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Go to Guru At
Once |
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Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura |
[This class is a continuation of Srila Maharaja's
discussion of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's book, Sri Bhagavata Arka Maricimala]
Badger,
[Respected Readers,
Dandavat pranama. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is telling us about sadhana-bhakti, in both
vaidhi-bhakti and raganuga-bhakti. What is vaidhi-bhakti? *[See
endnote 1]
At the time of sadhana-bhakti, one follows these principles:
utsahan niscayad dhairyat
tat-tat-karma-pravartanat
sanga-tyagat sato vrtteh
sadbhir bhaktih prasidhyati
[There are six principles favorable to the execution of pure devotional
service: (1) being enthusiastic, (2) endeavoring with confidence, (3) being
patient, (4) acting according to regulative principles [such as sravanam
kirtanam visnoh smaranam [SB 7.5.23]-hearing, chanting and remembering Krsna],
(5) abandoning the association of non-devotees, and (6) following in the
footsteps of the previous acaryas. These six principles undoubtedly assure the
complete success of pure devotional service. (Nectar of Instruction, verse 3)]
Always have enthusiasm in bhakti. Never be neutral unenthusiastic. Never be
neutral.
Regarding raganuga-bhakti suppose you are hearing a class on
Srimad-Bhagavatam, and this subject matter came up: Krsna was very naughty,
stealing butter here and there, and so many complaints came against Him. Mother
Yasoda wanted to control Him. Who? The Supreme Lord. She took her stick and
began to chastise Him, saying, You are a 'friend of the monkeys.' Although
Krsna began weeping, she was not satisfied. She thus bound Him to a grinding
mortar and His weeping increased. Who was weeping? The Supreme Personality of
Godhead. Was He pretending to weep, or was He really weeping? He is really
weeping. By hearing His name, fear personified also becomes fearful; but in
this situation He Himself was weeping.
Hearing this pastime someone may think, Mother Yasoda is controlling Sri Krsna
in such a wonderful way. I also want Krsna as my son. I also want to control
Him. Mother Yasoda is a ragatmika-parikara, an eternal associate of Krsna, and
those who want to be like her are called raganuga.
Or, someone might hear that Sri Krsna was playing with Srimati Radhika and all
the sakhis. Radhika defeated Krsna and all the sakhis were clapping. Srila Rupa
Gosvami prays, When will a time come that, when Sri Krsna is defeated by
Srimati Radhika and all the gopis are happy, I will also be happy to witness
that?
That devotee may then hear that if Krsna defeats Srimati Radhika, the sakhis
will not be happy, although Vrnda or Kundalata may be happy. Hearing this, he
may want to be in the gopis' assembly. He may think, When will I serve them?
In that connection, Lalita and Visakha are ragatmika, serving Sri Sri Radha and
Krsna. Those who have some greed to serve Krsna in this way are raganuga, and
they are very, very fortunate. So, as stated in the afore-mentioned verse three
of Nectar of Instruction, always be enthusiastic. Be confident and patient.
Now I have explained something about vaidhi-bhakti and raganuga bhakti, and the
following history reveals something further:
During the Rajasuya sacrifice held by Maharaja Yudhisthira, one of the
important procedures was that the most exalted personality in the assembly
should be first offered worship. After all arrangements were made for the
sacrifice, the next consideration was who should be worshiped first in the
ceremony.
When the matter remained undecided, Sahadeva began to speak in favor of Lord
Krsna. He said, Lord Krsna, the best amongst the members of the Yadu dynasty
and the protector of His devotees, is the most exalted personality in this
assembly. Krsna is present as the Supersoul in every living being, and if we
can satisfy Him, then every living being automatically becomes satisfied.
In the meantime, Sisupala, the friend of the demons Kalayavana, Jarasanda,
Kamsa and Dantavakra, began to criticize Lord Krsna over and over again. He
criticized Him one hundred times. Bhima and all others were ready to kill him,
and Baladeva Prabhu became grave and wanted to crush him at once with his
plough.
Lord Krsna said, Remain calm; please be calm. Then, when Sisupala criticized
Him one-hundred and one times, Krsna personally took His cakra in His hand and
severed the head of Sisupala from his body. A light at once came from his body
and entered Krsna's lotus feet.
