Sharanagati

We continue our readings from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita:

“Shivаnanda Sena’s nephew, Shrikanta, the son of his sister, felt offended and he commented on the matter when his uncle was absent. “My uncle is well known as one of the associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, but Lord Nityananda asserts His superiority by kicking him.” After saying this Shrikanta, who was only a boy, left the group and traveled on alone to the residence of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. When Shrikanta offered obeisances to the Lord, he was still wearing his shirt and coat. Therefore Govinda told him, “My dear Shrikanta, first take off these garments.” As Govinda was warning Shrikanta, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “Don’t bother him. Let Shrikanta do whatever he likes, for he has come here in a distressed state of mind.” Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inquired Shrikanta about all Vaishnavas and the boy informed the Lord about them, naming them one after another. When Shrikanta heard the Lord say, “He is distressed,” he understood that the Lord knows everything. Therefore when he described the Vaishnavas he did not mention Lord Nityananda’s kicking Shivananda Sena. Meanwhile, all the devotees arrived and went to meet the Lord.”[1]

So, what happened? The offence was not happening to this boy, but to his uncle, still he felt bad – not for himself, but for the superior. So much so that he was running ahead of the group to meet the Supreme Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. And as he came in a disturbed state of mind, he forgot about some certain rules. Govinda, the personal servant of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was not in a distressed state of mind, because he was serving the Lord. That means eternal happiness. But still he was reminding this young boy of these rules. And Mahaprabhu was very tolerant at this moment. So, sometimes you can see that some of the party they have some conflicts, like here Nityananda and Shivananda Sena, they had some seemingly conflict situations. Others were offended by this, like this young boy. Young boy means neophyte. And what is he doing? Running to the Lord with the intention to complain, meanwhile committing some mistakes. But the Lord is merciful and tolerant and with some little hints He pacifies the mind of the young boy. And he is so sensitive that he knows: “Oh, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu knows everything, why am I to inform Him of this and that?” Still, Mahaprabhu shows His tolerance and wisdom to accept this agitated state of mind of the boy.

And what happens when we come in contact with Chaitanya? Your anxiety is just gone. Have you checked this with your sons and daughters? If they are in a trouble, crying or whatever, you just bring them to the altar and what happens? They continue – that is from ecstasy; but usually they get peaceful, right?

Paramananda: Totally different state.

Tirtha Maharaj: Because the kids are very sensitive. What happens if you go to the altar? No change. Because you are not so sensitive anymore. But anyway if we come in contact with the Supreme, all the troubles are just gone. Therefore Srila Rupa Gosvami says: “Oh, my Lord! People should come to You with the best offerings, to give You the flower offerings. But I have come only with one thing to offer to You and this is my mind. What else do I have? This is everything that I can offer to You”.

[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya-lila, 12.34-41