



English issues
Feb
13
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 14.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
Abhisheka is the bathing ceremony and now we shall receive a description of that.
“After all inauspicious things were driven away by the chanting of the mantra, the Deity’s bathing ceremony started. First the Deity was massaged with a large quantity of oil, so that His body became very glossy. After the first bathing, further bathings were conducted with pancha-gavya and then with panchamrita. Then the maha-snana was performed with ghee and water, which had been brought in one hundred pots. After the maha-snana was finished, the Deity was again massaged with scented oil and His body made glossy. Then the last bathing ceremony was performed with scented water kept within a conchshell. After the body of the Deity was cleansed, He was dressed very nicely with new garments. Then sandalwood pulp, tulasi garlands and other fragrant flower garlands were placed upon the body of the Deity. After the bathing ceremony was finished, incense and lamps were burned and all kinds of food offered before the Deity. These foods included yogurt, milk and as many sweetmeats as were received.”[1]
Installing the Deity is a very special ceremony. There are detailed descriptions about how to provide a proper reception for Krishna to come and to accept a Deity form. Here also are mentioned the different baths He receives. It’s beautiful! You offer Him a bath of water – of course, we know this bath. But you offer a bath of honey, ghee, yogurt. Also, you offer a bath of grains – so you pour the grains over the body of the deity. Also you offer precious stones as a bath. Such a poetic reception of God!
And for a long time, even though the installation ceremony has already started, the eyes of the Deity are covered, tied up. And at the end of the ceremony with special mantras, with special prayers we ask Krishna to open His eyes to the world, to us.
“The Deity was first offered many varieties of food, then scented drinking water in new pots, and then water for washing the mouth. Finally pan mixed with a variety of spices was offered. After the last offering of tambula and pan, bhoga-aratrika was performed. Finally everyone offered various prayers and then obeisances, falling flat before the Deity in full surrender. As soon as the people of the village had understood that the Deity was going to be installed, they had brought their entire stocks of rice, dhal and wheat flour. They brought such large quantities that the entire surface of the top of the hill was filled. When the villagers brought their stock of rice, dhal and flour, the potters of the village brought all kinds of cooking pots, and in the morning the cooking began.”[2]
I think this is very familiar. We come together, we collect the bhoga foodstuffs and we start the cooking.
‘Ten brahmanas cooked the food grains, and five brahmanas cooked both dry and liquid vegetables. The vegetable preparations were made from various kinds of spinach, roots and fruits collected from the forest, and someone made bada and badi by mashing dhal. In this way the brahmanas prepared all kinds of food. Five to seven men prepared a huge quantity of chapatis, which were completely covered with ghee [clarified butter], as were all the vegetables, rice and dhal.”[3]
Unlimited quantities of chapatis, this is so nice.
(to be continued)
[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.60-64
[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.65-68
[3] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.69-71
Feb
6
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 14.08.2018, Ludasto)
I’m sure you all remember the story where we stopped. “In My village nobody is fasting.”
Madhavendra Puri, as a wandering mendicant, finally visited Vrindavan, the home of Krishna. In this village he met a young boy. And also when he fell asleep, he met the same divine guide, telling him: “I was waiting for you to come. Please, remove Me from these bushes and establish Me nicely in a worshipable way.”
So, “Madhavendra Puri cried for some time, but then he fixed his mind on executing the order of Gopala. Thus he became tranquil. After taking his morning bath, Madhavendra Puri entered the village and assembled all the people. Then he spoke as follows: “The proprietor of this village, Govardhana-dhari, is lying in the bushes. Let us go there and rescue Him from that place. The bushes are very dense, and we will not be able to enter the jungle. Therefore take choppers and spades to clear the way.” After hearing this, all the people accompanied Madhavendra Puri with great pleasure. According to his directions, they cut down bushes, cleared a path and entered the jungle. When they saw the Deity covered with dirt and grass, they were all struck with wonder and pleasure. After they had cleansed the body of the Deity, some of them said, “The Deity is very heavy. No single person can move Him. Since the Deity was very heavy, some of the stronger men assembled to carry Him to the top of the hill. Madhavendra Puri also went there. A big stone was made into a throne, and the Deity was installed upon it. Another big stone was placed behind the Deity for support.”[1]
You see, this is the difference between Vrindavana, Govardhana and the hidden Vrindavana, Gupta Vrindavana – Ludasto. There they have stones, here we have only pieces of wood. But there are two pieces and here – also two pieces.
