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Part Two · Chapter 4

Vaikuṇṭha — The Spiritual World

Unit 11 of 142.4.12.4.274249 source entries

2.4.1

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— एकाकिनात्र भ्रमता मयास्य भूमेः श्रियꣳ कुत्रचिद् अप्य् अदृष्टाम् । सम्पश्यता सꣳवसता वनान्तः सर्वꣳ विमोहाद् इव विस्मृतꣳ तत्

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— ekākinātra bhramatā mayāsya bhūmeḥ śriyaṁ kutracid apy adṛṣṭām | sampaśyatā saṁvasatā vanāntaḥ sarvaṁ vimohād iva vismṛtaṁ tat

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: O brähmaëa, I began to wander alone throughout this Vrajabhümi and beheld its unprecedented splendor. Nowhere else had I ever witnessed such beauty. Residing in a forest there, I became so fascinated that I even forgot the spiritual practices required to reach Çré Vaikuëöha, the spiritual world.

2.4.2

Source

श्रीमन्-मधु-पूरिꣳ क्रीडा- भ्रमण-क्रमतो गतः । तत्र माथुर-विप्रेभ्यो’श्रौषꣳ भागवतादिकम्

śrīman-madhu-pūriṁ krīḍā- bhramaṇa-kramato gataḥ | tatra māthura-viprebhyo’śrauṣaṁ bhāgavatādikam

English translation

Translation

In the course of my playful wanderings, I arrived in Çré Mathurä- puré, where I heard the recitation of Çrémad-Bhägavatam and other devotional scriptures from the local brähmaëas.

2.4.3

Source

भक्तिꣳ नव-विधाꣳ सम्याग् ज्ञात्वेदꣳ वनम् आगतः । अपश्यꣳ सहसैवत्र श्रीमद्-गुरु-वरꣳ निजम्

bhaktiṁ nava-vidhāṁ samyāg jñātvedaṁ vanam āgataḥ | apaśyaṁ sahasaivatra śrīmad-guru-varaṁ nijam

English translation

Translation

Hearing those scriptural discourses, I came to properly understand the fundamental truth of the ninefold process of bhakti. Thereupon, I returned here to Çré Våndävana, where I unexpectedly had darçana of my gurudeva.

2.4.4

Source

पूर्ववद् राजमानो’सौ दृष्ट्वा माꣳ प्रणतꣳ मुदा । साशिर्वादꣳ समालिङ्ग्य सर्वज्ञो कृपयत्तराम्

pūrvavad rājamāno’sau dṛṣṭvā māṁ praṇataṁ mudā | sāśirvādaṁ samāliṅgya sarvajño kṛpayattarām

English translation

Translation

There was no change in Çré Gurudeva’s bodily appearance. As soon as I saw him, I offered him daëòavat praëäma, and he embraced and blessed me. Then, my omniscient gurudeva bathed me with his immense mercy by instructing me in the confidential truths of bhakti.

2.4.5

Source

तस्य प्रसादम् आसाद्य महा-गूढ-प्रकाशकम् । अन्वतिष्ठꣳ यथादिष्टꣳ भक्ति-योगम् अनारतम्

tasya prasādam āsādya mahā-gūḍha-prakāśakam | anvatiṣṭhaṁ yathādiṣṭaṁ bhakti-yogam anāratam

English translation

Translation

By Çré Gurudeva’s mercy, which reveals the most confidential truths of bhakti, I learned about the essential principles of devotional service (bhakti-tattva). Then, following his instructions, I began practicing bhakti-yoga without interruption.

2.4.6

Source

सञ्जातेनाचिरात् प्रेम- पूरेण विवशो’भवम् । न कर्तुम् अशकꣳ किञ्चित् परꣳ तꣳ समकीर्तयम्

sañjātenācirāt prema- pūreṇa vivaśo’bhavam | na kartum aśakaṁ kiñcit paraṁ taṁ samakīrtayam

English translation

Translation

By this practice, prema (pure love of God) quickly arose within me. Due to the unrestrained nature of prema, I could neither perform worship nor do anything else at all; I could only loudly sing the Lord’s names.

2.4.7

Source

श्री-कृष्ण गोपाल हरे मुकुन्द गोविन्द हे नन्द-किशोर कृष्ण । हा श्री-यशोदा-तनय प्रसीद श्री-बल्लवी-जीवन राधिकेश

śrī-kṛṣṇa gopāla hare mukunda govinda he nanda-kiśora kṛṣṇa | hā śrī-yaśodā-tanaya prasīda śrī-ballavī-jīvana rādhikeśa

English translation

Translation

O Çré Kåñëa! Gopäla! Hari! Mukunda! Govinda! O Nanda-kiçora Kåñëa! O beloved son of Yaçodä, be pleased with me! O life of the gopés! O Lord of Rädhikä!

2.4.8

Source

एवꣳ स-गानꣳ बहुधाह्वयꣳस् तꣳ क्षणꣳ प्रनृत्यन् क्षणम् उद्रुदꣳश् च । उन्मत्तवत् कामम् इतस् ततो’हꣳ भ्रमामि देहादिकम् अस्मरन् स्वम्

evaṁ sa-gānaṁ bahudhāhvayaṁs taṁ kṣaṇaṁ pranṛtyan kṣaṇam udrudaṁś ca | unmattavat kāmam itas tato’haṁ bhramāmi dehādikam asmaran svam

English translation

Translation

Thus, singing and calling out to my worshipful Lord in various ways, I would sometimes dance, sometimes weep, and sometimes wander like a madman, forgetting even my own body and everything else.

2.4.9

Source

एकदा तꣳ निज-प्राण-नाथꣳ पश्यन्न् इवाग्रतः । धर्तुꣳ धावन् गतो मोहꣳ न्यपतꣳ प्रेम-विह्वलः

ekadā taṁ nija-prāṇa-nāthaṁ paśyann ivāgrataḥ | dhartuṁ dhāvan gato mohaṁ nyapataṁ prema-vihvalaḥ

English translation

Translation

Once I saw my beloved Lord right in front of me. I ran to catch Him but fell unconscious, overwhelmed by the ecstasy of love.

2.4.10

Source

तावत् तैः पार्षदैर् एत्य वैकुण्ठꣳ नेतुम् आत्मनः । यानम् आरोपितः सद्यो व्युत्थायाचलयꣳ दृशौ

tāvat taiḥ pārṣadair etya vaikuṇṭhaṁ netum ātmanaḥ | yānam āropitaḥ sadyo vyutthāyācalayaṁ dṛśau

English translation

Translation

At that time, the eternal associates of Vaikuëöha came to take me to their abode. They quickly brought me aboard their airplane. I regained my consciousness and began to look around in astonishment.

2.4.11

Source

सर्वम् अन्यादृशꣳ दृष्ट्वा विस्मितः स्वस्थतꣳ गतः । पार्श्वे’पश्यꣳ पुरा दृष्टाꣳस् तान् एवात्म-प्रियङ्करान्

sarvam anyādṛśaṁ dṛṣṭvā vismitaḥ svasthataṁ gataḥ | pārśve’paśyaṁ purā dṛṣṭāṁs tān evātma-priyaṅkarān

English translation

Translation

I was stunned to see that everything was different, but after some time I regained my composure. I saw that the same personal associates of Bhagavän from Vaikuëöha, those personalities who had previously favored me by indicating the means to attain Vaikuëöha, were beside me.

2.4.12

Source

महा-तेजस्विनाꣳ तेजो मुञ्चतो’नुपमꣳ वरम् । विमानꣳ योग्यम् आरूढान् अनिरूप्यꣳ सुरूपवत्

mahā-tejasvināṁ tejo muñcato’nupamaṁ varam | vimānaṁ yogyam ārūḍhān anirūpyaṁ surūpavat

English translation

Translation

They sat on an excellent, incomparably decorated, and extremely beautiful airplane. Its splendor put to shame even the effulgence of the most radiant sun.

2.4.13

Source

सम्भ्रमात् प्रणमन्तꣳ माम् आश्लिष्याश्वासयन् मुहुः । ऐच्छन् स्व-सादृशꣳ रूपꣳ दातुꣳ युक्ति-शतेन ते

sambhramāt praṇamantaṁ mām āśliṣyāśvāsayan muhuḥ | aicchan sva-sādṛśaṁ rūpaṁ dātuṁ yukti-śatena te

English translation

Translation

As I reverentially offered obeisances to those personal associates of the Lord, they embraced me and repeatedly comforted me. Then they plied me with hundreds of logical arguments to convince me to accept a form similar to theirs.

2.4.14

Source

तद् अस्वी-कृत्य तु स्वीयꣳ गोवर्धन-भवꣳ वपुः । तेषाꣳ प्रभावतस् तादृग् गुण-रूपाद्य् अलम्भयम्

tad asvī-kṛtya tu svīyaṁ govardhana-bhavaṁ vapuḥ | teṣāṁ prabhāvatas tādṛg guṇa-rūpādy alambhayam

English translation

Translation

I did not agree to accept an opulent four-armed form like theirs, but since my body was born in Govardhana, it became full of the same majesty, beauty, and qualities as theirs.

2.4.15-17

Source

परमानन्द-युक्तेन दुर्वितर्क्येन वर्त्मना । जगद्-विलक्षणेनाहꣳ वैकुण्ठꣳ तैः सह व्रजन् तेषु लोकेष्व् अलोकेष्व् आ- वरणेष्व् अपि सर्वतः । दृष्टि-पातो’पि लज्जेयꣳ पूज्ये तद्-अधिकारिभिः लोक-पालद्भिश् चोर्ध्व- मुखैः साञ्जलि-मस्तकैः । वेगाद् उत्क्षिप्यमानाभिः पुष्प-लाजादि-वृष्टिभिः

paramānanda-yuktena durvitarkyena vartmanā | jagad-vilakṣaṇenāhaṁ vaikuṇṭhaṁ taiḥ saha vrajan teṣu lokeṣv alokeṣv ā- varaṇeṣv api sarvataḥ | dṛṣṭi-pāto’pi lajjeyaṁ pūjye tad-adhikāribhiḥ loka-pāladbhiś cordhva- mukhaiḥ sāñjali-mastakaiḥ | vegād utkṣipyamānābhiḥ puṣpa-lājādi-vṛṣṭibhiḥ

English translation

Translation

While traveling to Vaikuëöha in their company, I again passed over all the planets along a path that was incomprehensible, supremely blissful, and unlike anything in this world. Feeling embarrassed, I could not even look at planets such as Svarga, or at Aloka, the area outside the fourteen planetary systems, or at the eight layers covering the universe. However, Indra and other demigods, who are the presiding authorities of all those planets, began to worship me. Looking up, they joined their palms above their foreheads and then vigorously cast flowers, parched rice, and other auspicious items upon me.

2.4.18

Source

तैः स्तूयमानो जय-शब्द-पूर्वकꣳ प्रणम्यमानश् च पदे पदे चलन् । तुच्छꣳ पुरो मुक्ति-पदꣳ च लोचयन् ऊर्ध्वꣳ ततः श्री-शिवलोकम् अव्रजम्

taiḥ stūyamāno jaya-śabda-pūrvakaṁ praṇamyamānaś ca pade pade calan | tucchaṁ puro mukti-padaṁ ca locayan ūrdhvaṁ tataḥ śrī-śivalokam avrajam

English translation

Translation

Uttering “Jaya!” the predominating rulers of all those planets praised me and offered me obeisances at every place I went. On the way, I glanced at the abode of liberation and considered it to be worthless. Then I traveled above the abode of liberation to Çivaloka.

2.4.19

Source

सोमꣳ सिवꣳ तत्र मुदा प्रणम्य तेनादर-प्रेम-सद्-उक्ति-जालैः । आनन्दितो वाक्य-मनो-दुराप- माहात्म्य-मालाꣳ तम् अगꣳ विकुण्ठम्

somaṁ sivaṁ tatra mudā praṇamya tenādara-prema-sad-ukti-jālaiḥ | ānandito vākya-mano-durāpa- māhātmya-mālāṁ tam agaṁ vikuṇṭham

English translation

Translation

In the abode of Çré Çiva, I jubilantly offered obeisances to Çré Mahädeva, who was seated with Çré Umä-devé. They filled me with happiness by speaking sweet words of respect and love. Thereafter, I reached the abode of Vaikuëöha, whose garland of glories is beyond the grasp of one’s mind and words.

2.4.20

Source

पार्षदैर् इदम् उक्तो’हꣳ त्वꣳ तिष्ठेह क्षणꣳ बहिः । विज्ञाप्य प्रभुम् अस्माभिः पुरीꣳ यावत् प्रवेक्ष्यसे

pārṣadair idam ukto’haṁ tvaṁ tiṣṭheha kṣaṇaṁ bahiḥ | vijñāpya prabhum asmābhiḥ purīṁ yāvat pravekṣyase

English translation

Translation

Arriving there, the group of eternal Vaikuëöha associates told me, “Please wait at the outer gate for a moment. We shall announce your arrival to the Lord, after which you shall enter the city.”

2.4.21

Source

अत्रादृष्टाश्रुताश्चर्य- समुद्रोर्मि-परम्परम् । भगवद्-भक्ति-दिप्ताभ्याꣳ नेत्राभ्याꣳ गणय स्थिरः

atrādṛṣṭāśrutāścarya- samudrormi-paramparam | bhagavad-bhakti-diptābhyāṁ netrābhyāṁ gaṇaya sthiraḥ

English translation

Translation

“With your mind steady and your eyes illuminated by loving devotion to the Lord, behold the multitude of uncommon opulences in Vaikuëöha. Count the waves in the ocean of astonishing wonders that have never been seen or heard of before.”

2.4.22

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— तेषु चान्तः-प्रविष्टेषु द्वारा-प्रान्ते बहिः-स्थितः । अपश्यम् एकम् आयान्तꣳ प्रविशन्तꣳ च तꣳ पुरीम्

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— teṣu cāntaḥ-praviṣṭeṣu dvārā-prānte bahiḥ-sthitaḥ | apaśyam ekam āyāntaṁ praviśantaṁ ca taṁ purīm

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: After those eternal associates entered the city, I stayed at the outer gate and saw someone else entering the city.

2.4.23

Source

ब्रह्माण्ड-शत-भूत्य्-आढ्य- सद्-यानारूढम् अद्भुतैः । गितादिभिर् मुदाविष्टꣳ कान्त्य्-आद्यैः सादृशꣳ प्रभोः

brahmāṇḍa-śata-bhūty-āḍhya- sad-yānārūḍham adbhutaiḥ | gitādibhir mudāviṣṭaṁ kānty-ādyaiḥ sādṛśaṁ prabhoḥ

English translation

Translation

I saw that the person was seated on a splendid aerial craft endowed with the opulences of hundreds of brahmäëòas, and he was absorbed in the pleasure of hearing wonderful songs and so on. His bodily luster, beauty, and other features were similar to those of the Lord.

2.4.24

Source

तꣳ मत्वा श्री-हरिꣳ नाथ पाहीति मुहुर् आलपन् । नमन् कर्णौ पिधायाहꣳ सꣳज्ञायानेन वारितः

taṁ matvā śrī-hariṁ nātha pāhīti muhur ālapan | naman karṇau pidhāyāhaṁ saṁjñāyānena vāritaḥ

English translation

Translation

Taking that person to be Çré Hari Himself, I repeatedly offered him obeisances while saying, “O Lord, please protect me.” As soon as he heard “O Lord,” he put his fingers in both ears and gestured for me to stop.

2.4.25

Source

दासो’स्मि दास-दासो’स्मीत्य् उक्त्वा तस्मिन् गते’न्तरम् । अन्यः को’प्य् आगतो’मुष्मान् महीयान् वैभवादिभिः

dāso’smi dāsa-dāso’smīty uktvā tasmin gate’ntaram | anyaḥ ko’py āgato’muṣmān mahīyān vaibhavādibhiḥ

English translation

Translation

He entered the city saying, “I am a servant, a servant of the servants.” After this, another person arrived there who was even more opulent than him.

2.4.26

Source

तꣳ दृष्ट्वा सर्वथामाꣳसि जगदीशम् अहꣳ पुरीम् । प्रविशन्तꣳ निजम् एत्य गत्वा कुत्रापि लीलया

taṁ dṛṣṭvā sarvathāmāṁsi jagadīśam ahaṁ purīm | praviśantaṁ nijam etya gatvā kutrāpi līlayā

English translation

Translation

Seeing him, I thought, “Surely He must be the Lord of the universe. He had gone somewhere as part of His pastimes and is now returning to the city.”

2.4.27

Source

सम्भ्रमैः प्रणमन्तꣳ माꣳ पूर्ववत् स्तुति-पूर्वकम् । दृष्ट्वा सो’पि तथैवोक्त्वा स-स्नेहꣳ प्रविशत् पुरीम्

sambhramaiḥ praṇamantaṁ māṁ pūrvavat stuti-pūrvakam | dṛṣṭvā so’pi tathaivoktvā sa-snehaṁ praviśat purīm

English translation

Translation

I then bowed down before him, reverentially praising him as I had honored the other person. However, he also blocked his ears with his fingers. Lovingly, he forbade me from such glorification and then entered the city.

