শ্রী গৌड़िয-কন্ঠহার
Gauḍiya Kanṭhahāra:
The Jeweled Necklace of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas
Translated and edited, with original Sanskrit and Bengali and Roman transliteration by
B. V. Mahāyogi, Michael Dolan
THIRD JEWEL: VAISHNAVA TATTVA
The Jeweled Necklace of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas
Translated and edited, with original Sanskrit and Bengali and Roman transliteration by
B. V. Mahāyogi, Michael Dolan
Definition of a Vaiṣṇava
३.१
गृहीत-विष्णु-दीक्षाको विष्णु-पूजापरो नरः वैष्णवो ऽभिहितो ऽभिज्ञ इरितरो
ऽस्मादवैष्णवः
3.1
गृहीत-विष्णु-दीक्षाको विष्णु-पूजापरो नरः वैष्णवो ऽभिहितो ऽभिज्ञ इरितरो
ऽस्मादवैष्णवः
3.1
gṛhīta-viṣṇu-dīkṣāko viṣṇu-pūjāparo naraḥ vaiṣṇavo 'bhihito 'bhijña iritaro
'smādavaiṣṇavaḥ
One who is initiated into the Vaiṣṇava mantra and who is devoted to worshiping
Lord Viṣṇu is a Vaiṣṇava. One who is devoid of these practices is not a
Vaiṣṇava.
(Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, 11, quoting from
(Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, 11, quoting from
Padma Purāṇa)
Different Kinds of Vaiṣṇavas
३.२
द्वेधा हि भागवत-सम्प्रदाय-प्रवृत्तिः. एकतः संक्षेपतः श्री नारायणाद्-ब्रह्म- नारदादि द्वारेण.
अन्यत् अस्तु विस्तरतः शेषात् सनत्-कुमार- साण्ख्यायनादि-द्वारेण.
3.2
द्वेधा हि भागवत-सम्प्रदाय-प्रवृत्तिः. एकतः संक्षेपतः श्री नारायणाद्-ब्रह्म- नारदादि द्वारेण.
अन्यत् अस्तु विस्तरतः शेषात् सनत्-कुमार- साण्ख्यायनादि-द्वारेण.
3.2
dvedhā hi bhāgavata-sampradāya-pravṛttiḥ. ekataḥ saṁkṣepataḥ śrī nārāyaṇād-brahma- nāradādi dvāreṇa.
anyat astu vistarataḥ śeṣāt sanat-kumāra- sāṇkhyāyanādi-dvāreṇa.
Vaiṣṇavas are divided into different sampradāyas according to their
inclinations. The first of these has come from
Nārāyaṇa by way of Brahmā, Nārada, and so on. Another sampradāya comes from Śeṣa Bhagavān and has been outlined by the Sanat-Kumāras. (Śrīdhara
Svāmī's commentary on Bhāg.
3.1.1)
Three Kinds of Devotees
(In terms of Arcana Marga, The path of temple worship)
Arcana-mārga and Neophyte Devotees
३.३
शङ्ख-चक्रा-द्यूऋद्ध पुण्ड्र-
धारणाद्यात्मालक्षणम् तन्-नमस्करणैश् चविअर् वैष्णववत्वमिहोच्यते
3.3
शङ्ख-चक्रा-द्यूऋद्ध पुण्ड्र-
धारणाद्यात्मालक्षणम् तन्-नमस्करणैश् चविअर् वैष्णववत्वमिहोच्यते
3.3
śaṅkha-cakrā-dyūṛddha puṇḍra-
dhāraṇādyātmālakṣaṇam tan-namaskaraṇaiś caviar vaiṣṇavavatvamihocyate
In terms of the pañcarātra-viddhi, one whose body is marked with the conch,
lotus, disc, and club of Viṣṇu, who wears Viṣṇu tilāka, and who offers respect to
other Vaiṣṇavas is known by these symptoms as a kaniṣṭha-adhikāri Vaiṣṇava.
(Padma-Purāṇa)
Arcana-mārga and the Intermediate Devotees
३.४
तापः पुण्ड्रं तथा नाम मन्त्रो यागश्च पञ्चमः
अमी हि पञ्च संस्काराः परमैकान्ति-हेतवः
3.4
तापः पुण्ड्रं तथा नाम मन्त्रो यागश्च पञ्चमः
अमी हि पञ्च संस्काराः परमैकान्ति-हेतवः
3.4
tāpaḥ puṇḍraṁ tathā nāma mantro yāgaśca pañcamaḥ
amī hi pañca saṁskārāḥ paramaikānti-hetavaḥ
A madhyama-adhikāri Vaiṣṇava in terms of pañcarātrika-viddhi, is one who has
A madhyama-adhikāri Vaiṣṇava in terms of pañcarātrika-viddhi, is one who has
been purified by the five kinds of purificatory processes (pañca-saṁskāras): 1)
practicing austerity for the sake of Viṣṇu, 2) wearing Viṣṇu tilāka, 3) receiving
the holy name of Viṣṇu, 4) accepting initiation into the gāyatrī-mantra, and 5)
performing yajña for the sake of Viṣṇu. He must also have firm faith in Viṣṇu.
(Padma Purāṇa)
Arcana-mārga and the Advanced Devotee
३.५
तादादि-पञ्च-संस्कारी नवेज्याकर्म-कारकः अर्थ-पञ्चकविद् विप्रो महाभागवतः स्मृतः
3.5
तादादि-पञ्च-संस्कारी नवेज्याकर्म-कारकः अर्थ-पञ्चकविद् विप्रो महाभागवतः स्मृतः
3.5
tādādi-pañca-saṁskārī navejyākarma-kārakaḥ artha-pañcakavid vipro mahābhāgavataḥ smṛtaḥ
A spiritually developed person who has mastered the above-mentioned five
A spiritually developed person who has mastered the above-mentioned five
processes of purification (pañca-saṁskāras), who is absorbed in the nine
devotional activities (deity worship, mantra, yoga, yajña, prayers, nāmasaṅkīrtana,
service, and worship of both the Vaiṣṇavas and the Lord) and who
understands the esoteric meaning of these different activities in full, is to be
known as a mahā-bhāgavata, a great devotee of
Viṣṇu, and a topmost Vaiṣṇava. (Padma Purāṇa)
Three kinds of Devotees
(in terms of Krishna Prema)
The Symptoms of a Neophyte Devotee
३.५
तादादि-पञ्च-संस्कारी नवेज्याकर्म-कारकः अर्थ-पञ्चकविद् विप्रो महाभागवतः स्मृतः
3.6
तादादि-पञ्च-संस्कारी नवेज्याकर्म-कारकः अर्थ-पञ्चकविद् विप्रो महाभागवतः स्मृतः
3.6
arcāyām-eva haraye pūjāṁ yaḥ śraddhayehate na tad-bhakteṣu cānyeṣu sa bhaktaḥ prākṛtaḥ smṛtaḥ
Those who faithfully worship the Deity, but cannot treat devotees properly and
cannot deal properly with the people in general are known as prākṛta-bhaktas,
materialistic or neophyte devotees (kaniṣṭha- adhikāri Vaiṣṇavas).
(Bhāg.11.2.47)
(Bhāg.11.2.47)
[Note: Śrīla Prabhupāda comments on this verse in
Caitanya-Caritāmṛta: A prākṛta-bhakta, or materialistic devotee, does not purposefully study the śāstra and try to understand the actual standard of pure devotional service.
Consequently, he does not show proper respect to advanced devotees. He may,
however, follow the regulative principles, learn from his spiritual master, or
from his family who worships the Deity. He is to be considered on the material
platform, although he is trying to advance in devotional service. Such a person
is a bhakta-prāya, a neophyte devotee, or bhaktābhāsa when he is a little enlightened by Vaiṣṇava philosophy.]
ईश्वरे तद्-अधीनेषु बालिशेषु द्विषत्सु च प्रेम-मैत्री-कृपोपेक्षा यः करोति स मध्यमः
Symptoms of a Madhyama-adhikāri
३.७ईश्वरे तद्-अधीनेषु बालिशेषु द्विषत्सु च प्रेम-मैत्री-कृपोपेक्षा यः करोति स मध्यमः
3.7
īśvare tad-adhīneṣu bāliśeṣu dviṣatsu ca
prema-maitrī-kṛpopekṣā yaḥ karoti sa madhyamaḥ
prema-maitrī-kṛpopekṣā yaḥ karoti sa madhyamaḥ
A madhyama-adhikāri Vaiṣṇava shows love for the Supreme Lord, friendship
for the devotees, mercy towards the innocent and ignorant, and is indifferent
towards the envious. (Bhāg. 11.2.46)
৩.৮
কৃষ্ণ প্রেম, কৃষ্ণ ভক্তে মৈত্রী-আর্চরণ বালিশেতে কৃপা, আর দ্ৱেষী-উপেক্ষণ
করিলেন মধ্যম-ভক্ত শুদ্ধ-ভক্ত হন কৃষ্ণ-নামে অধিকার করেন অর্জন
৩.৮
কৃষ্ণ প্রেম, কৃষ্ণ ভক্তে মৈত্রী-আর্চরণ বালিশেতে কৃপা, আর দ্ৱেষী-উপেক্ষণ
করিলেন মধ্যম-ভক্ত শুদ্ধ-ভক্ত হন কৃষ্ণ-নামে অধিকার করেন অর্জন
3.8
kṛṣṇa prema, kṛṣṇa bhakte maitrī-ārcaraṇa bāliśete kṛpā, āra dveṣī-upekṣaṇa
karilena madhyama-bhakta śuddha-bhakta hana kṛṣṇa-nāme adhikāra karena arjana
One who has love for Kṛṣṇa, who makes friends
with the devotees, who shows mercy to the neophytes and ignorant people, and who avoids the envious is a madhyama-bhakta and is considered a pure devotee, a śuddha-bhakta. He is qualified to chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. (Harināma Cintāmaṇi, Chapter 8)
Symptoms of an Uttama-adhikāri
३.९
सर्व-भूतेषु यः पश्येद् भगवद्-भावम् आत्मनः
भूतानि भगवत्य् आत्मन्य् एष भागवतोत्तमः
3.9
सर्व-भूतेषु यः पश्येद् भगवद्-भावम् आत्मनः
भूतानि भगवत्य् आत्मन्य् एष भागवतोत्तमः
3.9
sarva-bhūteṣu yaḥ paśyed bhagavad-bhāvam ātmanaḥ
bhūtāni bhagavaty ātmany eṣa bhāgavatottamaḥ
A person advanced in devotional service sees within everything the soul of souls,
A person advanced in devotional service sees within everything the soul of souls,
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Consequently he always sees
Kṛṣṇa everywhere and in everything. He is an uttama-bhāgavata, one on the
topmost platform of devotional service. (Bhāg.
11.2.45)
৩.১০
স্থাৱর-জঙ্গম দেখে, না দেখে তার মূর্তি
সর্ৱত্র হয নিজ ইষ্ট-দেৱ-স্ফূর্তি
৩.১০
স্থাৱর-জঙ্গম দেখে, না দেখে তার মূর্তি
সর্ৱত্র হয নিজ ইষ্ট-দেৱ-স্ফূর্তি
3.10
sthāvara-jaṅgama dekhe, nā dekhe tāra mūrti
sarvatra haya nija iṣṭa-deva-sphūrti
The mahā-bhāgavata certainly sees everything mobile and immobile, but he
does not exactly see their forms. Rather, everywhere he immediately sees
manifest the form of the Supreme Lord. (Cc. Madhya 8.274)
...The Third Jewel Continued
Qualities of the Vaishnavas
Vaishnava-Tattva
Further Symptoms of an Uttama-adhikāri
३.११
गृहीत्वापीन्द्रियैर् अर्थान् यो न द्वेष्टि न हृष्यति विष्णोर् मायाम् इदं पश्यन् स वै भागवतोत्तमः
3.11
gṛhītvāpīndriyair arthān yo na dveṣṭi na hṛṣyati viṣṇor māyām idaṁ paśyan sa vai bhāgavatottamaḥ
One who is so absorbed in love of God that he sees everything as the energy of
Lord Kṛṣṇa (even while the senses perceive their objects), and who therefore
feels neither attachment nor hatred towards the things of this world is indeed the
greatest among devotees (bhāgavatottama). (Bhāg. 11.2.48)
३.१२
देहेन्द्रिय प्राण-मनो-धियां यो जन्माप्यय-क्षुद्-भय-तर्ष-कृच्छ्रैः
संसार-धर्मैर् अविमुह्यमानः स्मृत्या हरेर् भागवत-प्रधानः
3.12
dehendriya prāṇa-mano-dhiyāṁ yo janmāpyaya-kṣud-bhaya-tarṣa-kṛcchraiḥ
saṁsāra-dharmair avimuhyamānaḥ smṛtyā harer bhāgavata-pradhānaḥ
Within the material world, one's body, senses, mind, life airs, and intelligence
are always disturbed by birth, death, hunger, fear, and thirst. One who is not
bewildered by these miseries of material existence, who always remembers the
lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is considered bhāgavatapradhānaḥ,
a topmost devotee of the Lord. (Bhāg. 11.2.49)
३.१३
न काम-कर्म-बीजानां यस्य चेतसि सम्भवः वासुदेवैक-निलयः स वै भागवतोत्तमः
3.13
na kāma-karma-bījānāṁ yasya cetasi sambhavaḥ vāsudevaika-nilayaḥ sa vai bhāgavatottamaḥ
One who has taken exclusive shelter of the
Supreme Lord Vāsudeva, whose
heart is freed from the seeds of lust and karma is considered a bhāgavatottama.
