THE EPISODE OF
WRITING THIS BOOK, Shyamananda Prakash
by Krishnacarana dasa
Oh wise listeners, hear how this book,
Shyamananda Prakash, has come into existence!
One day I met a saint who read the book, Bhaktirasamrita Sindhu to
me. While listening a deep feeling of indifference towards the
material world (vairagya) took birth within me and the desire to go
to Vrndavana arose in my heart. Previously I had never found the
time to meditate upon the merciful lotus feet of Krishna. My mind
had always been preoccupied with sinful activities. My body, mind
and life was filled with passion, anger, greed, infatuation, pride,
and mundane emotions. Pride gave rise to vanity and jealousy. Thus
my life passed in vain. Not a scent of devotion to Krishna entered
my heart. Even in the sphere of family life I was a failure. What
was the use of such a worthless life? Absorbed in maintaining my
wife and children all the golden opportunities of life passed me by.
Fully engaged in material activities I found no time to remember the
lotus feet of Govinda, or to perform any sadhana. In this way my
life passed uselessly and death was quickly approaching.
But after hearing, Bhaktirasamrita Sindhu from that saint I began to
realize that the lotus feet of Krishna are the only resort for all
of mankind. I decided to give up all material attachments and live
in Vraja. Although my heart ached to leave for Vrndavana, the
opportunity to go did not arise. I became very disturbed and began
meditating on Shyamananda Goswami(?). Absorbed in this way I went to
bed and fell asleep thinking of Shri Vrndavana Dhama.
In my dream I met some sannyasi's who were going to Vraja and I
traveled along with them. Arriving in Vraja I took darshan of the
Jamuna (?), then went to the kunja of Shri Shyamananda Goswami. I
washed my hands and feet and sat down in the kunja. After some time
Shri Shyamananda, having completed the circumambulation of Vraja,
returned to his kunja, and all the devotees there fell at his feet.
They washed his feet and happily drank the water. I asked one
vairagi who the Goswami was and he replied , "This is Shyamananda
Goswami". Hearing his name I shed tears of love. Noticing me,
Goswami called me before him and I fell flat offering obeisances.
"Where do you come from," he asked, "What is your name, whom do you
serve, and how many devotees are with you?"
"I am Krishnacarana dasa", I said. Please be merciful and allow me
to serve you. I came to Vrndavana with four vairagi's who have gone
for a tour of Vrndavana. I use to live in Orissa with my wife, but
she became a burden to me so I left her and came alone to Vrndavana."
"Your wife must be in a state of depression," Goswami replied. "Who
will look after your son? Why have you given up material life and
become a vairagi?"
"Prabhu, My wife is also very indifferent to family life", I
explained. Out of love for Krishna I have come to Vraja."
"Do not leave your wife, "Prabhu said. Return to your home and
perform the sadhana of Krishna, along with your wife. What type of
sadhana are you doing by leaving a helpless vaisnavi?"
I humbly explained to Prabhu, "I know nothing about sadhana or
smarana worship. I have come to you because I have not understood
Krishna yet, please be kind and fulfill my desire."
"You will obtain my mercy, as well as the mercy of Radha Krishna, if
you obey my order. Now go back to your house and engage, along with
your wife, in worshipping Krishna and singing my glories. Write
something about my auspicious activities and sing the praises of my
devotess."
"But I know nothing about your eulogies," I protested. "I know only
the letters but I do not know their meanings.(?) How can I describe
your glories?
"Due to my wish you will be able to understand everything", Prabhu
said. "If you remember me everything will become clear to you."
"I am an illiterate and ignorant person", I said. "What can I write?
And even if I write, what intelligent man will accept it?"
"My fame is known throughout the three worlds,” Prabhu replied.
Anyone who does not accept it is guilty of flouting Shri Chaitanya.
These words cannot be false. After completing the book you should
show it to my disciple, Nayananda. He will be very happy to receive
a book about me. Out of love for me he will distribute the book.
Since the people have confidence in Nayananda they will gladly
accept the book. He who sings the glories of Krishna and of myself
will attain salvation. He will also get my association as well as
the feet of Krishna. Don't hesitate to write this book."
Hearing this I fell prostrate on the ground at the feet of Goswami.
He placed his feet on my head and blessed me to attain devotion to
Krishna. He went to his kunja and I returned home.
Just then I awoke from my dream, but everything remained crystal
clear in my mind. I contemplated my good fortune in having the
darshan of Vrndavana in my dream. For a few days I hesitated to
carry out the order I had received. Then again my Prabhu mercifully
appeared before me in my sleep. He sat at my head and said, "You
have flouted my order. This will only bring harm to you. I was sorry
to see your distressed condition so I came here to save you from
sin. Begin the work of writing a book in my name and remember that I
am always with you. Go take your bath and start the book after
worshipping Radha Krishna."
Obeying his order I began writing, meditating on my spiritual
master. In this way by the desire and mercy of my guru I received
the ability to write this book, otherwise it was not possible.
I fall flat at the feet of Shri Shyamananda Goswami offering my
obeisances millions of times. If there is any mistakes in my writing
or any incidence of rasavasa I humbly beg forgiveness. It is
impossible for a worthless person like myself to fully describe the
glorious qualities of Shri Shyamananda.
I hold the feet of Shri Chaitanya and Nityananda and all the
devotees on my head. I have sold my head at the feet of Shri
Radhamohana, the bestower of love and devotion. Taking the lotus
feet of Shyamananda prabhu in my heart I, Krishnadasa, have compiled
this book Shri Shyamananda Prakash.
CHAPTER ONE
All glories to Shri Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu.
