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All Glories to Sri and !

Founder Acharaya His Divine Grace Srila Promode Goswami Thakura

The e-magazine of Sri Gopinath Issue No.21 November 2019 President & Acharaya His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Goswami Maharaja

In this issue:

Guru-prīti: for The Spiritual Master 2 A Song of Separation 11

The gopīs’ Description of ’s Flute Melodies 17

His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur (Srila Gurudeva, Founding of Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math, was born Invitation on Wednesday, 19 October, 1898 (Bengali calendar: 2 1305). Srila We, the devotees of Sri Gopinath Gurudeva first met with his spiritual master, the founder of all Gaudiya Gaudiya Math, cordially invite Maths, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakur you along with your associates, (Srila Prabhupada) on the day of Srila Gaura Kishore Das friends, and relatives to attend Babaji Maharaja’s disappearance in 1915 at Sridham . Srila st the 21 disappearance day Gurudeva joined Srila Prabhupada’s mission in 1921 and officially, took first and second initiation as well as saffron robes from Srila Prabhupada festival of Srila Gurudeva on Monday, 11 November, 2019 at on the day of Sri in the year 1923 at No. 1 Ultadanga Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math, Junction Road which was the first preaching center of the Gaudiya Math located in . Since the time of initiation, Srila Gurudeva became Ishodyan, Mayapur. engaged in taking dictation from Srila Prabhupada for publishing devotional literatures as well as editing various publications until Srila Schedule of events Prabhupada’s final departure. After Srila Prabhupada’s physical - 4:15 AM Mangal Arati departure, Srila Gurudeva used to help all of his godbrothers without any - 7:00 AM Special and arati discrimination in various services such as publications, deity of Srila Gurudeva installations, temple inaugurations, and so on. Eventually, in 1987, - 9:00 AM and sharing the according to the desire of Sriman , Srila Gurudeva glories of Srila Gurudeva by received a piece of land at Mayapur and gradually, established Sri eminent vaishnavas Gopinath Gaudiya Math on that land in 1989. From 1989 to 1999, Srila - 12:30 PM Prasadam feast Gurudeva established several branches of Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math - 5:30 PM Sandhya arati followed throughout . On Monday, 22 November 1999 at 2:10 AM (the day by sharing the glories of Srila before Purnima), Srila Gurudeva physically passed away while Gurudeva residing at Sri Gopinath Gaudiya , Puri. On behalf of Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math, B. B. Bodhayan (President)

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GURU-PRĪTI: LOVE FOR THE We know that Sri Gurudeva is the non- SPIRITUAL MASTER different manifestation of the Supreme Lord. The Supreme Lord can make the impossible possible. Similarly, according to His desire, by HDG Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan He can make the possible impossible. In the Goswami Maharaja same way, Srila Prabhupada, who is the non- Pranavananda Dasa Brahmacari used to different representative of the Supreme Lord, follow each of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions showed living proof of the scriptures through with utmost love. One day, during the giving the editorship responsibility to his dear morning walk, Srila Prabhupada told disciple Pranava. Pranavananda, “It would be good if we had a mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ daily spiritual newsletter. Let it be called the paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim Dainika Nadiya Prakasa.” After saying that, yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande Srila Prabhupada said, “Pranava (the name śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāriṇam that Srila Prabhupada used to lovingly address Pranavananda), you’ll be the editor and In other words, by the mercy of the spiritual journalist of this Dainika Nadiya Prakasa.” master, even a dumb person can become an Hearing this, stunned Pranava replied, “Srila eloquent speaker, and a limp person can cross Gurudev, I do not understand what the words over a mountain. Srila Prabhupada’s Pranava editor or journalist means.” Srila Prabhupada had a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Writing immediately replied, “I will write the first was not Pranava’s subject-matter at all. journal. Thereafter, you will gradually be able However, by Prabhupada’s mercy, in a short to do everything. By singing and singing, one period of time, Pranava became extremely becomes a singer. By playing and playing a skilled and efficient in writing journals, musical instrument, one becomes a musician. editing and adroitly performed all of the If you try, you will be able to do everything by works associated with publishing. repeated practice.” Gradually, Srila Prabhupada gave Pranava various responsibilities. He would give Pranava dictation which Pranava would write down. Pranava was also entrusted with the responsibility to have the Dainika Nadiya Prakasa ready every day at the time of maṅgala-ārati and he would explain the contents to the devotees who would distribute the newsletters at bus stands, railway stations, and in various villages. Apart from this, Pranava had to research and compile new information throughout the day from various sources for the next day’s newsletter. This was not an easy job. There was no advanced technology at that time. It is not an easy task to physically engage the body in running from place to place to collect all

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the information. There were no computers or bāndhiyā nikaṭe, amāre pālibe, tape recorders in use at that time. The only rahiba tomāra dvāre option was one-pointed focus in order to pratīta janere, āsite nā diba, achieve the tasks at hand. rākhiba gaḍera pāre tava nija-jana, prasāda seviyā, Through love for the spiritual master, one ucchiṣṭa rākhibe yāhā easily attains the Supreme Lord’s mercy, and āmāra bhojana, paramānande, power through the spiritual master who is a prati-dina habe tāhā medium of receiving the Lord’s mercy. Pranava was a chemist by education. “Having surrendered everything at your lotus Possessing a peaceful character, Pranava had feet, I have fallen at your house. You are the become a servant of the Gaudiya Matha, master. Treat me as your dog. You will take following the instructions of Srila care of me, tying me nearby you at your Prabhupada. At every moment, Pranava doorstep. I will not allow anyone and carried the instructions of Srila Prabhupada everyone to enter your house, and I will keep on his head, as his all in all. Once Srila them at the doorstep. Having honored your Prabhupada told the chemist, Pranava, “What prasāda, you will leave some remnants which do you think about the idea of me having you will be my meal. I will relish those remnants, study the scriptures of logic (nyāya-śāstra)?” daily, in supreme bliss.” Pranava put his palms together and said, “Prabhupada, you are the instrumentalist. I In other words, it is possible to become the am your instrument. By your mercy, I will dog of the spiritual master only if one has true perform exactly the way in which you use love for the spiritual master. Pranavananda me.” Hearing these words coming from was genuinely Srila Prabhupada’s dog. After Pranava’s mouth, Srila Prabhupada became having served as the editor of the Dainika extremely pleased. After a few days, Srila Nadiya Prakasa for three years, Pranavananda Prabhupada called Pranava and said, “The was engaged in the department of nyāya-śāstra makes peoples’ minds extremely publications of the Gaudiya Matha, under the complicated. Thus, it will not be proper to guidance of Sripad Sundarananda Prabhu and transform your simple mindset into one of Sripad Prabhu. great complexity. The scriptures say that one Pranava used to see all of his -brothers as who is simple can understand and take up the being representatives of Srila Prabhupada. All teachings of Gora.” of his god-brothers were as dear to him as his Pranava, who was a follower in the footsteps life. Gradually, Sundarananda Prabhu and of Srila Prabhupada, waited at every moment Ananta Vasudeva Prabhu became busy in for the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. writing various works in the publications Pranava’s character reminds us of the words department under the instructions of Srila of a kīrtana written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Prabhupada. Under Srila Prabhupada’s Thakura: instructions, Srila Bhakti Kusuma Sramana Goswami Maharaja, Sripad sarvasva tomāra, caraṇe saṁpiyā Dasa Brahmacari and other devotees came to paḍechi tomāra ghare the publications department to assist tumi to ṭhākura, tomāra kukura, baliyā jānaha more Pranavananda. Along with the help of his god-brothers, Pranava, under the