2.4.28-29

Source

को’प्य् एकशो द्वन्द्वशो’न्ये युगपद् बहुशो’परे । पूर्व-पूर्वाधिक-श्रीकाः प्रविशन्ति पुरीꣳ प्रभोः ताꣳश् च पश्यन् पुरेवाहꣳ मज्जन् सम्भ्रम-सागरे । नमन् स्तवन् निवार्ये तैः स्निग्ध-वाग्-अमृतैस् तथा

ko’py ekaśo dvandvaśo’nye yugapad bahuśo’pare | pūrva-pūrvādhika-śrīkāḥ praviśanti purīṁ prabhoḥ tāṁś ca paśyan purevāhaṁ majjan sambhrama-sāgare | naman stavan nivārye taiḥ snigdha-vāg-amṛtais tathā

English translation

Translation

There was another amazing phenomenon. Many other persons who were just like those first few entered the city of the Lord – some alone, some in pairs, and some in groups. Each was more magnificent than the previous. Upon seeing them, I was again plunged into the ocean of awe and wonderment, and I offered them obeisances and glorified them. But with affectionate, nectarean words, they too prohibited me from doing so.

2.4.30

Source

तेषु स्व-सेवा-सामाग्रीꣳ गृहित्वा के’पि काम् अपि । धावन्ति पुरतः केचिन् मत्ता भक्ति-सुधा-रसैः

teṣu sva-sevā-sāmāgrīṁ gṛhitvā ke’pi kām api | dhāvanti purataḥ kecin mattā bhakti-sudhā-rasaiḥ

English translation

Translation

Some of them were carrying umbrellas, yak-tail fans, and other paraphernalia for their service to the Lord. Others were hurrying in, maddened by the nectar of bhakti.

2.4.31

Source

एवम् आत्मात्म-सेवासु व्यग्रान्तःकरणेन्द्रियाः । विचित्र-भजनानन्द- विनोद-भर-भूषिताः

evam ātmātma-sevāsu vyagrāntaḥkaraṇendriyāḥ | vicitra-bhajanānanda- vinoda-bhara-bhūṣitāḥ

English translation

Translation

In this way, all those residents of Vaikuëöha had their minds and senses eagerly absorbed in their respective services. All were ornamented with wonderful, abundant pleasure generated by their worship of the Lord.

2.4.32-33

Source

भूषा-भूषण-सर्वङ्गा निज-प्रभु-वरोचिताः । प्रणमन्तः स्तवन्तश् च कुर्वनश् चित्रम् ईहितम् वितन्वतो महा-लीला- कौतुकꣳ चक्रवर्तिवत् । लक्ष्मि-पतेर् भगवतश् चरणाब्ज-दिदृक्षवः

bhūṣā-bhūṣaṇa-sarvaṅgā nija-prabhu-varocitāḥ | praṇamantaḥ stavantaś ca kurvanaś citram īhitam vitanvato mahā-līlā- kautukaṁ cakravartivat | lakṣmi-pater bhagavataś caraṇābja-didṛkṣavaḥ

English translation

Translation

All their limbs were actually decorating the ornaments they were wearing, and thus, they were fit to serve their Master. They were offering obeisances to the Lord, glorifying Him with choice prayers and hymns, and performing many other activities to please Him. The Lord of Lakñmé, like a sovereign emperor, was expanding the festival of His great pastimes, and His associates were eager to receive darçana of His lotus feet.

2.4.34

Source

केचित् स-परिवारास् ते केचिच् च स-परिच्छदाः । केचिद् बहिर्-धृत-स्वीय- परिवार-परिच्छदाः

kecit sa-parivārās te kecic ca sa-paricchadāḥ | kecid bahir-dhṛta-svīya- parivāra-paricchadāḥ

English translation

Translation

Some were accompanied by their families; others carried paraphernalia with them. Some left their paraphernalia and had their families stay outside the city, and then they entered the city.

2.4.35

Source

स्वस्मिन्न् एव विलाप्यैके कृत्स्नꣳ परिकरꣳ निजम् । अकिञ्चना इवैकाकि- तया ध्यान-रसाप्लुताः

svasminn eva vilāpyaike kṛtsnaṁ parikaraṁ nijam | akiñcanā ivaikāki- tayā dhyāna-rasāplutāḥ

English translation

Translation

Some merged their associates, paraphernalia, and opulences within themselves and entered the city like possessionless sages, immersed in the nectar of meditation.

2.4.36

Source

केचिद् विचित्र-रूपाणि धृत्वा धृत्वा मुहुर् मुहुः । विचित्र-भूषणाकार- विहाराढ्या मनोहराः

kecid vicitra-rūpāṇi dhṛtvā dhṛtvā muhur muhuḥ | vicitra-bhūṣaṇākāra- vihārāḍhyā manoharāḥ

English translation

Translation

Some of the Vaikuëöha residents stole my heart and mind by repeatedly assuming many different wonderful forms with amazing ornaments and bodily features. They were engaged in playful pastimes appropriate to their form.

2.4.37

Source

केचिन् नरा वानराश् च देवा दैत्यास् तथर्षयः । परे वर्णाश्रमाचार- दीक्षा-लक्षण-धारिणः

kecin narā vānarāś ca devā daityās tatharṣayaḥ | pare varṇāśramācāra- dīkṣā-lakṣaṇa-dhāriṇaḥ

English translation

Translation

They all accepted various forms – human beings, monkeys, demigods, demons, and sages. After that, some adopted the conduct of those practicing varëäçrama-dharma, and others bore stamped symbols and other signs related to dékñä.

2.4.38

Source

इन्द्र-चन्द्रादि-सादृशस् त्रिनेत्रश् चतुराननः । चतुर्भुजः सहस्रास्यः केचिद् अष्टभुजास् तथा

indra-candrādi-sādṛśas trinetraś caturānanaḥ | caturbhujaḥ sahasrāsyaḥ kecid aṣṭabhujās tathā

English translation

Translation

Some looked like Indra, some like Candra, and some like other demigods. Some had three eyes, some had four heads. Some had four arms, some had eight arms, and some had a thousand heads.

2.4.39

Source

एतत् परम-वैचित्री- हेतुꣳ वक्षामि ते’ग्रतः । कृष्ण-भक्ति-रसास्वादा- वताꣳ किꣳ स्यान् न सुन्दरम्

etat parama-vaicitrī- hetuṁ vakṣāmi te’grataḥ | kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasāsvādā- vatāṁ kiṁ syān na sundaram

English translation

Translation

Later on, I will tell you the cause of this great variety of forms. What does not become beautiful for one who is tasting the mellows of kåñëa-bhakti?

2.4.40-41

Source

सर्व-प्रपञ्चातीतानाꣳ तेषाꣳ वैकुण्ठ-वासिनाम् । तस्य वैकुण्ठ-लोकस्य तस्य तन्-नायकस्य च तानि माहात्म्य-जातानि प्रपञ्चान्तर्-गतैः किल । दृष्टान्तैर् नोपयुज्यन्ते न शक्यन्ते च भाषितुम्

sarva-prapañcātītānāṁ teṣāṁ vaikuṇṭha-vāsinām | tasya vaikuṇṭha-lokasya tasya tan-nāyakasya ca tāni māhātmya-jātāni prapañcāntar-gataiḥ kila | dṛṣṭāntair nopayujyante na śakyante ca bhāṣitum

English translation

Translation

The unlimited glories of the residents of Vaikuëöha, the realm of Vaikuëöha, and the Lord of Vaikuëöha are transcendental to the material world. Mundane logic and the language of examples drawn from this world can never adequately be used to describe these glories.

2.4.42-43

Source

तथापि भवतो ब्रह्मन् प्रपञ्चान्तर्-गतस्य हि । प्रपञ्च-परिवारान्तर्- दृष्टि-गर्भित-चेतसः तद्-दृष्टान्त-कुलेनैव तत् तत् स्याद् बोधितꣳ सुखम् । तथेत्य् उच्येत यत् किञ्चित् तदागः क्षमताꣳ हरिः

tathāpi bhavato brahman prapañcāntar-gatasya hi | prapañca-parivārāntar- dṛṣṭi-garbhita-cetasaḥ tad-dṛṣṭānta-kulenaiva tat tat syād bodhitaṁ sukham | tathety ucyeta yat kiñcit tadāgaḥ kṣamatāṁ hariḥ

English translation

Translation

Hari (who takes away). However, O brähmaëa, because you live within the material world made of five elements and can therefore perceive and envisage material objects only, I have utilized examples from this material world so that you can easily understand the abode of Vaikuëöha. If I have committed any offence by this, then may Çré Hari, who destroys all offences, forgive me.

2.4.44

Source

तात्रत्यानाꣳ च सर्वेषाꣳ तेषाꣳ साम्यꣳ परस्परम् । तारतम्यꣳ च लक्ष्येत न विरोधस् तथापि च

tātratyānāṁ ca sarveṣāṁ teṣāṁ sāmyaṁ parasparam | tāratamyaṁ ca lakṣyeta na virodhas tathāpi ca

English translation

Translation

Among all the residents of Vaikuëöha, both equality and hierarchy are seen, yet there is no incongruity in this.

2.4.45

Source

न मत्सर्यादयो दोषाः सन्ति कस्यापि तेषु हि । गुणाः स्वभाविका भान्ति नित्याः सत्याः सहस्रशः

na matsaryādayo doṣāḥ santi kasyāpi teṣu hi | guṇāḥ svabhāvikā bhānti nityāḥ satyāḥ sahasraśaḥ

English translation

Translation

No defect such as envy is found in anyone in Vaikuëöha. Rather, they possess thousands of good qualities, such as friendliness, humility, and respect. These virtues are eternal and real.

2.4.46

Source

प्रपञ्चान्तर्-गता भोग- परा विषयिनो यथा । बहिर्-दृष्ट्या तथेक्ष्यन्ते ते हि मुक्तार्चिताङ्घ्रयः

prapañcāntar-gatā bhoga- parā viṣayino yathā | bahir-dṛṣṭyā tathekṣyante te hi muktārcitāṅghrayaḥ

English translation

Translation

Although the residents of Vaikuëöha externally appear like the sense enjoyers of the material world who are eager for mundane pleasure, they are in fact not sense enjoyers. Their feet are worshiped even by liberated souls who have abandoned the happiness of all sense enjoyment.

2.4.47

Source

ते निर्विकारतर-प्रान्त- सीमꣳ प्रान्तश् च तन्वते । विकाराल् लीलया चित्रान् प्रभु-लीलानुसारिणः

te nirvikāratara-prānta- sīmaṁ prāntaś ca tanvate | vikārāl līlayā citrān prabhu-līlānusāriṇaḥ

English translation

Translation

Although they have reached the ultimate limit of immutability, a state devoid of transformation, they still accept transformations in a sporting way, assuming a variety of forms that are suitable for the pastimes of the Lord.

2.4.48

Source

अतस् ते’न्योन्यम् एकत्वꣳ गता अपि पृथग्-विधः । तत्-स्थानꣳ स विमानौघस् तात्रत्यꣳ सर्वम् ईदृशम्

atas te’nyonyam ekatvaṁ gatā api pṛthag-vidhaḥ | tat-sthānaṁ sa vimānaughas tātratyaṁ sarvam īdṛśam

English translation

Translation

Although the residents of Vaikuëöha are all equal to one another, they appear in different forms. Similarly, even though the abode of Vaikuëöha, its airplanes, and all its other paraphernalia are embodiments of concentrated Brahman, everything appears in different forms for the sake of the Lord’s pastimes.

2.4.49

Source

कदाचित् स्वर्ण-रत्नादि- मयꣳ तत् तत् प्रतीयते । कदाचिच् च घनी-भूत- चन्द्र-ज्योत्स्नेव कक्खटी

kadācit svarṇa-ratnādi- mayaṁ tat tat pratīyate | kadācic ca ghanī-bhūta- candra-jyotsneva kakkhaṭī

English translation

Translation

Sometimes that place appears to be full of gold and jewels, and sometimes it appears chalk-white, like condensed moonlight.

2.4.50

Source

कथञ्चित् तत्-प्रभावेन विज्ञातꣳ स्यान् न चान्यथा । ग्रहीतुꣳ किल तद्-रूपꣳ मनसापि न शक्यते

kathañcit tat-prabhāvena vijñātaṁ syān na cānyathā | grahītuṁ kila tad-rūpaṁ manasāpi na śakyate

English translation

Translation

However, the nature of that place can be understood only by the mercy of the Lord of Vaikuëöha and not by any other means. This is because its form, or truth, is inaccessible to the mind.

2.4.51

Source

न कश्चित् प्रभवेद् बोद्धुꣳ सम्यक्-स्वानुभवꣳ विना । एतन्-मात्राꣳ हि शक्येत निरूपयितुम् अञ्जसा

na kaścit prabhaved boddhuṁ samyak-svānubhavaṁ vinā | etan-mātrāṁ hi śakyeta nirūpayitum añjasā

English translation

Translation

One can understand a little bit about Vaikuëöha by hearing its glories, but without personal experience, its reality cannot be properly grasped. Therefore, I can really explain only this much about the truth of that realm.

2.4.52

Source

तेषु वै दृश्यमानेषु तद् ब्रह्मानुभवे सुखम् । गच्छत् सुतुच्छताꣳ सद्यो ह्रियेव विरमेत् स्वयम्

teṣu vai dṛśyamāneṣu tad brahmānubhave sukham | gacchat sutucchatāṁ sadyo hriyeva viramet svayam

English translation

Translation

When one receives darçana of Vaikuëöha and all the objects there, then the bliss of Brahman realization seems insignificant, and out of embarrassment, the desire for that bliss disappears on its own.

2.4.53-54

Source

स्वारामाः पूर्ण-कामा ये सर्वापेक्ष-विवर्जिताः । ज्ञातꣳ प्राप्तꣳ निजꣳ कृत्स्नꣳ त्यक्त्वा वैष्णव-सङ्गतः सारासार-विचाराप्त्या भक्ति-मार्गꣳ विशन्ति यत् । तद्-धेतुस् तत्र यातेना- नुभूतो दार्ढ्यतो मया

svārāmāḥ pūrṇa-kāmā ye sarvāpekṣa-vivarjitāḥ | jñātaṁ prāptaṁ nijaṁ kṛtsnaṁ tyaktvā vaiṣṇava-saṅgataḥ sārāsāra-vicārāptyā bhakti-mārgaṁ viśanti yat | tad-dhetus tatra yātenā- nubhūto dārḍhyato mayā

English translation

Translation

When, by the association of Vaiñëavas, those who are self-satisfied, fulfilled in all their desires, and free from all types of hankering come to know what is essential and what is non-essential, they abandon the bliss of Brahman, which they have already understood and experienced, and they enter the path of bhakti. When I went to Vaikuëöha, I personally experienced this.

2.4.55

Source

गच्छद्-आगच्छतो’हꣳ तान् पश्यन्न् इदम् अचिन्तयम् । ईदृशाः सेवकाः यस्य स प्रभुर् नाम कीदृशः

gacchad-āgacchato’haṁ tān paśyann idam acintayam | īdṛśāḥ sevakāḥ yasya sa prabhur nāma kīdṛśaḥ

English translation

Translation

In this way, I observed the comings and goings of Çré Vaikuëöha- nätha’s servants, who were replete with tremendous opulence. I pondered, “If His servants are so glorious, then what must be the glory of their Master?”

2.4.56-57

Source

इत्थꣳ हर्ष-प्रकर्षेणोत्- तिष्ठन् उपविशन् भृशाम् । गो-पुरे वर्तमानो’हꣳ तैर् जावेनैत्य पार्षदैः अन्तः प्रवेश्यमानो यत् दृष्टवान् अद्भुताद्भुतम् । वक्तुꣳ तद्-द्वि-परार्धेन सहस्रास्यो’पि न क्षमः

itthaṁ harṣa-prakarṣeṇot- tiṣṭhan upaviśan bhṛśām | go-pure vartamāno’haṁ tair jāvenaitya pārṣadaiḥ antaḥ praveśyamāno yat dṛṣṭavān adbhutādbhutam | vaktuṁ tad-dvi-parārdhena sahasrāsyo’pi na kṣamaḥ

English translation

Translation

I was feeling so elated while waiting at the city gate that I kept standing up and sitting down over and over again. After some time, the Vaikuëöha residents who had accompanied me returned and escorted me inside the city. Everything I saw there was amazing and wonderful, so much so that even the thousand-headed Ananta- deva would be unable to describe it all, even in an entire lifetime of Brahmä.

2.4.58

Source

द्वारे द्वारे द्वार-पालास् तादृशा एव माꣳ गतम् । प्रवेशयन्ति विज्ञाप्य विज्ञाप्येव निजाधिपम्

dvāre dvāre dvāra-pālās tādṛśā eva māṁ gatam | praveśayanti vijñāpya vijñāpyeva nijādhipam

English translation

Translation

At every gate, the guards informed their superintendents about me, thus facilitating my entry.

