Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

1 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

Sri Sri –Gauranga Jayatah

Sarasvat-Gaudiya Tattva Darshan

(Vaishnava caritra –The glories of Vaishnavas)

Inspired by the Lectures of His Divine Grace Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaja

Bhaktivinod-Sarasvati-Gaura-Vani Publications

2 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

3 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

Table of Contents

The topmost Gaudiya , Srila Jiva Gosvami Pad & His Siddhanta………...... … 7

We are ever grateful to Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur…...... 10

Namacharya Haridas Thakur is the vivid for the whole Gaudiya Vaishnava society………...... 13

Sri Srimad Pramoda Puri Gosvami Maharaja…….…. 22

Srila Prabhupadas last Instruction, by Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Gosvami Maharaj…………...... 27

4 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

Sri Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja

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Srila Bhakti Pramod Puri Goswami Maharaj

6 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas

Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaja

7 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas The topmost Gaudiya Vedanta Acharya, Srila Jiva Gosvamipad & his exclusive vichar (Siddhanta) (Excerpts from the classes of Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaj)

audiya Gosthi Pati Sri Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada told that Srila Jiva Gosvamipad was G the last Raj-patra of Visva Vaishnava Raj Sabah. The duty of Visva Vaishnava Raj Sabah is to regulate the whole Vaishnava society so that they can be directed to one- pointed devotion. There should not be any separate desire. anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu- śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā (cc/madhya/19/167) also in Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.1.11) "When first-class devotional service develops, one must be devoid of all material desires, knowledge obtained by monistic philosophy, and furtive action. The devotee must constantly serve Kṛṣṇa favorably, as Kṛṣṇa desires. All our Guruvarga is showing this kind of one pointed devotion, which is also called “ekayan paddhati”, means that all our power should be channelized trough a proper gateway leading to the absolute goal of prema. At the time of the fountainhead of all the Vaishnava society was Sri Svarup Gosai, it was indicated by Mahaprabhu himself. All fine judgment regarding shuddha bhakti we can get from Svarup Gosai and his disciple succession. Also we can see this procedure applicable in this material world. Some political leaders sometimes say “We should channelize the whole youth power for the benefit of the whole country”. Otherwise some notorious people can take advantage of that youth- power. That is the situation nowadays. Ekayan padatti is only possible if there is any fountainhead in our Bhajan field. After the disappearance of Sriman Mahaprabhu, Srila Jiva Gosvami was preaching Sri by the command of Sri Sri Rupa

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Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami. People who all accepted the guidance of Sri Rupa-Sanatana—they became the leaders of that Visva Vaishnava Raj sabha to run that function of that sabha scientifically and smoothly. Sri Jiva Gosvami being the director of that sabha wanted to represent all the secret teachings of Sriman Mahaprabhu in the form of six-sandarbhas under the total guidance of Srila Rupa-Sanatan. The pure (transcendental) method of worship of that divine couple-- Sri Sri - Jew shown by Srimad Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami (one of the leaders of the Sri Visva-Vaishnava-Raja-sabha). But that was according to the guidance of Sri Rupa-Sanatan which is followed by all Gaudiya Vaishnava devotees, those who are interested to step into Raganuga Bhajan. And then onward by the actual guidance of Srila Rupa- Sanatan the king of this Rasik-Samaj Sripada Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami Prabhu wanted to represent the whole Gaudiya Darshan in a very sweet way. They were all very, very important personalities to maintain the topmost dignity of Visva Vaishnava Raja sabha. Again, Sri Narottama Thakura Mahasaya, Srila Shyamananda Prabhu, Srila Srinivas Acharya—they decorated the crown of this Visva Vaishnava-Raja-sabha in a big way. Later on, Sri Sripada Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura took a vital part in the way of preaching the Bhagavat Dharma according to the desire of Sriman Mahaprabhu. And most recently another moon has arisen in the dark evening sky, who again helped many other stars to twinkle, he has come again to enliven the meaning of the scripter’s, which act like a medicine to sooth the diseased souls of this world. The divine advent of Jagad Guru Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada giving pleasure to the whole Gaudiya Vaishnava society. He was the top most leading personality to project again the glory of this Visva Vaishnava Raja sabha glamorously. That time it was the usual system, that those who had been serving the mission exclusively, Srila Prabhupada always wanted to show some special honor to them by offering some special title to each of them. Out of jealousy if we are unable to recognize devotees according to their Vaishnava etiquette and seva-mood, then the

9 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas whole system of Gaudiya Vaishnava society can collapse down. Even in this material world in any country ruling government also usually giving honor to those who are showing some special Qualities. Such exclusive Qualities should be brought into light. If we are not going to have that kind of open heart, then those exclusive personalities would be automatically ignored. For the overall development of the whole human society this kind of tolerance should be there. If I think some of my Godbrother showing some exclusive performance in Bhajan line, so he should be thrown out, otherwise I cannot get name, fame, and position—in that case I am going to make a big mistake. Until and unless our society is not ready to show proper honor to qualified persons then the society is bound to break down. Srila Prabhupada was the proper personality to run this Visva Vaishnava Raja sabha perfectly. The reason for why I am saying this way, is because all the time he was busy to do something concrete for the whole Gaudiya Vaishnava society. If all going to follow the same system, then this becomes the ekayan paddhati. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur also used to express deep anxiety at that time-- 150 years back. Because he could realize very well that in future the whole system of the Gaudiya Vaishnava society going to break down, due to lack of harmony. Actually Guru-tattva is Akanda- tattva, the main source is the Lotus Feet of Sriman Nityananda Prabhu—from were all our Sat-Guruvarga coming. So any kind of divisive attitude cannot be allowed. Srila Jiva Gosvamipad was the overall controller of the whole Gaudiya Vaishnava society at that time regarding Vaishnava etiquette or Vaishnava siddhanta. So he was always busy to eliminate those unwanted elements to purify the place of Nama-hatta. Srila Sarasvati Thakura used to explain that if we are not going to realize the unique treasure left by our Gaudiya Guruvarga, like Sri Rupa-Sanatan, Jiva Gosvami, Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakura , Balladeva Vidyabhusana, or Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur then really we are unlucky. Srila Prabhupada already told that-- anyway Bhaktivinod Dhara not going to stop. So still today some secret flow of Bhaktivinod Dhara must be there. The only thing that we will have our sincerity and honesty.

