This morning , we are reading from the Chaitanya Charitamrita .This is the story of the liberation of Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya .
Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya , the great thinker and scholar , he lived in Navadvip . And later , in his life , he moved to purshottam shetra .Sri jagannath Puri Dham. There he became the most adored and sought after of all scholars in all of the world .He was a student of philosophy of Sri Shankaracharya , in fact , he interpreted the shastras according to the mayavad interpretation .But , his intelligence was so great , that people considered him the embodiement of Brihaspati , who was the spiritual teacher and master of the devatas .Even the greatest of all vaishnava sanyasis would travel long long distances , to become his student .So , when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Jagannath Puri , upon seeing the beautiful form of Lord Jagannath , he fell unconscious in divine ecstasy .At that time , the guards of the temple took hm as some sort of pretender , were about to beat him and physically kick him out of the temple .
But Sarbhouma Bhattacharya could see the uncommon symptoms of spiritual emotion , in the body of Sri Chaitanya .Although he had never seen him before , the beauty of his charming golden form captivated the heart of Sarvabhauma. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya was the spiritual guru for practically all of Jagannath Puri , including one of his dsiciples was the king Maharaj , Prataprudra so therefore , whatever he said , was considered the authority of god .
So , Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya ordered the guards to bring Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu into his own residence .There he began to very carefully analyze the condition of the Lord, and he found that there were no symptoms of life .There was no pulse , there was no heartbeat .There was no blood .He had never seen such uncommon features in anyone, but at the same time , he did not look dead .He took some very very fine cotton and put it to his nose , and saw some fine fibres slowly moving , and he could understand , that this young sanyasi is still living .
According to the scriptural injunctions , he tried to bring him out of his state of samadhi. But nothing was successful , until sometime later , Sri Nityananda Prabhu , Jagatananda Pandit , Sri Damodar Pandit , were allowed in Jagannath puri Dham and they heard the news that a young sanyasi had fallen unconscious in the temple and his body was brought to the home of Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya they immediately went to that place , and the only way to bring the Lord out of his trance was the loud chanting of the Holy name .So they began to chant , with great , great intensity , fearing that the lord would leave them if they did not bring him back as soon as possible .So with a tumultuous roar , they began to chant
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna , Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
And after along time, to the great amazement of Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya suddenly the lord leaped into the air and began to cry out “hari hari “crying tears of ecstacy and then he could see that he was associating again with his devotees as well as with strangers, so although, he was beside himself, in ecstasy of love on seeing his first darshan of Lord Jagannath , Balarama and Subhadra , he became very calm and peaceful.
Sarvabhauma was thinking that this boy who has taken sanyasa at such a premature age, it would be very difficult for him to maintain his vows. So therfore he immediately accepted the Lord, just like his own son. And he explained to the lord, that unless, you are very very well equipped, with full knowledge of the Vedanta Sutra, you will not be able to overcome the temptations of maya in this age of kaliyuga.
“So being the great scholar that I am, out of concern for you, I will teach you.” So Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, being most humble and benevolent allowed Sarvabhauma to relate to his service. Meanwhile, Gopinath acharya, who was a very very great and sincere devotee of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu understood his divine position, as Krsna Avatar, and he began to explain to Sarvabhauma that “you do not understand, he is god, you cannot teach him” he has nothing to learn from you. You are nothing, but are just a dry logic scholar. You have no devotion.”
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya said , “What do you mean he is god ? He is not god .according to shastras god is tri yuga , he only appears in tri yugas .He does not appear in Kaliyuga .
Gopinath Acharya began to explain that he is called tri yugi because he appears in tri yugas as he is .He claims himself to be god , but in kaliyuga , he comes hidden in the guise of a devotee, therefore, he secretly spoken about in the scriptures. Being a great scholar of vedanta, you should know these things.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya would not accept and then gopinath acharya said that “your heart is simply contaminated in empty logic, only when you are touched by the divine mercy of the Lord, then you will understand him as he is. “So Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya said “alright, let us see.”
For then for many many days, for seven days, he instructed Chaitanya Mahaprabhu properly in the precepts of Vedanta Sutra. In the Jagannath temple and Sri Chaitanya Prabhu very quietly listened and did not say a word – and Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya asked, at the end of his narration, even though I have explained, you have not asked a single question? You have not raised any points for clarification? I Do not know if you are listening or not listening? I do not know what is in your mind “Do you understand what I have spoken?”
