Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 17.08.2018, Ludasto)

(continues from the previous Friday)

“Madhavendra Puri was not at all anxious during the long journey to Vrindavana through the provinces governed by the Muslims and filled with unlimited numbers of watchmen. Although Madhavendra Puri did not have a farthing with him, he was not afraid to pass by the toll officers. His only enjoyment was in carrying the load of sandalwood to Vrindavana for Gopala. This is the natural result of intense love of Godhead. The devotee does not consider personal inconveniences or impediments. In all circumstances he wants to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Shri Gopala wanted to show how intensely Madhavendra Puri loved Krishna; therefore He asked him to go to Nilachala to fetch sandalwood and camphor. With great trouble and after much labour, Madhavendra Puri brought the load of sandalwood to Remuna. However, he was still very pleased; he discounted all the difficulties. To test the intense love of Madhavendra Puri, Gopala, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, ordered him to bring sandalwood from Nilachala, and when Madhavendra Puri passed this examination, the Lord became very merciful to him. Such behaviour exhibited in loving service between the devotee and the devotee’s lovable object, Shri Krishna, is transcendental. It is not possible for a common man to understand. Common men do not even have the capacity.” After saying this, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu read the famous verse of Madhavendra Puri. That verse is just like the moon. It has spread illumination all over the world. Continuous rubbing increases the aroma of Malaya sandalwood. Similarly, consideration of this verse increases one’s understanding of its importance. As the Kaustubha-mani is considered the most precious of valuable stones, this verse is similarly considered the best of poems dealing with the mellows of devotional service. Actually this verse was spoken by Shrimati Radharani Herself, and by Her mercy only was it manifest in the words of Madhavendra Puri. Only Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has tasted the poetry of this verse. No fourth man is capable of understanding it.[1]

No fourth person – how is that? Who is the first to understand this verse? Radharani, who told it. Who is the second? Mahaprabhu is the second. And who is the third? Correct, Madhavendra. There is no fourth person.

“Madhavendra Puri recited this verse again and again at the end of his material existence. Thus uttering this verse, he attained the ultimate goal of life.”[2]

So, shall we stop now? Before describing this verse?

Ramvijay: We will not understand it anyway.

Swami Tirtha: Then we’d better stop, yes. I agree. But for the sake of tradition and service, we’ll recite it.

(to be continued)

[1] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 4.184-195

[2] Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 4.196