrant powder on Krishna’s chest starts sticking on Swamini’s footsoles. Seeing this, Tulasi giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. Seeing her laughing, Swamini kicks the fortunate Tulasi with Her foot, so that the fragrant powder from Krishna’s chest adorns Tulasi-manjari’s head, making it worthy to be called her best and highest limb (uttam-anga).

Indeed, Tulasi is a most fortunate manjari. Just hearing this lila makes the sensitive sadhaka rejoice over the wonderful loving intimacy between Srimati Radhika and Her loyal dasis like Tulasi. O will I, even in my dreams, experience the tender touch of Sri Radha’s sweet feet sprinkled with the rasa-filled red vermillion from Shyam’s love anointed chest?

Radharani manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 003

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva: 16 Sevas of Manjaris

In Ujjvala-nilamani (8.98-99), Sri Rupa Goswamipada describes sixteen wonderful sevas that sakhis and manjaris offer to Sri Sri Radha Govinda Yugala:

1. advising; (shiksha)

2. attachment- create attachment between Radha and Krishna; (asakti-karita)

3. cheating husbands and others; (pati-adi-parivancana)

4. consoling; (ashvasana)

5. dressing Radha-Madhava; (nepathyam)

6. feelings- revealing the heart of one lover to the other; (hrday-udghata-patavam)

7. faults- hiding faults of Radha; (chidram=samvrtir)

8. glorifying the love and qualities of Krishna to Radha and Radha to Krishna; (mitha-prema-guna-kirti)

9. joking; (narma)

10. meetings- arranging meetings of Lila Yugala; (abhisara dvayor)

11. messages- delivering between Radha-Krishna; (sandesh-presanam)

12. offering Radha to Krishna; (sakhi-Krishna-samarpanam)

13. protecting Radha; (nayika-prana-samraksha)

14. scolding Radha and Krishna; (upalambha)

15. serving Radha Govinda Yugala by fanning etc.; (seva-vyajana-adi)

16. uniting Radha and Krishna at the right time (kale-sangamanam)

Manjari Tattva: Don’t Want Krishna Alone

The kinkaris don’t want Krishna alone. Their love for Srimati is so pure that even in their dreams they don’t desire Krishna’s intimate company. When Krishna pulls at Sri Rupa Manjari’s bodice, she hisses like a trampled-down snake, saying: “Shame on You! Don’t You know who I am? I can give my life to You, but not my body! This body I have offered to Sri Radha!” Then Lalaji Shyam will beg forgiveness with folded hands.

No one but the kinkaris can be so loyal to Sri Radha! Sri Radha is the only life-support of Her maidservants, and this increases their pride. The maidservants have such a deep love for Sri Radha; they do not even have that for Krishna! No one but the kinkaris are so worthy of being Radhika’s priya-patras. Where is the bliss of worshipping only Krishna? The real ecstasy lies in Yugala bhajan.

Manjari Tattva: Disconnecting from Maya

Those who have surrendered to Sri Radhika’s lotus feet cannot find consolation in anything of this world anymore. Their minds and their lives are floating like wooden instruments on the stream of Sri Radha’s sweetness. It is the nature of bodily consciousness that the mind and the intelligence remain attached to dull, perishable matter.

But one who is absorbed in meditating on one’s siddha deha and the blissful service if Kishori Ju will no longer have any connection or relation with anything of this material world. Why would such a person like anything in the material world?

The manjari bhava upasaka must certainly experience that, “O Sri Radha! I don’t have anyone else but You in this world!” Unless one thinks like that one cannot proceed towards the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani.

Manjari Tattva: Eagerness for Vraja Bhajan

Out of eagerness for Radhika the practicing devotee cannot sit quietly.

One will eagerly come to Vrndavana, hoping to catch a glimpse Radha-Shyamsundara.

Siddha Krishna Das of Govardhana prays, “O Praneshvari Radha! My heart is constantly burning in the fire of separation from You! Please save me from this ocean of sorrow by keeping me at Your lotus feet and making me Your maidservant!”

“O Radha! When will I hear the delectable words from Your beautiful mouth and the jingling of Your ankle bells? O Priyaji! When in the topmost ecstasy will I drink the nectar of Your indescribable beauty through the cups of my eyes? And when will I smell Your bodily fragrance, making all the hairs of my body stand on end? “Please bless this new maidservant by giving her the nectarean food remnants that emanate from Your lotus mouth! O Radha, You are my japa! You are my penance and You are my meditation. Wherever You sport with Your lover and Your girlfriends, please take me there also as Your maidservant.”

Manjari Tattva: Living on Hope in Vraja

“Ha Radhe! When can I live in Vrndavana in great astonishment, remembering the wave of Your nectarean pastimes? When will I look all around for You, thinking: “Now Radha is here just behind this tamal tree!”

