The Lord Sriman Mahaprabhu bifurcated the entire movement into 2 parts. He appointed Rupa Goswami as the head of the sadhakas at Vrindavana and appointed Sri Nityananda Prabhu as his chief preacher of the Holy Name and sent Him amongst the jeevas or living entities in Bengal to encourage them to take to Krishna Bhajana. Sri Nityananda Prabhu is the very fountainhead of devotional activity and soon flooded Gauda desha or Bengal with the mellows of devotional activity.The two brothers Gaura and Nitai are non-different and each considered the other dear as one’s own life. Lord Nityananda sold Himself to the village folk of Bengal. He would render Himself to anyone who would once utter the name “Gaura”. He thus established the brilliance of Sri Gauracandra. Sri Nityananda delivered everyone in Gauda desha although the entire land was strewn with fallen ones. This was the glory of Sri Nityananda Prabhu; the fountainhead of Love of Godhead. Continue reading “Bhakti Tattva – Part Two”
Bhakti Tattva – Part One
Based on the Chaitanya Charitamrita ; this is a series of articles that delineates the Bhakti tattva rooted on the life and teachings of Sriman Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The article series focuses on the Madhya leela of the great work. Continue reading “Bhakti Tattva – Part One”
Essence of Chaitanya Charitamrita
The Chaitanya Charitamrita is the magnum opus written by Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami . This is especially so because of the subject. Sriman Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the subject of the work. Sriman Mahaprabhu is the very same Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna who advented 530 years ago adorning the mood of a perfect devotee. Many religious and spiritual organizations have declared that the study of this great work is the Ph.d of Spiritual sciences.
Interpretation
In the Bhakti world , the Shastras are often the most misinterpreted elements of knowledge. The intention of the writer of the Shastra , his mood and his ideas are communicated in words. Sanskrit was the original language of all spiritual literature. Depending on the sadhana , the spiritual practices one is undertaking and the most important ,the Guru, the same Shastra will highlight different spiritual connotations in the minds of the spiritual aspirant. In Vedic times, when there was less “consciousness pollution” , lesser amount of material contamination ; Continue reading “Interpretation”
Moods of Mahaprabhu
Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a parampara based on the various moods of Sri Nandanandana based on the “original mood” as transmitted into the system by Sriman Mahaprabhu. The intention of the statement can be elaborated by a small example. For a person who “attains His swaroop” or original nature makes the slightest distinction when he is dealing with “rasa” or devotional mellow. For example for a person who appreciates
The Heart of Rasa Sadhana
About 50 to 100 years back; things in the world of Krishna Bhajana (The means) and Sadhana(The means to the goal) were very different. Although Sriman Mahaprabhu during His time revealed the most esoteric aspect of the Highest Goal; this was under clout even about a 100 years ago. Sriman Mahaprabhu’s vibrant and ecstatic moods were concealed by the preachers of His movement since the past century for obvious social reasons. However today we have a more mature devotee clan.
Attaining the Highest ideal
In Krishna Bhajana , the devotee expects nothing in return for his service. He is simply happy when he serves the Lord. Here what is important is this mood. Attaining this mood itself is an important aspect of our “Prayojana”- The Goal. However it is a common sight that we meet devotees who engage in Krishna Bhajana , yet there is a dearth of this mood in “totality”. They say that “We are puny creatures and that we are not qualified to serve Krishna , yet we do it”. Continue reading “Attaining the Highest ideal”
Original Mood of Sriman Mahaprabhu
Sriman Mahaprabhu in His own nectarine words said “koti janma kare yadi shravan kirtan tathapi na mile braje brajendra nandan”. This means that even if you chant and hear the Lord’s divine names for millions of lifetimes , you will still not have a clue of where Brajendra Nandana is or that 11 year old lover of the Gopis even if you are in His original land Braja. Continue reading “Original Mood of Sriman Mahaprabhu”
Spiritual Transparency
This is not much talked about topic in spiritual circles. But this is the most relevant topic concerning spiritual growth in one’s life. There are a lot of Spiritual establishments that handle thousands and lakhs of devotees. However such Spiritual establishments will not have a deep impact on anyone’s life. One may only get introduced to spiritual concepts in such places and one may experience some relief from material pain; nothing more than this. The concept of spiritual transparency is experienced only in a “free-share” environment where there are no self or society created walls amongst individuals seeking the same spiritual goal. Continue reading “Spiritual Transparency”
Dharana- The Heart of Bhajana
As I spoke to Srila Gurudeva yesterday , interestingly Gurudeva spoke about a concept rarely discussed. This again cemented my basic understanding that without the presence of a Siddha Guru in one’s life ; it is not possible to attain the ultimate goal “Krishna Seva Prapti”. Continue reading “Dharana- The Heart of Bhajana”
Charan Pahari 