(Bhāg. 11.2.50)
३.१४
न यस्य जन्म-कर्मभ्यां न वर्णाश्रम- जातिभिः
सज्जते ऽस्मिन्न् अहं-भावो देहे वै स हरेः प्रियः
3.14
na yasya janma-karmabhyāṁ na varṇāśrama- jātibhiḥ
sajjate 'sminn ahaṁ-bhāvo dehe vai sa hareḥ priyaḥ
One who is free from pride about his good birth, pious activities, exalted
varnāśrama position, and is free from bodily designations, and who serves the
Lord with humility is known as a beloved devotee of the Lord. (Bhāg. 11.2.51)
३.१५
न यस्य स्वः पर इति वित्तेष्व् आत्मनि वा भिदा सर्व-भूत-समः शान्तः स वै भागवतोत्तमः
3.15
na yasya svaḥ para iti vitteṣv ātmani vā bhidā sarva-bhūta-samaḥ śāntaḥ sa vai bhāgavatottamaḥ
A mahā-bhāgavata is one who is free from the conception of "This is mine and
this is for others". He thinks, "Everything is for
Kṛṣṇa". He sees all living
being as equally related to Kṛṣṇa, and he is peaceful, being filled with Kṛṣṇa consciousness. (Bhāg. 11.2.52)
३.१६
त्रि-भुवन-विभव-हेतवे ऽप्य् अकुण्ठस्मृतिर् अजितात्म-सुरादिभिर् विमृग्यात्
न चलति भगवत्-पदारविन्दाल्
लव-निमिषार्धम् अपि यः स वैष्णवाग्र्यः
3.16
tri-bhuvana-vibhava-hetave 'py akuṇṭhasmṛtir ajitātma-surādibhir vimṛgyāt
na calati bhagavat-padāravindāl
lava-nimiṣārdham api yaḥ sa vaiṣṇavāgryaḥ
The lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, are sought by demigods such as
Brahmā and Śiva, who have accepted Him as their life and soul. A pure devotee
can never forget Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet or give up their shelter for a moment, even in
exchange for the three worlds. Such a devotee is known as a mahā-bhāgavata.
(Bhāg. 11.2.53)
३.१७
भगवत् उरु-विक्रमाङ्घ्रि-शाखानख- मणि-चन्द्रिकया निरस्त-तापे
हृदि कथम् उपसीदतां पुनः स प्रभवति चन्द्र इवोदिते ऽर्क-तापः
3.17
bhagavat uru-vikramāṅghri-śākhānakha- maṇi-candrikayā nirasta-tāpe
hṛdi katham upasīdatāṁ punaḥ sa prabhavati candra ivodite 'rka-tāpaḥ
How can the painful fever of material life befall those who hold the cooling
lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa within their hearts? By the power of Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet
all the troubles in the heart of His pure devotee are banished forever, for His
toenails are like gems whose rays soothe the heart
of His devotee and relieve him from all trouble, just like the rays of the moon cool the earth from the heat of the summer sun. (Bhāg. 11.2.54)
३.१८
विसृजति हृदयं न यस्य साक्षाद्
धरिर् अवशाभिहितो ऽप्य् अघौघ-नाशः प्रणय-रसनया धृताङ्घ्रि-पद्मः
स भवति भागवत-प्रधान उक्तः
3.18
visṛjati hṛdayaṁ na yasya sākṣād
dharir avaśābhihito 'py aghaugha-nāśaḥ praṇaya-rasanayā dhṛtāṅghri-padmaḥ
sa bhavati bhāgavata-pradhāna uktaḥ
One who chants the holy name of the Supreme
Lord, Hari, even unconsciously, is freed from all sins. When Lord Hari grants liberation from sin to one who even unconsciously or negligently chants is holy name, the position of one who
never abandons the shelter of His lotus feet must be considered highly exalted.
Such a devotee can never give up the association of the Lord, nor can the Lord
give up his association. Kṛṣṇa Himself dwells eternally within his heart. Such a
great soul is known as a mahā-bhāgavata. (Bhāg.
11.2.55)
The Paramahaṁsa Vaiṣṇava
३.१९
ज्ञान-निष्ठो विरक्तो वा मद्-भक्तो वानपेक्षकः
स लिङ्गान् आश्रमांस् त्यक्त्वा चरेद् अविधि-गोचरः
3.19
jñāna-niṣṭho virakto vā mad-bhakto vānapekṣakaḥ
sa liṅgān āśramāṁs tyaktvā cared avidhi-gocaraḥ
The paramahaṁsa is fixed in transcendental knowledge. He is free from
attachment to all sense enjoyments and does not long for anything, including
mokṣa. Such a great soul has renounced not only the duties of varnāśrama, but
also its external marks including even the dress of a sannyāsī. Such a great soul
has given up all attachment to previous conceptions of religion and duty,
beginning with dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa, and including varnāśramadharma,
for he has already surpassed all Vedic injunctions and prohibitions. He
is no longer ruled by the scriptures for he is spontaneously devoted to the
Supreme Personality of Godhead on the highest
platform of divine love. (Bhāg.
11.18.28)
Description of the Three Kinds of Devotees
From Caitanya-caritāmṛta-
৩.২০
শ্রদ্ধৱান্ জন হয ভক্তি-অধিকারী
উত্তম,ঽ ঽমধ্যম,ঽ ঽকনিষ্ঠ,ঽ শ্রদ্ধা- অনুসারী.
শাস্ত্র-যুক্ত্যে সুনিপুণ, দৃঢ-শ্রদ্ধা-যাঞ্র
ঽুত্তম-অধিকারিঽ সেই তারযে সংসার. শাস্ত্র-যুক্তি নাহি জানে দৃঢ, শ্রদ্ধাৱান্
ঽমধ্যম-অধিকারিঽ সেই মহা-ভাগ্যৱান্. যাহার কোমল শ্রদ্ধা, সে ঽকনিষ্ঠঽ জন ক্রমে ক্রমে তেঙ্হো ভক্ত হৈবে উত্তম.ঽ
3.20
śraddhavān jana haya bhakti-adhikārī
'uttama,' 'madhyama,' 'kaniṣṭha,' śraddhā- anusārī.
śāstra-yuktye sunipuṇa, dṛḍha-śraddhā-yāñra
'uttama-adhikāri' sei tāraye saṁsāra. śāstra-yukti nāhi jāne dṛḍha, śraddhāvān
'madhyama-adhikāri' sei mahā-bhāgyavān. yāhāra komala śraddhā, se 'kaniṣṭha' jana krame krame teṅho bhakta haibe 'uttama.'
A faithful devotee is a truly eligible candidate for the loving service of the Lord.
According to one's faith, one is classified as a topmost devotee, an intermediate
devotee, or an inferior devotee.
One who is expert in logic, argument, and the revealed scriptures and who has
firm faith in Kṛṣṇa is classified as a topmost devotee. He can deliver the whole
world.
One who is not very expert in argument, logic, and the scriptures, but who has
firm faith, is considered a second-class devotee. He also must be considered
most fortunate.
One whose faith is soft and pliable is called a neophyte, but by following the
process gradually he will rise to the platform of a first-class devotee. (Cc.
Madhya 22.64, 65, 67, 69)
Śrī Caitanya Explains the Three Kinds of
Devotees
An Ordinary Vaiṣṇava
৩.২১
প্রভু কহে, "যাঙ্র মুখে শুনি এক-বার কৃষ্ণ-নাম, সেই পূজ্য, শ্রেষ্ঠ সবাকার"
3.21
prabhu kahe, "yāṅra mukhe śuni eka-bāra kṛṣṇa-nāma, sei pūjya, śreṣṭha sabākāra"
The Lord said: Whoever chants the holy name of
Kṛṣṇa just once may be
considered a Vaiṣṇava. Such a person is worshipable, and is the topmost human being. (Cc. Madhya 15.106)
A Superior Vaiṣṇava
৩.২২
"কৃষ্ণ-নাম" নিরন্তর যাঞ্হার ৱদনে সে ৱৈষ্ণৱ-শ্রেষ্ঠ, ভজ তাঙ্হার চরণে
3.22
"kṛṣṇa-nāma" nirantara yāñhāra vadane se vaiṣṇava-śreṣṭha, bhaja tāṅhāra caraṇe
A person who is always chanting the holy name of the Lord is a superior
Vaiṣṇava, and your duty is to serve his lotus feet. (Cc. Madhya 16.72)
The Topmost Vaiṣṇava
৩.২৩
যাঙ্হার দর্শনে মুখে আইসে কৃষ্ণ-নাম তাঙ্হারে জানিহ তুমি ঽৱৈষ্ণৱ-প্রধানঽ
3.23
yāṅhāra darśane mukhe āise kṛṣṇa-nāma tāṅhāre jāniha tumi 'vaiṣṇava-pradhāna'
The topmost Vaiṣṇava is he whose very presence makes others chant the holy
name of Kṛṣṇa. He is superior to all others! (Cc. Madhya 16.74)
Take your stand upon the foundation of pure devotional service, giving up all your hopes for false
O wicked mind! Your so-called solitary worship is preached and practiced by
Money, women, and fame are like tigers.
A Vaiṣṇava gives them up and keeps them at a distance. Such a devotee, who is without
O mind! Always engage yourself in the service of Śrī Rādhā, and keep aloof
The learned devotee sees with equal vision (by dint of true knowledge) the
I am completely under the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not
Devotees are themselves the highest places of pilgrimage, capable of giving
If simply by hearing Śrī Kṛṣṇa's holy name one becomes supremely purified,
O Supreme Lord of all, slayer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha! Please be
Water alone does not make a sacred place holy. Nor is it earth nor clay that
Who is a Vaiṣṇava?
Gaudiya Kanth-hara was compiled during the lifetime of Bhaktisiddhānta Sāraswati Ṭhākura and was especially dear to him. He many contributions to this work. Among them was the following poem: Dushta-mana! which translates as Wicked Mind!
This is an especially harsh criticism of the mind.
Bhaktisiddhānta Sāraswati was a harsh critic of hypocrisy As this is directed towards his own mind in his humility, we may also apply the principles of self-examination to our own mind. Do we come up to the mark? One must, of course, be careful about criticising others or applying Bhaktisiddhānta's standards to others.
Spiritual advancement requires purposeful self-criticism. Jesus Christ said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." One must always remember the principles of humility before using these harsh words against someone else. Anyone who can apply this rigorous standard is worthy of the high reputation of a great devotee.
Gaudiya Kanthahara Third Jewel continued...
3.24 duṣṭa mana! by Bhaktisiddhānta Sāraswati Ṭhakura
Gaudiya Kanth-hara was compiled during the lifetime of Bhaktisiddhānta Sāraswati Ṭhākura and was especially dear to him. He many contributions to this work. Among them was the following poem: Dushta-mana! which translates as Wicked Mind!
This is an especially harsh criticism of the mind.
Bhaktisiddhānta Sāraswati was a harsh critic of hypocrisy As this is directed towards his own mind in his humility, we may also apply the principles of self-examination to our own mind. Do we come up to the mark? One must, of course, be careful about criticising others or applying Bhaktisiddhānta's standards to others.
Spiritual advancement requires purposeful self-criticism. Jesus Christ said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." One must always remember the principles of humility before using these harsh words against someone else. Anyone who can apply this rigorous standard is worthy of the high reputation of a great devotee.
Gaudiya Kanthahara Third Jewel continued...
দুষ্ট মন! তুমি কিসের ৱৈষ্ণৱ? প্রতিষ্ঠার তরে, নির্জনের ঘরে, তৱ "হরিনাম" কেৱল কৈতৱ: জডের প্রতিষ্ঠা, শূকরের ৱিষ্ঠা, জান না কি তাহা "মাযার ৱৈভৱ"
কনক-কামিনী, দিৱস-যামিনী, ভাৱিযা কি কাজ, অনিত্য সে সব: তোমার কনক, ভোজের জনক, কনকের দ্ৱারে সেৱহ "মাধৱ." কামিনীর কাম, নহে তৱ ধাম, তাহার মালিক কেৱল "যাদৱ." প্রতিষ্ঠাশা-তরু, জদ-মাযা-মরু
না পেল "রাৱণ" যূঝিয "রাঘৱ:" ৱৈষ্ণৱী প্রতিষ্ঠা, তাতে কর নিষ্ঠা, তাহা না ভজিলে লভিবে গৌরৱ. হরিজন-দ্ৱেষ, প্রতিষ্ঠাশা ক্লেশ, কর কেন তবে তাহার গৌরৱ. ৱৈষ্ণৱের পাছে, প্রাতিষ্ঠাশা আছে, তাঽত কভু নহে "অনিত্য-ৱৈভৱ."
সে হরি সম্বন্ধ, শূন্য-মাযাগন্ধ, তাহা কভু নয "জডের কৈতৱ": প্রতিষ্ঠা-চণ্ডালী, নির্জনতা-জালী
উভযে জানিহ মাযিক-রৌরৱ. "কীর্তন ছাডিব, প্রতিশ্ঠা মাখিব," কি কাজ ঢুঞ্ডিযা তাদৃশা গৌরৱ: মাধৱেন্দ্র পুরী, ভাৱ-ঘরে ছূরি, না করিল কভু সদাই জানৱ.
তোমার প্রতিষ্ঠ, "শূকরের ৱিষ্ঠা," তার সহ সম কভু না মানৱ: মৎসরতা-ৱশে, তূমি জডরসে, মজেছ ছাডিযা কীর্তন-সৌষ্ঠৱ. তাই দুষ্ট মন, "নির্জন-ভজন," প্রছারিছ ছলে "কূযোগী-ৱৈভৱ" প্রভু সনাতনে, প্রভু যতনে
শিক্ষা দিল যাহা চিন্ত সেই সব
সেই দুঽটি কথা, ভূলঽ না সর্ৱথা, উচ্চৈস্ৱরে কর "হরিনাম-রৱ"
"ফল্গু" আর "যুক্ত," "বদ্ধ" আর "মুক্ত," কভু না ভাৱিহ ঽেকাকার সব
"কনক-কামিনী," "প্রতিষ্ঠা-বাঘিনী," ছাদিযাছে যারে সেই তঽ ৱৈষ্ণৱ:
সেই "অনাসক্ত," সেই "শুদ্ধ ভক্ত," সংসার তথায পায পরাভৱ "যথাযোগ্য-ভোগ," নাহি তথা রোগ, "অনাসক্ত" সেই, কি আর কহব
"আসক্তি রহিত" "সম্বন্ধ-সহিত," ৱিষয-সমূহ সকলি "মাধৱ."
সে "যুক্ত-ৱৈরাগ্য, "তাহা তঽ "সৌভাগ্য," তাহাই জডেতে হরির ৱৈভৱ:
কীর্তনে যাহার, "প্রতিষ্ঠা-সম্ভার,"
তাহার সম্পত্তি কেৱল "কৈতৱ."
