Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Transcription

1 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada By Yaduraja Dasa Published by Sankirtana Seva Trust Bangalore

2 A book in English SRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU This book was adapted and compiled from the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON, by Yaduraja Dasa who has been a member of ISKCON since Originally from England, Yaduraja Dasa has written numerous articles for magazines and plays for both stage and BBC radio, all based on the teachings of Lord Krishna as presented by Srila Prabhupada. Published by Sankirtana Seva Trust, Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Bangalore-10 Printed at Brilliant Printers Pvt. Ltd. Lottegollahalli, Bangalore [Total Pages : 80, 1/8 Crown] 2011 Sankirtana Seva Trust, Bangalore All Rights Reserved ISBN: First Printing 2003 Second Printing 2010 (Revised) Third Printing 2011 (Revised) Fourth Printing 2014 (Revised) Fifth Printing 2015 : 5000 copies : 3000 copies : 4000 copies : 2000 copies : 1500 copies Readers interested in the subject matter of this book are invited by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness to correspond with its Secretary at the following address: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bangalore Tel: , Mobile: radha.krishna@hkm-group.org Website:

3 Contents Divine Childhood...6 Brilliant Youth...20 The Beginning of a Massive Spiritual Revolution 26 In Jagannatha Puri Flooding South India with the Holy Name...47 Travelling to Vrindavana...52 Transforming the Impersonalists...56 Winning the Buddhists...60 Conclusion Srila Prabhupada A Brief Life Sketch...64 Model Questions...70 Answers for Model questions...80

4 His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Founder Acharya: International Society for Krishna Consciousness) desired that children are taught the sublime knowledge of Krishna so that they can perfect their lives.

5 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 5 Introduction Whilst modern day scholars argue over whether or not Lord Sri Krishna was a real person who actually lived in a city called Dvaraka, now submerged under the oceans, there is no dispute over whether or not Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu really existed. If you read any encyclopedia, or book on Indian religion, His name will be mentioned, and the dates of His birth, departure and wonderful achievements will be described. It is officially recognized that at a time when, in the West, man was studying the structure of the physical universe and circling the world by sea in search of new oceans and continents, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in the East, was inspiring a revolution directed toward a deep understanding of man s spiritual nature. However, Lord Chaitanya is no ordinary historical figure, since, in the very same Vedic literatures that describe the activities of Lord Krishna, His own mission of spreading the holy names is also foretold. It is further stated that Lord Chaitanya is in fact non-different from Lord Krishna. They are one and the same. The following is a brief account of the amazing life and teachings of this most recent incarnation of Krishna to bless the earth with His presence. * * *

6 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Divine Childhood krishna-varnam tvishakrishnam sangopangastra-parshadam yajnaih sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah [Srimad-Bhagavatam ] In this dark age of Kali those who are wise come together to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although non-different from Krishna He appears in this age not in His usual blackish-blue form, but yellow instead, and, accompanied by His eternal associates, He establishes the sankirtana movement, or chanting of the Holy Names. Five hundred years ago there was a humble and gentle brahmana called Sri Advaita Acharya. He was disturbed by how the people in Kali-yuga, the current age of quarrel and lies, were becoming worse and worse in their behaviour. They were no longer interested in serving Krishna, visiting the temple, or speaking the truth. They were becoming more and more selfish, Godless and dishonest. But what could he alone do? He knew that only devotional service to Krishna could save mankind from this miserable condition. He knew there was only one solution. So early one morning, when the sun had not yet risen, he made his

7 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 7 way to the banks of the sacred river Ganges. He dipped a copper pot into the flowing water which he then placed on a small altar of shalagrama with a few leaves from the holy Tulasi plant. He then prayed urgently for the Lord to personally appear on earth to save mankind, just as it was predicted He would, thousands of years before in the above verse from the Srimad-Bhagavatam. * * * The villagers of Navadvipa, in Bengal, had all flocked to the Ganges which glistened in the silvery glow of a glorious full moon. They stood and poured the holy water on their heads, silhouetted against the brightly shimmering stream. Throughout India people were similarly bathing in sacred rivers and chanting the holy names of God since tonight there was to be a lunar eclipse. It was Friday, February 18, 1486, and the prayers of Sri Advaita Acharya were about to be answered. Set back from the river in a district called Sridhama Mayapura was the house of Jagannatha Mishra and his wife Shachidevi. As the moon eclipsed, and the sound of chanting was at its peak, a beautiful baby boy was born to Shachidevi in the courtyard of their house under a neem tree. Because of this He was to be known as Nimai. Another name given to the boy was Gauranga meaning the golden one since His skin was the colour of molten gold. Later He was to be known as Sri Chaitanya

8 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Mahaprabhu. Baby Nimai s maternal grandfather was an astrologer named Nilambara. When he heard the wonderful news he came straight away to the courtyard carrying some large, old books, papers and charts. He looked at the lovely child; then sat down to work out Nimai s astrological chart. When he had made his calculations, based on the time and place of the birth, he realised that his grandchild would be extraordinary. Nimai was born when all the planets in the heavens were in their very best positions, and as a result the child would be a great pandita (scholar), a saviour of the world and a preacher who would give the best form of religion for this dark age of Kali. Nilambara was astonished by his own findings, and so looked more closely at the child. He was struck with awe when he found various strange markings on his body. For instance, His feet were marked with a flag, thunderbolt, conch and fish. He had other markings on his hands too. Altogether Nilambara found thirty two special signs. On consulting his books Nilambara realised that the baby was actually an incarnation of God. Soon everyone in the village had heard of the wonderful birth, and many brought gifts and presents for the child. His relatives and neighbours noticed that if ever baby Nimai was upset, they only had to chant the names of God: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare;

9 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 9 Neighbours and relatives brought gifts and presents for baby Nimai.

10 1 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and He would immediately stop crying and start smiling and clap His hands. After a while friends and relatives would deliberately chant just to see the beautiful boy dance and laugh. So from His very childhood Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to preach the importance of the holy name. On the day of little Nimai s anna-prashana, when He was given His first solid foods of grains and rice, as was traditional, His parents decided to test what things would interest Him in later life. His mother placed before Him on one side a pile of coins and on the other the Srimad- Bhagavatam (the sacred book of all devotees of Krishna). Baby Nimai looked at the coins, and then looked at the book. His family waited to see which He would be drawn to. Straightaway He went towards the holy book, thus showing what His main interest would be in life. One day baby Nimai was crawling in the courtyard under the cooling shade of the neem tree, when a cobra slipped out of some bushes and started making its way towards Him. Nimai watched with interest as the cobra raised itself from the ground, showing off its fearsome hood. Nimai just smiled as the cobra came closer and began coiling itself around Him. It was as Nimai was playing with the cobra that His mother glanced out into the courtyard. She was naturally terrified and cried out to her husband. They both watched helplessly as Nimai fell asleep in the cobra s coils. They dared not approach the snake in case it should become afraid and bite the child. After some time the snake