2.4.59-60

Source

प्रति-द्वरान्तरे गत्वा गत्वा तत्-प्रतिहारिभिः । प्रणम्यमानो यो यो हि तत्-प्रदेशधिकारवान् दृश्यते स स मन्येत जगदीशो मया किल । पूर्ववत् स-भ्रमावेशात् नम्यते स्तुयते मुहुः

prati-dvarāntare gatvā gatvā tat-pratihāribhiḥ | praṇamyamāno yo yo hi tat-pradeśadhikāravān dṛśyate sa sa manyeta jagadīśo mayā kila | pūrvavat sa-bhramāveśāt namyate stuyate muhuḥ

English translation

Translation

The doorkeepers from every gate would proceed to the next and would offer obeisances to the superintendents of that region. Thinking that every superintendent was the Lord of the universe, I also reverentially offered them repeated obeisances and prayers as I had done previously.

2.4.61

Source

अथ तैः पार्षदैः स्निग्धैर् असाधरण-लक्षणम् । प्रभोर् विज्ञापितो’हꣳ च सिक्षितः स्तवनादिकम्

atha taiḥ pārṣadaiḥ snigdhair asādharaṇa-lakṣaṇam | prabhor vijñāpito’haṁ ca sikṣitaḥ stavanādikam

English translation

Translation

Those Vaikuëöha associates were very affectionate to me. They described the extraordinary signs that are unique to the Lord and also taught me the prayers to offer Him.

2.4.62-63

Source

महा-महा-चित्र-विचित्र-गेह- द्वार-प्रदेशान् अतिगम्य वेगात् । श्रीमन्-महल्ल-प्रवरस्य मध्ये प्रासाद-वर्गैः परिषेविताङ्घ्रिम् प्रासादम् एकꣳ विविधैर् महत्ता- पूरैर् विशिष्टꣳ पर-सीम यातैः । प्राप्तो’हम् आदित्य-सुखाꣳसु-कोटि- कान्तिꣳ मनो-लोचन-वृत्ति-चोरम्

mahā-mahā-citra-vicitra-geha- dvāra-pradeśān atigamya vegāt | śrīman-mahalla-pravarasya madhye prāsāda-vargaiḥ pariṣevitāṅghrim prāsādam ekaṁ vividhair mahattā- pūrair viśiṣṭaṁ para-sīma yātaiḥ | prāpto’ham āditya-sukhāṁsu-koṭi- kāntiṁ mano-locana-vṛtti-coram

English translation

Translation

I passed swiftly through many vastly wonderful and amazing gates and districts. Finally, I entered the most excellent inner courtyard of a palace that was so extraordinary that it seemed as if all the other palaces were serving the feet of that palace. It was adorned by tremendous variety of glories and gorgeous decorations, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else. That palace, which was splendidly effulgent like millions of suns and at the same time softly luminous like millions of moons, completely stole the function of my mind and eyes.

2.4.64-65

Source

तद्-अन्तरे रत्न-वरावली-लसत्- सुवर्ण-सिꣳहासन-राज-मूर्धनि । सुजात-कान्तामल-हꣳस-तूलिको- परि प्रसन्नाकृश-चन्द्र-सुन्दरम् मृदूपधानꣳ निज-वाम-कक्ष- कफोणिनाक्राम्य सुखोपविष्टम् । वैकुण्ठ-नाथꣳ भगवन्तम् आराद् अपश्यम् अग्रे नव-यौवनेशम्

tad-antare ratna-varāvalī-lasat- suvarṇa-siṁhāsana-rāja-mūrdhani | sujāta-kāntāmala-haṁsa-tūliko- pari prasannākṛśa-candra-sundaram mṛdūpadhānaṁ nija-vāma-kakṣa- kaphoṇinākrāmya sukhopaviṣṭam | vaikuṇṭha-nāthaṁ bhagavantam ārād apaśyam agre nava-yauvaneśam

English translation

Translation

Inside that palace, at a distance I saw a golden royal throne, radiant with precious jewels. The mattress and pillows on that throne were very soft, as white as a swan, and as beautiful as a spotless full moon. Bhagavän Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha, the Lord of ever-fresh new youth, was happily reclining there, resting on His left side with His elbow on those soft pillows.

2.4.66

Source

सौन्दर्य-माधुर्य-मयाङ्ग-कान्त्या नूत्नाम्बुद-श्री-हरया स्फुरन्त्या । रत्नाचित-स्वर्ण-विभूषित-स्रग्- वस्त्रानुलेपादि-विभूषयन्तम्

saundarya-mādhurya-mayāṅga-kāntyā nūtnāmbuda-śrī-harayā sphurantyā | ratnācita-svarṇa-vibhūṣita-srag- vastrānulepādi-vibhūṣayantam

English translation

Translation

I saw that He possessed an appealing, lovely bodily luster which stole away the beauty of fresh rain-clouds. This luster enhanced the beauty of His jewel-studded golden ornaments, garlands, clothes, oinments, throne, and so on.

2.4.67

Source

कङ्कणाङ्गद-विभूषणायत- स्थूल-वृत्त-विलसच्-चतुर्-भुजम् । पीत-पट्ट-वसन-द्वयाञ्चितꣳ चारु-कुण्डल-कपोल-मण्डलम्

kaṅkaṇāṅgada-vibhūṣaṇāyata- sthūla-vṛtta-vilasac-catur-bhujam | pīta-paṭṭa-vasana-dvayāñcitaṁ cāru-kuṇḍala-kapola-maṇḍalam

English translation

Translation

The Lord’s four arms were so strong, well-built and lustrous that they enhanced their own ornaments – bangles, armlets and all. Two yellow silk garments looked very beautiful on His body, and attractive earrings were swinging on His cheeks.

2.4.68

Source

कौस्तुभाभारण-पीन-वक्षसꣳ कम्बु-कण्ठ-धृत-मौक्तिकावलिम् । स-स्मितामृत-मुखेन्दुम् अद्भुत- प्रेक्षणोल्लसित-लोचनाम्बुजम्

kaustubhābhāraṇa-pīna-vakṣasaṁ kambu-kaṇṭha-dhṛta-mauktikāvalim | sa-smitāmṛta-mukhendum adbhuta- prekṣaṇollasita-locanāmbujam

English translation

Translation

The Kaustubha jewel adorned His broad chest, a pearl necklace decorated His conch-like neck, and a gentle nectarean smile filled His moon-like face. He glanced about with merry, sporting eyes that resembled fully-blossomed lotuses.

2.4.69

Source

कृपा-भरोद्यद्-वर-चिल्लि-नर्तनꣳ स्व-वाम-पार्श्व-स्थितयात्म-योग्यया । निवेद्यमानꣳ रमया स-विभ्रमꣳ प्रगृह्य ताम्बूलम् अदान्तम् उत्तमम्

kṛpā-bharodyad-vara-cilli-nartanaṁ sva-vāma-pārśva-sthitayātma-yogyayā | nivedyamānaṁ ramayā sa-vibhramaṁ pragṛhya tāmbūlam adāntam uttamam

English translation

Translation

I also saw that Çré Bhagavän’s eyebrows, arched like bows, were dancing to distribute mercy. On His left side was His ideal match, Mahä-Lakñmé, who with special reverence was offering Him tämbüla. The Lord respectfully accepted and chewed that excellent pän.

2.4.70

Source

तद्-राग-कान्ताधर-बिम्ब-कान्ति- सम्भिन्न-कुन्दामल-दान्त-पङ्क्त्याः । दीप्ति-प्रकाशोज्ज्वल-हास-रासꣳ नर्मोक्ति-भङ्गि-हृत-भक्त-चित्तम्

tad-rāga-kāntādhara-bimba-kānti- sambhinna-kundāmala-dānta-paṅktyāḥ | dīpti-prakāśojjvala-hāsa-rāsaṁ narmokti-bhaṅgi-hṛta-bhakta-cittam

English translation

Translation

As the Lord smiled, His lips, like bimba fruit, now doubly red after having been colored by that pän, reflected against the two rows of His spotless teeth, more luminous than kunda flowers. With His brilliant smile, He spread the radiant mellow of humor, and with His joking words, He was stealing the hearts of His devotees.

2.4.71

Source

करे पतद्-ग्राह-भृता धरण्या कटाक्ष-भङ्ग्या मुहुर् अर्च्यमानम् । सुदर्शनाद्यैर् वर-मूर्तिमद्भिः शिरःस्थ-चिह्नैः परिषेव्यमानम्

kare patad-grāha-bhṛtā dharaṇyā kaṭākṣa-bhaṅgyā muhur arcyamānam | sudarśanādyair vara-mūrtimadbhiḥ śiraḥstha-cihnaiḥ pariṣevyamānam

English translation

Translation

His beloved Dharaëé-devé, holding a spittoon in her hands, was worshiping Him with her graceful sidelong glances. His weapons, such as Sudarçana cakra and the club, were present in their beautiful personified forms, holding their respective emblems on their heads. In this way, they were serving the Lord.

2.4.72

Source

चामर-व्यजन-पादुकादिक- श्री-परिच्छद-गणोल्लसत्-करैः । सेवकैः स्व-सादृशैर् अवस्थितैर् आवृतꣳ परिचरद्भिर् आदरात्

cāmara-vyajana-pādukādika- śrī-paricchada-gaṇollasat-karaiḥ | sevakaiḥ sva-sādṛśair avasthitair āvṛtaṁ paricaradbhir ādarāt

English translation

Translation

The servants, whose forms resembled the Lord’s, were surrounding Him on all sides, deferentially attending Him, their hands adorned with beautiful items used in His service, such as yak-tail whisks, fans, and sandals.

2.4.73

Source

भक्त्यानतैः शेष-सुपर्ण-विष्वक्- सेनादिभिः पार्षद-वर्ग-मुख्यैः । कृत्वञ्जलिꣳ मूर्ध्न्य् अवतिष्ठमानैर् अग्रे विचित्रोक्तिभिर् ईड्यमानम्

bhaktyānataiḥ śeṣa-suparṇa-viṣvak- senādibhiḥ pārṣada-varga-mukhyaiḥ | kṛtvañjaliṁ mūrdhny avatiṣṭhamānair agre vicitroktibhir īḍyamānam

English translation

Translation

Çeña, Suparëa (Garuòa), Viñvaksena, and other principle attendants were standing in front of the Lord. With bowed heads and hands folded in devotion, they were glorifying the Lord with most wonderful prayers.

2.4.74

Source

श्री-नारदस्याद्भुत-नृत्य-वीणा- गितादि-भङ्गीमय-चातुरीभिः । ताभ्याꣳ प्रियाभ्याꣳ कमलाधराभ्याꣳ सार्धꣳ कदाचिद् विहसन्तम् उच्चैः

śrī-nāradasyādbhuta-nṛtya-vīṇā- gitādi-bhaṅgīmaya-cāturībhiḥ | tābhyāṁ priyābhyāṁ kamalādharābhyāṁ sārdhaṁ kadācid vihasantam uccaiḥ

English translation

Translation

Sometimes, upon seeing Çré Närada’s wonderful dancing, as well as his clever poses in singing and playing the véëä, the Lord and His beloved consorts, Kamalä (Mahä-lakñmé) and Dharaëé, would laugh heartily.

2.4.75

Source

स्व-भक्त-वर्गस्य तद्-एक-चेतसः कदाचिद् आनन्द-विशेष-वृद्धये । प्रसर्य पादाम्बुज-युग्मम् आत्मनः समर्पनेणैव लसन्तम् अद्भुतम्

sva-bhakta-vargasya tad-eka-cetasaḥ kadācid ānanda-viśeṣa-vṛddhaye | prasarya pādāmbuja-yugmam ātmanaḥ samarpaneṇaiva lasantam adbhutam

English translation

Translation

Sometimes, desiring to increase the rapture of His unalloyed devotees, the Lord would extend His lotus feet as if offering them to His bhaktas. In this way, He exhibited His astonishing pastimes.

2.4.76

Source

तद्-दर्शनानन्द-भरेण तेषाꣳ विस्मृत्य शिक्षाꣳ बत पार्षदानाम् । गोपाल हे जीवितम् इत्य् अभिक्ष्णꣳ क्रोशन्न् अधावꣳ परिरम्भणाय

tad-darśanānanda-bhareṇa teṣāṁ vismṛtya śikṣāṁ bata pārṣadānām | gopāla he jīvitam ity abhikṣṇaṁ krośann adhāvaṁ parirambhaṇāya

English translation

Translation

I was absorbed in the bliss of the Lord’s darçana and forgot what His associates had instructed me. Thus, loudly shouting over and over again, “O Gopäla, O my life and soul!” I ran to embrace the Lord.

2.4.77

Source

पृष्ठे स्थितैर् विज्ञा-वरैर् धृतस् तैर् दीनो महा-काकु-कुलꣳ प्रकुर्वन् । प्रेमातिरेकेण विनिर्जितो’हꣳ सम्प्राप्य मोहꣳ न्यपतꣳ तद्-अग्रे

pṛṣṭhe sthitair vijñā-varair dhṛtas tair dīno mahā-kāku-kulaṁ prakurvan | premātirekeṇa vinirjito’haṁ samprāpya mohaṁ nyapataṁ tad-agre

English translation

Translation

Observing my condition, those perceptive associates restrained me. This threw me into great distress. Helplessly overcome with prema, I piteously lamented and humbly entreated them, and then fell unconscious in front of the Lord.

2.4.78

Source

उत्थाप्य तैर् एव बलाच् चिरेण सꣳज्ञाꣳ प्रणीतो’श्रु-निपात-विघ्नम् । सम्मार्जनेनाभिभावान् कराभ्याꣳ नेत्रे प्रयत्नाद् उदमीलयꣳ द्वे

utthāpya tair eva balāc cireṇa saṁjñāṁ praṇīto’śru-nipāta-vighnam | sammārjanenābhibhāvān karābhyāṁ netre prayatnād udamīlayaṁ dve

English translation

Translation

The Lord’s eternal associates picked me up with effort and brought me back to consciousness. However, tears streamed from my eyes, blocking my vision of the Lord. With great effort, I wiped away the tears with my hands and opened my eyes.

2.4.79

Source

तावद् दयालु-प्रवरेण तेन स्नेहेन गम्भीर-मृदु-स्वरेण । स्वस्थो भवागच्छ जवेन वत्सेत्य् आद्य् उच्यमानꣳ श्रुतवान् वचो’हम्

tāvad dayālu-pravareṇa tena snehena gambhīra-mṛdu-svareṇa | svastho bhavāgaccha javena vatsety ādy ucyamānaṁ śrutavān vaco’ham

English translation

Translation

The Lord, the crest jewel of the kind-hearted, spoke affectionately in His deep, gentle voice. “Dear boy,” He said, “Be well, and quickly come to Me.” Hearing these words of Çré Bhagavän…

2.4.80

Source

हर्षस्य कष्ठाꣳ परमाꣳ ततो गतो नृत्यन्-महोन्माद-गृहितवान् मुहुः । भ्रष्यन्न् अमीभिः परम-प्रयासतः सम्प्रापितः स्थैर्यम् अथ प्रबोधितः

harṣasya kaṣṭhāṁ paramāṁ tato gato nṛtyan-mahonmāda-gṛhitavān muhuḥ | bhraṣyann amībhiḥ parama-prayāsataḥ samprāpitaḥ sthairyam atha prabodhitaḥ

English translation

Translation

I experienced the ultimate in divine bliss. Seized by great madness, I began to dance, and then I fell. I did this repeatedly. Then with great effort, the eternal associates calmed me down and gave me some instruction.

2.4.81

Source

श्री-भगवान् उवाच— स्वागतꣳ स्वागतꣳ वत्स दिष्ट्या दिष्ट्या भवान् मया । सङ्गो’त्र त्वद्-ईक्षायाꣳ चिरम् उत्कण्ठितेन हि

śrī-bhagavān uvāca— svāgataṁ svāgataṁ vatsa diṣṭyā diṣṭyā bhavān mayā | saṅgo’tra tvad-īkṣāyāṁ ciram utkaṇṭhitena hi

English translation

Translation

Çré Bhagavän said: Dear boy, welcome, welcome! It is My good fortune, My very good fortune. For a long, long time I have been eagerly waiting to see you here.

2.4.82

Source

बहूनि गमितान्य् अङ्ग जन्मानि भवता सखे । कथञ्चिद् अपि मय्य् अभि- मुख्यꣳ किञ्चिद् अकारि न

bahūni gamitāny aṅga janmāni bhavatā sakhe | kathañcid api mayy abhi- mukhyaṁ kiñcid akāri na

English translation

Translation

O friend! You have passed through many lifetimes, but you never showed even a little interest in Me, in any way at all.

2.4.83-84

Source

अस्मिन्न् अस्मिन्न् इहेहैव भवे भावी मद्-उन्मुखः । इत्य् आशया तवात्यन्तꣳ नर्तितो’स्मि सदाज्ञावत् छलꣳ च न लभे किञ्चिद् येनाद्यꣳ परिपालयन् । निबन्धꣳ स्व-कृतꣳ भ्रातर् आनयाम्य् आत्मनः पदम्

asminn asminn ihehaiva bhave bhāvī mad-unmukhaḥ | ity āśayā tavātyantaṁ nartito’smi sadājñāvat chalaṁ ca na labhe kiñcid yenādyaṁ paripālayan | nibandhaṁ sva-kṛtaṁ bhrātar ānayāmy ātmanaḥ padam

English translation

Translation

“Perhaps in this lifetime you will turn towards Me.” With this desire, I danced like a fool in every single birth that you took. Dear brother, I could not find any pretext whatsoever to bring you here without transgressing My own previous commands set down as Vedic laws.

