The Disciplic Succession

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CAST: Narrator, Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Bimala Prasad (Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati), Gaura Kishor Das Babaji, Narendra, Abhay Charan (Srila Prabhupada).

(Note: Although this play is unfinished, it can still be performed as is. And anyone is welcome to continue composing the glorification of Srila Prabhupada's devotional life story along these lines.)

SCENE ONE

Narrator: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, the spiritual master of Srila Prabhupada, was born as Bimala Prasad, the son of the great spiritual master named Bhaktivinoda Thakura. As Bimala Prasad grew up, he became famous for his erudite devotional scholarship. At the age of 7, he could recite the entire 700 verses of the Bhagavad-Gita by heart. At 25, he was well versed in Sanskrit, mathematics and astronomy. He wrote many scholarly books and articles. One day, Bimala was sitting with his father:

Bhaktivinoda: My son, I want you go to Gaura Kishor Das Babaji and beg for initiation.

Narrator: So, Bimala Prasad went to the hut in Navadvipa where Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji lived.

Bimala Prasad: (falling at Gaura Kishor's feet, offering obeisances) O my exalted Gurudeva! My father, Kedarnath Datta, has instructed me to seek initiation from you. Please accept me as your disciple.

Gaura Kishor: How can I be your spiritual master? I do not know how to read or write, and you are a great scholar. I cannot accept you. Go back to your father!

Narrator: So, Bimala Prasad became very dejected and returned to his father's home.

Bimala Prasad: Father! He won't accept me as his disciple. He told me to return home.

Bhaktivinoda: Go back and try again. You must be very determined to get his mercy!

Bimala Prasad: Yes, my dear father, I will go.

Narrator: Bimala Prasad goes to Gaura Kishor's hut again and pays obeisances.

Bimala Prasad: My dear master, please, please accept me as your disciple. My father has told me that I must have you as my guru.

Gaura Kishor: No! Go back to your father! I told you I couldn't. Go back!

Bimala Prasad: (returns home) My dear father, no matter what I say, he won't accept me!

Bhaktivinoda: (very angrily) You must become his disciple. If you don't, then don't bother coming back home!

Narrator: Bimala Prasad again went to his spiritual master. This time he was very determined. He waited on a bridge for Gaura Kishor to pass by.

Bimala Prasad: My dear spiritual master, you must give me your initiation. If you do not bless my life, then I will jump off this bridge. My life at present has no value.

Gaura Kishor: Bimala, stop! I just wanted to test your determination. You have pleased me greatly by your sincere desire, so I will immediately give you initiation.

Bimala Prasad: Thank You!

Gaura Kishor: Your name is Varshabhanavi-dayita Das. Always chant Hare Krishna, at least 64 rounds a day, and follow the regulative principles. Preach the absolute truth and keep aside all other works. I give you my blessings.

Bimala Prasad: (pays dandavats) Namo Gaura Kishoraya, etc... (stands up) Jai Gurudeva!

Narrator: Finally receiving initiation, Varshabhanavi-dayita Das joyfully returns to his father to tell him the good news.

Varshabhanavi-dayita Das: Father, by your mercy, I have received the blessings of Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji. He has given me the name Varshabhanavi-dayita Das!

Bhaktivinoda: I am very pleased with you, my son.

Narrator: Thus, Varshabhanavi-dayita Das received initiation from Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji. Later, Gaura Kishor Das passed away in 1915. Afterwards, in 1918, Varshabhanavi-dayita Das took sannyasa before a picture of his spiritual master. (Siddhanta Sarasvati acts this out) He then assumed the title Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami.

SCENE TWO

Narrator: While World War I raged on in Europe, 21 year old Abhay Charan De entered Scottish Churches College in Calcutta, India. Abhay had a very rigorous schedule. He had hardly any time for worshipping Lord Krishna, and after some time he joined the political movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. One day, a friend urged Abhay to meet Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami.

Narendra: (insistently) You must come and see Srila Bhaktisiddhanta! He is a great devotee of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. So many others have gone to hear him, and they all say he is wonderful! We are all eager to get your opinion of him.

Abhay: No, I have seen so many sadhus, I am not going.

Narendra: This sadhu is different. At least come and see for yourself.

Abhay: Alright, Narendra, for you I will go.

Narrator: So, Abhay agreed to go. They walked through the city, and finally they came to the quarters of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta. When Abhay went in, he saw the tall, slender sadhu sitting there. They offered their dandavats, and while the two friends were still preparing to sit, Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja said:

Bhaktisiddhanta: You are educated young men. Why don't you preach Lord Chaitanya's message in the English language throughout the whole world?

Abhay: Who will hear Lord Chaitanya's message? We are a dependent country. First, India must become independent. Then we can spread Indian culture.

Bhaktisiddhanta: (in a quiet voice) Krishna Consciousness doesn't have to wait for a change in politics, nor is it dependent on who rules. Krishna Consciousness is so important, so exclusively vital, that it cannot wait.

Narrator: Abhay was struck by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's boldness. The whole world was in chaos. So many notable people agreed with what Abhay said, yet Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja was dismissing everything and everyone as if they were of no consequence.

Abhay: (to Narendra) How could he say such a thing? (he continues to listen)

Bhaktisiddhanta: Whether one power or another rules is a temporary situation. The eternal reality is Krishna Consciousness, and the real self is the spirit soul. No man-made system can actually help humanity. When one takes himself to be the temporary body and regards the nation of his birth as worshipable, he comes under the spell of illusion. The leaders and followers of the world's political movements are simply increasing this illusion. Real welfare work should help prepare a person for his next life and help him re-establish his relationship with the Supreme Lord.

Narrator: Because Abhay was raised in a Vaishnava family, he understood the teachings of Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja, and he concluded that this was the sadhu he had been looking for. Narendra and Abhay talked with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja for two hours. Finally it was getting late and they had to go. (they offer dandavats and go outside)

Narendra: So, Abhay, what is your impression? What did you think of him?

Abhay: He's wonderful! The message of Lord Chaitanya is in the hands of a very expert devotee. Here is the person who can establish a worldwide religious movement.

...(to be continued)...