10 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas We are ever greatful to Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur (Excerpts from the classes of Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaj)

audiya Gosthi Pati Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada told that Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur is G providing us with everything what we need in our daily Bhajan, he was the one who gave us all the treasures which we can see in . His unique way of representing the essence of all Gosvami granthas and Vedic literatures is well known to everyone. In this age of Kali the people have no good memory, most of the people they are very weak regarding scriptural analysis, and nobody has the time to go through volumes of books. nānā-śāstra-vicāraṇaika-nipuṇau sad-dharma-saḿsthāpakau lokānāḿ hita-kāriṇau tri-bhuvane mānyau śaraṇyākarau rādhā-kṛṣṇa-padāravinda-bhajanānandena mattālikau vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (Sad Gosvami Astakam Vers 2) I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who are very expert in scrutinizingly studying all the revealed scriptures with the aim of establishing eternal religious principles for the benefit of all human beings. Thus they are honored all over the three worlds and they are worth taking shelter of because they are absorbed in the mood of the gopis and are engaged in the transcendental loving service of Radha and Krsna. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur is called the seventh Gosvami, never we can pay back what he has given to us. He has taken out all the cream of the ocean of Vedic scripters and he has made all the essence accessible in common Languages, like , Bengali, , Urdu, English etc. Day and night Srila Thakur was thinking of the welfare of all the common people of this world. Even at the time when he was

11 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas still working as the district Magistrate of Puri district of Orissa, he used to spend his lunch time in writing all kinds of wonderful . How to utilize time we can learn from the life of these great personalities who never waste even a fraction of second in their lives. sańkhyā-pūrvaka-nāma-gāna-natibhiḥ kālāvasānī-kṛtau nidrāhāra-vihārakādi-vijitau cātyanta-dīnau ca yau rādhā-kṛṣṇa-guṇa-smṛter madhurimānandena sammohitau vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (Sad Gosvami Astakam Vers 6) I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who were engaged in chanting the holy names of the Lord and bowing down in a scheduled measurement. In this way they utilized their valuable lives and in executing these devotional activities they conquered over eating and sleeping and were always meek and humble enchanted by remembering the transcendental qualities of the Lord. Bhaktivinod Thakur has written all about Saranagati-- the vitals of Bhajan. If you have life then you can go for preaching, if you have no life then your preaching can put no effect. What it means? We are living creatures, so why you speak like that? The vitals of our life are Saranagati, without Saranagati there is no question of any preaching, if there is no bhakti with you then what you can preach? In Caitanya Caritamrita it is also said: kali-kālera dharma--kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana (CC Antya-lila 07.011) "The fundamental religious system in the age of Kali is the chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Unless empowered by Kṛṣṇa, one cannot propagate the saṅkīrtana movement. If there is no Krsna with you, then you cannot preach. What you like to preach? Preaching means to incalculate bhakti cult inside the heart of a bonded soul. That is called preaching, but without Krsna shakti one cannot do that.”pranacche tara, se hetu pracara”…. if you

12 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas have life then you can go for preaching. If you have bhakti in you which is the kripa of Svarup shakti, then and only then you can go for preaching. PREACHING MEANS TO INSTALL BHAKTI INSIDE THE HEART OF A BONDED SOUL. There is another very important mood which is prominent in all Gaudiya Vaishnavas--”tomara sevaya, dukha haya jato,seo to parama sukha ” in the course of serving You, whatever difficulties may come are indeed my topmost joy, every eventuality, every problem I face , that’s all ok, I like it , because I like to serve you. I like to serve Guru- Gauranga, so any problem supposed to come in my life, I will gladly accept that. Devi also praying same way. Why? Usually nobody like to be in problem, but Kunti Devi says—“ If problems are there in my life, then I have the chance to remember you continuously, otherwise if you give me a very peaceful life with all opulences and all facilities, then I cannot remember you”. That is why Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur has written “tomara sevaya, dukha hayajato,seo to parama sukha”…. This you must read daily to grow that kind of mentality. Otherwise if you like to live a very peaceful life, so that nobody going to disturb you, than this is also one kind of , passive kama , you cannot understand or feel it, but that is one kind of self-satisfaction, this kind of mood is strictly prohibited if you at all want to identify yourself as a member of Gaudiya Math, there is no question of living a peaceful life. Our seventh Gosvami -- Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinod Thakur wanted to teach us that way. At present who is going to follow that system. At the time of Srila Prabhupada it was the system effective. Any new devotee was bound to remember all those Saranagati Kirtans. Nowadays there is no more so much interest; they think that these are all preliminary things. But that is a great fallacy. If you can realise those Saranagti Kirtans, then nobody can throw you out of your Bhajan. Do Kirtan and try to cry from heart, don’t make a show. All our Bhajan efforts should be only for the total satisfaction of Sankirtan-Pitha--Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Gaura Hari Bol

