Mandala
Srila Sanatana Gosvami:
The Lord of Vaikuntha, Sriman Narayana said to Gopakumara:
Welcome! Welcome! Child, it is so fortunate, so fortunate, that you are here with Me. For so long I have longed to see you.
Dear friend, somehow you passed many births without coming to see Me.
Hoping that in this, in this, in this, in this birth you would turn to Me, I danced as a fool.
Brother, I could not find a pretext to bring you to My abode and still protect the ancient rules of religion.
(In his commentary, Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that had Gopa-kumara chanted the holy name, even as Ajamila and others had done, the Lord could have brought him to His abode).
Seeing that you had not attained My mercy, I became overcome with mercy for you. Ignoring the rules of karma, I gave you a birth on Govardhana Hill, My favourite place, and then, O dear friend, I became your guru, who was named Jayanta.
Today you have suddenly fulfilled my long-cherished desire. Please stay here always and make Me happy.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Intoxicated by drinking the sweet nectar of the Lord's words, I did not have the power to recite any prayers, to understand anything, or to do anything.
In the Lord's presence came some cowherd boys like myself, who were playing flutes. Very affectionate, they took me in their midst and encouraged me to play the flute.
In many ways playing on my favourite flute from Govardhana Hill, I pleased Lord Madhava, who is an ocean of artistic skill and a treasure-house of mercy, and who was surrounded by His associates.
At a certain time they all left. By the goddess of fortune's order they took me outside, although I was not willing to go.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this was the time for the Lord to take His meal).
Great opulences surrounded me in Vaikuntha, but I shunned them. I stayed as a cowherd boy, as I had been before.
The opulences there have forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss. They are independent and are manifest as they like.
Whether opulences are manifested or not, humbleness is present as a natural feature in Vaikuntha.
By the great strength of my previous activities, I considered humble worship of the Lord eternal happiness.
Then in my heart I decided that, by the Lord's mercy, I had attained the highest fruit of all I had done in all my births.
What rare happiness! What a glorious place! What a wonderful Lord! What wonderful mercy!
By the Lord's mercy I fanned Him with a camara wisk and performed other personal services. When I played the flute His glance brought me eternal bliss.
By the strength of my previous actions sometimes I would call out, "O Krishna! O Gopala!" again and again.
With many prayers I would always sing the great glories of the Lord's pastimes in Gokula.
Smiling and laughing, the residents of Vaikuntha took me outside and, their hearts melting with love, again and again spoke to me many words of instruction.
The residents of Vaikuntha said: Don't address the Lord of Lord's in that way. Don't praise Him in that way. With elegant verses you should praise His real, limitless greatness.
To kill the demons and protect the others, the Lord cheated Kamsa and disguised Himself as a cowherd boy.
The devotees do not take these disguises of the Lord very seriously. In the beginning of devotional service it may be right, but we do not glorify the Lord in that way.
Then some of them said: The Lord, whose pastimes are difficult to understand, has pastimes like that. There is no fault in glorifying Him in that way.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that pastimes discussed here are pastimes like the Lord's protecting the cows. These pastimes are not like His creation of the material universes. They have no contact with the illusory potency maya. Someone here may protest: "When the Lord protects the cows sometimes He is stung by brambles as He wanders in the forest. What kind of happy pastime is that?" This objection is answered here by the word "durbodha-caritasya". Because the Lord is the supreme controller, it is not possible to understand His activities perfectly).
Then some great souls, rebuked them all and said: Ah! Why do you speak as fools? Out of love for His devotees, Lord Krishna will do anything. Glorifying His deeds is a great virtue. It pleases the Lord.
These words made me first embarrassed and then pleased. Still my heart was not perfectly satisfied.
Because I could not see my worshipable Lord Gopala's lotus feet, form, pastimes and everything else, I became like a poor wretch.
Then I saw the Lord of Vaikuntha, who is the crest-jewel of the all-knowing, become Krishna, the joy of Nanda. I saw Laksmi and Dhara become Radhika and Candravali and the Lord's associates become the boys of Vraja.
When I could no longer see the Lord enjoying pastimes in the land of Vraja with His associates, my heart became unhappy.
Sometimes I would see Him enjoying pastimes with the cows in the gardens there. But then again I would see Him as before, as four-armed Vishnu and a master sitting on His throne.
Still, because I was aware that He is the Supreme Lord, because I could remember coming to Vaikuntha, and because of the presence of a great awe and reverence that killed spontaneous love, my heart was not satisfied.
In meditation, by Lord Gopaladeva's mercy, I would embrace Him, kiss Him, and enjoy pastimes with Him in many ways. Now that the Lord was present before my eyes, I was unhappy, for although I desired these things, I could not attain them.
Sometimes the Lord would go to a secluded place with His intimate associates. Then everyone else would lament for not seeing the Lord.
I asked what the Lord was doing. Concealing what they knew, as if it were a great secret, no one told me clearly.
At that moment the Lord of the universes appeared and was visible again. Then that lamentation died and an ocean of joy overflowed.
The glory of that place killed whatever suffering stayed in my heart as the sun kills the darkness.
Whenever my heart became unhappy, as it had been many times before when it could not attain its desire, I considered what was the cause of this malady, and the perfection of Vaikuntha cured it at once.
(I said to my mind:) Nothing is better than residence in Vaikuntha. Don't doubt. For what more could you ask?
O fickle mind, leave your restless nature far behind. No result is better than this. Think about the hundreds of reasons for this and become peaceful.
As I was explaining this (to my mind) I saw that I was made of eternity, knowledge and bliss and that I eternally experienced wonderful, intense, transcendental bliss by worshipping the Lord in Vaikunthaloka.
In this way sometimes happy and sometimes distressed, I lived in Vaikuntha. One day Narada saw me in a secluded place.
He, who is the crest-jewel of the merciful, who is the friend of the vina, who is very dear to the Lord, and who is an ocean of the nectar of devotion to Him, touched my head with his hand and blessed me, saying:
Lord Narada said: O son of a gopa, O object of the Lord of Vaikuntha's mercy, I can see by the withering of your face and other symptoms that you are as unhappy as a very wretched person.
What is the reason for your unhappiness? Please tell. I am very eager to know it. I have not seen anyone like that here.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Then to Narada, who was exalted, who was the best of friends, and who was like my own guru, I told all that was in my heart.
After hearing everything, he sighed, moved his eyes everywhere, pulled me to his side, and spoke very slowly and with great compassion.
Sri Narada said: That no place is better than Vaikuntha, the opinion you hold for many reasons is the truth. It is not otherwise.
You wish to see the pastimes of your worshipable Lord directly, pastimes you have seen only in meditation.
His pastimes bring great bliss. They charm the heart and are filled with the greatest love. They are the greatest secret. They are attained only by the great love of Vraja's people. They are not easy for those like me to attain.