I worship the feet of Shri Gauridas Pandit Thakur. Like a dog, I
eagerly wait to eat the remnants of his food life after life. I
worship Shri Nityananda and Shri Chaitanya, taking refuge under
Their lotus feet.
Once Gauridas Pandit Thakur, the spiritual master of Hrdayananda
Goswami, bestowed his mercy upon Shri Shyamananda by ordering him to
go to Vraja. Upon receiving this instruction Shyamananda immediately
became indifferent to the affairs of this material world. He eagerly
approached his guru, Hrdayananda Deva, requesting permission to
leave for Vraja at once. His spiritual master kindly consented and
Shyamananda left for Vrndavana.
Shri Shyamananda Goswami settled in Vraja, living with Shri Jiva
Goswami, who was very affectionate towards him. Shyamananda spent
his days and nights listening to the rasa-lila of Shri Radha
Krishna, tasting the essence of its madhurya rasa. Totally absorbed
in these loving pastimes, he completely forgot all bodily demands.
He fully engaged in the service of Kanaka Kunja, cleaning and
worshiping it every morning. He served the lotus feet of Shri Jiva
and spent the rest of his time hearing the pastimes of Radha
Krishna.
Once, while listening to such pastimes, his mind became so deeply
absorbed in divine love that he fell unconscious in the kunja. It
appeared that his breathing had stopped and no signs of life were
visible in his body. Seeing him in this condition Shri Jiva was
panic-stricken. Lifting the body of Shyamananda, Jiva quickly
carried him to his house. A long twenty seven hours (tritya prahar)
passed before Shyamananda regained consciousness and sat up. He then
fell at the feet of Shri Jiva, took the dust from his lotus feet and
placed it on his head. Greatly relieved, Shri Jiva happily offered
Syamananda prasadam.
Cherishing a hope within his mind, Shyamananda asked Shri Jiva, "Oh
Goswami, kindly fulfill my desire. Please tell me how I can attain
the mercy of Radha Krishna."
Shri Jiva lovingly advised Shyamananda, explaining the five types of
rasa, particularly the madhurya rasa. Inspired by Shyamananda's
submissiveness, Shri Jiva went on to explain frankly that bhava and
bhavasraya are the same… These explanations fully satisfied the
heart of Shyamananda….
By the mercy of Jiva Goswami, who had taken shelter of Shri Rupa,
Shyamananda began worshiping Radha Krishna continuously. Day by day
he became increasingly absorbed in devotional service. His mind was
inspired (uddipana) by love (raga) and he fell into a trance of
spontaneous devotion. With his body, mind and words he engaged in
the service of Radha Krishna and the kunja. He was always
preoccupied with the thought of observing the divine pastimes of
Radha Krishna. Externally, he expertly practiced religious
austerities, while internally he lovingly served their Lordships,
along with Shri Rupamanjari.
Inside the Kalpa Kunja Kutir in Vrndavana, Radha Krishna daily
perform rasa-lila. Those who are not qualified are unable to
perceive this reality, but see only the illusory energy of the Lord.
One day Radha and Krishna, along with their sakhis, were dancing and
singing joyfully within the kunja. Holding one another’s hands Radha
and her sakhis made a circle around Krishna. They danced
delightfully, and Krishna, whose beauty charms Cupid himself, danced
along with them while other sakhis sang and played musical
instruments.
When Shri Radha danced, Krishna observed with great joy. Sometimes
she danced, and other times she enjoyed watching her sakhis dance.
The perfection of the eyes is to see these divine amusements, which
are all meant for the pleasure of Krishna.
While Radhika danced on and on, unknowingly, one of her ankle bells
became lose and fell to on the ground. Neither she, nor her sakhis,
noticed it. After dancing, Radha and Krishna went to bed and
relished loving pastimes throughout the night, as the sakhis
observed (stealthily?) through the windows. Upon awaking at dawn,
the sakhis requested Radha Krishna to get up from bed. After some
time Radha reluctantly arose. Fearful of the chastisement of her
relatives she quickly started for her house. The sakhis also
returned to their homes, unaware of the lost ankle bell. Shri Radha
had planned this incident just to show her mercy to Shyamananda.
In the morning Shyamananda Goswami went to perform his regular daily
service to the kunj (nikunj?). He took darshan, paid his obeisances,
and began cleaning under the desire tree. There he found the golden
ankle bell.
The entire surface of the kunj was glowing due to the ankle bells
effulgence. Its brightness overshadowed the glittering of a golden
mirror (?). It seemed as if the sun itself had appeared there
personally. Seeing this, Shyamananda fainted on the spot. Sometime
passed before he regained consciousness, then taking the ankle bell
in his hand he placed it on his head. Immediately his throat choked
up with emotion and all the symptoms of ecstasy appeared in his
body. Overwhelmed with love, he kissed the ankle bell and clasped it
to his heart, then again fell unconscious on the ground of the kunj.
After considerable time he again came to his senses and began
calling the names of Radha Krishna. Running frantically here and
there he searched for their Lordships. Unable to find them, he was
filled with distress. Mad with love, he cried out desperately, "When
shall I see Radha Krishna." Eventually he pacified himself, tied the
ankle bell around his neck, and continued cleaning the kunj.
Meanwhile, after entering her room, Radha was perturbed to find one
of her ankle bells missing. Thinking that she may have dropped it in
the kunja, she ordered Lalita to go there and search for it. Lalita
Sundari, in the disguise of an old lady hurried to the kunj.
Upon seeing Shyamananda, Lalita asked his name, and he replied "Dukhini
Krishnadasa".