Sri Gaur Sundar replied, My dear Sarvabhauma, the Vedanta Sutra is very easy to understand. It is written by Srila Vyasadeva. It is the commentary of the vedic literatures. And it is clear to see that the truth of the Vedanta Sutra as it is to see the sun in the middle of the day. But your interpretation is like a dark black cloud obscuring the real meaning.”
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya said “what? How can you say this? If you have a better interpretation, you tell me.”
So then Lord Chaitanya being very humble, said “with your permission, I will proceed.”
Then he began to explain the vedanta philosophy in such a way that Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya had never heard before and he completely crippled – defeated, every point of Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. He established that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and only through pure devotion can you attain his mercy.
Then Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya could understand that only Krsna himself could come up with such an interpretation and he realised that this is the highest truth.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya came back to his home, and all that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu revealed to him – his divine form, standing with 6 arms – bhuja, in the form of Krsna, Rama and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Seeing this beautiful form, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya fell down in full prostration and surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
In the morning Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had brought him some nice Jagannath prasad, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya rose from his bed and immediately called out “Krsna Krsna ” and without even washing his hands or his mouth, he began to eat the prasad. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was very surprised to see this. He said “you are a great brahmana, who follows all the brahminical principles very strictly and brahmanas never are allowed to put anything in his mouth before washing it properly and taking a bath. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya quoted a verse from a scripture – this Mahaprasad is so sacred because it is the sweet remnants of the Supreme Personality, Krsna, but one must take it immediately, with great reverance and devotion, even if it is coming from a distant place, even if it is stale, it is the mercy of the Lord. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was very happy. He explained that this is the perfection and fulfillment of my mission. Even the hard hearted, literal scholar like Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya has understood, the sweetness of Krsna’s prasad.
So i would like to read a few verses as the story goes on in the Chaitanya Charitamrita – from that day onwards , Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya , did not know anything but the lotus feet of the Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and from that day he could explain the revealed scriptures , only in accordance with sincere devotional service .
Seeing that Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya was firmly fixed in the $$$$$$$$$$$$$ Gopinath Acharya , his brother in law began to dance and clap his hands and chant “hari hari ”
The next day , the Bhattacharya wanted to visit the temple of Sri Jagannath .But before visiting the temple he wanted to meet Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu .
When he met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , the Bhattacharya fell down to offer his respects .After having offered various prayers to him ,he spoke of his previous bad disposition with great humility .
Then the Bhattacharya asked Chaitanya Mahaprbahu , which item is most important in the execution of devotional service ?
The Lord replied that the most important item was the chanting of the holy name of the Lord .
Harer näma harer näma harer näma iva kevalam
Kalau: nästy eva nästy eva nästy eva gatir anyathä,
In this age of quarrel and hypocracy, the only way of deliverance is just the chanting of the holy name of the Lord , there is no other way – no other way – there is no other way .
Sri Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu very elaborately explained the Hare nama verse .In the $$$$$$ purana , and Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya was struck with wonder to hear his explanation .
Gopinath Acharya reminded Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya “my dear Bhattacharya remember what I told you has now taken place .!
Offering his obeseinces to Gopinath Acharya , the Bhattacharya said , “because i am related to you , and you are a devotee , by your mercy the Lord has shown mercy to me ”
“you are a first class devotee , whereas i am in the darkness of logical arguements .Because of your relationship with the Lord , the Lord has bestowed his benediction upon me
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was very pleased with this humble statement and after embracing the bhattacharya , he said “now , go to see Lord Jagannath in the temple ”
After visiting the temple of Lord Sri Jagannath , Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya returned home with jagadananda and Damodar. The Bhattacharya brought large and excellent qualities of food remnants blessed by lord Jagannath .All this prasad was given to his old brahmana servant along with damodar and jagadananda.
Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya then composed 2 verses on the leaves of a palm tree , giving the leaves to Jagadananda prabhu , he requested him to deliver it to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu .
Jagadananda and Damodar , both returned to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , giving him both , the prasad and the palm leaf on which the verses were composed .But Mukunda Dasa , took the palm leaf , from the hands of Jagadananda , before he could deliver it to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu .
Mukunda dasa then copied the 2 verses on the wall outside the room .After this , Jagadananda took the palm leaf from Mukunda dasa and delivered it to Sri Chaitanya mahaprabhu. As soon as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu read the 2 verses , he tore up the palm leaves .All the devotees read the verses written outside on the wall , and they all kept them within their hearts .
As soon as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu read the 2 verses , he tore up the palm leaves .All the devotees read the verses written outside on the wall , and they all kept them within their hearts .
The verse is read as follows –
See what is happening to Sarvabhauma in his pure devotion after his extraordinary condition – he has written these 2 verses , which delivers to the world the secret of Mahaprabhus divine mission , which reveals him to be the Supreme Lord Hari , himself.
And beacuse Sri chaitanya Mahaprabhu was in the role of a devotee , he would not tolerate anyone , addressing him as God , or glory , his secret identity as Krsna .This was his natural humility as a devotee , or as the Lord protecting the innocent from understanding who he really was .So , Jagadananda was told by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya to deliver these 2 verses to Sri Chaitanya but Mukunda Dasa in the heart of such a pure soul who has received such intimate mercy from the Lord , must be the most precious verses ever written .
He realised that if he glorified Lord Chaitnaya according to his divine realisation , Lord Chaitanya would certainly tear up these verses and no one will ever be able to see them again .So therefore , before giving them back to Jagadananda , he copied them on the wall , so that all devotees , throughout times to come could hear this glorification .and then he gave back those palm leaves and Jagadananda Prabhu got them to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , who as soon as he read them , tore them to pieces and threw them away .The devotees were so anxious to run outside and see what was written outside on the wall .What must have invoked such transcendental emotion for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu .?
These 2 verses are celebrated by all Gaudiya vaishnavas as the essence of all the scriptures and the true identity of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Vairägya-vidyä-nija-bhakti-yoga çikñärtham ekaù puruñaù puräëaù, çré-kåñëa-caitanya-çaréra-dhäré
“Let me take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa, who has descended in the form of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu to teach us real knowledge, His devotional service and detachment from whatever does not foster Kåñëa consciousness. He has descended because He is an ocean of transcendental mercy. Let me surrender unto His lotus feet.
kälän nañöaà bhakti-yogaà nijaà yaù
präduñkartuà kåñëa-caitanya-nämä
ävirbhütas tasya pädäravinde
gäòhaà gäòhaà léyatäà citta-bhåìgaù
Let my consciousness, which is like a honeybee, take shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has just now appeared as Çré Kåñëa Caitanya Mahäprabhu to teach the ancient system of devotional service to Himself. This system had almost been lost due to the influence of time.
PURPORT
As stated in the Bhagavad-gétä (4.7):
yadä yadä hi dharmasya
glänir bhavati bhärata
abhyutthänam adharmasya
tadätmänaà såjämy aham
“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion-at that time I descend Myself.” (Bg. 4.7)
This is also the case with Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s appearance. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu appeared in this world as a disguised incarnation of Kåñëa, but His appearance is confirmed in Çrémad-Bhägavatam, the Mahäbhärata and other Vedic scriptures. He appeared in order to teach the fallen souls in this material world, for in this Age of Kali almost everyone has become attached to fruitive and ritualistic activities and mental speculation. Consequently there was a great need to revive the system of devotional service. The Lord Himself personally came down disguised as a devotee so that the fallen populace might take advantage of the Lord’s example.
At the conclusion of the Bhagavad-gétä, Lord Kåñëa advised complete surrender unto Him, promising all protection to His devotee. Unfortunately, people are so fallen that they cannot accept the instructions of Lord Kåñëa; therefore Kåñëa returned with the same mission, but He executed it in a different way. As Lord Çré Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He ordered us to surrender unto Himself, but as Lord Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, He taught us how to surrender to Kåñëa. Therefore He is praised by the Gosvämés: namo mahä-vadänyäya kåñëa-prema-pradäye te. Lord Çré Kåñëa is certainly the Personality of Godhead, but He is not as magnanimous as Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Lord Kåñëa simply gave orders for one to become His devotee (man-manä bhava mad-bhaktaù), but Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu actually taught the process of Kåñëa consciousness. If one wants to become a devotee of Kåñëa, he must first take shelter of the lotus feet of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, following in the footsteps of Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya and other exalted devotees.