His pastimes are splendidly manifest in a certain realm that attracts its own devotees and is situated somewhere above everything. By devotedly worshipping the Lord of the universes you have come to Vaikuntha. How can you see these pastimes here?
How can these very confidential pastimes be manifest here in Vaikuntha, which manifests the Lord's supreme opulence?
Give up all lamentation and see that the Lord of Vaikuntha is the same as your worshipable Deity (Madana-Gopala). Don't think of Them as two different persons.
Then even here you will attain limitless, transcendental, eternally increasing bliss that fills your heart.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: With limitless yearning I wished to hear with my ears whatever of these truths could come in the range of my understanding.
Overcome with awe and shyness, I could not ask him about them. Then he, the best of the all-knowing and the best of the Lord's devotees, understanding all that was in my heart, to please both my ears and his tongue, briefly revealed everything.
Sri Narada said: Don't think that the animals, birds, trees, vines, shrubs, grass and other things you have seen here are made of the darkness of matter.
They are Lord Krishna's personal associates and their forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. To enjoy the bliss of serving the Lord in many wonderful ways, they assume these forms.
According to the specific form and nature of the Supreme Lord that they worship, meditate on as their beloved, the devotees attain a form like the Lord's. In this way they manifest many different forms and opulences. They have forms like the Lord's incarnations, as humans, sages, demigods, and philosophers, and as the Lord's incarnations as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrsimha, Vamana, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Sesa, Surya, Vayu, Vahni, and many other forms. They also attain four-handed forms, and still other forms, with the specific garments and features of the Lord.
The Lord's human forms include Lord Ramacandra, His sage forms include Lord Kapila, His demigod forms includes Lord Satyasena, and His philosopher forms include Lord Parasurama.
The form and features of the Lord one worshipped in worshipping Lord Krishna's lotus feet one attains when he enters Vaikuntha at the end. All those features of the Lord become dear to him. These nectar mellows of the Lord please him.
( Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the forms and features of the Lord are the Lord's incarnations, such as Lord Ramacandra and Lord Kapila. By worshipping Them in the material world one is able to see Them in Vaikuntha. The words "at the end" here mean "at the end of one's stay in the cycle of repeated birth and death". The word "rasena" means "by engaging in the different kinds of devotional service, which begin with glorifying the Lord.")
In Vaikuntha everyone sees the Supreme Lord, Narayana, who manifests various forms appropriate to each person.
Worshipping the Lord as they had before, the devotees always attain the newer and newer limitless bliss of devotional service here in Vaikuntha.
These supremely faithful great souls see, now surrounded by all extraordinary associates, whose handsomeness pleases the heart and mind, the same Lord they had worshipped before, and as before they desire to serve Him eternally.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that each form of the Lord is surrounded by His own specific associates. In this way, for example, Lord Ramacandra is surrounded by His own associates headed by Sita-devi and Laksmana.)
Worshipping their own Lords in (Ayodhya) City and other places, the devotees become happy.
The devotees' faith and love is not placed in one form alone. The Lord has many forms and each form is served by certain devotees.
All who devotedly chant the eight-syllable mantra and other mantras glorifying the goddess of fortune's husband attain Vaikuntha at the body's end.
They attain as much happiness as they could wish, a happiness greater than they had known before. Because they taste different kinds of the nectar of devotional service, they are different, being more or less advanced in devotional service.
The Lord happily appears as Nara and Narayana Rsis, Dattatreya, Parasurama, Kapila, and other incarnations, all of them jewels decorating the earth. In Svargaloka and other celestial worlds He appears as Vishnu the Lord of sacrifices, and other incarnations you have personally seen. He also appears as Matsya, Kurma, Maha-Varaha, Sriman Nrsimha, Vamana and many other incarnations, all bearing different names, all with forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss, and all simultaneously different and eternally one.
That these incarnations of the Lord are different persons is an illusion. They are not different persons as the individual spirit souls are different persons. The Lord's potency shows His incarnations to be different persons so He can enjoy different transcendental pastimes. The devotees are different persons because that is their actual nature.
The variety of the Lord's forms is not like the sun's reflections on the water. The Lord's forms are like the sun shining as one in the sky but seen as many by people in different places
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that a person in one place sees the sun as shining near a certain tree and another person in a different place far away sees the same sun as shining near a different tree. In this way the two persons see the same to be present in two different places. They see two different suns although one sun shines in the sky. This example shows how the one Supreme Lord is seen as having different forms and characteristics.)
As transcendental knowledge and the bliss it brings are simultaneously the same and different, so the Supreme Lord and His many incarnations are simultaneously the same and different. That is clearly so.
As in a dream one may go to different places, so Lord Krishna, His associates, and His abode are seen as many although they are also one. The variety and the oneness are both true. When one form of Lord Krishna is pleased, then all His forms become pleased.
Sri Krishna is the only Lord of Vaikuntha. To please His devotees He manifests different forms in different places.
Brahma saw this when he stole Lord Krishna's boys and calves in Vrndavana, and I myself saw it when I wandered through the palaces in Dvaraka.
The Supreme Lord's potency is wonderful and inconceivable. Still, it is not a secret to His pure devotees.
The one Supreme Lord ate simultaneously the many meals His thousands of queens offered simultaneously. Each queen saw her husband and thought: "He has taken His meal from me first. Now He eats."
Sometimes, because of the entrance of the Lord's potencies in certain individual spirit souls, empowered incarnations appear. The wise think these incarnations to be like the Lord Himself.
As Lord Krishna (expands in many incarnations) so does Goddess Maha-Laksmi, His eternal beloved, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss.
Devoted to Him, she always stays on the Lord's chest. As Lord Krishna manifests His different incarnations, she manifests her incarnations as His devoted consorts.
She is like a great mystic perfection among the other goddesses of fortune. She is the queen of all opulences. As the giver of material opulences, she is neglected by the devotees, the liberated and they who aspire for liberation.
She arranges for the Lord's pastimes, which are filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss. She is eternal, transcendental, beginningless, endless, and indescribable. She is the mother of the wonder that is the bliss of service to the Lord. By her the Lord is revealed in many ways.
By Goddess Laksmi the wonderful variety of the Lord's devotees, of the many kinds of devotional service, of the Lord's spiritual realms, and of the Lord's pastimes are eternally manifest.
She and her actions can be understood only by the pure devotees. She cannot be understood by they whose minds are filled with the mistakes of dry speculation.
The Lord's potencies are called superior and inferior. She is His superior potency. She is His internal potency. She is famous by the name Prakrti.
Her expansions are manifested in many ways according to their different duties. The illusory potency Maya, which consists of the modes of nature, is her shadow.
Maya is the mother of the illusory world of the five material elements. She is filled with the darkness of illusion. She is indescribable, temporary and transcendental. She is the cause of the individual souls' stay in the world of birth and death.