"Have you seen the ankle bell of my daughter-in-law?" Lalita
inquired. "She came to the Jamuna to fetch water and due to her
carelessness one of her precious golden ankle bells fell from her
foot in this kunj. If you have found it please return it and I will
gladly reward you."
"Tell me frankly", Goswami asked, "Where do you live and what is
your name?
"I am Radha dasi", Lalita replied, concealing her identity. "I
belong to a Kanoj brahmana family of Vraja."
Hearing this Goswami admitted, "Thakurani, I did find an ankle bell,
but it cannot be yours. It must belong to Shri Radha, because the
moment I touched the ankle bell I felt as if I was falling deep into
the ocean of love of God. My heart swelled with ecstatic love and I
fell unconscious. No ordinary ankle bell could induce such feelings.
Now listen to me, this ankle bell surely belongs to Shri Radha. If
you insist that it belongs to you I will certainly return it, but
first I want to see where you live. I will show the ankle bell to
the inhabitants of your village and they must identify it as yours.
If they will act as your witnesses, I will immediately give it back.
Otherwise I shall wear it myself until I am able to return it to the
feet of the rightful owner.
Hearing this, Lalita finally confessed, "You are right. I have tried
to deceive you. This ankle bell certainly belongs to Shrimate
Radharani. I am very pleased with you, ask any boon for yourself and
I will happily grant it, afterwards I will take the ankle bell. The
daughter of Vrsabhanu will also be extremely pleased with you for
finding her ankle bell."
Goswami earnestly replied, "O Thakurani, I must know your real
identity. Only after you have revealed your true self to me will I
ask my boon.
Taking Goswami to a secluded place Lalita confessed, "I am Lalita, a
maidservant of Shri Radha. Listen to me Duhkini Krishna das, you are
anxious to see my real form, but such a revelation will certainly be
too much for you to bear."
"By your mercy anything is possible," he protested.
Submitting to his desire Lalita agreed, "Alright Krishna das, I
shall reveal my real self. Close your eyes."
Goswami shut his eyes, then Lalita ordered, "Look at me Krishna das."
Opening his eyes Goswami witnessed the extraordinary beauty of
Lalita. Overwhelmed with ecstasy he fell on the ground unconscious.
Shri Lalita devi lovingly helped him to come to his senses, and
Goswami bowed to her feet with tears in his eyes. Holding the feet
of Lalita on his head he smeared the dust from her lotus feet over
his entire body. Fully under the control of divine love, he cried
incessantly, unable to speak a word.
Seeing his state of mind, Lalita gently touched his body, pacifying
him. Satisfied by Goswami's devotional sentiments, Lalita said,
"Krishna das ask any type of boon from me."
"I have nothing to ask for", Goswami said. "I only want to be your
servant and in this way serve Radha Krishna."
Lalita kindly fulfilled his desire saying, "You shall certainly
attain the association of Radha Krishna, but you cannot serve their
Lordships in this feature. You must prepare yourself mentally as a
confidante of Radha to have her darshan. Come with Shri Rupamanjari
to the kunj and observe the rasalila of Radha Krishna. Then you can
witness all of our true identities. For the remainder of this life
stay with Shri Jiva and go on tasting the essence of the rasalila.
At the end of your life you will attain the lotus feet of Shri
Radhika. Now, accept this eternal mantra of Radha Krishna. Whenever
you chant this mantra you will be able to see their Lordships."
Showering her mercy upon him, Lalita gave Goswami the mantra
practiced by herself. Immediately upon reciting the mantra within
the kunj pure love arose within the mind of Goswami. Filled with joy
he fell at the feet of Lalita. She put her feet on his head, then
taking him on her lap, blessed him heartily.
Goswami then went to a particular spot in the kunja where he had
previously cleared the grass and dug a hole using a small spade(?).
In that hole he had hidden the ankle bell, along with the spade,
covering them with a cloth. Upon removing the cloth he found that
the spade had been transformed into gold by the touch of the ankle
bell. Delighted, Goswami brought the ankle bell to Lalita carrying
it on his head. He place it before her and fell prostrate on the
ground offering obeisances.
Taking the ankle bell in her hand Lalita Sundari quickly placed it
to Goswami's head saying, "Let the touch of Shri Radhika's feet be
on your head." Again she touched the ankle bell to his forehead,
suddenly two vertical lines appeared on his forehead, and from the
touch of the pinnacle of the ankle bell a dot appeared in the middle
of the tilak.
Goswami fell on the ground bowing to the feet of Lalitadevi. "From
today", Lalita said, "You will be known by the name Shyamananda.
Having attained the mercy of the lotus feet of Shyama (Radha) you
have become extremely fortunate. Now return to your kunj and do not
tell anyone, except Shri Jiva about this incident, otherwise you
will not live long."
Overwhelmed with love Goswami again bowed before Lalita, crying
helplessly. Lalita consoled him and took her leave. She walked a few
steps, then suddenly disappeared from the kunj.
Goswami frantically began roaming from kunj to kunj crying loudly,
"Where is Lalita." Filled with ecstatic love he eventually returned
to his kunj and fell at the feet of Shri Jiva Goswami.
By the touch of Shri Lalita, the complexion of Shyamananda had been
transformed into a wonderful golden color. His beauty had increased
to such an extent that the entire world would certainly be enchanted
by his appearance.
"Where have you been for so long", Shri Jiva inquired curiously,
"and how has your complexion become golden?"
Shyamananda replied, "My lord, I have been in my kunj. It is only by
the mercy of your lotus feet that my complexion has changed."
