VNN World - Pastimes And Instructions

The most auspicious event of the 124^th Birthday Anniversary of my spiritual mater (now in his eternal pastimes), Om Visnupad 108 Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Thakura, will be on February 16^th, Sri Krishna Panchami, the month of Magh (Jan-Feb). This festival will be celebrated by all the Mathas in a grand way. The advent of my spiritual master is called Vyasa-Puja. The other commonly known ‘Guru Purnima’ day is in the month of June-July. This is the day of the advent of Lord Veda-Vyasa. The servitors of the Gaudiya Matha knowing the spiritual master as non-different in truth from Lord Vyasa, ever year celebrate his advent as ‘Vyasa-Puja.’ Lord Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu first established this worship of ‘Vyasa-Puja’ through Sri Nityananda Prabhu in Srivas Angam, Mayapur.

The word Vyasa means to divide, or in another sense, to expand. The complete Vedas were divided into four parts by him: Rg-Sama-Yajur-Arthava, and also works like Mahabharat and Puranas extended by the Muni Sri Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavayasa. The spiritual master similarly performs this work of Sri Vyasadev in delivering this knowledge to the conditioned living entities. For this reason the adorations offered to him on his advent are called ‘Vyasa-Puja,’ The "Vyasa-Puja’ pastimes of Sriman Mahaprabhu have been explained by Sri Srila Prabhupada in the ‘Gaudiya’ journal.

The scriptures say the moment one feels detachment, than from that time, freeing himself from the lures of material sense enjoyments, he relishes the taste for devotional service to the Lord without any consideration for the proper time in doing so. Then, being completely renounced from sense gratification, he takes to the shelter at the lotus feet of the spiritual master. Many refer to this acceptance or surrender at the lotus feet of the spiritual master as ‘Vyasa-Puja’.

This "Vyas-Puja’ is required to be performed in all the four stages of life with more emphasis on the renounced order. The other term of ‘Vyasa-Puja’ is in offering everything to the service of the spiritual master, in doing works conducive to the fulfillment of his wishes. Our predecessor spiritual master, Srila Narottam Das Thakur, in his offering has humbly prayed:

The Vyas-Puja worship of Vyasadev ultimately means the same mood of surrender and faith to the predecessor spiritual masters.

Sri Srila Prabhupada, even in his youth, was very attached to the chanting of the holy Name. When Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was the deputy magistrate at Rampure, he was a student of the 7^th class in high school. Observing his avid absorption in the practice of service to the Lord, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura gave Tulasi beads, and awarded him the initiation of the ‘Harinama’ and Sri Nrsingha mantra. In the year l881 in Calcutta, during the construction of their house there named ‘Bhakti Bhavan’, a Kurmadev Salagrama Sila (Deity) was discovered in the earth. His intense desire for such worship, even though he was only 8 years old at that time, made his father teach him the proper method of worship, complete with the worship mantras. Sri Srila Prabhupada always executed such deity worship very rigidly while maintaining his code of conduct. I myself had the good fortune to see the Deity that was once worshipped by Sri Srila Prabhupada with my own eyes, in that house.

Once Srila Prabhupada was standing at the entrance of the Sri Caitanya Math temple room and was viewing the Deities of Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga-Gandharvika-Giridhari. The doorway next to the inner sanctum was rather small and he was not having his spectacles at that time. A dearmost disciple, who was standing by his side, thinking his spiritual master was not able to get a good view of the Deities, commented loudly that it is very difficult to view the Deities from outside because of the small doorway of the inner sanctum. On hearing this, Srila Prabhupada gave a chuckle and for the benefit of all, replied, "Do not attempt to see the Deities with these mundane, visual senses; instead , try to obtain the necessary pure devotional qualifications so that the Supreme Lord will Himself manifest to us in person, for this type of meditation is superior."

"The Name, Form, Qualities and Pastimes of Sri Krishna are transcendental and cannot be relished through the material senses. But one who performs pure devotional service to the Supreme Lord beginning with the tongue, by chanting the holy Name purely, the Lord will personally manifest to such a devotee."

