Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 04.01.2019 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Friday)

The main focus of our discussion was contentment, happiness. And concerning this, I’d like to ask you a few questions. There was once a discussion between our Golden Avatar Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramananda Raya. The first day of discussion is provided in the beautiful book The Search for the Ultimate Goal of Life[1], which is a very profound study for all those who are really searching for the truth. In this discussion they were searching for the purpose of life. They started from a disciplined life in order to satisfy the Supreme Lord Vishnu and finally they came to the ultimate platform of life and ideals – the loving union of Divine Love and Divine Beauty. The next day they met again and the discussion continued. Mahaprabhu was asking the questions and Ramananda Raya, who was a governor, tried to answer according to his best capacities.
There are thirteen questions and now I ask you to join this conversation, this exchange. I will tell you the questions and please, try to answer. So my first question, actually Mahaprabhu’s first question is: “What is the most important thing that we should know? What is the best knowledge?”
Answer: Who we are.
Swami Tirtha: Good.
Answer: Who is God?
Swami Tirtha: Better.
Answer: What is the connection?
Swami Tirtha: Best! So, the answer was very interesting: “The transcendental devotional service of Krishna – this is the topmost knowledge, this is the best type of knowledge.” And for that you have to understand yourself, for that you have to understand who is over there, and for that you need to develop a living and loving connection. Because only from a connection you can develop a good connection.
Second question is: “What is the most glorified act?”
Answer: Devotional service.
Swami Tirtha: Do you have this answer to all the questions? It’s very close to the answer, because it is said, “The most glorified act or achievement is if you are a faithful follower of Krishna.“ You see? This is the most prestigious achievement that you can have – if you become a devotee. Why? Can you support that with some quotations from the shastras?
Manoram: Krishna said: “Become My devotee.”[2]
Devotee: I would say: become such a devotee as Maharaja Ambarisha – to him the whole universe was seen like a piece of stone.
Paramananda: Mahaprabhu said: “I am not a brahmin, I am not a kshatriya, I am not this and that, I am a servant of the servants of the servants of the gopis.”[3]
Swami Tirtha: Correct. And I think His example is the best support for this idea – that even God is ready to come as a devotee. And it is such a glorious position that He wants to try for Himself how it is. So this is very glorious.
Third question: “Who is the wealthiest?”
Prem Prasad: Krishna.
Swami Tirtha: You have paid some attention in the lecture, no doubt. But now we need a practical answer, not a theological one. Who is most wealthy?
Devotee: Who serves God.
Swami Tirtha: Very nice. The wealthiest is the person who is wealthy with the love towards Radha and Krishna. This is the hidden treasure of life.

(to be continued)

1. By Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
2. Bhagavad Gita 9.34; 18.65
3. Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya, 13.80