"ৱিষয-মুমুক্ষু," "ভোগের বুভুক্ষু," দুযে ত্যজ মন, দুই "অৱৈষ্ণৱ" "কৃষ্ণের সম্বন্ধ," অপ্রাকৃত স্কন্ধ, কভু নহে তাহা জডের সম্ভৱ" "মাযাৱাদী জন," কৃষ্ণেতর মন,
মুক্ত অভিমানে সে নিন্দে ৱৈষ্ণৱ ৱৈষ্ণৱের দাস, তৱ ভক্তি-আশ, কেন ৱা ডাকিছ নির্জন-আহৱ
যে "ফাল্গুর্-ৱৈরাগী," কহে, নিজে, "ত্যাগী," সে না পারে কভু হৈতে "ৱৈষ্ণৱ."
হরি-পদ ছাডিঽ, নির্জনতা বাডিঽ, লভিযা কি ফল, "ফল্গু" সে ৱৈভৱ. রাধা-দাস্যে নহি ছাড ভোগ-অকি প্রতিষ্ঠাশ নহে কির্তনন্-গৌরৱে
কেন ৱা নির্জন-ভজন-কৈতৱ. ৱ্রজৱাসি-গণ, প্রচারক-ধন, প্রতিষ্ঠা-ভিক্ষুক তাঽর নহে "শৱ." প্রাণ আছে তাঽর, সে হেতু প্রচার, প্রতিষ্ঠাশা-হীন "কৃষ্ণ-গাথা" সব. শ্রী-দযিত দাস, কীর্তনেতে আশ,
কর উচ্চৈঃ-স্ৱরে "হরি-নাম-রৱ."
কীর্তন-প্রভাৱে, স্মরণ হৈবে, সে কালে ভজন-নির্জন সম্ভৱ.
duṣṭa mana! tumi kisera vaiṣṇava? pratiṣṭhāra tare, nirjanera ghare, tava "harināma" kevala kaitava: jaḍera pratiṣṭhā, śūkarera viṣṭhā, jāna nā ki tāhā "māyāra vaibhava"
kanaka-kāminī, divasa-yāminī, bhāviyā ki kāja, anitya se saba: tomāra kanaka, bhojera janaka, kanakera dvāre sevaha "mādhava." kāminīra kāma, nahe tava dhāma, tāhāra mālika kevala "yādava." pratiṣṭhāśā-taru, jada-māyā-maru
nā pela "rāvaṇa" yūjhiya "rāghava:" vaiṣṇavī pratiṣṭhā, tāte kara niṣṭhā, tāhā nā bhajile labhibe gaurava. harijana-dveṣa, pratiṣṭhāśā kleśa, kara kena tabe tāhāra gaurava. vaiṣṇavera pāche, prātiṣṭhāśā āche, tā'ta kabhu nahe "anitya-vaibhava."
se hari sambandha, śūnya-māyāgandha, tāhā kabhu naya "jaḍera kaitava": pratiṣṭhā-caṇḍālī, nirjanatā-jālī
ubhaye jāniha māyika-raurava. "kīrtana chāḍiba, pratiśṭhā mākhiba," ki kāja ḍhuñḍiyā tādṛśā gaurava: mādhavendra purī, bhāva-ghare chūri, nā karila kabhu sadāi jānava.
tomāra pratiṣṭha, "śūkarera viṣṭhā," tāra saha sama kabhu nā mānava: matsaratā-vaśe, tūmi jaḍarase, majecha chāḍiyā kīrtana-sauṣṭhava. tāi duṣṭa mana, "nirjana-bhajana," prachāricha chale "kūyogī-vaibhava" prabhu sanātane, prabhu yatane
śikṣā dila yāhā cinta sei saba
sei du'ṭi kathā, bhūla' nā sarvathā, uccaisvare kara "harināma-rava"
"phalgu" āra "yukta," "baddha" āra "mukta," kabhu nā bhāviha 'ekākāra saba
"kanaka-kāminī," "pratiṣṭhā-bāghinī," chādiyāche yāre sei ta' vaiṣṇava:
sei "anāsakta," sei "śuddha bhakta," saṁsāra tathāya pāya parābhava "yathāyogya-bhoga," nāhi tathā roga, "anāsakta" sei, ki āra kahaba
"āsakti rahita" "sambandha-sahita," viṣaya-samūha sakali "mādhava."
se "yukta-vairāgya, "tāhā ta' "saubhāgya," tāhāi jaḍete harira vaibhava:
kīrtane yāhāra, "pratiṣṭhā-sambhāra,"
tāhāra sampatti kevala "kaitava."
"viṣaya-mumukṣu," "bhogera bubhukṣu," duye tyaja mana, dui "avaiṣṇava" "kṛṣṇera sambandha," aprākṛta skandha, kabhu nahe tāhā jaḍera sambhava" "māyāvādī jana," kṛṣṇetara mana,
mukta abhimāne se ninde vaiṣṇava vaiṣṇavera dāsa, tava bhakti-āśa, kena vā ḍākicha nirjana-āhava
ye "phālgur-vairāgī," kahe, nije, "tyāgī," se nā pāre kabhu haite "vaiṣṇava."
hari-pada chāḍi', nirjanatā bāḍi', labhiyā ki phala, "phalgu" se vaibhava. rādhā-dāsye nahi chāḍa bhoga-aki pratiṣṭhāśa nahe kirtanan-gaurave
kena vā nirjana-bhajana-kaitava. vrajavāsi-gaṇa, pracāraka-dhana, pratiṣṭhā-bhikṣuka tā'ra nahe "śava." prāṇa āche tā'ra, se hetu pracāra, pratiṣṭhāśā-hīna "kṛṣṇa-gāthā" saba. śrī-dayita dāsa, kīrtanete āśa,
kara uccaiḥ-svare "hari-nāma-rava."
kīrtana-prabhāve, smaraṇa haibe, se kāle bhajana-nirjana sambhava.
O wicked mind! What kind of Vaiṣṇava are you? You go off to chant in a
solitary place, but your chanting is only for name and fame (pratiṣṭhā). It is
nothing but hypocrisy. Such mundane name and fame is hog's stool.
Position, reputation, name and fame is only a snare of māyā.
Day and night you think of nothing but women and money. Why waste your time meditating on things that are temporary? You think money is the father of enjoyment, but money is not meant for your pleasure. When you claim wealth as your own, it only creates within you a lust for enjoyment. Your money should serve Kṛṣṇa, who is Mādhava, the husband of the goddess of
Position, reputation, name and fame is only a snare of māyā.
Day and night you think of nothing but women and money. Why waste your time meditating on things that are temporary? You think money is the father of enjoyment, but money is not meant for your pleasure. When you claim wealth as your own, it only creates within you a lust for enjoyment. Your money should serve Kṛṣṇa, who is Mādhava, the husband of the goddess of
fortune and the enjoyer of all wealth. Satisfying the desire of beautiful women is never your domain; it is the domain of their proprietor Yadav.
He alone can fulfill the hankering of their heart. Rāvana fought Rāma in order to achieve the highest prestige (pratiṣṭhā), but that prestige was only an illusion. His hope for prestige had grown as mighty as a great tree within the forest of desires within his heart, but the soul can find no
He alone can fulfill the hankering of their heart. Rāvana fought Rāma in order to achieve the highest prestige (pratiṣṭhā), but that prestige was only an illusion. His hope for prestige had grown as mighty as a great tree within the forest of desires within his heart, but the soul can find no
cooling shade there, for the "forest" is really only a mirage in the desert of
material illusion. Don't be like Rāvana, who wanted to enjoy the position of
Rāma.
Accept the position of the servant of Viṣṇu.
Accept the position of the servant of Viṣṇu.
Take your stand upon the foundation of pure devotional service, giving up all your hopes for false
prestige, and thus become a genuine Vaiṣṇava.
If you don't worship the position of the Vaiṣṇava, you will be doomed. Those who go to great trouble in hopes for prestige as great devotees, are envious of devotees and are rewarded for their trouble with a hellish life.
The genuine fame that follows a Vaiṣṇava is not the
If you don't worship the position of the Vaiṣṇava, you will be doomed. Those who go to great trouble in hopes for prestige as great devotees, are envious of devotees and are rewarded for their trouble with a hellish life.
The genuine fame that follows a Vaiṣṇava is not the
same as the temporary fame that follows pretenders. The fame that follows a
Vaiṣṇava does not stink of māyā.
It has no trace of the treachery of pretentious imposters. The selfpromotion
It has no trace of the treachery of pretentious imposters. The selfpromotion
and fame of a pseudo Vaiṣṇava is like a dog- eating whore: it is unchaste and unprincipled. Their solitary bhajan is counterfeit.
O mind, know that both the artificial fame and bogus bhajana of pseudo-devotees is a hellish
O mind, know that both the artificial fame and bogus bhajana of pseudo-devotees is a hellish
phantasmagoria.
They think: "I shall give up the kīrtana of the holy name and
They think: "I shall give up the kīrtana of the holy name and
pray for fame and position."
But what is the use of such "fame'"?
But what is the use of such "fame'"?
O mind, know for certain that Mādhavendra Purī never cheated himself in this way by robbing himself of his own internal treasure and proclaiming his greatness to the world. O mind, your fame is hog stool. No one shall ever be the equal of Māhavendra Purī, so why do you wish to compete with him for fame? Under the control of envy, you have drowned yourself in the ocean of mundane
rasa and material enjoyment. The only thing you have truly renounced is the sublime Kṛṣṇa kīrtana in the association of devotees.
O wicked mind! Your so-called solitary worship is preached and practiced by
wicked imposters who impersonate devotees for nefarious purposes. With great
care you should consider what Śrī Caitanya
Mahāprabhu taught Sanātan Goswāmī:
Loudly chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Never forget the two most
Loudly chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Never forget the two most
valuable things he taught Sanātana: phalgu and yukta, "real and false
renunciation;" and baddha and mukta, "freed and enslaved."
Never mistake one for the other, or think them to be the same.
Never mistake one for the other, or think them to be the same.
Money, women, and fame are like tigers.
A Vaiṣṇava gives them up and keeps them at a distance. Such a devotee, who is without
material attachments, is a śuddha-vaiṣṇava.
Such a devotee has conquered over the material world and its
Such a devotee has conquered over the material world and its
illusions of enjoyment. Accepting only what is needed in the service of the Lord,
he remains free from the diseased mentality of material enjoyment and dedicates
himself to the Lord's service. Free from all false attachments he sees everything
in relationship to Kṛṣṇa, understanding that everything is meant for the
pleasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He knows that to engage everything in the service of
Kṛṣṇa is real renunciation. Because he understands that the true position of
renunciation is in dedicating everything to Kṛṣṇa, he is truly fortunate.
Although he lives within the material world he dwells within the revelation of
Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, and experiences the extension of the spiritual world within
the material world.
On the other hand, one who chants the holy name of the Lord for name and
fame is simply a hypocrite and a cheater. His renunciation is false.
O mind!
give up the association of both those who want liberation and those who want
O mind!
give up the association of both those who want liberation and those who want
material enjoyment. They are all non devotees.
What is in connection with Kṛṣṇa is aprākṛta: non material and supra
What is in connection with Kṛṣṇa is aprākṛta: non material and supra
mundane.
The divine things in relation to Kṛṣṇa should never be seen as
The divine things in relation to Kṛṣṇa should never be seen as
material.
By virtue of its divine connection with
By virtue of its divine connection with
Kṛṣṇa a thing becomes transcendental. It is therefore impossible for it to be anything less than divine. Every wave is favourable.
The māyāvādīs can never think of Kṛṣṇa. Proud of their piety, they think
themselves liberated and blaspheme the
Vaiṣṇavas.
O mind:
your only prayer is to be the servant of the devotees. Make this prayer
your only prayer is to be the servant of the devotees. Make this prayer
your only contemplation. Why do you want to go off and leave the devotees. A
phalgu-vairāgī does not understand that the true meaning of renunciation is
devotion.
In the dress of a devotee, such an impostor calls himself a tyāgī, a
In the dress of a devotee, such an impostor calls himself a tyāgī, a
great renouncer, but he is only a great pretender. He will never be a true
Vaiṣṇava. Giving up the lotus feet of Śrī Hari, he leaves the Lord's service
behind in order to perform his "worship" in a solitary place. Having left the
service of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and the association of devotees, what will he get by
becoming famous as a humble man? Those who, in a false spirit of
renunciation, give up the service of Kṛṣṇa, the association of Vaiṣṇavas and the
order of the guru to execute solitary bhajana may sit in their hut and chant, but
the only fruit they get is false. What is the use of such foolishness?
O mind! Always engage yourself in the service of Śrī Rādhā, and keep aloof
from the snake of material enjoyment. There is nothing glorious about
performing kīrtana simply for name and fame. You are the eternal servant of
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. Why then do you renounce her for the cheating process of
nirjana-bhajana? Why do you run after false renunciation and so give up the
service of Śrī Rādhā? The residents of Vṛndāvana are the real object of
preaching. They do not aspire for false prestige, nor are they devoid of life, as
are the false renunciates. Those who have spiritual vitality can preach and
instill spiritual life in their audience. Preaching is the symptom of vitality. One
who preaches the message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is devoid of hopes for
prestige.
Śrī Dayita Dāsa, (Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta) the humble servant of Śrī Rādhā and
her beloved Kṛṣṇa always hopes for kīrtana, and begs everyone to sing the holy
name of the Lord aloud. By the influence of such kīrtana, one may gradually
come to the exalted stage of smaraṇam, wherein one constantly remembers the
pastimes of Kṛṣṇa within one's mind. Nirjana- bhājana is conceivable only after
attaining this advanced level of Kṛṣṇa-bhakti. (Mahājana-racita Gīta,
Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura.)
The Twenty-six Qualities of a Vaiṣṇava
৩.২৫
সেই সব গুণ হয ৱৈষ্ণৱ-লক্ষণ্
সব কহা না যায, করি দিগ্-দরশন.
কৃপালূ, অকৃত-দ্রোহ, সত্য-সার, সম নির্দোষ,
ৱদান্য, মৃদু, শুচি, অকিঞ্চন.
সর্ৱোপকারক, শান্ত, কৃষ্ণৈক-শরণ অকাম,
অনিহ, স্থির, ৱিজিত-ষড্-গুণ. মিত-ভুক্,
অপ্রমত্ত, মানদ, অমানি
গম্ভির, করুণ, মৈত্র, কৱি, দক্ষ, মনুই.