The glories of pure devotion have been declared in the Holy Scriptures, for it is the only way by which one can reciprocate lovingly or have the actual vision of the Supreme Lord.

Another day, Sri Srila Prabhupada and his disciples were walking to Sri Yoga Pith from Sri Caitanya Math. On the way, some of his very dear disciples, smelling the foul odors from the sides of the track, began to tie some cloth over their noses.

It appeared as if they could not breathe properly and Sri Srila Prabhupada noticing this, started to laugh and commented: "This is a transcendental land full with absolutely pure spiritual scents, but your noses detect only the bad odors of this material world. Do not try to view this transcendental land with your material intelligence, this is the non-different form of the Supreme Lord."

In the mid-February of l930 at Sridham Mayapur, Sri Srila Prabhupada held a spiritual exhibition called the Sridham Navadvip-Mayapur exhibition, for a period of approximately one month. Many corrugated tin huts were temporarily construction for this occasion and were unveiled ceremoniously by Sri P.S. Ray on his auspicious arrival. For the whole period of the exhibition, the sky remained clear by the immeasurable mercy of Lord Gaurasundar and His dear associate, the spiritual master. At the end of the exhibition, heavy winds erupted and the fury of these winds tore those tin structures apart, hurling them away at a considerable distance. One such tin structure in its obituary flight, hit one of the domes of the Deity of Sri Ramanuja adjacent to the main sanctum and after shattering the concrete dome, fell on the side of the temple where a tube-well was stationed. After the tempest had calmed down, Sri Srila Prabhupada, examining the broken dome, commented that for the dome of one of our main spiritual masters (acarya) to be broken, especially him being the foremost acarya of our Deity worship, could only be due to some grave offence in the deity worship. True to his word, after an inquiry was conducted, it was discovered that the priest had committed a major offence in the Deity worship. He was immediately replaced and the broken dome was later renovated. Whenever there were incidents like theft from the temple, or when Srila Prabhupada himself appeared unsound in health or even when disciples were experiencing some major disturbances from the norm, Sri Srila Prabhupada would especially caution his disciples not to commit offences against the Deity. The offences to the Name, the holy dham (like Mayapur) and the established Deities were the butt of Sri Srila Prabhupada’s repeated warnings of caution to his disciples.

On the 23rd of October l936, Sri Srila Prabhupada assigned the task of propagating the divine message of Lord Caitanya in Europe and America to the late Sriman Bhakti Saranga Prabhu, one of his then stalwart disciples. On the eve of his start for his first rendezvous in London, Srila Prabhupada instructed him to worship the deities of Govardhan, Salagram and Gomati whilst there daily. The same day, at the temple hall of Bagh Bazaar Sri Gaudiya Math, Sri Srila Prabhupada, addressing a large crowd, delivered a fiery speech, enthusiastically extolling the preaching mission of Bhakti Saranga Prabhu and showering his mercy upon him for his successful campaign. The mercy potency of Lord Gauranga, Sri Srila Prabhupada had firm conviction that only in the wide spread propagation of Lord Caitanya’s teachings via spiritual initiation and instruction, could the living entities ultimately attain their eternal welfare. Consequently, with untiring vigor, he began to preach accordingly, together with exhibiting model personal conduct.

Some time before, from l933 March to l935, his disciples Srimad Bhakti Pradipa Tirtha Maharaj and Srimad Bhakti Hrody Bon Maharaja had been in London and Germany. There, at various locations by the holding of public speeches and with correspondences by letter, they were able to inspire many elite educated people to become interested in the message of Lord Caitanya. With the consent of Sri Srila Prabhupada, gradually the first London Gaudiya Mission Society was formed and simultaneously the Gaudiya Math became established there. The chairman of the Society, Lord Zetland, used to discuss in his weekly meetings the teachings of Lord Caitanya as inspired by Sri Srila Prabhupada. The preaching excursion to Burma resulted in a Math being established in Rangoon in l935. However, the preaching was curtailed due to the political turmoil in Burma at that time. In many densely populated cities and holy places in India, Srila Prabhupada personally, or through the media of his disciples, established Gaudiya Temples replete with Deity services. The doctrine of devotion of Mahaprabhu was taught and the importance of personal conduct was also stressed in the course of one’s devotion. Altogether sixty-four temples were established in India which were all listed in the weekly ‘Gaudiya’ periodical.