2.4.85-86

Source

छलꣳ च न लभे किञ्चिद् येनाद्यꣳ परिपालयन् । निबन्धꣳ स्व-कृतꣳ भ्रातर् आनयाम्य् आत्मनः पदम् ॥८४। तत् ते मय्य् अकृपाꣳ वीक्ष्य व्यग्रो’नुग्रह-कातरः । अनादिꣳ सेतुम् उल्लङ्घ्य त्वज्-जन्मेदम् अकारयम् श्रीमद्-गोवर्धने तस्मिन् निज-प्रियतमास्पदे । स्वयम् एवाभवꣳ तात जयन्ताख्यः स ते गुरुः

chalaṁ ca na labhe kiñcid yenādyaṁ paripālayan | nibandhaṁ sva-kṛtaṁ bhrātar ānayāmy ātmanaḥ padam ||84| tat te mayy akṛpāṁ vīkṣya vyagro’nugraha-kātaraḥ | anādiṁ setum ullaṅghya tvaj-janmedam akārayam śrīmad-govardhane tasmin nija-priyatamāspade | svayam evābhavaṁ tāta jayantākhyaḥ sa te guruḥ

English translation

Translation

O dear boy, agitated at seeing the way you were neglecting Me, I was compelled to bestow My mercy on you. Therefore, I transgressed the timeless boundaries of religion and arranged for you to take birth in the land of My beloved Çré Govardhana. Then I personally descended as your guru, Jayanta.

2.4.87

Source

कामꣳ दीर्घतमꣳ मे’द्य चिरात् त्वꣳ समपूरयः । स्वस्य मे’पि सुखꣳ पुष्णन्न् अत्रैव निवस स्थिरः

kāmaṁ dīrghatamaṁ me’dya cirāt tvaṁ samapūrayaḥ | svasya me’pi sukhaṁ puṣṇann atraiva nivasa sthiraḥ

English translation

Translation

You have finally fulfilled My long-cherished desire. Now, you should live here permanently with a steady mind, thus nourishing your happiness and Mine.

2.4.88

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— एतच् छ्री-भगवद्-वाक्य- महा-पीयूष-पानतः । मत्तो’हꣳ नाशकꣳ स्तोतुꣳ कर्तुꣳ ज्ञातुꣳ च किञ्चन

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— etac chrī-bhagavad-vākya- mahā-pīyūṣa-pānataḥ | matto’haṁ nāśakaṁ stotuṁ kartuṁ jñātuṁ ca kiñcana

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: O Mathurä brähmaëa, drinking the rich nectar of Çré Bhagavän’s words, I became intoxicated. I forgot to offer any prayers and could not remember what my duty was.

2.4.89

Source

अग्रे स्थिता तस्य तु वेनु-वादका गोपार्भ-वेशाः कतिचिन् मया समाः । आश्वास्य विश्वस्य च वेनु-वादने प्रवार्तयन् स्निग्धतरा विकृष्य माम्

agre sthitā tasya tu venu-vādakā gopārbha-veśāḥ katicin mayā samāḥ | āśvāsya viśvasya ca venu-vādane pravārtayan snigdhatarā vikṛṣya mām

English translation

Translation

After some time, I saw several boys dressed like me, as cowherd boys, playing the flute in front of the Lord. Pacifying me and giving me confidence with their loving words, they forcibly pulled me into their midst and had me play my flute.

2.4.90

Source

एताꣳ स्व-वꣳशीꣳ बहुधा निनादयन् गोवर्धनाद्रि-प्रभवाꣳ महा-प्रियाम् । श्री-माधवꣳ तꣳ समतोषयꣳ महा- वैदग्ध्य-सिन्धुꣳ स-गणꣳ कृपा-निधिम्

etāṁ sva-vaṁśīṁ bahudhā ninādayan govardhanādri-prabhavāṁ mahā-priyām | śrī-mādhavaṁ taṁ samatoṣayaṁ mahā- vaidagdhya-sindhuṁ sa-gaṇaṁ kṛpā-nidhim

English translation

Translation

In various ways, I played my extremely precious flute, which was born on Govardhana Mountain, and thus pleased Çré Mädhava, the ocean of expertise and the reservoir of mercy, and His associates.

2.4.91

Source

यथा-कालः ततः सर्वे निःसरन्तो महा-श्रियः । आज्ञाय निर्गमानिच्छुꣳ युक्त्या माꣳ बहिर् आनयन्

yathā-kālaḥ tataḥ sarve niḥsaranto mahā-śriyaḥ | ājñāya nirgamānicchuṁ yuktyā māṁ bahir ānayan

English translation

Translation

When it was time to leave, all of the Lord’s eternal associates went out. I had no desire to go, but on the order of Çré Mahä-Lakñmé, a group of associates deftly escorted me out.

2.4.92

Source

तत्रापरस्येव महा-विभूतिर् उपस्थितास् ताः परिहृत्य दूरे । स्वयꣳ सतीर् आत्मनि चाप्रकाश्य गोपार्भ-रूपो न्यवसꣳ पुरेव

tatrāparasyeva mahā-vibhūtir upasthitās tāḥ parihṛtya dūre | svayaṁ satīr ātmani cāprakāśya gopārbha-rūpo nyavasaṁ pureva

English translation

Translation

At that time, all varieties of great opulences manifested in front of me, but I shunned them, carefully keeping them at a distance. Concealing all the opulences that I had within me, I began to live in Vaikuëöha dressed as I always had in the past – as a cowherd boy.

2.4.93

Source

सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-रूपास् ताः सर्वास् तत्र विभूतयः । स्वाधीना हि यथा-कामꣳ भवेयुः सम्प्रकाशिताः

sac-cid-ānanda-rūpās tāḥ sarvās tatra vibhūtayaḥ | svādhīnā hi yathā-kāmaṁ bhaveyuḥ samprakāśitāḥ

English translation

Translation

All the opulences of Vaikuëöha are sac-cid-änanda, possessing full eternity, knowledge, and bliss. They are completely submissive to the will of the residents of Vaikuëöha and manifest in full form according to the desire of those residents.

2.4.94

Source

इत्थꣳ तु वैभवाभावे वैभवꣳ वैभवे’पि च । अकिञ्चनत्वꣳ घटते वैकुण्ठे तत्-स्वभावतः

itthaṁ tu vaibhavābhāve vaibhavaṁ vaibhave’pi ca | akiñcanatvaṁ ghaṭate vaikuṇṭhe tat-svabhāvataḥ

English translation

Translation

Therefore, even when the opulences in Vaikuëöha do not manifest themselves, they are all still existing there, and when they do become manifest, the residents of Vaikuëöha remain unattached and unaffected. This is the extraordinary nature of Vaikuëöha.

2.4.95

Source

तथापि पूर्वाभ्यासस्य बलेन महता प्रभोः । भजनꣳ खलु मन्ये’हꣳ दीन-वृत्त्या सदा सुखम्

tathāpi pūrvābhyāsasya balena mahatā prabhoḥ | bhajanaṁ khalu manye’haṁ dīna-vṛttyā sadā sukham

English translation

Translation

Regardless, by the strong influence of my previous practice, I always remained in a humble mood and continued to believe that loving devotional service (bhajana) to Çré Bhagavän is the source of all happiness.

2.4.96

Source

तदा हृदीदꣳ परिनिश्चितꣳ मया ध्रुवꣳ स्वकीयाखिल-जन्म-कर्मणाम् । फलस्य लभ्यस्य किलाधुना परा सीमा समाप्ता भगवत्-कृपा-भरात्

tadā hṛdīdaṁ pariniścitaṁ mayā dhruvaṁ svakīyākhila-janma-karmaṇām | phalasya labhyasya kilādhunā parā sīmā samāptā bhagavat-kṛpā-bharāt

English translation

Translation

At that time, I concluded in my heart that by the Lord’s mercy I had obtained the ultimate result of the fruits of my endeavors from all my previous births.

2.4.97

Source

अहो सुखꣳ कीदृग् इदꣳ दुरूहम् अहो पदꣳ कीदृग् इदꣳ महिष्ठम् । अहो महाश्चर्यतरः प्रभुश् च कीदृक् तथाश्चर्यतरा कृपास्य

aho sukhaṁ kīdṛg idaṁ durūham aho padaṁ kīdṛg idaṁ mahiṣṭham | aho mahāścaryataraḥ prabhuś ca kīdṛk tathāścaryatarā kṛpāsya

English translation

Translation

Oh, how great this Vaikuëöha-loka is! The inconceivable joy here is beyond words and belief. Oh, how extraordinary the Lord of this abode is – and His mercy is also astounding!

2.4.98

Source

अथ प्रभोश् चामर-वीजनात्मिकꣳ समीप-सेवाꣳ कृपयाधिलम्बितः । निजाꣳ च वꣳशीꣳ रणयन् समाप्नवꣳ तद्-इक्षणानन्द-भरꣳ निरन्तरम्

atha prabhoś cāmara-vījanātmikaṁ samīpa-sevāṁ kṛpayādhilambitaḥ | nijāṁ ca vaṁśīṁ raṇayan samāpnavaṁ tad-ikṣaṇānanda-bharaṁ nirantaram

English translation

Translation

Then, by the mercy of the Lord, I was given the intimate service of fanning the Lord with a cämara, in addition to playing the flute for Him. Serving the Lord in these two ways, I was able to constantly see Him, and was thus continually submerged in immense bliss.

2.4.99

Source

पूर्वाभ्यास-वशेनानुकीर्तयामि कदाप्य् अहम् । बहुधोच्चैर् अये कृष्ण गोपालेति मुहुर् मुहुः

pūrvābhyāsa-vaśenānukīrtayāmi kadāpy aham | bahudhoccair aye kṛṣṇa gopāleti muhur muhuḥ

English translation

Translation

Sometimes, out of previous habit, I would repeatedly call out in a loud voice, “O Kåñëa! O Gopäla!” Thus, continually I performed different kinds of kértana.

2.4.100

Source

गोकुलाचारितꣳ चास्य महा-माहात्म्य-दर्शकम् । परम-स्तोत्र-रूपेण साक्षाद् गायामि सर्वदा

gokulācāritaṁ cāsya mahā-māhātmya-darśakam | parama-stotra-rūpeṇa sākṣād gāyāmi sarvadā

English translation

Translation

I would always sing excellent prayers describing the Lord’s Gokula pastimes, which reveal His greatest glories.

2.4.101

Source

तात्रत्यैर् बहिर् आगत्य तैर् हसद्भिर् अहꣳ मुहुः । स्नेहार्द्र-हृदयैर् उक्तः सिक्षयद्भिर् इव स्फुटम्

tātratyair bahir āgatya tair hasadbhir ahaṁ muhuḥ | snehārdra-hṛdayair uktaḥ sikṣayadbhir iva sphuṭam

English translation

Translation

When the residents of Vaikuëöha would hear my songs, they would come out laughing. With hearts melting in affection, they would instruct me very clearly and frankly.

2.4.102

Source

श्री-वैकुण्ठ-वासिन ऊचुः— मैवꣳ सम्बोधयेशेशाꣳ मा च सङ्कीर्तयेस् तथा । उपश्लोकय माहात्म्यम् अनन्तꣳ त्वद्-भूताद्भुतम्

śrī-vaikuṇṭha-vāsina ūcuḥ— maivaṁ sambodhayeśeśāṁ mā ca saṅkīrtayes tathā | upaślokaya māhātmyam anantaṁ tvad-bhūtādbhutam

English translation

Translation

The residents of Çré Vaikuëöha said: Our master is the Supreme Lord of all lords. You should not address Him by saying, ‘O Kåñëa, O Gopäla!’ Do not sing His glories in this manner. He has unlimited astonishing glories. Sing these in verses and measured stanzas.

2.4.103

Source

सꣳहारायैव दुष्टानाꣳ शिष्टानाꣳ पालनाय च । कꣳसꣳ वञ्चयतानेन गोपत्वꣳ मायया कृतम्

saṁhārāyaiva duṣṭānāṁ śiṣṭānāṁ pālanāya ca | kaṁsaṁ vañcayatānena gopatvaṁ māyayā kṛtam

English translation

Translation

To annihilate the demons, to protect the saintly persons, and to deceive Kaàsa, the Lord Himself assumes the dress of a gopa, by His illusory potency.

2.4.104

Source

मायया वर्णनꣳ चास्य न भक्तैर् बहु मन्यते । भक्त्य्-आरम्भे हि तद्-युक्तꣳ तेन न स्तुयते प्रभुः

māyayā varṇanaṁ cāsya na bhaktair bahu manyate | bhakty-ārambhe hi tad-yuktaṁ tena na stuyate prabhuḥ

English translation

Translation

Devotees have little regard for the narrations of these pastimes of the Lord, which are performed just to deceive others. Glorifying these pastimes may be appropriate in the beginning stages of bhakti, but such narrations do not truly glorify the Lord.

2.4.105

Source

तेष्व् एव केचिद् अवदन् दुर्बोध-चरितस्य हि । लीलाइका सापि तत् तस्य न दोषः कीर्तने मतः

teṣv eva kecid avadan durbodha-caritasya hi | līlāikā sāpi tat tasya na doṣaḥ kīrtane mataḥ

English translation

Translation

Some other residents of Vaikuëöha said, “The pastimes of the Supreme Lord are difficult to understand, including that of His tending cows. But it is indeed His pastime and therefore, there is no defect in performing its kértana.”

2.4.106-107

Source

कैश्चिन् महद्भिस् तान् सर्वान् निवार्योक्तम् इदꣳ रुषा । आः किम् एवꣳ निगद्येत भवद्भिर् अबुधैर् इव कृष्णस्य भक्त-वात्सल्याद् यस्य कस्यापि कर्मणः । सङ्कीर्तनꣳ महान् एव गुणः श्री-प्रभु-तोषणः

kaiścin mahadbhis tān sarvān nivāryoktam idaṁ ruṣā | āḥ kim evaṁ nigadyeta bhavadbhir abudhair iva kṛṣṇasya bhakta-vātsalyād yasya kasyāpi karmaṇaḥ | saṅkīrtanaṁ mahān eva guṇaḥ śrī-prabhu-toṣaṇaḥ

English translation

Translation

There were some particularly distinguished servants among those residents of Vaikuëöha who became displeased with this dispute. They rebuked all of them, saying, “Why are you all speaking nonsensically like fools? Çré Kåñëa is so affectionate to His devotees that it is certainly a great quality to loudly chant any of His activities. Such saìkértana greatly pleases our Lord also.”

2.4.108

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— तेषाम् एतादृशैर् वाक्यैर् अदो लज्जा समाजनि । पश्चात् तोषस् तथाप्य् अन्तर् मनो तृप्यान् न सर्वतः

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— teṣām etādṛśair vākyair ado lajjā samājani | paścāt toṣas tathāpy antar mano tṛpyān na sarvataḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: At first, I felt embarrassed to hear the words of the Vaikuëöha residents. Then later, although my mind undoubtedly became pacified, my heart was still not completely satisfied.

2.4.109

Source

निजेष्ट-दैवत-श्रीमद्- गोपाल-चरणाब्जयोः । तादृग्-रूप-विनोदादेर् अनालोकाच् च दीनवत्

nijeṣṭa-daivata-śrīmad- gopāla-caraṇābjayoḥ | tādṛg-rūpa-vinodāder anālokāc ca dīnavat

English translation

Translation

Because in Vaikuëöha I could not receive darçana of the extraordinary form and pastimes of the lotus feet of my worshipable Deity, Çré Madana- gopäla, I was somewhat disheartened.

2.4.110

Source

तर्ह्य् एव सर्वज्ञ-शिरोमणिꣳ प्रभुꣳ वैकुण्ठ-नाथꣳ किल नन्द-नन्दनम् । लक्ष्मीꣳ धराꣳ चाकलयामि राधिकाꣳ चन्द्रावलीꣳ चास्य गणान् व्रजार्भकान्

tarhy eva sarvajña-śiromaṇiṁ prabhuṁ vaikuṇṭha-nāthaṁ kila nanda-nandanam | lakṣmīṁ dharāṁ cākalayāmi rādhikāṁ candrāvalīṁ cāsya gaṇān vrajārbhakān

English translation

Translation

At that very moment, I began to see the crest jewel of all omniscient personalities, the Lord of Vaikuëöha, in the form of Nanda-nandana. I saw Lakñmé-devé as Rädhikä, Dharaëé-devé as Candrävalé, and all the other associates as cowherd boys.

