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Jnana-misra-bhakti: devotion (bhakti) mixed with knowledge (jnana).
13. 1
brahma-bhutam prasannatma na socati na kanksati
samam sarvesu bhutesu mad-bhaktim labhate param
[Krsna said] One who is situated in Brahman is spiritually
joyful. He never laments, nor does he hanker for anything. He
is equally disposed toward every living soul. In that state
he attains pure devotional service unto Me. (Bhagavad-gita
18.58)
Karma-misra-bhakti: devotion (bhakti) mixed with fruitive action (karma).
13. 2
yat karosi yad-asnasi yaj-juhosi dadasi yat
yat-tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurusva mad-arpanam
[The Lord said] O son of Kunti, whatever you do, whatever you
eat, whatever you offer or give away, as well as whatever
austerities you perform should be done as an offering unto
Me.(Bhagavad-gita 9.27)
13. 3
varnasramacaravata purusena param puman
visnurnaradhyate pantha nanyat tat-tosa-karanam
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Visnu, is worshiped
by the proper execution of prescribed duties in the system of
varna and asrama. There is no other way to satisfy the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Visnu. One must be situated
in the institution of the four varnas and asramas.
(Visnu-Purana 3.8.9)
13. 4
yajnarthat karmanno'nyatra loko'yam karma-bandhanam
tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangam samacara
Work (karma) done as a sacrifice for Visnu (yajna) has to be
performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material
world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed
duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always
remain free from bondage. (Bhagavad-gita 3.9)
The definition of bhakti.
13. 5
sa paranuraktirisvare
Devotion to the Supreme Lord is called bhakti.
(Sandilya-bhakti-sutra)
13. 6
anyabhilasta-sunyam jnana-karmady-anavrtam
anukulyena krsnanu-silanam bhaktir-uttama
[Rupa Goswmi's definition of bhakti as pure devotional
service is as follows.] Pure devotional service
suddha-bhakti, is free from all impurities, beginning with
karma and jnana. In other words, it is devoid of all attempts
to attain fulfillment through power and knowledge.
Suddha-bhakti is the favorable cultivation of service to
Krsna. In other words, in suddha-bhakti,pure devotional
service, a devotee constantly serves Krsna as the Lord
desires. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga 1.9)
13. 7
sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam
hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhaktirucyate
Bhakti, devotional service to Krsna, means engaging all our
senses in the service of the Lord, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul
renders service unto the Supreme, there are two side effects.
One is freed from all material designations, and simply by
being employed in the service of the Lord, one's senses are
purified. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga 1.10)
The Srutis glorify bhakti
13. 8
bhaktirevainam nayati bhaktirevainam darsyati bhaktivasam
puruso bhaktireva bhuyasi
Bhakti brings the jiva soul closer to the Lord, and enables
the soul to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The word
bhakti can be used only in connection with the Supreme
Person, Bhagavan. Bhakti is best of all. (Madhvacarya's
commentary on Vedanta-Sutra 3.3.53 )
13. 9
om amrtarupa ca
Bhakti has a nectarine form. (Narada-sutra 1.3)
13. 10
om yal labdha puman siddho bhavatyamrti-bhavati trpto
bhavati
On attaining this divine love, man attains perfection and
immortality and becomes thoroughly satisfied. (Narada-sutra
1.4)
13. 11
om yat prapya na ki-cit va-chati na socati na dvesthi na
ramate notsahi bhavati
Upon attaining this divine love (bhakti) one neither hankers
nor laments. He becomes free both from attachment and
detachment, and takes no pleasure in material things.
(Narada-sutra 1.5)
Two kinds of sadhana-bhakti: "vaidhi-bhakti" (devotion
regulated by scripture)
and "raganuga bhakti" (spontaneous devotion).
1) Vaidhi-bhakti.
13. 12
sastroktaya prabalaya tat-tan-maryadayanvita
vaidhi bhaktiriyam kaiscin-maryadamarga ucyate
Devotional service which is governed by the rules and
regulations of the scriptures (vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti) is also
called maryada-marga, or the reverential path of devotion,the
path of serving the Lord in opulence, by different scholars
[such as Vallabhacarya]. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu
Purva-vibhaga 2.269)
2) Ragatmika-bhakti.
13. 13
isthe svarasiki ragam paramavisthata tavet
tan-mayi yabaved-bhaktim satra ragatmikodita
Raga is complete absorbtion in the Deity of one's choice;
that absorbing devotion is here described as
ragatmika-bhakti. In other words, spontaneous attraction for
Krsna while being completely absorbed in thoughts of Him with
an intense desire of love. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu
Purva-vibhaga 2.272)
An example of vaidhi-bhakti.
13. 14
surarse vihita sastre harimuddisa ya kriya
saiva bhaktiriti prokta taya bhaktim para bhaved
O sage amonst the demigods - Narada! Those activities
prescribed in the revealed scriptures for satsifying the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Hari, are called the
regulative principles of bhakti (sadhana-bhakti), by which
parcticing which one may attain the highest bhakti.
(prema-bhakti). (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga 2.13)
An example of Ragatmika-bhakti
13. 15
loka-dharma, veda-dharma, deha-dharma-karma
lajja, dhairya, dehasukha, atmasukha-marma
dustyajya aryapatha, nijaparijana
svajane karaye yata tadana-bhartsana
sarva-tyaga kari' kare krsnera bhajana
krsna-sukha-hetu kare prema-sevana
ihake kahiye krsne drdha anuraga
svaccha dhautavastre yaicche nahi kona daga
ataeva kama-preme bahuta antara
kama-andhatamam, prema - nirmala bhaskara
ataeva gopiganera nahi kamagandha
krsna-sukha lagi' matra, krsnae sambandha
atma-sukha-dumkhe gopira nahika vicara
krsna-sukha-hetu kare saba vyavahara
krsna lagi' ara saba kari' parityaga
krsna-sukha-hetu kare suddha anuraga
Social customs, scriptural injunctions, bodily demands,
fruitive action, shyness, patience, bodily pleasures,
self-gratification and the path of varnasrama-dharma, which
is difficult to give up - the gopis have forsaken all these,
as well as their own relatives and their punishment and
scolding, for the sake of serving Lord Krsna. They render
loving service to Him for the sake of His enjoyment. That is
called firm attachment to Lord Krsna. It is spotlessly pure,
like a clean cloth that has no stain. Therefore lust and love
are quite different. Lust is like dense darkness, but love is
like the bright sun. Thus there is not the slightest taint of
lust in the gopis' love. Their relationship with Krsna is
only for the sake of His enjoyment. The opis do not care for
their own pleasures or pains. All their physical and mental
activities are directed toward offering enjoyment to Lord
Krsna. They renounced everything for Krsna. They have pure
attachment (anuraga) to giving Krsna pleasure.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta-Adi 4.167-172, 174-175)
The ninefold system of bhakti
13. 16
sravanam kirtanam visnom smaranam padasevanam
arcanam vandanam dasyam sakhyam atma-nivedanam
[Prahlada Maharaja said] Hearing and chanting about the
transcendental holy name, fame, form, qualities,
paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Visnu, remembering them,
serving the lotus feet of the Lord, worshiping Him, serving
Him personally, becoming His friend, and surrendering
everything [are the nine processes of devotional service.]
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23)
13. 17
iti pumsarpita visnau bhaktis cen nava-laksana
kriyeta bhagavatyaddha tan manye'dhitam uttamam
These nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service.
One who has dedicated his life to the service of Krsna
through these nine methods should be considered to be the
most learned person, for he has acquired full knowledge.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.24)
13. 18
sri visnom sravane pariksidabhavad-vaiyasakim kirtane
prahladam smarane tad anghribhajane laksmi prthum
pujane
akruras-tvabhivandane kapi-patir-dasye'tha
sathye'rjunam
sarvasvatma-nivedane balirabhut krsnaptiresam param
The following devotees attained Sri Krsna and thus realized
the ultimate goal of life by following one of the nine
methods of devotional service: Maharaja Pariksita realized
Sri Krsna through hearing about his glories (sravanam),
Sukadeva Goswami realized Krsna through speaking
Srimad-Bhagavatam (kirtanam). Prahlada realized Him through
devotional remembrance (smaranam). Laksmidevi attained His
mercy by serving his lotus feet (pada-sevanam). Maharaja
Prthu attained Him through worship (pujanam). Akrura attained
Him through prayer. Hanuman attained Him through personal
service. Arjuna attained Him through friendship. Bali
Maharaja attained Him through complete surrender of body,
mind, and words. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga 2.129)
Among all nine processes of bhakti, sravana,(hearing the Lord's glories) kirtana, (chanting the Lord's glories) and smarana (remembering the Lord's glories) are best.
13. 19
tasmat sarvatmana rajan harim sarvatra sarvada
srotavyam kirtitavyas ca smartavya bhagavan nrnam
O King, it is therefore essential that every human being hear
about (sravana), glorify (kirtana) and remember (smarana)the
Supreme Lord, the Personality of Godhead always and
everywhere. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.2.36)
Sravana - Hearing.
13. 20
tava kathamrtam tapta-jivanam kavibhiriditam
kalmasapaham
sravana-mangalam srimadnatatam bhuvi grnanti te bhurida
janam
O Krsna, just hearing the nectar of your words and the
narrations of your pastimes gives life to us, who are always
suffering in this material world. This nectar is broadcast
all over the world by great souls, and it removes all sinful
reactions. It is all-auspicious and filled with spiritual
power. Those who spread this meassage of Godhead are
certainly doing the greatest relief work for human society
and are the most magnanimous welfare workers.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.31.9)
13. 21
nivrtta-tarsair-upagiyamanad-bhavausadac-chrotra-mano'bhiramat
ka uttamam sloka-gunanuvada puman virajyeta vina
pasughnat
Glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is
performed in the parampara system; that is, it is conveyed
from spiritual master to disciple. Such glorification is
relished by those no longer interested in the false,
temporary glorification of this cosmic manifestation.
Descriptions of the Lord are the right medicine for the
conditioned soul undergoing repeated birth and death.