11 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Nimai s parents and others watched helplessly as he played with the cobra. 11

12 1 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu unwrapped itself and went away, much to the relief of Jagannatha Mishra and his wife Srimati Shachidevi. They had not realised that their son was actually Krishna, and the cobra was His brother Balarama in the form of Ananta Shesha. It was a bright morning and little Nimai was again playing in the yard when two thieves approached. This is the house, whispered one thief to the other as he looked around nervously. See, that s the boy there, look at all that gold! They both stared greedily at all the ornaments worn by little Nimai, gifts from relatives and friends. I ll keep watch while you go in and grab him, he said to his partner. The other thief then sneaked into the courtyard and spoke softly to Nimai so as not to be heard by His mother who was cooking in the kitchen. Hello little boy, how would you like to have a ride on my shoulders? Nimai just shrugged and giggled. The thief lifted him up and walked out of the courtyard on tip toes to join his friend. They then made their way back to their hideout where they planned to remove all Nimai s jewellery. This boy is so heavy, said the one carrying Nimai. Don t be silly, said his friend, he s just a small child, we ll be there soon, we just passed the fruit seller, and

13 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 1 3 look there is the old cow. Just ahead we turn off past the banyan tree and then up the hill to our secret den. Right puff.pant just a little further, said the thief who strained to carry little Nimai, sweat pouring down his face. I just do not understand how such a small boy could be so heavy puff.huff. Must be all the gold he s wearing, stupid, his friend replied and they both laughed merrily. Nimai was laughing too since He had never had such fun, riding on someone s shoulders for so long. Soon all three were laughing at the top of their voices. The thieves laughed so much they did not notice that they were walking round in a complete circle. Nimai was using His mystic abilities to trick them. That s strange; I thought we had already passed the banyan tree, said one thief to the other. Yes puff huff and that looks just like the same old cow we just passed too, answered the one carrying Nimai, who was now almost fainting. They then passed the fruit seller and found themselves right back where they started, outside Nimai s house. Look! We ve come right back to the boy s house again you fool! yelled one of the thieves, Quick, put him down before someone catches us. The thieves ran off completely baffled, never to return.

14 1 4 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu One lesson we can learn from this is that all wealth belongs to God. Although we may make lots of money and become very rich, at the time of death we will lose it all, every paisa. The thieves thought they could enjoy God s wealth, but they ended up having to give it all up. Since all wealth will all go back to God in the end, it is a good idea to use some of it in His service. Sometimes Nimai would get very angry if He did not get what He wanted. On one occasion He was angry with His mother and waved His little hand at her as He shouted. Just for fun His mother pretended to faint. As she fell to the ground Nimai became very upset and started to cry. The neighbouring ladies told Him, Dear child, please bring a coconut from somewhere, and then Your mother will be cured. When Nimai brought the coconut His mother sat up as though it had somehow made her better, and everyone laughed. Nimai s father, Jagannatha Mishra, was a holy man who often invited religious people to stay at his house. Once a pilgrim brahmana came to stay, and asked if he could use the kitchen to cook food to offer to Lord Vishnu. When you cook food that is to be offered to God, or one of his incarnations, it is important to be very clean and never to taste the food before it is offered, otherwise it will not be accepted by the Lord. The pilgrim carefully prepared some food, placed it on some offering dishes, and sat down to say some special offering prayers:

15 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 1 5 namo brahmanya-devaya, go-brahmana-hitaya cha, jagad-dhitaya krishnaya, govindaya namo namah... said the brahmana as he rang a small bell and bowed down. All of a sudden Nimai ran into the room, snatched the offering dishes, and ate the food. The brahmana was horrified. What are you doing? That was meant for Lord Vishnu, and now you have ruined the offering, I shall have to start cooking all over again! With that the brahmana went back into the kitchen and started cooking again. Jagannatha Mishra humbly apologised and assured the brahmana it would not happen again. After some time he was ready to once more make the offering to his beloved Lord. He again started reciting his prayers: namo brahmanya-devaya, go-brahmana-hitaya cha, jagad-dhitaya krishnaya, govindaya namo namah... No sooner had he started chanting when little Nimai once more ran into the room, grabbed the offering plate, and started eating. The brahmana was so upset that Jagannatha Mishra decided to lock Nimai in His bedroom so He could not cause any more trouble for the pilgrim. He will not disturb you again, I assure you, said Nimai s father to the poor hungry brahmana. Later on, when the house was dark and quiet, the brahmana listened at Nimai s door to make sure He was asleep. He checked that the door was locked; then crept back to the kitchen. This time

16 1 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu he spent a long time cooking a very special preparation of sweet rice for the Lord, and finally sat down to say his prayers. It was now midnight, and he was confident that soon the offering would be made, and he could finally eat in peace. There was not a sound in the house as he once again started saying his special prayers: namo brahmanya-devaya, go-brahmana-hitaya cha, jagad-dhitaya krishnaya, govindaya namo namah... No sooner had he said the first line when Nimai bounced into the room and started eating the sweet rice with great relish. The brahmana could not take any more and began to cry loudly. Please do not cry, said little Nimai. I only eat since you keep offering Me food. If you do not want Me to eat why do you keep offering Me such nice preparations? What do you mean offering to you? I was offering to the Supreme Lord, sobbed the brahmana. Once again you have eaten what was meant for Vishnu. But I am the same Lord, said Nimai. What do you mean? asked the brahmana. Formerly I appeared as Krishna, the son of mother Yashoda. At that time you became a guest in the house of My father Nanda Maharaja, and I disturbed you in the same way. I am very much pleased by your lifetimes of devotion to me. Therefore I am eating the food you have prepared.

17 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 1 7 Nimai revealed to the brahmana that He was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, who is non-different from Vishnu. When the brahmana realised how fortunate he had been to have Krishna come and personally eat his offerings, he became overwhelmed with bliss. He thanked the Lord who had taken the form of little Nimai, and offered prayers to Him. The Lord then asked the brahmana not to tell anyone what had happened and returned quietly to bed. All the local children started complaining to Nimai s mother that He would fight with them and steal things from their houses, so she had to chastise Him. Shachidevi said, Why do You steal others things? Why do You beat the other children? And why do You go inside others houses? What do You not have in Your own house? Thus rebuked by His mother, Nimai would stomp angrily to the kitchen and break all the earthen pots. Then Shachidevi would take her son on her lap and pacify Him, and Nimai would be very much ashamed, admitting His faults. Sometimes Nimai would leave school early and go the Ganges to disturb the brahmanas who would often be chanting mantras on their sacred threads. He would splash water on them and pull their threads. The brahmanas would become angry and go to Nimai s father to complain. On such occasions Nimai would mystically appear at His home in His school uniform, carrying books as though He had just arrived from school. Seeing his son completely dry and

18 1 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu fully dressed, Jagannatha Mishra did not believe the brahmanas and asked them to stop making up stories about his innocent son. At the local bathing ghat Nimai used to play jokes on the neighbouring girls who were all worshipping Lord Shiva in the hope of getting good husbands. This was a common practice amongst unmarried girls in Hindu families. While they were engaged in such worship, young Nimai would interrupt what they were doing and say: My dear sisters, please give Me all the offerings you have just brought for Lord Shiva for he is My devotee. If you worship Me, then Lord Shiva and all the other devatas will be much more satisfied. Some of the girls refused to obey naughty Nimai. What are you saying? Go away you silly boy, let me worship Shiva in peace, what can you possibly do? one girl said. Then I curse you that since you refuse to worship Me you will marry a wrinkly, old man who has many children from a previous marriage, Nimai teased. Oh, all right, here take this banana, the girl said out of fear. Then I bless you to have a very good husband and dozens of beautiful babies, said Nimai to the blushing young girl.