"You have become so beautiful," Shri Jiva said with wonder. "What is
that sign on your forehead? Who painted it there? Your body is
filled with love and your eyes are full of tears. Previously you
wore tilak like the temple of Shri Hari(?), who has given you this
new tilak? You are definetly hiding something from me Shyamananda,
but I am not deceived. I know you have received the mercy of
Krishna, or maybe the mercy of Shri Radhika, because I see the mark
of her feet on your forehead. Now you must explain everything to me.
"It is your mercy which has caused these tears of love and ecstasy
in my body," Shyamananda insisted. "The mark of your grace is the
tilak on my forehead. Please show me your mercy so that I may attain
the spiritual realm.
Syamananda had hidden the golden spade under a cloth in his room,
suddenly Shri Jiva noticed it and inquired: "What is under that
cloth? Show me and I'm sure I will understand everything.
Shyamananda uncovered the cloth, revealing the golden spade.
Astonished, Shri Jiva asked, "How is it possible that the iron spade
has become gold?"
"I shall tell you confidentially," Shyamananda softly replied, as I
was forbidden to tell anyone except you. Saying this he took Shri
Jiva to a secluded place and whispered the whole story in his ear.
Filled with happiness Shri Jiva placed Shyamananda on his lap
saying, "Today I have become your property. Because you have
received the favor of the daughter of Vrsabhanu, you have now become
the most fortunate devotee."
Bowing at the feet of Shri Jiva, Shyamananda lovingly requested him
not to reveal this incident to anyone. "Say only that by the grace
of my spiritual master everything has taken place."
Concealing Shyamananda's secret, Shri Jiva simply told everyone that
due to the wish of Shyamananda's guru from now on Krishnadas would
be known as Shyamanada, and his tilak shall be known as Shyamanandi.
"I am a captive of your love," Shyamananda told Jiva. "By your mercy
I found the ankle bell, and by your mercy I was able to see Shri
Lalita devi and receive the mantra."
By the grace of the lotus feet of Shyamananda I received the ability
to write this book. Meditating on Shri Rupamanjari, I have described
the first chapter in a nutshell.
CHAPTER TWO
All glories to the lotus feet of Shyamananda, by his mercy I have
been empowered to write this book.
Seeing the golden complextion and beautiful mark of tilak on
Shyamananda's forehead, the people began to talk: "By the mercy of
Shri Jiva, Krishnadas has received the name Shyamananda and become
famous in Vrndavana. He is the disciple of Shri Hrdayananda Goswami,
but now he has left his original guru and taken shelter under the
feet of Shri Jiva."
These conversations amongst the Vrajavasis came to the ears of all
the Vaishnavas. Criticising Shri Jiva they said: "How can Shri Jiva
do this? He has accepted Shyamananda as his own disciple. Is there
any law in the scriptures which allows such behavior? Shri Jiva is a
great sage, most probably he has done it unconsciously. If he comes
to know what we are discussing certainly he will respect our
opinions"
Others said: "This cannot be done by Jiva Goswami." Yet all of the
Vaishnavas were afraid to directly question Shri Jiva. Rather, they
simply judged him according to the rumors circulating.
Some Vaishnavas who traveled from Vraja to Gauda met Hrdayananda
Goswami and informed him: "Duhkini Krishnadas has left your refuge
and taken shelter at the feet of Shri Jiva Goswami. He has given
Krishnadas the name Shyamananda das, and changed his tilak, calling
it Shyamanandi.
Hearing this Hrdayananda was furious: "Shri Jiva has accepted my
disciple as his disciple," he roared. "Neither Chaitanya Mahaaprabhu
nor Nityananda Prabhu have ever done such a thing, but now Shri Jiva
is proving himself superior to Them? I shall make him understand the
mistake he has made."
Saying this he called his disciples and ordered them: "Five to ten
of you go to Vrndavana, bind up Duhkini Krishnadas and bring him
back here to me. However, if Shri Jiva tries to free him, then leave
Krishnadas there in his care. If this situation arises give my
letter to Jiva Goswami and bring his reply to me. Ask Krishnadas why
he has done this. How dare he ignore me and accept another guru. Ask
him if he has attained Krishna by the mercy of Jiva Goswami. If the
answer is yes, then we shall all go to Shri Jiva and accept him as
our spiritual master also. I have never heard of such behavior
amongst the disciples of Mahaprabhu. Advaita Acarya left his own
son, but Mahaprabhu never accepted him. These topics are clearly
explained in the scriptures. (something missing)
"Once Mahaprabhu rejected Chota Haridas. Bereft of his spiritual
master, Chota Haridas decided to commit suicide by jumping into the
Jamuna. This is the method of Mahaprabhu's religion. I have never
seen or heard of anything like this. It is explained in the
scriptures that we must reject the association of superficial
persons who outwardly pose as devotees. If I am such a non-Vaishnava
guru then it is good that Krishnadas has left me. I shall arrange a
debate with all the Vaishnavas regarding this matter. If it is
proven that I am a non-Vaishnava, then I shall surely take refuge in
Shri Jiva. Now go to Vrndavana as quickly as possible and bring Shri
Jiva's reply, then I will understand the truth. If I am correct, I
shall visit all the holy places of Gauda and gather all the
Vaishnavas together, then we will all go to Vrndavana for the
judgement." Saying this he ordered his disciples to leave for
Vrndavana immediately.
After a long journey they finally reached Vraja and brought the
letter to Shri Jiva. Keeping the letter in front of himself, Shri
Jiva paid his sincere obeisances. He embraced all the Vaishnavas and
inquired, "Who has sent this letter?"
"It was written by Hrdayananda Goswami," they replied. Be merciful
to us and read it immediately.
Shri Jiva requested them to finish bathing, be seated and take
prasadam.