Therefore, who will cease hearing glorification of the Lord
except a butcher or one who is killing his own self?
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.1.4)
The gradation of what is obtained by sravana.
13. 22
tac-ca nama-rupa-guna-lilamaya-sabdanam srotasparsam.
prathamam namnam sravanam-antam-karana-suddhyartham-apeksam.
suddhe cantam-karane rupa-sravanena tad-udaya-yogyata
bhavati. samyagudite ca rupe gunanam sphuranam sampadyeta,
sampanne ca gunanam sphurane parikara-vaisisthyena
tad-vaisisthyam sampadyate. tatas-tesu
nama-rupa-guna-parikaresu samyak sphuritesu lilanam sphuranam
susthu bhavati. tatrapi sravane sri bhagavata-sravanastu
parama-srestham.
Hearing of the name, form, qualities and pastimes of the Lord
and His devotees is called sravana. The practice of
sadhana-bhakti depends on hearing the holy name of the Lord;
it begins with sravana, which purifies the heart of a
devotee. This hearing process grants liberation from the
filthiness of sense gratification, and purifies the heart
[ceto-darpan-marjanam]. In this way, by hearing
transcendental sound about the form of Sri Krsna, gradually
the complete form of the Lord begins to awaken within the
heart. After this, gradually, the qualities of the Lord arise
within the heart. As the qualities of the Lord fully manifest
themselves, the different specific aspects of the Lord's
service and pastimes gradually awaken. In this way, the holy
name gradually reveals the Lord's form, qualities, and
pastimes in all their splendor and beauty with all their
different branches. In the midst of all other kinds of
hearing, hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam is the best. (Krama
Sandarbha commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.18)
The glories of sravana.
13. 23
pibanti ye bhagavata atmanam-satam kathamrtam sravana-putesu
sambhutam
punanti te visaya-vidustasayam vrajanti
tac-carana-saroru-hantikam
Those who drink through their ears the nectarine topics of
Sri Krsna - who is dear to his devotees - cleanse themselves
of filthy desires for material pleasures and attain the
shelter of the Lord's lotus feet. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.2.37)
13. 24
srnvatam svakatham krsnam punya-sravana-kirtanam
hrdyantam stho hyabhadrani vidhunoti suhrt satam
Sri Krsna, as the Supersoul within everyone's heart and the
friend of the truthful, cleanses the desire for material
enjoyment frm the hearts of those who have developed the urge
to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when
properly heard and chanted. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.17)
13. 25
srnvatam saddhaya nityam grnatas ca svacesthitam
natidirghena kalena bhagavan viste hrdi
Those who always seriously listen to Srimad-Bhagavatam and
who apply its teachings in their lives will soon realize the
Supreme Lord within their heart of hearts. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.8.4)
The meaning of the word "kirtana."
13. 26
nama-lila-gunadinam-uccair-bhasa tu kirtanam
Kirtanam is defined as loudly giving voice to the glories of
the Lord, beginning with the names, pastimes, and qualities
of Sri Krsna. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga 2.145)
Hearing and chanting about Krsna is not the same as hearing
and chanting about
mundane topics. And therefore, the material senses cannot
appreciate
the transcendental nature of hearing and chanting about
Krsna.
13. 27
nijendriyamanam-kayacestharupamna viddhitam
nitya-satya-ghana-nandarupa sahi gunatiga
You should know that engaging hearing, speech, mind, and body
in the bhakti processes of sravana, kirtana, smarana,and
vandana is involved in transcendental activity which is
eternal, absolute, blissful, above material qualities, and
beyond the realm of the material senses. (Brhad-Bhagavatamrta
Purva-vibhaga 2.3.133)
13. 28
atam sri krsna-namadi na bhaved grahyam-indriyaim
sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuratyadam
Therefore [Because the name of Krsna is identical with Krsna
Himself, and is beyond the realm of sense experience] the
name, form, qualities, associates, and pastimes of Krsna are
beyond the realm of sense experience. When, however, a
devotee engages the senses beginning with the tongue in the
service of the Lord Krsna reveals Himself to the purified
senses of that devotee. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu Purva-vibhaga
2.234)
Kirtana - glorifying the Lord.
13. 29
krte yad-dhyayato visnum tretayam yajato makhaim
dvapare paricaryayam kalau tad hari-kirtanat
What was attained by meditation in Satya-yuga, by sacrifice
in Treta-yuga, and by Deity worship in Dvapara-yuga is
attained in Kali-yuga by Hari-kirtana. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
12.3.52)
The glories of kirtana of the holy name of Krsna
13. 30
sakrd-uccaritam yena harir-ityaksaradvayam
baddham parikarastena moksaya gamanam prati
One who vibrates the two syllables Hari without offense
attains liberation from repeated birth and death and never
again has to walk on the path of material bondage.
(Padma-Purana Uttara-khanda 46)
13. 31
dhyayan krte jagan yajnais-tretayam dvapare'rcayan
yadnapnoti tadnapnoti kalau sankirtya kesavam
What was realized in Satya-yuga by meditation, in Treta-yuga
by sacrifice, and in Dvapara-yuga by worship, may be realized
in Kali-yuga by Sri Krsna-sankirtana. (Padma-Purana
Uttara-khanda 42)
Kirtana describing the Lord's qualities is the final aim of all knowledge.
13. 32
idam hi pumsas-tapasam srutasya va
svisthasya suktasya ca buddha-dattayom
avicyuto'rtham kavibhi-nirupito
yad-uttamam-sloka-gunanuvarnanam
The advancement of knowledge is furthered by austerities,
study of the Vedas, sacrifice, chanting of hymns, and
charity. Those who are wise,however, have concluded that
knowledge finds its culmination in the transcendental
descriptions of the Lord, who is glorified with selected
verses. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.22)
13. 33
srutasya pumsam sucir-asramasya
nanva-jasa suribhir-idito'rtham
tat-tad-gunanu-sravanam mukunda-
padaravindam hrdesu yesam
O sage! Persons who hear from a spiritual master with great
labor and for a long time must hear from the mouths of pure
devotees [the kirtana of] the character and activities of
pure devotees. Pure devotees always think within their hearts
of the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, who awards
His devotees liberation. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.13.4)
The glories of the qualities of Sri Hari, the Supreme Lord.
13. 34
atmaramas ca munayo nirgrantha apy urukrame
kurvanty-ahaitukim bhaktim-itham-bhua-guno harim
All different varieties of atmaramas [those who take pleasure
in the atma or self], especially those established on the
path of self-realization, though freed from all kinds of
material bondage desire to render analloyed devotional
service unto the Personality of Godhead. This means tht the
Lord possesses transcendental qualities and therefore can
attract everyone, including liberated souls.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.7.10)
Nama-kirtana is the best.
13. 35
param srimat-padambhoja-sada-sangaty-apeksaya
nama-sankirtana-prayam visuddham bhaktimacara
O mind! If you would take the example of a bee and take
shelter in the lotus of the Lord's lotus feet, then with pure
devotion you should perform the kirtana of the holy name of
the Lord. (Brhad-Bhagavatamrta 2.3.144)
The [kirtana of the] holy name is the only way
for the deliverance of souls in the age of Kali.
13. 36
harer nama harer nama harer nama eva kevalam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha
The name of Hari, the name of Hari, the name of Hari is
absolutely the only way, the only way, the only way in this
age of Kali. There is absolutely no other way.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta Adi 17.21, from Brhan-Naradiya
Upanisada)
The harinama verse explained.
13. 37
kali-kale nama-rupe krsna-avatara
nama haite aya sarva jagata-nistara
dardya, lagi' "harer-nama" ukti tinabara
jadaloka bujhaite punam "eva" kara
"kevala" - sabde punarapi niscaya-karana
jnana-yoga-tapa karma nivarana
anyatha ye mane, ta'ra nahika nistara
nahi, nahi, nahi, - tina ukta "eva" - kara
In this age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare
Krsna maha-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Krsna. Simply
by chanting the hoy name, one associates with the Lord
directly. Anyone who does this is certainly delivered. This
verse repeats the word eva [certainly] three times for
emphasis, and it also three times repeats the words harer
nama [the holy name of the Lord] just to make common people
understand. The use of the word kevala [only] prohibits all
other processes, such as cultivation of knowledge, practice
of mystic yoga, and performance of austerities and fruitive
activities. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Adi 17.22-25)
Smarana - Remembrance.
13. 38
etavan samkhya-yogabhyam sva-dharma-parinisthaya
janma-labham param pumsam ante narayana-smrtim
The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by
complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice or
mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty,
is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.1.6)
The results of remembering material subjects vs. the results of remembering Krsna.
13. 39
visayan dhyayatas-cittam visayesu visajjate
mamanu-maratas cittam mayeva praviliyate
[Krsna said] One who meditates on the objects of the senses
becomes attached to those things. One who remembers Me,
however, becomes absorbed in Me. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.14.27)
The results of remembering Krsna.
13. 40
avismrtim krsna-padaravindayom
ksinoty abhadrani ca sam tanoti
sattvasya suddhim paramatma-bhaktim
jnanams ca vijnana-viraga-muktam
For one who remembers the lotus feet of Krsna, all
inauspiciousness soon disappears, and one's good fortune
expands. In other words, one becomes free from all material
contamination, one attains liberation from repeated birth and
death and one's real spiritual life begins. As one's heart
becomes gradually purified, one's devotion for the Lord
within the heart awakens, and one realizse the Paramatma.
Thus one gradually develops knowledge (jnana), realization
(vijnana), and renunciation (vairagya). [Note: according to
Sripada Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Deva Goswami, the meaning of
the words jnana, vijnana, and vairagya in this verse is as
follows: As one advances in devotion, one becomes enlightened
with knowledge about the Lord's opulences in Vaikuntha
(jnana) and scientific knowledge about the Lord's supreme
abode in Vrndavana (vijnana). When attachment to Krsna's
Vrndavana feature is awakened, one naturally develops
detachment (vairagya) not only from everything that does not
foster love of Krsna, but even from the Lord's opulent
feature in Vaikuntha. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.12.55)
Between sravana, kirtana, and smarana, kirtana is the best.