19 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 1 9 In this way Nimai spent his early childhood teaching, in a simple way, the same ideas He would preach all over India when He grew older. * * *

20 2 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Brilliant Youth Nimai was growing up to be a very clever boy, just as His grandfather Nilambara had predicted. Everyone now called Him Nimai Pandita since He was so well-read and learned. When He was just sixteen years old He started His own chatushpathi (village school conducted by a learned brahmana). In this school He would simply teach Sanskrit grammar by cleverly relating the rules and definitions to Krishna. In this way, His students got an opportunity to chant the names of the Lord. During this time a great scholar named Keshava Kashmiri came to Navadvipa to hold discussions on the shastras (scriptures). The Kashmir pandita was a champion scholar, and he had travelled to all places of learning in India defeating everyone in debate. He was also known as Digvijaya, which means one who has conquered everyone in all directions. He came to challenge the clever brahmanas of Navadvipa. It was then the tradition that if you were defeated in debate, you would have to become a disciple of the person who had defeated you. The Kashmir scholar had many disciples, and the panditas of Navadvipa did not want to join them. All the most learned panditas of Navadvipa held an urgent meeting to discuss the crisis. This Keshava Kashmiri is truly a great challenge; he has defeated the greatest minds in India, in argument. Who amongst us wants to take him on? asked the chief pandita.

21 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 2 1 No one spoke or raised a hand; they were all so afraid they would lose. None of them wanted to be defeated in public by the great Kashmir pandita. Then another pandita had a clever idea. What about that Nimai Pandita? Why don t we pitch him against Keshava Kashmiri? I ve seen Him debate others and the boy is quite brilliant. There was mumbling amongst the other panditas as they considered his suggestion. The chief pandita s eyes lit up. That is a brilliant idea. If Nimai Pandita defeats the scholar then we will all become even more famous and renowned. Everyone will say that in Navadvipa the panditas are so learned that even one of their young boys was able to defeat a champion scholar who was famous throughout India. And if Nimai loses then we can say he was just a boy, now you should try with one of the grown-ups; and so we will get another chance to defeat him. All the panditas thought the plan was excellent, and Nimai Pandita was officially selected to debate with the Kashmir scholar. Soon after this, on a full moon night, Keshava Kashmiri happened to be walking along the bank of the Ganges when he came across Nimai Pandita who was sitting with His many disciples. So here is the young upstart who has been selected to debate me, he thought to himself as Nimai Pandita warmly greeted him.

22 2 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu I understand that you are a teacher of grammar, the scholar said arrogantly, I also hear that your name is Nimai Pandita. People speak very highly of your teaching of beginners grammar. Keshava Kashmiri was very proud of his literary career; he knew he was far above the first lessons of grammar, and so he thought the position of Nimai Pandita not at all comparable to his own. Yes, I am known as a teacher of grammar, but factually I am not a very good one, Nimai Pandita humbly replied. Is that so, what a shame, said the Kashmir scholar, even more proudly. My dear sir, whereas you are a very learned scholar in all sorts of scriptures and are very much experienced in composing poetry, I am only a boy a new student, nothing more. Therefore I desire to hear your skill in composing poetry. We could hear this if you would mercifully describe the glory of mother Ganges who flows before us. When Keshava Kashmiri heard Nimai Pandita humbly asking him to compose some poetry, he became still more puffed up, and within one hour he had created one hundred verses describing mother Ganges. When he had finished reciting his magnificent poem, Nimai Pandita praised him, saying: Sir, there is no greater poet than you in the entire world. Your poetry is so difficult that no one can understand it but

23 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 2 3 you and mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. But if you explain the meaning of one verse, we can all hear it from your own mouth and thus be very happy. Certainly, Keshava Kashmiri replied pompously, feeling he had suitably impressed his audience. Which verse would you like me to explain? Should I go through them all again slowly for you so you can pick one out? I know which one I would like you to explain, Nimai Pandita replied, and he perfectly recited the sixty-fourth verse: The greatness of mother Ganges always brilliantly exists. She is most fortunate because she emanated from the lotus feet of Sri Vishnu, the Personality of Godhead. She is a second goddess of fortune, and therefore she is always worshipped both by devatas and by humanity. Endowed with all wonderful qualities, she flourishes on the head of Lord Shiva. When Nimai Pandita recited the verse perfectly the Kashmir scholar became quite astonished. I recited all the one hundred verses like the blowing wind. How could you possibly completely learn by heart even one among those verses? By the grace of the Lord someone may become a great poet, and similarly by His grace someone else may become a great shruti-dhara, one who can memorize anything immediately, Nimai Pandita replied. Still surprised the scholar went on to explain the verse.

24 2 4 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Now kindly explain the special qualities and faults in the verse, Nimai Pandita requested, when the scholar had finished. This was too much for Keshava Kashmiri. How could this first grade grammar teacher, a mere boy, dare to claim there was any fault in his poetry? There is not a tinge of fault in that verse. Rather, it has all the good qualities of similes and alliteration. Maybe I should recite it again so you can hear it properly. My dear sir, I may say something to you if you will not become angry. I ask you once more, can you please explain the faults in this verse? Nimai Pandita gently insisted. The verse I composed, and which you merely parroted, is completely perfect as I have said. If I may remind you, you are an ordinary student of grammar. What do you know about literary trimmings? You cannot review this poetry because you do not know anything about it. It is because I am not on your great level that I have asked you to teach Me by explaining the faults and good qualities in your poetry. Although I am no expert I have found in that verse many good qualities, but also many faults. Have you indeed? Alright, let me see what good qualities and faults you think you have found, Keshava Kashmiri challenged defiantly. Nimai Pandita then proceeded to explain both the good