It was his innate desire to establish pedestals for the footprints of Lord Caitanya in at least 108 holy places where Sriman Mahaprabhu had traversed by foot previously. This was to awaken remembrance of the Supreme Lord, Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu. During Srila Prabhupada’s presence, eight of such became established and after his departure many more.

Sri Srila Prabhupada used to participate personally in the circumambulation of the holy lands of Vraja and Navadvip. In Puri Dham specifically, he would hold excursions to all the main holy spots. Every year, the 16 crose circumbulation of Navadvip was performed by him and to this day his disciples faithfully observe this regularly as a limb of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada used to remark that in the circumbulation of the transcendental land, five main limbs of devotion are performed in conjunction with it, namely; chanting of the holy Name, association of devotees, hearing the holy scriptures, residence in the holy land as well as worship to the Deity form of the Lord. The fact that opportunities are presented to perform all these devotional practices together is the reason why he stressed that the circumbulation be performed with proper care and effort.

Sri Srila Prabhupada became hard like a thunderbolt in seeing actions contrary to the principles of devotion and in favorable practices, he appeared soft like a rose. In the engrossed hearing of the loving separation pastimes exhibited by Srimati Radharani in Mathura, he became overwhelmed with such agonizing separation that tears flooded from his eyes. His attraction in hearing about the pastimes of the Lord was phenomenal. He would continue in such discussions hour after hour so much so that when reminded of meal-times, he would become annoyed. He would often remark of the famine existing due to lack of nectarine discussions on the Supreme Lord. As every expert physician requires to be consulted to give the proper diagnosis, similarly he would complain that his disciples do not give him enough opportunity to speak about he Supreme Lord’s pastimes. Thus, when questioned ‘how are you?’, he would reply: "I am alright but these people do not indulge me in spiritual discussions therefore I am unwell."

Congregational chanting of the holy Name was always relished by Sri Srila Prabhupada but not form the lips of pseudo devotees whose songs contradicted spiritual conclusions (rasabhasa). His real mood was existed in the self-composed song he used to sing:

Meaning: "The real life of the devotee is exhibited in self-surrender to the Lord, devoid of all sense of false prestige."

The songs of those not surrendered and intoxicated with false prestige, are like a dead body without consciousness and thus should not be entertained, was his verdict. Unauthorized discussions of high spiritual subjects were not at all approved by Sri Srila Prabhupada. To always remember Sri Krishna at all times is productive of pure devotion. Love of Godhead is only attained by the pure chanting of the holy Names devoid of all offences. Once that stage of offenceless chanting is attained, no other extra effort or purity is required in chanting the Name. If one with all petty desires for gain, fame and prestige encompassing in the mind, puts on a false show of spontaneous pure devotion that was only hypocrisy and extremely intolerable to him. He used to say;

The famous words of the great souls tell us: viddhi marge braja-bhave paite nahi sakti. One cannot attain spontaneous devotion by mere practice of devotion (sadhana). The actual gift of spontaneous devotion is awarded only by the intense greed to receive it, coupled with the blessings of proximity to a genuine teacher who is a resident of the holy Dham. Pretentiously imitating the activities of realized souls is a disturbance to society, resulting in unqualified discussions. Premature attempts of spontaneous devotion is of no avail! The question may be asked from the context of the above verse as to what the real method of attainment is. The answer is revealed by Lord Gauranga when He informs His confidential associates to deeply imbibe the following verse:

The holy Name is to be taken shelter of in complete faith and this will ensure all perfection to the chanter.