The anguished sadhaka prays, “Although I am living in Vrndavana I don’t experience anything. I have so many things to say about it, but actually my heart is empty. I want to get some result from my life of devotional practice. Even if I can just spend my time with the hope that, ‘Radharani, You are my Ishvari, then I will attain You!’” 

Then it is as if Swamini Radha asks the sadhaka: “O, isn’t your heart eager for Me? Then how can you attain Me?” Radha is the limitless ocean of compassion and She knows very well how to take Her maidservants to Her lotus feet by making them eager for Her! How much Srimati relishes the eager lamentations of Her loving devotees! The maidservant is very eager, and Swamini takes Shyam along to listen to her manjari’s lamentations.

Radharani’s Manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 002

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva: Separation in Vraja Bhajan

When the mind is very agitated by feelings of separation from Radha and Krishna the loving devotee may feel helpless or unfortunate, unable to see an end to it. However, when accomplished devotees experience strong feelings of love-in-separation from Radharani, they sometimes get a vision, sphurti, of Srimati which helps them stay alive. Then there’s no end to the bliss one feels in being close to the beloved again!

This constant succession of meeting and separation from Srimati Radhika puts the devotee in an indescribable condition. The pain of separation becomes so severe that it wipes the remembrance of the just-experienced bliss of union out of the mind. In such a condition only another such vision can keep the devotee alive. This is the specialty of the love of Vraja and it is the great treasure of the Vraja-rasa-upasaka.

Manjari Tattva: Acquaintance with Radhika

Can the devotee continue if one does not even get slightly acquainted with Radharani? How can we advance towards someone we have never seen, who is beyond our purview?

Such a devotee laments, “I could not get acquainted with Swamini Radha who is everything to me! I never even think of the maidservice of Sri Radha, to whom my merciful Guru has introduced me! My bodily consciousness is so strong, everything is averse to the mood I desire! What a waste of life if I don’t even get slightly acquainted with Radhika who makes even the supreme master of all material and spiritual worlds faint just by casting a single sidelong glance at Him!

“Yet at the same time I am drawn towards Radharani’s lotus feet by a strong desire to reach them. O Swamini! If You just once stay in my thoughts or in my dreams, then I will be consoled! Please respond, O Swamini! Just tell me once “You are Mine!” I am sitting here at Radha-kunda just waiting for that and nothing else!”

When the devotee is so anxiously and exclusively waiting, everything else will become insignificant and one will slowly be drawn to Radharani’s lotus feet through one’s experiences. The soothing moonlight that emanates from Sri Radha’s beautiful toenails will illuminate the heart of any devotee who develops such intense devotion. Not only that, but Krishna Himself will come running to anyone who meditates on Sri Radhika’s lotus feet and who hears and chants about Radha. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Manjari Lila: Applying Radha’s Footlac

Radha-Madhava are enjoying in a kunja and Tulasi manjari, who is non-different from Swamini in heart and body, is fanning Them. Nagara Shyam then eagerly sits down at Swamini’s feet to decorate Her.

Praneshvari orders, “Smear footlac around My feet!” Shyam starts the job holding Radha’s feet to His chest, but then Krishna gets lost in their sweetness while looking at them. Impatiently Swamini says: “What are You doing? Quickly put that lac on! What will My sakhis say if they see Me like this?”

But Krishna sometimes holds Radha’s feet to His chest, sometimes kisses them, and sometimes also paints some lac on them with trembling hands. Noticing Krishna’s inability to get the job done, Srimati says, “O Sundara! It’s obvious You cannot do it! Tulasi, come, put on My footlac!”

This makes Shyam think to Himself: “Alas! How unqualified I am!” Getting Swamini’s order, Tulasi softly pushes Shyam aside while saying: “Move over!  Through You it will never be done, so I’ll do it!”

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 001

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Tattva: Forms of Seva

Just as Radhika is the personification of the topmost maha bhava, Radha’s maidservants are the personifications of seva rasa (the divine mellow of service). Their very forms are made of seva rasa. No one understands Radha-Krishna’s desires as well as Radha’s manjaris. The maidservants are like the Cintamani-stones that fulfil the desires of both Radha and Krishna.

Sometimes Krishna pitifully prays to the manjaris for Radharani’s mercy. In the same way, when Radhika desires to meet Krishna, She also takes shelter of the kinkaris, who are one with Radha’s heart. Within Their minds Radha Shyamsundara praise the wonderful seva expertise the manjaris.

All the activities of Radhika’s maidservants are meant for the pleasure of Radha-Madhava. Indeed, they lose themselves in the ecstasy of serving Yugala Kishora and are thus blessed with the sweet savour of Their love. The experience of the sweetness and beauty of serving Shyama Ju as Her kinkari is incomparable.

