Purnima and Sanatan 's Disappearance

Date: 2002-07-24 Author: Devakinandana das

Hare Prabhus and Matajis Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Gurudev!

Today is a very auspicious day because traditionally it is Guru Purnima - in honour and observance of the exalted position of the spiritual master.

Gurudev, whenever asked about the exalted position of the spiritual master is so humble yet so realized that he instructs us to remember the significance of the spiritual master and Krsna as thus:

8.24.48:

"One who wants to be free of material entanglement should take to the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and give up the contamination of ignorance, involving pious and impious activities. Thus one regains his original identity, just as a block of gold or silver sheds all dirt and becomes purified when treated with fire. May that inexhaustible Supreme Personality of Godhead become our spiritual master, for He is the original spiritual master of all other spiritual masters."

Sanatana Goswami was the perfect example of the spiritual master for he imparted the real value of the devotional service to the living entities not only by his preaching but also by his actions.

Once a poor worshipped Lord Siva and asked him for the best benediction. Lord Siva advised him that he would get the best benediction from one Sanatan Goswami. Sanatana had a touchstone with him which he kept in the garbage. The poor brahmana approached the Goswami and asked him for that touchstone for it possessed the ability to change iron to pure gold!! Sanatana said, "Yes you can have it.Please get it from the garbage dump nearby." Elated the brahmana went and rummaged through the garbage and finaly found the touchstone. AS he left the Goswami, he suddenly thought, "If a touchstone is the best benediction, why has Sanatana Goswami kept it in the garbage?". He asked Sanatana, "Sir if this is the best benediction, why is it i the garbage?" The Goswami replied that "This is not the best benediction, but are you prepared to take the best benediction from me?" "Yes!" said the brahmana. Then the Goswami asked him to throw the touchstone into the water and come back. When he returned Sanatana initiated him with the Hare Krsna , the highest benediction!!

Many living entities come searching for some kind of touchstone from the spiritual master - but by his mercy and kindness they are made to gradually realise that the best benediction is the mantra - and the best benedictor is the kind, causelessly merciful spiritual master.

Sanatana Goswami ki jai! Guru Purnima ki jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Srila Gurudev ki jai! Your servant, Devakinandana das