“All the brahmana priests of the village gathered together with nine waterpots, and water from Govinda-kunda lake was brought there and filtered. When the Deity was being installed, nine hundred pots of water were brought from Govinda-kunda. There were musical sounds of bugles and drums and the singing of women. During the festival at the installation ceremony, some people sang and some danced. All the milk, yogurt and clarified butter in the village were brought to the festival. Various foods and sweetmeats, as well as other kinds of presentations, were brought there. I am unable to describe all these. The villagers brought a large quantity of tulasi leaves, flowers and various kinds of garments. Then Shri Madhavendra Puri personally began the abhisheka [bathing ceremony].”[2]
So, this is a celebration – you bring what you have, you collect what you have in order to offer it. Abhisheka is the bathing ceremony and now we shall receive a description of that.
(to be continued)
[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.46-54
[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.55-59
Jan
30
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
I requested some attention to discuss something important. Sometimes you feel that illusion is winning over the spirit. Sometimes our faith and our hope in the victory of the spirit is in stand-by mode. ‘I don’t see that. I hope, but I don’t see it. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist, but unfortunately now I’m missing the experience.’ This is also a bitter feeling. This is also a hunger for this beautiful victory, the grand victory of divine love.
Relationships are very delicate, very sensitive. Because usually relationships are never on the same platform. One party is over superior than the other. And sometimes we see that the emotional surcharge is also not equal. One party needs more, the other party needs less; one can contribute more or can contribute less. Very similar things apply to spiritual relationships. Although we try to be spiritual practitioners, sometimes we act like simple human beings. Sometimes the story is about us – as a simple human being, not as a spiritual practitioner. Sometimes it is not Yashoda who is acting, but only Vyara. Of course, it is also good if Faith[1] acts. But I think you know what I mean. Sometimes there are conflicts and misunderstandings between devotees. Usually not philosophical conflicts or not rasik conflicts, but simple fights and simple basic misunderstandings. And we also have some conflicts, some misunderstandings, when you feel like you are in a dead-end, no way out. Whatever you do, there is no good solution. What can you do then? You wait, pray. Give it a little time, a little distance. Where the human capacities end, the divine mercy will start.
There was a time when I gave a little trouble to a senior vaishnava. And I felt that whatever I do, I cannot help the situation. It was a bitter feeling, but of course time heals the wounds. And life and services went on. So practically the pain was over. But the burden was not over. Because if you give trouble to others, you also have to carry some burden.
Just recently I had received a personal invitation from this senior vaishnava. This is Bhakti Aloka Paramadveiti Swami Maharaj. I was surprised by the personal invitation. He called me on the phone. “Please come over. I want to see you. I want to talk to you.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend on the agreed date, but whenever it became possible, I immediately ran. I can tell you with one gesture of his, all the burden was gone. So I was invited to this personal meeting and discussion. I was really deeply touched by this very generous gesture of his. And immediately it showed who was the superior in this position and who was the subordinate. Because I felt that whatever I do, I cannot help the situation. And he made only one gesture and it solved all possible problems.
So this is what I wanted to express to you. Some of you know some part of the story, some don’t. But it doesn’t really matter. Because what is the conclusion here? If we apply the principles of our faith, it works. Conflict is illusion. It is not real. And finally not the illusion took over here, but the spirit. And one gesture from a superior is enough to harmonize everything. So as long as you want to show your strength, you will always fail. As soon as you want to show your power, you will win. This is when the spirit wins against the illusion. I think you all felt the greatness and importance of this moment. Because it compels us to apply the principles.