13. 41
yadyapanya bhaktim kalau kartavya tada kirtanakhya
bhakti-samyoga-naiva ityuktam. yajnaim sankirtana-prayair
yajanti hi sumedhasa iti. tatra ca svatantram eva
nama-kirtanam-atyanta-prasastam.
Even though in the age of Kali one may also perform the above
eight branches of bhakti, nevertheless, on must still perform
kirtana as the principle way of advancing in sadhana-bhakti.
Srimad-Bhagavatam says, yajnaim sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi
sumedhasa: "Those who are intelligent in this age of Kali
will worship the Lord through the performance of sankirtana."
On account of this it is determined, from an objective point
of view, that of all the processes of devotional service
nama-sankirtana is best. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23-24
Krama-Sandarbha commentary)
Pada-sevana - serving the Lord's lotus feet.
13. 42
yat-pada-savabhirucis-tapasvina
masesa-janmopacitam malam dhiyam
sadyam ksinotyanvahamedhati sati
yatha-padangustha-vinimsrta sarit
By the inclination to serve the lotus feet of the Lord,
suffering humanity can immediately cleanse the dirt which has
accumulated in their minds during innumerable births. Like
the Ganges water, which emanates from the lotus feet of the
Lord, such a process immediately cleanses the mind, and thus
spiritual or Krsna consciousness gradually increases.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.21.31)
13. 43
dhautatma purusam krsna-pada-mulam na mu-cati
mukta-sarva-pari-klesam pantham sva-saranam yatha
A pure devotee of the Lord whose heart has once been cleansed
by the process of devotional service never relinquishes the
lotus feet of Lord Krsna, for they fully satisfy him, as a
traveler is satisfied at home after a troubled journey.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.8.6)
13. 44
padasevayam padasabdo bhakyaiva nirdistham. tatam sevayam
sadaratvam vidhiyate. tsya sri
murti-darsana-sparsana-parikramanuvrajana-bhagavan-mandira-ganga-purusottama-dvaraka-mathuradi
tadiya tirtha-sthana-gamana-dayo'py antar-bhavyam.
In this verse, the words, "pada-sevanam," indicates "through
bhakti. On account of this, there is the formal or proper
fondness of service. Being intensely attached to thinking of
the Lord's lotus feet is called pada-sevanam. When one is
particularly adherent to the process of pada-sevanam, this
process gradually includes other processes, such as seeing
the form of the Lord, touching the form of the Lord,
circumambulating the Deity or the temple of the Lord,
visiting such places as Jagannatha Puri, Dvaraka, and Mathura
to see the Lord's form, and bathing in the Ganges or Yamuna,
and serving the devotees is also known as tadiya-upasanam, or
worshiping those things in connection with Krsna. This is
also considered to be a branch of pada-sevanam.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23-24 Krama-Sandarbha commentary)
The results of Pada-sevana, serving the Lord's lotus feet.
13. 45
etam sa asthaya paratma-nistham
adhyasitam purvatamair-maharsbhim
aham tarisyami duranta-param
tamo mukundanghri-nisevayaiva
I shall cross over the ocean of material existence, which is
extremely difficult to cross by becoming fixed in serving of
the lotus feet of Sri Mukunda and by taking complete shelter
of Him. This is approved by the previous great saints and
sages who were fixed in devotion to the Supreme Lord. [Note:
Visnuswami considered that accepting the dress of a sannyasi
is paratma-nistham, being fixed in the service of Paramatma.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.23.57)
13. 46
prabhu kahe, - sadhu ei bhiksuka-vacana
mukunda-sevanavrata kaila nirdharana
paramanistha-matravesa-dharana
mukunda-sevayaya haya samsara tarana
sei ves kaila, ebe vrndavana giya
krsna-nisevana kari nibhrte vasiya
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu approved the purport of the above
verse on account of the determination of the mendicant
devotee to engage in the service of Lord Mukunda. He gave His
approval of this verse, indicating that it was very good. The
real purpose of accepting sannyasa is to dedicate oneself to
the service to the lotus feet of Mukunda. By serving Mukunda,
one can actually be liberated from the bondage of material
existence. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya 3.7-9)
Arcana - worship of the Lord.
13. 47
yatha taror-mula-niscanena trpyanti
tat-skandha-bhujopasakham
pranopaharac ca yathendriyanam tathaiva sarvarhanam
acyutejya
As by pouring water on the root of a tree the leaves and
branches are satisfied, and as supplying food to the
stomachthe entire body is satisfied, simply by worshiping the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, all worship is automatically
performed and the entire universe is satisfied.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.31.14)
13. 48
vidhina devadevesam sankha-cakra-dharo harim
phalam dadati sulabham salilenapi pujitam
(Sri Krsnamrta-Maharnava - Madhvacarya)
13. 49
ye tu sampattimanto grhasthastesam tvarcarnamarga eva mukhyam
tadakrtva hi niski-canavat kevalasmaranadi-nisthattve
vittasathya-pratipattim syat. paradvara sapadanam
vyavaharanisthatvasyalasatvasya vapartipadakam. tato
sraddhamayatvaddhinameva tat. tatha garhastya-dharmasya
devatayagarupasya sakhapallavadisekasthaniyasya mulasekarupam
tadarcanamityapi tadakarane mahan dosam. diksitanam ca
sarvesam tadakarane narakapatam sruyate. nanu
bhagavan-namatmaka eva mantram, tatra visesena namam
sabdadyalankrtam, sri bhagavata srimad rsibhis
cahita-sakti-visesam, sri bhagavata
samatmasambandhavisesa-pratipadakasca. tatra kevalani tato
mantresu namato'pyadhikasamarthye labdhe katham diksayapeksa
ucyate, yadyapi svarupato nasti, tathapi prayam svabhavato
dehadi-sambandhena kadarya-silanam viksiptacittanam jananam
tat sanko`i karanaya srimad rsi-prabhrtibhiratrarcana-marge
kvacit kvacit kacin-maryada sthapitasti.
[Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami paraphrases this passage from
Jiva Goswïmi's Bhagavatam commentary as follows]
Especially for Grhastha devotees who have money, the path of
Deity worship is strongly recommended. An opulent householder
who does not engage his hard-earned money in the service of
the Lord is called a miser. One should not engage paid
brahmanas to worship the Deity. If one does not personally
worship the Deity but engages paid servants instead, he is
considered lazy, and his worship of the Deity is called
artificial and devoid of faith. An opulent householder can
collect luxurious paraphernalia for Deity worship, and
consequently for householder devoteess the worship of the
Deity is compulsory. [In our Krsna consciousness movement
there are brahmacaris, grhasthas, vanaprasthas, and
sannyasis, but] the Deity worship in the temple should be
performed especially by the householders. [The brahmacaris
can go with the sannyasis to preach, and the vanaprasthas
should prepare themselves for the next status of renounced
life, sannyasa.] Grhastha devotees, however, are generally
engaged in material activities, and therefore if they do not
take to Deity worship, their falling down is positively
assured. Deity worship means following the rules and
regulations precisely. That will keep one steady in
devotional service....Grhastha devotees must adopt the
arcana-viddhi, or Deity worship according to the suitable
arrangements and directions given by the spiritual master.
Deity worship should be continued along with hearing and
chanting. Therefore every mantra is preceded by the word
namam. In all the mantras there are specific potencies, of
which the grhastha devotees must take advantage. There are
many mantras preceded by the word namam, but if one chants
the holy name of the Lord, he receives the result of chanting
namam many times. By chanting the holy name of the Lord, one
can reach the platform of love of Godhead. One might ask,
then, what is the necessity of being initiated? The answer is
that even though the chanting of the holy name is sufficient
to enbale one to progress in spiritual life to the standard
of love of Godhead, one is nonetheless susceptible to
contamination because of possessing a material body.
consequently special stress is given to the arcana-viddhi.
One should therefore regualrly take advantage of both the
bhagavata process and the pa-caratriki process.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23 Krama-Sandarbha commentary)
13. 50
patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya pracchati
tadaham bhakty-upahrtam-asami prayatatmanam
[Krsna said] If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf,
flower, fruit or water, I will accept it with similar love
and devotion. (Bhagavad-gita 9.26)
13. 51
ayam svastyayanam pantha-dvijater-grhamedhinam
yacchraddhayapta-vittena suklenejyeta purusam
It has been regarded as the most auspicious course for
householders of the twice-born castes that they should
devoutly worship the deity form of Supreme Person by
sacrifices performed with honestly earned wealth.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.84.37)
Vandana - Offering obeisances and prayers.
13. 52
tat-pada-padma-pravanaim kaya-manasa-bhastaim
mo vasudevasya vandanam kathyate budhaim
When those who are devoted to Lord Hari's lotus feet offer
respects to Him with their body, mind, or words, this is
called vandanam, by the learned devotees.
(Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika 9.1)
13. 53
kim vidyaya parama-yoga-pathais ca kintai-
rabhyasato'pi sataso janibhir-duruhaim
vande mukundam iha yan-natimatrakena
karmanyapohya paramam padameti lokam
What need is there to perform the different yoga systems
which are difficult to perfect even in a hundred births? What
need is there to struggle to attain transcendental knowledge?
I shall offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Krsna, for
simply by offering obeisances to Him, one may become free
from the bonds of karma, and attain the supreme spiritual
world. (Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika 9.2)
The glories of vandana
13. 54
tat-te'nukampam susamiksamano
bhu-jana evatmakrtam vipakam
hrd-vag-vapurbhir-vididhan-namaste
jiveta yo muktipade sa daya bhak
O Lord, one who seeks Your mercy while tolerating all kinds
of adversities due to his past karma,who always serves you in
devotion with his body, mind, and words, and who goes on
offering prayers and obeisances (vandana) unto you from
within the core of his heart, despite all hardships, receives
liberation (service to the lotus feet of Mukunda) as his
rightful inheritance. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.14.8)
13. 55
naham vande tava caranayor-dvandvam-advandva-hetom
kumbhipakam gurumapi hare naakam napanetum
ramya rama-mrdutanulata-nandane nabhirastum
bhave bhave hrdrayabhavane bhavayeyam bhavantam
O my Lord Hari! I don't pray unto you and at your lotus feet
in order to be saved from the duality of existence or to
excape this grim hell of boiling tribulations. Nor do I pray
to you to enjoy the soft-skinned beautiful women who reside
in the garden of heaven. I pray to you only to develop love
for you within my heart of hearts, birth after birth.