2.4.111

Source

तथाप्य् अस्याꣳ व्रज-क्ष्मायाꣳ प्रभुꣳ स-परिवारकम् । विहरन्तꣳ तथा नेक्षे खिद्यते स्मेति मन्-मनः

tathāpy asyāṁ vraja-kṣmāyāṁ prabhuṁ sa-parivārakam | viharantaṁ tathā nekṣe khidyate smeti man-manaḥ

English translation

Translation

However, the Lord does not sport in Vaikuëöha in the same way that He enjoys playful pastimes with His companions in Vraja. Seeing this saddened me.

2.4.112

Source

कदापि तत्रोपवनेषु लीलया तथा लसन्तꣳ निचितेषु गो-गणैः । पश्याम्य् अमुꣳ कर्ह्य् अपि पूर्ववत् स्थितꣳ निजासने स्व-प्रभुवच् च सर्वथा

kadāpi tatropavaneṣu līlayā tathā lasantaṁ niciteṣu go-gaṇaiḥ | paśyāmy amuṁ karhy api pūrvavat sthitaṁ nijāsane sva-prabhuvac ca sarvathā

English translation

Translation

Sometimes the Lord would go to the gardens in Vaikuëöha where He would enact pastimes similar to those of Vraja, and I would see the gardens full of cows. Other times I would see Him sitting majestically on His throne as before. At that time, He would appear just like my Lord Gopäla in all respects.

2.4.113

Source

तथापि तस्मिन् परमेश-बुद्धेर् वैकुण्ठ-लोकागमन-स्मृतेश् च । सञ्जायमानादर-गौरवेण तत्-प्रेम-हन्या स्व-मनो न तृप्येत्

tathāpi tasmin parameśa-buddher vaikuṇṭha-lokāgamana-smṛteś ca | sañjāyamānādara-gauraveṇa tat-prema-hanyā sva-mano na tṛpyet

English translation

Translation

Still, I accepted the Lord as Parameçvara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Also, when I would remember, “I have come to Vaikuëöha,” sentiments of awe and reverence would arise, and my feelings of pure love for the Lord would slacken. Thus, my mind was not satisfied.

2.4.114

Source

गोपाल-देवात् करुणा-विशेषꣳ ध्याने समालिङ्गन-चुम्बनादिम् । प्राप्तो’स्मि तत् हन्त समक्षम् अस्माद् ईप्सन् विदूये तद्-असिद्धितो’त्र

gopāla-devāt karuṇā-viśeṣaṁ dhyāne samāliṅgana-cumbanādim | prāpto’smi tat hanta samakṣam asmād īpsan vidūye tad-asiddhito’tra

English translation

Translation

In my meditation, Gopäla-deva had given me His special mercy, allowing me the happiness of receiving His embraces, kisses, and so on. But alas! Although I was living close to the Lord of Vaikuëöha, my desire was not fulfilled. Thus, I felt anxious and distressed.

2.4.115

Source

कदाचिद् ईशो निभृतꣳ प्रयाति कुतो’पि कैश्चित् समम् अन्तरीणैः । तदाखिलानाꣳ खलु तत्र शोको भवेद् अभावात् प्रभु-दर्शनस्य

kadācid īśo nibhṛtaṁ prayāti kuto’pi kaiścit samam antarīṇaiḥ | tadākhilānāṁ khalu tatra śoko bhaved abhāvāt prabhu-darśanasya

English translation

Translation

Sometimes Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha would go to some solitary place with His confidential servitors. At that time, all the residents of Vaikuëöha, unable to see the Lord, would be submerged in distress.

2.4.116

Source

मया सम्पृच्छमानꣳ तद्- वृत्तꣳ वर-रहस्यवत् । सङ्गोपयन् न कश्चिन् मे समुद्घटयति स्फुटम्

mayā sampṛcchamānaṁ tad- vṛttaṁ vara-rahasyavat | saṅgopayan na kaścin me samudghaṭayati sphuṭam

English translation

Translation

I would ask the residents of Vaikuëöha, “Where did the Lord go? Why did He leave?” But they would guard the truth like a great secret and would not speak openly.

2.4.117

Source

तस्मिन्न् एव क्षणे तत्रोदिते श्री-जगदीश्वरे । दृश्यमाने स सन्तपो नश्येद् हर्षाब्धिर् एधते

tasminn eva kṣaṇe tatrodite śrī-jagadīśvare | dṛśyamāne sa santapo naśyed harṣābdhir edhate

English translation

Translation

Then, just as I would ask about Him, Çré Jagadéça would reappear before the residents of Vaikuëöha, thus mitigating their grief and expanding their ocean of bliss.

2.4.118

Source

यावत् तावच् च वैकाल्यꣳ मनसो’स्तु स्वभावजम् । तल्-लोक-महिमोद्रेकात् क्षियते’र्काद् यथा तमः

yāvat tāvac ca vaikālyaṁ manaso’stu svabhāvajam | tal-loka-mahimodrekāt kṣiyate’rkād yathā tamaḥ

English translation

Translation

Whenever my mind by its own nature would become despondent, the vast splendors of that abode would remove that contamination, just as the rising sun dissipates darkness.

2.4.119

Source

यदा कदाचिन् निज-लभ्य-वस्तुनो ’नाप्त्येव हृत् सीदति पूर्व-पूर्ववत् । तदा तदीया परिपूर्णता रुजꣳ निदानम् आज्ञाय निरस्यते स्वयम्

yadā kadācin nija-labhya-vastuno ’nāptyeva hṛt sīdati pūrva-pūrvavat | tadā tadīyā paripūrṇatā rujaṁ nidānam ājñāya nirasyate svayam

English translation

Translation

Whenever I could not obtain the desired object of my life, I would feel as distressed as in the past. However, I would show myself the complete excellence of Vaikuëöha to try to relieve my mind of its worrisome feeling of uneasiness.

2.4.120

Source

एतादृशात् प्राप्यतमꣳ न किञ्चिद् वैकुण्ठ-वासात् किल विद्यते’न्यत् । सन्देहम् ईशात् त्वम् अपीह कर्तुꣳ नार्हस्य् अतो’न्यः किम् उ पृच्छ्यताꣳ तत्

etādṛśāt prāpyatamaṁ na kiñcid vaikuṇṭha-vāsāt kila vidyate’nyat | sandeham īśāt tvam apīha kartuṁ nārhasy ato’nyaḥ kim u pṛcchyatāṁ tat

English translation

Translation

“O mind, you have reached Vaikuëöha, so how can you still be restless? There is nothing greater than residence in Vaikuëöha. Have no doubt about this. What more could you possibly desire?

2.4.121

Source

तस्माद् अरे चञ्चल-चित्त बुद्ध्या- द्यापि स्वभावꣳ त्यज दूरतो’त्र । अस्मात् परꣳ नास्ति परꣳ फलꣳ तत् शान्तिꣳ पराꣳ युक्ति-शतेन गच्छ

tasmād are cañcala-citta buddhyā- dyāpi svabhāvaṁ tyaja dūrato’tra | asmāt paraṁ nāsti paraṁ phalaṁ tat śāntiṁ parāṁ yukti-śatena gaccha

English translation

Translation

“O flickering mind, therefore, use your intelligence and give up your restless nature. There is nothing more excellent than this abode of Vaikuëöha, so you should know it to be the ultimate destination. Deliberate on the hundreds of reasons that support this truth and thus find peace.”

2.4.122

Source

तद् बोधयन्न् एव विलोकयाम्य् अहꣳ स्वꣳ सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-मयꣳ तथा प्रभोः । वैकुण्ठ-लोके भजनात् परꣳ सुखꣳ सान्द्रꣳ सदैवानुभवन्तम् अद्भुतम्

tad bodhayann eva vilokayāmy ahaṁ svaṁ sac-cid-ānanda-mayaṁ tathā prabhoḥ | vaikuṇṭha-loke bhajanāt paraṁ sukhaṁ sāndraṁ sadaivānubhavantam adbhutam

English translation

Translation

Just as I would be advising my mind in this way, I would look and see that my own body was sac-cid-änanda, and I would always experience how serving the Lord of Vaikuëöha in His abode bestowed the most wonderful, intense happiness.

2.4.123

Source

एवꣳ कदाचिद् उद्विग्नः कदाचिद् धर्षवान् अहम् । वैकुण्ठे निवसन् दृष्टो नारदेनैकदा रहः

evaṁ kadācid udvignaḥ kadācid dharṣavān aham | vaikuṇṭhe nivasan dṛṣṭo nāradenaikadā rahaḥ

English translation

Translation

In this way, while living in Vaikuëöha, sometimes I was disturbed and sometimes I was happy. Then one day Çré Närada noticed me in a solitary place.

2.4.124

Source

दयालु-चूडामणिना प्रभोर् महा- प्रियेण तद्-भक्ति-रसाब्धिनामुना । शुभाशिषानन्द्य करेण भाशितः सꣳस्पृश्य वीणा-सुहृदा शिरस्य् अहम्

dayālu-cūḍāmaṇinā prabhor mahā- priyeṇa tad-bhakti-rasābdhināmunā | śubhāśiṣānandya kareṇa bhāśitaḥ saṁspṛśya vīṇā-suhṛdā śirasy aham

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada is the crest jewel of all merciful personalities. He is very dear to the Lord, and he is an ocean of bhakti-rasa. With his hand that holds his precious véëä, he touched my head and blessed me. Then, he spoke to me as follows.

2.4.125

Source

श्री-भगवन्-नारद उवाच— भो गोप-नन्दन श्रीमद्- वैकुण्ठेशानुकम्पित । मुख-म्लान्य्-आदिना किञ्चिच् छोचन् दीन इवेक्ष्यसे

śrī-bhagavan-nārada uvāca— bho gopa-nandana śrīmad- vaikuṇṭheśānukampita | mukha-mlāny-ādinā kiñcic chocan dīna ivekṣyase

English translation

Translation

Bhagavän Çré Närada said: O son of a gopa, O you who have received the mercy of the Lord of Vaikuëöha! Seeing your morose face, I surmise that you are suffering some kind of distress.

2.4.126

Source

शोक-दुःखावकासो’त्र कतमः स्यान् निगद्यताम् । परꣳ कौतूहलꣳ मे’त्र यन् न दृष्टः स कस्यचित्

śoka-duḥkhāvakāso’tra katamaḥ syān nigadyatām | paraṁ kautūhalaṁ me’tra yan na dṛṣṭaḥ sa kasyacit

English translation

Translation

There is no scope for distress and unhappiness here in Vaikuëöha. Therefore, you should tell me clearly how these feelings have arisen in your heart. Until today, I have never seen anyone experience sadness here, and I am very curious to know the reason for your pain.

2.4.127

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— परमाप्तꣳ सुहृच्-छ्रेष्टꣳ तꣳ प्राप्य स्व-गुरूपमम् । हार्दꣳ तद्-वृत्तम् आत्मीयꣳ कर्त्स्न्येनाकथयꣳ तदा

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— paramāptaṁ suhṛc-chreṣṭaṁ taṁ prāpya sva-gurūpamam | hārdaṁ tad-vṛttam ātmīyaṁ kartsnyenākathayaṁ tadā

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: Çré Närada is fully trustworthy. He is the greatest among well-wishers and is like my own guru. As soon as I met him, I confided in him the story of my heart.

2.4.128

Source

श्रुत्वा तद् अखिलꣳ किञ्चिन् निश्वास्य परितो दृशौ । सञ्चर्याकृष्य माꣳ पार्श्वे’ब्रवित् स-करुणꣳ शनैः

śrutvā tad akhilaṁ kiñcin niśvāsya parito dṛśau | sañcaryākṛṣya māṁ pārśve’bravit sa-karuṇaṁ śanaiḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada sighed a few times after hearing my story. Then, he looked all around, drew me close to him, and kindly spoke to me in a soft voice.

2.4.129

Source

श्री-नारद उवाच— इतः परतरꣳ प्राप्यꣳ किञ्चिन् नास्तीति यत् त्वया । मन्यते युक्ति-सन्तत्या तत् सत्यꣳ खलु नान्यथा

śrī-nārada uvāca— itaḥ parataraṁ prāpyaṁ kiñcin nāstīti yat tvayā | manyate yukti-santatyā tat satyaṁ khalu nānyathā

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada said: Following different avenues of reasoning, you have ascertained that there is no place more exalted than Vaikuëöha. This is true. Do not doubt it at all.

2.4.130

Source

यꣳ च स्वीयेष्ट-देवस्य विनोदꣳ ध्यान-सङ्गतम् । साक्षाद् अत्रानुभवितुꣳ तथैवेच्छसि सर्वथा

yaṁ ca svīyeṣṭa-devasya vinodaṁ dhyāna-saṅgatam | sākṣād atrānubhavituṁ tathaivecchasi sarvathā

English translation

Translation

But just as you have experienced the pastimes of your worshipable Deity in your meditation, you want to directly experience them here in Vaikuëöha. I will say something in reference to that.

2.4.131

Source

तस्यापि सो’त्यन्त-सुख-प्रदायकश् चेतो-हरः प्रीति-विशेष-गोचरः । गोप्योत्तमस् तद् व्रज-लोकवन्-महा- प्रेमैक-लभ्यो’सुलभो हि मादृशाम्

tasyāpi so’tyanta-sukha-pradāyakaś ceto-haraḥ prīti-viśeṣa-gocaraḥ | gopyottamas tad vraja-lokavan-mahā- premaika-labhyo’sulabho hi mādṛśām

English translation

Translation

Such pastimes are also very pleasing for the Lord Himself. They delight the heart but can be perceived only if one possesses an exceptional kind of affection for the Lord. These pastimes are most confidential and are rarely attained even by sages like myself. Entrance into these pastimes can only be achieved by a powerful prema like that of the residents of Vraja.

2.4.132

Source

स वै विनोदः सकलोपविष्टाल् लोके क्वचिद् भति विलोभयन् स्वान् । सम्पद्य भक्तिꣳ जगदीश-भक्त्या वैकुण्ठम् एत्यात्र कथꣳ त्वयेक्ष्यः

sa vai vinodaḥ sakalopaviṣṭāl loke kvacid bhati vilobhayan svān | sampadya bhaktiṁ jagadīśa-bhaktyā vaikuṇṭham etyātra kathaṁ tvayekṣyaḥ

English translation

Translation

In a sequestered realm that is situated above all other worlds, the Lord sports in such pastimes that steal the hearts of all devotees. You have come to Vaikuëöha because your devotion has been in the mood that the Lord is Jagadéça, the Supreme Lord of the Universe. Therefore, how can you experience the happiness of those playful pastimes here?

2.4.133

Source

भगवत्-परमैश्वर्य- प्रान्त-सीमा-प्रकाशने । वैकुण्ठे’स्मिन् महा-गोप्यः प्रकटः सम्भवेत् कथम्

bhagavat-paramaiśvarya- prānta-sīmā-prakāśane | vaikuṇṭhe’smin mahā-gopyaḥ prakaṭaḥ sambhavet katham

English translation

Translation

This abode of Vaikuëöha is the only place where Bhagavän displays the topmost limit of His opulence. Therefore, how can those most confidential, sweet pastimes possibly manifest here?

2.4.134

Source

शोकꣳ सर्वꣳ विहायेमꣳ श्रीमद्-वैकुण्ठ-नायकम् । निजेष्ट-देव-बुद्ध्यैव वीक्षस्व भज मा भिदम्

śokaṁ sarvaṁ vihāyemaṁ śrīmad-vaikuṇṭha-nāyakam | nijeṣṭa-deva-buddhyaiva vīkṣasva bhaja mā bhidam

English translation

Translation

Do not think that the Lord of Vaikuëöha and your worshipable Lord are different from one another. Understand that Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha really is your worshipable Deity. Therefore, give up all your distress and worship Him.

2.4.135

Source

ततो’त्रापि सुखꣳ तत् तद् अनन्तꣳ परमꣳ महत् । वर्धमानꣳ सदा स्वीय-मनः-पूरकम् आप्स्यसि

tato’trāpi sukhaṁ tat tad anantaṁ paramaṁ mahat | vardhamānaṁ sadā svīya-manaḥ-pūrakam āpsyasi

English translation

Translation

If you do so, then even here you will experience that utmost bliss, which is unlimited and ever-increasing and which will satisfy your mind.

2.4.136

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— ततः कान् अपि सिद्धान्तान् स्व-प्रज्ञा-गोचरान् अपि । ऐच्छꣳ तद्-आननाच् छ्रोतुꣳ श्रोत्रेण प्रेरिते हठात्

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— tataḥ kān api siddhāntān sva-prajñā-gocarān api | aicchaṁ tad-ānanāc chrotuṁ śrotreṇa prerite haṭhāt

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: After this, although my intelligence could perceive some of the Vaiñëava truth heard from Çré Närada’s lips, still, I wanted to hear more, inspired by my sense of hearing.