The manjaris can understand what Swamini needs during Her pastimes with Krishna and they know what pastimes will be played. So they go ahead of Lila Yugala and decorate the kunja accordingly before Radha and Krishna get there.

They make a bed with one pillow for only one person to lie on. They know by experience what pastime will be performed! Kishori Rai’s sakhis know that the kinkaris have entrance into the intimate pastimes, so they engage them accordingly.

Manjari Lila: Kick Krishna Out of the Kunja

One day Swamini is angry with Shyam, so Krishna comes to Her kunja dressed as a girl trying to please Her. But Swamini gives a hint to Tulasi manjari to kick Krishna out of the kunja, saying, “I will not look at this cheater anymore! I will keep the wealth of My honour! Subala’s friend has entered My kunja disguised as a girl! Stop Him!”

Tulasi then tells Krishna: “O rogue! There are no demons here that You can delude in Your enchanting dress like Mohini! We are Radha’s kinkaris, we understand all Your tricks! Realize Your own deceitfulness and get out of this kunja!”

Manjari Tattva: Eagerness for Swamini’s Seva

When one becomes absorbed in one’s spiritual identification (siddha deha) one can give up the false identification with the material body. When the devotee experiences the taste, smell, form, sound and touch of sweet Radha, one starts yearning greatly to attain the Radharani and always prays: “Your surrendered devotees experience the pinnacle of bliss. But I am so unfortunate that I don’t feel anything!

“O Vrndavana! Where is that Divine Couple, tell me! In which kunja must I search? I’m calling, but They don’t respond! How can I be satisfied?”

In this way, the practicing devotee will slowly attain the stage of divine madness. If Swamini appears sometimes like a lightning flash, only then there will be consolation!

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami was always very eager to attain Radha and Krishna, and always lamenting without a moments peace. The service of Sri Radha is only understood with the proper feelings, which one will attain by the mercy of the great devotees like Sri Rupa Goswamipada and Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami.

Dasa Goswamis prays: ‘Ha Swamini! You are playing in the forest around Radha-kunda, which is Your favorite place in Vraja! There’s no more beautiful place for You and Your Priyatama to play than this one! But I’m so unfortunate that I cannot see You, although I’m living in this forest around Your kunda!’

Radharani’s Manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Eclipse & Mantra Siddhi

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

To attain siddhi or perfection in chanting of the diksha mantras i.e. gopal mantra, Sri Sanatana Goswami says the one must observe the purashcaran process which he and Sri Rupa did before meeting Sri Chaitanya. (Bhakti-ratnakara I.647)

In over 220 verses, Hari Bhakti Vilasa describes the details of purashcaran

Puja- traikaliki- nityam- japas -tarpanam -eva -ca
Homo- brahmana-bhuktish- ca- purashcaranam ucyate
Guror- labdhasya -mantrasya -prasadena -yatha-vidhi
Panchanga upasana-siddhyai –purash- caitad -vidhiyate

“The purashcaran process is as follows:

‘In the morning, afternoon and evening of each day of purashcaran, one must do:

murti-puja;
murmur the gopal diksha mantra;
offer tarpana, oblations to ancestors;
perform homa, fire sacrifice; and
feed brahmins.

‘To do purashcaran vrata, one must do these five activities daily for as many days (20, 30, 45) it takes to chant one’s diksa mantra 18,000 times or whatever number one vows to murmur (sankalpa). To attain siddhi in the gopal diksha mantra received from Sri Guru, one must observe the purashcaran process.’” (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 17.11–12)

Hari-bhakti-vilasa (17.4–5, 7) says:

vina -yena -na –siddhah – syan -mantro -varsha-shatair -api
krtena -yena -labhate -sadhako –vanchitam -phalam
purashcarana-sampanno -mantro -hi -phala-dhayakah

“Without doing purashcaran, one cannot attain mantra siddhi even by chanting the diksha mantra for hundreds of years. But one who does purashcaran can very easily attain mantra siddhi.”

At the end of the description of the purashcaran process, Sri Sanatana Goswami describes a samkshipta-purashcaran, a brief or “short cut” form of it.

“During a solar or lunar eclipse, one should fast, remain in a pure state of mind, and chant the gopal diksha mantra from the beginning of the eclipse until the end (sparsha time to moksha time), while standing in the water of a river that flows into the sea up to his waist.” (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 17.235-236)

Regarding this point, Pandit Sri Krishna Das Babaji said that according to Hari Bhakti Vilasa (17.17-21), one may chant in other places also: “Purashcaran may be done by the side of a river, underneath a bilva or banyan tree, within water, in a holy place, before murti of Sri Krishna [best place], on the seashore, or any place where you can easily concentrate your mind.”