(Mukunda-mala-stotram 4)
Dasyam - serving the Lord
13. 56
dehadhindrayavak ceto-dharma-kamartha-karmanam
bhagavatyarpanam pritya dasyam-ity-abhidhiyate
When the work performed by the body, intelligence, senses,
voice, and mind, pious activities, enjoyment and wealth, are
offered as gifts to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that
is called dasyam service. (Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika
10.1)
13. 57
dasye khalu nimajjanti sarva eva hi bhaktayam
vasudeve jaganiva nabhasiva diso dasa
Just as the universes enter the transcendental body of Lord
Vaudeva, and just as the ten directiosn enter the sky, in the
same way, all different forms of bhakti enter into service.
(Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika 10.2)
13. 58
sravanam kirtanam dhyana-padasevanam-arcanam
vandanam svarpanam sakhyam sarvam daye pratisthitam
The devotional processes of hearing about the Lord,
glorifying Him, remembering Him, serving His lotus feet,
worshiping Him, offering obeisances unto Him, surrendering
everything to Him, and befriending Him, all rest on service
to Him. (Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika 10.3)
The different branches of dasyam - service.
13. 59
adaram paricaryayam sarvangair-abhivandanam
mad-bhakta-pujabhyadhika sarva-bhutesu man-matim
[The Lord said] My devotees take great care and respect in
rendering Me service, offering obeisances with all their
bodily limbs, and - above all - worshiping my devotees. They
see all living beings as related to Me.(Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.19.21)
13. 60
mad-arthesvanga-cestha ca vacasa mad-guneranam
mayayarpana-sca manasam sarvakama-visarjanam
For Me they engage the entire energy of their bodies.They use
their words to describe my qualities, offer their minds to
Me, and reject all material desires. Thus are my devotees
characterized. (Srim
ad-Bhagavatam 11.19.22)
The prayer of the servant of the Lord
13. 61
kamadinam kati na katidha palita-durnidesas-
tesam jata mayi na karunana trapa nopasantim
utsrjaitan atha yadupate sampratam labdha-buddhis-
tvamayatam saranam-abhayam mam niyunksvatma-dasye
O my Lord, there is no limit to the unwanted orders of lusty
desires. Although I have rendered them so much service, they
have not shown any mercy to me. I have not been ashamed to
serve them, nor have I even desired to give them up. O my
Lord, O head of the Yadu dynasty, recently, however, my
intelligence has been awakened, and now I am giving them up.
Due to transcendental intelligence, I now refuse to follow
the unwanted orders of these desires and I now come to You to
surrender myself at Your fearless lotus feet. Kindly engage
me in Your personal service and save me. (Caitanya-Caritamrta
Madhya 22.16)
The definition of devotional friendship, sakhya.
13. 62
ati-visvasta-cittasya vasedeve sukhambudhau
sauharddena para pritim sakhyam ity-abhidhiyate
A very faithful devotee's great love for Lord Vasudeva in the
mood of friendship is called sakhyam.
(Hari-Bhakti-Kalpa-Latika 11.1)
Two different divisions of friendship in devotion:
friendship based on faith and friendship based on friendly
affection.
13. 63
visvaso mitravrttis ca sakhyam dvividhim-iritiam
The wise have determined that sakdhya, friendship, has two
divisions - sakhyam which is a generic sense of friendship
based on faith [that "God is my friend" in
sadhana-vaidhi-bhakti] and a highly refined and developed
sakhyam based onthe temperament of friendly feelings [as in
the case of the cowherd boys in Vrndavana].
(Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.84)
Generic sakhyam based on faith.
13. 64
evam manam karma-vasam prayunkte
avidyaynatmany-upadhiyamane
pritir nayavanmayi vaudeve
na mucyate dehayogena tavat
When the living entity is covered by the mode of ignorance,
he does not understand the individual living being and the
supreme living being, and his mind is subjugated in fruitive
activity. Therefore, until is "friendly" or affectionate
towards Lord Vasudeva, who is none other than Myself, he is
certainly not delivered from having to accept a material body
again and again. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.5.6)
Sakhyam based on intimate feelings of friendship.
13. 65
aho bhagyam aho bhagyam nandagopa vrajaukasam
yan-mitram paramanandam purnam brahma sanatanam
What good fortune was Nanda's! What good fortune was bestowed
upon the gopas, and all the other residents of Vraja! Their
good fortune is beyond limits, because the eternally blissful
Personality of Godhead is their friend. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
10.14.32)
The definition of "atma-nivedana."
13. 66
krsnayarpita-dehasya nirmamasya-pahankrtem
manasas tat svarupatvam smrtamnatma-nivedanam
Free from false ego and a false sense of proprietorship, a
pure devotee surrenders his body to the Lord. The natural
inclination of such a devotee's mind is called
atma-nivedanam, surrendering everything.
(Hari-bhakti-kalpa-latika 12.1)
13. 67
vapuradisu yo'pi ko'pi va
gunato'sani ytha-tatha-vidham
tadayam tava pada-padmayor-
rahamadyaiva maya samarpitam
Whatever might be my situation with regard to the body and
worldly conditions; whatever might be the type of character I
am endowed with - I dedicate here and now to You my entire
self. (Stotra-ratnam 52)
Saranagati - total surrender
13. 68
devarsi-bhutapta-nrnam pitrnam na kinkaro nayam-rni ca
rajan
sarvatmana ya saranam saranyam gato mukundam parihrtya
kartam
O King, one who has given up all material duties and has
taken full shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, who offers
shelter to all, is not indebted to the demigods, great sages,
ordinarly living beings, relatives, friends, mankind, or even
one's forefaters who have passed away. Since all such classes
of living beings are part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, one
who has surrendered to the Lord's service has no need to
serve such persons separately. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.5.41)
13. 69
sarva-dharma partiyajya mamekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucam
Abandon all varieties of dharma (religious conceptions,
prescribed duties and obligations, mundane social and
ecclesiastical considerations) and surrender unto Me. I shall
free you from all sinful reactions. Do not worry.
(Bhagavad-gita 18.66)
Duties and religious principles (dharma) favorable to bhakti.
13. 70
sarvato manaso-sangamnadau sangam ca sadhusu
dayam maitrim prasraya-s ca bhutesvaddha-yathocitam
A sincere disciple should shun all material conceptions and
associate with sadhus, by showing kindness to subordinates,
friendship to peers, and reverence to superior devotees.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.3.23)
13. 71
saucam papastitiksa-s ca maunam sadhyayamnarjavam
brahmacaryam-ahimsa-s ca samatva-dvandva samjnayom
The disciple should serve his guru by remaining clean,
austere, tolerant, quiet, studious, simple, celibate,
nonviolent, and unbewildered by duality. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.3.24)
13. 72
sarvatratmesvarambiksam kaivalyamaniketatam
vivictaciravasanam santosam yena kenacit
One should realize that souls are all-pervading and that the
Lord is the supreme controller of the universe. In this way,
he should live in solitude, free from attachment to wife,
family, home, and society. He should wear ragged cloth or
tree-bark and remain contented with whatever he obtains
without endeavor. Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.3.25)
13. 73
sraddham bhagavate satre'nindamanyatra capi hi
mano-vak-karma-dandam ca satyam sama damavapi
He should entertain firm faith in those scriptures like
Srimad-Bhaavatam that glorify the Lord, but should not
blaspheme other scriptures. He should control his mind,
words, and deeds. He should always remain truthful and keep
his senses self-controlled. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.3.26)
13. 74
sravanam kirtanam dhyanam harer-adbhuta-karmanam
janma-karma-gunanamsca tadarthe'khilacesthitam
One should listen to, glorify, and meditate upon the
wonderful births, pastimes and qualities of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Sri Hari. One should also dedicate
all his acts for the pleasure of Sri Hari.(Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.3.27)
13. 75
istham dattam tapo japtam vrttam yac-catmanam priyam
daran sutan grhan n yat-parasmai nivedanam
One should perform sacrifice, charity, and penance only for
the pleasure of the Lord. One should also chant mantras and
hymns in praise of the Lord. All one's religious duties
should be done for Him. One also should offer whatever gives
one pleasure to the Lord. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.3.28)
13. 76
utsahan-niscayad-dhairya tat-tat-karma-pravartanat
sanga-tyaga sato vrttem sadbhir-bhaktim prasidhyati
Enthusiasm, determination, patience, acting according to the
principles of devotional service, giving up the association
of nondevotees and following in the footsteps of the previous
acaryas, - these six things are favorable to the cultivation
of devotional service. (Upadesamrta 3)
A mentality of detachment from material things is favorable to bhakti.
13. 77
jata-sraddha mat-kathasu-nirvinnam sarva-karmasu
veda dumkhatmakan kaman parityage'pyanisvaram
Sometimes a devotee has awakened faith in hearing about Me,
but even though he is disgusted with karmic life and knows
the miseries that sensual pleasures bring, he is unable to
give up his attachment to sense gratification.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.20.27)
13. 78
tato bhajeta mam pritam sraddhalu-drdha-niscayam
jusamansca tan kaman dumkhodarkams ca garhayan
Such a devotee should worship me with affection, faith,
determination and conviction even while he is engaging in
sense gratification, knowing that such sense gratification
leads to misery, and all the while hating his attachments to
material pleasures. In this way, sincerely lamenting his
attachments to material pleasures, he should go on worshiping
me with affection and conviction, and gradually his material
attachments will disappear. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
11.20.28)
13. 79
proktena bhakti-yogena bhajato mahasakrn-munem
kama hrdaya nasanti sarve mai hrdi shtite
In this way, an intelligent person will constantly worship me
in bhakti-yoga and will find that gradually all the material
desires in his heart will disappear, as I become firmly
situated in his heart. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.20.29)
13. 80
anasaktasya visayan yatharham-upayu-jatam
nirbandham krsna-sambandhe yuktam vairayamucyate
That renunciation in which there is no attachment for the
objects of the senses, but in which everything is seen in
relationship to Krsna and all things are engaged in his
service is called yukta-vairagya, or practical renunciation.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.125)
13. 81
visaya vinivarttante niraharasya dehinam
rasavarjam raso'py asya param drsta nivartate
The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment,
though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such
engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in
consciousness. (Bhagavad-gita 2.59)
Behavior for Vaisnava grhasthas which is favorable for the cultivation of bhakti.