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publications department, began publishing Whatever it may be, the mercy of the Lord is weekly, fortnightly, and monthly Gaudiya attained through having love for the spiritual newsletters. Furthermore, various literatures master. We know that the mercy of the Lord of the Goswamis as well as new books began follows the mercy of the devotees. In this to be published in the context, Pranavananda Dasa who was later through the Gaudiya Matha publications known as Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami department. Thakur, had written an article which is translated into English, below. Through Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, Pranava began to rise as the personification of the Gaudiya Matha’s bṛhat-mṛdaṅga. Srila Prabhupada’s bṛhat-mṛdaṅga entailed The mercy of Lord follows the mercy of the publishing devotional literatures with purity devotees and having those literatures reach large The great vaiṣṇava, Trihutapandit Sri audiences. The bṛhat-mṛdaṅga service was Raghupati Upadhyay has said, extremely pleasing to Srila Prabhupada. śrutim apare smṛtim itare One day, Prabhupada told his dear Pranava, bhāratam anye bhajantu bhava-bhītaḥ “You have understood my mind. Thus, I want iha nandaṁ vande to offer you sannyāsa.” Immediately after yasyālinde paraṁ saying this, Srila Prabhupada said, “The way in which you say, ‘Mother, Mother’ even till “Of those who are afraid of material existence, today, I will give you sannyāsa later.” some (those who are inferior to the devotees of , such as jïānīs who desire liberation) worship the śruti scriptures, some (those who are inferior to the devotees of Hari, such as karmīs who desire the fruits of action) worship the smṛti scriptures (scriptures that detail procedures to be done for material gains), and some worship the (books that are pleasing to the general public). But I shall worship Sri , in whose courtyard played the Supreme Lord, Krishna.” In other words, one cannot obtain the Supreme Lord who is bound by the love of his devotees without the mercy of His devotees. If one becomes the recipient of mercy of the devotee by whose love the Supreme Lord is controlled, then it is possible for one to attain the mercy of the Supreme Lord very quickly. Sriman Mahaprabhu is eternally present in four places:

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śacīra mandire, āra nityānanda-nartane| ṭhākura vaiṣṇava-pada, avanīra su-sampada, śrīvāsa-kīrtane, āra rāghava-bhavane| śuna bhāi, haïā eka-mana| ei cāri ṭhāïi prabhura sadā āvirbhāva| āśraya laiyā bhaje, tāre kṛṣṇa nāhi tyaje, premāviṣṭa haya, -- prabhura sahaja-svabhāva| ara saba mare akāraṇa|| (Caitanya Caritāmṛta Antya 2.34-35) vaiṣṇava-caraṇa-jala, prema-bhakti dite bala, āra keha nahe balavanta| “Sriman Mahaprabhu is eternally present in vaiṣṇava-caraṇa-reṇu, mastake bhūṣaṇa vinu, these four places: the temple of Saci Mata, the āra nāhi bhūṣaṇera anta|| dance of Nityananda, the kirtana of Srivasa tīrtha-jala pavitra guṇe, likhiyāche purāṇe, Thakura and the house of Raghava . se saba bhaktira pravaïcana| Mahaprabhu has a straightforward nature vaiṣṇavera pādodaka, sama nahe ei saba, wherein he becomes overwhelmed by divine yāte haya vāïchita pūraṇa|| ṣṇ ṅ ā ṣ ṇ love.” vai ava-sa gete mana, nandita anuk a a, sadā haya kṛṣṇa-parasaṅga| Sriman Mahaprabhu eternally resides in these dīna narottama kānde, hiyā dhairya nāhi four places, namely, the temple of Saci Mata, bāndhe, the dance of Nityananda, the kirtana of mora daśā kena haila bhaṅga|| and the house of Raghava Pandit, due to the intense love and affection “The lotus feet of the pure devotee, who is my which are present there and He gets attracted master, is the great treasure of the earth. by that love. Sriman Mahaprabhu is present Listen, brother, with one-pointed attention. and performs pastimes even to this very day One who serves the Lord having taken shelter wherever there is cooking, dancing, singing of His devotees, is never abandoned by the Holy Names and serving being done with Krishna. Everybody else uselessly dies. The intense love, thus following in the footsteps of water that has washed the divine feet of the the abovementioned four great devotees. pure devotee has the strength to give pure loving devotion. There is nothing as powerful The mercy of the devotees or of the Supreme as that water. There is no ornament for the Lord are not obtained by just saying, “Give head better than the dust of the divine feet of me mercy, give me mercy.” We must become the pure devotee. The puranic scriptures the qualified recipients of mercy. The devotee which have glorified the waters of various desires to be engaged in the service of his holy places is all just deception in the path of object of worship and the Lord without devotion. There is nothing equal to the water duplicity. The Supreme Lord also desires the that has washed the divine feet of the pure dedicated service of His devotees and their devotees; that water can fulfill all desires. genuine love. When such a situation is Keeping the mind engaged in the association present, then one attains the mercy. Although of the pure devotees, there is bliss at every a pure devotee does not desire to be moment as the topics of Krishna are always worshiped, if he does not show attachment to discusses. The fallen Narottama cries and serving the devotees, then the Supreme Lord cannot maintain composure in his heart. Why will not give any value to that devotees has this situation of the association of the devotional practice performed throughout pure devotees been taken away from me? many lifetimes, what to speak of the devotional practice of this lifetime. The Supreme Lord says, mad-bhakta- pujābhyadhikā; the worship of my devotees is Srila Narottama Thakura Mahasaya sang:

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greater than worship of Me. He has also told from Me and I also do not know anybody the following: apart from them who I consider My own.”” ye me bhakta-janāḥ pārtha The Supreme Lord told Durvasa to beg for na me bhaktāś ca te janāḥ| forgiveness at the lotus feet of the devotee mad-bhaktānāṁ ca ye bhaktās Ambarisa. Durvasa went running to te me bhakta-tamā mataāḥ Ambarisa. What did Ambarisa do at that time? Did he stick out his feet? No. Ambarisa was “O, Partha! Those who want to identify humbler than a blade of grass, tolerant than a themselves as My devotees are not actually tree, always offered respect to everyone and My devotees. Rather, those who are devotees expected no due respect for himself. Ambarisa of My devotees are actually My devotees.” pleased the sudarśana-cakra through reciting gopībhartuḥ pada-kamalayor dāsa- prayers and fed Durvasa Rsi with great dāsānudāsah affection. Ambarisa accepted food after one year. Since Durvasa had initially left While giving his identity, Sriman Ambarisa’s house without eating, Ambarisa Mahaprabhu, said, “The identity of ‘I’ actually did not eat food for another year and waiting does not exist in identifying with varṇa and with great sadness for the return of Durvasa. āśrama. The identity of ‘I’ actually is in being This is the sign of a pure devotee (vaiṣṇava). the servant of the servant of the maintainer of the gopīs (gopībhartā), the one who enjoys ami ta’ vaiṣṇava, e buddhi haile, pastimes with the gopīs (gopīramaṇa), the one amānī na haba āmi who is dearest to the gopīs (gopī-jana- pratiṣṭhāśā āsi’, hṛdaya dūṣibe, haiba niraya-gāmī ), the one who is the Lord of the gopīs ‘nije śreṣṭha’ jāni, ucchistādi-dāne, habe (gopīnātha). bhāra ahaṁ bhakta-parādhīno tāi śiṣya tava, thākiyā sarvadā, nā laiba pūjā hy asvatantra iva dvije kāra sādhubhir grasta-hrdayo (Kalyāṇa-kalpataru by Srila Bhaktivinode bhaktair bhakta-jana-priyah sādhavo hṛdayaṁ mahyaṁ Thakura) sādhūnāṁ hṛdayaṁ tv aham “If I consider myself to be a vaiṣṇava, then I mad-anyat tena jānanti will not be able to practice the principle of not nāhaṁ tebhyo manāg api expecting respect for myself. My heart will (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 9.4.63 & 68) become contaminated with the desire for

name, power, position, and prestige and I will “The Supreme Lord said to Durvasa, “O, be on the path to hell; I will then consider twice-born, I am subordinate to My devotees. myself to be supreme and give out the Although I am completely independent and remnants of my food; I will be filled with supreme, I have no independence near My pride. Therefore, I remain your disciple, devotees. I am dependent upon My devotees. always, and will not accept worship from I am tied by the love of My devotees. The anybody. devotees and saints have complete rights over My heart. My devotees are most dear to Me. The king of devotees, Kulasekhara has spoken The saints are My heart and I am the heart of in his Mukunda-mālā-stotra: My devotees. They do not know anyone apart

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maj-janmanḥh phalam idaṁ madhu-kaiṭabhāre through His own behavior – āpani ācari mat-prārthanīya mad-anugraha eṣa eva dharma jīvere śikhāya. Thus, it is prescribed tvad-bhṛtya-bhrtya-paricāraka-bhṛtya-bhṛtya to serve Krishna by following in the footsteps bhṛtyasya bhṛtya iti māṁ smara lokanātha of the spiritual master (Srila Gurudeva) who is dear-most to Lord Krishna. “O, Lord of the universe, O, Supreme Lord, O, killer of the demon, Madhu! This is the fruit The from Mūṇḍaka Śruti, tad- of my life. This is my prayer. This is what I vijïānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet consider your mercy upon me. That you will describes that to realize and know the remember me as the servant of the servant of Supreme Lord (tad-vastu), one must approach the servant of the servant of the servant of the the spiritual master. In the Bhagavad-gītā, the servant of the vaiṣṇava who is your servant.” Supreme Lord says, tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā; again, it is instructed Then again, by thinking that the Supreme here to take shelter of spiritual master, ask Lord becomes happy when his devotee is questions and serve him in order to gain worshiped, one should not think to give up realized knowledge about the Supreme Lord the worship of the Supreme Lord and just (tad-vastu). In the guru praṇāma mantra, the worship His devotees. That is also incorrect. words, tat-padaṁ darśitaṁ yena, cakṣur One must worship the Supreme Lord by unmīlitaṁ yena and so on are used in the following in the footsteps of the devotees. By context of the affectionate disciple realizing giving up the worship of the Supreme Lord, the supreme lotus feet of the Lord through the how will the devotee whose heart, mind, guru. In the verses such as, gurur brahmā intelligence and consciousness are absorbed gurur viṣṇuḥ gurur eva maheśvaraḥ, ācāryam in the Supreme Lord, be pleased? When māṁ vijānīyāt..…sarva-devamayo guru and so someone tries to solely worship the greatly on although the spiritual master is described powerful without worshiping his as being the Supreme Lord Hari, Himself worshipful Lord , Hanuman becomes (sākṣādd haritvena), the spiritual master is very angry. Thus, by first expressing all described as being most dear to the Supreme glories to Sri -Rama who are Hanuman’s Lord (kintu prabhor yaḥ priyaḥ). Srila Sri Jiva beloved object of worship, and then Gosvamipada has said: expressing all glories to Hanuman, Hanuman will be pleased. śuddha-bhaktaḥ śrī-guroḥ śrī-śivasya ca bhagavatā saha abheda-dṛṣṭiṁ tat- The Supreme Lord, Himself, comes as the priyatamatvenaiva manyante spiritual master, in the form of a servant, in order to give teachings to the disciple about “Pure devotees understand the words of the how to serve. The spiritual master personally scriptures which describe the spiritual master engages in the daily worship of the deities of and Lord Siva as being non-different from the the Lord, writes about various devotional Supreme Lord means that they are extremely topics and mellows, cleans the temple, dear to the Supreme Lord.” Therefore, trying alongside various other services to show the to show excessive love and affection for the example to the devotees who are following spiritual master while neglecting service to him and thus engages those devotees in the the Deity of the Supreme Lord is actually not service of the Lord. The Lord teaches the genuine worship of the spiritual master. The living entities the principles of righteousness genuine spiritual master (sad guru) gives a