13 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas Namacharya Haridas Thakur is the vivid idealism for the whole Gaudiya Vaishnava society (Excerpts from the classes of Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaj)

sadayam hridayam yasya vacaha sattva bhusitham, kayaha parahitam yasyah kalihi tasyo koroti kim (from Niti-Shastra) audiya Gosthi Pati Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada told that to do Harinam and to meet Gwith Hari is all the same. This you can realize only when you are totally dedicated to the Lotus Feet of a Nam- Bhajan Acharya. Those who are Nam-Bhajan Acharyas they are the topmost. If you commit any kind of apparadha to the Lotus Feet of Harinam, then that is dangerous. But still there is some hope because Nam Prabhu can excuse you. But if you commit any offense unto the Lotus Feet of any Nam-Bhajan Acharya, then there is no way you can get excused. The sloka I stated is not from Srimad Bhagavatam, but still it is very important. The verse is saying that if your heart is merciful and if your speech is always telling the truth, and also if your body is totally dedicated for the real benefit of the common people, then what [harm] can Kali do? What is the actual meaning of jive doya? To show mercy to some jiva does not mean that I can allow him to do whatever he likes. Fanciful minds can expect something unusual from Guru-Vaishnava. But Guru-Vaishnava have the responsibility to guide a jivatma in an absolute way. Sometimes somebody can think this way – “Oh! That Maharaj is very soft, he speaks very softly, so he is very good for me.” Whereas in Niti-shastra it is written that a father must get control over his

14 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas child. If he allows his son to run his life fancifully, then sooner or later the son will became a beggar. If it is so important for a material father that he should get control over his son, then what to speak of the spiritual father? Gurudeva maintains a disciple in two ways: through affection and through chastisement (lālana and tāḍana). Lālana means giving affection and tāḍana means to discipline or chastise, which is another aspect of affection. If it is one-sided (only giving affection but not chastising), then the affection is not complete. It will only be 50%. When there is only affection, but not chastisement, then in such a case, the affection cannot be deemed complete (pūrṇa-sneha). So guru will offer both. He will discipline as well as give affection (sāśana and lālana). Sāśana means disciplining through chastisement even by physically beating, if required, as the guru deems fit. That is called actual mercy. There is a story in this context which I heard from my Siksa Guru Srila Bhakti Vigyana Bharati Maharaj. He told that once he witnessed two parents, both father and mother, tie their child to a lamp-post and proceed to beat him severely. He could not bear to see it. He shouted at them, “Stop! Why are you beating him?” At that time, he was strong and stout and additionally, he had worn a cap because it was winter. Assuming the child had stolen something, he said, “If anything is stolen, take it from me and leave him.” The man bowed to his feet offering praṇāmas and said, “This boy is my own child.” Srila Maharaj was stunned, thinking, “Who have I come to rescue? How can my affection for the child be greater than that of his own father?” The boy’s mother was standing a little distance away and watching. Then he could see both parents together beating the child. He asked, “Why are you doing this?” The man replied, “I am a daily laborer in a mill. I have no fixed holidays in a week. I get one day off for sure. In rotation, we take our holiday. And today was my day off, so I am at home. As we both are illiterate, we have appointed a tutor to teach our child, and have admitted him to a reputable school. They usually do not give

15 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas admission to poor people like us but our mill owner is a big donor to the school and so on the strength of his word, they have admitted our son in the school. But he does not study. He does not respect his mother’s words because he is the only child and his mother him so much that she does not punish him. But I chastise him very much, and beat him, too. “Today the tutor left saying, ‘I will not come tomorrow onwards to teach as your child does not study. You are a poor man – your money will be wasted and my name will be tarnished because, to date, none of my students have failed. All have passed. I am only a private tutor. Now I have so many students coming to me that I cannot take any more. On the recommendation of your boss I accepted him but I will not come tomorrow.’ When his mother reported this to me, I asked, ‘Where is the boy?’ She said, ‘He is playing there with marbles.’ So I caught him. If I do not discipline him now he will become a fool like me. He will become a daily wage earner like me. If he gets wages he will eat; and on a given day, if he does not earn wages, he will have to starve.” Then Maharaja contemplated whether his attempt to rescue the child by offering some money was more compassionate than that of his father beating him. If one thinks, I will only follow such a Guru who can give me some sweet words and allows me to do all nonsense then in that case surely I am going to ruin myself. Otherwise what use is going through all the scriptures like Hari-Bhakti-vilas, Bhakti-Rasamrita-Sindhu, etc? We have to be surrendered to those Vaishnavas who are not only speaking nice philosophy, but rather we must sell our head unto the Lotus Feet of those great devotees who have both acara-pracara. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur is going to give us a warning: “When saintly persons follow religious principles, this is called ācāra, the proper code of conduct. To preach those religious principles to other living entities in the world is called pracāra, preaching. If one wants to engage in the activities of ācāra and pracāra, one should first learn the saintly persons’ code of conduct. Some people, after learning something try to preach, whereas they are not going to follow what

16 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas they are speaking. Then the result is very dangerous. If one does not personally follow the religious principles and only goes for preaching, in that case he creates a great deal of disturbance in the world”. (Sajjana-toshani 4/2) Srila Gurumaharaj in a very joking mood used to say “para upadeshe pandit.” You can advise others but you are not practicing yourself. Only advising and not following, that kind of advice is very dangerous. One has to check always if the teacher is also himself following what he says. Otherwise such kind of advice can ruin the whole world. We want to follow all the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, Rupa Gosvami, Sanatana Gosvami, Jiva Gosvami, Raghunatha das Gosvami, etc. Suppose one boy is not reading for the whole year, but just before the examination he wants to find out the easiest procedure through which he is likely to come out successful. In that case this is called a made easy procedure. This is the case which we call a sahajiya procedure in our Bhajan– It’s not our way. Why I am saying it in this way? Because first I want to make a nice background for you all. Then I can speak about Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur. I have no power do speak about Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur, but only by the blessings of Guruvarga and Haridas Thakur I can try. I have to depend on their mercy. Out of my own false ego only I can speak some dry philosophy. I can show how Haridas Thakur is Jagad Guru (the guru for the whole world). Sanatan Gosvami, the topmost Tattva-vid-Acarya himself is already giving us a direct indication in : “apane acare keha, na kare pracara pracara karena keha, na karena acara acara, pracara—namera karaha dui karya tumi—sarva guru, tumi jagatera arya” ( C.c 3.4.102-3) Some devotees follow the practice of bhakti but do not preach, whereas others preach but do not practice properly. By your behavior and preaching, you simultaneously perform both duties in relation to