25 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 2 5 and bad aspects of the verse with perfect logic. The Kashmir pandita was astonished. The debate was thus over; Nimai Pandita had won and the news spread quickly throughout Navadvipa. Keshava Kashmiri felt completely crushed. He had not only lost an important debate, but he had been defeated by a mere boy. How could this be? he thought. That night Keshava Kashmiri had a dream where the goddess of learning, Sarasvati, told him that Nimai Pandita was actually the Supreme Lord, and that he should surrender to Him. After this the Kashmir pandita became a loyal follower of Nimai Pandita. In this way the fame of Nimai Pandita began to spread well beyond the boundaries of Navadvipa. * * *

26 2 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu The Beginning of a Massive Spiritual Revolution Nimai Pandita visited Gaya where He took initiation from his guru Ishvara Puri who told him, Simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra one will be able to see the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. He also gave Nimai Pandita a verse from the Brihan-naradiya Purana to learn which stated: harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha In this age of Kali, there is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way to make spiritual progress other than to chant the holy name, the holy name, the holy name of the Lord. When speaking of His initiation from Ishvara Puri, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu later said: Since I received this order from my spiritual master, I always chant the holy name. But I think that by chanting incessantly I have become bewildered. While chanting the holy name of the Lord, I lose Myself, and thus I laugh, cry, dance, and sing just like a madman. He predicted that this chanting would one day spread all over the world. * * *

27 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 2 7 Nimai Pandita s chanting was infectious, and soon the sankirtana movement was spreading like wildfire as He gained thousands of followers. They would all march through the streets of Navadvipa in procession playing mridangas (clay drums) karatalas (hand cymbals) and chanting Hare Krishna. He was becoming so popular that some local brahmanas became envious of Him. This person has so many followers and is so popular that people no longer come to my temple, said one envious brahmana, How can I live without the donations people give to the deity? Some brahmanas were using their temples simply as a way of earning a living and the pure chanting of Nimai Pandita, which was completely free, exposed their real nature. Eventually the local Magistrate, Chand Kazi, decided he must do something about it. He came to where some devotees were chanting and broke their mridangas. No one should perform this sankirtana on the streets of the city ever again, said the Kazi to some of the frightened followers of Nimai Pandita. Today I am excusing the offence, but the next time I see someone performing such public chanting in the streets of Navadvipa, I shall certainly chastise him by not only breaking his drum and confiscating all his property, but also by converting him into a Muslim. With that the Kazi turned and went back to his house.

28 2 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu When Nimai Pandita heard what had happened, He was defiant. This evening I want you all to burn torchlights in your homes. I shall give protection to everyone. Let us see what kind of Kazi comes to stop our chanting. That night Nimai Pandita arranged three separate, massive chanting parties which weaved their way through all the streets of Navadvipa. Finally the processions reached the house of the Kazi. The Kazi looked out of his window to see thousands of chanting pilgrims holding lighted torches converging on his home from three separate directions. He was so afraid, he went upstairs to hide. Some people in the crowd were very angry, but Nimai Pandita asked them to be peaceful. Eventually the Kazi came down to meet Nimai Pandita. In a friendly way, Nimai said, Sir, I have come to your house as your guest, but upon seeing Me you hid yourself in your room. What kind of behaviour is this? You have all come to my house in a very angry mood. To pacify you, I did not come down immediately to greet you, though I am honoured that you have come, the Kazi replied. My dear uncle, I have come to your home just to ask you some questions. Yes, the Kazi replied, You are welcome. Just tell me

29 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 2 9 The Kazi declared that from then onwards no one should hinder the sankirtana movement.

30 3 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu what is on your mind. They then had a long discussion. Nimai Pandita pointed out that it was wrong to kill the cow: Why do you kill the cow and bull? The cow gives us milk, and the bull ploughs the fields so we can eat, thus they are like our mother and father. How can you kill your own mother and father? asked Nimai Pandita. But in the Vedas, which you follow, there are cow sacrifices, so why do you criticise us? argued the Kazi. In those sacrifices, Nimai Pandita replied, an old bull or cow was sacrificed for the sake of receiving a fresh younger body by the power of Vedic mantras. But in the Kali-yuga such cow sacrifices are forbidden because there are no qualified brahmanas capable of conducting such a sacrifice. In fact, in Kali-yuga all yajnas (sacrifices), apart from chanting the holy names, are strictly forbidden. The Kazi listened carefully as Nimai Pandita went on. Since you cannot bring killed cows back to life, you are responsible for killing them. Cow-killers are condemned to rot in hellish life for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the body of the cow. Speaking in this way the Lord finally convinced the Kazi who said: What you have said is all true. Tell me, asked Nimai Pandita, I want to ask you, why is it that only yesterday you broke our drums, but today we have thousands of devotees on the streets chanting and

31 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 3 1 you have not tried to stop us? When I went to the Hindu s house, broke the drum and forbade the performance of congregational chanting, in my dreams that very night I saw a greatly fearful lion, roaring very loudly, his body like a human being s and his face like a lion s. As the Kazi spoke his eyes widened in fear, sweat forming on his forehead. While I was asleep, the Kazi continued, the lion jumped on my chest, laughing fiercely and gnashing his teeth. Placing his nails on my chest, the lion said in a grave voice, I shall immediately tear apart your chest since you broke the drum of my devotees and forbade the performance of my congregational chanting. Therefore I must destroy you! Being very much afraid of him, I closed my eyes and trembled. Seeing me so afraid, the lion said, I have defeated you just to teach you a lesson, and I shall spare you this once. But if you perform such activities again, I shall not be tolerant. At that time I shall kill you and your entire family. After this description, the Kazi opened up his shirt and showed Nimai Pandita scratch marks across his chest. The marks were those of a lion s claw. It was then clear to all the devotees of Nimai Pandita that the Kazi had been visited by Lord Narasimhadeva, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Sri Krishna. After relating this incident the Kazi also became a supporter of Nimai Pandita. The Kazi declared that from that time onwards no one should hinder the

32 3 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sankirtana movement. The Kazi s tomb in Navadvipa still exists today, and Hindu pilgrims go there to show their respects. The Kazi s descendants are still residing there, and they never again objected to sankirtana. * * * In the course of His preaching work, Nimai Pandita used to send all His followers, including Srila Nityananda Prabhu (who is non-different from Lord Balarama) and Thakura Haridasa (who was originally born in a Muslim family), door to door everyday, to preach the Srimad-Bhagavatam. All of Navadvipa was surcharged with His sankirtana movement, and His headquarters was situated at the house of Srivasa Thakura and Sri Advaita Acharya, two of His chief householder disciples. These two learned heads of the brahmana community were the most ardent supporters of Nimai Pandita s movement. Once Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Haridasa Thakura were walking down a main street, and on the way they saw a roaring crowd assembled. Upon inquiring from passers-by, they understood that two brothers, named Jagai and Madhai, were creating a public disturbance in a drunken state. They also heard that these two brothers were born in a respectable brahmana family, but because they were in bad company, they had turned into badlybehaved thugs. Nityananda Prabhu heard all these stories