3.25
sei saba guṇa haya vaiṣṇava-lakṣaṇ
saba kahā nā yāya, kari dig-daraśana.
kṛpālū, akṛta-droha, satya-sāra, sama
nirdoṣa, vadānya, mṛdu, śuci, akiñcana.
sarvopakāraka, śānta, kṛṣṇaika-śaraṇa
akāma, aniha, sthira, vijita-ṣaḍ-guṇa.
mita-bhuk, apramatta, mānada, amāni
gambhira, karuṇa, maitra, kavi, dakṣa, manui.
All these transcendental qualities are the characteristics of pure Vaiṣṇavas:
They cannot be fully explained, but I shall try to point out some of the important
qualities:
Devotees are always merciful, humble, truthful, equal to all, faultless,
magnanimous, mild, and clean. They are without material possessions, and they
perform welfare work for everyone. They are peaceful, surrendered to Kṛṣṇa,
and desireless. They are indifferent to material acquisitions and are fixed in
devotional service. They completely control the six bad qualities: lust, anger,
greed, pride, illusion, and envy. They eat only as much as required, and are
sober. They are respectful, grave, compassionate, and without false prestige.
They are friendly, poetic, expert, and silent, that is they do not speak
whimsically. (Cc. Madhya 22.77-80)
Vaiṣṇavas see With Equal Vision
३.२६
विद्या-विनय-सम्पन्ने
ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
शुनि चैव श्व-पाके च
पण्डिताः सम-दर्शिनः
3.26
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hasten
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ
The learned devotee sees with equal vision (by dint of true knowledge) the
brāhmaṇa, the cow, the elephant, the dog, and the outcaste.
(Bhagavad-gītā 5.18)
(Bhagavad-gītā 5.18)
३.२७
महत्-सेवां द्वारम् आहुर् विमुक्तेस्
तमो-द्वारं योषितां सङ्गि-सङ्गम्
महान्तस् ते सम-चित्ताः प्रशान्ता
विमन्यवः सुहृदः साधवो ये
3.27
mahat-sevāṁ dvāram āhur vimuktes
tamo-dvāraṁ yoṣitāṁ saṅgi-saṅgam
mahāntas te sama-cittāḥ praśāntā
vimanyavaḥ suhṛdaḥ sādhavo ye
Service to mahātmās opens the door to liberation. The path to hell is wide open
for those who associate with people fond of women and sex. The great devotees
are equipoised. They do not see any difference between one living being and
another. They are peaceful, and are fully engaged in devotional service. They
are devoid of anger and they work for the benefit of everyone. They do not
behave in any abominable way. Such persons are known as mahātmās. (Bhāg.
5.5.2)
३.२८
ये वा मयीशे कृत-सौहृदार्था जनेषु देहम्भर-वार्तिकेशु
ग्र्हेशु जायात्मज-रातिमत्सु न प्रीति-युक्ता यावद्- अर्थाश् च लोके
3.28
ye vā mayīśe kṛta-sauhṛdārthā janeṣu dehambhara-vārtikeśu
grheśu jāyātmaja-rātimatsu na prīti-yuktā yāvad- arthāś ca loke
Those who are interested in reviving their Kṛṣṇa consciousness and increasing
their love of Godhead do not like to do anything that is not related to Kṛṣṇa.
They are not interested in mingling with those who are busy maintaining their
bodies by eating, sleeping, mating, and defending. They are not attached to their
homes, although they may be householders. Nor are they attached to wives,
children, friends, or wealth. At the same time, they are not indifferent to the
execution of their duties. Such persons are interested in collecting only enough
money to keep their body and soul together These are the characteristics of a
devotee. (Bhāg. 5.5.3)
The Lord is Conquered by Devotion
३.२९
अहं भक्त-पराधिनो
ह्य् अस्वतन्त्र इव द्विज
साधुभिर् ग्रस्त-हृदयो
भक्तैर् भक्त-जन- प्रियः
3.29
ahaṁ bhakta-parādhino
hy asvatantra iva diva
sādhubhir grasta-hṛdayo
bhaktair bhakta-jana- priyaḥ
I am completely under the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not
independent. I sit within the core of their heart. What to speak of My devotees
even those who are devotees of my devotees are very dear to Me. (Bhāg. 9.4.63)
३.३०
साधवो हृदयं मह्यं साधूनां हृदयं त्व् अहम्
मद्-अन्यत् ते न जानन्ति नाहं तेभ्यो मनाग् अपि
3.30
sādhavo hṛdayaṁ mahyaṁ sādhūnāṁ hṛdayaṁ tv aham
mad-anyat te na jānanti nāhaṁ tebhyo manāg api
My pure devotees are always in my heart, and I am always in their heart. My
devotees know nothing but Me, and I know nothing but them. (Bhāg. 9.4.68)
A Vaiṣṇava is Supremely Merciful
३.३१
भवद्-विधा भागवतास् तिर्थ-भूताः स्वयं विभो
तीर्थी-कुर्वन्ति तिर्थानि स्वान्तः-स्थेन गदाभृता
3.31
bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās tirtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho
tīrthī-kurvanti tirthāni svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā
Devotees are themselves the highest places of pilgrimage, capable of giving
benediction to all, for they always carry the
Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, within their
heart. Thus they purify the holy places of pilgrimage as well as those who visit
such places. (Bhāg. 1.13.10)
३.३२
यन्-नामं-श्रुति-मात्रेण पुमान् भवति निर्मलः
तस्य तीर्थ-पदः किं वा दासानाम् अवशिष्यते
3.32
yan-nāmaṁ-śruti-mātreṇa pumān bhavati nirmalaḥ
tasya tīrtha-padaḥ kiṁ vā dāsānām avaśiṣyate
If simply by hearing Śrī Kṛṣṇa's holy name one becomes supremely purified,
who can imagine the purifying power of chose who are constantly engaged in
service to His lotus feet? What is impossible for such persons? (Bhāg. 9.5.16)
The Glories of the Vaiṣṇavas
३.३३
स्व धर्म-निष्ठः शत-जन्मभिः पुमान्
विरिञ्चताम् एति ततः परं हि माम्
अव्याकृतं भागवतो ऽथ वैष्णवं
पदं यथाहं विबुधाः कलात्यये
3.33
sva dharma-niṣṭhaḥ śata-janmabhiḥ pumān
viriñcatām eti tataḥ paraṁ hi mām
avyākṛtaṁ bhāgavato 'tha vaiṣṇavaṁ
padaṁ yathāhaṁ vibudhāḥ kalātyaye
One who perfectly follows his duty in varṇāśrama- dharma for one hundred
births can attain the position of Brahmā. One who is more qualified can attain
the position of Śiva. A Vaiṣṇava, however, is immediately promoted to the
spiritual planets far beyond even my abode. That transcendental position is so
difficult to realize that I, Lord Śiva, and the other gods can attain those spiritual
planets only after the ultimate annihilation of the material world. (Bhāg.
4.24.29)
৩.৩৪
নযন ভরিযা দেখ দাসের প্রভাব
হেন দাস্যভাবে কৃষ্ণে কর অনুরাগ
অল্প হেন না মানিহ "কৃষ্ণ-দাস" নাম
অল্প-ভাগ্যে দাস নাহি করে ভগবান্
দাস-নামে ব্রহ্মা-শিব হরিষ-অন্তর
ধরণী-ধরেন্দ্র চাহে দাস অধিকার
3.34
nayana bhariyā dekha dāsera prabhāva
hena dāsyabhāve kṛṣṇe kara anurāga
alpa hena nā māniha "kṛṣṇa-dāsa" nāma
alpa-bhāgye dāsa nāhi kare bhagavān
dāsa-nāme brahmā-śiva hariṣa-antara
dharaṇī-dharendra cāhe dāsa adhikāra
[Lord Caitanya said] Just see the influence of the servant of Kṛṣṇa. With such a
mentality of service, cultivate a deep attachment to Kṛṣṇa. If, however, you are
devoid of a service attitude and do not wish to call yourself "Kṛṣṇa-dāsa," you
will be most unfortunate: the Lord will never accept you as His servant. Brahmā
and Śiva, although they are the masters of the universe, take endless delight in
the name "Kṛṣṇa-dāsa" and pray for the qualification to become servants of
Śrī Kṛṣṇa. (Cb. Madhya 23.463-464, 472)
3.35
কীট জন্ম হৌ যথা তূযা দাস
বহির্-মুখ ব্রহ্ম-জন্মে নাহি আশ
kīṭa janma hau yathā tūyā dāsa
bahir-mukha brahma-janme nāhi āśa
Let me take birth as a worm as Your servant. O Kṛṣṇa, I would forsake a birth
as Brahmā, if that birth was devoid of Your service. (Śaraṇāgati, Bhaktivinode Ṭhākura)
The Glories of the Servants of the Vaiṣṇavas
३.३६
मज् जन्मनः फलम् इदं मधु-कैटभारे मत् प्रार्थनीय मद् अनुग्रह एष एब
त्बद् भृत्य-भृत्य-परिचारक-भृत्य-भृत्य भृत्यस्य-भृत्यम् इति मां स्मर लोकनाथ
3.36
maj janmanaḥ phalam idaṁ madhu-kaiṭabhāre
mat prārthanīya mad anugraha eṣa eva
tvad bhṛtya-bhṛtya-paricāraka-bhṛtya-bhṛtya
bhṛtyasya-bhṛtyam iti māṁ smara lokanātha
O Supreme Lord of all, slayer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha! Please be
merciful to me and grant my prayer that You may remember me as a servant of
Your servant's servant, a servant of such a servant of Your servant's servant, a
servant of a servant of Your servant's servant, and a servant of Your servant's
servant servant.
[Note: Śrīla Prabhupāda often alluded to this verse in his lectures by
stressing that a Vaiṣṇava aspires to become the servant of the servant of the
servant of the Lord one thousand times removed.]
Further Glories of Vaiṣṇavas
३.३७
साधूनां सम-चित्तानां सुतरां मत्- कृतात्मनाम्
दर्शनान् नो भबेद् बन्धः पुंसो ऽक्ष्णोः सबितुर् यथा
3.37
sādhūnāṁ sama-cittānāṁ sutarāṁ mat- kṛtātmanām
darśanān no bhaved bandhaḥ puṁso 'kṣṇoḥ savitur yathā
When one is face to face with the Sun, there is no longer darkness for one's
eyes. Similarly, when one is face to face with a sādhu who is fully determined
and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, one will no
longer be subject to material bondage. (Bhāg. 10.10.41)
३.३८
न ह्य् अम्-मयानि तीर्थानि न देबा मृच्-छिला- मयाः
ते पुनत्य् उरु-कालेन दर्शनाद् एब साधबः
3.38
na hy am-mayāni tīrthāni na devā mṛc-chilā- mayāḥ
te punaty uru-kālena darśanād eva sādhavaḥ
Water alone does not make a sacred place holy. Nor is it earth nor clay that
composes the form of the Deity. The waters of the Ganges, visits to holy places,
and the worship of the Śālagrāma-śīla purify one only after a long time, but
saints like you purify instantly by their very sight. (Bhāg. 10.84.11)
३.४२
न मय्य् एकान्त-भक्तानां गुण-दोषोद्भबा गुणाः
साधूनां सम-चित्तानां बुद्धेः परम् उपेयुषाम्
3.42
Material piety and sin, which arise from the good and evil of this world, cannot exist within My unalloyed devotees, who, being freed from material hankering,
३.४४
मनुष्याणाम् सहस्रेषु कश्चिद् यतति सिद्धये
यतताम् अपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन् मां बेत्ति तत्त्बतः
3.44
३.४५
रजोभिः सम-सङ्ख्याताः
पार्थिबैर् इह जन्तबः
तेषां ये केचनेहन्ते
श्रेयो बै मनुजादयः
प्रायो मुमुक्षबस् तेषां
केचनैब द्बिजोत्तम
मुमुक्षूणां सहस्रेषु
कश्चिन् मुच्येत सिध्यति
मुक्तानाम् अपि सिद्धानां
नारायण-परायणः
सुदुर्लभः प्रशान्तात्मा
कोटिष्ब् अपि महा-मुने
3.45
rajobhiḥ sama-saṅkhyātāḥ
pārthivair iha jantavaḥ
teṣāṁ ye kecanehante
śreyo vai manujādayaḥ
prāyo mumukṣavas teṣāṁ
kecanaiva dvijottama
mumukṣūṇāṁ sahasreṣu
kaścin mucyeta sidhyati
muktānām api siddhānāṁ
nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇaḥ
sudurlabhaḥ praśāntātmā
koṭiṣv api mahā-mune
In this world, there are as many living entities as there are atoms. Among these living entities, few are human beings, and among them, few are interested in following religious principles. Among those who follow religious principles, only
The unlimited living entities can be divided into two different groups those that can move and those that cannot move. Among living entities that can move are birds, aquatics, and animals.
Although the living entities known as human
৩.৫১
মহান্ত-স্বভাব এই তারিতে পামর নিজ কার্য নাহি তবু যান তার ঘর
3.51
३.५३
भजन्ति ये यथा देबान्
देबा अपि तथैब तान्
छायेब कर्म-सचिबाः
साधबो दीन-बत्सलाः
3.53
৩.৫৫
অত এব বৈষ্ণবের জন্ম মৃত্যু নাই সঙ্গে আইসেন্, সঙ্গে যাযেন্ তথাই
ধর্ম, কর্ম, জন্ম বৈষ্ণবের কভু নহে পদ্ম-পুরাণেতে ইহা ব্যক্ত করিঽ কহে
3.55
३.५६
बह्नि-सूर्य-ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्-तेजीयान् बैष्णबः सदा
न बिचारो न भोगश् च बैष्णबानां स्बकर्मणाम्
3.56
Without Taking Shelter of a Vaiṣṇava, all
Knowledge is Lost
৩.৩৯
ঠাকুর-বৈষ্ণব-পদ, অবনীর সূসুঅম্পদ, শুন ভাই! হৈঞ এক মন:
আশ্রয লৈযা ভজে, তারে কৃষ্ণ নাহি ত্যজে পঠ- ভেদ,আর সব নরে অকারণ
বৈষ্ণব-চরণ-জল, প্রেম-ভক্তি দিতে বল, আরো কেহো নণে বলবন্ত:
বৈষ্ণব-চরণ-রেনু, মস্তকে ভূষণ বিনু আর নাহি ভূষণের অন্ত,
তীর্থজল-পবিত্র-গুণে, লিখিযাছে পুরাণে, সে সব ভক্তির প্রবঞ্চন:
বৈষ্ণবের পাদদোক, সম নহে এই সব, যাতে হয বাঞ্জিত পূরণ.