"We have already bathed and eaten," they replied abruptly. Please
read the letter without delay."
Assuring them that he would read the letter at once, Shri Jiva
insisted that they wash their hands and feet and be comfortably
seated.
Accepting the order of Shri Jiva, they washed and took their seats.
After silently reading the letter, Shri Jiva smiled and told them:
"Listen to me, Hrdayananda Goswami has written this accusing letter,
but I assure you I have not made Krishnadas my disciple. I respect
Hrdayananda as a great scholar, I am not even qualified to be his
disciple. I cannot bear his anger. Shri Gauridas Pandit Thakur is my
spiritual master and has always affectionately treated me like his
servant.
By the grace of Hrdayananda, Krishnadas came to Vraja. He stayed
with me in order to relish the topics of Shrimad Bhagavatam. I
allowed him to stay here only because it was the order of his guru.
The mind of Krishnadas has become completely purified by hearing the
pastimes of the Lord, and his respect for his spiritual master has
doubled. Love can only be revealed in the heart of one who is pure.
Who has said that Krishnadas has become my disciple? Bring him
here!"
"Two sannyasi's from Vraja came to Gauda," they replied, "and
reported that Krishnadas had left Hrdayananda and accepted you as
his guru. The Vrajavasis also say that by your mercy Krishnadas
painted the tilak named Shyamanadi and received his new name,
Shyamananda. Hrdayananda was astonished to hear this and has written
this letter to find out the truth."
"Call everyone together," Shri Jiva said. "Now we shall find out
whether this story is true or false. If it is proven to be true then
certainly I am quilty."
Protesting, the devotees replied: "We believe you. We want to hear
the truth from you only, then we shall report to Goswami.
Replying sweetly, Shri Jiva said: " Listen, and I shall tell you
everything. One day I asked Krishnadas, 'Who has given you this
name.' He explained to me that by the grace of Hrdayananda Goswami,
he accepted his new name.
"Now let me tell you about Krishnadas. He always serves Radha
Krishna and the kunj, and listens intently to Shrimad Bhagavatam. He
chants lacs of holy names throughout the day and night. He regularly
takes darshan of Shri Govinda, takes prasadam, and serves the
devotees daily. He constantly sings the glories of Radha Krishna,
always remembering Their eternal pastimes.
“Krishnadas stays in my kunja and cleans it daily, absorbed in the
service of Radha Krishna. One day Krishnadas had a dream which he
revealed to me. In his dream Hrdayananda appeared before him while
he was busy cleaning the kunj. Krishnadas offered him a seat made of
grass, and Goswami asked Krishnadas what he had been doing.
Krishnadas humbly replied that, according to his order, he was
living in Vraja and serving the kunj, keeping the lotus feet of his
spiritual master in his mind. Hearing this Hrdayananda was very
happy and told Krishnadas that he was extremely fortunate to be
engaged in that way, as Radha Krishna eternally reside in the kunj.
“Hrdayananda explained that even great personalities like Brahma,
and other demigods, pray for the precious opportunity to serve the
kunj. Thus he advised Krishnadas to remain in the kunj and carry on
with his duties, in this way eventually he would have the darshan of
Radha Krishna. He told Krishnadas that: "Shyama Shyam (Radha), being
pleased with your service will give you the name Shyamananda."
Blessing him, he placed his feet on the head of Krishnadas and
immediately a new tilak spontaneously appeared on his forehead.
Hrdayananda Goswami then circumambulated the kunj and entered into
it. From the day that Krishnadas told me this story I have taken the
order of Hrdayananda as supreme, and called Krishnadas, Shyamananda.
Not understanding what actually took place, the people in general
only guessed what had happened."
The devotees were relieved to hear this explanation, and happily
recorded the words of Shri Jiva in a letter. Shri Jiva then
requested that they confirm this story with Krishnadas. Coming
before them Krishnadas bowed at their feet and verified the words of
Shri Jiva.
"I hold the lotus feet of Hrdayananda Goswami on my head,"
Krishnadas said. "He is my lord and master. It is his order that I
live with the Vaishnavas and associate with the devotees of
Mahaprabhu. While in Vraja, I have spent many days with Shri Jiva
Goswami, listening to Shrimad Bhagavatam and topics related to
Krishna. Shri Hrdayananda Goswami is my last resort and the life of
my life, and I regard Shri Jiva like my guru. I desire to spend the
rest of my life serving Radha Krishna, the kunj, and the feet of all
the Vaishnavas. I want to have darshan of the kunj daily and serve
Shri Vrajamandala, Shri Govindadev, and Shri Hrdayananda Goswami. My
life, body, and mind are fully absorbed in this ecstacy. By the
grace of my guru's guru I am enjoying the pleasure of the darshan of
the Rasastahli. My mind has become soothed by seeing the Yamuna and
the Kadamba. My daily worship and meditation is the lotus feet of
Shri Hrdayananda Prabhu. Not knowing this, people have made false
accusations, without proper understanding.
Hearing this, all the devotees happily embraced Shyamananda. Shri
Jiva then fed all the Vaishnavas sumptuous prasadam. In the morning
Jiva gave them a letter for Shri Hrdayananda Goswami, and bade them
farewell. After visiting the sacred places of Vrndavana, the
devotees started for Gauda.
By the grace of the lotus feet of Shri Shyamananda, I received the
ability to write this book. Remembering the lotus feet of Shri
Rupamanjari, I have described the episode of chapter two in short.
CHAPTER THREE
Eager to sing the glories of Shri Shyamananda, I continue writing
this book.
The devotees first circumambulated Vraja then happily started their
long journey home, carrying the letter of Shri Jiva. Reaching Gauda,
they immediately handed the letter to Hrdayananda.