2.4.137-138

Source

शक्नोमि च न तान् प्रष्टुꣳ अमुꣳ गौरव-लज्जया । अभिप्रेयाय सर्वज्ञ- वरो भागवतोत्तमः मदीय-कर्णयोः स्वीय- जिह्वायाश् च सुखाय सः । व्याञ्जयाम् आस सङ्क्षेपात् सर्वाꣳस् तान् मद्-धृदि-स्थितान्

śaknomi ca na tān praṣṭuṁ amuṁ gaurava-lajjayā | abhipreyāya sarvajña- varo bhāgavatottamaḥ madīya-karṇayoḥ svīya- jihvāyāś ca sukhāya saḥ | vyāñjayām āsa saṅkṣepāt sarvāṁs tān mad-dhṛdi-sthitān

English translation

Translation

Due to reverence and bashfulness, I could not ask Çré Närada anything. However, he, the greatest among omniscient personalities and the best of devotees, understood my mind. To give pleasure to my ears and to his own tongue, he began speaking briefly on all the topics that I had been contemplating within my heart.

2.4.139

Source

श्री-नारद उवाच— पशु-पक्षि-गणान् वृक्ष- लता-गुल्म-तृणादिकान् । अत्र दृष्टान् न मन्यस्व पार्थिवाꣳस् तमसान् इव

śrī-nārada uvāca— paśu-pakṣi-gaṇān vṛkṣa- latā-gulma-tṛṇādikān | atra dṛṣṭān na manyasva pārthivāṁs tamasān iva

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada said: O Gopa-kumära, please do not consider the animals, birds, trees, creepers, bushes, grass, and other living entities that you see here in Vaikuëöha to be like the ignorant species in the dull material world.

2.4.140

Source

एते हि सच्-चिद्-आनन्द- रूपाः श्री-कृष्ण-पार्षदाः । विचित्र-सेवानन्दाय तत्-तद्-रूपाणि बिभ्रति

ete hi sac-cid-ānanda- rūpāḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-pārṣadāḥ | vicitra-sevānandāya tat-tad-rūpāṇi bibhrati

English translation

Translation

All these living entities are Çré Kåñëa’s eternal associates and, indeed, their forms are sac-cid-änanda. They have taken these bodies to taste the joy of the Lord’s service in a variety of wonderful ways.

2.4.141

Source

यद्-वर्णवद् यद्-आकारꣳ रूपꣳ भगवतो’स्य ये । निज-प्रियतमत्वेन भवयन्तो’भजन्न् इमम्

yad-varṇavad yad-ākāraṁ rūpaṁ bhagavato’sya ye | nija-priyatamatvena bhavayanto’bhajann imam

English translation

Translation

Worshiping Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha by meditating upon a particular color, shape, and appearance of the Lord that is dear to them, the devotees obtain that same form.

2.4.142-144

Source

तादृशꣳ ते’स्य सारूप्यꣳ प्राप्ता नानाकृति-श्रियः । मनुष्या मुनयो देवा ऋषयो मत्स्य-कच्छपाः वराहा नरसिꣳहाश् च वामनाश् च त्रिलोचनाः । चतुर्मुखाः सहस्राक्षाः महा-पूरुष-विग्रहाः सहस्र-वक्त्राः सुर्येन्दु- वायु-वह्न्य्-आदि-रूपिणः । चतुर्भुजादि-रूपाश् च तत्-तद्-वेशादि-रूपिणः

tādṛśaṁ te’sya sārūpyaṁ prāptā nānākṛti-śriyaḥ | manuṣyā munayo devā ṛṣayo matsya-kacchapāḥ varāhā narasiṁhāś ca vāmanāś ca trilocanāḥ | caturmukhāḥ sahasrākṣāḥ mahā-pūruṣa-vigrahāḥ sahasra-vaktrāḥ suryendu- vāyu-vahny-ādi-rūpiṇaḥ | caturbhujādi-rūpāś ca tat-tad-veśādi-rūpiṇaḥ

English translation

Translation

Thus, attaining särüpya, a form similar to any one of Bhagavän’s manifestations, they take varieties of appearances, shapes, beauty, and so on. They accept different forms, such as human beings, munis, demigods, åñis, fish, tortoises, and so on. Depending upon their worship, they take a form similar to the boar (Varäha) incarnation, the half-lion–half-man (Nåsiàha) incarnation, the dwarf (Vämana) incarnation, the three-eyed Lord Çiva, the four-headed Çré Brahmä, the thousand-eyed Indra, the Mahä-puruña Deity, the thousand- headed Çeña, the sun-god (Sürya), the moon-god (Candra), the wind-god (Väyu), the fire-god (Agni), and so on. Some have forms with four arms and some have forms with more, each accepting the symbols, attire, and so on that are suitable to their respective forms.

2.4.145-146

Source

रसेन येन येनान्ते वेशाकारादिना तथा । सेवित्वा कृष्ण-पादाब्जे यो यो वैकुण्ठम् आगतः तस्य तस्याखिलꣳ तत्-तच्- छ्रीमद्-भगवतः प्रियम् । तस्मै तस्मै प्ररोचेत तस्मात् तत्-तद्-रसादिकम्

rasena yena yenānte veśākārādinā tathā | sevitvā kṛṣṇa-pādābje yo yo vaikuṇṭham āgataḥ tasya tasyākhilaṁ tat-tac- chrīmad-bhagavataḥ priyam | tasmai tasmai praroceta tasmāt tat-tad-rasādikam

English translation

Translation

In his internal meditation, the sädhaka serves the lotus feet of Çré Kåñëa in a particular rasa, with a form, dress, and so on that are suitable for his service. Achieving perfection at the end of his life, he enters Vaikuëöha. At that time, his heart is attracted to that previous rasa in which, while he was in the sädhaka stage, he worshiped the Lord, and he accepts an identical dress and form, knowing them to be dear to Çré Bhagavän.

2.4.147

Source

ते च सर्वे’त्र वैकुण्ठे श्री-नारायणम् ईश्वरम् । तत्-तद्-वर्णादि-युक्तात्म- देव-रूपꣳ विचक्षते

te ca sarve’tra vaikuṇṭhe śrī-nārāyaṇam īśvaram | tat-tad-varṇādi-yuktātma- deva-rūpaṁ vicakṣate

English translation

Translation

In Vaikuëöha, every devotee sees Çré Näräyaëa only in the particular form of the Lord that he worships, along with that form’s complexion and other attributes.

2.4.148

Source

पूर्ववद् भजनानन्दꣳ प्राप्नुवन्ति नवꣳ नवम् । सर्वदाप्य् अपरिच्छिन्नꣳ वैकुण्ठे’त्र विशेषतः

pūrvavad bhajanānandaṁ prāpnuvanti navaṁ navam | sarvadāpy aparicchinnaṁ vaikuṇṭhe’tra viśeṣataḥ

English translation

Translation

In Vaikuëöha, those devotees obtain the same unlimited bliss of loving service to Çré Bhagavän as they did before, in newer and newer, unique ways, at every moment.

2.4.149-150

Source

ये त्व् असाधरणैः सर्वैः पूर्वैर् आत्म-मनोरमैः । परिवारादिभिर् युक्तꣳ निजम् इष्टतरꣳ प्रभुम् सम्पश्यन्तो यथा-पूर्वꣳ सदैवेच्छन्ति सेवितुम् । ते’त्यन्त-तत्-तन्-निष्ठान्त्य- कष्ठवन्तो महाशयाः

ye tv asādharaṇaiḥ sarvaiḥ pūrvair ātma-manoramaiḥ | parivārādibhir yuktaṁ nijam iṣṭataraṁ prabhum sampaśyanto yathā-pūrvaṁ sadaivecchanti sevitum | te’tyanta-tat-tan-niṣṭhāntya- kaṣṭhavanto mahāśayāḥ

English translation

Translation

By the previous worship of their particular cherished Deity, whose extraordinary characteristics captured their hearts, these devotees have come to Vaikuëöha. Even here they still desire to always see and serve that same manifestation of the Lord, who is accompanied by His associates and who is rich with pleasurable pastimes. From this, one should understand that these great souls’ staunch dedication unto their worshipable Lord has reached full maturation.

2.4.151

Source

ते चास्यैव प्रदेशेषु तादृशेषु पुरादिषु । तथैव तादृशꣳ नाथꣳ भजन्तस् तन्वते सुखम्

te cāsyaiva pradeśeṣu tādṛśeṣu purādiṣu | tathaiva tādṛśaṁ nāthaṁ bhajantas tanvate sukham

English translation

Translation

Therefore, these devotees enter special regions of Vaikuëöha, such as the city of Ayodhyä, where they experience increasing joy by serving in the pastimes of their cherished form of the Lord just as they had before.

2.4.152

Source

ये चैकतर-रूपस्य प्रीति-निष्ठा भवन्ति न । अविशेष-ग्रहास् तस्य यत्-किञ्चिद्-रूप-सेवकाः

ye caikatara-rūpasya prīti-niṣṭhā bhavanti na | aviśeṣa-grahās tasya yat-kiñcid-rūpa-sevakāḥ

English translation

Translation

Those devotees who are unable to accept the specialty of any one specific form of Bhagavän become servants of any form of Bhagavän. They are not exclusively dedicated to Him in one form, but rather feel the same affection for all His manifestations.

2.4.153

Source

ये च लक्ष्मी-पतेर् अष्टा- क्षरादि-मनु-तत्-पराः । ते हि सर्वे स्व-देहान्ते वैकुण्ठम् इमम् आश्रिताः

ye ca lakṣmī-pater aṣṭā- kṣarādi-manu-tat-parāḥ | te hi sarve sva-dehānte vaikuṇṭham imam āśritāḥ

English translation

Translation

When those devotees who worship the husband of Lakñmé with His eight-syllable mantra, or with any of His mantras, give up their present material bodies, without doubt they obtain the shelter of Vaikuëöha.

2.4.154

Source

यथा-कामꣳ सुखꣳ प्रापुः सर्वतो’प्य् अधिकꣳ सुखात् । तेषाꣳ स्व-स्व-रसानैक्यात् तारतम्ये’पि तुल्यता

yathā-kāmaṁ sukhaṁ prāpuḥ sarvato’py adhikaṁ sukhāt | teṣāṁ sva-sva-rasānaikyāt tāratamye’pi tulyatā

English translation

Translation

The devotees of Vaikuëöha relish different rasas, and there is gradation among those devotees based on those rasas. But still, all those devotees are equal to one another. They each feel that the happiness they had been longing for and that corresponds to their worship is greater than what all the others are experiencing.

2.4.155-157

Source

यथा धरालम्बन-रत्न-भूता नारायणो’सौ स नरो’थ दत्तः । श्री-जामदग्न्यः कपिलादयो’पि ये कौतुकाच् च प्रतिमा-सरूपः ये स्वर्ग-लोकादिषु विष्णु-यज्ञे- श्वरादयो’मी भवतैव दृष्टाः । मत्य्सो’थ कूर्मश् च महा-वराहः श्रीमन्-नृसिꣳहो ननु वामनश् च अन्ये’वताराश् च तथैव तेषाꣳ प्रत्येकम् इहाभिदया प्रभेदाः । ते सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-घना हि सर्वे नानात्व-भाजो’पि सदैक-रूपः

yathā dharālambana-ratna-bhūtā nārāyaṇo’sau sa naro’tha dattaḥ | śrī-jāmadagnyaḥ kapilādayo’pi ye kautukāc ca pratimā-sarūpaḥ ye svarga-lokādiṣu viṣṇu-yajñe- śvarādayo’mī bhavataiva dṛṣṭāḥ | matyso’tha kūrmaś ca mahā-varāhaḥ śrīman-nṛsiṁho nanu vāmanaś ca anye’vatārāś ca tathaiva teṣāṁ pratyekam ihābhidayā prabhedāḥ | te sac-cid-ānanda-ghanā hi sarve nānātva-bhājo’pi sadaika-rūpaḥ

English translation

Translation

The various incarnations of Çré Bhagavän who descend on earth are the shelter and jewels of the planet. Although They display differences, They are all of the same nature. These manifestations of the Lord include Nara-näräyaëa, Dattätreya, Paraçuräma (son of Jamadagni), Kapila, and so on. His incarnations in Svarga and other planets take the forms of Viñëu, Yajïeçvara, and so on. (On your way here, you took darçana of those abodes.) Matsya, Kürma, the great Varäha, Çréman Nåsiàha, Vämana, and so on are also expansions of Bhagavän. Although all these incarnations and manifestations are different from one another – with different names, activities, and qualities that indicate Their particular specialities – at the same time, They are of one kind and are all fully sac-cid-änanda.

2.4.158

Source

नानात्वम् एषाꣳ च कदापि मायिकꣳ न जीव-नानात्वम् इव प्रतीयताम् । तच्-चिद्-विलसात्मक-शक्ति-दर्शितꣳ नाना-विधोपासक-चित्र-भाव-जम्

nānātvam eṣāṁ ca kadāpi māyikaṁ na jīva-nānātvam iva pratīyatām | tac-cid-vilasātmaka-śakti-darśitaṁ nānā-vidhopāsaka-citra-bhāva-jam

English translation

Translation

The appearance of Bhagavän’s incarnations in various forms is not illusory like the variety of living beings in the material world. Rather, the variety of pastimes the Lord enacts in various forms is manifest by His svarüpa-çakti (the internal potency). These pastimes arise from the diverse moods of the many devotees. In other words, Bhagavän’s different manifestations take Their respective forms only according to the moods of His devotees, who have different preferences.

2.4.159

Source

अतो हि बिम्ब-प्रतिबिम्ब-भेदतो विचित्रता स सलिले रवेर् इव । किन्त्व् एष ख-स्थो’द्वय एव सर्वतः स्व-स्व-प्रदेसे बहुधेक्ष्यते यथा

ato hi bimba-pratibimba-bhedato vicitratā sa salile raver iva | kintv eṣa kha-stho’dvaya eva sarvataḥ sva-sva-pradese bahudhekṣyate yathā

English translation

Translation

Therefore, the difference seen in the forms of Bhagavän is not just a matter of perception, like the difference between an object and its reflection – the sun, for example, and its reflection in water. Rather, all the incarnations are like the one, undivided sun globe that is situated in the sky and simultaneously seen everywhere, but in different ways in different locations.

2.4.160

Source

यथैव च पृथग् ज्ञानꣳ सुखꣳ च पृथग् एव हि । तथापि ब्रह्म-तादात्म्ये तयोर् ऐक्यꣳ सुसिध्यति

yathaiva ca pṛthag jñānaṁ sukhaṁ ca pṛthag eva hi | tathāpi brahma-tādātmye tayor aikyaṁ susidhyati

English translation

Translation

Although knowledge and the happiness obtained by the cultivation of knowledge are two different things, still they are one, since both knowledge and its resultant happiness are nondifferent from Brahman. Similarly, although all of Bhagavän’s incarnations are different from one another, They are one in reality.

2.4.161-162

Source

एवꣳ विचित्र-देशेषु स्वप्नाद् अवाप्यानेकधा । दृश्यमानस्य कृष्णस्य पार्षदानꣳ पदस्य च एकत्वम् अप्य् अनेकत्वꣳ सत्यत्वꣳ च सुसङ्गतम् । एकस्मिꣳस् तोषिते रूपे सर्वꣳ तत् तस्य तुष्यति

evaṁ vicitra-deśeṣu svapnād avāpyānekadhā | dṛśyamānasya kṛṣṇasya pārṣadānaṁ padasya ca ekatvam apy anekatvaṁ satyatvaṁ ca susaṅgatam | ekasmiṁs toṣite rūpe sarvaṁ tat tasya tuṣyati

English translation

Translation

Although Vaikuëöha-nätha Çré Kåñëa is seen in many forms in different places or even in dreams and other special visions, still, all of His forms are one. In the same way, it can be reconciled that His eternal associates, His Vaikuëöha abode, and so on are simultaneously one and different and also eternally real. Therefore, when any one form of Bhagavän is pleased, all of His forms are pleased.

2.4.163

Source

एको वैकुण्ठ-नाथो’यꣳ श्री-कृष्णस् तत्र तत्र हि । तत्-तत्-सेवक-हर्षाय तत्-तद्-रूपादिना वसेत्

eko vaikuṇṭha-nātho’yaṁ śrī-kṛṣṇas tatra tatra hi | tat-tat-sevaka-harṣāya tat-tad-rūpādinā vaset

English translation

Translation

The one Vaikuëöha-nätha Çré Kåñëa resides in separate forms in different places to give pleasure to His servants.

2.4.164

Source

एतच् च वृन्दा-विपिने’घ-हन्तुर् हृत्वार्भ-वत्सान् अनुभूतम् अस्ति । श्री-ब्रह्मणा द्वारवती-पुरे च प्रासाद-वर्गेषु मया भ्रमित्वा

etac ca vṛndā-vipine’gha-hantur hṛtvārbha-vatsān anubhūtam asti | śrī-brahmaṇā dvāravatī-pure ca prāsāda-vargeṣu mayā bhramitvā

English translation

Translation

Çré Brahmä experienced this in Våndävana after he stole Çré Kåñëa’s calves, and I also experienced this when I wandered through all the palaces in Dvärakä-puré.

2.4.165

Source

दुर्वितर्क्या हि सा शक्तिर् अद्भुता परमेश्वरी । किन्त्व् अस्यैकान्त-भक्तेषु गूढꣳ किञ्चिन् न तिष्ठति

durvitarkyā hi sā śaktir adbhutā parameśvarī | kintv asyaikānta-bhakteṣu gūḍhaṁ kiñcin na tiṣṭhati

English translation

Translation

Although Bhagavän’s wonderful potency, which establishes this difference and nondifference, is beyond logic, His unalloyed devotees still experience the mystery of this power completely.