বৈষ্ণব-সঙ্গেতে মন, আনন্দিত অনুক্ষণ, সদা হয কৃষ্ণ-পরসঙ্গ:
দীন নরোত্তম কান্দে, হিযা ধৈর্য নাহি বান্ধে, মোর দশা কেন হৈল ভঙ্গ.
3.39
ṭhākura-vaiṣṇava-pada, avanīra sūsuampada,
śuna bhāi! haiña eka mana:
āśraya laiyā bhaje, tāre kṛṣṇa nāhi tyaje paṭha- bheda,
āra sava nare akāraṇa
vaiṣṇava-caraṇa-jala, prema-bhakti dite bala,
āro keho naṇe balavanta:
vaiṣṇava-caraṇa-renu, mastake bhūṣaṇa vind
āra nāhi bhūṣaṇera anta,
tīrthajala-pavitra-guṇe, likhiyāche purāṇe,
se saba bhaktira pravañcana:
vaiṣṇavera pādadoka, sama nahe ei saba,
yāte haya vāñjita pūraṇa.
vaiṣṇava-saṅgete mana, ānandita anukṣaṇa,
sadā haya kṛṣṇa-parasaṅga:
dīna narottama kānde, hiyā dhairya nāhi vāndhe,
mora daśā kena haila bhaṅga.
O brother, please hear my words with rapt attention:
The lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas are the most valuable treasure in the world.
Those Vaiṣṇavas continually take shelter of Lord Kṛṣṇa and worship Him.
They never abandon their Lord, but they are liberated from the cycle of repeated birth and death. The water which has washed the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas bestows devotional service in pure love of Godhead.
There is nothing as effective in attaining this divine love.
I place the dust from the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas upon my head. I wear no other ornament.
The purifying power of the waters of the various places of pilgrimage is described in the Purāṇas, although this is something of a deceptive trick. Actually there is nothing which is as purifying as the water which has washed the lotus feet of the Vaiṣṇavas. This water fulfills all desires.
Moment after moment my mind finds contant pleasure in the association of the Vaiṣṇavas. I always seek the company of those
devoted to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
The poor hearted Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura cries, "I cannot maintain my composure any longer. Why have I fallen into such a low condition of life that I cannot get the association of the Vaiṣṇavas?"
(Prārthanā Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura)
Only Vaiṣṇavas are Really Merciful to the Fallen
৩.৪০
এই বারো করুণ কোরো, বৈষ্ণব পোসৈ
পতিত পাবন তোমা বিনে কেহো নাই. জাহার নিকটে
গেলে পাপ দূরে জায্ এমোন দোযালু প্রভু কেবা কোথা পায্.
গঙ্গার পরশ হোইলে পশ্চাতে পাবন্
দর্শনে পবিত্র কোরো এই তোমার গুণ.
হরি-স্থানে অপরাধে তারেঽ হরি-নাম
তোমা-স্থানে অপরাধে নাহিক পরিত্রান.
তোমার হৃদোযে সদা গোবিন্দ-বিশ্রাম
গোবিন্দ কহেন, মোর বৈষ্ণব পরাণ.
প্রতি জন্মে কোরি আশ চরণের ধূলি
নরোত্তমে কোরো দোযা আপনার বলিঽ.
3.40
ei bāro karuṇa koro, vaiṣṇava posai
patita pāvana tomā bine keho nāi. jāhāra nikaṭe
gele pāpa dūre jāy emona doyālu prabhu kebā kothā pāy.
gaṅgāra paraśa hoile paścāte pāvan
darśane pavitra koro ei tomāra guṇa.
hari-sthāne aparādhe tāre' hari-nāma
tomā-sthāne aparādhe nāhika paritrāna.
tomāra hṛdoye sadā govinda-viśrāma
govinda kahena, mora vaiṣṇava parāṇa.
prati janme kori āśa caraṇera dhūli
narottame koro doyā āpanāra bali'.
O Vaiṣṇava Gosvāmī, please be merciful to me. No one except for you can purify the conditioned souls. Where does anyone go to find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away? After bathing in the
waters of the sacred Ganges many times one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, fallen souls are purified. This is your great power. The holy name delivers one who has committed an offence to Lord Hari, but if one commits an offense to you, there is no way of overcoming it. Your heart is always the resting place of Lord Govinda, and Lord Govinda says the Vaiṣṇavas are always in My
heart. I desire the dust of your holy feet in every birth I may take. Please consider Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura yours and be kind upon him. (Prārthanā
Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura)
The Glories of Exclusive Vaiṣṇavas
३.४१
ब्राह्मणानां सहस्रेभ्यः सत्रयाजी बिशिष्यते
सत्रयाजि-सहस्रेभ्यः सर्बबेदान्त-पारगः
सर्ब-बेदान्त-बित्-कोट्या बिष्णु-भक्तो
बिशिष्यते बैष्णबानां सहस्रेभ्यः एकान्त्येको बिशिष्यते
3.41
brāhmaṇānāṁ sahasrebhyaḥ satrayājī viśiṣyate
satrayāji-sahasrebhyaḥ sarvavedānta-pāragaḥ
sarva-vedānta-vit-koṭyā viṣṇu-bhakto
viśiṣyate vaiṣṇavānāṁ sahasrebhyaḥ ekāntyeko viśiṣyate
Out of many thousands of brāhmaṇas, one who performs sacrifice for Viṣṇu is best.
Out of thousands of such yajñika- brāhmaṇas, one who knows the meaning of Vedanta is best.
But of millions of such Vedantists, a devotee of Viṣṇu is best.
Out of thousands of such yajñika- brāhmaṇas, one who knows the meaning of Vedanta is best.
But of millions of such Vedantists, a devotee of Viṣṇu is best.
And out of thousands of Viṣṇu bhaktas, one who is an unalloyed devotee of Viṣṇu is the best.
(Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 10.117 and
Bhakti-sandarbha, 177)
३.४२
न मय्य् एकान्त-भक्तानां गुण-दोषोद्भबा गुणाः
साधूनां सम-चित्तानां बुद्धेः परम् उपेयुषाम्
3.42
na mayy ekānta-bhaktānāṁ guṇa-doṣodbhavā guṇāḥ
sādhūnāṁ sama-cittānāṁ buddheḥ param upeyuṣām
Material piety and sin, which arise from the good and evil of this world, cannot exist within My unalloyed devotees, who, being freed from material hankering,
maintain steady spiritual consciousness in all
circumstances. (Bhāg. 11.20.36)
True Vaiṣṇavas are Very Rare
३.४३
बहूनां जन्मनाम् अन्ते ज्ञानबान् मां प्रपद्यते
बासुदेबः सर्बम् इति स महात्मा सु-दुर्लभः
3.43
बहूनां जन्मनाम् अन्ते ज्ञानबान् मां प्रपद्यते
बासुदेबः सर्बम् इति स महात्मा सु-दुर्लभः
3.43
bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ
After many, many births and deaths, one who is in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me (Vāsudeva) as the cause of all that is. Such a great soul is very
After many, many births and deaths, one who is in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me (Vāsudeva) as the cause of all that is. Such a great soul is very
rare. (Bhagavad-gītā 7.19)
३.४४
मनुष्याणाम् सहस्रेषु कश्चिद् यतति सिद्धये
यतताम् अपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन् मां बेत्ति तत्त्बतः
3.44
manuṣyāṇām sahasreṣu kaścid yatati siddhaye yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaścin māṁ vetti tattvataḥ
Out of many thousands among men, one may desire perfection. Out of thousands of those who attain perfection, hardly one may know me in truth.
(Bhagavad-gītā 7.3)
३.४५
रजोभिः सम-सङ्ख्याताः
पार्थिबैर् इह जन्तबः
तेषां ये केचनेहन्ते
श्रेयो बै मनुजादयः
प्रायो मुमुक्षबस् तेषां
केचनैब द्बिजोत्तम
मुमुक्षूणां सहस्रेषु
कश्चिन् मुच्येत सिध्यति
मुक्तानाम् अपि सिद्धानां
नारायण-परायणः
सुदुर्लभः प्रशान्तात्मा
कोटिष्ब् अपि महा-मुने
3.45
rajobhiḥ sama-saṅkhyātāḥ
pārthivair iha jantavaḥ
teṣāṁ ye kecanehante
śreyo vai manujādayaḥ
prāyo mumukṣavas teṣāṁ
kecanaiva dvijottama
mumukṣūṇāṁ sahasreṣu
kaścin mucyeta sidhyati
muktānām api siddhānāṁ
nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇaḥ
sudurlabhaḥ praśāntātmā
koṭiṣv api mahā-mune
In this world, there are as many living entities as there are atoms. Among these living entities, few are human beings, and among them, few are interested in following religious principles. Among those who follow religious principles, only
a few desire liberation from the material world. Among thousands of those who wish for liberation, one may actually achieve it, giving up material attachments to society, friendship, love, country, home, wife, and children. And among many thousands of such liberated persons, one who can understand the true meaning of liberation is very rare. Out of millions of perfected and liberated souls, one
may be a devotee of Kṛṣṇa. Such devotees, who
are fully peaceful, are extremely rare. (Bhāg. 6.14.3-5)
Out of Many Liberated Souls, a Pure Devotee is
Very Rare
৩.৪৬
তার মধ্যে ঽস্থাবরঽ, ঽজঙ্গমঽ দুই ভেদ জঙ্গমে তির্যক্-জল-স্থলচর-বিভেদ.
তার মধ্যে মনুষ্য-জাতি অতি অল্পতর তার মধ্যে ম্লেচ্ছ, পুলিন্দ, বৌদ্ধ, শবর. বেদ-নিষ্ঠ-মধ্যে অর্ধেক বেদ ঽমুখেঽ মানে বেদ-নিষিদ্ধ পাপ করে, ধর্ম নাহি গণে. ধর্মাচারী-মধ্যে বহুত ঽকর্ম-নিষ্ঠঽ কোটি-কর্ম-নিষ্ঠ-মধ্যে এক ঽজ্ঞানীঽ শ্রেষ্ঠ. কোটি-জ্ঞানি-মধ্যে হয এক-জন ঽমুক্তঽ কোটি-মুক্ত-মধ্যে ঽদুর্লভঽ এক কৃষ্ণ-ভক্ত.
3.46
tāra madhye 'sthāvara', 'jaṅgama' dui bheda jaṅgame tiryak-jala-sthalacara-vibheda.
tāra madhye manuṣya-jāti ati alpatara tāra madhye mleccha, pulinda, bauddha, śabara. veda-niṣṭha-madhye ardheka veda 'mukhe' māne veda-niṣiddha pāpa kare, dharma nāhi gaṇe. dharmācārī-madhye bahuta 'karma-niṣṭha' koṭi-karma-niṣṭha-madhye eka 'jñānī' śreṣṭha. koṭi-jñāni-madhye haya eka-jana 'mukta' koṭi-mukta-madhye 'durlabha' eka kṛṣṇa-bhakta.
তার মধ্যে ঽস্থাবরঽ, ঽজঙ্গমঽ দুই ভেদ জঙ্গমে তির্যক্-জল-স্থলচর-বিভেদ.
তার মধ্যে মনুষ্য-জাতি অতি অল্পতর তার মধ্যে ম্লেচ্ছ, পুলিন্দ, বৌদ্ধ, শবর. বেদ-নিষ্ঠ-মধ্যে অর্ধেক বেদ ঽমুখেঽ মানে বেদ-নিষিদ্ধ পাপ করে, ধর্ম নাহি গণে. ধর্মাচারী-মধ্যে বহুত ঽকর্ম-নিষ্ঠঽ কোটি-কর্ম-নিষ্ঠ-মধ্যে এক ঽজ্ঞানীঽ শ্রেষ্ঠ. কোটি-জ্ঞানি-মধ্যে হয এক-জন ঽমুক্তঽ কোটি-মুক্ত-মধ্যে ঽদুর্লভঽ এক কৃষ্ণ-ভক্ত.
3.46
tāra madhye 'sthāvara', 'jaṅgama' dui bheda jaṅgame tiryak-jala-sthalacara-vibheda.
tāra madhye manuṣya-jāti ati alpatara tāra madhye mleccha, pulinda, bauddha, śabara. veda-niṣṭha-madhye ardheka veda 'mukhe' māne veda-niṣiddha pāpa kare, dharma nāhi gaṇe. dharmācārī-madhye bahuta 'karma-niṣṭha' koṭi-karma-niṣṭha-madhye eka 'jñānī' śreṣṭha. koṭi-jñāni-madhye haya eka-jana 'mukta' koṭi-mukta-madhye 'durlabha' eka kṛṣṇa-bhakta.
The unlimited living entities can be divided into two different groups those that can move and those that cannot move. Among living entities that can move are birds, aquatics, and animals.
Although the living entities known as human
beings are very small in quantity, that divisionmay be still further subdivided, for there are many uncultured human beings like mlecchas, pulindas, and other varieties of outcasts.
Among human beings, those who are followers of the Vedic principles are considered civilized. Among these, almost half simply give lip-service to the Vedic principles while committing all kinds of sinful activities. Such men do not care for the prohibitions of scripture.
Among the followers of the Vedas most are following the process of karma, distinguishing between good
Among human beings, those who are followers of the Vedic principles are considered civilized. Among these, almost half simply give lip-service to the Vedic principles while committing all kinds of sinful activities. Such men do not care for the prohibitions of scripture.
Among the followers of the Vedas most are following the process of karma, distinguishing between good
and bad work. Out of many such sincere karmīs, there may be one jñāni, who is actually wise.