17 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas the Holy Name. You are the guru of the whole world, for you are the most advanced devotee in the world. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur in one of his Kirtans is also writing: “krsnera samsara koro chadi anacara jive doya, krsna-nama-sarva-dharma-sara” (text 4 from Song– Nadiya Godrume) Give up all your bad dealings, habits, and behavior and enter into Krsna-samsara. The only relationship is with Sri . Establish yourself in that relationship. Shower mercy on all the jivas seeing them as Sri Krishna’s and completely surrender unto the Holy Name of Sri Krishna. This is the essence of all dharma. What does it mean? To distribute sweets, or to allow what they like? No not at all. Some say Srila Prabhupada is speaking so tough, he is criticizing all the time, so they feel negative, but they should know clearly that in the way of realization no compromise can be made with Maya. Also, maybe they are coming to attain Harikatha with some bad motive, so they cannot digest that kind of absolute truth. Srila Prabhupada himself said, “Most possibly I have given trouble to many people. Some of them might have thought about me that I am their enemy because I was obliged to speak the absolute truth for the absolute benefit of their bhajan. I was bound to put them in trouble for their absolute benefit. I hope that they can understand this point someday in the future. I wanted to engage them in unalloyed devotional service, so they misunderstood me.”- (Excerpt from the last lecture of Srila Prabhupada) The Niti –Shastra says: “ sadayam hridayam yasya vacaha sattva bhusitham kayaha parahitam yasyah kalihi tasyo koroti kim” If your heart is merciful and if your speech is always telling the truth, and also if your body is totally dedicated for the real benefit of the common people, then what can Kali do? This verse from Niti-Shastra is just fitting with the verse from Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur which says : “krsnera samsara koro chadi anacara jive doya, krsna-nama-sarva-dharma-sara”

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Give up all your bad dealings, habits, and behavior and enter into Krsna-samsara. The only relationship is with Sri Krishna; establish yourself in that relationship. Shower mercy on all the jivas seeing them as Sri Krishna’s and completely surrender unto the Holy Name of Sri Krishna. This is the essence of all dharma. Many people are coming to me and saying that “X-mission is doing so many social activities, but what is your Gaudiya Mission doing?” Those X-Y-Z Missions, they are usually going to give such facilities which only relate to the material body and mind. Maybe at the time of flood or famine an ignorant common person can get material help from them, like food distribution, help from a helicopter or medicine and doctor, etc. But they forget that is not a permanent solution for their life. They forget this point. That is their foolishness. Whereas Gaudiya Mission is always and every time seeking the absolute benefit for all jivatmas irrespective of their cast and creeds or position. This is inconceivable so common people cannot understand. To rescue a bonded soul from the jail (trap) of Maya and to send him (or her) to the eternal world to engage in the eternal service of the Supreme Lord is the topmost jive-doya. Common people cannot conceive this most vital point. That is their great mistake for which they will have to cry forever. Srila Prabhupada wanted to say that it is our duty to find such a solution in our life so that in the future we need not depend on any other support. Suppose you are a beggar and somehow someone gives you something to eat, but in night time after going to the bathroom again you can feel hungry. Or if you are admitted to the hospital for some disease and you go to get the facility of a doctor and medicine. Still you are not sure that you can get back your health. Even after some time there is every possibility that you can again become sick due to some other disease, so that is not a permanent solution. Whereas unlike other Missions, Gaudiya Mission is always and every time seeking the eternal benefit for all jivatmas. This is called a permanent solution. , Jnana, , any other procedure cannot bring a permanent solution to your life. Only and only the pure

19 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas devotional track shown by the Gaudiya Mission is the most effective medicine for your life. But we are very very sorry to say that this kind of absolute benefit common people cannot understand. So usually they are cheated. What to do? From the stainless life of Srila Namacharya Srila Haridas Thakur we can get endless teachings in our bhajan. What kind of rigidity, what kind of tolerance, what kind of belief a devotee should have? All that we can learn from the life from Srila Namacharya Srila Haridas Thakur. To speak trinad api sloka is very easy, but to get its application in our own life is too difficult. So we cannot yet qualify to chant actual Harinam. Sriman Mahaprabhu spoke the third Sloka of Siksastakam: trinad api sunicena taror api sahishnuna amanina manadena kirtaniyah sada harih One should chant the Holy Name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly. Srila Haridas Thakur is the embodiment of the trinad api sloka. Such humbleness as shown by Haridas Thakur is quiet impossible. Sriman Mahaprabhu himself called Srila Haridas Thakur inside the Ghambira Mandir, but he was not ready to come due to his humbleness. He laid prostrated on the ground with grass in his teeth, shedding tears, and expressed his inability to come inside Ghambira Mandir. He took shelter in a solitary cell in Itota-garden by the mercy of Sriman Mahaprabhu to chant the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord in a very exclusive way. Sriman Mahaprabhu used to meet Srila Haridas Thakur daily in the morning while coming back from the Jaganath Temple. It was the standing instruction of Sriman Mahaprabhu on sevak –Govinda to give the prasadam plate to Haridas Thakur daily. So we can realize the Excellency of Srila Haridas Thakur. Who cannot remember the case how Srila Haridas Thakur was bearing the torture by those Muslim home guards in twenty two