These 2 verses composed by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya , would always declare his name and fame as loudly as a pounding drum because they have become pearl necklaces around the necks of all devotees .
Indeed Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya became an unalloyed devotee of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu .He did not know anything but the service of the Lord .
The Bhattacharya always chanted the holy name of Sri Krsna Chaitanya , son of mother Sachi .and $$$$$$$$$$ of all good qualities , the chanting of holy names became his meditation .
In these verses by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, the mission of the Lord revealed .
Vairägya-vidyä-nija-bhakti-yoga çikñärtham ekaù puruñaù puräëaù, çré-kåñëa-caitanya-çaréra-dhäré
That the Lord has come by his own example to teach us .The 3 principles of Krsna Consciouness , one is vairagya .Which means to eject anything that is not favourable for devotional service . Rupa Goswami explains that whatever people can use in Krsna’s service , must be accepted .It is in complete renouncaition to give away something that can be ordinarily utilised in the glorification of the Lord .This is the principle which makes Krsna Consciouness the fullest and purest philosophy because it teaches us how to utilise each and every thing in this world for its proper original source .
Which means , service to Krsna .This is the essential purpose of everything that exists , to be utilised in the service of the Lord .
Therefore , vairagya , or perfect renounciation is to give up the desire for sense gratification .To utilise everything for Krsna’s gratification .
Vairagya vidya – vidya means knowledge .The highest and purest knowledge of truth that Krsna explains in the Bhagwat Gita .Is to understand that all living beings are part of me and they are in me and they are mine .,Knowledge means to discriminate between matter and spirit , that we are not this body , we are the spirit , the soul – we are part and parcel of Krsna , and therefore , the function of our life is bhakti – devotional service .
Vairägya-vidyä-nija-bhakti-yoga
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given us this great gift .The process of Krsna consciouness .
Narottamdasa Thakur , in his beautiful song , he explained , kevala ananda kanada – that this process of devotional service is very joyful .Simply dancing , chanting , feasting ! Simply glorifying Krsna in everything we do .Who would not be attracted to this process .?Narottamdasa Thakur explains , that anyone who is being severely punished by yamaraja will not be attracted to this process .Because it is so sweet , it is so simple , it is so wonderful , because whatvever we do , we do as an offering of love to the one who is all attractive – the personality of Godhead .Who would not be attracted to the qualities of Krsna ?Who would not be attracted to the pastimes of Krsna ?Who would not want to surrender everything to the all merciful , beautiful form of Lord Sri Krsna ?Who would not want to taste a little prasad cooked with love and devotion and offered to Sri Krsna ? Who would not want to dance with the pure hearted souls ?In jubilitaion – in celebrating – the coming of the Lord in the form of his holy name ?
Rupa Goswami expalins who would not want to chant the 2 syllables Krs- na ?
The 2 syllables Krs- na – when they come to my tongue , i wish to have many many tongues .
One tongue is not enough to taste the infinite sweeteness of the holy name .If i had millions and trillions of tongues , they still would not be enough .Who would not be attracted to chant the name ? And when that name enters into the ears with all of its sweeteness , with all of its charm and beauty ,we desire millions and trillions of ears .
And when these 2 syallables , enter my heart – it conquers everything else , just like we read in the newspapers , that the allied forces conquered Kuwait and the enemy the Iraqi soldiers had to leave .
They could not go through simultaneoulsy in presence of this army they all left and fled for their lives .
The allied forces put their flag of victory in a prominent place to make it clear to all that we have conquered .,
In the same way the holy name conquers our hearts .When the holy name is heard submissively through our ears and hearts it conquers all the opposition of material desires and attachments .They all must leave for their lives .They all must escape from our hearts .From our consciouness .The flag of Hare naam , is implanted in the core of our heart .
And then we understand the essence of life – kirtanaya sada hari – We always chant the holy name with a lot of love .Who would not be attracted ?This is the great gift of Sri Chaitanya MAhaprabhu that he had come to deliver free Krsna’s holy name and the process of chanting purely .
He went into the streets – making it invaluable for all – following his footsteps – let us now arm oursleves with the divine ashray of the deity of the hare krsna mahamantra .Let us go into the streets – let us assist our spiritual in his mission – so in every town , in every village the holy name of Krsna will be chanted .
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Thank you very much.