33 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 3 3 and decided that these two fallen souls must be delivered. If they were delivered from their sinful life, then the good name of Nimai Pandita would be still more glorified. Thinking in this way, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa pushed their way through the crowd and asked the two brothers to chant the holy names of the Lord. The drunken brothers became enraged upon this request and attacked Nityananda Prabhu with abusive language: Go away you fools! What makes you think we are interested in what you have to say? said Jagai. Yes, go and chant somewhere else, we re just having some fun and you re spoiling it. Let s get them Jagai, said Madhai. Then both brothers chased Nityananda and Haridasa for a considerable distance. In the evening the report of the preaching work was submitted to the Lord, and He was glad to learn that Nityananda Prabhu and Haridasa had attempted to deliver such a pair of low class fellows. The next day Nityananda Prabhu went to see the brothers once more, and as soon as He approached them, one of them threw a piece of earthen pot at Him. There, take that you imbecile! Serves you right for coming back again to bother us, said Madhai. The pot struck Nityananda on the forehead, and immediately blood began to flow. But Nityananda Prabhu was so kind that instead of protesting against this nasty act, He said:

34 34 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Realising their mistake, Jagai and Madhai fell to the ground to beg forgiveness.

35 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 3 5 It does not matter that you have thrown this pot at Me. I still request you to chant the holy name of Lord Hari. One of the brothers, Jagai, was astonished to see such great humility and he told Madhai not to hurt Nityananda Prabhu again. Then the two brothers heard a thundering roar get louder and louder, and in the sky they saw a fearsome disc streaking towards them. The news of Nityananda s injury had reached Nimai Pandita, who at once hurried to the spot and invoked His deadly Sudarshana chakra (the Lord s ultimate weapon, shaped like a wheel) to kill the sinners. Seeing the flaming disc about to strike them dead, and realising their mistake hurting such a saintly person as Nityananda Prabhu, the two brothers fell to the ground to beg forgiveness. Nimai Pandita wanted to kill them both, but Nityananda Prabhu reminded Him of His mission. My Lord, shouted Nityananda over the roar of Nimai Pandita s divine weapon, please do not kill these two wretched men. In previous ages You slayed the demons, but in this age of Kali, You have come to save them. Please spare Jagai and Madhai. On hearing these words of Nityananda Prabhu, Nimai Pandita agreed that He would spare their lives on the condition that they henceforward completely give up all their sinful activities and chant the holy names. Both the brothers agreed, and the kind Lord accepted them and did not again refer to their past misdeeds.

36 3 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu In this age no one can say that he is free from fault. But Lord Chaitanya accepts all kinds of persons on the one condition -that they promise not to indulge in bad habits after being spiritually initiated by the bona fide spiritual master. * * * Nimai Pandita s first wife was Lakshmidevi. Sadly, Lakshmidevi died from a snake bite at an early age when the Lord was away from home. It is interesting to note that the brahmana who arranged the marriage, Vanamali Ghataka was, in a previous life, the great sage Vishvamitra who negotiated the marriage of Lord Ramachandra to princess Sita, and later he was the same brahmana who negotiated the marriage of Lord Krishna with Rukmini. Nimai Pandita was then requested by His mother to accept a second wife, which He agreed to do. His second wife was called Vishnupriyadevi, and was, in fact, an incarnation of the goddess of fortune (Lakshmi). Not long after marrying for the second time, Nimai Pandita was one day chanting in ecstasy the words gopi, gopi, gopi, gopi, gopi, instead of chanting Krishna, Krishna, (the gopis being great devotees of Krishna). Some student brahmanas saw him doing this and started to criticise: What is this gopi, gopi? Why are you not chanting Hare

37 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 3 7 Krishna? Nimai Pandita became very angry, and because they were students, He wanted to chastise them. He got hold of a stick and chased them shouting: You are all taking nonsense! What do you know of anything? Go away! The students ran away but later they started to organise opposition against Nimai Pandita, and began a whispering campaign against Him: Who does he think he is? This Nimai Pandita, just see, suddenly he has become so big and important He wants to beat us? It was at this point that Nimai Pandita realised He would have to make a very difficult decision. He knew He would have to renounce family life if He was ever to be taken seriously, and thus carry out His mission to deliver all the fallen souls of this dangerous age of Kali. If I remain a householder, He thought to Himself, these people will not honour Me, and if they do not respect Me, then how will I be able to preach to them and save them from repeated birth and death within this material world? Five hundred years ago the condition of society was not as degraded as it is today. At that time people would show all respect to a sannyasi since they were rigid in following the rules and regulations of the renounced order

38 3 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of life. Nimai Pandita knew He must leave His little house and family for the big world of Krishna consciousness and the eternal benefit of the whole human society. Nimai Pandita finally decided: I shall become a sannyasi. Since Nimai Pandita s wife was really the goddess of fortune, she understood perfectly why He had to renounce her, and although she was upset, she continued to serve Him loyally in Their separation, and so she never actually felt She was separated. She was so advanced in spiritual life that she would chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra for hours, and for each mantra she would put aside a grain of rice. At the end of the day she would only eat the rice which she had collected in this way through her chanting. At the end of the month of January, in the year 1510 A.D., Nimai Pandita accepted the sannyasa order from a sannyasi called Keshava Bharati. He was named Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and after His initiation He attracted the attention of all those who had previously evaded Him. All the students, envious brahmanas, logicians and other critics soon became attracted and began to surrender to Him in greater numbers than ever. Advaita Acharya sent news to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu s mother, Shachidevi, that her son had taken sannyasa. He advised her to come to his house to see her son for the last time. When she arrived her eyes became flooded with tears seeing her dear son wearing saffron robes, His

39 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 3 9 beautiful black hair all shaved off and holding His sannyasi danda (staff of renunciation). On seeing His mother so shocked and upset, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu immediately fell down at her feet and begged: My dear mother, this body belongs to you. You gave birth to Me, nurtured Me and maintained Me, so this body should have been engaged in your service. Unfortunately I ve made a mistake. I have already taken sannyasa. Please excuse Me. Eventually His mother gave her blessings, but asked if He could please reside in Puri so that she would at least be able to hear regular reports of how He was faring, from the many pilgrims who went there, and whom she might encounter. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at once agreed to her request, My dear mother, I shall always stay in Jagannatha Puri, and sometimes I may come to Bengal also to take bath in the Ganges. So you will always be able to know how I am doing, so please now let Me go. With that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu left His wife and mother for the last time and went to Puri. Just as Lord Chaitanya s wife, Vishnupriya, never felt separated from her husband, so also Chaitanya Mahaprabhu s mother constantly felt His mystical presence. Every day Shachidevi would prepare nice vegetable dishes to offer to Lord Vishnu, and as she made the offering she would sometimes cry to herself thinking, I know my dear son would have loved to eat this. What a shame He has gone away. Then, after some time, she would go to take