The word ‘sraddhanvitah’ used in this context, specifically refers to the faith that leads to the attainment of spontaneous devotion. Sriman Mahaprabhu has stressed that the holy Name is replete with all transcendental potency, being non-different from the Supreme Person Sri Krishna. The holy Name is pure, eternal, replete with all spiritual mellows and is like a wish-fulfilling tree. The process of attaining pure spontaneous devotion is by exclusive surrender to the lotus feet of the personified Name, praying to Him with complete yearning and taking to the chanting with a fixed resolve. The cessation of offences to the Name produces final enlightenment in the aspirant.

Meaning: The word ‘sraddhanvitah’ is not applicable to the faithless or those who persist in committing offences against the holy Name. The mellows of love are beyond the imagination of Goddess Laksmi. It is not by mere intelligence or discrimination that it can be obtained. The only sure way is in the obedience to follow the path chalked out by the gopis of Vraja and not otherwise.

Sri Srila Prabhupada never did approve of such intricate discussion by the unqualified, always giving priority to the chanting of the holy Name. Similarly Sri Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur’s song couplet is enlightening:

Here this verse is extolling the glories of the rigid devotional service in practice, ultimately giving us natural entrance into spontaneous service Sri Srila Prabhupada has commented on the 7^th verse of ‘Upadesamrta’, saying:

"The characteristics of the holy Name are compared to sugar candy, and ignorance is compared to jaundice (excess bile). As a jaundiced person is unable to relish the flavor of sugar candy, likewise the conditioned materialistic living entity is unable to taste the nectarean bliss of the holy Name due to ignorance. In taking to chanting the holy Name sincerely and endeavoring with right efforts, the sweetness of the Name becomes apparent and eventually will lead to the dissipation of all unwanted desires."

Further on, the explanation of the 8^th verse of ‘Upadesamrta reads (Srila Prabhupada):

Common people, under the deception of trying to sing about the pure mellows of devotional service, end up only in the creation of opposing mellows (rasabhasa) which was detested by Srila Prabhupada. He further sternly opposed those who eked a livelihood by the reading of the Holy Scriptures like Srimad-Bhagavatam, or the process of the exhibition of established Deities in order to collect their maintenance.

Even though the ritualistic priests (smartha) may differ, Srila Sanatana Goswami, a main leader (acarya) of the Gaudiya Madhva line, has confirmed that all persons, irrespective of cast, can by the process of spiritual initiation (diksa), be elevated to perform the worship of the Deity of Salagrama Sila. Spiritual initiation involves five rites (tapa, paundra, name, mantra, yaga). Srila Baladeva Vidya Bhusana has defined the yaga mentioned above as Deity worship in his holy treatise ‘Prema Ratnavali’. It is interesting to note that many of Mahaprabhu’s associates, though being of other castes (the physician or kayastha) underwent the ritual of ‘brahmin’ initiation and had brahmin disciples.

Actual brahminhood is born from the spiritual initiation process (diksa). This is the foundation of the daivi-varnasram system i.e. division of labor and class in one’s stage of life only by the basis of devotion. The only criteria for actual qualification in this human life is devotion to the Supreme Lord.

Many vivid proofs are mentioned in scriptures regarding this. The low class dog-eater surrendered to Lord hari with mind, body and speech is most superior, while a brahmin devoid of devotion to Lord Hari is considered fallen. These statements confirm the efficacy of devotion. The natural function of the soul is to serve the Supreme Lord. Logically, one who engages in this natural function, is immediately elevated to the caste of brahmin and more. The fruitive workers who maintain of their superiority through seminal birth, are rejected by the devotees of the Lord. Sri Krishnadas Kaviraj’s famous verse in Caitanya Caritamrta reads:

Meaning: "The person who practices devotion intensely is more superior irrespective of caste or creed." To consider a devotee as belonging to some particular caste or creed is a hellish mentality.

"A person born in a low family is not unfit for discharging devotional service to Krsna, nor is one fit for devotional service simply because he is born in an aristocratic family of brahmanas."

"Anyone who takes to devotional service is exalted, whereas a non-devotee is always condemned and abominable. Therefore in the discharge of devotional service to the Lord, there is no consideration of the status of one’s family."