We have to give a little time we have to give. In this case, 16 years. Sometimes we have to be patient. But never give up the spirit. And as we have very friendly and loving connections with the devotees in Sofia from his mission, also here in Hungary, this is an absolute good news and I feel like the angels in heaven are dancing today.
[1] The name ‘Vyara’ means ‘Faith’ in Bulgarian
Jan
23
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
Question: You said in the beginning that this is not the elementary information, but the post-gradual study of devotional life. Does it mean we can start with the post-gradual studies?
Swami Tirtha: I think this is not the beginning, definitely. After years of study and service and commitment we should develop a better and better understanding of the same truth. Maybe you have heard this story in the first weeks of your spiritual career, but today you have to hear it in a more profound manner. And from this very first part, please remember this – that in My village nobody is fasting. Take it as a motto of your life. This is an invitation for service.
Kripadham: Gurudev, you mentioned we need to prepare ourselves for an eventual meeting with Krishna. I tried to do this many times, but I didn’t come up with a proper phrase. So, would you give us an advice what it has to be?
Swami Tirtha: Radhe! He will like it. Agree? Therefore I told you: have something in mind in order to have something to forget. Because we live mostly on the mental plane, not on the spiritual plane. So mentally we create something, some words, some mantras, some receiving or greeting words. But when you are there, all these preparations will just evaporate – all that is not real, that is not spiritual. Yato vaco nivartante aprapya manasa saha[1] – “He is the one from whom words and thoughts return, because they cannot express Him.” So, we need to have something to forget.
Labanga: For a long time I wanted to ask, inquire about the meaning of this expression “In My village nobody is fasting” and now I got the answer.
Swami Tirtha: The other day, when the full program of the Mela was announced, there was an inquiry. “Shall we go for ice cream again?” Because in my village, nobody is fasting.
Ramvijay: Really?! Somebody asked you? It’s obvious.
Swami Tirtha: Well, not so obvious for the newcomers. Because in my village, nobody is fasting, so all the necessities should be covered. Sometimes in a sweet manner, other times in a chastisement, but it’s the same – what you need, you will receive it, for sure! And this is not only the physical, the bodily needs. Because that is secondary. Somehow you will survive. Everybody will survive. You will not die. But we shouldn’t starve spiritually. If you feel that you are starving, this is only the mental platform. Your soul should never starve. So, this is the ultimate need that we have to fulfil. No starvation on the spiritual plane. Anyway, ontologically this is impossible, because the spiritual plane means completeness, everything is full, everything is absolute; there is no need, no lack of anything. But nevertheless, this should be our ideal. In my village nobody is fasting.
(to be continued)
[1] Taittiriya Upanishad, 2.4.1
Jan
16
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
Do you have your plan for when you’ll meet Krishna? Have you ever thought of that? For example, your sadhana is to offer a thousand dandavats in the morning. You bow down and all of a sudden you see some beautiful lotus feet in front of you. Have you ever thought of that? What are you going to do? “Wait, I want to do my dandavats!” Or what? So please, develop your personal plan. At least you will have something to forget when you meet Him. If you don’t have anything at least to forget, then what can you bring to Krishna?
Therefore, we want to follow the example of Madhavendra Puri. Day or night – it doesn’t matter. Every other day a different tree – it doesn’t matter. Even ‘I live an ascetic life so I keep my fast and if somebody comes and gives me some milk – I’m ready to give up my attachment to my renunciation. I take it.’ But the inquiry is there. “Who are you? How do you know that I keep fasting?”