Before observing a purashcaran vrata one should receive blessings from Sri Guru. After bathing, dress in clean cloth (dhoti & chadar or sari), sit on a pure asana, and chant the gopal mantra without stopping or getting up for the entire eclipse period.

The Moon eclipse on June 5-6th is not mentioned or observed in the Radha-kunda Babaji Panchangam. But the Sun eclipse is described, and one can do purashcaran then.

Sun eclipse June 21
Chanting time 10.20 a.m. to 1.50 p.m.

After doing purashcaran, one must bathe, change clothes, worship Sri Guru and take maha-prasad after full Thakurji puja.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Mantra siddhi ki jai!

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Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata 008 “Rasika Essence of Vedanta”

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.

Srimad Bhagavatam is the Rasika Essence of Vedanta

In Varanasi, for two months, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Sri Sanatana Goswami in all the truths of Krishna bhakti, shikaila-bhakti-siddhanta. (Caitanya-caritamrta 2.25.3)

While glorifying the Bhagavatam, Mahaprabhu said, “Srila Vyasadeva, the author of the Vedanta, has personally explained the sutras of Vedanta in the Srimad Bhagavatam.” (Caitanya-caritamrta 2.25.142)

Mahaprabhu then quoted key verses to establish the unique position of Srimad Bhagavatam.

sarva-veda-itihasanam
saram-saram-samuddhrtam

Mahaprabhu said, “The quintessence of all Veda and histories is collected in Bhagavatam.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.41: Caitanya -caritamrta 2.25.145)

Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.41): “Vyasa affectionately fed the Bhagavatam, the essence of the essence of the Vedas, which is like butter appearing from churning yogurt, to his son Shukadeva. This indicates that his effort of churning the Vedas was successful. And Shukadeva, though the best of the self-realized souls, ate that butter of the Bhagavata with great greed because of its wonderful taste.”

Continuing, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu cites the Twelfth Canto to show the supreme power and effect of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

sarva-vedanta-saram-hi
sri-bhagavatam-ishyate
tad-rasamrita-trptasya
nanyatra- syad –ratih- kvacit

“Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of all Vedanta philosophy. One who has felt satisfaction from tasting the rasa amrita of Bhagavatam will not be attracted to anything else.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.15)

Just see the astonishing effect of tasting the mellow beauty, sweetness and charm of the Srimad Bhagavatam! The word ratih means attraction, attachment and love. The fabulous taste and experience of the Bhagavatam makes one lose interest in anything else but Radha and Krishna, and Their eternal loving service in the bowers of Vrndavana.

Srimati Radhika, in the delirium of mahabhava in separation from Her Priyatam Shyam, reveals the unlimited power of Bhagavata shravan.

Srimati Radharani said, “To hear about the pastimes that Krishna regularly performs is nectar for the ears. For those who relish just a single drop of that nectar, even once, their dedication to material duality is ruined. Many such persons have suddenly given up their wretched homes and families and, themselves becoming wretched, traveled here to Vrndavana to wander about like birds, begging for their living.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.47.18)

Commenting on this verse, Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada says, “In this verse Srimati Radharani is saying, ‘Just hearing about Krishna’s pastimes is nectar for the ears. Even one drop of this nectar completely destroys the propensities of mutual friendship between men and women.

‘If a wife hears Krishna lila, she will immediately give up affection for her husband. And so to the husband will give up affection for his wife. If a mother hears about Krishna, she loses all affection for her children. The same is also true for a child in connection with his mother and father. Thus, by this mutual rejection they all become totally ruined.’

‘Just by hearing about Krishna they immediately give up their homes and families, including even their parents and sisters-in-law who then suffer with no other means of support, and without even enough money for the next day’s food.’

‘Alas! Alas! Even if we disregard that their wives and children may die, even they themselves fail to become happy. They are penniless after leaving their families, due to having forgotten to tie up even a few coins in their cloth, because of the agitation of their minds while leaving.’

But it may be questioned, “How do they maintain their lives?”

Radha answers, ‘Like birds, they live by begging, just collecting small amounts of wheat and other grains, rather than taking substantial charity from one person. Or they come begging here in Vrndavana, the place of suffering, and suffer even more in our association.’

But someone may object, “Krishna lila is like a poisonous mixture of sugarcane juice and powdered seeds of the dhatura plant.”

To this, Radha replies, ‘For this reason Krishna has accepted the role of the Supreme thinking, “Just like the gopis, I will make all people fall into the ocean of suffering.”

‘Indeed, seeing others’ suffering is Krishna’s only happiness. As a result, Krishna must bear the consequence of giving such misery to others, not Vyasa and other sages.’

Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada concludes his amazing commentary, “As we can see there are thousands of implications in this verse. Through condemnation Radha is indirectly praising Krishna, and thus establishing the superexcellence of shuddha-bhakti.”

Srimati Radharani ki jai! Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai! Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada ki jai!