13. 82
laukiki vaidiki vapi yakriyakriyate mune
hari-sevanukulaiva sa karya bhaktim-icchata
O great sage! If one aspires for devotional service (bhakti)
one should perform all one's activities, whether they are
mundane or Vedic, in such a way that is favorable for the
service of Sri Hari. (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga
2.93, from Narada-Pa-caratra)
Fasting on Ekadasi is favorable for the culture of bhakti.
13. 83
tulasya-svakhadhatryadi-pujanam dhamanisthata
arunodaya-viddastu samtyajyo harivasaram
janmasthtamyadikam suryo-dayaviddham parityajet
One should worship the tulasi plant, the banyan and amalai
trees, and everything else which is in relation to the Lord.
One should fast on ekadasi and Janmastami, but should avoid
fasting on mixed ekadasi, such as when part of the ekadasi
falls on the tenth day of the moon. One should also avoid
practicing mixed Janmastami, such as when Janmastami partly
falls on the seventh day of the moon. (Prameya-Ratnavali
8.9)
13. 84
bahu-vakya-virodhena sandeho jayate yada
uposya dvadasi tatra trayodasyastu paranam
Many are of the opinion that when certain astrological
conditions governing the confluence of the eleventh day of
the moon and the twelfth day of the moon are dominant one
should avoid practicing mixed ekadasi, but should practice
ekadasi on the twelfth day of the moon (maha-dvadasi), and
break fast on the following day
(trayodasi.)(Hari-bhakti-vilasa 12.109 from Naradiya Purana)
What destroys bhakti?
13. 85
atyaharam prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagraham
janasangas ca laulyams ca sadbhir-bhaktir-vinasyati
Over-eating or over-collecting, overendeavoring, useless idle
talk, neglecting scriptural rules or only formally following
the scriptures, mundane association, and greed are the six
things which destroy devotion to Krsna. (Upadesamrta 4)
The dust from the lotus feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the lotus feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by devotees have the power to bestow prema.
13. 86
krsnera ucchistha haya mahaprasada nama
bhakta-sesa haile maha-maha-prasadakhyana
bhakta-pada-dhuli ara bhakta-padajala
bhakta-bhukta-ssa ei tina sahanera bala
ei tina seva haite krsne prema haya
punam punam sarva sastre phukariya kaya
tate bara-bara kahi suna bhakta-gana
visvasa kariya kara ei tina sevana
The remnants of food offered to Krsna are called
maha-prasada. After this same maha-prasada has been taken by
a devotee, the remnants are elevated to mahamaha-prasada. The
dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the
feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by a devotee
are three very powerful substances. By rendering service to
these three, one attains the supreme goal of ecstatic love
for Krsna. In all the revealed scriptures this is loudly
declared again and again. Therefore , my dear devotees,
please hear from me, for I insist again and again: please
keep faith in thse three and render service to them without
hesitation. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Antya 16.59-62)
The glories of maha-prasada.
13. 87
naivedyam jagadisasya annapanadika-s ca yat
bhaksyabhaksa vicaras ca nati tad-bhaksane dvijam
O brahmanas! Those foodstuffs and beverages which are offered
to Krsna for his pleasure are transcendental and should never
be considered as ordinary foodstuffs.
(Hari-bhakti-vilasa)
13.s 88 and 89
brahmavan-nirvikaram hi yatha visnus tathaiva tat
vikaram ye prakurvanti bhaksane tad vijatayam
kustha-vyadhi-samayuktam putradara-vivarjitam
nirayam yanti te vipra yasman-navartate punam
kO brahmanas! The offerings to Sri Hari are transcendental,
incorruptible, and nondifferent from Visnu. Those who have a
perverted mentality, and who doubt the serving Visnu, by
offering Him various foodstuffs will develop leprosy, become
devoid of children, wife, and family, and go to deepest
darkest regions of hell from which he will never return.
(Hari-bhakti-vilasa 9.134 - 135)
13. 90
kukkurasya mukhad bhrastham tad annam patate yadi
brahmanena 'pi bhoktavyam sarva-papa-panodanam
Maha-prasada destroys all sins. Even if it has been touched
by the lips of a dog or has fallen on the ground, it will
still be relished by brahmanas. (Skanda-Purana, Utkala Khanda
38.19)
13. 91
asucir-vapyanacaro manasa-papamnacaran
prapti-matrena bhoktavyam natra karya vicarana
Those who are unclean, who do not act properly, whose minds
are filled with sin, will obtain only transitory
materialistic enjoyment, but will not be able to understand
this principle. (Skanda-Purana, Utkala Khanda 38.19-20)
Materialistic attachment to wife and home is antagonistic to the development of bhakti.
13. 92
matir na krsne paratam svato vamitho'bhipadyeta
grha-vratanam
adanto-gobhir-visatam tamisram punam punas
carvita-carvananam
Because of their uncontrolled senses, persons too addicted to
materialistic life make progress toward hellish conditions
and repeatedly chew that which has already been chewed. Their
inclinations toward Krsna are never aroused, either by the
instructions of opthers, by their own efforts or by a
combination of both. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.30)
13. 93
na te vidum svartha-gatim hi visnum durasaya ye
bahir-artha-maninam
andha yathandhair upaniyamanas tepisa-tantryam-uru-damni
baddham
Persons who are strongly entrapped by the consciousness of
enjoying material life, and who hae therefore accepted as
their leader or guru a similar blind man attached to external
sense objects, cannot udnerstand that the goal of life is to
return home, back to Godhead, and engage in the service of
Lord Visnu. As blind men guided by another blind man miss the
right path and fall into a ditch, materially attached men led
by anoterh materially attached man are bound by the ropes of
fruitive labor, which are made of very strong cords, and they
continue again and again in materialistic life, suffering the
threefold miseries. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.31)
Things unfavorable to devotional service:
Materialistic conceptions of guru, Vaisnava, and
deities,
as well as equating Visnu with ordinary gods.
13. 94
arcye visnau siladhir-gurusu naramatir-vaisnave
jati-buddhir-
visnor-va vaisnavanam kalimala-mathane
pada-tirthe'mbu-buddhim
sri-visnor-namni mantre sakala-kalushe
sabda-samanya-buddhir-
visnau sarvesvarese tad-itara-samadhir-yasya va naraki
sam
That person who considers the Deity of the Supreme Lord to be
dead matter made out of wood, stone or metal, or the
spiritual master, who is an eternal associate of the Supreme
Lord, to be an ordinary man who is prone to die, or the
Vaisnava to be coming from some caste, or the water which
washes the feet of the pure devotee or the Supreme
Personality of Godhead to be ordinary water, although such
water has the potency to destroy all the evils of the age of
Kali, or considers the holy name of the Supreme Lord or
mantras dedicated to Him, which are able to destroy all sin
to be ordinary sounds, or thinks the Supreme Lord of all,
Lord Visnu, to be on the same level as demigods, is
considered to possess a hellish mentality. A person who
thinks in this way is certainly a resident of hell.
(Padma-Purana)
Bad association destroys bhakti
13. 95
tato dumsangam-utsrjya satsu sajjeta buddhiman
santa evasya chindanti mano-vyasanga-muktibhim
Therefore an intelligent person should dissociate himself
from evil company and associate with saintly persons, for the
wise and pious saints sever one's deep attachment to material
existence and grant one liberation by their teachings.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.26.26)
13. 96
sadhusanga-krpa-kimva krsnera krpaya
kamadi "dumsanga" chadi' suddha-bhakti paya
Association with a devotee, the mercy of Krsna, and the
nature of devotional service help one to give up all
undesirable asociation and gradually attain elevation to the
platform of love of Godhead. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya
24.104)
13. 97
"dumsanga" kahiye "kaitava" atmava-cana
krsna, krsna-bhakti vina anya kamana
Cheating oneself and cheating others is called kaitava. The
association of cheaters is called dumsanga, bad association.
Those who desire things other than Krsna's service are also
called dumsanga, bad association.(Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya
24.99)
13. 98
niski-canasya bhagavan-bhajanon-mukhasya
param param jigamisor-bhava-sagarasya
sandarsanam visayinam-atha yostams ca
ha hanta hanta vis-bhaksanato'py asadhu
Aolas, for a person who is seriously desring to cross the
material ocean and engage in the transcendental loving
service of the Lord without material motives, seeing a
materialist engaged in sense gratification and seeing a woman
who is similarly interested is more abominable than drinking
poison willingly. (Caitanya-candrodaya-Nataka 8.23)
13. 99
asat-sanga-tyaga ei vaisnavanacara
stri-sangi eka asadhu, krsna-bhakta ara
The essential behavior of a Vaisnava is that he gives up
unholy association. In other words, he avoids the company of
nondevotees and men who are addicted to women and devotes
himself to Krsna. (Caitanya-Caritamrta-Madhya 22.87)
Prohibitions and strictures regarding forbidden behavior
which destroy bhakti.
1) Renouncing bad association.
13. 100
varam hutavahajala-pa-jarantar-vyavasthitim
na sauri-cinta-vimukha-jana-samvasa-vaisasam
It is better to live in a cage of fire than to invite ruin by
living with those who are averse to thinking about Sri Krsna.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.51 from
Katyayana-Samhita)
2) Avoiding attachment to accepting too many disciples and overendeavoring.