40 4 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the offering off the altar and would be surprised to find nothing left. What happened? I thought I had just cooked a whole offering for my Deity of Vishnu, but now it is gone. Maybe I did not cook at all. Did I just place an empty pot before the Lord? How foolish of me, I must go and cook at once. She would then go to the kitchen and cook again, only to find the offering disappear once more. This happened on many occasions. One day she received a message sent by her son. Dear mother, do you recall all the occasions when you have cooked and thought of Me, only to find the offering vanished? Please know that it was I who came and ate your cooking. On hearing this mother Shachidevi felt very happy and never again felt her separation from her son so acutely after that. * * *

41 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 4 1 In Jagannatha Puri At Puri, Lord Chaitanya entered the temple of Lord Jagannatha. On seeing the Deities He was overcome with transcendental ecstasy and fell down unconscious on the floor of the temple. The custodians of the temple could not understand what He was doing, but their chief priest and most learned pandita, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, knew that His behaviour was not ordinary. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, who was also the chief appointed pandita in the court of the king of Orissa, Maharaja Prataparudra, had Lord Chaitanya brought to his home. The learned pandita wanted to test whether the Lord s trance was genuine. At that time, as now, there were many dishonest people dressing in sacred robes pretending to experience spiritual emotions. The Bhattacharya was expert at uncovering such cheaters. He observed the movement of the Lord s stomach, the beating of His heart and the breathing of His nostrils. He held some cotton wool right next to Lord Chaitanya s nose and saw that the tiny wool fibres hardly moved. He also felt the pulse of the Lord and saw that His body had practically stopped functioning. After all these tests he realised the Lord s trance was genuine, and he tried to revive Him. But Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu could only

42 4 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu be treated in a special way. He would respond only to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord by His devotees. This was a great surprise to the Bhattacharya. Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had recovered, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya invited Him back to the temple. When they entered the temple, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya offered Chaitanya Mahaprabhu a seat, while he himself sat down on the floor out of respect for a sannyasi, and then insisted that Lord Chaitanya take lessons from him in Vedanta philosophy. Hearing Vedanta philosophy is a sannyasi s main business. Therefore you should take instruction from a superior person, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya insisted. You are very merciful to Me, Lord Chaitanya replied, and therefore I think it is My duty to obey your order. Then for seven days continually Chaitanya Mahaprabhu listened to the impersonal interpretation* of Vedanta philosophy spoken by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya without saying a word, or indicating whether He thought it was right or wrong. He simply sat there and listened in silence. On the eighth day, Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya could not contain his curiosity: You have been totally silent throughout my explanations of Vedanta philosophy, and therefore I have no idea whether you have understood it or not. I am a fool, and consequently I do not study the

43 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Chaitanya Mahaprabhu listening to the impersonal interpretation of Vedanta philosophy spoken by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. 43

44 4 4 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Vedanta-sutra, Lord Chaitanya answered. I am just trying to hear it from you because you have ordered Me to do so. To be honest I am only doing this out of duty to my renounced order. Unfortunately I cannot in the least understand the meaning you are presenting. I accept that you do not understand, yet you have made no enquiry. You are hearing again and again, yet you keep silent. Because of this I am curious to know what you are thinking, said Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya. I can understand the meaning of each verse of Vedanta very clearly, but your explanations have simply agitated My mind, for you are distorting and covering the direct meaning of the scriptures. Lord Chaitanya had posed Himself before the Bhattacharya as a foolish student, but He did not agree with any of his lectures since he presented an impersonal understanding of God. Lord Chaitanya then proceeded to defeat him by many forceful arguments and proved that, contrary to the Bhattacharya s philosophy, we are all related with the Personality of Godhead eternally, though we are eternally separate from Him, and that pure devotional service is our proper expression of that original relationship. He told the Bhattacharya that when love of Godhead is attained, love for all other beings automatically follows because the Lord is the sum total of all living beings. Lord Chaitanya then quoted the following verse, called the atmarama verse, from the Srimad-Bhagavatam:

45 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 4 5 Those who are self-satisfied and not attracted by external material desires are also attracted to the loving service of Sri Krishna, whose qualities are transcendental and whose activities are wonderful. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is called Krishna because He has such transcendentally attractive features. Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, still stunned by hearing his ideas defeated, then challenged Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to explain the above verse. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked if Sarvabhauma could first give his own understanding, and so to oblige he offered nine separate explanations. Then to the Bhattacharya s utter amazement Chaitanya Mahaprabhu proceeded to give sixty-four separate and highly detailed explanations of just this one important verse, without even touching on the nine Sarvabhauma had just given. After hearing the Lord speak with such depth of knowledge, the Bhattacharya was completely speechless. He realised he had made a huge mistake and thought to himself: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is certainly Lord Krishna Himself. Because I could not understand Him and was very proud of my own learning, I have committed many offences. Then, mercifully, Lord Chaitanya revealed to the Bhattacharya who He really was by appearing before him first as four-handed Narayana and then again as two-

46 4 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu handed Lord Krishna holding a flute. On seeing these wonderful visions, the Bhattacharya fell down at the lotus feet of the Lord, who then embraced Him, and out of transcendental ecstasy the Bhattacharya himself lost all consciousness. * * *

47 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 4 7 Flooding South India with the Holy Name Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu extensively travelled all over southern India including such places of pilgrimage as Gautami-ganga, Mallikarjuna, Ahovala-narasimha, Siddhavata, Skanda-kshetra, Trimatha, Vriddhakashi, Bauddha-sthana, Tirupati, Tirumala, Pana-narasimha, Shiva-Kanchi, Vishnu-Kanchi, Srikalahasti, Vriddhakola, Siyali-bhairavi, the Kaveri River, Kumbhakarna-kapala, Udupi, Shringeri, Sriranga, Rameshvara, Pandarapura and many others. As He travelled He chanted the holy names and thus spread love of God wherever He went. Whilst in Pandarapura He initiated the great saint of Maharashtra known as Tukarama who later went on to flood the whole of the Maharashtra province with the sankirtana movement. Just by seeing Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, everyone became a devotee. They began to chant Krishna and Rama and became merged in a great ecstasy of love as they began to dance, raising their arms high in the air. In one village Chaitanya Mahaprabhu met a devotee called Kurma brahmana, who took Him to his home, washed His lotus feet and, with his family members, drank the water. Kurma then offered Chaitanya Mahaprabhu all kinds of food and shared the remnants with his family. O my Lord, the brahmana prayed, Your lotus feet are