Goswami read the letter and thoughtfully considered its contents.
"What Shri Jiva has written may not be correct," he said. "I cannot
understand him. When did I appear in Shyamananda's dream? I do not
remember such an incident. I have not given the name Shyamananda.
How absurd that I know nothing about it. Perhaps, out of fear,
Krishnadas has made up this ridiculous story. Are we expected to
believe that his dream has become reality, and what we have
witnessed with our own eyes is illusion? These are all deceiving
talks. The whole world knows that dreams are meaningless, no one
pays any heed to dreams. This is a trick of Shri Jiva, surely he has
taken my Krishnadas. Now he is afraid of me and has written this
deceiving letter. I shall go to Vrndavana with all of the Vaishnavas
and prove it to everyone."
In an angry mood he started for Gauda to request the mahantas to
accompany him to Vraja. Along the way Goswami asked his disciples,
"What kind of tilak did you see on the forehead of Krishnadas?"
"We saw the tilak drawn like the temple of Hari, with a dot in the
middle of it(?)," they replied.
"Jiva has given his own mark," Goswami said, "and to avoid the
offense he has placed a dot in its middle. The name of that type of
tilaka is Shri Radhavallavi. Now I know who they are worshipping,
and it is certain that Krishnadas has taken refuge in Shri Jiva."
Speaking in this way, he entered Gauda and addressed the mahantas,
"Please be kind and accompany me to Vrndavana, as Krishnadas has
ruined my life. If you do not go I shall commit suicide before you
to save my prestige. You can take advantage of this opportunity to
see Vrndavana, and at the same time my purpose can also be served."
The Mahantas agreed to go to speak with Shri Jiva, and taking their
chief disciples with them they started for Vraja. Along the way they
passed the house of Gauridas Thakur and also brought his chief
disciple along with them.
After a long journey the mahantas reached Vrndavana. Arriving at
Dhira Samira, near the bank of the Yamuna, they took bath, cooked,
and took prasadam. Afterwards they blissfully performed
nama-sankirtan along the bank of the Yamuna. Meanwhile Hrdayananda
sent one of his disciple to inform Shri Jiva of their arrival.
Shri Jiva hastily came before the Vaishnavas and offered his
obeisnaces falling flat on the ground. All the mahantas embraced
Shri Jiva. Some of them paid their respects, while others offered
their blessings.
"This is a very auspicious day," Shri Jiva said happily. "Although I
am the most insignificant person, today I am blessed with the
association of so many great sages. It is certainly a wonderful day
for me."
The mahantas requested Shri Jiva to be seated and inquired about his
well-being.
"There are always waves of happiness flowing in Vraja," Shri Jiva
replied. Because Radha Krishna perform Their pastimes here the
atmosphere is surcharged with spiritual bliss, thus Vrndavana is the
ideal resting place for all devotees.
Shortly afterwards Shyamananda arrived there and offered his
obeisances to the feet of his spiritual master, as well as the
mahantas. Shri Hrdayananda Goswami asked Shyamananda, "To whom is
Duhkini Krishnadas bowing?"
"Prabhu," Krishnadas said with surprise, "I am bowing to your feet,
as well as all the saintly persons here."
Hrdayananda replied curtly, "You are relating to me having the name
and tilak given by me, why are you bowing to others?"
"Prabhu," Shyamananda said, "By your mercy I have received the name
Shyamananda and this new tilak."
"Listen to me," Goswami said, "Dreams cannot be accepted as fact.
Acting without my approval you have become the servant of others and
deceived me by sending a false letter."
"But I have not deceived you," Shyamananda protested. "Everything
written in the letter is true."
"I shall wash off your tilak," Goswami said, "and see whether it
spontaneously reappears on your forehead. I shall wipe the name
Shyamananda from your body and let us see if it again appears
written in the same place. If this happens then you will receive my
blessings, otherwise I shall reject you."
Bowing to the feet of his guru, requesting his permission,
Shyamananda replied: "In the presence of all of you I shall prove
that this name and tilak is authorized. If I am unable to do so then
I am guilty of a very serious offense."
Hrdayananda Goswami then gathered all the mahantas of Shri
Vrjamandala under the kalpataru in the Rasasthali of Shri Vrndavana.
The mahantas took their seats and called Shyamananda before them.
Falling prostrate on the ground, Shyamananda offered his obeisances.
"Who is your guru," the mahanatas asked, "And from where did you get
your name?"
"Shri Hrdayananda Goswami is my master, "Shyamananda said, "And I am
his servant."
“Listen to us Krishnadas," they replied. "Dreams are always false.
If you are found quilty of this offense you will lose the
association of devotees, and the opportunity to attain salvation. If
the Lord is angry with someone, his guru can save him, but if his
guru becomes angry with him, no one can save him. Now tell the
truth, and we shall protect you. Don't lie before all these saintly
persons. Otherwise, you will certainly suffer the miseries of hell
for as long as the sun and moon exist. This is the infallible
verdict of Vyasa in the Shrimad Bhagavatam. If you have secretly
accepted another guru, tell us about him. We shall be kind enough to
save you from this offense. You will prove yourself to be an
imposter if you lie about your name and tilak."
"Whether you are right or wrong I know within my own mind,"
Shyamananda replied. "Please allow me one or two more days to think
about my answer." Remembering his spiritual master, Shyamananda then
sat down and became fully absorbed in a blissful state of deep
meditation. Chanting the mantra given to him by Lalita, he felt the
presence of Shri Radhika within his heart.