13. 101
na sisyananubadhnita granthan naivabhyased-bahun
na vakhyam-upayu-jita narambhanarabhet kvacit
A sannyasi must not present allurements of material benefit
to attract many disciples. He should he initiate unqualified
disciples in order to expand the number of his followers for
prestige and material gain. He should not unnecessarily read
many books, nor should he lecture on scriptures such as the
Srimad-Bhagavatam as a way of making his livelihood. He must
not attempt to increase material opulence unnecessarily. He
must renounce endeavors for things which are beyond his means
and which cannot be attained even at the expense of great
time and energy (maharambha ). (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.13.8)
3) Remaining undisturbed by material misfortunes.
13. 102
alabhde vinasthe va bhaksyacchadana-sadhane
avikla-vamatir-bhutva harim eva dhiya smaret
If one fails to get the necessities of life, or if one loses
everything, one's proper course is to always meditate within
oneself upon the Lord, with an undisturbed mind.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.114 from
Padma-Purana)
4) Avoiding lamentation.
13. 103
soka-maryadibhir-bhavairnakrantam yasya manasam
katham tatra mukundasya sphurti-sambhavana bhavet
How can Lord Sri Krsna who is ever-joyful and fragrant as a
white kunda flower appear in the heart of a person who is
governed by emotions like sorrow and anger?
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.115 from
Padma-Purana)
5) Prohibitions on worshiping other gods.
13. 104
harir eva sadaradhyam sarva-devesvaresvaram
itare brahma-rudradya navaj-eyam kadacana
One should always worship Lord Hari, who is the Supreme
Controller of all gods, and yet one should not show contempt
for the demigods like Brahma, Rudra and others.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.116 from
Padma-Purana)
6) One should avoid giving pain to other living beings.
13. 105
piteva putram karuno nodvejayati yo janam
visuddhasya hrsikesas-turnam tasya prasidati
Just as an affectionate father never gives any cause for fear
and pain in his dealings with his children, so also the Lord,
who is known as Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, is very
quicly pleased with those pure-minded souls whoare
compassionate to all creatures and who avoid being a source
of pain and harassment, fear and anxieties to them.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.117 from
Padma-Purana)
Bhakti is superior to false renunciation.
13. 106
prapa-cikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunam
mumuksabhim parityago vairagyam phalgu kathyate
That renunciation which is practiced by those desirous of
impersonal liberation and which rejects things in connection
with Sri Hari, thinking them to be material, is called
phalgu-vairagya, external or false renunciation.
(Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 2.126 from
Padma-Purana)
The five places where those things opposed to bhakti reside.
13. 107
abhyarthitas-tada tasmai sthanani kalaye dadau
dyutam panam striyam suna yatra-dharmas-catur-vidham
Maharaja Pariksita, having thus been petitioned by Kali, sin
personified, gave him permission to reside wherever gambling,
drinking, prostitution, and animal slaughter are performed.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.38)
13. 108
punas ca yacamanaya jata-rupamadat prabhum
tato'nrtam madam kamam rajo vaira-ca pa-camam
The personality of Kali asked for something more, and because
of his begging, the King gave him permission to live where
there is gold, because wherever there is gold there is also
falsity, intoxication, lust, envy, and enmity.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.39)
13. 109
amuni pa-ca sthanani hy adharma-prabhavam kalim
outtareyena dattani nyavasat tan-nidesakrt
Thus the personality of Kali, by the directions of Maharaja
Pariksita, the son of Uttara, was allowed to live in those
five places. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.40)
13. 110
arthaitani na seveta bubhusum purusam kvacit
visesato dharma-silo raja-lokapati-gurum
Therefore, whoever desires progressive well-being, especially
kings, religionists, public leaders, brahmanas, and
sannyasis, should never come in contact with the four
above-mentioned irreligious principles. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
1.17.41)
The different kinds of bad association which can destroy bhakti.
13. 111
aula, baula, karttabhaja, neda, daravesa,sa-i
sahajiya, sakhibheki, smarta,jata-gosa-i
ativadi, cudadhari, gauranga-nagari
tato kahe, ei terara sanga nahi kari
The names of the sahajiya sampradayas are as follows: aula,(a
mendicant sect following a very easy course of worship) baula
(a sect of mendicants who wander about singing sweet melodies
about the pastimes of Radha and Krsna while engaging in
abominable practices) karttabhaja (a sect of "followers" of
Sri Gauranga in Bengal), neda (Literally: "shaven-headed."
Used to sarcastically refer to devotees whose greatest
religious principle is their shaven heads. The word also
means bald or barren and connotes someone who represents
himsel as a devotee while his so-called religious life is
barren of genuine realization.), daravesa (a muslim
mendicant. This word has also been used by Bhaktivedanta
Swami to mean "hippy."),sa-i (literally means "religious
instructor") sahajiya (literally means "easy-ist." Indicates
one who takes the pastimes of Radha and Krsna inVrndavana
cheaply.), sakhibheki (One who imagines himself a gopi, and
adopts the dress of a woman) smarta, (formalistic and
materialistic brahmanas)jata-gosa-i (caste goswamis) ativadi
(Proud devotees), cudadhari (Those whose only religious
principle consists in shaving the head and maintaining a tuft
of hair, marking themselves as Vaisnavas), and
gauranga-nagari (Those who consider that it is the position
of Sri Caitanya to be the enjoyer of women, when in fact as a
sannyasi in his acarya-lila Sri Caitanya avoided all
association with women). One should avoid associating with
these different classes of imitation devotees.
Association with women destroys bhakti.
13. 112
matra svasra duhitra va na viviktasano bhavet
balavan-indriya-gramo vidvamsam api karsati
One should not allow oneself to sit on the same seat even
with one's own mother, sister, or daughter, for the senses
are so strong that even though one is very advanced in
knowledge, he may be attracted by sex. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
9.19.17)
Remembrance of sexual pleasure condemned.
13. 113
yadavadhi mama cetam krsna-padaravinde
nava-nava-rasa-dhamanutyatam rantum asit
tadavadhi bata nari-sangame smaryamane
bhavati mukha-vikaram susthu nisthivanams ca
Since I have been engaged in the transcendental loving
service of Krsna, realizing ever-new pleasure in Him,
whenever I think of sex pleasure, I spit at the thought, and
my lips curl with distaste. (Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu,
Daksina-vibhaga, 5.39 quoted from Yamunacarya)
The power of of the material form of a woman (daru-prakrti) to attract the mind.
13. 114
durvara indriya kare visaya-grahana
daru-prakrti hare munerapi mana
So strongly do the senses adhere to the objects of their
enjoyment that indeed a wooden statue of a woman
(daru-prakrti) attracts the mind of even a great saintly
person. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Antya 2.118)
One should completely give up all association with women.
13. 115
satyam saucam daya maunam buddhim srir hrir yasam ksama
samo damo bhagasceti yat sangad yati samksayam
[One who takes the path of unrighteousness, becomes corrupted
by bad association and becomes involved in the pursuit of sex
and the pleasures of the tongue] becomes devoid of
truthfulness, cleanliness, mercy, gravity, spiritual
intelligence, shyness, austerity, fame, forgiveness, control
of the mind, control of the senses, fortune and all such
opportunities. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.31.33)
13. 116
tesva-santesu mudhesu shanditatma-sva-sadhusu
sangam na kuryacchaceyesu yosit-krida-mrgesu ca
One should not associate with a coarse fool who is bereft of
the knowledge of self-realization and who is no more than a
dancing dog in the hands of a woman. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
3.31.34)
Grhamedhi-dharma condemned.
13. 117
yan-maithunadi-grhamedhi-sukham hi tuccham
kanduyanena karayor iva dumkha-dumkham
trpyanti neha krpana bahu-dumkha-bhajam
kandutivan-manasijam visheta dhiram
Sex life is compared to the rubbing of two hands to relieve
an itch. Grhamedhis, so-called grhasthas who have no
spiritual knowledge, think that this itching is the greatest
platform of happiness, although actually it is a source of
distress. The krpanas, the fools who are just the opposite of
brahmanas, are not satisfied by repeated sensous enjoyment.
Those who are not dhira, however, who are sober and who
tolerate this itching, are not subjected to the sufferings of
foos and rascals. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.45)
Tamasik and Rajasik foods are antagonistic to bhakti
13. 118
katv-amlalavanatyusna-tiksna-ruksavidahinam
ahara rajasasyestha dumkha-sokamaya-pradam
Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry
and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such
foods cause distress, misery, and disease. (Bhagavad-gita
17.9)
13. 119
yatasamam gata-rasam puti paryusita-ca ca
ucchistham api camedhyam bhojanam tamasa-priyam
Foods prepared more than three hours before being eaten, food
that is tasteless, decomposed, and putrid, and food
consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to
those in the mode of darkness. (Bhagavad-gita 17.10)
Meateating is a brainless act that destroys bhakti.
13. 120
ye tven-evam vido'santam stabdham sadabhimaninam
pasun druhyanti visraddham pretya khadanti te ca tan
Those wicked persons who do not know the real nature of
dharma, who are proud and stubborn, who consider themselves
righteous and who mercilessly slaughter animals will, in
their next life, be eaten by the very beasts they kill.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.14)
13. 121
yo yasya mamsam-asnati sa tan mamsada ucyate
matsyadam sarva-mamsadas-tasman-mat-syan vivarjayet
Whoever is involved in the slaughter, preperation, and eating
of meat, (the category of meat also includes fish) is
considered a meateater. One should give up the eating of all
kinds of meat in all kind of respects. (Manu-Samhita 5.15)
The senses are like seven wives, and of all of them,
the tongue is the most powerful.