She is the controller of the eighth covering (of the universe). She has a form. Because she does not change form to do her duties, she is called Prakrti.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the words "vikrti" (transformation) and "prakrti" (nature, or the original state that is not transformed) are opposites. Because she does not change her form, Maya is called Prakrti.
By transcending her one attains liberation and devotional service. She has created this material universe, which is like a mirage.
By her potency are seen the long-lasting and real magical creations Kardama Muni and others showed by austerity, yoga, and other practices.
However, whatever is created by the potency of Lord Krishna, who gives the results of all pious deeds and whose lotus feet are worshipped by the greatest yogis, is both real and eternal.
In this way the incarnations are not different from Sri Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the origin of the incarnations. They are real and eternal as He.
Krishna, whose form contains all incarnations, is glorious with many opulences, which are greater than all others and which described by the word "bhaga".
The Supreme Personality of Godhead has six opulences: all wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge and renunciation."
Even if He is considered an incarnation, His many sweet and charming glories, which can be understood only by they whose hearts melt with love and devotion for Him, make Lord Krishna better than Narayana.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that someone may protest: "Lord Narayana is the source of all incarnations. How can Krishna be more glorious than He?" This verse answers that protest.
The servants of His many incarnations attain great happiness by serving the Lords dear to their hearts.
The Lord gives them results according to their worship. They are never displeased with what they attain.
Who can understand the pastimes where the Lord, who enjoys many wonderful pastimes and whose thoughts are deeper than millions of oceans, enjoys (with His devotees) is a wonderful exchange of nectar of love?
Engaging in activities free from rivalry and other faults, and each according to his own nature, whether higher or lower, the devotees attain, as much as they desire, the highest happiness of devotional service. This proves the greatness of the Lord's mercy.
The Lord's associates in Vaikuntha, whose forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, do not think the slight happiness of they who live in the world of repeated birth and death, or the slight happiness of the (impersonalist) sannyasis to be great happiness.
As there are many gradations of service, so there is a wonderful variety of gradations of happiness according to the different mellows.
Some of the residents of Vaikuntha have been the Lord's associates eternally, and others have come to that position by the Lord's mercy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Sesa and Garuda are examples of persons who have been the Lord's associates eternally, and Jaya, Vijaya, Bharata and Priyavrata are examples of persons who became the Lord's associates by His mercy.
Although the bliss of serving the Lord is the same in all circumstances, some think it different to perform open or confidential service, or to be far from the Lord or standing by His side, or in some other place.
Although, because they are both eternal, they are like the Lord, their natural relationship with Him, where He is the served and they are His servants is both real and eternal.
Although, because they are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, they are like the Lord, awareness of the sweetness of the bliss of serving Him impels them to become eternally servants of Sri Krishna's lotus feet, which are an ocean of many kinds of inconceivable sweetnesses.
Even if He were not the origin of all incarnations, and even if He were the same as all incarnations, who are eternal and full of bliss and knowledge, Sri Krishna would still be distinguished by His very sweet glories.
Some say that Sri Krishna, whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss is the Supreme Brahman and all others are His spiritual, liberated associates.
To enjoy the bliss of devotional service, aided by the Lord's transcendental pastime potency they assume forms suitable for the Lord's pastimes.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: I asked him: O lord, are the Lord's Deity forms on the earth all eternal and full of knowledge and bliss as is the form of Lord Jagannatha, the master of Nilacala?
Although the Lord, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss, is one, in His pastimes He appears in many places in many different forms.
By renouncing material piety, fruitive work, yoga, and other things like them, and worshipping the Deity, what mistake is done? When the Deity is worshipped one becomes aware of a great gain.
Why, then, do we hear from the Puranas so many statements contradicting this? These statements cannot be rejected as evidence, for they have come from the mouths of great souls.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.47, 3.29.22, and 3.29.24 as examples of scriptural statements that minimise the importance of Deity worship.
Hearing this, Narada, who is the guru of the path of Deity worship stood up, embraced me with great bliss, and replied.
Sri Narada said: I have already explained that the Deity forms of the Lord are the same as the Lord Himself. Deity worship is very glorious. They who, aware that the Deity is the Lord Himself, worship the Deity, even though they neglect other duties, and even though their worship is not sincere, do not fall down. They have no faults. Their merits are very great, their devotional service is thought to be the greatest. They attain a very great result.
By seeing the Deity, by worshipping Tulasi, or by once chanting or hearing even the reflection of the holy name, one may attain perfection. Worship of Tulasi begins with watering her and bowing down to offer respects to her.
How can there be any fault with worship of the Lord's Deity form, whose form reminds one of the Lord, who is properly installed with mantras, and who is the object of all activities of devotional service?
They who worship the Deity of Lord Krishna never offend the devotees of Lord Krishna. If somehow they do offend them, the devotees do not take offense, but rather praise their attachment to the Lord.
They who, seeing the Deity as different from the Lord Himself and thinking the Deity as made of stone or some other material, worship the Deity of Lord Hari, do not respect the Lord's devotees. Disrespectful to all, and proud of their worship, they rebel against the Lord's commandments in the Vedas.
They are the least of all the devotees. Their intelligence is slow. They do not find the fruits of their worship.
Although the transcendental fruit of their Deity-worship is greater than the fruits of all ordinary pious deeds, they do not attain the real fruit that comes from service to the Lord. For this reason the saintly devotees criticise their method of worship in different ways and in different places.
Although all the statements of the Puranas and other scriptures condemn them, don't think everyone who worships the Lord's Deity-form is like them.
If they do not abandon their worship, then by the mercy of the Lord's devotees, who see the good in others, all the faults in their hearts, now purified by their faith, are destroyed and in time they become the greatest devotees.
After enjoying what they desired, materialistic devotees, by the power of their devotional service, in time attain the real fruit of their service.
Because in this way one does not immediately attain the fruit of devotional service, the pure devotees criticise the first result of the materialistic devotees' efforts.
They who are devoted to the Lord's lotus feet think the real fruit of devotional service is the bliss of always seeing, enjoying pastimes with, and serving in many ways the Supreme Lord.
They cannot bear even a moment's delay. The Lord also cannot bear to leave them for even a moment.
The fruits of all other desires are very insignificant in comparison. Liberation is easily attained, but devotional service is not.
By the mercy of devotional service the Lord is controlled by His devotees. Because it destroys His independence, the Lord does not bestow devotional service.
I think that being under the control of His dear devotees is not a fault for the Lord. Neither does it make Him unhappy. It brings Him happiness. It increases His glories, which begin with His love for His devotees.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in the previous verses Narada Muni has been relating the opinions of others. In this verse he gives his own opinion.
Eclipsing His independent bliss and other glories, the supreme hero Lord Krsna's being under the control of His dear devotees is the greatest of His divine glories.