His soul, mind, life and knowledge entered into siddha
(accomplishment)(?), and within his spiritual body he entered the
temple of Shri Radha. Sitting on the doorstep of Her room he began
to cry. The sakhis of Shri Radha asked why he was crying. Bowing to
them Shyamananda explained, "I am a Vrajavasi named Kanakamanjari. I
am the maidservant of Lalita. I spent the whole day and night with
Thakurani, then when I returned home and tried to enter my house my
husband tried to beat me, so I ran away in fear and came here. Go
tell Lalita to save my life by giving me her darshan." Filled with
anxiety he bowed again, crying helplessly.
The sakhis went to Lalita and reported, "One maidservant of yours
has come here crying in great distress. Previously she stayed in
your house with you, then when she returned home her husband tried
to beat her."
"Bring her here," Lalita ordered. "I am preparing the betel leaves
now."
One of the sakhis called her in and Kanakamanjari found herself in
the presence of Shri Radha. Radhika was sitting on a cot eating
betel leaves as Lalita prepared them. Shri Rupamanjari massaged her
legs, and Champaklatika fanned her with a camara.
Overwhelmed with ecstatic love, Kanakamanjari fell flat on the
ground. Thakurani ordered the sakhis to lift her and Lalita took
Kanaka on her lap. Holding the feet of Lalita she began to cry. Shri
Radha affectionetly called Kanakamanjari and placed her lotus feet
on her head. Kanaka fell unconscious on the feet of Shri
Rupamanjari, who then pushed her under the lotus feet of Radha.
"Be kind to me Thakurani," Kanaka cried, "I am your maidservant.
Give me shelter under your reddish feet."
"Why are you crying so helplessly," Radha asked. "What is your name?
Who do you serve? Where do you live, and who are your parents?"
"My name is Kanakamanjari. I have always cherished the hope of
receiving the dust of your feet. I am a Vrajavasi, and the
maidservant of your maidservant, Shri Rupamanjari. She is my father,
mother, master, and caretaker. She has bestowed loving devotion upon
me, and by her mercy I received the darshan of Lalita. Now, by the
grace of Lalita, I am able to see your lotus feet."
"Oh supreme goddess, listen to my story then you shall understand
why I am crying. I am the disciple of Shri Hrdayananda Goswami.
Previously I carried the mark of his grace, in the form of a tilak,
on my forehead. By his merciful order I came to Vraja, where I
stayed with Jiva Goswami. Shri Jiva helped me immensely by
explaining the wonderful pastimes of Radha Krishna in Vraja. Tasting
only a drop of your nectarean pastimes, my mind fell deep into the
ocean of love. When I was thirsty for the water of your love, Shri
Jiva helped me to drink the nectar. He advised me that my ultimate
goal should be to attain the grace of your feet. For that reason he
put me under the care of the gracious feet of Shri Rupamanjari.’
"Relishing the sweetness of your lotus feet, I served the kunj
daily. Although I am the most helpless and worthless person, you
bestowed your kindness upon me by intentionally dropping your ankle
bell in the kunj. You sent Lalita to retrieve the ankle bell and she
mercifully appeared before me. She was so pleased to have found the
ankle bell that she blessed me saying that the mark of your ankle
bell should be on my forehead. Touching the ankle bell to my
forehead a mark was permanently painted there. She told me, 'My
Shyama will be extremely happy to get back the ankle bell, therefore
from today, you shall be known as Shyamananda.'
‘She asked me what boon I would like and I requested to become the
maidservant of Radha Krishna. She agreed, but forbade me to tell
anyone accept Shri Jiva. Otherwise, she said, I would lose my life.
Still today I am carrying the mark on my forehead and I have not
told anyone, but seeing this mark my guru misunderstood and thought
that I had rejected him. He asked about my new name and tilak and I
said that he had appeared to me in a dream and changed my name and
tilak. I explained that in the dream he had asked me why I had not
come to see him. I replied that because I was fully engaged in
serving the kunj, and absorbed in remembrance of Shri Radha, I had
not found time to meet him.
Hearing this my Prabhu became very happy and advised me to carry on
with my duties. Bestowing his mercy upon me, he told me that through
serving Radha Krishna and the kunj I would certainly attain the
darshan of Shyama Shyam. Thus he gave me the name Shyamananda.
Blessing me he put his foot on my head. After circumabulating the
kunj he entered into it and took his seat.’’
"I told Goswami that the mark of his lotus feet had become my tilak,
but he did not believe it. He became very angry, saying that I had
ignored my real name and tilak and followed a dream. He said, 'I
know nothing about this dream. If you want to be my disciple accept
my mark and tell everyone that your name is Krishnadas and nothing
else.'”
I told Goswami to personally wipe the tilak from my forehead and he
replied, 'I shall wash your tilak and see whether it spontaneously
reappears. I will also wipe off the name Shyamananda and see whether
it is spontaneously written again. Then your name will be
acknowledged and you will receive my mercy.'
"Hearing this I accepted his order, bowing to his feet. Goswami then
told me, 'I must prove your name and tilak to all the mahantas,
otherwise I shall commit suicide.'
"Calling together all the mahantas from Gauda and Vraja, Goswami
formed a society in the Kalpakunj of the Rasasthali in Vrndavana. He
requested me to appear before them to prove the truth. The mahantas
strongly advised me to speak truthfully, otherwise I would be cast
out from the association of devotees and suffer the miseries of
hell."
"I asked them to wait patiently and I began meditating on your lotus
feet. In my meditation my mind and soul traveled here. Now I have
attained the great fortune of seeing your lotus feet. I am ignorant,
worthless, and wicked but your grace will help me to cross over this
ocean of birth and death. Oh Thakurani, please be merciful to me,
save me from the harassement of the mahantas. Show me how I can
satisfy your feet, as well as the feet of my spiritual master. Now I
have told you both the cause of my crying and my desire."