13. 122
jihvaikato'cyuta vikarsti mavi-trpta
siso'nyatas-tva-gudaram sravanam kutascit
ghrano'nyatascapaladrk kva ca karmasakti
barhavyam sapatnya iva gehaptim lunanti
My dear Lord, O infallible one, my position is like that of a
person who has many wives, all trying to attract him in their
own way. For example, the tongue is attracted to palatable
dishes, the genitals to sex with an attractive woman, and the
sense of touch to contact with soft things. The belly,
although filled, still wants to eat more, and the ear, not
attempting to hear about You is generally attracted to
mundane songs and music. The sense of smell is attracted by
sweet fragrances, the eyes are attracted by beautiful forms,
and the active senses are attracted elsewhere. In this way, I
am certainly embarrassed. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.40)
13. 123
tavaj-jitendriyo na syad-vijitanyendriyam puman
na jayedrasanam yavaj-jitam sarvam jite rase
Even if a person has conquered every sense other than the
tongue, he cannot be said to have subdued his senses until
his has conquered the tongue and the sense of taste. The
sense of taste is the strongest sense and is the most
difficult to control, especially when it becomes more acute
as a result of hunger. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.8.21)
13. 124
jihvara lalase yei iti-uti dhaya
sisnodara-parayana krsna nahi paya
One who is subersvient to the demands of the tongue and who
thus goes here and there devoted to the genitals and the
belly, cannot attain Krsna. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Antya 6.227)
Misconceptions to be avoided in sadhana-bhakti:
offenses to devotees, fault-finding, and diplomacy.
13. 125
yadi vaisnava-aparadha uthe hati mata
upade vachinde tara suki' yaya pata
ta'te mali yatna kari' kare avarana
aparadha-hasti yaiche na haya udgama
kintu yadi latara sange uthe upasakha
bhukti-mukti-va-ca yata asankhya tara lekha
nisiddhacara, kutinati jivahimsana
labha-puja-pratisthadi yata upasakhagana
sekajala paina upasakha badi' yaya
stabdha hainamula-sakha badite na paya
If a devotee commits an offense at the feet of a Vaisnava
while cultivating the creepr of devotional service in the
material world, his offense is compared to a mad elephant
that uproots the creeper and breaks it. In this way the
leaves of the creepr are dried up. The gardener must defend
the creeper by fencing it all around so thta the powerful
elephant of offenses may not enter. Sometimes unwanted
creepers, such as the creepers of desires for material
enjoyment and liberation from the material world, grow along
with the creeper of devotioanl service. The varieties of such
unwanted creepers are unlimited. Some unnecessary creepers
growing with the bhakti creeper are the creepers of behavior
unacceptable for those trying to attain devotional
perfection, diplomatic behavior, animal killing, mundane
profiteering, mundane adoration, and munane importance. All
these are unwanted creepers. If one does not distinguish
between the bhakti-lata creeper and the other creeperss, the
sprinkling of water is misused because the other creeper are
nourished while the bhakti-lata creeper is curtailed.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta-Madhya 19.156-160)
To view devotees in terms of their birth, or to consider them
ordinary materialistic persons is the practice of imitation
devotees, known as prakrta-sahijiyas:
This is certainly antagonistic to the development of bhakti
13. 126
ye te kule vaisnavera janma kene naya
tathapi o sarvottama sarva-sastre kaya
ye papistja vaisnavera jati-buddhi kare
janma janma adhama-yonite dubi' mare
All the scriptures agree that a devotee should never be seen
in terms of his birth. Birth does not a Vaisnava make. Those
sinners who see a devotee in terms of his birth will
themselves be born in the wombs of inferior species life
after life. (Caitanya-Bhagavata-Madhya 10.100,102)
Mental conceptions of good and bad are antagonistic to bhakti.
13. 127
dvaite bhadrabhadra jnana saba manodharma
ei bhalo, ei manda, ei saba brahma
In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all
mental speculations. Therefore, saying, "This is good, and
this is bad," is all a mistake. (Caitanya-Caritamrta-Antya
4.176)
Worldly, materialistic persons and their readings of Bhagavatam are condemned.
13. 128
yeba bhattacarya, cakravarti, misra saba
tahara o na janaye grantha-anubhava
sastra padaiya sabe ei karma kare
srotara sahita yama-pase dubi' mare
gita-bhagavata ye ye jane va padaya
bhaktira vyakhyana nahi tahara jihvaya
ei mata visnu-maya-mohita samsara
dekhi' bhakta saba dumkha bhavena apara
kemate e saba jiva paibe uddhara
visaya-sukhete saba majila samsara
balile o keha nahi laya "krsna-nama"
niravadhi vidya-kula karena vyakhyana
The so-called Bhattacaryas, Cakravartis, and Misras, and
others who make a business out of the scriptures have no
realization of the scriptures at all. All their study of the
scriptures is simply karmic activity. Whoever hears from them
will be bound by the ropes of Yamaraja and dragged down to
hell at the time of death. Although they study the
Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, no explanations of
bhakti ever issue forth from their lips. Vaisnavas can see no
worse misery than the sufferings of these wretched souls who
are bewildered by the illusions of maya and who wander within
the worlds of repeated birth and death. The Vaisnavas think
of how all souls can be delivered from drowning in the ocean
of material existence. The devotees tell everyone to chant,
but some peopls simply cannot take the holy name, especially
the so-called learned professors, who, being proud of their
academic education endlessly boast of their knowledge [but
who cannot be saved]. (Caitanya Bhagavata Adi 1.39)
Fake, Show-bottle, and Professional Bhagavatam
13. 129
vedair-vihinas ca pathanti sastram sastrena hinas ca
purana-patham
purana-hinam krsino bhavanti bhrasthasto
bhagavata-bhavanti
Those who are unable to understand the Vedas go on to study
the dharma-sastras. Failing to understand the dharma-sastras,
they turn to the Puranas. Being unable to grasp the real
purport of the Puranas, which stands as an obstacle to their
sense gratification, such persons go on to become
professional Bhagavatam reciters, although they have no real
understanding of the Bhagavatam. (Atri-Samhita 375)
Attempts for liberation beginning with vows of silence,
austerity, sastric study, and so on will not lead to bhakti.
13. 130
mauna-vrata-sruta-tapo'dhyayanam svadharma-
vyakhyaraho-japa-samadhaya apavargyam
prayam param purusa te tvajitendryanam
varta bhavastyuta na vara tu dambhikanam
O Supreme Personality of Godhead, there are ten prescribed
methods on the path to liberation - to remain silent, not to
speak to anyone, to observe vows, to amass all kinds of Vedic
knowledge, to undergo austerities, to study the Vedas and
other Vedic literatures, to execute the duties of
varnasrama-dharma, to explain the sastras, to stay in a
solitary place, to chant antras silently, and to be absorbed
in trance. These different methods of liberation are
generally only a professional practice and means of
livelihood for those who have not conquered the senses.
Because such persons are falsely proud, these procedures may
not be successful. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.46)
Desires for enjoyment and liberation destroy Krsna-bhakti.
13. 131
ajnanatamera nama bhaiye kaitava
dharma-artha kama-va-cha adi ei saba
tara madhye "moksava-cha" kaitava-pradhana
yaha haite "krsna-bhakti" haya antardhana
krsna-bhaktira vadhaka yata subhasubha karma
sei eka jivere ajnanatamo dharma
The darkness of ignorance is called kaitava, the way of
cheating, which begins with religiosity, economic
development, sense gratification, and liberation. The
foremost process of cheating is to desire to achieve
liberation by merging in the Supreme, for this causes the
permanent disappearance of loving service to Krsna. All kinds
of activities, both auspicious and inauspicious, that are
detrimental to the discharge of transcendental loving service
to Lord Sri Krsna are actions of the darkness of ignorance.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta-Adi 1.90,92,94)
The senses are useless if not engaged in Krsna's service.
13. 132
taravam kim na jivanti bhastram kim sa svasantyata
na khadanti na mehanti kim grama-pasavo-pare
Do the trees not live? Do the bellows of the blacksmith not
breathe? All around us, do the beasts not eat and discharge
semen? (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.18)
13. 133
sva-vid-varahosthrakharaim samtutam purusam pasum
na yat karnapathopeto jatur-nama-gadagrajam
Men who live like dogs, hogs, camels, and asses praise those
men who never listen to the transcendental pastimes of Lord
Sri Krsna, the deliverer from all evils. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.3.19)
13. 134
bile bator-ukrama-vikraman ye na snvatam karnapute
narasya
jihvasati dadurikeva suta na copagayaty-urugaya-gatham
One who has not listened to the messages about the prowess
and marvelous acts of the Personality of Godhead and has not
sung or chanted loudly the worthy songs about the Lord is to
be considered to possess earholes like the holes of snakes
and a tongue like the tongue of a frog. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.3.20)
13. 135
bharam param pattkiritajustha-
mapyuttamangam na namen-mukundam
savau karau no kurutam saparsam
harerlasat-ka-cana-kankanau va
The upper portion of the body, though crowned with a silk
turban, is only a heavy burden if not bowed down before the
Personality of Godhead who can award mukti [liberation]. And
the hands, although decorated with glittering bangles, are
like those of a dead man if not engaged in the service of the
Personality of Godhead, Sri Hari. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.3.21)
13. 136
barhayite te nayane naranam
lingani visnor-naniraksato ye
padau nrnam tau drumajanmabhajau
ksetrani nanu-vrajato hareryau
The eyes which do not look at the symbolic representations of
the Personality of Godhead Visnu [His forms, name, quality
etc.] are like those printed on the plumes of a peacock, and
the legs which do not move to the holy palces [where the Lord
is remembereed] are considered to be like tree trunks.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.22)
13. 137
jiva-chavo bhagavatamghri-renun na jatu martya'bhilabheta
yastu
sri visnupadya manujastulasyam svasa-chavo yastu na veda
gandham
The person who has not at any time received the dust of the
feet of the Lord's pure devotee upon his head is certainly a
dead body. And the person who has never experienced the aroma
of the tulasi leaves from the lotus feet of the Lord is also
a dead body, although breathing. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.23)
Without the mercy of Gauranga it is not possible
to control the senses or walk on the path of bhakti.
13. 138
kalam karlir balina indriya-vairivargam
sri bhakti-marga iha kantaka-koti-ruddham
ha ha kva yami vikalam kimaham karomi
caitanyacandra yadi nadya krpam karosi
Now it is the age of Kali. My enemies, the senses, have
become very strong. The beautiful path of bhakti is spiked
with countless thorns. My spirit is weak and my senses are
powerful and agitated. O what shall I do? Where shall I go? O
moonlike Lord, Sri Caitanya-candra, I you do not grant me
your mercy, what shall I do to save myself?