From the perfection of loving devotion comes great ecstatic love. Gazing at the truth, that love eternally dances in the kingdom of great bliss.
Although externally this ecstatic love may show signs of great suffering (this suffering is not real, for the Lord) would never allow His dearest devotees to suffer in that way.
With external eyes seeing this bewildering condition of great love, the people in general have no desire to engage in devotional service. They laugh at the devotees. The Lord does not give loving devotion to them.
Loving devotion is very difficult to attain and the pleasures of Svargaloka and other celestial planets are very easy to attain. Common people cannot attain a cintamani jewel, although they may attain a glass, or sometimes a golden trinket.
Sometimes, to a wise and extraordinary person who wishes it alone, the Lord gives devotional service.
We are not able, nor is it proper for us, to describe the nature of this ecstatic love, in the same as it is not proper for the scriptures that describe the activities of the Lord's service to describe it to fools.
They who serve the mellows of devotional service understand the sweetness and glory of that ecstatic love. By the Lord's mercy you, staying in the land of Gokula, will also quickly understand it.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: These words greatly increased my yearning to see the lotus feet of Sri Gopala, the Lord I worshipped.
Not noticing that at that moment I, filled with a desire to attain that love, was thrown into an ocean of lamentation, Narada, comforting me, said:
Sri Narada said: Although this great secret should not be told in this place Vaikunthaloka, made talkative by your anxiety, I will speak.
Not far from here, Lord Ramacandra's city of Ayodhya is splendidly manifest. Far from that, the city of Dvaraka, which is like the beautiful land and charming city of Mathura and is very dear to Lord Krsna, the Lord of the Yadus, is splendidly manifest. Go there, and with a glance worship your beloved Lord.
First hear the way to go to Ayodhya, a way approved by they who taste the nectar of service to Sri Ramacandra's lotus feet.
Although by directly worshipping Lord Krsna, the origin of the incarnations, everything is obtained, I will now describe how to attain the nectar of the lotus feet of Lord Rama, the hero of the Raghu dynasty.
As you meditate on His form, virtues and opulences, which are all described in the Vedas, glorify Him, beginning with the words: "O husband of Sita, O glorious Lord of the Raghus, O elder brother of Laksmana, O Lord, O dear master of Sri Hanuman!"
In this way the great devotees attain their worshipable Lord. Even the slightest scent of the Lord brings great happiness to they who have placed their faith in Him alone.
If when you see Lord Rama's lotus feet your desire to see the Lord remains unsatisfied, Lord Rama Himself, His heart melting with compassion, will happily send you to Dvaraka.
Glorifying your Lord, as the scriptures prescribe, you will go there and see Your beloved Lord, handsome Sri Krsnacandra, whom you long desired to see, surrounded by the Yadus.
Ayodhya - Kosala, Dvaraka and many other places are provinces of the kingdom of Vaikuntha. Go now, and do not wait for the Lord's order.
By the order of He who knows what happens in everyone's heart, I have come here. Know that His order has come through my mouth.
To show mercy to a great devotee, the Lord has gone somewhere. You will not be able to tolerate any delay. This is the right time for you to go.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Hearing this, I became very happy. Again and Again I bowed down before Sri Narada. I took His blessing and meditated on his instructions.
Then I left. From far away I saw many restless monkeys jumping here and there and calling out: "Rama! Rama!"
As they tugged at my flute, I went with them. Then I saw human beings more handsome than the Lord's associates in Vaikuntha.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the residents of Vaikuntha had four-armed forms like that of Lord Narayana. These humans had forms like that of Lord Rama.
Very saintly and well-behaved, they would not allow me to bow down and worship them. Led by them, I came to the city's outer courtyard.
Seeing glorious Bharata comfortably sitting with Satrughna, many charming human beings, and monkeys headed by Sugriva, Angada and Jambavan, and thinking Bharata was Lord Ramacandra Himself, I began to glorify Him with many prayers. He at once covered His ears, and saying again and again that he is only a servant, forbade me to continue.
Frightened, I stood with folded hands. Hanuman then suddenly dragged me inside and there I saw the supremely wonderful, humanlike Lord Rama who comfortably sat on a royal throne in the charming palace, who was joyful, who had the features of an exalted personality, who was like Lord Narayana who was enchanting with many charming sweetnesses, whose hand was glorious with a bow, whose humble, shy glances were delightful, who enjoyed pastimes of being the king of kings, and who was explaining the principles of religion.
Overcome by the bliss of seeing Him, I fainted before Him as if I had bowed down as a stick to offer respects. Then He who is desired by the best of religious duties mercifully picked me up and I gazed on Him.
Pulled by his service, Hanuman left me and in one jump came before Lord Rama. Beautiful beloved Sita was glorious at the Lord's left and His younger brother Laksmana was glorious at His other side.
Sometimes Hanuman fanned the Lord with a splendid white camara, sometimes he sang of His virtues, and sometimes, standing before Him with folded hands, recited wonderful prayers in verses of his own composing.
One moment he holds a white parasol. Another moment he massages the Lord's lotus feet. Another moment he easily does many different services simultaneously.
Overcome with bliss, I called out: "Glory! Glory!" and bowed down again and again. His heart melting, the Lord pleased me with the very wonderful nectar of sweet words.
The Supreme Lord said: O gopa's son, O dear friend, well done! Well done! With your love you have conquered Me. Please stop. What is the need of all this trouble you take? What is the need? Don't make Me, your eternal friend, suffer like this.
Rise! Rise Auspiciousness to you! Give up this awe and veneration! Friend, eternally I am conquered by your love.
By the Lord's order, Hanuman picked me up and placed me at the Lord's lotus feet.
In my heart I thought: Now my long yearning has borne fruit. Now I have a result more than I can desire. How can I go to some other place now?
In the form and garments of a cowherd boy as before, for how long a time did I stay there, overcome with bliss?
There I saw Lord Rama's pastimes as a saintly king.
Still, I did not see anything like the playful sweetness of my worshipable Lord Madana-Gopala's pastimes and I did not attain mercy like His mercy.
I was unhappy there. By hearing from Sri Hanuman the glories of Lord Ramacandra's lotus feet and by directly gazing at the Lord, I tried to cast off the pain in my heart. I tried to see that all the features of my worshipable Lord were also present in Lord Rama.
By the power of my previous activities in Vrajabhumi, a yearning for my Lord's pastimes and mercy invaded my heart.
Then, seeing my condition, Sri Hanuman, the best of counsellors, tried to console me with many very wonderful arguments.
Finally, Lord Rama, who knows what is in the hearts of all the world, His own heart soft with great mercy, comforted me with sweet and affectionate words. He told me to go to Dvaraka and He at once sent me there with Jambavan, the king of the Ballukas.