20 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas different markets in Kalna. Still he was begging the Supreme Lord to forgive them. Also, we can remember the case of how Laksahira, the dangerous prostitute, was delivered by Srila Namacharya Haridas Thakur by the unending power of Harinam Prabhu because he used to chant three Lakhs of pure Harinam at Benapol Bhajan-Kutir. How excellent the case? Ultimately Laksahira, the dangerous prostitute, was converted into a great devotee (Acharya). Also we can remember that Sri Maya Devi herself came to test the unending patience of Srila Haridas Thakur at Phuliya Bhajan-Kutir at the bank of the Ganga in Shantipur. She was bound to take Harinam diksa from Srila Namacharya Srila Haridas Thakur. We cannot forget when Sri Shantipur-Nath Advaita Gosai was bound to speak like a lion the following siddhanta about Srila Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur when Srila Namacharya was feeling shy to accept the shraddha-plate of the father of Advaita Gosai with a feeling of great humbleness. Srila Advaita Gosai told: tumi khāile haya koṭi-brāhmaṇa-bhojan eta bali, śrāddha-pātra karāilā bhojana (C.c. Antya 3.222) “Feeding you is equal to feeding ten million brāhmaṇas,” Advaita Ācārya said. “Therefore, accept this śrāddha-pātra.” Thus Advaita Ācārya made him eat. Referring to the Bhakti-sandarbha, text 177, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura quotes the following statements from the Garuḍa Purāṇa in this connection: brāhmaṇānāṁ sahasrebhyaḥ satra-yājī viśiṣyate satra-yāji-sahasrebhyaḥ sarva-vedānta-pāragaḥ sarva-vedānta-vit-koṭyā viṣṇu-bhakto viśiṣyate vaiṣṇavānāṁ sahasrebhya ekānty eko viśiṣyate “A brāhmaṇa qualified to offer sacrifices is better than an ordinary brāhmaṇa, and better than such a brāhmaṇa is one who has studied all the Vedic scriptures. Among many such brāhmaṇas, one who is a devotee of Lord Viṣṇu is the best, and among many such Vaiṣṇavas, one who fully engages in the service of the Lord is the best.”

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bhaktir aṣṭa-vidhā hy eṣā yasmin mlecche ’pi vartate sa viprendro muni-śreṣṭhaḥ sa jñānī sa ca paṇḍitaḥ tasmai deyaṁ tato grāhyaṁ sa ca pūjyo yathā hariḥ “There are many different kinds of devotees, but even a Vaiṣṇava coming from a family of mlecchas or yavanas is understood to be a learned scholar, complete in knowledge, if he knows the Vaiṣṇava philosophy. He should therefore be given charity, for such a Vaiṣṇava is as worshipable as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” na me ’bhaktaś catur-vedī mad-bhaktaḥ śva-pacaḥ priyaḥ tasmai deyaṁ tato grāhyaṁ sa ca pūjyo yathā hy aham Lord Kṛṣṇa says, “Even if a nondevotee comes from a brāhmaṇa family and is expert in studying the , he is not very dear to Me, whereas even if a sincere devotee comes from a low family of meat- eaters, he is very dear to Me. Such a sincere pure devotee should be given charity, for he is as worshipable as I.”

Gaura Hari Hari Bol

22 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas Sri Srimad Bhakti Pramoda Puri Gosvami Maharaja (Excerpts from the classes of Shri Shyam Das Babaji Maharaj)

audiya Gosthi Pati Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Gosvami Prabhupada said –” We can show G inclination and devotion unto the Lotus Feet of Sri Gurudeva as long as our personal interest is not disturbed. As soon as our personal interest is disturbed then the mystery of our false inclination gets manifested. Srila Prabhupada told, in that case first of all non-cooperation movement can start with Guru -Vaishnava, and in second stage competition can start with Guru-Vaishnava, and in the third stage openly hostility can be seen against Guru-Vaishnava, this is the condition of our kapat anugatya.” Nowadays people accepting a Guru in a very fanciful way, ignoring those scriptural instructions. Actually they all want to gratify their sensual demands, so they prefer to accept such a Guru who can approve their fanciful attitude. Suppose if they find that the teachings of Gurudev going against their self-interest, in that case then and there they are ready to reject their Guru, that is the poor condition at present. Whom to blame? Maya, Maya and Maya everywhere Maya. Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada also said: “If I seek the path leading to the ultimate goal then I must ignore the countless words of the popular wisdom and hear only that of the realized souls“. Srila Sarasvati Thakur told that, in the name of Hari Bhajan and Hari Katha, people are been cheated. Those who are running to listen here and there are automatically cheated. Why? They want to be cheated, that’s why they are been cheated. If sufficient sincerity is present inside of our hearts, then it is the duty of Baladev-Nityananda to guide us properly and no question of being misguided is arising. The bounded souls are traveling among the 14 planetary systems and it is the duty of Nityananda Prabhu to help them. It Is His first duty to guide them by sending the shravan-guru. By meeting a Sadhu, the bounded soul can feel some inspiration and

23 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas after that can take shelter in Guru and Vaishnavas. The duty of Nityananda is also to send you the diksha-guru. Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur said that we must wait for the realized soul to come to us, which means that kind of Guru must know the tattva from heart, in this way in his life and conduct he has no discrepancies. Tattva-vid and tattva-vadi, two terms. Tattva-vadi means those who can speak about tattva nicely but they have not realized it. Tattva-vid means those who have realized the tattva from heart; they can meet the tattva face to face. This kind of Gurudev has the power to inculcate inside your heart a feeling of seva bhava. It is the duty of a Sat-Guru to inculcate seva bhava inside you. If you are sincere and if your Gurudeva is Sat-Guru then 100% you can get inspiration to do seva.