Once, a huge public debate was organized in Baligha, Midnapur to decide the position of high caste (brahmin) and Vaisnava. Sri Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur appearing unsound in health, sent his son to the meeting, empowering him to protect the dignity of the Vaisnavas. The meeting was presided by Sriman Madhsudan Goswami and Sri Visvambarananda. Sri Srila Prabhupada, delivering an expressive, erudite lecture, explained both concepts in great details, ultimately proving uncompromisingly the superiority of the Vaisnavas above the born-brahmins. He was thereby given a standing ovation and all the saintly people present there became gradually overjoyed in the confirmation of Sriman Mahaprabhu’s teachings.

The printing press was an important tool utilized by Sri Srila Prabhupada, for the wide publicity and propagation of spiritual literatures. He would refer to it as the big drum (brhad mrdunga) whose sound could not only go along way, but remain for some time. In his boyhood, while in assistance of his father Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura in his publications, Srila Prabhupada had gained much experience in proof-reading and other works related to the press. Consequently, with the establishment of many presses, he published many books and periodicals, i.e. the weekly Gaudiya, Bhagavad-Gita with commentary, Jaiva Dharma, Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, etc.

Sri Srila Prabhupada used to be vigilant in the proper service of Shri Dham Mayapur, the transcendental birthplace of Lord Gaura-Hari. In Yoga Pith and Srivas Angam, he experienced many divine experiences. He had the vision of the Sarasvati River in seeing the river Jalangi. Similar visions were perceived by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur. The confluence of the river Sarasvati and Ganga in Mayapur (Triveni) was especially very dear to him Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur had forecasted of an extraordinary temple to be constructed in Sri Yoga Pith. To confirm the prediction of his father, Srila Prabhupada, with help of his wealthy disciples, constructed a huge temple there. During the prior excavation of the temple, a four handed Deity of Visnu was discovered in the earth. Later this Deity was identified as ‘Adoksaja Visnu’ with Sri and Bhu potencies by him, according to the different arrangement of weapons and symbols in the hands of the Deity. An expert archeologist, Sri Ram Prasad Chandra, verified the Deity as being very old. Sri Srila Prabhupada commented later that this was formally the Deity worshiped by Sri Jagannath Misra. This beautiful Deity is being worshiped at present in Sri Yoga Pith, Mayapur.

To illumine and increase publicity about the Holy Land, Sri Srila Prabhupada used to invite many eminent and dignified people to Mayapur time and again. Every year was highlighted with the Navadvipa parikrama, simultaneously followed by the birth-anniversary celebrations of Mahaprabhu. Sri Srila Prabhupada had planned that from Yoga Pith to Chandrasekar bhavan in the North and up till Huloor Ghat at the extreme South, all the area of land to be named ‘the actual Mayapur’. His prophecy was that all this will be in future the locality of devotees of Sri Krishna and many temples of Lord Krishna would be constructed. The auspicious sounds of gongs, bells and drums would be a constant daily affair.

Srila Prabhupada used to remark that Lord Gaurasundar was eternally performing congregational chanting and dancing with His associates in this Holy Land of Mayapur. Even today the mystical sounds of gongs and drums can be subtly heard all of a sudden by a very select few. Srila Prabhupada personally experienced this many a time.

As discussed, Sri Srila Prabhupada worked tirelessly to propagate the pure devotional messages of Sriman Mahaprabhu through books and journals. Primarily through his four main printing presses and help of other presses, he printed over 100 books and different journals in English, Bengali, Oriya and Assames languages. The propagation of devotion was not only through the length and breadth of India, but many disciples went to foreign countries to preach under his bidding. Unfailingly as a daily vow, he used to chant one lakh Names of the Lord (64 rounds) and his instruction to all his disciples was to do likewise. Keeping this vow intact, he would allot his times incredibly to cover all his preaching schedules and literary work, being a source of inspiration to all who came in contact with him.