Yudhisthira Maharaja then asked Sri Narada, who was present in the assembly,
How wonderful this is! Sisupala criticized Krsna so much, and still he attained
the same liberation that rsis and munis attain after performing very severe
austerities for millions of years. He attained that goal very easily.
Narada Muni replied, O Maharaja Yudhisthira, there are two kinds of absorption
in Sri Krsna. One is called raga (strong attachment) and the other is dvesa
(envy). In this connection, raga is favorable absorption whereas envy, anger
and fear are unfavorable. Kama (transcendental lust), sneha (transcendental
affection) and sambandha (a family relation) are favorable and they are called
raga. Envy is opposite to raga although it is also absorption of the heart and
mind. Envy denotes: I will kill him.
gopyah kamad bhayat kamso
dvesac caidyadayo nrpah
sambandhad vrsnayah snehad
yuyam bhaktya vayam vibho
[My dear King Yudhisthira, the gopis by their lusty desires, Kamsa by his
fear, Sisupala and other kings by envy, the Yadus by their familial
relationship with Krsna, you Pandavas by your great affection for Krsna, and
we, the general devotees, by our devotional service, have obtained the mercy of
Krsna. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.1.31)]
In general, all these six are raga-mayi (full absorption in Sri Krsna). Kamsa's
fear was also raga-mayi, but with envy. Sisupala and Dantavakra were also like
that. Kamsa was totally absorbed in Krsna out of fear, day and night. While he
slept, he was always dreaming about Krsna. He was always afraid, thinking,
When Krsna comes, I will kill Him.
So Kamsa attained complete absorption by fear, Sisupala out of envy, and the
Vrsni dynasty (the Yadavas) by sambandha (family relation). The members of the
Vrsni dynasty considered Krsna as their brother, son, grandfather or uncle. All
the Yadavas thought in those ways, and their wives were also in those
relationships. Sri Narada Muni also cited the example of the Pandavas, who had
both sambandha and sneha (affection) - a very high class of sneha.
Referring to himself and others like him, Narada said, Our bhakti is
vaidhi-bhakti. However, we see that Narada's bhakti is so high. In one form he
is a gopi, so we cannot imagine how high his bhakti is. In another form Narada
is Madhumangala [Krsna's brahmana cowherd friend who assists in many of his
pastimes with the gopis]. So, he is a very high class devotee, but here he is
speaking in a general way.
Out of the six kinds of absorption in Sri Krsna, we should not accept fear,
envy and anger. In the other three, that is lust, relationship and affection,
raga-bhakti or transcendental attachment is there. In these three,
transcendental lust (kama) refers to the gopis, and sambhanda and sneha refer
especially to Nanda Baba and Yasoda. But the Pandavas also have sambandha and
they also have sneha, as do others like them. We can follow them. Those who
follow all these associates are performing sadhana-bhakti. Sadhana-bhakti is of
two kinds, but here Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura refers to raganuga
sadhana-bhakti. Those who follow that will engage in:
sravanam kirtanam visnoh
smaranam pada-sevanam
arcanam vandanam dasyam
sakhyam atma-nivedanam
[Prahlada Maharaja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy
name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Visnu, remembering
them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship
with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His
servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything
unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words)-these nine
processes are accepted as pure devotional service. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23)]
They will engage in:
sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-sravana
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana
[One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear
Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and
veneration. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya 22.128)]
The gopis' lust is not lust, but actually the highest class of prema. Their
total absorption in Krsna, their complete attachment to Him, was attained
through the medium of their transcendental lust or prema. This is raga. To
consider what is our duty or responsibility in krsna-bhajana is called
vaidhi-bhakti, whereas the practice sadhana by following in the footsteps of
the gopis is raganuga-bhakti.
The nine processes of devotional service are practiced in both vaidhi-bhakti
and raganuga-bhakti, but the mood is different. In all respects there is a
difference in the moods and topics of hearing, chanting and so on. The
vaidhi-bhakti sadhaka's (devotional practitioner's) hearing will be so much
different from the hearing of those who hear pastimes of Sri Krsna in
raganuga-bhakti. Outwardly it may appear that both are the same, but actually
there is so much difference just as there is a difference between lust and
prema although externally they are seen as the same. If Sri Krsna is embracing
Srimati Radhika or kissing Her, it may seem like mundane lust, but there is so
much difference between the two.
Raganuga sadhana-bhajana is more powerful then vaidhi sadhana. I have told you
so many truths about this topic, and about the sweet pastimes of Krsna and
Srimati Radhika. I have explained to you Caitanya-caritamrta; that is, Raya
Ramananda Samvad, Rupa-siksa, Sanatana-siksa and so many other topics. You
should understand that all these topics are raganuga. If you are sincere, loyal
to Guru and our scriptures like Srimad-Bhagavatam and others, and have no envy
towards anyone, you can very quickly achieve this path of raganuga.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes in his book, Bhagavata-arka-marici-mala,
First I will first explain vaidhi-bhakti, and then raganuga-bhakti. He quotes
the following verse:
nr-deham adyam su-labham su-durlabham
plavam su-kalpam guru-karnadharam
mayanukulena nabhasvateritam
puman bhavabdhim na taret sa atma-ha
[The human body, which can award all benefit in life, is automatically
obtained by the laws of nature, although it is a very rare achievement. This
human body can be compared to a perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual
master as the captain and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as
favorable winds impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a
human being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of material
existence must be considered the killer of his own soul. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.20.17)]
In this verse Srila Sukadeva Gosvami is indicating to Maharaja Pariksit,
Katvanga Maharaja attained Krsna-bhakti and went to Vaikuntha in only twelve
minutes. You have seven days left to live, and so you can achieve more than he
did.
In this human form of life you can fulfill all your desires. Although it is
very rare to attain this human form, we now have it. Plavam to cross a
river or ocean, a very strong boat is needed, and this human form is compared
to that well-constructed boat. Guru karnadharam if you are sitting on a
boat that is without a captain, you will drown in the ocean. You have received
a very elevated Guru, like Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja, like our
guru-parampara, like Srila Rupa Gosvami and others. Sri Guru is very expert in sailing
the boat and giving directions, telling us where to go. He will say, Our goal
is radha-dasyam. Our boat will go there. Mayanukulena if there are
favorable winds and the boat has good sails, and if the boatman is very expert,
we will cross the river or ocean in no time.
I have given you very high sadhu-sanga. Having all these facilities and
favorable situations, if you do not take advantage, you will be hurled into the
cycle of endless birth and death coming, going, coming, going for many future
births. Despite having all these facilities, if you are envious, if you are
quarrelling with others, criticizing others and always searching for some hole
in others; if you are not seeing what you yourself are doing wrong, you will be
committing spiritual suicide. You will be the killer of your own soul, and
others' as well.
nivrtta-tarsair upagiyamanad
bhavausadhac chrotra-mano-'bhiramat
ka uttamasloka-gunanuvadat
puman virajyeta vina pasughnat
[Glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is performed in the
parampara system; that is, it is conveyed from spiritual master to disciple.
Such glorification is relished by those no longer interested in the false,
temporary glorification of this cosmic manifestation. Descriptions of the Lord
are the right medicine for the conditioned soul undergoing repeated birth and
death. Therefore, who will cease hearing such glorification of the Lord except
a butcher or one who is killing his own self? (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.1.4)]
This verse has the same meaning. Nivrtta-tarsair refers to those who are
detached from worldly desires, and who are tattva-jna (knowing all
philosophical truths), like Srila Sukadeva Gosvami. Here in this verse Pariksit
Maharaja is addressing Sukadeva Gosvami: You are tattva-jna and rasika
(knowing all rasas). You have nothing to take from anywhere, and no need to
wear any garment.
Your hari-katha is the infallible medicine. It gives immediate comfort. It
will cure everyone of their material disease and it is also very pleasing to
the heart. How beautiful, how sweet are the pastimes of Sri Krsna! If one is
not hearing, or if hari-katha is being spoken and one's mind is here and there,
then he is a killer of his own soul and of others'.
If there is something lacking in your spiritual life, then go at once to Guru,
the captain of the strong boat of this human existence:
tasmad gurum prapadyeta
jijnasuh sreya uttamam
sabde pare ca nisnatam
brahmany upasamasrayam
[Therefore any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona
fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification
of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures
by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great
personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all
material considerations, should be understood to be bona fide spiritual
masters. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.21)]
Go to Guru at once. Why? In order to inquire, What is my ultimate benefit?
Please tell me. To whom should you go? Sabde pare ca nisnatam. The Guru knows
sastra and logical evidence, and he can remove all doubts, but this is
secondary. One may know all sastra, but he may be not realizing anything
(paranisnata). In that case his hari-katha will not be affective. The Guru
should be detached (upasamasrayam) from worldly things, as Sukadeva Gosvami is
detached. Sukadeva Gosvami is very rasika, knowing all tattvas (truths) and
realizing them. This is because he is sriya-suka, the parrot of Srimati
Radhika. You should take shelter and surrender totally (prapadyeta), without
holding back and without delay. You should sincerely tell him, Now I am
yours.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has sung:
manasa deha, geha, jo kichu mora
arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisora
[Mind, body, family, everything I own I offer at Your lotus feet, O
Nanda-kisora! (Manasa, deha, geha, verse 1)]
This should be followed; not only by words, but by action. If you are hiding
something from your Gurudeva - your dearest friend - this means you are killing
yourself. Don't do that. Prapadyeta means that in every respect you should be
surrendered to Gurudeva - if you want to perfect your human form of life.
You should learn from your Gurudeva what is told in Srimad-Bhagavatam about the
relationships with Lord Krsna called dasya (servant), sakhya (friend), vatsalya
(parent) and madhurya (lover). Such a Guru is called bhagavata, for he can open
the lock of the (book) bhagavata. *[See
endnote 2]
Don't have any duplicity. Don't try to hide anything from Gurudeva. Totally
surrender to him. All your actions should be to please that perfect Guru. The
real Guru is not an ordinary human being, like so-called gurus here and there.
If one opens his heart to that bona fide Guru, without hiding anything, he will
then open his own heart; he will give everything to that surrendered disciple. On
the other hand, to those who try to hide something, that Guru, who has learned
everything from tricky Krsna, will also be very tricky.
Sri Guru has two forms. One is God, Krsna, and one is Krsna's devotee. Krsna is
most rasika and has all other unfathomable qualities.
acaryam mam vijaniyan
navamanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyasuyeta
sarva-devamayo guruh
[One should understand the spiritual master to be as good as I am, said the
Blessed Lord. Nobody should be jealous of the spiritual master or think of him
as an ordinary man, because the spiritual master is the sum total of all
demigods. Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.7.27)]
Have a strong belief in this principle, and have such faith in Guru.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has collected this verse, beginning nr-deham
adyam
as above-mentioned, from the 11th Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
There was once a young rsi (sage) who travelled everywhere naked. He was very
beautiful and had very strong health. He never knew where he was going, and he
was always very, very happy. Sometimes he was chanting kirtana, sometimes
rolling on the ground, and sometimes laughing. He used to live in this way.
A king named Yadu Maharaja saw him and thought, He looks extremely happy. He
asked him, Who are you, and where have you learned all these things? The
young rsi replied, I have twenty-four instructing-gurus.
Who these gurus were, I will tell you tomorrow.
Gaura premanande.
[*Endnote 1:
raga-hina jana bhaje sastrera ajnaya
`vaidhi bhakti' bali' tare sarva-sastre gaya
[Those who have not attained the platform of spontaneous attachment in
devotional service render devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide
spiritual master according to the regulative principles mentioned in the
revealed scriptures. According to the revealed scriptures, this kind of
devotional service is called vaidhi bhakti. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya
22.109)]
Endnote 2:
yaha, bhagavata pada vaisnavera sthane
ekanta asraya kara caitanya-carane
[If you want to understand Srimad-Bhagavatam, he said, you must approach a
self-realized Vaisnava and hear from him. You can do this when you have
completely taken shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu.(Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya 5.131)]
Editorial Advisors: Sripad Madhava Maharaja and Sripad Brajanatha dasa
Editor: Syamarani dasi
Transcriber: Vasanti dasi
Typist: Anita dasi
Proof-reader: Krsna-kamini dasi
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