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genuine disciple (sat śiṣya) the teachings on did Sri Mahaprabhu show the example of how to serve Sri Krishna’s Holy Name and the giving up worship of His Deities and only Deity of the Lord. The genuine spiritual worshiping His Gurudeva? master never thinks, “I am the spiritual mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ master so worship me” and accordingly, never yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ teaches in this manner. sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate The impersonalist (māyāvādīs) Prakasananda Sarasvati asked Sriman Mahaprabhu why he “Normal people copy what great people do. was spending his time dancing and singing Normal people will accept those who the along with instrumentalists emotionally, great people accept as examples.” (Bhagavad- rather than studying the Vedantic scriptures. gītā 3.21). In this manner, it is necessary to Sriman Mahaprabhu replied by saying, “My follow the understanding which was followed spiritual master said that I am a fool and by the great . instructed Me as follows”: Transcendentally wise people, through their mūrkha tumi, tomāra nāhi vedāntādhikāra absolute transcendental eyes, constantly see ‘kṛṣṇa-mantra’ sadā, -- ei mantra sāra the divine lotus feet of Sri . The kṛṣṇa-mantra haite ha’be saṁsāra-mocana spiritual master opens the divine eye of kṛṣṇa-nāma haite pābe kṛṣṇera caraṇa knowledge for the disciple and gives the disciple the qualification to see the divine “You are a fool. You do not have the right to lotus feet of Sri Vishnu. Therefore, the study the conclusions of the Vedic scriptures spiritual master must give the disciple (). Always chant the Kṛṣṇa-mantra. It knowledge in how to worship the Supreme is the essence of all . Through the Lord. If you say that knowledge of the Kṛṣṇa-mantra, you will obtain deliverance formless, quality-less light is given and that from the ocean of birth and death. Through the existence of the living entity is merged the name of Krishna, you will attain the divine into that light, then it is seen that the three- feet of Krishna. fold concept of knowledge, that which is to be known, and the knower or the taste, that Thus, which is to be tasted and the taster, is kibā mantra dilā, gosāïi, kibā tāra bala destroyed. Thus, there is nothing gained from japite japite mantra karila pāgala your concept. A spiritual practitioner falls sei kṛṣṇa-nāma kabhu gāoyāy, nācāya into this dangerous situation when he thinks gāhi, nāci nāhi āmi āpana icchāya that the Deity form of the Lord is material. Is (Caitanya Caritāmṛta ādi 7.81) the Supreme Lord incapable of protecting the “Gosāïi, what mantra did you give Me? What eternality of his eternally perfect form, is its power? The mantra has made me crazy cognizance and bliss through His as I chant it again and again. That name of inconceivable and unlimited potency? He Krishna sometimes makes me sing and most certainly is capable of doing so. All of sometimes makes me dance. I do not not sing the śruti scriptures which have spoken about or dance on my own desire.” the formless Lord have also spoken about the Lord having form. If this is analyzed, it is seen After coming back to Navadvipa having taken that the Lord is described to have spiritual initiation from Srila Isvarapuripada at Gaya, form and spiritual qualities and He is

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described as not possessing material form and indirectly, the ultimately talk about material qualities. Sriman Mahaprabhu Kṛṣṇa, alone; vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo especially denounced the impersonal vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham (Bhagavad- philosophy because of its propounding that gītā) the Supreme Lord’s eternal, supremely pure Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (11.21.42) says: state of eternality, cognizance and bliss as illusionary. In the verses of the Gita such as kiṁ vidhatte kim ācaṣṭe kim anūdya vikalpayet avajānanti māṁ mūḍhāḥ, janma ca me ity asyā hṛdayaṁ loke nānyo mad veda divyam, and ajo’pi sann avyayātmā and so on, kaścana the eternality of the Supreme Lord’s existential feature of eternality, cognizance “The words of the Vedas just talk about and bliss has been accepted. For this reason, material activities to achieve various results Srila Kaviraja has said, in great sadness: (karma-kāṇḍa), worship of various and goddesses (devatā-kāṇḍa) and knowledge īśvarera śrī-vigraha sac-cid-ānandākāra (jïāna-kāṇḍa). Within these three sections, se-vigrahe kaha sattva-guṇera vikāra that which is bestowed by following the rules śrī-vigraha ye nā māne, sei ta’ pāṣaṇḍa of karma-kāṇḍa, that which is manifested adṛśya, aspṛśya sei, haya yama-daṇḍa through the mantras of the devatā-kāṇḍa and (Caitanya Caritāmṛta madhya 6.166-167) that which is set out to be known and which “The Deity of the Supreme Lord is the form of is to be thought of in an opposite manner are eternality, cognizance and bliss. You say that all understood by none other than Me.” the Deity is a transformation of the mode of Sri Krishna is truly the non-dual absolute goodness. One who does not respect the truth (advaya-jïāna-). He is eternal, divine Deity of the Supreme Lord is most cognizant and blissful (sac-cid-ānanda-vastu) fallen and sinful; he is not to be seen or and He is the son of the king of Vraja touched and is punishable by the Yamaraja, (Vrajendra-nandana). the Lord of the death.” sarva-ādi, sarva-aṁśī, kiśora-śekhara Sri Kaviraja Goswami has also said: cid-ānanda-deha, sarvāśraya sarveśvara

veda-śāstra kahe , abhidheya, “Krishna is the original person of whom prayojana kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa-bhakti, prema, -- tina mahā- everyone is a part. He is the supreme youth. dhana His body is full of knowledge and bliss. He is mukhya-gauṇa-vṛtti kiṁvā anvaya-vyatireke the shelter of all and the supreme controller.” ā ṛṣṇ vedera pratijï kevala kahaye k ake The spiritual practitioner on the path of jïāna

knows Him as divine light. The spiritual “The Vedic scriptures describe about practitioner on the path of knows Him establishing a relationship with the Supreme as the super (paramātmā). The spiritual Lord, engaging in that relationship and practitioner on the path of bhakti experiences ultimately achieving the supreme goal. They Him as the Supreme Lord (bhagavān). Only in are known as Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa-bhakti, and prema devotion, the complete aspect of the Supreme respectively and are the three great treasures. Lord is experienced. The living entity attains Whether it is analyzed through primary and the fortune of complete realization of the secondary functions, or directly and

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Supreme Lord through the fortune of having are not devotees. No matter how much the the association of pure devotional saints. Supreme Lord holds Himself hidden, the devotees will be able to recognize Him. The mahat-kṛpā vinā kona karma bhakti naya demons and persons in the mode of ignorance kṛṣṇa-bhakti dūre rahu, saṁsāra nahe kṣaya are unable to recognize the divinity of the “Without the mercy of the great souls, no Supreme Lord. action can be devotional. One cannot become tvāṁ śīla-rūpa-caritaiḥ parama-prakṛṣṭaiḥ free from the ocean of birth and death, what sattvena sattvikatayā prabalaiś ca śāstraiḥ to speak of devotion to Krishna which will prakhyāta-daiva-paramārtha-vidāṁ mataiś ca remain far away.” naivāsura-prakṛtayaḥ prabhavanti boddhum ullaṁghit- tri-vidha-sīma-samātiśāyi- Living entities who are inclined towards sense sambhāvanaṁ tava parivraḍhim asvabhāvam enjoyment (bhogonmukhī), renunciation māyā-balena bhavatāpi niguhyamānaṁ (tyāgonmukhī) and devotion (bhaktyunmukhī) paśyanti kecid aniśaṁ tvad-ananya-bhāvaḥ get the association of karmī sādhus, jïānī (Stotra-ratnāvali) sādhus and bhakta sādhus, respectively, according to their previous pious results “O, Supreme Lord! The devotees like (sukṛti). Through the association of bhakta and others who know the truths about Your sādhus, one develops taste for the path of incarnations and about the supreme spiritual devotion. The scriptures have stated: truths know You by focusing on Your nature, form, character and transcendental influence bhaktis tu bhagavad-bhakta-saṅgena as seen in strong scriptures situated in the parijāyate mode of goodness. However, those of a sat-saṅgaḥ prāpyate puṁbhiḥ sukṛtaiḥ pūrva- sancitaiḥ demoniac nature situated in the modes of (Bṛhan-nāradīya-purāṇa 4.33) passion and ignorance are not capable of knowing You. O, Supreme Lord! Everything Despite hearing the unlimited, divine, out of is limited by time, place and circumstance (or this world pastimes of Sri Krishna (the form time, place and thought, or time, place and of all transcendental mellows) or of Sri ingredients). However, Your deep nature Gauranga (the combined form of Sri Sri which is unparalleled is situated beyond these Krishna), and despite hearing so many three limitations. You cover Your nature scriptural evidences about Their supremacy, through the strength of Your illusory energy if the unfortunate living entity does not get (māyā). However, Your unalloyed devotees the association of the pure devotee saints, are qualified to see You, everywhere.” (Amṛta- then he or she will be unable to develop pravāha-bhāṣya). in engaging in the service of the Supreme Lord’s divine lotus feet. Therefore, Srila Therefore, without the association of the pure Kaviraja Goswami prabhu has quoted two devotees who know the truths of Gaura- verses written by Yamunācārya in his Stotra- kṛṣṇa, it is impossible for one to ever ratnāvali and has, in great sadness, explained experience the truths associated with Gaura- that just as an owl who is blind in the day kṛṣṇa and to attain pure devotion for His lotus cannot see the rays of the sun, similarly, the feet. truths regarding the Supreme Lord Gaura and Written by Bodhayn, with translation of the Krishna cannot be understood by those who article of HDG Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami

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A SONG OF SEPARATION “While staying at his residence in Svananda Sukhada Kunja located in Godrumadvipa, in honor of Oṁ Viṣṇupāda Śrī Śrīmad Srila constantly served Saccidānanda Bhaktivinoda Ṭhakura on the Sri Sri Gadai-Gauranga with joy. He was occasion of his Disappearance day always intoxicated by the nectar of divine love by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami coming from the Lord’s holy names. His hairs Thakur were always standing on end out of experiencing the ecstasy of divine love gadādharābhinna prabhu, bhaktivinoda vibhu, throughout the day and night.” gaurāṅgaika-gati premamaya| gadādhara dina dhari’, pāilena gaurahari, yāṅhāra suhṛdvara, prabhu śrī-gaurakiśora, tiṅha more hauna sadaya|| yāṅra mukhe śuni bhāgavata| haitena baḍa prīta, prema-rase nimajjita, “The great master, Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakur, rahitena sadā sannihita|| who is non-different from Gadadhara Pandit, considers Lord Gauranga as his one and only “Srila Gaurakishore Das Babaji Maharaja, who hope, his all in all. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s dear well- is filled with divine love. Srila Bhaktivinoda wisher, used to listen to discourses on the Thakur disappeared and attained Gaurahari Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana spoken by Sri on the same day on which Gadadhara Pandit Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Listening to Srila disappeared. May Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Bhagavata discourses, be merciful upon me.” Srila Gaurakishore Das Babaji Maharaja would become overwhelmed with divine love and drown in those nectarine mellows. He used to always stay near Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur.”

sapārṣada gaurahari, līlā saṅgopana kari’, vañcita karilā yabe dharā| -ghora timira, garāsila viśvājira, śuddha- bhakti hailā gupta tvarā||

“Sri Gaurahari ended His pastimes, made the world bereft of His association and went back to the spiritual world with His associates. The deep darkness of the Kali Yuga devoured the world and pure devotion quickly became hidden.”

tabe gaura-icchāvaśe, āṅdhāra gauḍīyākāśe, ūddharma-śārvara-hara rūpe| svānanda sukhada kuñje, gadāigaurāṅga śuddha-bhakti-divya-jyotiḥ, śrī-gaura-karuṇā- raṅge, bhajichena yiṅha nirantara| śakti, udiyā rakṣilā jaga-jīve|| nāma-prema-rase māti’, yiṅho rahe divārāti, preme pulakita kalevara|| “Then, by the influence of Sri Gaura’s desire, the potency of Sri Gaura’s mercy in the

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embodiment of divinely effulgent pure “Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur discovered the devotion rose in the dark sky of the land of birthplace of Sri Gauranga in the divine abode Gauda. That potency of Sri Gaura’s mercy of Mayapur and made it widely known for the took on the form of being the remover of the benefit of the entire universe. The emperor of intense darkness of irreligion and thus, all vaisnavas, Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji protected the living entities of the world. That Maharaja, confirmed Srila Bhaktivinoda mercy of Sri Gaura was Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s finding and Srila Gaurakishore Das Thakur.” Babaji Maharaja was delighted.”

keha kare tāṅre stuti –, (yena) bhagīratha navadvīpa-parikrama, pravarttilā anupama, mahāmati, śuddha-bhakti gaṅgā ānayane| āhā ki ānanda bhakta pāya| gauḍīya gaurava tini, tiṅha vinā gauḍa-bhūmi, yogapīṭhe kendra kari’, ṣola-krośa dhāma rasātale haita magane|| ghuri’, punaḥ tathā pratyāvṛtta haya||

“Some glorified Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur as “Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur promoted the being as great as the wise King Bhagiratha circumambulation of Navadvipa Dhama in an who brought down the holy Ganges river, incomparable manner. O, my! What bliss the which is the personification of pure devotion, devotees experience! Keeping the Yogapitha to the material world. Srila Bhaktivinoda (birthplace of Sri Gauranga) in the center, the Thakur is the pride of the Gaudiyas (followers devotees circumambulate the holy land of of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srimati about 48 kilometers (16 Kos) and return back Radharani). If it was not for Srila to the Yogapitha.” Bhaktivinoda Thakur, the land of Gauda śata-kaṇṭha sama-svare, gaura-guṇa gāna would have sunken into the hellish planets.” kare, hari-dhvani vyāpe tribhuvana| gauḍīya siddhānta sāra, karilā se supracāra, e ānanda yāṅra tare, prema-bhakti tāṅre bhakti-grantha patrikādi dvāre| smare, tāṅra pade saṅpe prāṇa-mana|| pātilā ye nāmahaṭṭa, yāhāte premera naṭṭa, kāmanāṭya rahe sadā dūre|| “A hundred voices sing the glories of Sri Gaura in the same tune. This divine transcendental sound of the holy names of “Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur preached the Hari fills up the entire universe. One who has essence of the conclusions of the Gaudiya such bliss always remembers loving devotion philosophy very expertly through writing and and surrenders one’s mind and very life to publishing devotional books, newsletters, and that pure loving devotion.” so on. He opened the marketplace of the holy names (Namahatta) where people danced out gaura-janma yātrā dine, aharniśa saṁkīrtane, of experiencing divine love for Krsna; the act māyāpure (yogapīṭhe) ki ānanda haya| of dancing to please one’s own material senses bhakativinoda dāsa, tāṅra yei dāsa dāsa, sei remained far away.” tāhā preme āsvādaya||

