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Radha nam in kirtan yes, no

By: Mahanidhi Swami

Since ISKCON 2014 resolution against it, is anything really wrong it one chants Radha nama in kirtana?

By gurus grace (bvnm) radhas name has been enshrined in your heart. All Gaudiyas since 500 yrs mostly chant the hkmm in kirtan. Everywhere Mahaprabhu chanted Krishna nama and instructed others to do the same with slokas like krsna nama nirantara lao and the famous kirtaniya sada hari. Sometimes during Vraja yatras or vraja-lila kathas radha nama kirtans and bhajans are often sung by various Gaudiya lineages. Laws cannot touch the heartland of the soul; they are meant just to regulate a system. For Vrajavasis radha nama is inseparable from their existence. So if one is blessed by radhika with vraja vasa, then no law can restrict the chanting of radhe radhe kirtana. For those less fortunate ones, then law is the binding force.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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RADHA—The Quintessence of Everything

By: Mahanidhi Swami

“Radha is the essence of all natural beauty and the essence of all rasa. Radhika is the only essence of happiness. Kishori is the essence of compassion. Bhanu-tanya is the essence of all sweet and effulgent beautiful forms. Vaidagdhi Radha is the essence of divine cleverness, and Gaurangi is the essence of loving amorous sports. My mind is completely absorbed in the quintessence of all essences known as Radha.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 26)

A Verse Meditation:

Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;

Read the verse above with full concentration;

Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;

Close your eyes;

Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radha’s Divine Form

By: Mahanidhi Swami

Why Sri Radha’s transcendental form is usually compared with animals like Radha’s slender waist resembles the thin powerful waist of a tigress; Priya’s thighs are like the trunk of an elephant or a banana trunk; Radhaji’s darting restless eyes appear like chakora birds; Vrshabhanunandini’s full breasts seem like the cranial globes of a baby elephant and so on …..?

Srimati Radhika’s completely transcendental, unlimited, incomparable endlessly sweet beautiful divine form can only be understood and seen at the stage of vraja madhura prema. Until then the poets and acharyas try their best to give us a faint idea using language and forms from the realm of our severely limited material perception.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radha Falls in Love

By: Mahanidhi Swami

In the following pastime, Narada Muni answers King Bahulashva question concerning how Radha and Krishna first fell in love.

Narada Muni said, “One day Radha’s intimate girlfriends Sundari Lalita and Vishakha met Radhika privately in Varsana.

Lalita-sakhi said, “O sakhi! That one whom You’re always meditating upon and glorifying is just now passing by Your palace along with His cows and boyfriends. Come, come feast Your eyes upon His absolutely gorgeous form.”

Radha replied, “O Lalite! First just draw a picture of what He looks like. Then without a doubt I will go look for Him.”

Lalita drew a most beautiful picture of Nandanandana, looking very handsome, radiating the sweetness of a robust youthful hero. Upon seeing the picture, Kishori thrilled with joy. Radha held the picture lovingly in Her delicate hand and continually gazed upon Shyama’s astonishing form. Deeply yearning to see Krishna, Radhika became overwhelmed in bliss and fainted.

While sleeping, Vrishabhanunandini had a wonderful dream of walking to the Yamuna. And there Priyaji saw Shyama, glistening like a dark monsoon cloud surrounded by lightning yellow garments. Sriji saw Nataraja Govinda dancing in great euphoria In the middle of the forest. Suddenly Sundari’s dream broke and She felt intense anguish in separation from Krishna.

Her mind completely filled with Ramana’s handsome form, Gandharvika saw the three worlds as nothing more than blade of grass. Lalita clutched Devi’s hand and took Her to the bedroom window. Lalita pointed with her index finger and exclaimed excitedly, “Sakhi! Look there He is.” Seeing Vrajeshvara Krishna ambling along the narrow path just before Her palace, Radha again succumbed to swoon.

However, just before Radha fainted, Krishna caught a glimpse of Vrishabhanunandini, the unlimited reservoir of all divine qualities. At that moment, Krishna decided in His heart, “I must meet this beautiful girl and enjoy with Her.”

In the anguish of Krishna’s separation, Radha’s excited heart burned in the tortuous flames of love. Lalita spoke some comforting words to Srimati, “O Radha! Why are You swooning? O Kanjanakshi, if You want to attain Krishna then just offer all Your love to Him. O Sundari, now that You have found the person who fills the world with joy, why does Your heart keeping burning.”

Opening Her eyes and speaking in a faltering voice, Vrajadevi Radha replied, “O Lalite, if I cannot attain Shyama’s feet, which beautify the land of Vrindavana, I will give up My life!”

Terrified to hear this, Lalita immediately went the Yamuna’s beautiful shore. There she met Shyama sitting alone under a blossoming kadamba tree covered with a network of flowering madhavi latas.

Lalita said, “O Ghanashyama! Since the first day Radhika saw Your wonderful form, She has been stunned. Lajjeshvari just stands motionless like a puppet and doesn’t speak a word. In this condition, Radha’s ornaments burn like scorching suns; Her clothes are like a shower of sparks and Her perfume smells bitter. Radha’s palace is a vast wilderness; flowers pierce like sharp arrows and the full moon seems like a pot of poison. O Shyama, only Your darshana will mitigate Radhika’s intense distress.”

Responding to Lalita’s emotive words, Keshava said, “O noble Lalita! Not only Radha feels like this, but We both feel this love deeply in Our hearts. Nothing in this world can compare to the love Radha bears for Me. Surely I will fulfill Kishori’s desire very soon. Besides Lalita, do you know that saintly devotees say that there is no difference between Sri Radha and Myself.”

After hearing Madhava’s heart submission, Lalita, her face brimming with smiles, immediately met Radhika in a solitary place and told Her the good news.

Lalita said, “O Swamini! As You desire Shyama, Shyama desires You. Just serve Krishna with great devotion and without any other desire. And I guarantee that very soon You will meet the cherished beloved of Your heart!” (Garga Samhita 15)

Purva-ragini Radha ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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“Shyama! Shyama! Shyama!

By: Mahanidhi Swami

Here is another description of Sri Radha’s purva-raga, the awakening of pure love toward Hari.

One day Sri Radha confided to Her friend, saying, “O sakhi, who has uttered the name “Shyama” within the range of My hearing? This name Shyama has entered My ears and penetrated the core of My heart to stir the very depths of My soul.

“I can’t imagine how much nectar is present in the name “Shyama”. I simply cannot stop repeating it, “Shyama! Shyama! Shyama!” By constantly chanting this name My body has become incapacitated. O sakhi, tell Me how can meet Shyama!

“If the influence of just Shyama’s name can reduce Me to such a plight, I wonder what will happen if I touch His body! I really want to forget Shyama. But alas! I cannot. O, what shall I do? How can I get relief?” (Dvija Chandidasa)

Shyama-vinodini Radha ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radha’s Dearest Girlfriend

By: Mahanidhi Swami

Because she has the same mood, name, qualities and birthdate as Radhika, Vishakha-devi is Radhika’s nearest and dearest girlfriend among the eight confidential sakhis (asta-sakhis). Radha is the name of a star, nakshatra, and Vishakha is another name of that star.

Vishakha has a deep loving friendship with Kishori and she is the abode of Radha’s confidence. Vishakha, who conquers the eloquence of goddess Sarasvati, greatly pleases Sriji whenever she defeats Shyama with her expertise in speaking intimate joking words.

Vishakha always represents the interests of Isvari Radha. For example, during the Holi color squirting wars, Radha sends Vishakha to the opposing party led by Krishna so that Vishakha can monitor Krishna’s movements. At other times, Vishakha acts to incite Krishna’s attraction for Swamini Radha. In his Ujjvala-nilamani tika (Dutibheda 87), Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada tells a beautiful lila to illustrate this wonderful seva of Vishakha-sakhi.

One day, Radha called Vishakha to Her side and whispered in her ear, “O sakhi Vishakhe! You know everything about Me, and you are a most expert speaker. Take some sakhis with you, and on the pretext of picking flowers go just near where Krishna is playing.

“Pretending not to see Shyama, you should speak casually with your girlfriends about the supremacy of My form, qualities and love just loud enough so Krishna hears.

“Krishna will then ask you, ‘Hey sakhi, whose wonderful sweetness are you glorifying?’ You should reply nonchalantly, ‘O, no one’s’ and remain silent. Krishna will then say, ‘Sakhi, why are you afraid to tell Me? That’s okay, I already understand who you are talking about, and I have a very confidential relationship with that girl.’

Radha continues, “Then Vishakha you should say, ‘I don’t believe You because You two are so different from each other. How can You be related to Radha?’

When Krishna replies saying, ‘What difference?’ you should explain. Tell Shyama, ‘You are a debauchee and Radha is chaste and devoted to her husband. You are whimsical and Radhika is steady and even-minded. You are impious and Priyaji is religious and devoted to the demigods. You are dirty full of Vraja-raja and go-dhuli, but Radha bathes thrice daily and dresses in new clothes.’

“Krishna will then say, ‘Please take Me to Radha so I can see Her.’ Vishakha, you should reply, ‘Radha will never look at You!’ In response, Krishna will say ‘That’s okay. I will feel blessed if I can look at Radha even from afar!’

“Vishakha, you should say, ‘So Shyama just how will You do that?’ Krishna will answer, ‘Today I will personally install a deity of the Sungod in a cave of Govardhana Hill. You bring Radha to see that Deity, and hiding nearby I will be satisfied just by seeing Radha from the back. Vishakha, if you are really kind upon Me then just arrange for Me to touch Radha’s feet.’

Then you should say, ‘For that seva what reward will you give me?’ Krishna will reply, ‘Sakhi, I will sell My very self to you!’ Vishakha, you should then say, ‘Okay Madhava, just wait and I will fulfill all your desires!’

Vishakha, then quickly come back and take Me to My beloved sweetheart Shyama.”

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prayer for Radha Bhajana

By: Mahanidhi Swami

“May my tongue become overwhelmed in ecstasy tasting the nectarine ambrosia of Radha-nama. May my feet wander over the footpaths of Vrindavana marked with the glorious footprints of Radhika. May my hands be engaged only in Priyaji’s menial service. May my heart always meditate on Kishori’s lotus feet. May I develop pure love for Radha’s Prananatha through Radhika’s divinely rapturous festival of love.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 142)

A Verse Meditation:

Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;

Read the verse above with full concentration;

Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;

Close your eyes;

Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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No One Equals Radha

By: Mahanidhi Swami

On the night of first Rasalila, Krishna experienced the matchless madhuri sweetness of Radhika and became compeletely attached to Radha alone. Nevertheless, to satisfy His curiosity, Shyama sought out all other sakhis of Vraja-bhumi, desiring to find and equal to Radha. But Krishna was unsuccessful. Then Yogamaya inspired Kamsa to bring Krishna to Mathura, a fabulous city populated with thousands of highly attractive and sophisticated women. Still not finding an equal to Radha, however, Krishna went on to Dvaraka, and married eight princesses of the richest kings of India. Yet again, Krishna could not find an equal to Kishori. Then Krishna married the 16,100 princesses kidnapped by Narakasura. Among these beautiful ladies, there were celestial maidens and human damsels. But lo and behold, again Krishna could not find anyone like Srimati Radhika. Thus Krishna returned to Vrndavana wherein Priyatama Syama remains eternally enjoying with Priyaji Radha, Who has no equal anywhere in the entire creation. Jai Ho!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!

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My Life and Soul Is Radha Nama

By: Mahanidhi Swami

“The ambrosial elixir of the name of RA DHA is rarely attained by the demigods, the regular devotees, the liberated souls and Krishna’s closest associates. With tears streaming down His face, Sri Hari often describes or loudly sings the name RA DHA to Radhika’s sakhis. If anyone chants RA DHA with loving affection, he will experiences a flood of the blissful nectar of love. The nectarean name of RADHA is my life and soul.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 97)

A Verse Meditation:

Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;

Read the verse above with full concentration;

Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;

Close your eyes;

Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe

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Love Supreme

By: Mahanidhi Swami

Once Uddhava sat with Vidura discussing the spectacular pastimes of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. At that time, Uddhava remembered Vraja and the Himalayan Mountain of love he witnessed upon meeting the cowherd damsels, especially Mahabhava Svarupini Sri Radhika.

In a voice choked with gratitude and amazement, Uddhava said, “The Vraja gopis relished so many flavors of divine rapture in their pastimes with Priyatama Shyama. Together they exchanged seductive glances, laughed at mutual jokes, passionately embraced in love, and danced their nights away in rasa euphoria on the banks of the Kalindi.

“When Nikunja-bihari would leave the gopis, their longing, moistened eyes of gloom would follow their dearest. Upon returning to their homes, the gopis would just sit down; their intelligence stunned—unable to finish their household duties.” (SB 3.2.14)

Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada comments: “The Vraja-gopis’ pure loving attraction for Gopinatha is greater than anyone in the universe including Brahma, Siva and Indra. Sri Krishna does not respect the devatas as much as He honors and respects His dearest damsels in Vrajabhumi.

“When Sri Krishna leaves the sakhis at the conclusion of their playful pastimes, the minds of the gopis run after Syama along the pathways of their riveted eyes, trickling with tears. For some time, the Vraja-gopis just stand still, unable to move because of paralysis due to divine ecstasy.

“Upon returning to their homes, the gopis stop all activities such as cleaning, smearing cow dung, churning yogurt and serving food to their husbands and in-laws. After sometime, the Vraja-gopis recover and start functioning again. Yet even in the midst of doing activities, if they happen to see Shyama suddenly, they would freeze in their tracks—motionless, and not complete their chores.

“The love of the Vraja-gopis, known as nirmala vishuddha, vraja madhurya-prema, astonishes the whole universe including Kåñëa Himself. And what to speak of this prema’s effect on the Vraja-gopis themselves?

The bewilderment these gopis regularly experience arises from the profusion of their pure prema for their Priyatama, Rasika Murari.”

Vraja-gopis love supreme ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!