Out of many millions of such wise men, one may become
Out of many millions of such wise men, one may become
liberated. And out of many of such liberated persons, a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa is very dfficult to find. (Cc. Madhya 19.144-148)
३.४७
अक्ष्नोः फलं त्बादृश-दर्शनं हि तनोः फलं त्बादृश-गात्रसङ्गः
जिह्बा फलं त्बादृश-कीर्तनं हि सुदुर्लभा भागबता हि लोके
3.47
अक्ष्नोः फलं त्बादृश-दर्शनं हि तनोः फलं त्बादृश-गात्रसङ्गः
जिह्बा फलं त्बादृश-कीर्तनं हि सुदुर्लभा भागबता हि लोके
3.47
akṣnoḥ phalaṁ tvādṛśa-darśanaṁ hi
tanoḥ phalaṁ tvādṛśa-gātrasaṅgaḥ
tanoḥ phalaṁ tvādṛśa-gātrasaṅgaḥ
jihvā phalaṁ tvādṛśa-kīrtanaṁ hi
sudurlabhā bhāgavatā hi like
O Vaiṣṇava! To see you is the perfection of the eyes. To touch your holy feet is the perfection of the body. To vibrate your holy qualities is the perfection of the tongue for it is very rare to find a pure devotee within this world. (Hari-bhaktisudhodaya 13.2)
A Vaiṣṇava is Beyond Mundane Knowledge
३.४८
तान् बै ह्य् असद्-बृत्तिभिर् अक्षिभिर् ये पराहृतान्तर्-मनसः परेश
अथो न पश्यन्त्य् उरुगाय नूनं ये ते पदन्यास-बिलास-लक्ष्याः
3.48
तान् बै ह्य् असद्-बृत्तिभिर् अक्षिभिर् ये पराहृतान्तर्-मनसः परेश
अथो न पश्यन्त्य् उरुगाय नूनं ये ते पदन्यास-बिलास-लक्ष्याः
3.48
tān vai hy asad-vṛttibhir akṣibhir ye
parāhṛtāntar-manasaḥ pareśa
parāhṛtāntar-manasaḥ pareśa
atho na paśyanty urugāya nūnaṁ ye
te padanyāsa-vilāsa-lakṣyāḥ
te padanyāsa-vilāsa-lakṣyāḥ
O great Supreme Lord, offensive persons whose internal vision has been too affected by external materialistic activities cannot see Your lotus, feet, but Your devotees can always see Your lotus feet because their only aim is to enjoy Your līlā. (Bhāg. 3.5.45)
৩.৪৯
যত দেখ বৈষ্ণবের ব্যবহার-দুহ্খ নিষ্চয জানিহ সেই পরানন্দ সুখ
বিষয-মদান্ধ সব কিচ্ছুই না জানে বিদ্যা কূল, ধন-মদে বৈষ্ণব না চিনে
3.49
যত দেখ বৈষ্ণবের ব্যবহার-দুহ্খ নিষ্চয জানিহ সেই পরানন্দ সুখ
বিষয-মদান্ধ সব কিচ্ছুই না জানে বিদ্যা কূল, ধন-মদে বৈষ্ণব না চিনে
3.49
yata dekha vaiṣṇavera vyavahāra-duhkha niṣcaya jāniha sei parānanda sukha
viṣaya-madāndha saba kicchui nā jāne vidyā kūla, dhana-made vaiṣṇava nā cine
When you see a Vaiṣṇava of the highest order who seems to be suffering from material misery, you should know for sure that he is really experiencing the highest ecstasy. Bewildered by sense enjoyment and puffed up with pride in their
knowledge, education, birth, wealth, beauty, and so on, ignorant people cannot understand the activities or position of a Vaiṣṇava.
A Vaiṣṇava, on the other hand never considers birth, education, and wealth to be important qualifications, but distributes the Lord's mercy to everyone, regardless of their
A Vaiṣṇava, on the other hand never considers birth, education, and wealth to be important qualifications, but distributes the Lord's mercy to everyone, regardless of their
social position. (Cb. Madhya 9.240-241)
A Vaiṣṇava is Para-duḥkha-duḥkhī: He is compassionate for those who suffer.
३.५०
महद्-बिचलनं नॄणां गृहिणां दिन-चेतसाम्
निःश्रेयसाय भगबान् कल्पते नान्यथा क्बचित्
3.50
महद्-बिचलनं नॄणां गृहिणां दिन-चेतसाम्
निःश्रेयसाय भगबान् कल्पते नान्यथा क्बचित्
3.50
mahad-vicalanaṁ nṝṇāṁ gṛhiṇāṁ dina-cetasām
niḥśreyasāya bhagavān kalpate nānyathā kvacit
O Nārada, great persons like you visit the homes of family men, not to profit from them but simply to bestow eternal auspiciousness upon them, even though they are often reluctant to hear anything for their spiritual benefit, being too materialistic. Otherwise you have no need to travel from one place to the next.
O Nārada, great persons like you visit the homes of family men, not to profit from them but simply to bestow eternal auspiciousness upon them, even though they are often reluctant to hear anything for their spiritual benefit, being too materialistic. Otherwise you have no need to travel from one place to the next.
(Bhāg. 10.8.4)
৩.৫১
মহান্ত-স্বভাব এই তারিতে পামর নিজ কার্য নাহি তবু যান তার ঘর
3.51
mahānta-svabhāva ei tārite pāmara nija kārya nāhi tabu yāna tāra ghara
It is the general practice of saintly persons to deliver the fallen. Therefore they visit people's houses, although they have no personal business there. (Cc.
Madhya 8.39)
३.५२
जनस्य कृष्णाद् बिमुखस्य दैबाद्
अधर्म-शिलस्य सुदुःखितस्य
अनुग्रहायेह चरन्ति नूनं
भूतानि भब्यानि जनार्दनस्य
3.52
janasya kṛṣṇād vimukhasya daivād
adharma-śilasya suduḥkhitasya
anugrahāyeha caranti nūnaṁ
bhūtāni bhavyāni janārdanasya
जनस्य कृष्णाद् बिमुखस्य दैबाद्
अधर्म-शिलस्य सुदुःखितस्य
अनुग्रहायेह चरन्ति नूनं
भूतानि भब्यानि जनार्दनस्य
3.52
janasya kṛṣṇād vimukhasya daivād
adharma-śilasya suduḥkhitasya
anugrahāyeha caranti nūnaṁ
bhūtāni bhavyāni janārdanasya
My dear Lord, great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord. (Bhāg. 3.5.3)
३.५३
भजन्ति ये यथा देबान्
देबा अपि तथैब तान्
छायेब कर्म-सचिबाः
साधबो दीन-बत्सलाः
3.53
bhajanti ye yathā devān
devā api tathaiva tān
chāyeva karma-sacivāḥ
sādhavo dīna-vatsalāḥ
The rewards the demigods give closely follow one's pious acts, just as the movements of a shadow correspond exactly to those of the body. A devotee's mercy, however, is causeless and does not depend on the accumulation of piety.
devā api tathaiva tān
chāyeva karma-sacivāḥ
sādhavo dīna-vatsalāḥ
The rewards the demigods give closely follow one's pious acts, just as the movements of a shadow correspond exactly to those of the body. A devotee's mercy, however, is causeless and does not depend on the accumulation of piety.
Saintly persons are kind and compassionate to fallen souls without considering their piety or impiety. (Bhāg. 11.2.6)
A Vaiṣṇava is Transcendental
३.५४
न कर्म-बन्धनं जन्म बैष्णबानां च बिद्यते
बिष्णुर् अनुचरत्बं हि मोक्षम् आहुर् मनीषिणः
3.54
na karma-bandhanaṁ janma vaiṣṇavānāṁ ca vidyate
viṣṇur anucaratvaṁ hi mokṣam āhur manīṣiṇaḥ
A Vaiṣṇava does not take birth under the jurisdiction of karmic law. His birth and disappearance are transcendental. The wise have declared that the servants of Viṣṇu are eternally engaged in the liberated service of the Lord and hence are free from the laws of material nature.
(Hari- Bhakti-Vilāsa, 10,113, quoted
A Vaiṣṇava does not take birth under the jurisdiction of karmic law. His birth and disappearance are transcendental. The wise have declared that the servants of Viṣṇu are eternally engaged in the liberated service of the Lord and hence are free from the laws of material nature.
(Hari- Bhakti-Vilāsa, 10,113, quoted
from Padma Purāṇa)
৩.৫৫
অত এব বৈষ্ণবের জন্ম মৃত্যু নাই সঙ্গে আইসেন্, সঙ্গে যাযেন্ তথাই
ধর্ম, কর্ম, জন্ম বৈষ্ণবের কভু নহে পদ্ম-পুরাণেতে ইহা ব্যক্ত করিঽ কহে
3.55
ata eva vaiṣṇavera janma mṛtyu nāi saṅge āisen, saṅge yāyen tathāi
dharma, karma, janma vaiṣṇavera kabhu nahe padma-purāṇete ihā vyakta kari' kale
The Padma Purāṇa says that great Vaiṣṇavas do not undergo birth and death like ordinary people do. They appear and disappear within this world of their own accord. In this way, sometimes we get their association and sometimes their association is withdrawn. The devotees are not subject to any worldly considerations of duty and karma. (Cb. Antya 8.173,174)
३.५६
बह्नि-सूर्य-ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्-तेजीयान् बैष्णबः सदा
न बिचारो न भोगश् च बैष्णबानां स्बकर्मणाम्
3.56
vahni-sūrya-brāhmaṇebhyas-tejīyān vaiṣṇavaḥ sadā
na vicāro na bhogaś ca vaiṣṇavānāṁ svakarmaṇām
The purifying power of fire, the sun, and the holy brāhmaṇas is eclipsed by the divine power of the Vaiṣṇavas. The activities of the Vaiṣṇavas are neither karmic nor performed for the sake of materialistic enjoyment. (Brahma-vaivarta
Purāṇa, Kṛṣṇa-janma-khaṇḍa, Chapter 59)
The Gopīs are Superior to the Lakṣmīs in
३.७१
यथा राधा प्रिया बिष्णोस्- तस्याः कुण्डं प्रियं तथा
सर्ब गोपीषु सैबैका बिष्णोर्-अत्यन्त-बल्लभा
3.71
৩.৭৬
গৌরাঙ্গের দুঽটি পদ, যর্ ধন সম্পদ, সে জানে ভকতি-রস-সার্
গৌরাঙ্গের মধুর-লীল, জর্ কর্নে প্রবেশিলা, হৃদয নির্মল ভেল তার্
জে গৌরাঙ্গের নাম লোয্, তার হোয্ প্রেমোদোয্, তারে মুঞি জাই বলিহারি
গৌরাঙ্গ-গুণেতে ঝুরে, নিত্য-লীলা তারে স্ফুরে, সে জন ভকতি-অধিকারী
গৌরাঙ্গ-সঙ্গি-গণে, নিত্য-সিদ্ধ কোরিঽ মানে, সে জায্ ব্রজেন্দ্র-সুত-পাশ্
শ্রি-গৌড-মণ্ডল-ভূমি, জেবা জানে চিন্তামণি
তার হোয্ ব্রজ-ভূমে বাস্
গৌর-প্রেম-রসার্ণবে, সে তরঙ্গে জেবা ডুবে, সে রাধা-মাধব-অন্তরঙ্গ
গৃহে বা বনেতে থাকে, ঽহা গৌরাঙ্গঽ বোঽলে ডাকে, নরোত্তম মাগে তার সঙ্গ
3.76
By realizing the qualities of Lord Gaurāṅga, one will be allowed entrance
[As yesterday was the celebration of the appearance day of 108 Jagat-Guru Bhakti Sundar Govinda dev Goswami, we continue with the elaboration of the qualities of great Vaishnavas in the 3rd Jewel of the Gaudiya Kanthahara).
Third Jewel Continued: Qualities of the Vaishnavas (Vaishnava-tattva)
३. ५७
बिप्राद् द्बि-षड्-गुण-युताद्
अरबिन्द- नाभपादारबिन्द-
बिमुखात् श्बपचं बरिष्ठम्
मन्ये तद्-अर्पित-मनो-बचनेहितार्थप्राणं
पुनाति स कुलं न तु भूरिमानः
3. 57
viprād dvi-ṣaḍ-guṇa-yutād aravinda- nābhapādāravinda-
vimukhāt śvapacaṁ variṣṭham
manye tad-arpita-mano-vacanehitārthaprāṇaṁ punāti sa kulaṁ na tu bhūrimānaḥ
If a brāhmaṇa has all twelve brahminical qualifications, but is not a devotee and
is averse to the lotus feet of the Lord, he is certainly lower than a dog-eater who
is a devotee, but who has dedicated everything mind, words, activities, life, and
wealth to the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa. Such a devotee is superior to a brāhmaṇa
because a devotee can purify his entire family, whereas the brāhmaṇa who is not
a devotee is bound to be illusioned by the false prestige of his position and thus
cannot purify even himself. (Bhāg. 7.9.10)
३.५८
अहो बत श्ब-पचो ऽतो गरीयान्
यज्-जिह्बाग्रे बर्तते नाम तुभ्यम् तेपुस् तपस् ते जुहुबुः सस्नुर्
आर्या ब्रह्मानूचुर् नाम गृणन्ति ये ते
3.58
aho bata śva-paco 'to garīyān
yaj-jihvāgre vartate nāma tubhyam tegus
tapas te juhuvuḥ sasnur āryā
brahmānūcur nāma gṛṇanti ye te
O Lord, how glorious are they whose tongues always chant Your holy name!
Even if born in a family of dog-eaters, such persons are worshipable. Those who
chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have performed all kinds of
austerities and sacrifices. They must have all the good qualities of the Āryans.
They must have bathed in all the holy places, studied the Vedas, and fulfilled
everything required of those who are qualified to chant the Vedas and perform
yajña. (Bhāg. 3.33.7)
३. ५९
न मे ऽभक्तश् चतुर्बेदी मद्-भक्तः श्बपचः प्रियः
तस्मै देयं ततो ग्राह्यं स च पूज्यो यथा ह्यहम्
3. 59
na me 'bhaktaś caturvedī mad-bhaktaḥ śvapacaḥ priyaḥ
tasmai deyaṁ tato grāhyaṁ sa ca pūjyo yathā hyaham
A brāhmaṇa who is expert in studying all four
Vedas is not dear to Me, but a devotee who comes from a family of outcastes
(caṇḍālas) is dear to Me. Whatever he touches becomes pure. That devotee, although born in a family of outcastes is as worshipable as I am. (Hari-bhakti- vilāsa 10.91)
৩.৬০
নীচ-জাতি নহে কৃষ্ণ-ভজনে অযোগ্য
সত্-কুল-বিপ্র নহে ভজনের যোগ্য
যেই ভজে সেই বড অভক্ত হীন
ছার কৃষ্ণ-ভজনে নাহি জাতি-কুলাদি-বিচার
3.60
nīca-jāti nahe kṛṣṇa-bhajane ayogya sat-kula-vipra nahe bhajanera yogya yei bhaje sei baḍa abhakta hīna chāra kṛṣṇa-bhajane nāhi jāti-kulādi-vicāra
Birth in a low family is no disqualification for the execution of devotional
service. And birth in a family of brāhmaṇas is no qualification. Anyone who
takes to devotional service is exalted, whereas a non devotee is always
condemned and abominable. In the discharge of devotional service to the Lord,
there is no consideration of the status of one's family. (Cc. Antya 4.66,67)
A Devotee is Dearer Than one's own Family
३.६१
माता-पिता युबतयस् तनया बिभूतिः सर्बं यदेब नियमेन मदन्बयानाम् आद्यस्य नः कलुपतेर्-बकुलाभिरामं
श्रीमत्-तद्-अङ्घ्रि युगलं प्रणमामि मूर्ध्ना
3.61
mātā-pitā yuvatayas tanayā vibhūtiḥ sarvaṁ yadeva niyamena madanvayānām ādyasya naḥ kalupater-bakulābhirāmaṁ
śrīmat-tad-aṅghri yugalaṁ praṇamāmi mūrdhnā
I reverently bow down to the blessed feet of the first ācārya of our devotional
family. His holy feet are bedecked with offering of bakula flowers. He is
eternally united to us and all members of our family with a bond of love dearer
than father, mother, sons, wealth, or anything else in life. (Stotra-Ratnam 7??)
The Twelve Mahājanas
३.६२
स्बयम्भूर् नारदः शम्भुः कुमारः कपिलो मनुः
प्रह्लादो जनको भीष्मो बलिर् बैयासकिर् बगम्
3.62
svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ kumāraḥ kapilo manuḥ
prahlādo janako bhīṣmo balir vaiyāsakir vagam
Brahmā, Nārada, Śiva, the four Kumāras, Kapiladeva, Svayambhuva Mānu,
Prahlāda, Janaka Mahārāja, Grandfather Bhīṣma, Bali Mahārāja, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, and I (Yamarāja) know the real transcendental principles of religion. (Bhāg. 6.3.20)
Important Devotees
मार्केण्डेयो ऽम्बरीषश् च
बसुर् ब्यासो बिभीषणः
पुण्डरीको बलिः शम्भुः
प्रह्लादो बिदुरो ध्रुबः
दाल्भ्यः पराशरो भीष्मो
नारदाद्याश् च बैष्णबैः
सेब्या हरिं निषेब्यामी
नो चेदागः परं बेहबे
3.63
mārkeṇḍeyo 'mbarīṣaś ca
vasur vyāso vibhīṣaṇaḥ
puṇḍarīko baliḥ śambhuḥ
prahlādo viduro dhruvaḥ
dālbhyaḥ parāśaro bhīṣmo
nāradādyāś ca vaiṣṇavaiḥ
sevyā hariṁ niṣevyāmī
no cedāgaḥ paraṁ behave
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣī, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, Vasudeva, Śrīla Vyāsadeva,
Vibhīṣaṇa, Puṇḍarīka, Bali Mahārāja, Śiva, Prahlāda Mahārāja, Vidura,
Dhruva Mahārāja, Dālbhya, Parāśara, Bhīṣma, Nārada, and the great sages
and devotees who follow in their footsteps are all great persons. One should
worship and serve them in addition to worshiping and serving Lord Hari. One
who neglects to worship the Lord's devotees commits a great offense. (Laghu Bhāgavatāmṛta, Uttara-khaṇḍa, 2)
Prahlāda is the Best of the Devotees
३.६४
क्बाहं रजः-प्रभब ईश तमो ऽधिके ऽस्मिन् जातः सुरेतर-कुले क्ब तबानुकम्पा
न ब्रह्मणो न तु भबस्य न बै रमाया यन् मे ऽर्पितः शिरसि पद्म-करः प्रसादः
3.64
kvāhaṁ rajaḥ-prabhava īśa tamo 'dhike 'smin jātaḥ suretara-kule kva tavānukampā
na brahmaṇo na tu bhavasya na vai ramāyā yan me 'rpitaḥ śirasi padma-karaḥ prasādaḥ
O my Lord, because I was born in a family full of the hellish material qualities
of passion and ignorance, what is my position? And what is to be said of Your
causeless mercy, which You never offered even to
Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva, of the goddess of fortune, Lakṣmī? You never put our lotus hands upon their heads, but You have done on mine. (Bhāg.
7.9.26)
Better than Prahlāda are the Pāṇḍavas
३.६५
न तु प्रह्लादस्य गृहे परं ब्रह्म बसति, न च तद् दर्शनार्थं मुनयस् तद् गृहान् अभियन्ति,
न च तस्य ब्रह्म मातुलेयादि रूपेण बर्त्तते, न च स्बयम् एब प्रसन्नम्,
अतो युयम् एब ततो ऽप्यस्मत्तो ऽपि भूरि-भागा इति भाबः
3.65
na tu prahlādasya gṛhe paraṁ brahma
vasati, na ca tad darśanārthaṁ munayas
tad gṛhān abhiyanti, na ca tasya brahma
mātuleyādi rūpeṇa varttate,
na ca svayam eva prasannam,
ato yuyam eva tato 'pyasmatto 'pi
bhūri-bhāgā iti bhāvaḥ
While the Supreme Personality of Godhead did not remain in Prahlāda's
home, He personally stayed in the home of the Pāṇḍavas. Great sages did not
travel to Prahlāda's home to see the Supreme Lord, but for this purpose they did
visit the home of the Pāṇḍavas. The Supreme Lord did not become the intimate
relative of Prahlāda Mahārāja, but He was the maternal cousin of the Pāṇḍavas. He
also did not personally express great pleasure at the daily activities of Prahlāda
as He did with the Pāṇḍavas.
For all these reasons, Nārada Muni has said that
the Pāṇḍavas were more fortunate than either himself or Prahlāda.
(Laghu-Bhāgavatāmṛta, Uttara-khaṇḍa 19)
The Yādavas are Superior to the Pāṇḍavas
३.६६
सदाति सन्-निकृष्टत्बात् ममताधिक्यतो हरेः पाण्डबेभ्यो ऽपि यादबः केचित् श्रेष्ठतमा मताः
3.66
sadāti san-nikṛṣṭatvāt mamatādhikyato hareḥ pāṇḍavebhyo 'pi yādavaḥ kecit śreṣṭhatamā matāḥ
Because of their constant intimate association with Lord Kṛṣṇa and close family
ties with Him, some members of the Yadu dynasty are more exalted than the
Pāṇḍavas. (Laghu-Bhāgavatāmṛta, Uttara- khaṇḍa 18)
Uddhava is Superior to the Yādavas
३.६७
न तथा मे प्रियतम आत्म-योनिर् न शङ्करः न च सङ्कर्षणो न श्रीर् नैबात्मा च यथा भबान्
3.67
na tathā me priyatama
ātma-yonir na śaṅkaraḥ
na ca saṅkarṣaṇo na śrīr
naivātmā ca yathā bhavān
O Uddhava, Brahmā, Śiva, Saṅkarśaṇa, Lakṣmīdevī, and even My own self is
not as dear to Me as you are. (Bhāg. 11.14.15)
३.६८
नोद्धबो ऽण्ब् अपि मन्-न्यूनो यद् गुणैर् नार्दितः प्रभुः
अतो मद्-बयुनं लोकं ग्राहयन्न् इह तिष्ठतु
3.68
noddhavo 'ṇv api man-nyūno yad guṇair nārditaḥ prabhuḥ
ato mad-vayunaṁ lokaṁ grāhayann iha tiṣṭhatu
Uddhava is not inferior to Me in any way. He is never affected by the modes of
material nature. As such he may remain in this world to disseminate specific
knowledge about the Personality of Godhead. (Bhāg. 3.4.31)
The Gopīs are Superior to Uddhava
३.६९
आसाम् अहो चरण-रेणु-जुषाम् अहं स्यां
बृन्दाबने किम् अपि गुल्म-लतौषधीनाम्
3.69
आसाम् अहो चरण-रेणु-जुषाम् अहं स्यां
बृन्दाबने किम् अपि गुल्म-लतौषधीनाम्
3.69
āsām aho caraṇa-reṇu-juṣām ahaṁ syāṁ
vṛndāvane kim api gulma-latauṣadhīnām
yā dustyajaṁ sva-janam ārya-pathaṁ
ca hitvā bhejur mukunda-padavīṁ śrutibhir vimṛgyām
ca hitvā bhejur mukunda-padavīṁ śrutibhir vimṛgyām
O when will that day be mine, when I can take the dust of the lotus feet of those
great souls known as the gopīs on my head? When will the day come when I
shall take birth as a creeper in Vṛndāvana, so that
I can take the dust of the lotus feet of the gopīs on my head? Those great souls gave up society, friendship, love, their very relatives even the Vedic principles to surrender to
Kṛṣṇa, who is known as Mukunda. Such devotion as exhibited by these exalted
inhabitants of Vṛndāvana is only hinted at in the Vedas. (Bhāg. 10.47.61)
The Gopīs are Superior to the Lakṣmīs in
Vaikuṇṭha
३.७०
न तथा मे प्रियतमो ब्रह्मा रुद्रश् च पार्थिब
न च लक्ष्मीर् न चात्मा च यथा गोपीजनो मम
3.70
न तथा मे प्रियतमो ब्रह्मा रुद्रश् च पार्थिब
न च लक्ष्मीर् न चात्मा च यथा गोपीजनो मम
3.70
na tathā me priyatamo brahmā rudraś ca pārthiva
na ca lakṣmīr na cātmā ca yathā gopījano mama
Not even Brahmā, Śiva, Lakṣmīdevī, or even My own self is as dear to Me as
Not even Brahmā, Śiva, Lakṣmīdevī, or even My own self is as dear to Me as
are the gopīs of Vṛndāvana. (Adi-Purāṇa) Rādhārāṇi is the Best of all Devotees
३.७१
यथा राधा प्रिया बिष्णोस्- तस्याः कुण्डं प्रियं तथा
सर्ब गोपीषु सैबैका बिष्णोर्-अत्यन्त-बल्लभा
3.71
yathā rādhā priyā viṣṇos- tasyāḥ kuṇḍaṁ priyaṁ tathā
sarva gopīṣu saivaikā viṣṇor-atyanta-vallabhā
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is dear to Kṛṣṇa, and her kuṇḍa, known as Rādhā-kuṇḍa is
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is dear to Kṛṣṇa, and her kuṇḍa, known as Rādhā-kuṇḍa is
similarly dear to Him. It is the favorite place of
Kṛṣṇa. Of all the gopīs, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is the most dear to Kṛṣṇa. (Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta, 45)
३.७२
कर्मिभ्यः परितो हरेः प्रियतया ब्यक्तिं ययुर् ज्ञानिनस्तेभ्यो
ज्ञान-बिमुक्त-भक्ति-परमाः प्रेमैक- निष्ठास्-ततः
तेभ्यस्-ताः पशु-पाल-पओकज-दृशस् ताभ्यापि सा राधिका
प्रेष्ठा तद्-बदियं तदीय-सरसी तां नाश्रयेत्
कः कृती
3.72
कर्मिभ्यः परितो हरेः प्रियतया ब्यक्तिं ययुर् ज्ञानिनस्तेभ्यो
ज्ञान-बिमुक्त-भक्ति-परमाः प्रेमैक- निष्ठास्-ततः
तेभ्यस्-ताः पशु-पाल-पओकज-दृशस् ताभ्यापि सा राधिका
प्रेष्ठा तद्-बदियं तदीय-सरसी तां नाश्रयेत्
कः कृती
3.72
karmibhyaḥ parito hareḥ priyatayā
vyaktiṁ yayur jñāninastebhyo
vyaktiṁ yayur jñāninastebhyo
jñāna-vimukta-bhakti-paramāḥ
premaika- niṣṭhās-tataḥ
premaika- niṣṭhās-tataḥ
tebhyas-tāḥ paśu-pāla-paokaja-dṛśas
tābhyāpi sā rādhikā
tābhyāpi sā rādhikā
preṣṭhā tad-vadiyaṁ
tadīya-sarasī tāṁ nāśrayet kaḥ kṛtī
tadīya-sarasī tāṁ nāśrayet kaḥ kṛtī
In the scriptures it is said that of all types of fruitive workers, one who is
advanced in knowledge of the higher values of life is favored by the Supreme
Lord Hari. Out of many such people who are advanced in knowledge, jñānīs
may take to devotional service. He is superior to the others. However, one who
has actually attained prema, pure love of Kṛṣṇa, is superior to him. The gopīs
are exalted above all the advanced devotees because they are totally dependent
on Kṛṣṇa, the transcendental cowherd boy. Among the gopīs, Śrīmatī
Rādhārāṇī is the most dear to Kṛṣṇa. Her kuṇḍa, or lake, is as profoundly dear
to Kṛṣṇa as is this most beloved of the gopīs. Who then, will not reside at Rādhākuṇḍa,
and, in a spiritual body surcharged with ecstatic devotional feelings,
(aprākṛta-bhāva) render loving service to the divine couple, Śrī Śrī Rādhā-
Govinda, who perform their aṣṭa-kāliya-līlā. Indeed, those who execute
devotional service on the banks of the Rādhā- kuṇḍa are the most fortunate souls
in the universe.
(Upadeśāmta 10, Rūpa Gosvāmī)
The Glories of Gaurāṅga's Devotees
३.७३
आचर्य धर्मं परिचर्य बिष्णुं बिचर्य तीर्थानि बिचार्य बेदान्
बिना न गौर-प्रिय-पादसेबां बेदादि-दुष्प्राप्य-पदं बिदन्ति
3.73
आचर्य धर्मं परिचर्य बिष्णुं बिचर्य तीर्थानि बिचार्य बेदान्
बिना न गौर-प्रिय-पादसेबां बेदादि-दुष्प्राप्य-पदं बिदन्ति
3.73
ācarya dharmaṁ paricarya viṣṇuṁ vicarya tīrthāni vicārya vedān
vinā na gaura-priya-pādasevāṁ vedādi-duṣprāpya-padaṁ vidanti
Those who perform the duties of varṇāśrama- dharma, worship Lord Viṣṇu, and
visit many holy places, yet neglect the service of the lotus feet of the great
devotees, who are dear to Lord Caitanya, are never able to understand the
pastimes of Rādhā-Govinda in Their confidential abode of Vṛndāvana. (C.
Candrāmṛta 22)
३.७४
कैबलयं नरकायते त्रिदशपूर्-आकाश-
पुष्पायते दुर्दान्तेन्द्रिय-काल-सर्प-पटली प्रोत्खात- दंष्ट्रायते
बिश्बं पूर्ण-सुखायते बिधि महेन्द्रादिश् च कीटायते
यत्-कारुन्य-कटाक्ष-बैभबतां तं गौरम्- एब स्तमः
3.74
कैबलयं नरकायते त्रिदशपूर्-आकाश-
पुष्पायते दुर्दान्तेन्द्रिय-काल-सर्प-पटली प्रोत्खात- दंष्ट्रायते
बिश्बं पूर्ण-सुखायते बिधि महेन्द्रादिश् च कीटायते
यत्-कारुन्य-कटाक्ष-बैभबतां तं गौरम्- एब स्तमः
3.74
kaivalayaṁ narakāyate tridaśapūr-ākāśa-
puṣpāyate durdāntendriya-kāla-sarpa-paṭalī protkhāta- daṁṣṭrāyate
viśvaṁ pūrṇa-sukhāyate vidhi mahendrādiś ca kīṭāyate
yat-kārunya-kaṭākṣa-vaibhavatāṁ taṁ gauram- eva stamaḥ
For devotees of Caitanya Mahāprabhu who have attained His glance of mercy,
impersonal liberation is hellish, the heavenly plan- ets are a phantasmagoria, the
poisonous fangs of the snake-like senses are broken and harmless, the universe
is filled with ecstasy, and Brahmā, Indra and all the gods seem like insignificant
insects. May that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu be glorified.
(C. Candrāmṛta 5)
(C. Candrāmṛta 5)
३.७५
यथा यथा गौर-पदारबिन्दे बिन्देत भक्तिं कृत-पुण्य-राशिः
तथा तथोत्-सर्पति हृद्य-कस्माद् राधा- पदाम्भोज-सुधाम्बु-राशिः
3.75
यथा यथा गौर-पदारबिन्दे बिन्देत भक्तिं कृत-पुण्य-राशिः
तथा तथोत्-सर्पति हृद्य-कस्माद् राधा- पदाम्भोज-सुधाम्बु-राशिः
3.75
yathā yathā gaura-padāravinde vindeta bhaktiṁ kṛta-puṇya-rāśiḥ
tathā tathot-sarpati hṛdya-kasmād rādhā- padāmbhoja-sudhāmbu-rāśiḥ
One who is extremely fortunate may get the mercy of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. As
much as one can devote his full attention to the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya, to
that extent he will be able to taste the nectarean service of the lotus feet of
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī in Vṛndāvana. The more one engages in the service of Śrī
Caitanya, the more one finds oneself in Vṛndāvana, tasting the nectar of the service of Śrī Rādhā.
(C. Candrāmṛta 88)
(C. Candrāmṛta 88)
৩.৭৬
গৌরাঙ্গের দুঽটি পদ, যর্ ধন সম্পদ, সে জানে ভকতি-রস-সার্
গৌরাঙ্গের মধুর-লীল, জর্ কর্নে প্রবেশিলা, হৃদয নির্মল ভেল তার্
জে গৌরাঙ্গের নাম লোয্, তার হোয্ প্রেমোদোয্, তারে মুঞি জাই বলিহারি
গৌরাঙ্গ-গুণেতে ঝুরে, নিত্য-লীলা তারে স্ফুরে, সে জন ভকতি-অধিকারী
গৌরাঙ্গ-সঙ্গি-গণে, নিত্য-সিদ্ধ কোরিঽ মানে, সে জায্ ব্রজেন্দ্র-সুত-পাশ্
শ্রি-গৌড-মণ্ডল-ভূমি, জেবা জানে চিন্তামণি
তার হোয্ ব্রজ-ভূমে বাস্
গৌর-প্রেম-রসার্ণবে, সে তরঙ্গে জেবা ডুবে, সে রাধা-মাধব-অন্তরঙ্গ
গৃহে বা বনেতে থাকে, ঽহা গৌরাঙ্গঽ বোঽলে ডাকে, নরোত্তম মাগে তার সঙ্গ
3.76
gaurāṅgera du'ṭi pada, yar dhana sampada, se jāne bhakati-rasa-sār
gaurāṅgera madhura-līla, jar karne praveśilā, hṛdaya nirmala bhela tār
je gaurāṅgera nāma loy, tāra hoy premodoy, tāre muñi jāi balihāri
gaurāṅga-guṇete jhure, nitya-līlā tāre sphure, se jana bhakati-adhikārī
gaurāṅga-saṅgi-gaṇe, nitya-siddha kori' māne, se jāy brajendra-suta-pāś
śri-gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi, jebā jāne cintāmaṇi tāra hoy braja-bhūme bās
gaura-prema-rasārṇave, se taraṅge jebā ḍube, se rādhā-mādhava-antaraṅga
gṛhe vā vanete thāke, 'hā gaurāṅga' bo'le ḍāke, narottama māge tāra saṅga
Only one who has accepted the lotus feet of Śrī Gaurāṅga can understand the true essence of devotional service. If one wants to take part in the mādhurya-līlā
of Śrī Kṛṣṇa as it was distributed by Śrī Gaurāṅga, he must first cleanse his
heart by hearing about the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
If one takes the name of Gaurāṅga, prema will arise within his heart. At that time he will say jai! Hari bol! "This is superexcellent!" If one appreciates the merciful pastimes of
If one takes the name of Gaurāṅga, prema will arise within his heart. At that time he will say jai! Hari bol! "This is superexcellent!" If one appreciates the merciful pastimes of
Śrī Gaurāṅga and feels ecstasy and sometimes cries, this process will soon help
him to understand the nitya-līlā of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
By realizing the qualities of Lord Gaurāṅga, one will be allowed entrance
into the nitya-līlā.
One should understand that the eternal associates of Lord Gaurāṅga are all
eternally perfect souls. Simply by accepting this, one can immediately be
promoted to the transcendental abode of Kṛṣṇa. Living in Vṛndāvana and living
in Navadvīpa are the same. And one who understands that the land of
Navadvīpa is nondiffer-ent from Vṛndāvana actually lives in Kṛṣṇa's abode of Vṛndāvana.
Gaura-prema, transcendental love of Lord Gaurāṅga is an ocean of nectarean
rasa. As the ocean is always dancing with waves, the ocean of transcendental
love of Kṛṣṇa as introduced by Lord Caitanya has constant waves. One has to
dive deep into that ocean.
If one says, "Let me dive deep into that nectarean
If one says, "Let me dive deep into that nectarean
ocean", he soon becomes a confidential devotee of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura says, "I pray for the
association of whoever calls out the name of Śrī Gaurāṅga, whether he is living in the forest as a member of the renounced order of life, or whether he is a family man.
(Prārthanā Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura)
(Prārthanā Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura)
The Unfortunate Position of Nondevotees
३.७७
भगबद्-भक्ति-हीनस्य जातिह् शास्त्रं जपस्- तपः
अप्राणस्यैब देहस्य म मण्डनं लोक- रञ्जनम्
शुचिः सद्-भक्ति-दीप्ताग्निदग्ध- दुर्जाति-कल्मषः
श्बपाकोऽपि बुधैः श्लाघ्यो न बेद-ज्ञोऽपि नास्तिकः
3.77
भगबद्-भक्ति-हीनस्य जातिह् शास्त्रं जपस्- तपः
अप्राणस्यैब देहस्य म मण्डनं लोक- रञ्जनम्
शुचिः सद्-भक्ति-दीप्ताग्निदग्ध- दुर्जाति-कल्मषः
श्बपाकोऽपि बुधैः श्लाघ्यो न बेद-ज्ञोऽपि नास्तिकः
3.77
bhagavad-bhakti-hīnasya jātih śāstraṁ japas- tapaḥ
aprāṇasyaiva dehasya ma maṇḍanaṁ loka- rañjanam
śuciḥ sad-bhakti-dīptāgnidagdha- durjāti-kalmaṣaḥ
śvapāko'pi budhaiḥ ślāghyo na veda-jño'pi nāstikaḥ
For one who is devoid of transcendental devotion to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, his knowledge
of scripture, his japa and chanting of mantras, as well as all his austerities are
simply decorations on a dead body. For one who takes to pure devotional
service, all the reactions of his past sinful life are burned to ashes. In this
regard, the outcaste is equal to the highly learned, who also takes to this path;
but those who refuse to surrender, the atheists and agnostics, will remain
ignorant of the real conclusions of the Vedas, and get no credit for all their
study.
(Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya 3.11.12)
Pure Devotion to Gaurāṅga is Best of all
३.७८
क्रियासक्तान् दिग् दिग् बिकटतपसो धिक् च यामेना धिगस्तु ब्रह्माहं बदन-परिफुल्लान् जडमतीन्
किमेतान् शोचामो बिषय-रस-मत्तान्-नरपशून् न केषाञ्चिल्-लेशोऽप्य् अहह मिलितो गौर- मधुनः
3.78
क्रियासक्तान् दिग् दिग् बिकटतपसो धिक् च यामेना धिगस्तु ब्रह्माहं बदन-परिफुल्लान् जडमतीन्
किमेतान् शोचामो बिषय-रस-मत्तान्-नरपशून् न केषाञ्चिल्-लेशोऽप्य् अहह मिलितो गौर- मधुनः
3.78
kriyāsaktān dig dig vikaṭatapaso dhik ca yāmenā
dhigastu brahmāhaṁ vadana-pariphullān jaḍamatīn
dhigastu brahmāhaṁ vadana-pariphullān jaḍamatīn
kimetān śocāmo viṣaya-rasa-mattān-narapaśūn
na keṣāñcil-leśo'py ahaha milito gaura- madhunaḥ
na keṣāñcil-leśo'py ahaha milito gaura- madhunaḥ
Woe to the smārta brāhmaṇas, who blindly follow the Vedic rituals! To hell with
those who unnecessarily practice harsh penance's. Woe to those who try to
control the mind and senses by following the eightfold yoga system. Woe to
those who artificially practice brahmacaryi and imagine that they have become
liberated simply by saying ahaṁ bramāsmi, "I am God".
Woe to those whose voices are filled with the flowery words of dry speculation. They are intoxicated by the taste of mundane pleasure.
Woe to those whose voices are filled with the flowery words of dry speculation. They are intoxicated by the taste of mundane pleasure.
Why should we lament for these animals in the guise of men? We lament
because, alas they have not tasted even a tiny drop of the nectar from the lotus
feet of Lord Gaurāṅga.
(C. Candrāmṛta 32)
Without Devotion to Gaurāṅga,One's Knowledge of Scripture is Foolish Nonsense
३.७९
अचैतन्यम्-इदं बिश्बं यदि चैतन्यम्- ईश्बरम्
न बिदुः सर्ब-शास्त्र-ज्ञा ह्य् अपि भ्राम्यन्ति ते जनाः
3.79
अचैतन्यम्-इदं बिश्बं यदि चैतन्यम्- ईश्बरम्
न बिदुः सर्ब-शास्त्र-ज्ञा ह्य् अपि भ्राम्यन्ति ते जनाः
3.79
acaitanyam-idaṁ viśvaṁ yadi caitanyam- īśvaram
na viduḥ sarva-śāstra-jñā hy api bhrāmyanti te janāḥ
Great scholars of the scriptures who do not accept
Lord Gaurāṅga, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are forced to
wander aimlessly throughout this universe of dead matter. Their so-called knowledge of the scriptures will be useless to them. Birth after birth, they will wander from one planet to the next propelled by their pious and impious acts. (C. Candrāmṛta 37)
Without the Mercy of Gaurāṅga's Devotee
Everything is Impossible
३.८०
आबद्-ब्रह्म-कथा बिमुक्ति-पदबी ताबन् न तिक्ती-भबेत्
ताबच्-चापि बिशृओखलत्बमयते नो लोक-बेद- स्थितिः
ताबच्-छास्त्र-बिदां मिथः कलकलो नाना-बहिर्- बर्त्मस्तु
श्री-चैतन्य-पदाम्बुज-प्रियजनो याबन् न दृग् गोचरः
3.80
आबद्-ब्रह्म-कथा बिमुक्ति-पदबी ताबन् न तिक्ती-भबेत्
ताबच्-चापि बिशृओखलत्बमयते नो लोक-बेद- स्थितिः
ताबच्-छास्त्र-बिदां मिथः कलकलो नाना-बहिर्- बर्त्मस्तु
श्री-चैतन्य-पदाम्बुज-प्रियजनो याबन् न दृग् गोचरः
3.80
āvad-brahma-kathā vimukti-padavī tāvan na tiktī-bhavet
tāvac-cāpi viśṛokhalatvamayate no loka-veda- sthitiḥ
tāvac-chāstra-vidāṁ mithaḥ kalakalo nānā-bahir- vartmastu
śrī-caitanya-padāmbuja-priyajano yāvan na dṛg gocaraḥ
As long as one has not seen a pure devotee of Śrī, Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu, he
will be engaged in tasting bitter talks about the impersonal path of liberation.
As long as one has not seen a devotee of Lord Gaurāṅga, he will be bound by social and Vedic convention, blindly following formalities and traditions without understanding their purpose.
As long as one never sees one of the beelike devotees addicted to drinking the
nectar from the lotus feet of Śrī Gaurāṅga, he will be forced to walk in endless
circles on the labyrinthine paths of dry Vedic scholarship, wasting valuable time
in useless discussions on futile religious practices. (C. Candrāmṛta 19)
Thus ends the Third Jewel of the Gauḍīya Kaṇṭhahāra entitled Vaiṣṇava-tattva.