śrī-gaurāṅga janma-sthāna, māyāpura divya- “What transcendental bliss there is on the day dhāma, prakāśiyā kailā viśvahita| of Sri Gaura’s appearance at the Yogapitha in (vaiṣṇava) sārvabhauma jagannātha, ekamata Mayapur with the congregational chanting of tāṅra sātha, śrī-gaurakiśora haraṣita|| the Lord’s names throughout the day and night! The servant of the servant of the

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servant of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur relishes āhā ki premera mūrti, dekhilei pāya sphūrti, that divine love.” vadane śrī-rādhā-śyāma nāma| pāpa-cintā dūre yāya, hṛdaya pavitra haya, lupta-tīrtha uddhāraṇa, bhakti-grantha tuccha saba haya jaḍa-kāma|| prakāśana, śrī-mūrtira sevā paracāra| bhakti-sadācāra śikṣā, diyā sampradāya rakṣā, ācaryera kārya yata āra|| “O, what an embodiment of divine love! Just by seeing him, one’s mouth begins chanting “Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur rediscovered the the names of Sri Sri Radha Syama. Sinful holy places of the Lord’s pastimes which had thoughts go far away, one’s heart becomes become lost over the course of time. He pure and all material desires and attachments published devotional scriptures and preached become insignificant.” about serving the divine deity of the Lord. kṛpāmbudhi prabhu mora, jīva-duḥkhe jhare Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur gave teachings on lora, cinte kise jīva-hita haya| devotional etiquettes and protected the entire (tai) śāstra-sindhu sumathiyā, susiddhānta spiritual lineage. He also performed all of the sudhā niyā, granthākāre jīve vitaraya|| other works that are to be done by an acarya.” “My master is an ocean of mercy. He cries sei saba sampādiyā, sampradāya saṁrakṣiyā, seeing the suffering of the living entities and prabhu icchā karena pālana| ācāra pracāra nāmera, dui kārya ṭhākurera, thinks how they can achieve spiritual benefit. tāṅra ceṣṭā apūrva kathana|| Thus, he churned the ocean of scriptures, extracted the nectar of the perfect conclusions and distributed them to the living entities in “Having accomplished all of this, Srila the form of devotional literatures.” Bhaktivinoda Thakur protected the entire spiritual lineage and fulfilled the desires of the prakṛti-vaicitrya-krame, mata-bheda haya Supreme Lord. He not only preached the bhrame, dekhiyā cintilā anivāra| divine message of Lord Caitanya but also mahājana yei mata, tāhā hailā sugupata, kise personally practiced whatever he preached. jīva habe māyā-pāra||

His activities were totally divine and transcendental.” “Due to the introduction of materialistic changes, the true devotional opinions became (hā) gadāi gaurāṅga bali’, kāṅdi hana contaminated; seeing this, Srila Bhaktivinoda beyākuli, se krandane galaye pāṣāṇa| punaḥ rādhā-kṛṣṇa-nāma, phukāri phukāri Thakur was incessantly worried as the gāna, āṅkhi-nīre bhāsaye bayāna| opinions established by the great souls and previous spiritual teachers were becoming “Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur used to cry out lost. He was worried about how the living with great agitation, “O, Gadai, Gauranga”! entities would be able to cross over the His cries would make even a stone melt. Then material illusion.” again, he would loudly cry out the names of jīva-hita lāgi’ tāi, śuddha-bhakti-tattva gai’, Sri Sri and his whole face ghucailā jīvera saṁśaya| would become soaked from the tears flowing ‘śrī-caitanya-śikṣāmṛta’, ‘jaiva-dharma’ ādi from his eyes.” śata, grantha kailā gadya-padya-maya||

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“Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur removed all of the hā hā prabhu dayāmaya, kara dayā amāyāya, problems and doubts of the living entities (mora) prabhupade deha śuddhā rati| through singing the truths of pure devotion tāṅra kṛpā nā pāile, tava kṛpā nāhi mile, for the benefit of one and all. He wrote (tiṅha) dīnahīna agatira gati|| hundreds of devotional books such as Sri Caitanya Siksamrta, Jaiva Dharma, and so on “O, merciful master, Srila Bhaktivinoda in beautiful poetry and prose.” Thakur! Please have mercy on me without pāṣaṇḍa-dalana āra, śuddha-prema-paracāra, duplicity. Give me pure love for the lotus feet duikārya ācāryera haya| of my master. If I do not obtain his mercy, I sei dui kārya kari’, prabhura iṅgita smari’, will be unable to get your mercy. He is the divya-dhāme karilā vijaya|| refuge for the poor and lowly people who are hopeless.” “An acarya has two functions; he must destroy the opinions of the atheists and ‘harināma cintāmaṇi’, milāite pāra jāni, śuddha-nāme rati dite pāra| preach the message of pure loving devotion. adhanya jīvana mora, sadānarthe rahe bhora, After having performed both of these ohe nātha tāhe dhanya kara|| activities, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur remembered the indication of the Supreme “My life is so unfortunate and is constantly Lord, and returned to the spiritual world.” filled with unwanted material desires and tad-abhinna nija-jana, prabhu sarasvatī hana, attachments. I know that you can make me prabhu-mukhe śuni’ tāṅra kathā| obtain the touchstone of the pure holy name ye kichu hṛdaye sphure, tāi gāhi ārti-bhare, (Harinama-cintamani) and that you can give prabhu-sukha smariyā sarvathā|| me love for the pure holy name (śuddha- nāma). O, my Lord, Srila Bhaktivinoda “Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Thakur! Make my life fortunate and blessed.” Prabhupada is most dear to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and is non-different from him. With aparādha ghucāiyā, śuddha-nāme ruci diyā, the grief of separation, I am singing whatever prema-dāne tumi śakti kara| śrī-gaurāṅga tava dhana, tava prema-vaśya is revealed in my heart from what I heard hana, tava kathā śune nirantara|| about Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur from Srila

Prabhupada’s divine mouth. I remember My “You have the power to give pure loving joyful master in all respects.” devotion by removing all offences and by śrī-caitanyaprabhu-dayā, yāhā amanda udayā, giving taste in the pure holy names. Sri tāhā bhaktivinoda rūpete| Gauranga is your personal treasure and He samudiyā dharā māhe, jīvahita sadā cāhe, becomes subjugated by your pure divine love tadupamā nā dekhi jagate|| for Him; He constantly listens to you.”

“The compassion of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu nirāśraya e adhame, deha sthāna śrī-caraṇe, guru-gaura-pade deha mati| brightly rose as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur on śuddha-bhakta-dāsya diyā, śuddha-bhakti the earth. He constantly desires the benefit of pradāniyā, rakṣa nātha adhame samprati|| all living entities. I do not see anybody who can be compared to him.”