The Lord of Vaikuntha, Sriman Narayana said to Gopakumara:
Welcome! Welcome! Child, it is so fortunate, so fortunate, that you are here with Me. For so long I have longed to see you.
Dear friend, somehow you passed many births without coming to see Me.
Hoping that in this, in this, in this, in this birth you would turn to Me, I danced as a fool.
Brother, I could not find a pretext to bring you to My abode and still protect the ancient rules of religion.
(In his commentary, Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that had Gopa-kumara chanted the holy name, even as Ajamila and others had done, the Lord could have brought him to His abode).
Seeing that you had not attained My mercy, I became overcome with mercy for you. Ignoring the rules of karma, I gave you a birth on Govardhana Hill, My favourite place, and then, O dear friend, I became your guru, who was named Jayanta.
Today you have suddenly fulfilled my long-cherished desire. Please stay here always and make Me happy.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Intoxicated by drinking the sweet nectar of the Lord's words, I did not have the power to recite any prayers, to understand anything, or to do anything.
In the Lord's presence came some cowherd boys like myself, who were playing flutes. Very affectionate, they took me in their midst and encouraged me to play the flute.
In many ways playing on my favourite flute from Govardhana Hill, I pleased Lord Madhava, who is an ocean of artistic skill and a treasure-house of mercy, and who was surrounded by His associates.
At a certain time they all left. By the goddess of fortune's order they took me outside, although I was not willing to go.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this was the time for the Lord to take His meal).
Great opulences surrounded me in Vaikuntha, but I shunned them. I stayed as a cowherd boy, as I had been before.
The opulences there have forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss. They are independent and are manifest as they like.
Whether opulences are manifested or not, humbleness is present as a natural feature in Vaikuntha.
By the great strength of my previous activities, I considered humble worship of the Lord eternal happiness.
Then in my heart I decided that, by the Lord's mercy, I had attained the highest fruit of all I had done in all my births.
What rare happiness! What a glorious place! What a wonderful Lord! What wonderful mercy!
By the Lord's mercy I fanned Him with a camara wisk and performed other personal services. When I played the flute His glance brought me eternal bliss.
By the strength of my previous actions sometimes I would call out, "O Krishna! O Gopala!" again and again.
With many prayers I would always sing the great glories of the Lord's pastimes in Gokula.
Smiling and laughing, the residents of Vaikuntha took me outside and, their hearts melting with love, again and again spoke to me many words of instruction.
The residents of Vaikuntha said: Don't address the Lord of Lord's in that way. Don't praise Him in that way. With elegant verses you should praise His real, limitless greatness.
To kill the demons and protect the others, the Lord cheated Kamsa and disguised Himself as a cowherd boy.
The devotees do not take these disguises of the Lord very seriously. In the beginning of devotional service it may be right, but we do not glorify the Lord in that way.
Then some of them said: The Lord, whose pastimes are difficult to understand, has pastimes like that. There is no fault in glorifying Him in that way.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that pastimes discussed here are pastimes like the Lord's protecting the cows. These pastimes are not like His creation of the material universes. They have no contact with the illusory potency maya. Someone here may protest: "When the Lord protects the cows sometimes He is stung by brambles as He wanders in the forest. What kind of happy pastime is that?" This objection is answered here by the word "durbodha-caritasya". Because the Lord is the supreme controller, it is not possible to understand His activities perfectly).
Then some great souls, rebuked them all and said: Ah! Why do you speak as fools? Out of love for His devotees, Lord Krishna will do anything. Glorifying His deeds is a great virtue. It pleases the Lord.
These words made me first embarrassed and then pleased. Still my heart was not perfectly satisfied.
Because I could not see my worshipable Lord Gopala's lotus feet, form, pastimes and everything else, I became like a poor wretch.
Then I saw the Lord of Vaikuntha, who is the crest-jewel of the all-knowing, become Krishna, the joy of Nanda. I saw Laksmi and Dhara become Radhika and Candravali and the Lord's associates become the boys of Vraja.
When I could no longer see the Lord enjoying pastimes in the land of Vraja with His associates, my heart became unhappy.
Sometimes I would see Him enjoying pastimes with the cows in the gardens there. But then again I would see Him as before, as four-armed Vishnu and a master sitting on His throne.
Still, because I was aware that He is the Supreme Lord, because I could remember coming to Vaikuntha, and because of the presence of a great awe and reverence that killed spontaneous love, my heart was not satisfied.
In meditation, by Lord Gopaladeva's mercy, I would embrace Him, kiss Him, and enjoy pastimes with Him in many ways. Now that the Lord was present before my eyes, I was unhappy, for although I desired these things, I could not attain them.
Sometimes the Lord would go to a secluded place with His intimate associates. Then everyone else would lament for not seeing the Lord.
I asked what the Lord was doing. Concealing what they knew, as if it were a great secret, no one told me clearly.
At that moment the Lord of the universes appeared and was visible again. Then that lamentation died and an ocean of joy overflowed.
The glory of that place killed whatever suffering stayed in my heart as the sun kills the darkness.
Whenever my heart became unhappy, as it had been many times before when it could not attain its desire, I considered what was the cause of this malady, and the perfection of Vaikuntha cured it at once.
(I said to my mind:) Nothing is better than residence in Vaikuntha. Don't doubt. For what more could you ask?
O fickle mind, leave your restless nature far behind. No result is better than this. Think about the hundreds of reasons for this and become peaceful.
As I was explaining this (to my mind) I saw that I was made of eternity, knowledge and bliss and that I eternally experienced wonderful, intense, transcendental bliss by worshipping the Lord in Vaikunthaloka.
In this way sometimes happy and sometimes distressed, I lived in Vaikuntha. One day Narada saw me in a secluded place.
He, who is the crest-jewel of the merciful, who is the friend of the vina, who is very dear to the Lord, and who is an ocean of the nectar of devotion to Him, touched my head with his hand and blessed me, saying:
Lord Narada said: O son of a gopa, O object of the Lord of Vaikuntha's mercy, I can see by the withering of your face and other symptoms that you are as unhappy as a very wretched person.
What is the reason for your unhappiness? Please tell. I am very eager to know it. I have not seen anyone like that here.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Then to Narada, who was exalted, who was the best of friends, and who was like my own guru, I told all that was in my heart.
After hearing everything, he sighed, moved his eyes everywhere, pulled me to his side, and spoke very slowly and with great compassion.
Sri Narada said: That no place is better than Vaikuntha, the opinion you hold for many reasons is the truth. It is not otherwise.
You wish to see the pastimes of your worshipable Lord directly, pastimes you have seen only in meditation.
His pastimes bring great bliss. They charm the heart and are filled with the greatest love. They are the greatest secret. They are attained only by the great love of Vraja's people. They are not easy for those like me to attain.