48 4 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meditated upon by Lord Brahma, and these very lotus feet have come into my home. My dear Lord, there is no limit to my great fortune. It cannot be described. Today my family, birth and riches have all been glorified. Please let me come with You now so I can escape from my family duties which are full of misery. Please do not speak like that again, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gently chastised him. It is better to remain at home and chant the holy name of Krishna than to falsely renounce everything. He then said the following verse which is applicable to everyone, in any stage of life: yare dekha, tare kaha krishna -upadesha amara ajnaya guru hana tara ei desha Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Sri Krishna as they are given in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad- Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu further advised the brahmana: If you follow this instruction, your family life at home will not stop you from making spiritual progress. Indeed, if you follow My instructions you will never lose My company, I shall always be with you. Lord Chaitanya visited a large temple in South India called Srirangam where He went to see the Deity of Lord Ranganatha. Outside the temple sat a brahmana who was reading the Bhagavad-gita, but for some reason people

49 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 4 9 around him were mocking him. Look at him sitting there with that book, said one proud temple priest. Anyone might think he was a great pandita. With that he and many others started laughing since they knew the brahmana was actually illiterate. Lord Chaitanya approached the brahmana and noticed he was crying. My dear brahmana, He asked gently, what you are reading? The brahmana could see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was not coming to make fun of him, so he answered Him: My dear sir, I am reading the Bhagavad-gita. Unfortunately, I am illiterate. I do not know even the alphabet. Why are you holding the Bhagavad-gita if you cannot read it? asked Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. My spiritual master knows that I am illiterate, but still, he has asked me to read Bhagavad-gita. What can I do, I must follow my spiritual master. Therefore I am sitting with this book. I am looking at it, though I do not know how to read. Oh I see, that s all right, I understand you cannot read, but why then are you crying? Well, as soon as I take this Bhagavad-gita in my hands I remember how Krishna is sitting as the driver of Arjuna s

50 5 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu chariot. I have heard the story from my spiritual master, You see. I know something of the instruction but cannot read. So as soon as I take this book, this picture comes in my mind and I simply think, Oh, how nice Krishna is, that He has become a charioteer of His devotee. He is so great, He is the Supreme Lord, still, He has accepted the menial service of His devotee. This gives me so much pleasure that I cry. At these words Chaitanya Mahaprabhu embraced him. Your reading of Bhagavad-gita is perfect. You have understood the essence better than most who can read. In South India Lord Chaitanya also uncovered two very important old literatures, namely the Brahma-samhita and Krishna-karnamrita. He returned to Puri where thousands of His devotees would come to see Him, especially during the Ratha-yatra festival of Lord Jagannatha. In this festival three huge carts carrying the forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra are pulled along the main high street, by crowds tugging on long ropes attached to the front of the carts. On one occasion the cart carrying Lord Jagannatha (Krishna) Himself became stuck. Hundreds of people pulled with all their strength on the heavy ropes. Elephants were brought to dislodge it, but nothing worked. Then Lord Chaitanya leaned His head against the cart and it miraculously started to move.

51 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 5 1 The forms of God were taken on the carts to the famous Gundicha temple, which was first washed from top to bottom by hundreds of devotees under the direct supervision of Lord Chaitanya. The Lord s congregational sankirtana movement at Puri was a unique exhibition for the mass of people, and during the festival the Lord would chant and dance in ecstasy before the great carts carrying Lord Jagannatha, sometimes appearing in seven different chanting parties at the same time. * * *

52 5 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Travelling to Vrindavana After staying for some time in Puri, He set out for northern India. He decided to visit Vrindavana and its neighbouring places of pilgrimage. On the way He passed through the jungles of Jharikhanda (Madhya-Bharata). Initially He stayed on the well-trodden paths, with His close associate Balabhadra Bhattacharya, but after a while He wandered off into the depths of the forest. Balabhadra Bhattacharya looked around nervously as they moved through the lush ferns and creepers and then started to tremble when he saw ahead of them a group of tigers and a herd of elephants. As they approached the wild and dangerous animals, Lord Chaitanya chanted the name of Krishna. Immediately the animals stood aside, allowing them to pass. They then came across a wild boar, a rhinoceros, tigers and elephants. To Balabhadra Battacharya s amazement all the animals simply moved aside when Lord Chaitanya started chanting the names of Krishna. One tiger was lying on the path, and Lord Chaitanya touched it with His feet. He then told the tiger: Chant the holy name of Krishna! At this instruction, and much to Balabhadra s surprise, the tiger immediately got up and began to dance and chant Krishna! Krishna! in a roaring voice. Further on Lord Chaitanya decided to bathe in a river just at the time when a herd of elephants had come to drink the water. As Lord Chitanya chanted his

53 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 53 All the animals of the forest were dancing and chanting, Krishna! Krishna! together in ecstasy.

54 5 4 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gayatri mantra, some of the elephants came before Him. He immediately splashed water on the elephants and asked them to chant the name of Krishna. Those elephants raised their front legs in the air, trumpeted and began swinging their trunks wildly. They started dancing in ecstasy and chanting the names of Krishna! Krishna! Seeing all this, Balabhadra Bhattacharya was completely astonished. Soon all the animals of the forest, the monkeys, birds, tigers, elephants and deer were all dancing and chanting together in ecstasy. Some of the tigers and deer, normally mortal enemies, started embracing each other in great affection. Even the trees and creepers began to move and vibrate to the sound of the chanting. When Lord Chaitanya looked at His dear associate, Balabhadra Bhattacharya, and saw his expression of amazement, and then looked at all the fun the animals were having, He began to smile sweetly. As they left the forest, all that could be heard was the thunderous roar of animals dancing and chanting and crashing through the undergrowth. By this Lord Chaitanya proved that His sankirtana movement could make even the wild animals live in peace and friendship, so what to speak of men, who are supposed to be civilized. In Vrindavana He visited the place where Lord Krishna had danced with the cowherd girls known as gopis. This is called the rasa-lila dance where Krishna made Himself into many separate dancers so He could be with all the gopis

55 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 5 5 at the same time. When Lord Chaitanya reached the gardens where this dance took place, He at once fell down in a trance. Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is non-different from Lord Sri Krishna. This time, however, He appeared as a great devotee of the Lord to preach that everyone should worship Lord Sri Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He taught that Vrindavana, where Sri Krishna performed His pastimes, is non-different from the Lord Himself, and that the highest form of transcendental worship of the Lord was exhibited by the gopis (young damsels) of Vrindavana. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu recommended their form of pure affection for the Lord as the highest example of love of God. He taught that the ultimate goal of life for all human beings is to attain that same pure love of God. * * *

56 5 6 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Transforming the Impersonalists On His way back from Vrindavana, Lord Chaitanya stayed in Varanasi, and very quickly attracted a large following. At that time Varanasi was headed by a sannyasi named Sripada Prakashananda Sarasvati. Some people who saw the Lord in His sankirtana party considered Him to be Narayana since He was so beautiful and effulgent, and this report reached the camp of the great sannyasi Prakashananda. Prakashananda made fun of Lord Chaitanya s chanting of Hare Krishna. What use is this singing and dancing in the streets? he asked his disciples. This Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is just a sentimental person who sings loudly. Real truth comes from studying the scriptures, not from dancing around like a madman. One brahmana did not like the way Prakashananda was criticising Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so he went and told Him what was being said. Soon after, a great meeting was arranged by the devotees of Lord Chaitanya in which all the local sannyasis were invited to hear a debate between Prakashananda Sarasvati and Lord Chaitanya. When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu arrived at the temple of Prakashananda