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“This fallen soul has no shelter so give him a sukalyāṇa kalpa-taru, prakaṭilā mājhe maru, place at your divine feet. Fix the mind of this se chāyāya nā nilu śaraṇa| fallen soul at the divine feet of Sri Guru and śaraṇāgati nā haila, janma mora vṛthā gela, Gaura. O, Lord, Bhaktivinoda Thakur, save hāya hāya ki kari ekhana|| this fallen soul now, giving him the service of the pure devotees of the Lord and pure “You manifested the most auspicious wish- devotion.” fulfilling tree in the midst of the desert but I tridaṇḍa sannyāsa dharma, bujhāiyā kara have not taken shelter under its shade. I have śarma, bhaktite pramoda yena haya| not surrendered and my life has become a (śrī) purīpāda-dāsya diyā, śuddha-prema total waste. O, my! O, my! What do I do bujhāiyā, bhajanete karaha tanmaya|| now?”

durbāra indriya-gaṇa, jaḍāsakta anukṣaṇa, “Explain the principles of the renounced mana kabhu mānā nāhi śune| order (tridanda ) to me and make me ki kari ekhana bala, āmi ati durabala, kṛpā- joyful so that I can be delighted in devotion. bale rākhaha caraṇe|| Make me completely absorbed in devotional service by giving me servitude unto Sri “The material senses are very difficult to Madhavendra Puripada and by making me overcome. I have material desires at every understand pure, loving devotion.” moment and my mind never listens to good advice. Tell me what I should do now. I am ājikāli ka’re dina, ca’le yāya, tanu-kṣīṇa, nāhi totally powerless. Through the strength of bhela bhajana sādhana| your mercy, keep me at your divine feet.” para-svabhāva karma lai’, stuti nindāya māti’ rai, nija-doṣa nā khuṅji kakhana|| prabhu-mukhe tava guṇa, kata nā kainu śravaṇa, bhāgya-doṣe nā haya smaraṇa| tava guṇa-gāthā saṅge, nāhi mile mana raṅge, “Day by day, time is passing and my body is kise habe tomāte milana|| becoming weak. I have not engaged in any devotional practice and service at all. Judging “I heard your glories from the mouth of my the natures and acts of others, I remain spiritual master but due to my misfortune, I intoxicated in glorifying and criticizing; I do not remember any of those glories. My have never introspected and looked for my mind does not take delight in associating with own faults and shortcomings.” listening to your glories. How will I unite with you?” emana durlabha janma, labhiyā nā bujhi marma, kāṭāinu tāhā avahele| milana vinā viraha, nā bujhite pāre keha, tava upadeśa-vāṇī, śuniyāo nāhi śuni, hāya virahei milana ghaṭana| janma haila viphale|| tava guṇe prīti vine, tavābhāva nāhi jñāne, nāhi sphure viraha-vedana|| “Having obtained such a rare birth, I have not “Nobody can understand separation without understood its value and have carelessly having experienced union. It is separation wasted it. O, my! Even after having heard that causes union to occur. Without having your teachings, it is as if I never heard them. love for your divine qualities, there is no My life has been totally wasted.” understanding of your absence. Thus, the

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experience of the pain of separation from you śrī-bhaktivinoda jaya, gaura-prema-rasamaya, does not arise.” jaya jaya rādhā-nitya-jana| eka-mātra hari-līlā, yāṅhāra pramoda chilā, virahe milana sphūrti, tāhe utsava pūrti, tāhā vandi muhuḥ tāṅhāra caraṇa|| vinā sakali viphala| (tāi) sumedhasa nāma, dilā prabhu guṇa- dhāma, ārādhile sakali saphala|| “All glories to Sri Bhaktivinoda who is the reservoir of the mellows of divine love for Sri “Union is manifested in separation and that is Gaura! All glories to Srila Bhaktivinoda how the disappearance day festival can be Thakur who is the most dear eternal associate complete. Without that union in separation, of Srimati Radharani! Srila Bhaktivinoda everything is just fruitless. Thus, my master, Thakur experienced great delight only in the who is a reservoir of wonderful qualities, remembrance of the pastimes of Sri Hari. I named this festival as the day of remembrance offer my obeisance to his divine lotus feet of our spiritual ancestors. When one worships again and again.” the previous spiritual masters in this mood of union in separation, everything becomes kāṅhā se premera dhāma, sarva-guṇa- gaṇārāma, kāṅhā tāṅra abhinna bāndhava| fruitful.” kāṅhā sei , purāite yāṅra sādha, gaura-priya-janābhāva, ye hṛdaye , pracārilā gauḍīya gaurava|| se hṛdaye śrī-gaurāṅga sphure| gaura-priye premābhāve, nahe gaura “Where is that abode of divine love in whom anubhave, gaura-kṛpā rahe bahudūre|| all great qualities constantly reside? Where is his friend who is non-different from him? Where is that Prabhupada who preached the “Sri Gauranga becomes manifest in the heart divine loving message of Sri Gauranga in that truly experiences the absence of those order to fulfill the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda who are most dear to Sri Gaura. One who has Thakur?” a lack of love for those who are most dear to Sri Gaura cannot experience Sri Gaura; Sri Gaura’s mercy remains far away from such a person.” hā gaurāṅga nija-jana, kara more kṛpekṣaṇa, suprasanna hao he antare| tava kṛpā-lava ha’le, guru-gaura-kṛpā mile, sarva-siddhi milaye sattvare||

“O, master who is most dear to Gauranga, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur! Bestow your merciful glance upon me. Become joyfully eke eke sabe hāya, praviṣṭa nitya-līlāya, pleased with me from within. If a tinge of your saṅga-bhāgye hainu vaïcita| mercy and the mercy of Sri Guru and kena vā āchaye prāṇa, ki sukha karite dhyāna, Gauranga is obtained, then all perfections will kṛpā kari’ kara ātmasāta|| be gotten very quickly.”

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“Alas! One by one, everyone has entered into yearn to hear them, I will play my flute the eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Govinda. melodies so their hearts can hear.” As He I have become bereft of their association. thought in this way, He wished to test the What is the point of me continuing to live? responses of the different living entities. First What happiness can I obtain? O, He brought the lower living beings under His Bhaktivinoda Thakur, accept me spell. Then, one by one, He brought the wholeheartedly and take me to you.” higher beings also under His spell. At last He made the gopés’ hearts turn wild with bliss. Written by HDG Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Thakur, in Bengali, translated by Sri Shyam Prabhu The cows’ response when for the first time they hear Krishna’s flute melodies is described in these words: “Pretending to be THE GOPÉS’ DESCRIPTION OF the music of a flute placed to Krishna s KRISHNA’S FLUTE MELODIES mouth, a shower of nectar falls. With the tongues of their ears, the cows drink that by shower of nectar. Their actual tongues are Srila Jiva Goswamipada stunned. They have stopped eating grass. Their openly thought, “What is that? What is Although He was already the master of all that? What is that? What is that?”” The gopés arts, Krishna had His elder brother said: “By hearing the melodies of Krishna’s teach Him how to play the flute. The moment flute, we gopés attain a condition like that of He was taught, Krishna started producing the the cows when they hear Krishna’s flute. Still, most enchanting melodies on His flute. there is a difference between us and the cows. Fearing that they may accidentally reveal The cows respond by gazing at Krishna’s their love for Krishna, the goddess-like vraja- moonlike face every moment. We gopés gopés said of Krishna and Balarama: “Carrying cannot gaze at Krishna’s face in that way. In ropes and sticks, playing in the forest, what yuga will we be able to always gaze at protecting the cows, and enjoying other His face?” similar pastimes, Krishna and Balarama play Their flutes. Their flute melodies make moving beings stunned and motionless and and unmoving beings filled with restless action. The two brothers have reversed the natures of the living beings.” The gopés also said: “Krishna and Balarama change the nature of every living being. Krishna has especially uprooted the nature of us gopés.” As Krishna and Balarama played enchanting melodies on Their flutes, Krishna thought, “Aha! I have enchanted and attracted the gopés. I have specially attracted the gopé named Radha. The living entities take birth in various species of life. Gradually I teach them the spiritual truth. Eventually, when they

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By playing melodies on His flute, Krishna were not so, then why would this birds enchants and attracts the various forest silently listen as Krishna plays His flute? “In creatures. It is said that when Krishna plays the following words the gopés describe these His flute the birds and beasts of the forest are birds as sannyäsés: “Krishna is a great sage in all enchanted. The gopés said: “The fame of the center, and the birds around Him on all Vrindavana forest is spread over the entire sides are also great sages. These bird-sages earth. Placing on it the glory of the touch of have no material desires.” His lotus feet, Krishna enjoys pastimes in On another day some goddesses become Vrindavana. Hearing the music of Krishna’s attracted by the music of Krishna’s flute. The flute, the peacocks and other forest creatures gopés describe them in these words: “As they assemble together and dance. Indeed, they flew nearby in their airplanes, the goddesses have transformed Vrindavana forest into a were attracted by the music of Krishna’s flute. great dancing arena.” The gopés also said: “We Gazing at the splendid charming gopés have are incapable to describe the sacred handsomeness of Krishna’s form, they were glory of Vrindavana forest. The peacocks and all enchanted. They had never seen or heard other living beings who reside in Vrindavana of anyone handsome as Him. As they gazed at forest, who perform great pious deeds every Him, their braids and decorations became moment, are worthy of being worshiped by us disheveled and undone. Were any of them not gopés. We gopés are only householders living attracted?” Of these goddesses, the gopés also in our houses. We do not live in Vrindavana said: “These goddesses were completely forest. We are very wretched. Of what good enchanted by Krishna’s flute-music. Who are are we? The forest creatures can gaze at we poor souls, that we are so fortunate as to Krishna as much as they like, but us gopés have taken birth as girls in Krishna’s land of cannot even gaze at His shadow.” Vraja?” Krishna’s flute music makes the One day doves leave their mates and run to unconscious beings and the beings whose Krishna. As was the previous verse, this verse consciousness is worthless attain full spiritual is spoken by a gopé: “O gopé friend, how consciousness. These powerless beings then wonderful this is! Hearing the sweet music of jump over their previous unconscious state Krishna’s flute, the doves have become and being to move and walk. enchanted. Abandoning their stag mates, they The gopés then continue to describe the run to Krishna. With sidelong glances, they activities of the rivers when they hear lovingly worship Krishna.” The gopés also Krishna’s flute-music: “Hearing Krishna’s said: “By birth we are women. Many virtuous flute-music, the rivers become stunned. With people honor us with all respect. Our blossoming currents and the jangling husbands are famous in Vraja for their sincere warbling of swans and other birds, the wildly affection for Krishna. These doves are not like blissful waves approach Krishna. With the us at all. Accompanied by their husbands, arms and hands of their waves they place a they freely approach Krishna. Shame on us circle of lotus flowers at Krishna’s feet.” Of impious gopés! In no way are we as fortunate the rivers the gopés also said: “Ah! Ah! If, as these doves.” Seeing some birds attracted abandoning their courses, the rivers, who are by Krishna’s flute-music, the gopés said: “We all the ocean’s wives, swiftly flow and meet think the birds in this forest must be great Krishna, then what are we poor gopés in sages and Krishna must be their guru. If this comparison to them? They must have

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performed many pious deeds. We are not This the gopés affirm in the following words: their equal in the slightest way. That is why it “Glorious Govardhana hill is the best of is right that we give up our bodies and and Krishna’s servants. Krishna and Balarama thus renounce the happiness and distresses of climb it to play their flutes on its summit. this world.” With the touch of Krishna and Balarama’s lotus feet, Govardhana feels the bliss and manifests many symptoms of ecstasy. Its entire body is offered in the service of Krishna’s friends and cows. I have heard that the grass on its slopes are Govardhana hill’s bodily hairs standing erect in ecstasy. If you do not believe that, then look for yourself. Hearing the music of Krishna’s flute, Govardhana hill glistens with ecstatic love. Krishna’s footprints decorate Govardhana hill.” The gopés also said: “If one boldly yearns to follow the path of the great souls, one should look and see that path is splendidly manifest on the slopes of Govardhana hill.”

Adapted from Gopal Campu by Srila Jiva Goswamipada

On another day the gopés describe the clouds with these words: “The raincloud is Krishna’s friend. This is so not only because they have the same dark splendor, but also because they are similar in many other ways and they always help each other. Thus when Krishna plays mallära-räga melodies on His flute, the clouds come and shade Him from the burning sunlight. “The gopés also said: “Aha! Look! Even though it is very cool, and even though stays above all else, with great love in its heart the raincloud carefully serves Krishna with its shade and its nectar rains. Shame on us wretched gopés very proud of taking shelter of

Krishna alone and keeping Him alone in our life’s breath! We are wretched because, even without serving Krishna we somehow remain alive in this world. “Aha! Even though it is made of rocks, and even though it has taken birth as a hill, Govardhana is filled with bliss.

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VAISHNAVA FESTIVALS: NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019

Date Festival 4 November Gopashtami Disappearance day of Sri Gadadhar Das Goswami, SrilaDhananjayPandit, and Srila Srinivas Acharya Prabhu 8 November Utthana Ekadasi Disappearance day of Sri Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji Maharaj 11 November Disappearance day of of Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Thakur 12 November Rasa Purnima End of Chaturmasya Appearance Day of Srila Nimbarka Acharya 23 November Uthpanna Ekadasi Disappearance Day of Srila Narahari Sarkar Thakur and Srila Kaliya Krishnadas. 2 December Oran Shashthi 8 December Mokshada Ekadasi 16 December Disappearance Day of Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada 22 December Saphala Disappearance Day of Srila Devananda Pandit 27 December Appearance Day of Srila Lochan Das Thakur 29 December Disappearance Day of Srila and Srila Jagadish Pandit

Bhagavata Dharma A free e-magazine published monthly in service to the mission of Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya, by: Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math, Isodhyan, Sri Mayapur Nadia, , India 741313

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