His pastimes are splendidly manifest in a certain realm that attracts its own devotees and is situated somewhere above everything. By devotedly worshipping the Lord of the universes you have come to Vaikuntha. How can you see these pastimes here?
How can these very confidential pastimes be manifest here in Vaikuntha, which manifests the Lord's supreme opulence?
Give up all lamentation and see that the Lord of Vaikuntha is the same as your worshipable Deity (Madana-Gopala). Don't think of Them as two different persons.
Then even here you will attain limitless, transcendental, eternally increasing bliss that fills your heart.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: With limitless yearning I wished to hear with my ears whatever of these truths could come in the range of my understanding.
Overcome with awe and shyness, I could not ask him about them. Then he, the best of the all-knowing and the best of the Lord's devotees, understanding all that was in my heart, to please both my ears and his tongue, briefly revealed everything.
Sri Narada said: Don't think that the animals, birds, trees, vines, shrubs, grass and other things you have seen here are made of the darkness of matter.
They are Lord Krishna's personal associates and their forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. To enjoy the bliss of serving the Lord in many wonderful ways, they assume these forms.
According to the specific form and nature of the Supreme Lord that they worship, meditate on as their beloved, the devotees attain a form like the Lord's. In this way they manifest many different forms and opulences. They have forms like the Lord's incarnations, as humans, sages, demigods, and philosophers, and as the Lord's incarnations as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrsimha, Vamana, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Sesa, Surya, Vayu, Vahni, and many other forms. They also attain four-handed forms, and still other forms, with the specific garments and features of the Lord.
The Lord's human forms include Lord Ramacandra, His sage forms include Lord Kapila, His demigod forms includes Lord Satyasena, and His philosopher forms include Lord Parasurama.
The form and features of the Lord one worshipped in worshipping Lord Krishna's lotus feet one attains when he enters Vaikuntha at the end. All those features of the Lord become dear to him. These nectar mellows of the Lord please him.
( Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the forms and features of the Lord are the Lord's incarnations, such as Lord Ramacandra and Lord Kapila. By worshipping Them in the material world one is able to see Them in Vaikuntha. The words "at the end" here mean "at the end of one's stay in the cycle of repeated birth and death". The word "rasena" means "by engaging in the different kinds of devotional service, which begin with glorifying the Lord.")
In Vaikuntha everyone sees the Supreme Lord, Narayana, who manifests various forms appropriate to each person.
Worshipping the Lord as they had before, the devotees always attain the newer and newer limitless bliss of devotional service here in Vaikuntha.
These supremely faithful great souls see, now surrounded by all extraordinary associates, whose handsomeness pleases the heart and mind, the same Lord they had worshipped before, and as before they desire to serve Him eternally.
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that each form of the Lord is surrounded by His own specific associates. In this way, for example, Lord Ramacandra is surrounded by His own associates headed by Sita-devi and Laksmana.)
Worshipping their own Lords in (Ayodhya) City and other places, the devotees become happy.
The devotees' faith and love is not placed in one form alone. The Lord has many forms and each form is served by certain devotees.
All who devotedly chant the eight-syllable mantra and other mantras glorifying the goddess of fortune's husband attain Vaikuntha at the body's end.
They attain as much happiness as they could wish, a happiness greater than they had known before. Because they taste different kinds of the nectar of devotional service, they are different, being more or less advanced in devotional service.
The Lord happily appears as Nara and Narayana Rsis, Dattatreya, Parasurama, Kapila, and other incarnations, all of them jewels decorating the earth. In Svargaloka and other celestial worlds He appears as Vishnu the Lord of sacrifices, and other incarnations you have personally seen. He also appears as Matsya, Kurma, Maha-Varaha, Sriman Nrsimha, Vamana and many other incarnations, all bearing different names, all with forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss, and all simultaneously different and eternally one.
That these incarnations of the Lord are different persons is an illusion. They are not different persons as the individual spirit souls are different persons. The Lord's potency shows His incarnations to be different persons so He can enjoy different transcendental pastimes. The devotees are different persons because that is their actual nature.
The variety of the Lord's forms is not like the sun's reflections on the water. The Lord's forms are like the sun shining as one in the sky but seen as many by people in different places
(Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that a person in one place sees the sun as shining near a certain tree and another person in a different place far away sees the same sun as shining near a different tree. In this way the two persons see the same to be present in two different places. They see two different suns although one sun shines in the sky. This example shows how the one Supreme Lord is seen as having different forms and characteristics.)
As transcendental knowledge and the bliss it brings are simultaneously the same and different, so the Supreme Lord and His many incarnations are simultaneously the same and different. That is clearly so.
As in a dream one may go to different places, so Lord Krishna, His associates, and His abode are seen as many although they are also one. The variety and the oneness are both true. When one form of Lord Krishna is pleased, then all His forms become pleased.
Sri Krishna is the only Lord of Vaikuntha. To please His devotees He manifests different forms in different places.
Brahma saw this when he stole Lord Krishna's boys and calves in Vrndavana, and I myself saw it when I wandered through the palaces in Dvaraka.
The Supreme Lord's potency is wonderful and inconceivable. Still, it is not a secret to His pure devotees.
The one Supreme Lord ate simultaneously the many meals His thousands of queens offered simultaneously. Each queen saw her husband and thought: "He has taken His meal from me first. Now He eats."
Sometimes, because of the entrance of the Lord's potencies in certain individual spirit souls, empowered incarnations appear. The wise think these incarnations to be like the Lord Himself.
As Lord Krishna (expands in many incarnations) so does Goddess Maha-Laksmi, His eternal beloved, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss.
Devoted to Him, she always stays on the Lord's chest. As Lord Krishna manifests His different incarnations, she manifests her incarnations as His devoted consorts.
She is like a great mystic perfection among the other goddesses of fortune. She is the queen of all opulences. As the giver of material opulences, she is neglected by the devotees, the liberated and they who aspire for liberation.
She arranges for the Lord's pastimes, which are filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss. She is eternal, transcendental, beginningless, endless, and indescribable. She is the mother of the wonder that is the bliss of service to the Lord. By her the Lord is revealed in many ways.
By Goddess Laksmi the wonderful variety of the Lord's devotees, of the many kinds of devotional service, of the Lord's spiritual realms, and of the Lord's pastimes are eternally manifest.
She and her actions can be understood only by the pure devotees. She cannot be understood by they whose minds are filled with the mistakes of dry speculation.
The Lord's potencies are called superior and inferior. She is His superior potency. She is His internal potency. She is famous by the name Prakrti.
Her expansions are manifested in many ways according to their different duties. The illusory potency Maya, which consists of the modes of nature, is her shadow.
Maya is the mother of the illusory world of the five material elements. She is filled with the darkness of illusion. She is indescribable, temporary and transcendental. She is the cause of the individual souls' stay in the world of birth and death.