Seva means to seek the satisfaction of Guru-Vaishnava- There is one nice example. Once one Grihasta Bhakta was receiving my Gurudev, it was in the month of December, very cold, then that disciple arranged very nice hot water to wash Gurudev’s Lotus Feet, its quite natural because Gurudev feels comfortable and after that they put him in a chair give garland and so on. One foolish person was watching all these things, he saw how he was making the water hot this and that. Then after long time Gurudev was coming to that person’s house, that so-called devotee. He receives Gurudev but this time it was hot season, but still as he saw previously he starts to make hot water and wanted to put it on Gurudev’s Lotus Feet, then Gurudev was shouting –”Oh! What you are doing, foolish”. Then this person said–“I saw this is the rule, so I just followed”. He was thinking he is doing seva, but this is not seva. Seva means to seek the satisfaction of Guru and Vaishnava it is not according to your whimsical attitude. Please, everywhere we go we must speak about this Siddhanta so that all other common devotees can also grow that kind of Siddhanta in their heart.

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All the activities of Paramahamsa Guru-Vaishnavas are beyond our imagination Once Srila Guru Pada Padma –Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Maharaja was leading the whole Braja Mandal Parikrama party together with Sri Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Gosvami Maharaja (the Acharya of Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math). But after Sri Srila Bhakti Daitya Madhava Gosvami Maharaja gone from this material world Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Gosvami Maharaja or Srila Bhakti Vigyana Bharati Gosvami Maharaja, all they used to follow him as their own Gurudeva, so naturally under his guidance, the whole Parikram program was very scientific and systematic. One day the whole parikrama party was doing Govardhana Parikrama under the guidance of Sri Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Gosvami Maharaja, but his Paramahamsa acharan was not clear to everybody, so some of them where feeling disturbances due to his slow parikrama, so they wanted to cross Srila Maharaja and go fast to take rest and prasadam. When Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Gosvami Maharaja came to know about their dirty fanciful attitude then he was expressing his fiering mood just like lion, he started speaking heavily –“You go, you go quickly because you are suffering due to lack of anugatya. Foolish! What you can see without the kripa of pure Guru-Vaishnava, if they are not going to share their direct feeling of Bhajan-Parikarm then what we can understand? What for we are coming here in , to take rest and to seek personal facility or to do Bhajan-Parikrama? One time I asked Gurudeva—“Maharaja! We read this point ’Inclination’ (anugatya). Sometimes we hear about this point, from different sadhus different way. But I would prefer to get a direct example from you to clarify this point. Then immediately Srila Guru Maharaja wanted to draw my attention to his sannyas danda to make me understand the point positive way. He started speaking–“What is that? “. Then I told it is your sannyas danda. So what? Then Srila Guru Maharaja started speaking that—“Saranagati means hundred percent submission. Hundred percent submission means you can have no smell of personal desire in your Bhajan life. In Srimad Bhagavatam it is written that genuine Saranagati means–“Vikrito pasor yatha” (just

25 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas like a beast already sold in Market). Because a beast if sold to somebody cannot have any personal desire. What master going to arrange is the final. “ Another time I asked Srila Guru Maharaja, “Maharaja! Actually some sannyasis and brahmacharis they are criticizing me. They are speaking that I’m not smart, not going for preaching, etc. So I am in confusion about this point. I like to know from you about actual preaching, what do you think? Could you please kindly save me by the help of your Harikatha? Guru Maharaja started speaking to me– “Look! My son, let them speak and do whatever they like, but first i like to know your vichar, what you think?” Then by the mercy of Gurupadapadma, I started speaking that –“Guru Maharaja! I think those who are going to get established in ´Vaishnavi Prathista´ only and only they can go for preaching, nobody else. Because if prathistha going to contaminate my heart, in that case I should not go for preaching. ´Vaishnavi prathista´ is totally established unto the Lotus Feet of Sriman Nityananda Prabhu. None of our Gaudiya Guruvarga wanted to utilize it for their personal purpose. Any amount of labh, , pratistha coming in our life should be offered unto the Lotus Feet of original Guru-tattva – Sriman Nityananda Prabhu through Guruparampara. Srila Prabhupada told in the poem Vaishnava Ke- vaishnavi pratishtha, tate koro nishtha, taha na bhajile labhibe raurava “Please cultivate fixed determination to attain only the steady and solid platform whereupon a Vaishnava ever stands. If you neglect worshiping the Lord from this position, then you will ultimately attain a hellish existence.” Then Srila Guru Maharaj was very happy to hear my vichar. He started –“Yes! Yes! My son this is the appropriate answer. If there is no bhajan power—what they can preach? From Sri Caitanya Caritamrita we know the standing instruction of Sriman Mahaprabhu in the following way— “krsna-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana”– Unless a devotee is specifically empowered by the Lord, he cannot preach the holy name of the Lord all over the world.