Because first during the awake consciousness we have to control our mind. Then – in the sleeping condition as well. What does it mean, ‘day and night merge’? In his case it means that he is ever with Krishna – whether awake or sleeping. He always comes to him. How was it said? “I have been searching for days, expecting you to come. When will you come so that you can serve Me?” You see, this is the quality that we are searching for. Not that you are searching after God, but He is searching after you. This is the upgrade! In the very first lectures you have learned: don’t live so that you see God, but live so that He will observe you. What does it mean? It is here: “I was waiting for you to come and serve Me.” Such an intimate connection!
So, if you want to learn what it means to be a good bhakta, this is the method. Madhavendra Puri was crying a little bit. You can imagine what a little crying means for such a person. Oceans of tears, torrents of rain! But then he composed himself, because he remembers: “Oh, I have to do something”. You see therefore sometimes your spiritual master will say: “Oh, stop this romantic affair. Let’s do something, be more realistic. Tea break is over, go back to work.” This will bring you peace. If you focus on your service, it will bring you peace. No more crying. Only sometimes.
(to be continued)
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
“While he was sitting beneath a tree, an unknown cowherd boy came with a pot of milk, placed it before Madhavendra Puri and, smiling, addressed him as follows. “O Madhavendra Puri, please drink the milk I have brought. Why don’t you beg some food to eat? What kind of meditation are you undergoing.” When he saw the beauty of that boy, Madhavendra Puri became very satisfied. Hearing His sweet words, he forgot all hunger and thirst. Madhavendra Puri said, “Who are You? Where do You reside? And how did You know that I was fasting?”[1]
So, if you visit Vrindavan and if you meet an unknown blackish cowherd boy, you must guess who this person might be. You can guess, just like Madhavendra Puri. “Who are you? Where do you live? How do you know that I am keeping my fast?”
“The boy replied, “Sir, I am a cowherd boy, and I reside in this village. In My village, no one fasts.”[2]
This is Krishna’s village. This is Krishna’s mission. “In My village, nobody is fasting. In My mission, nobody is fasting. In My family, I take care of everyone.” This is something very important. If you belong to this village, you will be supplied, but you also have to serve others. Why? Because in this village nobody fasts. Therefore in Vrindavan there is no Ekadashi fast. “In my village nobody fasts.” So this is my, not humble request, but this is my direct expectation: if you want to belong here, serve others. Because in this village nobody should be fasting. This is your duty.
“In this village a person can beg food from others and thus eat. Some people drink only milk, but if a person does not ask anyone for food, I supply him all his eatables. The women who come here to take water saw you, and they supplied Me with this milk and sent Me to you.” The boy continued, “I must go very soon to milk the cows, but I shall return and take back this milk pot from you.” Saying this, the boy left the place. Indeed, He suddenly could be seen no more, and Madhavendra Puri’s heart was filled with wonder.” After drinking the milk, Madhavendra Puri washed the pot and put it aside. He looked toward the path, but the boy never returned. Madhavendra Puri could not sleep. He sat and chanted the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and at the end of the night he dozed a little, and his external activities stopped. In a dream Madhavendra Puri saw the very same boy. The boy came before him and, holding his hand, took him to a bush in the jungle. The boy showed Madhavendra Puri the bush and said, “I reside in this bush, and because of this I suffer very much from severe cold, rain showers, winds and scorching heat. Please bring the people of the village and get them to take Me out of this bush. Then have them situate Me nicely on top of the hill. Please construct a temple on top of that hill,” the boy continued, “and install Me in that temple. After this, wash Me with large quantities of cold water so that My body may be cleansed. For many days I have been observing you, and I have been wondering, ‘When will Madhavendra Puri come here to serve Me?’ I have accepted your service due to your ecstatic love for Me. Thus I shall appear, and by My audience all fallen souls will be delivered. My name is Gopala. I am the lifter of Govardhana Hill. I was installed by Vajra, and here I am the authority. When the Muslims attacked, the priest who was serving Me hid Me in this bush in the jungle. Then he ran away out of fear of the attack. Since the priest went away, I have been staying in this bush. It is very good that you have come here. Now just remove Me with care.” After saying this, the boy disappeared. Then Madhavendra Puri woke up and began to consider his dream. Madhavendra Puri began to lament, “I saw Lord Krishna directly, but I could not recognize Him!” Thus he fell down on the ground in ecstatic love. Madhavendra Puri cried for some time, but then he fixed his mind on executing the order of Gopala. Thus he became tranquil.[3]
We cannot go on with the nectarian drops because we shall faint in ecstasy.