She is the controller of the eighth covering (of the universe). She has a form. Because she does not change form to do her duties, she is called Prakrti.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the words "vikrti" (transformation) and "prakrti" (nature, or the original state that is not transformed) are opposites. Because she does not change her form, Maya is called Prakrti.
By transcending her one attains liberation and devotional service. She has created this material universe, which is like a mirage.
By her potency are seen the long-lasting and real magical creations Kardama Muni and others showed by austerity, yoga, and other practices.
However, whatever is created by the potency of Lord Krishna, who gives the results of all pious deeds and whose lotus feet are worshipped by the greatest yogis, is both real and eternal.
In this way the incarnations are not different from Sri Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the origin of the incarnations. They are real and eternal as He.
Krishna, whose form contains all incarnations, is glorious with many opulences, which are greater than all others and which described by the word "bhaga".
The Supreme Personality of Godhead has six opulences: all wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge and renunciation."
Even if He is considered an incarnation, His many sweet and charming glories, which can be understood only by they whose hearts melt with love and devotion for Him, make Lord Krishna better than Narayana.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that someone may protest: "Lord Narayana is the source of all incarnations. How can Krishna be more glorious than He?" This verse answers that protest.
The servants of His many incarnations attain great happiness by serving the Lords dear to their hearts.
The Lord gives them results according to their worship. They are never displeased with what they attain.
Who can understand the pastimes where the Lord, who enjoys many wonderful pastimes and whose thoughts are deeper than millions of oceans, enjoys (with His devotees) is a wonderful exchange of nectar of love?
Engaging in activities free from rivalry and other faults, and each according to his own nature, whether higher or lower, the devotees attain, as much as they desire, the highest happiness of devotional service. This proves the greatness of the Lord's mercy.
The Lord's associates in Vaikuntha, whose forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, do not think the slight happiness of they who live in the world of repeated birth and death, or the slight happiness of the (impersonalist) sannyasis to be great happiness.
As there are many gradations of service, so there is a wonderful variety of gradations of happiness according to the different mellows.
Some of the residents of Vaikuntha have been the Lord's associates eternally, and others have come to that position by the Lord's mercy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Sesa and Garuda are examples of persons who have been the Lord's associates eternally, and Jaya, Vijaya, Bharata and Priyavrata are examples of persons who became the Lord's associates by His mercy.
Although the bliss of serving the Lord is the same in all circumstances, some think it different to perform open or confidential service, or to be far from the Lord or standing by His side, or in some other place.
Although, because they are both eternal, they are like the Lord, their natural relationship with Him, where He is the served and they are His servants is both real and eternal.
Although, because they are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, they are like the Lord, awareness of the sweetness of the bliss of serving Him impels them to become eternally servants of Sri Krishna's lotus feet, which are an ocean of many kinds of inconceivable sweetnesses.
Even if He were not the origin of all incarnations, and even if He were the same as all incarnations, who are eternal and full of bliss and knowledge, Sri Krishna would still be distinguished by His very sweet glories.
Some say that Sri Krishna, whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss is the Supreme Brahman and all others are His spiritual, liberated associates.
To enjoy the bliss of devotional service, aided by the Lord's transcendental pastime potency they assume forms suitable for the Lord's pastimes.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: I asked him: O lord, are the Lord's Deity forms on the earth all eternal and full of knowledge and bliss as is the form of Lord Jagannatha, the master of Nilacala?
Although the Lord, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss, is one, in His pastimes He appears in many places in many different forms.
By renouncing material piety, fruitive work, yoga, and other things like them, and worshipping the Deity, what mistake is done? When the Deity is worshipped one becomes aware of a great gain.
Why, then, do we hear from the Puranas so many statements contradicting this? These statements cannot be rejected as evidence, for they have come from the mouths of great souls.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.47, 3.29.22, and 3.29.24 as examples of scriptural statements that minimise the importance of Deity worship.
Hearing this, Narada, who is the guru of the path of Deity worship stood up, embraced me with great bliss, and replied.
Sri Narada said: I have already explained that the Deity forms of the Lord are the same as the Lord Himself. Deity worship is very glorious. They who, aware that the Deity is the Lord Himself, worship the Deity, even though they neglect other duties, and even though their worship is not sincere, do not fall down. They have no faults. Their merits are very great, their devotional service is thought to be the greatest. They attain a very great result.
By seeing the Deity, by worshipping Tulasi, or by once chanting or hearing even the reflection of the holy name, one may attain perfection. Worship of Tulasi begins with watering her and bowing down to offer respects to her.
How can there be any fault with worship of the Lord's Deity form, whose form reminds one of the Lord, who is properly installed with mantras, and who is the object of all activities of devotional service?
They who worship the Deity of Lord Krishna never offend the devotees of Lord Krishna. If somehow they do offend them, the devotees do not take offense, but rather praise their attachment to the Lord.
They who, seeing the Deity as different from the Lord Himself and thinking the Deity as made of stone or some other material, worship the Deity of Lord Hari, do not respect the Lord's devotees. Disrespectful to all, and proud of their worship, they rebel against the Lord's commandments in the Vedas.
They are the least of all the devotees. Their intelligence is slow. They do not find the fruits of their worship.
Although the transcendental fruit of their Deity-worship is greater than the fruits of all ordinary pious deeds, they do not attain the real fruit that comes from service to the Lord. For this reason the saintly devotees criticise their method of worship in different ways and in different places.
Although all the statements of the Puranas and other scriptures condemn them, don't think everyone who worships the Lord's Deity-form is like them.
If they do not abandon their worship, then by the mercy of the Lord's devotees, who see the good in others, all the faults in their hearts, now purified by their faith, are destroyed and in time they become the greatest devotees.
After enjoying what they desired, materialistic devotees, by the power of their devotional service, in time attain the real fruit of their service.
Because in this way one does not immediately attain the fruit of devotional service, the pure devotees criticise the first result of the materialistic devotees' efforts.
They who are devoted to the Lord's lotus feet think the real fruit of devotional service is the bliss of always seeing, enjoying pastimes with, and serving in many ways the Supreme Lord.
They cannot bear even a moment's delay. The Lord also cannot bear to leave them for even a moment.
The fruits of all other desires are very insignificant in comparison. Liberation is easily attained, but devotional service is not.
By the mercy of devotional service the Lord is controlled by His devotees. Because it destroys His independence, the Lord does not bestow devotional service.
I think that being under the control of His dear devotees is not a fault for the Lord. Neither does it make Him unhappy. It brings Him happiness. It increases His glories, which begin with His love for His devotees.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in the previous verses Narada Muni has been relating the opinions of others. In this verse he gives his own opinion.
Eclipsing His independent bliss and other glories, the supreme hero Lord Krsna's being under the control of His dear devotees is the greatest of His divine glories.