Sri Srila Prabhupada, on noticing any deviance to the doctrine of pure devotion, would be prompt to refute all such opposing arguments. He had the unusual ability to still all opposition with his witty, fiery replies in accordance with the conclusions of scriptures. He posed as the awesome figure of non-compromise to pure devotion ideals. To adjust or compromise with concocted deviant philosophy or to show indifference when there was overlapping of mellows (rasabhasa) was never tolerated by him. His strict code of behavior was always according to the instruction of Sriman Mahaprabhu.

To completely avoid the association of the materialistic sense-enjoyers and the non-devotees, atheist.

The absence of such a dynamic leader has made the Gaudiya Vaisnava world to go through many troubled situations!

Sri Srila Prabhupada had extraordinary knowledge about the secrets of the disciplic succession. The compilation of Vaisnava-Manjusa-Samhita dictionary was begun regarding different varieties of knowledge about the devotees of Visnu. However, only four editions were completed and published. His memory powers were astounding. The moment he would speak, many fresh and interesting ideas would be revealed, with such skill that would leave the audience spell-bound. Previously, I would be trying to note all these ideas with a deft hand, still I would miss out many points. Later Sri Srila Prabhupada would personally rectify such writings.

The very name of ‘mayavadi’ (gross impersonalists) was quite unbearable for Sri Srila Prabhupada to hear. Some people used to contend that Sri Prakasananda Sarasvati, after receiving the mercy of Lord Caitanya, became known as Sri Prabhodananda Sarasvati, who was the author of the famous devotional treatise ‘Sri Sri Radha Rasa Sukhaniddhi.’ This was vehemently rejected by Sri Srila Prabhupada. He explained that the spiritual master of Sri Gopal Bhatta Goswami was his own uncle, Srila Prabhodananda Sarasvati. He used to stay at Sri Rangam and was the follower of Sri Ramanuja. He is not be be mistaken with the other Prakasananda who was from the Sankaracayra sect (mayavadi) and staying in Benares.

At the close, before his entrance into his eternal pastimes, in the morning he requested Srimad Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj to sing "Sri Rupa Manjari Pada’ of Sri Narottama Das Thakur, and Navin Krishna Prabhu to sing Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur’s ‘Tuha daya sagara tarayite prani.’ This was the commentary of the 2^nd verse of the Siksastaka. After giving this instruction to sing , Sri Srila Prabhupada began to repeat his famous counsel at a previous date. (December 23rd).

"Implicit obedience to the precepts laid down by Srila Rupa Goswami through the medium of the spiritual master is the wealth of our devotions."

In this instruction, he outlined the true method of our devotional practice as well as the real disciplic succession. Furthermore, In hearing the song of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura (tuya dya echana parama udara), Sri Srila Prabhupada clasped his hands to his forehead and profuse tears of humility rolled down his cheeks. These personal gestures reminded us of our lamentable plight in not having any attraction for the holy Name. The Name has all potency and is not dependent on time or purity of the chanter. Faith and unalloyed surrender only prevails. We acutely became conscious of all these facts by his gestures. He further reminded us again to follow Sri Srila Rupa and Raghunath teachings through the medium of Narottama Das Thakur.

Finally, Sri Srila Prabhupada gave his blessings openly to all present as well as to those who were not present and advised them all to perform devotional service to the Supreme Lord and the service of pure devotees specially by the method of propagation of his divine literatures.

Our most worshipable spiritual master Sri Srila Prabhupada has bestowed his affectionate blessings not only to his disciples, but also to his grand-disciples and all those who will in the future come to this line of disciplic succession. There is no cause for loss of hope or fear, for Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur’s disciplic line will never cease. This is the assurance of Sri Srila Prabhupada, the world teacher. He is eternally present among us. He is my Lord birth after birth, he is my only source of strength and those following in his footsteps should take his merciful instructions on their heads by mutually cooperating with each other with Jagat Guru Sri Srila Prabhupada as the center, and try to fulfill his desires in serving the mission of Srila Rupa Goswami. All perfections will be attained on pleasing Sri Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.