2.4.166

Source

पत्नी-सहस्रैर् युगपत् प्रणीतꣳ द्रव्यꣳ स भुङ्क्ते भगवान् यदैकः । पश्यन्ति तान्य् अत्र यथा प्रतिस्वम् आदौ ममादत्ता तद् एव मे’त्ति

patnī-sahasrair yugapat praṇītaṁ dravyaṁ sa bhuṅkte bhagavān yadaikaḥ | paśyanti tāny atra yathā pratisvam ādau mamādattā tad eva me’tti

English translation

Translation

When the one Bhagavän Çré Kåñëa simultaneously enjoys the food preparations offered to Him by His thousands of wives, every wife feels, “Prabhu is accepting my offering first.” In this way, every one of Çré Kåñëa’s beloved consorts sees the Lord separately enjoying only her preparations.

2.4.167

Source

क्वचित् केष्व् अपि जीवेषु तत्-तच्-छक्ति-प्रवेशतः । तस्यावेशावतारा ये ते’पि तद्वन् मता बुधैः

kvacit keṣv api jīveṣu tat-tac-chakti-praveśataḥ | tasyāveśāvatārā ye te’pi tadvan matā budhaiḥ

English translation

Translation

Sometimes, Bhagavän’s special potency enters into a qualified living being, who is then known as an äveça-avatära. The wise accept such äveça-avatäras to be as good as and as real as Bhagavän Himself.

2.4.168

Source

यादृशो भगवान् कृष्णो महा-लक्ष्मिर् अपीदृशी । तस्य नित्य-प्रिया सान्द्र- सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-विग्रहा

yādṛśo bhagavān kṛṣṇo mahā-lakṣmir apīdṛśī | tasya nitya-priyā sāndra- sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahā

English translation

Translation

Just as Bhagavän Çré Kåñëa is glorious, so is His eternal, beloved consort Mahä-Lakñmé, who is the concentrated embodiment of eternity, knowledge, and bliss.

2.4.169

Source

सा सदा भगवद्-वक्षः- स्थले वसति तत्-परा । तस्या एवावतारास् ताः कृष्णस्येवापरा हि याः

sā sadā bhagavad-vakṣaḥ- sthale vasati tat-parā | tasyā evāvatārās tāḥ kṛṣṇasyevāparā hi yāḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Lakñmé always resides on Bhagavän’s chest, ever intent on rendering service to Him. Just as Çré Kåñëa and all His incarnations are nondifferent, Mahä-Lakñmé and all her incarnations are also nondifferent.

2.4.170

Source

या महा-सिद्धिवत् तासु सर्व-सम्पद्-अधीश्वरी । मुमुक्षु-मुक्त-भक्तानाम् उपेक्ष्या सैव भूतिदा

yā mahā-siddhivat tāsu sarva-sampad-adhīśvarī | mumukṣu-mukta-bhaktānām upekṣyā saiva bhūtidā

English translation

Translation

Among all those Lakñmés, there is one who is the controlling deity of all types of wealth and opulence. She possesses aëimä and the other mystic perfections, and she can grant all prosperity. This particular goddess is shunned by the seekers of liberation, those who have achieved liberation, and the devotees.

2.4.171

Source

यस्या एव विलोलायाः प्रायः सर्वत्र कथ्यते । नवानाम् अपि भक्तानाꣳ भगवत्-प्रियताधिका

yasyā eva vilolāyāḥ prāyaḥ sarvatra kathyate | navānām api bhaktānāṁ bhagavat-priyatādhikā

English translation

Translation

It is said everywhere that new devotees are dearer to Çré Bhagavän than this Caïcalä-Lakñmé.

2.4.172

Source

एवꣳ धरण्य् अपि ज्ञेया पराश् च भगवत्-प्रियाः । तथैव भगवच्-छक्तिर् अपि सा ज्ञायताꣳ त्वया

evaṁ dharaṇy api jñeyā parāś ca bhagavat-priyāḥ | tathaiva bhagavac-chaktir api sā jñāyatāṁ tvayā

English translation

Translation

Just as Mahä-Lakñmé is Bhagavän’s beloved, so is Dharaëé-devé. One should understand that this is so for all the çaktis of the Lord.

2.4.173

Source

महा-विभूति-शब्देन योग-शब्देन च क्वचित् । योगमायादि-शब्देन य क्वचिच् च निगद्यते

mahā-vibhūti-śabdena yoga-śabdena ca kvacit | yogamāyādi-śabdena ya kvacic ca nigadyate

English translation

Translation

The Lord’s çakti is known variously in different places by such names as mahä-vibhüti, yoga, and Yogamäyä.

2.4.174

Source

य सान्द्र-सच्-चिद्-आनन्द- विलासाभ्युदयात्मिका । नित्या सत्याप्य् अनाद्य्-अन्ता यानिर्वच्या स्वरूपतः

ya sāndra-sac-cid-ānanda- vilāsābhyudayātmikā | nityā satyāpy anādy-antā yānirvacyā svarūpataḥ

English translation

Translation

This çakti of Çré Bhagavän, which is the concentrated essence of eternality (sat), cognizance (cit), and pleasure (änanda), manifests the glorious opulence of the Lord’s pastimes. She has no beginning and no end, and she is beyond description, being eternal, absolutely real, and unlimited.

2.4.175

Source

भगवद्-भजनानन्द- वैचित्री-जननी हि सा । नाना-विधो भगवतो विशेषो व्यज्यते यया

bhagavad-bhajanānanda- vaicitrī-jananī hi sā | nānā-vidho bhagavato viśeṣo vyajyate yayā

English translation

Translation

This çakti manifests all of the Lord’s incarnations and Their distinct characteristics, and because of this, she is known as the mother of the varieties of pleasure of bhajana. In other words, she expands the bliss of loving service to the Lord in ever-fresh forms.

2.4.176

Source

तथैव लक्ष्म्या भक्तानाꣳ भक्तेर् लोकस्य कर्मणाम् । स स विशेष-वैचित्री सदा सम्पद्यते यतः

tathaiva lakṣmyā bhaktānāṁ bhakter lokasya karmaṇām | sa sa viśeṣa-vaicitrī sadā sampadyate yataḥ

English translation

Translation

Through the agency of that çakti, Lakñmé, the distinct varieties of Bhagavän’s devotees, His devotional service, His abodes, and all His pastimes are forever manifest.

2.4.177

Source

सा च तस्याश् च सा चेष्टा ज्ञेय तच्-छुद्ध-सेवकैः । अतर्क्या शुष्क-दुस्तर्क- ज्ञान-साभिन्न-मानसैः

sā ca tasyāś ca sā ceṣṭā jñeya tac-chuddha-sevakaiḥ | atarkyā śuṣka-dustarka- jñāna-sābhinna-mānasaiḥ

English translation

Translation

Only Bhagavän’s pure devotees can understand this çakti and her strength and activities. Those whose minds are contaminated by dry knowledge can never understand her.

2.4.178

Source

सा परापरयोः शक्त्योः परा शक्तिर् निगद्यते । प्रभोः स्वभाविकी सा हि ख्याता प्रकृतिर् इत्य् अपि

sā parāparayoḥ śaktyoḥ parā śaktir nigadyate | prabhoḥ svabhāvikī sā hi khyātā prakṛtir ity api

English translation

Translation

Of the two potencies of Çré Bhagavän, known as parä (superior) and aparä (inferior), she is classified as the superior potency. She is sväbhäviké (innate), having arisen from the Lord’s inherent nature, and in some places she is known as prakåti (nature).

2.4.179

Source

अꣳशाः बहु-विधास् तस्या लक्ष्यन्ते कार्य-भेदतः । तस्या एव प्रतिच्छाया- रूपा माया गुणात्मिका

aṁśāḥ bahu-vidhās tasyā lakṣyante kārya-bhedataḥ | tasyā eva praticchāyā- rūpā māyā guṇātmikā

English translation

Translation

Based on the variety of activities she performs, the elements or divisions of this parä-çakti appear in many different forms. Illusory Mäyä, which comprises the three modes of material nature, is her shadow.

2.4.180

Source

मिथ्या-प्रापञ्च-जननी मिथ्या-भ्रान्ति-तमोमयी । अतो’निरूप्यानित्याद्या जीव-सꣳसार-कारिणी

mithyā-prāpañca-jananī mithyā-bhrānti-tamomayī | ato’nirūpyānityādyā jīva-saṁsāra-kāriṇī

English translation

Translation

This inert ( jaòa) Mäyä is the mother of the illusory material world. As she is the embodiment of ignorance and delusion, her nature is beyond description. Although she has imprisoned the living beings in the repeated cycle of birth and death from time without beginning, Mäyä is destroyed when the living being receives knowledge of his constitutional position, and therefore, she is understood to be non-eternal. She is known as beginningless because she is the shadow of the internal spiritual energy, cit-çakti-mäyä.

2.4.181

Source

अष्टमावरणास्याधि- ष्ठात्री मूर्तिमती हि या । कार्याकार-विकारस्या- प्राप्त्या प्रकृतिर् उच्यते

aṣṭamāvaraṇāsyādhi- ṣṭhātrī mūrtimatī hi yā | kāryākāra-vikārasyā- prāptyā prakṛtir ucyate

English translation

Translation

This Mäyä takes a personal form and resides as the presiding Deity of the eighth covering of the universe. Because her nature is not affected by transformations of material creation, she is also known as prakåti, or primordial nature.

2.4.182

Source

यस्यास् त्व् अति-क्रमेणैव मुक्तिर् भक्तिश् च सिध्यति । उत्पादितꣳ यया विश्वम् ऐन्द्र-जालिक-वन् मृषा

yasyās tv ati-krameṇaiva muktir bhaktiś ca sidhyati | utpāditaṁ yayā viśvam aindra-jālika-van mṛṣā

English translation

Translation

When one crosses over this Mäyä, one attains liberation and devotional service. Just like the magic created by a magician, this unreal material universe is the creation of Mäyä.

2.4.183

Source

शक्त्या सम्पादितꣳ यत् तु स्थिरꣳ सत्यꣳ च दृश्यते । कर्दम-प्रभृतीनाꣳ तत्- तपो-योगादि-जꣳ यथा

śaktyā sampāditaṁ yat tu sthiraṁ satyaṁ ca dṛśyate | kardama-prabhṛtīnāṁ tat- tapo-yogādi-jaṁ yathā

English translation

Translation

Similarly, all objects created by Bhagavän’s cit-çakti, or spiritual potency, are known to be real and permanent, like the objects created by the austerities and mystic yoga practices of Kardama and other sages.

2.4.184

Source

निःशेष-सत्-कर्म-फलैक-दातुर् योगीश्वरैर् अर्च्य-पदाम्बुजस्य । कृष्णस्य शक्त्या जनितꣳ तया यन् नित्यꣳ च सत्यꣳ च परꣳ हि तद्वत्

niḥśeṣa-sat-karma-phalaika-dātur yogīśvarair arcya-padāmbujasya | kṛṣṇasya śaktyā janitaṁ tayā yan nityaṁ ca satyaṁ ca paraṁ hi tadvat

English translation

Translation

Even the best of the yogés worship the lotus feet of Çré Kåñëa, who alone bestows the fruits of penances and other pious activities. Whatever is produced by Çré Kåñëa’s parä-çakti is permanent and real, just as He is.

2.4.185

Source

एवꣳ भगवता तेन श्री-कृष्णेनावतारिणा । न भिद्यन्ते’वतारास् ते नित्याः सत्याश् च तादृशाः

evaṁ bhagavatā tena śrī-kṛṣṇenāvatāriṇā | na bhidyante’vatārās te nityāḥ satyāś ca tādṛśāḥ

English translation

Translation

Bhagavän Çré Kåñëa is avatäré, the source of all avatäras, so all incarnations are nondifferent from Him. As the source is eternal and real, so are the incarnations.

2.4.186

Source

एक स कृष्णो निखिलावतार- समष्टि-रूपो विविधैर् महत्त्वैः । तैस् तैर् निजैः सर्व-विलक्षणैर् हि जयत्य् अनन्तैर् भग-शब्द-वाच्यैः

eka sa kṛṣṇo nikhilāvatāra- samaṣṭi-rūpo vividhair mahattvaiḥ | tais tair nijaiḥ sarva-vilakṣaṇair hi jayaty anantair bhaga-śabda-vācyaiḥ

English translation

Translation

All the incarnations are nondifferent from Çré Kåñëa, and They are all present within Çré Kåñëa’s transcendental form. However, He is always triumphant, surpassing all of Them with His unending, manifold glories, which are indicated by the word bhaga.

2.4.187

Source

नारायणाद् अप्य् अवतार-भावे सꣳव्याज्यमानैर् मधुरैर् मनोज्ञैः । तत्-प्रेम-भक्त्य्-अर्द्र-हृद्-एक-वेद्यैर् माहात्म्य-वर्गैर् विविधैर् विशिष्टः

nārāyaṇād apy avatāra-bhāve saṁvyājyamānair madhurair manojñaiḥ | tat-prema-bhakty-ardra-hṛd-eka-vedyair māhātmya-vargair vividhair viśiṣṭaḥ

English translation

Translation

With special, ever-increasing glories that are sweeter and more enchanting than those of the Lord of Vaikuëöha Çré Näräyaëa, Çré Kåñëa attracts everyone’s heart and is superior to all His incarnations. But only those whose hearts have been melted with prema-bhakti can experience these glories.

2.4.188

Source

तेषाम् अप्य् अवताराणाꣳ सेवकैः परमꣳ महत् । लभ्यते सुखम् आत्मात्म- प्रिय-सेवा-रसानुगम्

teṣām apy avatārāṇāṁ sevakaiḥ paramaṁ mahat | labhyate sukham ātmātma- priya-sevā-rasānugam

English translation

Translation

The servitors of Çré Kåñëa’s incarnations, serving their beloved Lord according to their own moods, obtain the greatest happiness.

2.4.189

Source

उपासनानुसारेण दत्ते हि भगवान् फलम् । न तत्रापरितोषः स्यात् कस्यचित् साध्य-लाभतः

upāsanānusāreṇa datte hi bhagavān phalam | na tatrāparitoṣaḥ syāt kasyacit sādhya-lābhataḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Bhagavän bestows the appropriate result to everyone according to their particular mode of worship. Upon attaining that reward of perfection, no one feels dissatisfied.

2.4.190

Source

विचित्र-लीला-विभवस्य तस्य समुद्र-कोटि-गहनाशयास्य । विचित्र-तत्-तद्-रुचि-दान-लीला- विभूतिम् उत्तार्कयितुꣳ प्रभुः कः

vicitra-līlā-vibhavasya tasya samudra-koṭi-gahanāśayāsya | vicitra-tat-tad-ruci-dāna-līlā- vibhūtim uttārkayituṁ prabhuḥ kaḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Kåñëa’s pastimes expand with ever-new variety. His heart is as deep as millions of oceans. By logic no one can understand the purpose for which He has placed different tastes in the hearts of His devotees and expanded the opulence of His pastimes accordingly.

2.4.191

Source

सिध्येत् तथाप्य् अत्र कृपा-महिष्ठता यत् तारतम्ये’पि निज-स्वभावतः । स्पर्धाद्य्-अवृत्तैर् निखिलैर् यथा-रुचि प्राप्येत सेव-सुखम् अन्त्य-सीम-गम्

sidhyet tathāpy atra kṛpā-mahiṣṭhatā yat tāratamye’pi nija-svabhāvataḥ | spardhādy-avṛttair nikhilair yathā-ruci prāpyeta seva-sukham antya-sīma-gam

English translation

Translation

This bestowal of results according to His devotees’ particular inclinations indeed confirms the immense glories of Çré Kåñëa’s mercy. Although there is gradation in the results they receive, the devotees obtain the utmost happiness of service. Each engages in devotion according to his propensity, free from feelings such as rivalry and envy, and they inspire each other out of mutual affection.

2.4.192

Source

न सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-घनात्मनाꣳ हि स्वल्पे’पि सौख्ये बहु-सौख्य-बुद्धिः । सꣳसारिकाणाम् इव नापि तुच्छ- सुखानुभूतिर् यतिनाम् इव स्यात्

na sac-cid-ānanda-ghanātmanāṁ hi svalpe’pi saukhye bahu-saukhya-buddhiḥ | saṁsārikāṇām iva nāpi tuccha- sukhānubhūtir yatinām iva syāt

English translation

Translation

Worldly sense enjoyers regard their insignificant material happiness to be complete, and hosts of sannyäsés find full satisfaction in the paltry happiness of liberation through knowledge of the self, but pure devotees, who are endowed with the nature of sac-cid-änanda, do not regard such trifling happiness as anything great.