From the perfection of loving devotion comes great ecstatic love. Gazing at the truth, that love eternally dances in the kingdom of great bliss.
Although externally this ecstatic love may show signs of great suffering (this suffering is not real, for the Lord) would never allow His dearest devotees to suffer in that way.
With external eyes seeing this bewildering condition of great love, the people in general have no desire to engage in devotional service. They laugh at the devotees. The Lord does not give loving devotion to them.
Loving devotion is very difficult to attain and the pleasures of Svargaloka and other celestial planets are very easy to attain. Common people cannot attain a cintamani jewel, although they may attain a glass, or sometimes a golden trinket.
Sometimes, to a wise and extraordinary person who wishes it alone, the Lord gives devotional service.
We are not able, nor is it proper for us, to describe the nature of this ecstatic love, in the same as it is not proper for the scriptures that describe the activities of the Lord's service to describe it to fools.
They who serve the mellows of devotional service understand the sweetness and glory of that ecstatic love. By the Lord's mercy you, staying in the land of Gokula, will also quickly understand it.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: These words greatly increased my yearning to see the lotus feet of Sri Gopala, the Lord I worshipped.
Not noticing that at that moment I, filled with a desire to attain that love, was thrown into an ocean of lamentation, Narada, comforting me, said:
Sri Narada said: Although this great secret should not be told in this place Vaikunthaloka, made talkative by your anxiety, I will speak.
Not far from here, Lord Ramacandra's city of Ayodhya is splendidly manifest. Far from that, the city of Dvaraka, which is like the beautiful land and charming city of Mathura and is very dear to Lord Krsna, the Lord of the Yadus, is splendidly manifest. Go there, and with a glance worship your beloved Lord.
First hear the way to go to Ayodhya, a way approved by they who taste the nectar of service to Sri Ramacandra's lotus feet.
Although by directly worshipping Lord Krsna, the origin of the incarnations, everything is obtained, I will now describe how to attain the nectar of the lotus feet of Lord Rama, the hero of the Raghu dynasty.
As you meditate on His form, virtues and opulences, which are all described in the Vedas, glorify Him, beginning with the words: "O husband of Sita, O glorious Lord of the Raghus, O elder brother of Laksmana, O Lord, O dear master of Sri Hanuman!"
In this way the great devotees attain their worshipable Lord. Even the slightest scent of the Lord brings great happiness to they who have placed their faith in Him alone.
If when you see Lord Rama's lotus feet your desire to see the Lord remains unsatisfied, Lord Rama Himself, His heart melting with compassion, will happily send you to Dvaraka.
Glorifying your Lord, as the scriptures prescribe, you will go there and see Your beloved Lord, handsome Sri Krsnacandra, whom you long desired to see, surrounded by the Yadus.
Ayodhya - Kosala, Dvaraka and many other places are provinces of the kingdom of Vaikuntha. Go now, and do not wait for the Lord's order.
By the order of He who knows what happens in everyone's heart, I have come here. Know that His order has come through my mouth.
To show mercy to a great devotee, the Lord has gone somewhere. You will not be able to tolerate any delay. This is the right time for you to go.
Sri Gopa-kumara said: Hearing this, I became very happy. Again and Again I bowed down before Sri Narada. I took His blessing and meditated on his instructions.
Then I left. From far away I saw many restless monkeys jumping here and there and calling out: "Rama! Rama!"
As they tugged at my flute, I went with them. Then I saw human beings more handsome than the Lord's associates in Vaikuntha.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the residents of Vaikuntha had four-armed forms like that of Lord Narayana. These humans had forms like that of Lord Rama.
Very saintly and well-behaved, they would not allow me to bow down and worship them. Led by them, I came to the city's outer courtyard.
Seeing glorious Bharata comfortably sitting with Satrughna, many charming human beings, and monkeys headed by Sugriva, Angada and Jambavan, and thinking Bharata was Lord Ramacandra Himself, I began to glorify Him with many prayers. He at once covered His ears, and saying again and again that he is only a servant, forbade me to continue.
Frightened, I stood with folded hands. Hanuman then suddenly dragged me inside and there I saw the supremely wonderful, humanlike Lord Rama who comfortably sat on a royal throne in the charming palace, who was joyful, who had the features of an exalted personality, who was like Lord Narayana who was enchanting with many charming sweetnesses, whose hand was glorious with a bow, whose humble, shy glances were delightful, who enjoyed pastimes of being the king of kings, and who was explaining the principles of religion.
Overcome by the bliss of seeing Him, I fainted before Him as if I had bowed down as a stick to offer respects. Then He who is desired by the best of religious duties mercifully picked me up and I gazed on Him.
Pulled by his service, Hanuman left me and in one jump came before Lord Rama. Beautiful beloved Sita was glorious at the Lord's left and His younger brother Laksmana was glorious at His other side.
Sometimes Hanuman fanned the Lord with a splendid white camara, sometimes he sang of His virtues, and sometimes, standing before Him with folded hands, recited wonderful prayers in verses of his own composing.
One moment he holds a white parasol. Another moment he massages the Lord's lotus feet. Another moment he easily does many different services simultaneously.
Overcome with bliss, I called out: "Glory! Glory!" and bowed down again and again. His heart melting, the Lord pleased me with the very wonderful nectar of sweet words.
The Supreme Lord said: O gopa's son, O dear friend, well done! Well done! With your love you have conquered Me. Please stop. What is the need of all this trouble you take? What is the need? Don't make Me, your eternal friend, suffer like this.
Rise! Rise Auspiciousness to you! Give up this awe and veneration! Friend, eternally I am conquered by your love.
By the Lord's order, Hanuman picked me up and placed me at the Lord's lotus feet.
In my heart I thought: Now my long yearning has borne fruit. Now I have a result more than I can desire. How can I go to some other place now?
In the form and garments of a cowherd boy as before, for how long a time did I stay there, overcome with bliss?
There I saw Lord Rama's pastimes as a saintly king.
Still, I did not see anything like the playful sweetness of my worshipable Lord Madana-Gopala's pastimes and I did not attain mercy like His mercy.
I was unhappy there. By hearing from Sri Hanuman the glories of Lord Ramacandra's lotus feet and by directly gazing at the Lord, I tried to cast off the pain in my heart. I tried to see that all the features of my worshipable Lord were also present in Lord Rama.
By the power of my previous activities in Vrajabhumi, a yearning for my Lord's pastimes and mercy invaded my heart.
Then, seeing my condition, Sri Hanuman, the best of counsellors, tried to console me with many very wonderful arguments.
Finally, Lord Rama, who knows what is in the hearts of all the world, His own heart soft with great mercy, comforted me with sweet and affectionate words. He told me to go to Dvaraka and He at once sent me there with Jambavan, the king of the Ballukas.