57 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 5 7 Sarasvati He immediately offered obeisances, and then He went to wash His feet. After washing His feet, He sat down right where He had done so. He was so humble that He considered Himself only good enough to sit where others washed their feet. After sitting down, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to be more brilliant than millions of suns, and his golden form attracted the minds of all the sannyasis who sat in a more elevated position in the temple. Prakashananda stood to receive Him with great respect: Please come here, he said holding out his hand, please come and sit in here with us, your Holiness. Why do you sit in that unclean place? I belong to a lower order of sannyasa. Therefore I do not deserve to sit with you, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu replied. Prakashananda Sarasvati then personally led Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by the hand and seated Him with great respect in the midst of the assembly. Please tell us why you chant in the streets instead of studying the Vedanta? Prakashananda inquired from Lord Chaitanya. Meditation and the study of Vedanta are the sole duties of a sannyasi. Why do you abandon these to dance with fanatics and low-class people? My spiritual master told Me I am a fool, answered Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. You are not qualified to study Vedanta philosophy, he told Me, and therefore You must always chant the holy name of Krishna. Simply by chanting

58 5 8 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the holy name of Krishna one can return to the spiritual world at the end of this life and see the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. Lord Chaitanya then quoted the verse His spiritual master had taught Him which states that in this age of Kali, chanting Hare Krishna is the only way to make spiritual progress. Prakashananda thought for a moment. He knew from what he had heard of Lord Chaitanya s reputation that He was certainly no fool. He had defeated many scholars in debate and must thus be extremely intelligent. Then why not study Vedanta and chant at the same time? asked Prakashananda cleverly. All the sannyasis were very interested to hear what Lord Chaitanya had to say since they found Him so humble, honest and as effulgent as the sun. My dear sirs, can I say something to you regarding Vedanta philosophy if you would not be offended? asked Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Various sannyasis encouraged Him to speak. We find your words most pleasing to hear, indeed our minds are greatly attracted by what you are saying, said one. Yes, please tell us what you know of Vedanta, said another. Very well, said Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and He then explained the correct conclusion of Vedanta, namely that the Absolute Truth is not impersonal, but is in fact the

59 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 5 9 supreme person, Lord Sri Krishna. All the sannyasis listening were convinced that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the Supreme Lord. They were won over by His beautifully effulgent form, His philosophical explanations based on clear logic and His great humility. Prakashananda Sarasvati then encouraged all his followers to accept Lord Chaitanya as their ultimate authority. * * *

60 6 0 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Winning the Buddhists When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was visiting holy places he met a group of Buddhists. Their leader challenged Him to a debate in which he set out the nine principles of Buddhism. In front of a large crowd Chaitanya Mahaprabhu defeated all nine. The crowd laughed and mocked as the Buddhists left in embarrassment. Later they came up with a plan to defame the Lord. They invited Him to another meeting where they offered Him food contaminated with meat, pretending it was properly cooked and offered to Krishna. As Lord Chaitanya sat down to eat, a large bird flew down and picked up the plate. The bird flew over the Buddhist leader and threw all the unclean food on him cutting his head with the edge of the metal plate. After that the Buddhists realised that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the Supreme Lord, and they all surrendered to Him. In this way Lord Chaitanya carried on preaching for many more years. In all the villages through which the Lord passed and in all the places He rested on His journey, everyone was purified and awakened to ecstatic love of God and began chanting the Holy Names. * * *

61 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 6 1 Conclusion Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught that everyone, regardless of birth, could become a lover of God simply by chanting His Holy names: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. These sixteen names of the Lord are mentioned in many ancient scriptures like the Puranas and Upanishads, and are described as the yuga-dharma, or the best way of making spiritual advancement in this present age. Although His external reason for appearing on earth was to spread this sankirtana-yajna, His internal reason was to experience, first-hand, the love a devotee has for Him. The greatest devotee of Krishna is His eternal consort Srimati Radharani, and so Lord Chaitanya is Krishna in the mood of His own devotee, Radharani. Taking the part of Srimati Radharani, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu tried to love Krishna as Radharani loved Him. Krishna was always amazed by Radharani s love. How does Radharani give Me such pleasure? He would ask Himself. In order to study Radharani, Krishna lived in Her role and tried to understand Himself. This is the secret of Lord Chaitanya s incarnation. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna, but He has taken the mood and role of Radharani to show us all how to love Krishna. Towards the end of His life Lord Chaitanya became

62 6 2 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu completely consumed in transcendental ecstasy, laughing, crying, dancing and singing in separation from Krishna, just like a madman. Lord Chaitanya performed His preaching activities for forty-eight years and then mysteriously disappeared in the year 1534 in Puri. It is said that He visited the temple of Tota Gopinath and never came out. To this day the priests of that temple will show you where He entered the knee of the Deity of Krishna, and then vanished. At the point where He entered there is a gold mark. Although Lord Chaitanya preached and taught extensively during His entire life, He left just eight verses in written form, known as the Shikshashtakam. Here is the first verse: All glories to the chanting of the holy name of Lord Krishna, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Krishna expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step. Although He has physically left, His sankirtana movement is still going on today, just as He predicted five hundred years ago: prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama

63 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 6 3 sarvatra prachara haibe mora nama In every town, city, and village of the world, the Krishna consciousness movement will be preached. This amazing prophecy was fulfilled by Lord Chaitanya s great devotee, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, who single-handedly took the chanting of Hare Krishna all over the world. Thanks to Srila Prabhupada, now people of all creeds, races and backgrounds throughout the world are tasting the nectar of the holy names. * * *

64 6 4 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Our Founder & Acharya Srila Prabhupada A Brief Life Sketch According to the Vedic literatures, the most recent incarnation of Lord Krishna appeared just over five hundred years ago as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Golden Avatara, in Mayapur, West Bengal. It was Lord Chaitanya who predicted that the chanting of His holy names - Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - would spread beyond the shores of India to every town and village of the world. The person who eventually made this prophecy come true was His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada). The following is a brief account of his life and teachings. Srila Prabhupada was born on September 1, 1896, the day after Janmashtami (the appearance day of Lord Krishna) in Calcutta. At the time of his birth an astrologer predicted that at the age of seventy, he would leave India to establish 108 temples of Krishna all over the world. Srila Prabhupada certainly displayed great devotion to Lord Sri Krishna from a very early age. His father had given him small Deities of Radha and Krishna which he worshipped daily and at the age of six he organised a blissful Ratha-yatra Krishna festival in his local community which

65 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Srila Prabhupada introduced various aspects of Vedic culture, like Deity worship, to the Western world. 65