(Caitanya-Candamrta 49)
The six kinds of saranagati
13. 139
anukulyasya sankalpam pratikulya-vivarjanam
raksisyatiti visvaso goptrtve varanam tatha
atma-niksepa-karpanye sad-vidha saranagatim
The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those
tings favorable to devotional service, the rejection of
unfavorable things, the conviction that Krsna will give
protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one's guardian or
master, full self-surrender and humility.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya 22.100, quoted from Vaisnava
Tantra)
Without saranagati there can be no auspiciousness.
13. 140
tavad-bhayam dravina-deha-suhrn-nimittam
sokam sprha paribhavo vipulas ca lobham
taan-mametya-sada-vagraha artimulam
yavan na tehamghrim-abhayam pravrnita lokam
O my Lord, the people of the world are embarrassed by all
material anxieities - they are always afraid. They always try
to protect wealth, body and friends, they are filled with
lamentation, and unlawful desires and paraphernalia, and they
avariciously base their undertakings on the perishable
conceptions of "my" and "mine." As long as they do not take
shelter of Your safe lotus feet, they are full of such
anxieties. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.9.6)
13. 141
karpanya-doso-pahata-svabhavam
prcchami tvam dharma-sam-mudhacetam
yac-chreyam syan-niscitam bhruhi tan me
sisyas-teham sadhi mam tvam prapannam
Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure
due to weakness. In this condition I am aksing You to tell me
clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple and a
soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me. (Bhagavad-gita
2.7)
13. 142
daiva hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante mayam-etam taranti te
This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of
material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have
surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.
(Bhagavad-gita 7.14)
13. 143
yesam sa esa bhagavan dayayed-anantam
sarvatmanasrita-pado yadi nirvyalikam
te dustaram-atitaranti ca devamayam
naisam mamahamitidhim sva-srgala-bhaksye
But anyone who is specifically favored by the Supreme Lord,
the Personality of Godhead, due to unalloyed surrender to the
service of the Lord, can overcome the insurmountable ocean of
illusion and can understand the Lord. But those who are
attached to this body, which is meant to be eaten at the time
of death by dogs and jackals cannot do so. (Srimad-Bhagavatam
2.7.42)
13. 144
ananyas-cintayanto mam ye janam paryupasate
tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy-aham
But those who are always attached to me, who worship me with
devotion, meditating on my transcendental form - to them, I
carry what they have and preseve what they lack.
(Bhagavad-gita 9.22)
The body of a surrendered devotee is not material.
13. 145
krsna-bhakti-sudhapanad-deha-daihika-vismrtem
tesam bhauntikadehe'pi sac-cidnananda-rupata
Drinking the nectar of krsna-bhakti-rasa the living being
forgets the gross and subtle material bodies and becomes
absorbed in transcendence. The body of such a devotee is not
material; furthermore, upon giving up the body of five
elements, he attains a body whose elements are sat, cit, and
ananda, eternity, knowledge, and bliss. (Brhad-bhagavatamrta
2.3.45)
13. 146
sarana laina kare krsne atma-samarpana
krsna tare kare tat-kale atma-sama
When a devotee fully surrenders to Krsna, offering his very
self, at that time Krsna accepts that devotee to be as good
as His very self. [That is, the Lord accepts Him as one of
his own personal associates.] (Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya
22.100)
13. 147
prabhu kahe, vaisnava deha prakrta kabhu naya
aprakrta deha bhaktera cidanandamaya
diksa-kale bhakta kare atma-samarpana
sei kale krsna-tare kare atmasama
sei deha kare tara cidanandamaya
aprakrta dehe ta-ra carana bhajaya
Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "The body of a devotee is never
material. It is considered to be transcendental, full of
spiritual bliss. At the time of initiation, when a devotee
fully surrenders unto the service of the Lord, Krsna accepts
him to be as good as Himself. When the devotee's body is thus
transformed into spiritual existence, the devotee, in that
transcendental body, renders service to the lotus feet of the
Lord. (Caitanya-Caritamrta Antya 4.191-193)
13. 148
dante nidhaya trnakam padayor-nipatya
krtva ca kakusatam etad aham bravimi
he sadhavam sakalam eva vihaya durad-
gauranga-candra-carane kurutanuragam
Taking a straw in my teeth I fall at your feet hundreds of
times and implore you with sweet words, saying, "O noble
soul! Please throw out everything you have learned and
cultivate attachment to the lotus feet of the moonlike Sri
Gauranga. (Caitanya-Candamrta 90)
Humility
13. 149
na prema-gandho'sti darapi me harau
krandami saubhagya-bharam prakasitum
vamsi-vilasyanana-lokanam vina
vibharmi yat -patangakan vrtha
My dear friends, I have not the slightest tinge of love of
Godhead within my herat. When you see me crying in
separation, I am only making a false show of devotion. The
proof that I have no love for Krsna is the fact that - while
not seeing his beautiful face as he plays his flute - I
continue to maintain my flylike existence.
(Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya 2.45)
The inestimable value of a moment's association with a pure devotee.
13. 150
ata atyantikam ksemam prcchamo bhavato'nagham
samsare'smin ksanardho'pi samsangam sevadhir-nrnam
O sinless ones! We therefore inquire from you about that
which is supremely auspicious for all living beings, for in
this world association with saints - even for a half a moment
- is the most valuable treasure in human society.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.30)
13. 151
tulayama lavenapi na svargam na punarbhavam
bhagavat-sangi-sangasya martyanam kim utasisam
Elevation to the heavenly planets and liberation from this
material existence cannot be compared to even a moment's
association with a pure devotee of Krsna. What then can be
said of mateial benedictions which are for those who are
destined to die? (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.18.13)
13. 152
bhayam dvitiya-bhinivesatam syad-
isad-apetasya viparyayo 'smrtim
tan-mayayato budha abhajet tam
bhaktyaika-yesam guru-devatatma
When a living entity is attracted by the material energy that
is separate from Krsna, he is overpowered by fear. Because he
is separated from the Supreme Personality of Godhead by the
material energy, his conception of life is reversed - instead
of being the eternal servant of Krsna, he becomes Krsna's
competitor. This is called viparyayam asmrtim. To nullify
this mistake, one who is actually learned and advanced
worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead as his spiritual
master, worshipful deity, and source of life. He thus
worships the Lord by the process of unalloyed devotional
service. In other words, when a living being wants to compete
with the Supreme Lord, he is overcome by maya, and turns away
from the Lord. In forgetfulness of Krsna, identifies himself
as a material body. Thus he is overwhelmed by fear. An
intelligent person who wishes to overcome the influence of
maya should worship the Lord with devotion by taking shelter
of a bonafide spiritual master, whom he accepts as the Lord's
representative, as his worshipful deity and of his life and
soul. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.37)
The Srutis identify the worship of devotees
and association with saints as the only thing worth doing.
13. 153
tasmadnatmajnam hyarcared-bhutikamam
A person wishing to attain divine opulence should worship one
who is atmajna,self-realized - that is, he should worship a
devotee of Sri Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
(Mundaka Upanisad 3.1.10)
Without sadhu-sanga, there is no other way.
13. 154
rahuganaitat tapasa na yati na cejyaya nirvapanad grhad
va
na cchandasa naiva jalagni-suryair-vina mahat-pada-rajo
'bhisekam
My dear King Rahugana, unless one has the opportunity to
smear his entire body with the dust of the lotus feet of
great devotees, one cannot realize the Absolute Truth. One
cannot realize the Absolute Truth simply by observing
celibacy, by worshiping the deity, by taking sannyasa, by
perfectly following the rules of the grhastha asrama. Nor can
one attain the truth by accepting severe penances and
austerities, by studying the Vedas, nor by worshiping the
gods of water and sun. Only by taking the dust of the lotus
feet of a pure devotee can one realize the Absolute Truth.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.12.12)
Those who have few pious credits cannot get the association of great souls.
13. 155
durapa hyalpatapasam seva vaikuntha-vartmasu
yatropa-giyate nityam deva-deva janardanam
Those whose austerity is meager can hardly obtain the service
of the pure devotees who are progressing on the path back to
the kingdom of Godhead, the Vaikunthas. Pure devotees engage
one hundred percent in glorifying the Supreme Lord, who is
the Lord of the demigods and the controller of all living
entities. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.7.20)
13. 156
naisam matis-tavad-urukramanghrim
sprsatyanarthapagamo yadartham
mahiyasam padarajo'bhisekam
niski-cananam na vrnita yavat
Unless they smear upon their bodies the dust of the lotus
feet of a Vaisnava completely freed from material
contamination, persons very much inclined toward
materialistic life cannot be attached to the lotus feet of
the Lord in this way can one be freed from material
contamination. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.32)
A devotee has all the good qualities in the universe; a nondevotee has none.
13. 157
yasyasti bhaktir-bhagavaty-aki-cana
sarvair-gunais-tatra-samasate suram
harav-abhaktasya kuto mahad-guna
mano-rathenasati dhavato bahim
All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as
religious knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the
body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva. On the other hand,
a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material
activites has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the
practice of mystic yoga, or the honest endeavor of
maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by
his own mental speculatiosn and must engage in the service of
the Lord's external energy. How can there be any good
qualities in such a man?(Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.18.12)
From sadhu-sanga comes faith, devotional attachment, and prema-bhakti.
13. 158
satam prasangam mama virya-samvido
bhavanti hrt-karna-rasayanam katham
taj josanadnasv-apavarga-vartmani
sraddha ratir-bhaktir-anukramisyati
In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the
pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By
cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on
the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his
attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotioal
service begin.(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.25)
With humility and hankering for Krsna,
a devotee gives instructs his mind and prays as follows:
13. 159
na dhanam na janam na sundarim
kavitam va jagadisa kamaye
mama janmani janmanisvare
bhavatad-bhaktir-ahaituki tvayi
O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumul