Tag Archive for: RaganugaBhakti

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 031 “Radhe-Shyam’s Single Pillow Bed”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjaris Pray for Radha Seva

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada’s heart is full of loyalty to Sri Radha. He is not satisfied just with smarana or visions of Radha, so even in external consciousness he prays to Radharani and laments. The waves of prayers carry his mind into the kingdom of Radha Govinda lila.

Manjari bhava sadhakas should pray to attain closeness to Radharani and the chance to render their eternal personal seva to Sri Radha. Such prayers are expressions of love and nourish one’s Radha bhakti. For sure Radha hears every prayer of Her manjari sadhakas.

Srimad Bhagavatam (10.28.3) says, “Not seeing Nanda Baba, the cowherd men loudly cried out, “O Krishna!” Bhagavan Sri Krishna heard their cries and understood that His father had been captured by Varuna so He immediately came there.”

Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika:
The Sanskrit word upa-shrutya in this verse means that Krishna heard the cries for help from close by even though Krishna was 30 kilometers away! So sadhakas should firmly believe that Radharani will hear and respond to our prayers for seva, mercy and darshan because Radha is always near Her manjaris, sthitam nityam parshve. (Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi 53)

Vishakha Sakhi Kunja

In Vilap Kusumanjali, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada only mentions one kunja at Radha Kunda namely Visakha’s because he is in Sri Advaita Prabhu’s Parivar whose yutheshvari is Visakha-sakhi.

Tulasi manjari takes eager Srimati to meet Krishna in Madana Sukhada-kunja, the kunja that gives erotic joy to Radha-Krishna, on the bank of Radha Kunda. Unlike Lalita’s opulent kunja, Visakha’s simple, natural kunja is beautified with different flowers and buzzing bees.

On the inside walls of the kunja the manjaris have drawn erotic pictures to incite lusty feelings in Radha Madhava. This kunja is managed by Visakha-sakhi. On all four sides are Campaka trees that fill the kunja with the fragrance of their red, green, yellow, and blue flowers. Madhavi flower vines entwine the branches of these trees to create a palace like atmosphere! Blue, yellow, and green parrots, mynas and cuckoos sing sweet songs.

It has four gates made of bamboo stakes with various wonderful flowers strung on them. Thirsty humming bees serve as doorkeepers to keep away any intruders. Their excited humming is like the ringing of Cupid’s bells during Yugala Kishora’s love battles. The central courtyard of this kunja is studded with jewels forming a sixteen-petaled lotus flower design. Visakha’s shishya Manjumukhi oversees Madana Sukhada kunja, which is situated on the northeast bank of Radha Kunda. This beautiful kunja is the very form of prema-rasa and it always inundates Radhe-Shyam in a nectar flood of amorous pastimes.

Radhe-Shyam Darshan Bewilderment

Shyam anxiously waits for Swamini in Visakha-sakhi’s kunja. Sometimes Shyam steps outside eagerly looking for Radha coming on the pathway. Hari’s heart startles with joy when He hears the dry leaves falling from the trees, thinking His beloved Priyaji is coming. Suddenly Shyam sees a golden effulgent form approaching and He thinks to Himself:

“Is this the devata of youthful beauty or sweetness personified? A flood of natural beauty or a river of bliss? Or is it My beloved Sriji coming here to delight My senses?”

Love-excited Radhika muses in Her own bewilderment upon seeing Shyam in the distance:

“Is this Cupid? No, because Cupid has no body! Is it a nectar ocean of madhurya rasa? Is this a blossoming tree of love from heaven? No, because trees cannot walk. Is it then maybe My Priyatama, whom I am desiring for so long?”

Manjari Single Pillow Bed

Understanding Radhe-Shyam’s feelings Tulasi manjari has already prepared a flower bed in the kunja. Although it is summer, all the other five seasons stand by to serve whenever necessary. Time, sky, wind, sun and  moon all stand by to serve Radha-Krishna’s lila. In Vraja, everything and everyone serves Yugal’s sweet pastimes. Tulasi manjari has covered the flower bed with a thin satin sheet, so that it will not fall apart when Radha-Krishna enjoy there.

It is a single bed with a single pillow made of fresh flower petals. Why a single pillow? That will be understood when the Yugala Kishora lie down there. The picture of that pastime had appeared in the manjari’s mind beforehand. Manjari bhava sadhakas should meditate on the mystery of this one pillow bed, and see what beautiful lilas arise in their hearts purified and sweetened by Krishna nama bhajan!

Sri Radha’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 030 “Manjaris Pride in Radha”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

 

Manjaris Pride in Radha

Krishna is coveted by innumerable Vrajasundaris, yet He Himself yearns only for Sri Radhika! Day and night He murmurs: “Vrishabhanu Nandini!” without saying anything else. Although hundreds of thousands of gopis speak sweet words to Shyam, He does not listen to them even in dreams!

Krishna can only pronounce the first syllable of Radha’s name, “Ra”, but out of ecstasy Krishna cannot pronounce the other one, “Dha”. Krishna’s eyes carry streams of tears. That jewel of men rolls on the ground of Vraja. Who can describe Krishna’s distress?

Although Vrajendra-nandana is the very form of full bliss and the ocean of all rasa, even He is maddened by Radha’s sweetness. Krishna is the limit of ecstasy, yet even Krishna is mad to meet Srimati Radharani!

Shyam does not love anyone as much as Radha. Different gopis only serve to create variety in Krishna’s loving pastimes with Kishori, but Sri Krishna is totally subdued by Sri Radha alone. This is a very relishable situation for Radha’s maidservants. The manjaris are proud of Radharani’s pride in being Krishna’s topmost gopi.

 

Bhajan Gives New Life

Manjari bhava sadhakas should read, think, and talk about Sri Rupa and Tulasi Manjari’s expertise in Radha’s seva. By doing this one will lose all desires to do anything else.

By thinking of the forms, qualities, and feelings of Radha Govinda Yugal, and mentally serving in Their intimate pastimes the heart will become beautiful, pure, and blissful. Maya will disappear for such a dedicated sadhaka. Manjari svarupa bhajana makes a new life for a devotee. If one is not experiencing changes in the heart and mind, however, it means one’s bhajan is lifeless.

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 029 “Manjari’s Expert Fanning Seva”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari’s Expert Fanning Seva

After Radhe-Shyam’s sumptuous love dalliance, beautiful Shyam’s crown, pearl necklace, and flower garland have all broken and fallen off. So Swamini says, “Sundara! Just look at Your condition! Wait, let Me decorate You! I have spoiled Your looks so now I will make You look nice again! Just sit down for a while!” 

Then Radha says, “Rupa! Come here! We are going to pick some flowers!”

Swamini takes Rupa into the gardens and picks flowers of Her choice. Returning to the kunja, Radha and Sri Rupa Manjari start decorating Prananatha with ornaments made of flowers. Tulasi stands on one side of the kunja floating in oceans of bliss observing Ishvari’s expertise in service.

She thinks: “Swamini! Only through You such services are possible!” Meanwhile, because of Swamini’s touch Shyam’s body becomes adorned with ecstatic bodily symptoms such as sweatdrops, that obstruct Swamini’s service. Swamini gives a hint to Tulasi to stand by Shyam’s side and fan Him. Because of Tulasi’s fanning Nagara’s sweatdrops dry up.

Then Tulasi fans with such humorous expertise that the breeze causes Swamini’s clothes and blouse to loosen. Shyam becomes agitated from seeing Radhika’s beautiful, half-covered limbs. Then Krishna fondles Radha and obstructs Her seva  of dressing Krishna. Tulasi softly giggles but continues fanning.

Swamini rebukes Tulasi with a glance that says, “How naughty you are! How can I decorate My Nagara when you fan Him like that? Fan Shyam nicely, so that He will sit still!”

After receiving Swamini’s sublime chastisement Tulasi blissfully finds a new way to fan Krishna. Now she starts fanning in such a way that Radha’s bodily fragrance enters Shyam’s nose to destroy His patience once again. Blessed is this maidservant! Blessed is her service!

Manasi Seva Only in Svarupa

In material consciousness nobody can approach Radha-Krishna. To actually relish serving in Radha-Krishna’s madhurya-lilas one must visualize and enter into one’s individual siddha-deha (svarupavesha).  A sadhaka should always identify oneself thus: “I am Radha’s kinkari!”

No one can delight Radha-Shyam as much as a kinkari because she arranges Their meetings which fill Lila Yugal with bliss. Radha-Krishna are so pleased with the kinkari that they give even Themselves to her!

Narottama Dasa Thakur says: vrajapura vanitara, carana ashraya sara, koro mana ekanta koriya, “O mind! Take exclusive shelter of the gopis of Vraja. That is essential.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada says (Krishna Sandarbha 501): “May the indescribable sweetness of the combined forms of Radha Govinda arise in my heart in such a way that I will not see anything else.” Accepting and embodying the great words of the acharyas leads to a steady wakefulness of one’s svarupa.

Prayer For Radha Seva

“O sakhi Sri Rupa Manjari! Without your grace Radha’s kunja-seva cannot be attained! Please always give me the shade of your lotus feet! In an enchanting cottage in a kunja on the beautiful bank of Radha Kunda you and my mistress Radha lovingly and diligently decorate Her heart’s lover Vrajendra Kumara with different floral ornaments to make Krishna look very beautiful. When will my life become fruitful by seeing this sweet, intimate pastime?” (Sri Rasika-Candra dasa)

Sri Radha’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 028 “Shyam’s Bliss in Serving Radha”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Need Separation in Bhajan

Swamini goes on abhisara holding Sri Rupa Manjari’s hand. Waves of divine lust manifest in each of Radha’s limbs. Priyaji’s passionate love for Priyatama is like a wave seen in Radha’s glances, gait and words. Sriji’s passionate desires to meet Shyam, however are only for Shyam’s pleasure!

Radha anxiously asks Sri Rupa, “How long will it take before I can see Madhava again? Tell Me Rupa, how far is it still? Aha! How eagerly Madhava must be waiting for Me!”

There is delight in separation, although it brings suffering. Such delight cannot be found in this world. Unless feelings of separation appear, one will not develop a strong desire to attain Radha-Krishna. Therefore, a raganuga sadhaka must first experience love-in-separation.

Unless one feels eagerness to see Radha-Krishna, born from a sense of want, one will never experience anything. A sincere sadhaka should feel ashamed when comparing the intensity of one’s bhajan with the bhajan of Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada.

How Shyam Serves Swamini

Together with Tulasi and Rupa manjaris, Radha arrives at the gate of the kunja. They see that Sri Hari has personally decorated the kunj beforehand and is eagerly waiting inside for Radha. Hari made a flower asana for Radha with flowers moistened with His tears of love. The kunja is adorned by Hari’s form, qualities, and craftsmanship. It appears Krishna has decorated the entire kunja with His pure love for His Priyaji, thinking: “Here I will sit with My beloved!”

This is the expertise of prema seva, the mutual service of love. Swamini is amazed when She enters the kunja with Rupa and Tulasi. The kunja delights Cupid, and it is decorated by the very hands of the transcendental youthful Cupid of Vrindavan!

Swamini asks: “Shyam! Who has decorated this kunja?”

Hari: “Who knows? Can You tell!”

Srimati: “You have done it, nobody else can decorate like this! You have done all this work, knowing that I would come! I should have been here to help You!”

Today Radha is very munificent. It is Swamini’s Hari, who steals Radha’s heart with His loving expertise. Two teardrops trickle from Radhika’s eyes. With tender affection Shyam helps Sriji onto Her asana.

How much love Hari has in His heart as He sits at Radha’s soft lotus feet. Try to feel and visualize how beautiful Shyam looks sitting at Swamini’s feet. Krishna clutches Kishori’s feet to His chest and says, “O Radha! How did You come all the way here with these tender feet? The ground of Vraja is so hard!”

Krishna repeatedly looks at Swamini’s lotus feet that are greyed by dust. Tulasi understands the mood and brings a golden water pitcher and a golden bowl. Tulasi pours the water while Shyam washes Swamini’s feet and dries them off with His yellow dhoti. Tears trickle from Shyam’s eyes.

Radha lifts Krishna up and sits Him next to Her. How beautiful Shyam looks with loving tears for Radha in His eyes!

Holding Hari’s cheek on Hers, Swamini asks Shyam, “Why do you love Me so much? I cannot do anything for You! I have so many shortcomings! How many qualified girls are there not always waiting for You? How You could leave them all for an unfortunate girl like Me?”

Overwhelmed by hearing this, Shyam simply stares at Swamini’s gorgeous face. Krishna is completely unaware of what a rare and priceless treasure He has received!

Without the mercy of acharyas like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada no one can experience pastimes like this during smarana. By their grace such sweet, charming pastimes will appear in the heart of a sincere sadhaka. The mind must be absorbed in this subject. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 027 “Loving Bumblebees “

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Eagerness to See Radharani

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada relishes the blissful eagerness on Radha’s lotus face in the kitchen while Radha intently watches Krishna eat. Sadhakas following Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada should also relish the sweetness of Radha’s face in their meditations.

In deep meditation one vividly experiences being near Radharani. One no longer thinks: “I am practicing smarana.” At this time, great anxiety for Radha’s darshan will arise in the heart when meditation ends. The more one relishes meditating on Radha-Krishna’s lilas, the more anxious one becomes for Their darshan.

The more one’s thirst and eagerness increase, the sooner one will attain perfection in manjari bhava bhajan. We should pray to Sri Rupa and Raghunatha for a drop of their eagerness!

Meeting of Loving Bumblebees

Swamini has placed all the tasty dishes in Mother Rohini’s hands. How wonderful are the movements of Kishori’s hands! Shyam is absorbed relishing Swamini’s inner feelings. How eager Krishna is to embrace Kishori!

Madhava’s eyes are like restless bumblebees thirsty to drink the nectar of Swamini’s lotus face. There is not much time for Radha-Krishna to glance at each other, but somehow, They find some consolation by blinking at each other with lowered faces.

In that moment, Radhe-Shyam drink all the honey from each other’s faces with Their bee-like eyes. The relish of the honey of Their lotus eyes mixes with the honey of Their lotus faces. When Their eyes meet Krishna prays to Swamini for a loving embrace. Kishori’s eyes promise to fulfil to Krishna’s request glance.

What a wonderful deluge of sweetness! Manjari bhava sadhaka’s always desire to unite Radha Madhava and serve Them intimately.

Radharani’s maidservants ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

 

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ISKCON & Raganuga Bhakti part 4

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Due to unclear verse translations and purports in Srila Prabhupada’s books like “Nectar of Devotion” and “Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita”, many ISKCON members misunderstand and misrepresent the authorized practice of raganuga-bhakti sadhana.

This post will cite these confusing translations and purports, and give clear explanations of the subject of raganuga-bhakti.

RAGANUGA BHAKTI DOES NOT FOLLOW VAIDHI

It is not a fact that raganuga bhakti comes after the stage of vaidhi sadhana-bhakti.

First of all, what is sadhana bhakti? Sri Rupa Goswamipada says (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.2, 5): “The goal of bhava bhakti can be attained through practice with the senses (krti). This is called sadhana.” “There are two kinds of sadhana; vaidhi and raganuga.”

Nowhere it is said that raganuga bhakti is a post graduate state of vaidhi bhakti.

Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.22.108) confirms this: “There are two kinds of devotion in practice. One is called vaidhi bhakti and the other raganuga bhakti.”

As one desires to approach Bhagavan Sri Krishna, so Krishna will approach the aspirant: ye -yatha -mam -prapadyante -tams -tathaiva -bhajamyahan (Bhagavad-Gita 4.11). Reflecting on these famous words of the Bhagavad Gita, one can easily understand that varieties of goals are attained in accordance with one’s desires. It is not that all paths lead to the same goal.

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.3.7), says, “The paths of vaidhi and raganuga are known to be separate from each other. Engagement in these two forms of practice certainly awakens two distinct varieties of bhava.”

This automatically shows that raganuga bhakti is not per se a post graduate phase of vaidhi bhakti. In the realm of Vraja, the sweet and intimate human-like pastimes of Krishna prevail. Only in such an atmosphere love can attain its pinnacle. Love which is filled with awareness of Krishna’s almighty is of an inferior quality.

As stated by Sri Krishna Himself (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita 1.3.15-16): “Everyone in this world worships Me through vidhi-bhakti. Vidhi-bhakti has no power for attaining the feelings of Vraja. The devotion of the world is mixed with knowledge of My divine prowess. But I do not delight in love diluted with prowess.”

It is thus evident that there is a need to deeply reflect on the nature and practice of raganuga-bhakti for anyone who desires to perfect one’s loving faculty in relationship with Krishna. There is no other means for tasting the ambrosial sweetness of the Vraja-pastimes of Krishna!

There is no guarantee that someone who practices vaidhi bhakti is automatically promoted to raganuga bhakti, rather Sri Rupa Goswamipada says in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.309): “Only by the grace of Krishna and His devotees this path of raganuga bhakti is attained.”

Sri Rupa Goswamipada says in Padyavali:

“Ten million lifetimes of following regulative principles [vaidhi-bhakti] not give you taste for Krishna-bhakti. The only price is greed! Purchase it wherever it is available!”   

It is on sale where the rasika bhaktas speak about Radha-Krishna.

Visvanatha Cakravartipada teaches in Raga Vartma Candrika (1.5): “A candidate never considers whether one is qualified for this path of raganuga bhakti or not.”

DOING BHAJANA IS NOT SELFISH OR ACTING ONLY FOR ONE’S OWN LIBERATION

Srila Prabhupada says, “The word jiva-himsa (envy of other living entities) actually means stopping the preaching of Krishna consciousness. If one stops preaching and simply sits down in a solitary place, he is engaging in material activity.” (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.12.135 purport)

Srila Prabhupada said: “Bhajananandi is interested for his own welfare…therefore he does not go for preaching work. Sva-vimukti-kama: ‘Let me look after my own affairs.’” (Lecture n S.B.7.9.44, New Delhi, March 26, 1976.)

Comment: To understand what is selfish, one first must understand what is the self. Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.55) says: “Krishna is the Self of the selves.” In other words, bhajana is done to please Krishna, who is our highest Self, and not to reach personal salvation.

To think that doing bhajana is selfish is superimposing social morality and a material conception of what is the self on absolute surrender to the Objective Absolute. Sri Krishna says, bhajatam -priti -purvakam, “Devotees do My bhajan with love.” (Bhagavad Gita 10.10)

In Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.16.64), Mahaprabhu said, “Do not come to Jagannatha Puri every year, but stay in Bengal and fulfill My desire.”

Srila Prabhupada purport: “In other words, it is a greater fortune to carry out Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s order than to satisfy one’s senses by seeing Lord Jagannatha. Preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s cult throughout the world is more important than staying in Vrindavan or Jagannaha Puri for one’s own personal satisfaction.

Clarification:  Mahaprabhu did not say in this verse or any other verse that it is sense gratification to see Lord Jagannatha or one stays in the dhama for personal satisfaction. He just said, ‘Don’t come every year to Nilacala. Stay in Bengal and make My desire there a success.’

PREACHING IS NOT A GREATER SERVICE TO KRISHNA THAN CONTEMPLATION (BHAJAN).

This verse from Bhagavad Gita (18.68) is often quoted to prove that one preaching is the dearest to Krishna: “For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.”

Clarification: This verse contains the words mad bhaktesu, proving that this verse describes having Krishna-katha amongst the devotees, not disturbing of the minds of the ignorant, which is rejected earlier in the Bhagavad Gita (3.29): “Those bewildered by the senses made of prakrti are attached to the actions of the body and senses. But one who knows the atma should not disturb the foolish persons who do not know atma.”

Most people who do bhajan also do some preaching as well anyway, it is rarely purely this way or the other. The fact that bhajan is higher than preaching makes it also less accessible. In other words, preaching is an easier practice than bhajan and therefore it is a more advisable service for the restless and passionate souls of the age of Kali. However, everything is spoiled if the “preacher” claims to be superior to other Vaishnavas by doing this.

Preaching is certainly a great service, but still Sri Ramananda Raya said to Mahaprabhu in Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.8.280): “Your own confidential activity is to relish prema; filling the universe with prema is a concomitant act for You.”

Tamal Krishna told Prabhupāda that one of the symptoms he has noticed about these people [who are reading and discussing Radha-Krishna lila in Vrindavan] is that they don’t go out on sankirtana.

As soon as he said that Srila Prabhupada cut in: “Then everything will be finished. Preaching will be finished.” (Los Angeles, June, 1976)

Comment: From this it is clear that the policy of blocking raganuga bhajan in ISKCON is just meant to serve the preaching organization. Precious manpower will be lost if devotees start doing bhajan. They will not be productive anymore.

RAGANUGA BHAKTI DOES NOT HAMPER A PREACHING MISSION

(Commenting on the last quote above (Los Angeles, June, 1976)

A raganuga sadhaka’s value is a matter of attitude, of quality, not of quantity. Vaidhi bhaktas worship Krishna in awe and reverence and raganuga bhaktas worship Krishna in intimate love.

Raganuga sadhakas are also preaching worldwide, printing and distributing books and lecturing on Krishna consciousness.

The outreach practices of preaching, traveling and training disciples can easily go on side by side with raganuga-bhakti sadhana.

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.5) says that raganuga is a sadhana, simple!

DOES ONE HAVE TO CROSS DIFFERENT PLANES LIKE GOPA KUMAR IN BRHAD BHAGAVATMRITA and in CHAITANYA CARITAMRITA?

“As one waters the devotional creeper, the seed sprouts, and it gradually grows until it penetrates the walls of this material universe and goes beyond the Viraja River, which divides the spiritual world and the material world. It attains brahma-loka, and then reaches the paravyoma, the spiritual sky, and then reaches the foremost spiritual planet Goloka Vrndavana. Rooted in the heart and watered by sravana-kirtana, the bhakti creeper grows until it attains the shelter of the desire tree of the lotus feet of Krishna in the topmost region of the spiritual sky.” (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita 2.19.153-4)

Clarification: This going through all the planes is an objective observation, not a personal course, “Higher than this plane is that plane etc.” The Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu says nothing about each sadhaka having to go through all these phases. This is a description of the ascension of bhakti, not the journey of the individual soul. It is just a general map to show how high Vraja-bhakti goes and IS. 

Is there devotee who first wants to go to heaven, then wants to do yoga, then become a cowherd boy, and then a gopi?

Shastras says there is one direct attainment for each path:

“Through vaidhi-bhakti, one will attain the form of an associate in Vaikuṇṭha. Through raga-bhakti, one will attain Krishna Himself in Vraja.” (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita 2.24.87) [content courtesy Sri Advaita Dasji]

Raganuga-bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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ISKCON & Raganuga Bhakti part 3

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Due to unclear verse translations and purports in Srila Prabhupada’s books like “Nectar of Devotion” and “Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita”, many ISKCON members misunderstand and misrepresent the authorized practice of raganuga-bhakti sadhana.

This post will cite these confusing translations and purports, and give clear explanations of the subject of raganuga-bhakti.

WHAT ABOUT SIDDHA PRANALI?

Srila Prabhupada says, “In this connection, we should be careful about the so-called siddha-pranali. The siddha-pranali process is followed by a class of men who are not very authorized and who have manufactured their own way of devotional service.”

Comment: Does this include Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura, whom Srila Prabhupada himself has made world-famous as an acarya? Bhaktivinoda personally took siddha-pranali from his guru, Sri Bipin Bihari Goswami, and described it in his books Hari-nama cintamani and Jaiva-dharma.

Srila Prabhupada says, “They imagine that they have become associates of the Lord simply by thinking of themselves like that.”

Clarification:  Yet, this is exactly what the acaryas say. Sri Jiva Goswamipada says in Bhakti Sandarbha 286, “Bhuta-shuddhi means that one meditates on one’s own desired siddha deha which is fit for serving Bhagavan Sri Krishna.”

Sri Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami says in Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.22.155-6): “Think of your own desired siddha deha as a sadhana.”

In that very same Nectar of Devotion, Sri Rupa Goswamipada says the same thing (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.295), plus its tikas by Sri Jiva Goswamipada and Visvanatha Cakravartipada.

Narottama Dasa Thakur says, “Whatever siddha deha one thinks of during one’s sadhana is what one attains in siddha stage.” (Prema Bhakti Candrika)

In Saranga-rangada tika of Krishna Karnamrita (3), Sri Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami says:

raganuga -marge -anutpanna -rati sadhaka -bhaktair -api -svepsita -siddha -deham -manasi -parikalpya

“On the raganuga-path even sadhaka bhaktas who have no bhava [rati] yet can think of one’s own desired siddha deha.” 

Srila Prabhupada says, “The so-called siddha-pranali process is followed by the prakrta-sahajiya, a pseudo sect of so-called Vaishnavas. In the opinion of Rupa Gosvami, such activities are simply disturbances to the standard way of devotional service.”

Comment: Where does Rupa Gosvami say this in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu?

Srila Prabhupada: “Sri Rupa Gosvami says that learned acaryas recommend that we follow the regulative principles even after the development of spontaneous love for Krishna.”

CLARIFICATION: Here Srila Prabhupada contradicts himself (see above): “These raganuga devotees do not follow the regulative principles of devotional service very strictly.”

In their tikas to Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.292), both Sri Jiva Goswamipada and Visvanatha Cakravartipada say: “When one has got even a slight feeling [kinchit anubhuti] for the sweet moods of Krishna and His devotees through hearing their descriptions in texts i.e Srimad Bhagavatam describing the ultimate spiritual goal, the raganuga sadhaka no longer waits for the injunctions of scripture or for logical reasons to do so, but simply takes up the raganuga devotional path. This is the characteristic of sacred greed, lobha.”

The words yat kinchit [slight, little] in their tikas prove that the initial lobha, sacred greed, to start raganuga-bhakti is not an all-consuming fire.

NO RULES IN RAGANUGA-BHAKTI?

In Nectar of Devotion, chapter 16 – “Eligibility for Spontaneous Devotional Service”, Srila Prabhupada says: “Persons desiring to follow in the footsteps of such eternal devotees of the Lord as the Vrsnis and Vrindavan denizens are called raganuga devotees, which means that they are trying to attain to the perfection of those devotees. These raganuga devotees do not follow the regulative principles of devotional service very strictly…”

Clarification: This has turned out to be a disastrous statement when preaching to a modern audience. People now think that raganuga bhakti means one need not follow the principles of chastity and restraint. Believe it or not, today there are some who preach that a life of illicit amorous relations, drugs and rock music is raganuga bhakti.

But Sri Rupa Goswamipada never said that raganuga bhakti means one need not follow the rules. Rather, Visvanatha Cakravartipada has written a book, ‘Raga Vartma Candrika’ specially to warn against such a conception.

He ends that book with: “Those who say that raganuga bhakti totally surpasses all scriptural injunctions in all respects have always caused disturbance, are causing disturbance and will cause disturbance.”

WHY ALWAYS GOPI-BHAVA?
“Why it has to be always gopi-bhava, why can’t one become a cowherd boy?”

Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita is the gist of the Gaudiya Vaishnava dharma, the ultimate statement, and it opens with this verse of Sri Rupa Goswamipada, stating the purpose of Sri Chaitanya’s advent:

“May Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is known as the son of Srimati Saci-devi be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, Mahaprabhu has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no avatara has ever offered before: the elevated divine erotic flavor relished by Radha-Krishna [unnatojjvala-rasam]. (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita 1.1.4)

Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (1.4.44-45) says: “But if we compare the sentiments in an impartial mood, we find that the conjugal sentiment is superior to all others in sweetness.

“Increasing love is experienced in various tastes, one above another. But that love which has the highest taste in the gradual succession of desire manifests itself in the form of conjugal love.”

The standard songs in the entire Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya, including ISKCON, all point at gopi-bhava and madhura rasa upasana. The “Tulasi-arati” for instance:

ei -nivedana -dharo, sakhira -anugata -koro
seva -adhikara -diye -koro -nija -dasi

“O Tulsi-devi, I submit to you to please make me a follower of the sakhis, and make me your maidservant by giving me to right to serve you.”

And the Gurvastakam (6):

nikunja-yuno -rati-keli-siddhyai
ya -yalibhir -yuktir -apeksaniya
tatrati-daksyad -ati-vallabhasya
vande -guroh -sri-caranaravindam

“The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha-Krishna’s amorous affairs within the groves of Vrindavan. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. “

It should be noted that most of the acaryas in ISKCON’s parampara are all manjari maidservants of Radharani in the spiritual realm.

Furthermore, at diksha the Kama-Gayatri is given to all Gaudiya Vaishnava, indicating that Krishna needs to be worshipped as the transcendental Cupid of Vrindavan. How does this fit in with being a cowherd boy, parent or male servant of Krishna? There is also not a single Vaishnava community in the world which practices cowherdboy, parent, or servant rasa. [content courtesy Sri Advaita Dasji]

Raganuga-bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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ISKCON & Raganuga Bhakti part 2

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Due to unclear verse translations and purports in Srila Prabhupada’s books like “Nectar of Devotion” and “Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita”, many ISKCON members misunderstand and misrepresent the authorized practice of raganuga-bhakti sadhana.

This post will cite these confusing translations and purports, and give clear explanations of the subject of raganuga-bhakti.

FREEDOM FROM IMPURITY?

Srila Prabhupada’s Nectar of Devotion: “We must always remember, however, that such eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the denizens of Vraja is not possible unless one is freed from material contamination.  In following the regulative principles of devotional service, there is a stage called anartha-nivrtti, which means the disappearance of all material contamination. 

“Sometimes someone is found imitating such devotional love, but factually he is not freed from anarthas or unwanted habits…When one is actually spontaneously attracted to the loving principles of the gopis, there will be found no trace of any mundane contamination in him.”

Clarification: In Raga-vartma-candrika (1.8) however, Visvanatha Cakravartipada explains that lobha, sacred greed, is not a black-and-white matter, that it is either absolute and complete, or there is none. Lobha is not necessarily a burning, all-consuming passion.

Visvanatha Cakravartipada: “It is described that the devotees on the raga-path gradually progress from the initial surrender to the feet of Sri Guru up to the stage of directly attaining the object of their desires.     

‘When the eye is smeared with medicinal ointment, its ability of perception becomes more and more refined, and accordingly it is able to perceive more and more subtle objects. Similarly, according to the degree of the mind’s having become purified by hearing and chanting of My purifying pastimes, all the subtle truths of reality become manifest in the heart of the sadhaka.’ (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.14.26)

“From these words of Sri Krishna, it is known that through sadhana-bhakti the consciousness of the sadhaka becomes more purified every day, and one gradually becomes more and more greedy.”

Srila Prabhupada: “In the stage of devotional service where regulative principles are followed, there is no necessity of discussing this love, for it must develop of itself at a more advanced stage.”

Clarification:  This is not stated by Sri Rupa Goswamipada.

Srila Prabhupada: “Therefore, in the beginning, everyone should strictly follow the regulative principles of devotional service, according to the injunctions of the scriptures and the spiritual master. Only after the stage of liberation from material contamination can one actually aspire to follow in the footsteps of the devotees in Vrindavan.”

Clarification: In Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.5), Sri Rupa Goswamipada says there are two kinds of sadhana, practice with the senses by souls that are still conditioned: vaidhi and raganuga. And nowhere it is said that raganuga bhakti is a post graduate state of vaidhi bhakti, or that it cannot be practiced until after liberation.

Visvanatha Cakravartipada states in his Raga Vartma Candrika (2.7): “Then it will be described how one, who has progressed on the path of raganuga-bhakti through the cessation of the evils (anartha-nivrtti), firmness (nistha), taste (ruci), and attachment (asakti) all the way to the attainment of ecstatic love (prema), will directly come to attain his desired object.”

RAGANUGA-BHAKTI BEGINS AT NISHTHA: TRUE OR FALSE?

Different acharyas following Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati claim that raganuga-bhakti sadhana commences at the stage of nistha, ruci or even bhava, but there is not a word of evidence for that in the authorized scriptures on the topic, like Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu or its commentaries, Bhakti Sandarbha, Madhurya Kadambini or Raga Vartma Candrika.

In his book “Sri Guru Parampara- Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, Heir to the Esoteric Life of Kedaranatha Bhaktivinoda”, Tripurari Swami says that “In Bhakti-sara-pradarshini (his commentary on Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu), Visvanatha Cakravartipada tells us that in order to practice raganuga bhakti one must have attained the stage of nistha.”

CLARIFICATION: This is the verse referred to above quoted from Visvanatha Cakravartipada:

ragatmikaika -nistha -ye -vrajavasi  -janadayah
tesham -bhavaptaye -lubdho bhaved -atradhikaravan (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.291):

“This is the definition of the ragatmika bhakti of the nitya siddha Vrajavasis.”

The words eka nistha (exclusively fixed, loyal) has been mistranslated by Tripurari Swami to refer to the adhikaravan, the jiva-candidate, and have been confused for the high stage of bhakti called nistha.

But this verse refers instead to the nitya siddha role models, the Vrajvasis, and means ‘exclusive fixation’ and not the stage of nistha that sadhakas must go through.

THE SIDDHA DEHA

In his translations of Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.8.229; 2.22.155-158) Srila Prabhupada says to meditate on the siddha deha one needs to be ‘self-realized’, while such a word cannot be found in the original verses.

Narottama Dasa Thakur explains that meditation on the siddha deha is a regular sadhana: “Whatever you think of during your sadhana, you will attain in your siddhi-body. These are the ways of raga marga.” (Prema Bhakti Candrika 57)

“The treasure I covet during my sadhana I will receive in my siddha body. The only difference between the two is being ripe and unripe.” (Prema Bhakti Candrika 56)

This means that the difference between the struggling practitioner and the siddha is only in quantity and not in quality.

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das: Quality means way of bhajan for new rag bhakta and siddha is same both do Asta Kaliya Lila  smaran and seva in their manjari swarups. But amount of prem and absorption which means quantity is vastly different for siddha and beginner in raga bhakti.

Bhagavad Gita (8.6): “Whatever one contemplates throughout life is what one attains when one leaves the body.”

Srimad Bhagavatam (7.1.27): “The caterpillar imprisoned by a wasp in (its nest on) a wall, and constantly thinking of the latter through intense hate and fear, attains the form of the wasp.”

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.295): “A person who desires loving attraction to His beloved Sri Krishna in Vraja must serve in allegiance to the Vrajvasis, both in the current practitioner’s body as well as in the spiritual, mentally conceived body, which is fit for serving Sri Krishna, seva -sadhaka -rupena -siddha -rupena -catra -hi.”

Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika: “Mental service must be rendered in the spiritual body, siddha-deha, in allegiance to Sri Radha, Lalita,  Visakha-sakhi, Sri Rupa Manjari and service in the current physical body must be rendered in allegiance to Vraja-people like Sri Rupa and Sanatana.

Srila Prabhupada translates Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2.22.154-155) as follows: “There are two processes by which one may execute this raganuga bhakti: external and internal. When self-realized, the advanced devotee externally remains like a neophyte and executes all the shāstric injunctions, especially those concerning hearing and chanting. But within his mind, in his original, purified, self-realized position, he serves Krishna in Vrindavan day and night.”

Clarification: The actual Bengali verse of Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita (2..22.154-155) says: “There are two kinds of devotion in practice — external and internal. In the external practitioner’s body devotional practices of hearing and chanting Krishna’s glories are performed, and internally, in the mentally conceived spiritual body, one renders mental service to Krishna in Vraja day and night.”

The term ‘self-realized’ mentioned in Srila Prabhupada’s translation is not in the original Bengali sloka. Besides, it is a bit too extreme for a description of raganuga-bhakti sadhana because this verse appears in the sadhana bhakti chapter of Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu. Nevertheless, one indeed needs to be fairly advanced to meditate on one’s siddha deha.

In Bhakti Sandarbha (276), Sri Jiva Goswamipada says, “Smaranam requires a pure heart, smaranam -tu shuddha -antah -karanatam -apeksate.”

All the elaborations of Visvanatha Cakravartipada in Madhurya Kadambini on how far up anarthas persist (up to the stage of prema) are nicely summarized by Sri Rupa Goswamipada in a single verse of Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (2.1.276):

“Sadhakas who have developed rati [bhava] for Krishna but have not completely extinguished the anarthas are qualified to see Krishna directly.”

Clarification: This verse obviously refers to subtle anarthas. It also dismisses claims that one is unqualified to meditate, what to speak of realize the spiritual body, while anarthas are still there. [content courtesy Sri Advaita Dasji]

Raganuga-bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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ISKCON & Raganuga Bhakti part 1

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Due to unclear verse translations and purports in Srila Prabhupada’s books like “Nectar of Devotion” and “Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita”, many ISKCON members misunderstand and misrepresent the authorized practice of raganuga-bhakti sadhana.

This post will cite these confusing translations and purports, and give clear explanations of the subject of raganuga-bhakti.

WHAT IS RAGATMIKA AND WHAT IS RAGANUGA?

In order to have a clear understanding about raganuga it is important to understand raga and ragatmika. For various reasons these terms have been somewhat conflated and confused in ISKCON.

Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.272) says:

“Raga is complete absorption in one’s beloved ishta-devata. Bhakti that is impelled exclusively by such a thirst is called ragatmika-bhakti.”

“The absorption described above as ragatmika bhakti is only found in Krishna’s eternal associates in Vraja. Raganuga-bhakti is defined as that bhakti which follows after the ragatmika-bhakti which manifests distinctively in the inhabitants of Vraja. (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.270)

Here are of some of the unclear translations in Nectar of Devotion Ch. 15, entitled “Spontaneous Devotional Service” that have led to much confusion:

“The examples of spontaneous devotional service can be easily seen in Krishna’s direct associates in Vrindavan. The spontaneous dealings of the residents of Vrindavan in relationship with Krishna are called raganuga.”

CLARIFICATION: The proper term here should be ragatmika, rather than raganuga.

In the next paragraph Srila Prabhupada says, “Srila Rupa Goswami has defined raganuga bhakti as spontaneous attraction for something while completely absorbed in thoughts of it.” 

CLARIFICATION: The word here should be raga, not raganuga bhakti.

The terms ragatmika and raganuga have been translated identically and even used interchangeably in Srila Prabhupada’s books.

Thus, it is not surprising that most ISKCON devotees mistakenly think that raganuga-bhakti sadhana is a highly elevated stage of bhakti which is only achieved in a completely purified stage.

DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN Srila Prabhupada’s ‘NECTAR OF DEVOTION’ AND THE TEACHINGS OF THE PREVIOUS ACARYAS:

Srila Prabhupada gives his own definition of rasa in the preface of the Nectar of Devotion: “That force which drives the philanthropist, the householder and the nationalist is called rasa.”

Clarification: This definition of rasa has nothing to do with what Sri Rupa Goswamipada says in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu. He says rasa is produced by combining a sthayi bhava, then vibhava, anubhava, sancari bhava and sattvik-bhava.

QUALIFICATION FOR RAGANUGA-BHAKTI

Raganuga bhakti means allegiance to the eternally perfect ragatmika-devotees of Vraja. This is the teaching of Sri Rupa Goswamipada in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.2.271-272):

“Before we speak of ragatmika bhakti and raganuga bhakti we must first know what is raga. Raga is that deep natural loving thirst which causes one to become completely absorbed in one’s beloved Thakurji.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada has defined raga and raganuga as follows (Bhakti Sandarbha 310):  Raga means the strong and natural desire of a sense-enjoyer for his beloved sense-objects. The senses, like the eyes, are naturally attracted to their objects, such as beautiful forms, and they need no encouragement in this.

In the same way, when a devotee’s heart is naturally attracted to Sri Krishna and one has a deep thirst for Sri Krishna then this is called raga.

When a mere ray of the nectar-moon of such raga falls on the crystal-like hearts of those devotees who only have some taste for a particular raga but do not possess that raga itself yet, then the heart rejoices and as a result of hearing from the scriptures and saints taste will be born within the heart of such a devotee for the devotional expertise of a ragatmika bhakta.

This means that ruci (taste) will be born within the heart when we hear about the loving devotional expertise of a ragatmika Vraja-bhakta from the scriptures or from the mouth of a saint whose heart is pure, that is, free from lust, anger and envy. The devotion which follows the raga of a ragatmika Vraja-devotee along with ruci is called raganuga bhakti.”

Both the vaidhi-devotee and the raga-devotee may begin the path of devotion from the stage of anartha nivrtti, cessation of unwanted habits, progressing through the stages that have been described by Sri Rupa Goswamipada in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.4.15-16) : adau –shraddha -tatha -sadhu -sango’tha –bhajana -kriya.

The difference between them lies not in personal purity, but in their mood.  Sri Rupa Goswamipada writes in Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu  (1.2.291): “Those who are anxious (‘greedy’) to attain the mood of the eternal, exclusively fixed-up  ragatmika Vrajavasis are eligible to enter into raganuga-bhakti.”

YOU CAN’T LEARN RAGA BHAKTI FROM BOOKS

One cannot learn vaidhi bhakti from the guru, and then just learn raganuga-bhakti from books because your guru did not teach you raganuga bhakti.

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada  says (Sva-sankalpaprakash-stotra 1):  “How can one enter into the Shyam ocean without having conversed with a devotee whose heart is steeped in love for Radha  [a raganuga-bhakta]?”

Visvanatha Cakravartipada writes in his Raga Vartma Candrika (1.6). “There are two causes for the appearance of sacred greed necessary to practice raganuga-bhakti: The mercy of Bhagavan Sri Krishna or the mercy of an anuragi devotee. There are again two kinds of mercy bestowed by a devotee: praktana and adhunika.

Praktana means mercy bestowed by a raganuga bhakta in a previous life, and adhunika is mercy bestowed in the present birth. The praktana-devotee takes shelter of the lotus feet of a raganuga guru after the sacred greed has arisen in him, the adhunika will get that sacred greed after surrendering to the feet of such a guru.”

[content courtesy Sri Advaita Dasji]

Raganuga-bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 026 “Yashoda’s Love for Radha“

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Ma Yashoda Feeds Sri Radha

“Anxiously mother Yashoda sits Radhika Rai on her lap and says: “O my beautiful girl! Please eat something before You go home!” Mother Yashoda then affectionately touches Swamini and makes Her sit down to eat.

“Don’t think that I’m different from Your own mother. You can laugh, joke, sleep and eat in my house just as You do at home! Why are You so shy?” Mother Yashoda sits beside Radha and personally feeds Her.

While eating Krishna’s nectarine remnants Sri Radhika is overwhelmed in bliss. The manjaris and sakhis really enjoy seeing mother Yashoda feeding Srimati. Tulasi-manjari is beside herself of ecstasy beholding the sweet mutual love of Yashoda and Radhika

Tulasi stands close by Swamini, silently hoping that Radha will give her some of Her remnants. Understanding what’s on Her mind, Radha secretly drops some of Her chewed food in Tulasi’s hand. Blessed is Radha’s loving maidservant!

Sadhakas in manjari bhava will meditate that they are sitting right next to Tulasi-manjari observing this sweet exchange between Yashoda, Radhika and Her loving maidservant, or standing beside Srimati fanning Her as She eats. And one fine day during lila smarana, you may see Radhika dropping Her remnants into your eager loving hand! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Priyaji’s Prema Binds Priyatama Shyam

Radha does know anything else but loving Krishna. Radha’s divine body, senses and mind are all made of love for Krishna. So Krishna surrenders completely to Radha’s service by applying red lac to Her lotus feet, putting tilaka on Her forehead, combing Her hair, massaging Her feet and so on.

In the mood of an independent lady-love (svadhina bhartrka) Srimati can order Shyam to do these things without any hesitation! This is not the service of Krishna, it is prema itself serving Radha. The sweetness of Shyam’s love manifests in Radha’s face, eyes and smile. Prema becomes tasteful because of Radha-Krishna’s mutual love. Their relationship is completely free from awe and reverence.

Radharani’s maidservants ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!