(to be continued)
[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.24-27
[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.28
[3] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.29-46
Jan
2
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
“The Lord remained there because He was very eager to receive the remnants of sweet rice offered to the Gopinatha Deity, having heard a narration from His spiritual master, Ishvara Puri, of what had once happened there. That Deity was known widely as Kshira-chora-gopinatha, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told His devotees the story of how the Deity became so famous.”[1]
So, following in the footsteps of Mahaprabhu, and also Gurudev, let me repeat this story as well. There were only four devotees with Mahaprabhu. Very few. And in the old times, Gurudev gave a lecture on this topic. It was a long lecture, so be prepared. It was an evening lecture and it started with this long story. You know, after a long day of service and dancing and kirtan and prasad, devotees were exhausted. And the lecture started and went on and on and on for hours. Those devotees who were present, they told me this story. Gurudev was laughing and shining and jumping and enjoying. And they were very exhausted, they were constantly falling asleep. So they decided to put match sticks to hold their eyes open. Gurudev was teasing them: “Well, if you are sleepy, you can go to sleep.” But he was so ecstatic in telling the story that nobody could sleep. Because Mahaprabhu was like a golden volcano. The lava erupted, burning everything, but so sweet that you cannot give it up. You want to hide, but you cannot run away. So, let’s plunge.
“Formerly the Deity had stolen a pot of sweet rice for Madhavendra Puri; therefore He became very famous as the Lord who stole the sweet rice. Once, Shri Madhavendra Puri travelled to Vrindavana, where he came upon the hill known as Govardhana.
Madhavendra Puri was almost mad in his ecstasy of love of Godhead, and he did not know whether it was day or night. Sometimes he stood up, and sometimes he fell to the ground. He could not discriminate whether he was in a proper place or not. After circumambulating the hill, Madhavendra Puri went to Govinda-kunda and took his bath. He then sat beneath a tree to take his evening rest.”[2]
This is the goswami style of travelling. You know, there is different types of tourism. Like survival trip, or excitement excursions, or luxury holidays. Or the goswamis style. They take shelter under a tree; next night – another tree. Not to enjoy the facilities of the other tree, but rather not to develop an attachment to the previous tree. And this is not only a five star or a this Burj Khalifa – seven stars hotel. Thousands of stars!
So, Madhavendra Puri was almost mad from the ecstasy of divine love. He didn’t recognize whether it is day or night. This realization also exists in the boring perfection stage. Because they say, “Oh my Lord, please remember all the sacrifices that I have done to You; due to my spiritual studies the night and day merge.” The same realization is there due to ascetic practice or to some ecstatic experience. So, if you are so busy that you don’t know whether it is day or night, don’t complain to me. This is ecstasy, the lifestyle of Madhavendra Puri. What is your kirtan?
(to be continued)
[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.18-19
[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.20-23
Dec
26
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
“Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu proceeded toward Jagannatha Puri with four of His devotees, and He chanted the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krisha mantra, with great eagerness. Each day Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally went to a village and collected a great quantity of rice and other grains for the preparation of prasada. There were many rivers on the way, and at each river there was a tax collector. They did not hinder the Lord, however, and He showed them mercy. Finally He reached the village of Remuna. The Deity of Gopinatha in the temple at Remuna was very attractive. Lord Chaitanya visited the temple and offered His obeisances with great devotion.”[1]
This is so nice when Shrila Prabhupada describes the details. He says, “From the train station of Baleshwar, five miles to the west there is the Remuna village. From this junction, you take that road, turn left, turn right, and there you will find Krishna.” What kind of care, utmost care, in the details from a pure devotee. Beautiful!
“When Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu offered His obeisances at the lotus feet of the Gopinatha Deity, the helmet of flowers on the head of Gopinatha fell down and landed on the head of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. When the Deity’s helmet fell upon His head, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu became very pleased, and thus He chanted and danced in various ways with His devotees. All the servants of the Deity were struck with wonder due to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s intense love, His exquisite beauty and His transcendental qualities. Because of their love for Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, they served Him in many ways, and that night the Lord stayed at the temple of Gopinatha.”[2]
So many times we are eagerly waiting for some signs: ‘Oh my Lord, please give me a sign.‘ But then Krishna will say, ‘Why do you need any further signs if you can pray to Мe? Isn’t it a sign itself – that you can pray?‘ But sometimes miracles do happen. No, no, no, better I say, miracles are permanent, and sometimes we perceive them. If you visit a holy place and sincerely pray, then you will receive, for sure.
I have a friend and he visited the samadhi of Rupa Goswami. He said, ‘Oh, Rupa Goswami! You are the superior, you are the topmost instructive spiritual master of the whole sampradaya, so please give me your mercy.’ And immediately a pujari came and gave him a garland.
But there is a little know-how of prayers as well. Because somebody said that he prayed in front of the samadhi-mandir of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. And the prayer was, ‘Oh, you are the lord of preaching, so please give me a chance to do something for you.’ And when he returned to his respective place, he had so many duties and so many jobs coming on his head. Because one thing he forgot – to pray for the strength to carry on the services. So blessings will come; be careful what you ask for.
And here, the flower crown or decoration of Krishna landed on the head of Mahaprabhu. What does it mean? It means that “I wear this garland – either in this form or in that form, but it’s Me.”
(to be continued)
1. Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.10-13
2. Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.14-17
Dec
19
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
(continues from the previous Friday)
This chapter of the Chaitanya Charitamrita is about a very special devotee. This is “The devotional service of Madhavendra Puri”.
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Madhavendra Puri, who was given a pot of sweet rice stolen by Shri Gopinatha, celebrated thereafter as Kshira-chora. Being pleased by Madhavendra Puri’s love, Shri Gopala, the Deity at Govardhana, appeared to the public vision. All glories to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu! All glories to Nityananda Prabhu! All glories to Advaita Prabhu! And all glories to all the devotees of Lord Caitanya!”[1]
So, this is the very condensed summary of this chapter. There are many names and many details, but in this one first verse everything is contained. Three main characters are here. One is Gopinath, one murti of Krishna. The other main character is Gopal, another murti of Krishna. And the third character is Madhavendra Puri, a devotee. Because our loving God cannot exist without His devotees. So, we can say Gopal has purchased Madhavendra Puri. But we can also say that Madhavendra Puri purchased Krishna. Who is the buyer, who is the seller? And what is the merchandise? A big question. This we shall understand – what kind of transaction happens here?
“The Lord went to Jagannatha Puri and visited Lord Jagannatha’s temple. He also met with Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. All these pastimes have been very elaborately explained by Vrindavana dasa Thakura in his book Caitanya-bhagavata. By nature all the activities of Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are very wonderful and sweet, and when they are described by Vrindavana dasa Thakura, they become like a shower of nectar. Therefore I very humbly submit that since these incidents have already been nicely described by Vrindavana dasa Thakura, I would be very proud to repeat the same thing, and this would not be very good. I do not have such powers. I am therefore presenting only a synopsis of those events already described elaborately by Vrindavana dasa Thakura in his Chaitanya-mangala [now known as Chaitanya-bhagavata]. Some of the incidents he did not describe elaborately but only summarized, and these I shall try to describe in this book. I thus offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of Vrindavana dasa Thakura. I hope that I will not offend his lotus feet by this action.”[2]
From this, although this is only a literary exposition, we can learn something – how to respect our superiors. Because this Vrindavan Das Thakur is a senior member of the Vaishnava tradition and Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, the author of this book, puts himself on a subordinate position automatically. And Kaviraj Goswami says, “Oh, my superior has covered everything, so I won’t repeat it. But what am I doing? I’m collecting the morsels of food fallen from his table. This is my position.” This is what we can learn from this exposition: if we want to follow, we have to respect. If you don’t respect, you don’t follow. It’s very simple.