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Preaching and cheating almost same externally but there is a heaven and hell difference between these two, one is full of mercy whereas the other is full of jiva-himsa. Srila Prabhupada used to say that a platform speaker can never became a genuine preacher, also he used to say that—“A flattering personality can never become a preaching personality.” And we heard from Srila Prabhupada that – “Without hundred percent submission unto the Lotus Feet of Supreme Lord one can never speak about that absolute truth absolute way.” After hearing all in details from Srila Gurudeva I was very very happy. Then also I wanted to know clearly about Yukta Vairagya from Srila Guru Maharaja. According to my honest inquery Srila Guru Maharaja started speaking –“Anything and everything if done for the total satisfaction of the Supreme Lord is actual Yukta Vairagya, which can show all proper adjustment in a very excellent way in our life. Look! My son, Srila Prabhupada Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada very often used to quote the two following slokas to make us understand about the very sensitive and secret topic of “Yukta Vairagya”. Try to pay full attention— In two verses Rupa Gosvami has described the secret of bhajana: anasaktasya visayan yatharham upayunjatah nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe yuktarh vairagyam prapancikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunah mumuksubhih parityago vairagyam phalgu kathyate Not being attached to anything yet properly using everything in relation to Krsna is yukta-vairagya, renunciation suitable for bhakti. Renunciation, by persons desiring liberation, of items related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, considering them material, is called phalgu (insignificant and worthless). (Brs 1.2.255-56) According to worldly vision we should be either enjoyers or renouncers, considering the world either enjoyable or rejectable. As long as we hold such rascally conceptions we can bid farewell to eligibility for genuine bhajan.

Gaura Hari Hari Bol

27 Vaishnava caritra -The glories of Vaishnavas Srila Prabhupadas last Instruction

(By Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Gosvami Maharaj)

rila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur ended his sojourn amongst the mortals of this world on Friday, January 1, 1936,S at 4:26 in the morning. A week prior to his disappearance, on December 23, Prabhupada gave a number of significant instructions to the disciples who came to see him. These were compiled and published in issues 23 and 24 of the 15th volume of the weekly Gaudiya magazine. These issues were dedicated to the disappearance of Srïla Prabhupàda. I have tried here to put these instructions in verse form below. sakale parama utsaha sahakare rupa raghunatha vani pracara sabara All of you preach the message of Rupa and Raghunatha to everyone. rupanuga-pada-dhuli haite sabara (jena) carama akanksa citte jage anibara May the ultimate desire to become a speck of dust at the Lotus Feet of Sri remain ever awake in our hearts. advaya-jnana-tattva vraje vrajendra-nandana (mula)-visaya-vigraha sei sarva-sevya-dhana Vrajendranandana Krishna is the principle of non-dual consciousness. He is the root object of devotion and the treasured object of service for all. tanra aprakrta indriya tarpana uddese asrayanugatye sabe thaka mile mise In order to satisfy the transcendental senses of the one, non-dual supreme truth, remain united in following Radha, the original reservoir of for Him. sabara uddesya eka sri-hari-bhajana taha sadhibare sabe karaha jatana

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Everyone make the effort to perfect your worship of Sri Hari; make this the only purpose of your lives. du’ dinera jani ei anitya-samsara ihate mamata tyaji hao maya-para Remember that this world is temporary and lasts only a day or two. Give up your family attachment and transcend this world of illusion. kona-rupe jivana nirvaha kari cala nitya-tattva krsna-bhakti karaha sambala Maintain your worldly obligations in whatever way you can, but make the eternal principle, devotion to Krishna, the true provision for your voyage through life. vipad ganjana sata sata se lanchana asuk tathapi hari-bhajana chero na Let hundreds of dangers, insults or persecutions come, but despite them, do not give up your worship of Krishna. sarva-vighna-vinasana prabhu gaura-hari avasya sri-pade sthana dibena daya kari Lord Gaura Hari destroys all obstacles on the path. He will surely be merciful and give you a place at His Lotus Feet. sri-krsna-vimukha heri adhikamsa jana suddha-krsna-seva-katha na kare grahana hayo na utsaha-hina tahate kakhana chero najivatu tava nijera bhajana When you see that most people are indifferent to Sri Krishna and show no interest in the selfless service to Krishna and in talking about Him, don’t be discouraged. Most of all, never give up your bhajan— your life and soul. nija sarvasva krsna-katha sravana-kirtana chariya daridrya kena karibe varana Why would you accept the poverty of a life devoid of hearing and chanting about Krishna, your sole property?

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krsna-pada-padma magajivera kalyana acire purabe vancha sarva-saktiman Beg for Krishna’s Lotus Feet, the ultimate benediction for all living beings. The Lord is all-powerful and will quickly fulfill your desire. asamartha nahe krsna dhare sana-bala krsna-sevakera vancha kabhu na hay a viphala Krishna is not incapable. He is omnipotent and the desires of His servants never go in vain. trnapeksa hina dina apane manibe taru-sama sahya-guna bhusita haibe Please always chant the name of the Lord, being humbler than a blade of grass and more tolerant than the tree. amani manada haye sada nama labe sri-nama-bhajane sarva-pradhana janibe Give all respect to others and demand none for yourself. Make the worship of the Holy Name the most important aspect of your devotional life. sri-caitanya-pravartita sankirtana-yajna ihate laiya diksa bhajibena vijna A wise person will worship the Lord after taking initation in the sacrifice of the Holy Name established by Sri Krishna Chaitanya and His associates. sapta-sikha nama yajnanale atmahuti visese kalite ei sastrera jukati Offer yourself up into the seven flames of this sacrificial fire. The scriptures say that this especially is the religious principle in the Age of Kali. karma-vira dharma-vira haya kaja nai jnana-yoga-tapa-adi pathe kasta pai We do not seek to become heroes performing great works or religious deeds; we will become distressed if we take up the paths of knowledge, works or austerities.

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sri-rupera pada- dhuli janaha svarupa sei se sarvasva tahe na hao virupa Know that your true identity is to be a speck of dust at the Lotus Feet of Sri Rupa Prabhu; dont go against this identity, which is your treasure. rupanuga-varya hana sri bhaktivinoda se bhaktivinoda-dharaya bahe suddha moda Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur is the best of all the followers of Sri Rupa Gosvami. The pure joy of devotional service comes in the stream which started with him. bhakti-rasamrta-purna sei puta dhara kakhano habe na ruddha sata-vighna dvara That stream is holy and full of the nectarine flavors of devotion. It will never be stemmed by even a hundred obstacles. se dharaya haiya snata buddhiman jana bhaktivinoda-mano’bhista karaha purana Intelligent persons who have bathed in the waters of this stream should endeavor to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of . bahu yogya krti-vyakti achaha tomara hao sabe aguwan esa kari tvara Amongst you are many capable and worthy individuals. So all of you come forward and quickly take up this task. dante trna dhari eijaci punah punah sri-rupa-pada-dhuli jena hai janma janma Taking grass between my teeth, I pray repeatedly that I may become a speck of dust at Sri Rupa Goswami’s Lotus Feet, birth after birth. iha vina anyakanksa nahuka hrdaye ei vancha sarva-hrde hauk udaye Other than this, I pray that no other desire will ever manifest in my or anyone’s heart.

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e samsare thaka-kale ache nana badha tahe muhyaman kabhu nahibc sarvatha While living in the world, we encounter many difficulties, but there is no need for us to ever be bewildered by them. badha matra dura karai nahe prayojana atahpara kiba labhya cinte vijna-jana We need make no effort to remove any of these obstacles. What is necessary for us, while we are still here, is to learn what follows— what will be the nature of our eternal life. nitya-atma ami mora nitya sei jivana ekhani hauk tdra tattva-nirdharana Let us realize the nature of our eternal spiritual identity and our eternal life in the spiritual world at this very moment. akarsana-vikarsanera vastu ache jata cahi va na cahi emana kahiba va kata There are so many things that attract and repel us. There is no end to the things that we desire and distain. ei duhun mimamsa sighra kari matiman nitya-tattva krsna-bhakti karaha sandhana We have to resolve exactly what we do or do not want and decide to search out devotional service to Krishna, the eternal truth. o duwera yuddhe jadi jayi hate cao tabe aprakrta namakrsta hale raksa pao If you wish to conquer over attractions and repulsions then you should remember that by becoming attracted to the transcendental Holy Name, you will be delivered from them. krsna-seva rasa-katha tabe ta bujhibe tuccha saba rasa prati ghrna upajibe Then you will understand the nature of service to Krishna and the taste of His divine topics. Then you will feel nothing but disgust for the other insignificant pleasures of this world. krsnanusilana jata vardhita haibe jara visaya-pipasa tata kamite thakibe

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As you increase cultivating your consciousness of Krishna, your thirst for material sense objects will decrease. bara-i kathina tattva krsna-katha haya apata camaka-prada jatilartha-maya The philosophy of Krishna consciousness is very perplexing. At first it seems startling and full of complex details. nami hate tanra nama adhika karuna asraya laile tattva karena jnapana The Holy Name is more compassionate than the Lord of the Name Himself. If one takes shelter of the Name, then it unravels all these philosophical complexities. nitya-prayojana modéra krsna-prema-dhana tàhà anubhave kâma bàdhe sarva-ksana The treasure of love for Krishna is the eternal goal of our lives. Material desires interfere at every moment with our realizing it. nâmàsraye sei bàdhà haya apanita krsna-prema-râjye vàsa haya abhïpsita By taking shelter of the Holy Name, all these obstacles are removed and we can obtain the fulfillment of our true desire, to dwell in the realm of pure love of Krishna. e jagate keha nahe anurâga-pàtra athavà virâga-pàtra nahe anumàtra In this world no one is the special object of my affection, nor do I have the slightest hostility toward anyone. sakala vyavasthà ethâ ksana-sthâyï haya ethà-kàra làbhàlàbha vicàràrha naya Whatever arrangements we make here in this world are momentary. There is no need to waste time thinking about gain or loss here. sabakara labhya sei eka prayojana sri-krsna padaravinda prema mahadhana The only thing anyone should strive for is the one supreme goal of life. That is the great treasure of love for Krishna’s Lotus Feet.

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tad-uddesya sabe mili hao yatnavan eka-dhyana eka-jnana hao eka-tana So, join together all of you and strive for this goal. Work together in harmony with the same thoughts, the same consciousness. ekoddesya aikatane avasthita hao muldsraya-vigraha-sevdya adhikdra lao Working together with the same purpose, you will become qualified for the service of Radharani, the original reservoir of love for Krishna. rupanuga-cinta-srota hok pravahita ta hate svatantrya kabhu nahe samihita May the stream of ideas promoted by Rupa Goswami and his followers flow. We must never try to be independent of his doctrine. sapta-jihva nama-sankirtana-yajna prati kakhano virago jena na haya arati May that we never become indifferent or disinterested in the sacrifice of the Holy Name with its fire of seven flames. ekantanuraga tahe thake vardhamdna tabe ta sarvartha-siddhi purna manaskama In the performance of sankirtana, if your single- minded devotion goes on increasing, then all your desires will be fulfilled and all your goals achieved. sri-rupa-anuga janera pada-padma dhara ekanta bhavete tandera anugatya kara Take hold of the feet of the followers of Sri Rupa Goswami and follow them with exclusive commitment. sri-rupa-raghunatha-katha parama-utsahe nirbhaye pracara kara sarva-siddhi jahe Preach the message of Sri Rupa and Raghunatha fearlessly and with great enthusiasm. Through this preaching, you will attain all perfection. Gaura Hari Hari Bol

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