Lalita and Shri Rupamanjari both requested Radharani to be merciful
to Shyamananda. Holding the hands of Kanakamanjari, Lalita pushed
her on the feet of Radha, who mercifully placed her feet on the head
of Kanaka.
Shri Radha called Suvalachand (Subala?) and told him everything:
"Krishnadas, the servant of your servant, has taken refuge under my
feet. He always serves the kunj and has dedicated his life and soul
to me. By your order I have accepted him."
"It is my great fortune that one of my servants has become your
maidservant," Suvala said. Even I am always desirous of becoming
your maidservant."
Hearing this Shri Radha was very pleased and pushed Kanakamanjari on
the feet of Suvala. Kanaka bowed to his feet and Suvala took her in
his lap. Blessing her, Suvala said, "You are extremely fortunate as
you have received the love of Radha Krishna and become a favorite
maidservant of Radha."
Radha ordered Suvala to give Shyamananda the tilak and prove it
before the society of mahantas. She also requested him to write the
name Shyamananda on the chest of Krishnadas, and to tell the
mahantas that by his grace Krishnadas attained the mark of Shri
Radha's feet as his tilak and the name Shyamananda, by which he
should be known in the world.
Suvalachand happily painted the mark of the feet of Shri Radha on
Krishnadas' forehead, placing a dot in the middle. He wrote
Shyamananda on the chest of Krishnadas and advised him to say
everyday, Pandit Thakur, in the form of my guru has favoured me.
"When you are asked to prove the sanctity of the name and tilak,"
Suvala said, "Just remember me and the name and tilak will
spontaneously appear on your body."
Hearing this Shyamananda fell at the feet of Suvala. Placing his
feet on the head of Shyamananda, Suvala blessed him and took his
leave.
After offering obeisances at the feet of Shri Radha, Lalita,
Visakha, Shri Rupamanjari, and the other sakhis, Shyamananda stood
before Shri Radha with folded hands. Drinking in the nectar of her
beautiful face, he was unable to check the tears of ecstacy flowing
from his eyes. Shyamananda humbly requested Radha to help him to
dedicate his life, body and soul to her reddish lotus feet.
The image of love, Shri Radha, assured him that he would always have
her blessings. Radhika advised him to tour Orissa with Rasika Murari
and afterwards return to Vraja. Shyamananda then took his leave and
one of the sakhis accompanied him for some distance.
Meanwhile the mahantas in Vrndavana were astonished to see
Shyamananda's body become lifeless. Doubts began to pierce their
hearts and they wondered if they had committed a great offense.
Overcome with lamentation they rolled on the ground crying.
Only Shri Jiva could understand what had taken place. Consoling them
Jiva suggested, "Everyone begin nama-sankirtan, Shyamanand will
certainly come to life again.
The mahantas eagerly began chatning the holy name: "Govinda,
Shyamasundara, Kamala Lochana."
After sometime Shyamananda regained consciousness and sat up
reciting the name of Shri Hrdayananda. Greatly relieved the mahantas
cheered loudly, chanting the name of Hari. When Shyamananda opened
his eyes fully they requested him to proclaim his verdict.
"It is my opinion," Shyamananda replied, "that Gauridas Pandit
Thakur, in the form of my spiritual master, has mercifully appeared
before me in a dream. If I am a sincere servant of my guru's feet
then I shall prove the sanctity of this name and tilak before your
eyes."
The mahantas then painted the tilak like the temple of Shri Hari on
Shyamananda's forehead, placing a dot in its middle, and wrote the
name Shyamananda on his chest. Praying to Shri Krishna Chaitanya to
maintain the prestige of His devotee, they requested Hrdayananda to
preside over the mahanta society and wash the tilak off with water.
Goswami anxiously brought a water pot, while Shyamananda happily
called out to Shri Gauridas Pandit to come and save his reputation.
In the presence of everyone Shri Hrdayananda Goswami washed off the
tilak, as well as the name Shyamananda from his chest.
Shyamananda loudly called to Shri Lalita Thakurani to save him, and
immediately the tilak and name spontaneously reappeared in their
proper places, even brighter than before. The mahantas were
astonished, and Hrdayananda hung his head in shame.
Holding the hands of Shyamananda the mahantas joyfully called out
the name of Hari. Some of them kissed and embraced him, while others
shouted the name Shyamananda. Someone said that for the first time a
dream has become reality, and another said that Suvalachanda has
shown special mercy to Shyamananda, making him his companion.
Someone else said that Shyamananda has pleased Shyama (Radha) and
has thus attained this name.
Shyamananda offered his obeisances to all the mahantas, and fell at
the feet of Hrdayananda. Filled with joy Goswami placed Shyamananda
on his lap and lovingly kissed his face again and again. Accepting
Shyamananda as the best of his disciples he decided to keep his
precious association always.
The mahantas then took bath, cooked and offered the food to Krishna.
Meanwhile Shyamananda came before Shri Jiva falling prostrate at his
feet. Taking him on his lap Shri Jiva kissed Shyamananda saying, "I
dedicate myself to you, for you are not merely a devotee, you are my
life and my life has become a captive to your love." Shri Jiva
advised Shyamananda to stay with Hrdayananda Goswami and serve his
lotus feet.
Although I have no qualification, by the mercy of the lotus feet of
Shyamananda, I have received the ability to write this book.
Assisted by the remembrance of Shri Rupamanjari, I have described
the third chapter of Shri Shyamananda Prakash.
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