All the followers of Mahaprabhu were so charmed that they definitely wanted to record the story. Raghunath Das Goswami, one of the immediate disciples of Mahaprabhu, he had a very strict regime of the day. I think he was sleeping one or two hours per day, chanting a lot, hardly eating and things like this. But every day he spent one and a half hours in glorification of Mahaprabhu – this was his daily routine. Such a beautiful sadhana.
Now I have to insert some bitter drops. Our Gurudev was a very strict spiritual master. And once he was chastising his devotees. He said, “I told you to do this and to do that in order to help the kirtan. And all day you are complaining. Is this your kirtan?” And what is our kirtan? What is your kirtan? Do you have one and a half hours per day to glorify Mahaprabhu or your superiors? Or do you have one and a half hours of complaints: “This is not good, that is not good.” Especially others are not good. What kind of kirtan is this? It’s gramya-katha[3].
(to be continued)
[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.1-2
[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 4.3-9
[3] Village talks, gossips
(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 12.08.2018, Ludasto)
I was thinking a lot about the different topics that we have to cover. And as usual, I was thinking to give you some bitter drops. But then I decided: why? We have received so many bitter drops during our lifetime. Let’s change for some nectarian drops. So, what do you want? The bitter pills or some nectarian drops?
Comment: From you even the bitter is very sweet.
Swami Tirtha: I see you are well trained in eloquence. We have to cover some bitter realities of life, but definitely we need to strive for some nectarian perspective as well. Because we definitely cannot be pessimistic. It is out of the question. Maybe sometimes we can be realistic. But basically we have to be optimistic. And in the final conclusion we have to be idealistic. Therefore, to fulfil all these different purposes, I suggest one topic as a study: How to be a good devotee. Do you agree?
This is not the basics of spiritual life. This is the postgraduate study. First we need to understand our original spiritual position. Second, we have to identify our highest objective, our goal. And then we have to understand how to reach that goal, what to do about it. From the limited experience of material life we need to come to a kind of perfected stage of existence. But beyond this perfection, the beauty will begin. They say that philosophy ends with the truth and religion starts with the beauty.
So, where shall we start? With the brutal experience of material life? Do you like that start? Or shall we discuss this boring perfection? Everything is so perfect that practically nothing happens. Or let’s start discussing the beauty, the beauty of spiritual existence – real life.
You are all very experienced practitioners. So, what can I say? All I can say is Hare Krishna, or Jay Radhe! And I think you will expand this for yourself. But how to pronounce this more and more properly – this is the question, this is the know-how of spiritual life. And where can we learn this know-how of spiritual life – how to become real devotees? The ultimate source is Chaitanya Charitamrita. Because when God comes as a devotee, as Mahaprabhu, to show what kind of feeling this is – there we have to pay the attention. Some criticize Mahaprabhu: “He is not reliable. He is fainting all the time”. But this is what we are searching for.
Once I visited India, in New Delhi I visited one bookstore. And those who know me, they know that this is very dangerous – it takes half a day. There was one very respectable Indian gentleman and he said, “Oh, very nice that you came to Bharata Varsha. What is your destination? Which places will you visit?” I said, “Well, here and there, and finally we shall go to Vrindavan.” He said: “Vrindavan? Why? Why not Benares? There is knowledge. In Vrindavan there is only bhakti. Only bhakti is there. Why would you go there?” In the question there is the answer. Therefore we go to Vrindavan, therefore we study the Chaitanya Charitamrita, because we want to learn this science, we want to know this topic.
(to be continued)