2.4.193

Source

तारतम्यꣳ तु कल्प्येत स्व-स्व-सेवानुसारतः । तत्-तद्-रस-सजातीय- सुख-वैचित्र्यापेक्षया

tāratamyaṁ tu kalpyeta sva-sva-sevānusārataḥ | tat-tad-rasa-sajātīya- sukha-vaicitryāpekṣayā

English translation

Translation

One infers gradation among devotees based on their respective services to the Lord and according to the different types of happiness they attain based on their loving relationship with the Lord.

2.4.194

Source

वैकुण्ठ-वासिनो ह्य् एते केचिद् वै नित्य-पार्षदाः । परे कृष्णस्य कृपया साधयित्वेमम् आगताः

vaikuṇṭha-vāsino hy ete kecid vai nitya-pārṣadāḥ | pare kṛṣṇasya kṛpayā sādhayitvemam āgatāḥ

English translation

Translation

O Gopa-kumära, some of the Vaikuëöha residents are Bhagavän’s eternal associates, and some have arrived here by the mercy of Çré Kåñëa through the practice of sädhana.

2.4.195

Source

भजनानन्द-साम्ये’पि भेदः कश्चित् प्रकल्प्यते । बाह्यान्तरीण-भावेन दूर-पार्श्व-स्थतादिना

bhajanānanda-sāmye’pi bhedaḥ kaścit prakalpyate | bāhyāntarīṇa-bhāvena dūra-pārśva-sthatādinā

English translation

Translation

All the residents of Vaikuëöha experience equal happiness in their service. However, one can presume some degree of difference in their bliss, considering that some associates perform external service (bähya-sevä) from a distance, while others remain close and render intimate service (antaraìga-sevä). In this way, the difference of proximity and distance is conceived.

2.4.196

Source

यद्यप्य् एषाꣳ हि नित्यत्वात् साम्यꣳ भगवतो भवेत् । सेव्य-सेवकताप्य् आस्ते नित्या सत्या स्वभावतः

yadyapy eṣāṁ hi nityatvāt sāmyaṁ bhagavato bhavet | sevya-sevakatāpy āste nityā satyā svabhāvataḥ

English translation

Translation

Although there is equality between Çré Bhagavän and all His eternal servitors due to their eternal natures, His servitors’ feeling that He is the master and they are the servants is both real and eternal. Thus, there is difference between them.

2.4.197-198

Source

सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-सान्द्रत्वाच् चैषꣳ भगवता सह । साम्ये’पि भजनानन्द- माधुर्य-कार्य-विद्यया कयाचिद् अनयातर्क्य- नाना-मधुरिमार्णवे । तस्मिन् श्री-कृष्ण-पादाब्जे घटते दासता सदा

sac-cid-ānanda-sāndratvāc caiṣaṁ bhagavatā saha | sāmye’pi bhajanānanda- mādhurya-kārya-vidyayā kayācid anayātarkya- nānā-madhurimārṇave | tasmin śrī-kṛṣṇa-pādābje ghaṭate dāsatā sadā

English translation

Translation

Bhagavän and His eternal associates are similar in that they both possess forms of sac-cid-änanda. Yet, although it is beyond logic, the sweetness of the bliss of serving Bhagavän casts a spell on His associates, keeping them always immersed in their natural mood as servitors of Çré Kåñëa’s lotus feet, which are an ocean of unfathomable, variegated sweetness.

2.4.199

Source

तैः सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-घनैर् अशेषैः श्री-कृष्ण-देवस्य यथावतारैः । ख्यातो’वतारित्वम् ऋते’पि साम्ये तैस् तैर् महत्त्वैर् मधुरैर् विशेषः

taiḥ sac-cid-ānanda-ghanair aśeṣaiḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-devasya yathāvatāraiḥ | khyāto’vatāritvam ṛte’pi sāmye tais tair mahattvair madhurair viśeṣaḥ

English translation

Translation

Although avatäré Çré Kåñëa is nondifferent from all His incarnations, who are all sac-cid-änanda, due to Çré Kåñëa’s variegated, indescribable, and eminent greatness, He possesses natural distinction. In the same way, even though Bhagavän and all His eternal associates are also nondifferent, as both are sac- cid-änanda, the Lord’s sweet, glorious, and wonderful pastimes automatically establish His superiority over them.

2.4.200

Source

वदन्ति केचिद् भगवान् हि कृष्णः सुसच्-चिद्-आनन्द-घनैक-मूर्तिः । स यत् परꣳ ब्रह्म परे तु सर्वे तत्-पार्षदा ब्रह्ममया विमुक्ताः

vadanti kecid bhagavān hi kṛṣṇaḥ susac-cid-ānanda-ghanaika-mūrtiḥ | sa yat paraṁ brahma pare tu sarve tat-pārṣadā brahmamayā vimuktāḥ

English translation

Translation

Some say that Çré Kåñëa alone is Parabrahman because He is the exclusive embodiment of perfect eternity, knowledge, and bliss, and all of His eternal associates are completely liberated souls who are also embodiments of Brahman.

2.4.201

Source

भक्त्य्-आनन्द-विशेषाय लीला-विग्रह-धारिणः । तया भगवतः शक्त्या चिद्-विलास-स्व-रूपया

bhakty-ānanda-viśeṣāya līlā-vigraha-dhāriṇaḥ | tayā bhagavataḥ śaktyā cid-vilāsa-sva-rūpayā

English translation

Translation

Just to experience the special bliss of pure loving service to the Lord, devotees assume forms at will in accordance with the necessity of particular pastimes. This is arranged by Bhagavän’s internal pastime potency.

2.4.202

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— पृष्टꣳ मयेदꣳ भगवन् धरा-तले तिष्ठन्ति याः श्री-प्रतिमा महा-प्रभोः । ताः सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-घनास् तया मता नीलाद्रि-नाथः पुरुषोत्तमो यथा

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— pṛṣṭaṁ mayedaṁ bhagavan dharā-tale tiṣṭhanti yāḥ śrī-pratimā mahā-prabhoḥ | tāḥ sac-cid-ānanda-ghanās tayā matā nīlādri-nāthaḥ puruṣottamo yathā

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: O brähmaëa, I again asked Çré Näradajé, “O my lord, in your opinion, are all the Deities of Bhagavän on earth also comprised of eternity, knowledge, and bliss, as is Çré Puruñottama, the Lord of Néläcala?

2.4.203

Source

एको’पि भगवान् सान्द्र- सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-विग्रहः । कृपया तत्र तत्रास्ते तत्-तद्-रूपेण लीलया

eko’pi bhagavān sāndra- sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ | kṛpayā tatra tatrāste tat-tad-rūpeṇa līlayā

English translation

Translation

“For the sake of performing His pastimes and to grant mercy to all the devotees, that one Bhagavän, whose form is sac-cid-änanda, takes many different forms and appears in different places.

2.4.204

Source

तत्-सर्व-नैरपेक्ष्येन को दोषः स्यात् तद्-अर्चने । कथञ्चित् क्रियमाणे’पि महा-लाभो’पि बुध्यते

tat-sarva-nairapekṣyena ko doṣaḥ syāt tad-arcane | kathañcit kriyamāṇe’pi mahā-lābho’pi budhyate

English translation

Translation

“Therefore, what is wrong if one gives up all other practices and worships those Deities? After pondering the issue, one can understand that nothing but great benefit is accrued by worshiping the Deity in any manner.

2.4.205

Source

ततः कथꣳ पुराणेभ्यः श्रूयन्ते तत्-तद्-उक्तयः । अप्रमाणꣳ च ता न स्युर् महन्-मुख-विनिःसृतः

tataḥ kathaṁ purāṇebhyaḥ śrūyante tat-tad-uktayaḥ | apramāṇaṁ ca tā na syur mahan-mukha-viniḥsṛtaḥ

English translation

Translation

“O Bhagavän Çré Närada, why is it that sometimes we find unfavorable statements about Deity worship in the Puräëas? As all these words have emanated from the mouths of great souls, they do not seem unauthoritative.”

2.4.206

Source

तच् छ्रूत्वोक्तꣳ प्रभोः पूजा- मार्गादि-गुरुणामुना । उत्थाय परमानन्दान् माम् आश्लिष्येदम् उत्तरम्

tac chrūtvoktaṁ prabhoḥ pūjā- mārgādi-guruṇāmunā | utthāya paramānandān mām āśliṣyedam uttaram

English translation

Translation

Hearing this, Çré Närada Muni, the original guru of the path of püjä of Çré Bhagavän, stood up, joyfully embraced me, and began to reply.

2.4.207

Source

श्री-नारद उवाच— प्रतिमा या मयोद्दिष्टाः साक्षाद् भगवता समाः । तासाम् अर्चन-माहात्म्यꣳ तावद् आस्ताꣳ सुदूरतः

śrī-nārada uvāca— pratimā yā mayoddiṣṭāḥ sākṣād bhagavatā samāḥ | tāsām arcana-māhātmyaṁ tāvad āstāṁ sudūrataḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada said: Those Deities I described before are all directly Bhagavän Himself, and there is no question about the glories of worshiping Them.

2.4.208-209

Source

आद्याम् अधुनिकीꣳ वार्चाꣳ स्व-धर्माद्य्-अनपेक्षया । साक्षाच् छ्री-भगवद्-बुद्ध्या भजताꣳ कृतृमाम् अपि न पतित्यादि-दोषः स्याद् गुण एव महान् मतः । सेवोत्तमा मता भक्तिः फलꣳ या परमꣳ महत्

ādyām adhunikīṁ vārcāṁ sva-dharmādy-anapekṣayā | sākṣāc chrī-bhagavad-buddhyā bhajatāṁ kṛtṛmām api na patityādi-doṣaḥ syād guṇa eva mahān mataḥ | sevottamā matā bhaktiḥ phalaṁ yā paramaṁ mahat

English translation

Translation

If one gives up his prescribed social and religious responsibilities to engage exclusively in worshiping the Deity – whether the Deity be ancient or new, or even fashioned by oneself – he is not accountable for the fault of abandoning varëäçrama-dharma if he has the understanding that the Deity is directly Bhagavän. Rather, he accumulates tremendous merit. This is the opinion of great personalities. Deity worship is indeed considered uttamä-bhakti (the highest level of devotion) and it bestows the supreme result.

2.4.210

Source

सिद्धिः स्याद् भगवद्-दृष्ट्या तृण-सम्माननाद् अपि । सकृद्-उच्चरनान् नामा- भासस्य श्रवणात् तथा

siddhiḥ syād bhagavad-dṛṣṭyā tṛṇa-sammānanād api | sakṛd-uccaranān nāmā- bhāsasya śravaṇāt tathā

English translation

Translation

What to speak of the glories of worshiping the Deity of Çré Bhagavän, if one even respects a blade of grass with the awareness of Bhagavän’s presence, or one once simply utters or hears the semblance of the holy name (nämäbhäsa), his innermost desires will be fulfilled and perfection will be attained.

2.4.211

Source

कुतस् तत्-स्मारके तास्या- धिष्ठाने मन्त्र-सꣳस्कृते । सर्व-भक्ति-पदे पूज्य- माने दोषादि-तर्कनम्

kutas tat-smārake tāsyā- dhiṣṭhāne mantra-saṁskṛte | sarva-bhakti-pade pūjya- māne doṣādi-tarkanam

English translation

Translation

How can there be any possibility of finding fault in worshiping the Deity, who directly reminds one of the Lord, in whom the Lord dwells, and who is consecrated by Vedic mantras? Especially, such Deities of the Lord are the shelter of all types of devotional service.

2.4.212

Source

कदापि कृष्ण-प्रतिमार्चनवताꣳ न सम्भवेत् कृष्ण-परेष्व् अनादरः । घटेत चेत् कर्ह्य् अपि तद्-विषक्तितो गृणन्ति नागस् तद् अमी स्तवन्त्य् अथ

kadāpi kṛṣṇa-pratimārcanavatāṁ na sambhavet kṛṣṇa-pareṣv anādaraḥ | ghaṭeta cet karhy api tad-viṣaktito gṛṇanti nāgas tad amī stavanty atha

English translation

Translation

It is quite impossible for those engaged in offering püjä to the Deity of Çré Kåñëa to ever disrespect any devotee. Even if they accidentally neglect the Vaiñëavas due to being absorbed in their Deity worship, the Vaiñëavas will never take offence, but rather will praise them.

2.4.213

Source

ये तु तत्-प्रतिमाꣳ नूत्नाम् अधिष्ठानाꣳ हरेर् इति । भेद-दृष्ट्याथ शैलादि- बुद्ध्या सम्पूजयन्ति हि

ye tu tat-pratimāṁ nūtnām adhiṣṭhānāṁ harer iti | bheda-dṛṣṭyātha śailādi- buddhyā sampūjayanti hi

English translation

Translation

However, some people believe that because certain images of Çré Hari are newly made, they are different from the Lord. They worship them considering them to be stone, wood, or some other material element.

2.4.214

Source

न मानयन्ति तद्-भक्तान् सर्व-भूतावमानिनः । पूजा-गर्वेण वेदाज्ञाꣳ अतिक्रमन्ति च प्रभोः

na mānayanti tad-bhaktān sarva-bhūtāvamāninaḥ | pūjā-garveṇa vedājñāṁ atikramanti ca prabhoḥ

English translation

Translation

Such persons not only disrespect devotees, but they disrespect all jévas in general. Proud of their worship, they do not recognize the authority of the Lord’s Vedic injunctions.

2.4.215

Source

त एव सर्व-भक्तेभ्यो न्यूनास् ते मन्द-बुद्धयः । पूजा-फलꣳ न विन्दन्ति त एव हि यथोदितम्

ta eva sarva-bhaktebhyo nyūnās te manda-buddhayaḥ | pūjā-phalaṁ na vindanti ta eva hi yathoditam

English translation

Translation

Such unintelligent persons are the lowest among all the devotees of the Lord. They do not attain even the real fruits of worship promised in the scriptures.

2.4.216

Source

यद्यप्य् अशेष-सत्-कर्म- फलतो’धिकम् उत्तमम् । तेषाम् अपि फलत्य् एव तत्-पूजा-फलम् आत्मना

yadyapy aśeṣa-sat-karma- phalato’dhikam uttamam | teṣām api phalaty eva tat-pūjā-phalam ātmanā

English translation

Translation

Although the result of worshiping the Deity of Bhagavän in this way is superior to and more excellent than the fruit of unlimited ordinary pious acts, …

2.4.217

Source

तथापि भगवद्-भक्ति- योग्यꣳ न जायते फलम् । इति साधु-वरैस् तत् तत् तत्र तत्र विनिन्द्यते

tathāpi bhagavad-bhakti- yogyaṁ na jāyate phalam | iti sādhu-varais tat tat tatra tatra vinindyate

English translation

Translation

Nevertheless, this result is not favorable for bhakti. Therefore, unalloyed devotees condemn this worship.

2.4.218

Source

तानि तानि पुराणादि- वचनान्य् अखिलान्य् अपि । तत्-तद्-विषयकान्य् एव मन्यस्व न तु सर्वतः

tāni tāni purāṇādi- vacanāny akhilāny api | tat-tad-viṣayakāny eva manyasva na tu sarvataḥ

English translation

Translation

The Puräëas have indeed reproached such Deity worshipers; however, it does not mean that all types of Deity worshipers are condemned.

2.4.219

Source

ते’पि नूनꣳ न ताꣳ पूजाꣳ त्यजेयुर् यदि सर्वथा । तदा तन्-निष्ठया चित्ते शोधिते गुण-दर्शिनाम्

te’pi nūnaṁ na tāṁ pūjāṁ tyajeyur yadi sarvathā | tadā tan-niṣṭhayā citte śodhite guṇa-darśinām

English translation

Translation

Even if such a neophyte does not give up Deity worship and instead continues to perform it, then by his commitment to his püjä, his heart will gradually become purified.

2.4.220

Source

कृपया कृष्ण-भक्तानाꣳ प्रक्षिणाशेष-दुषणाः । कालेन कियता ते’पि भवन्ति परमोत्तमाः

kṛpayā kṛṣṇa-bhaktānāṁ prakṣiṇāśeṣa-duṣaṇāḥ | kālena kiyatā te’pi bhavanti paramottamāḥ

English translation

Translation

By the mercy of Çré Kåñëa’s devotees, who acknowledge only the good qualities of others, all the defects of those Deity worshipers will shortly be eradicated, and they will be counted as high-class devotees in due time.

2.4.221

Source

यथा सकाम-भक्ता हि भुक्त्वा तत्-कामितꣳ फलम् । काले भक्ति-प्रभावेन योग्यꣳ विन्दन्ति तत्-फलम्

yathā sakāma-bhaktā hi bhuktvā tat-kāmitaṁ phalam | kāle bhakti-prabhāvena yogyaṁ vindanti tat-phalam

English translation

Translation

In the beginning, sakäma devotees, those who worship for personal desires, do not receive the result befitting bhakti. Rather, they receive only the insignificant sense gratification that they desired. However, in due course of time, by the influence of bhakti they eventually attain the real fruit of devotion.

2.4.222

Source

यथा च तत्र तत्-कालꣳ भक्तेर् योग्यꣳ न सत्-फलम् । सञ्जातम् इति तच्-छुद्ध- भक्तिमद्भिर् विनिन्द्यते

yathā ca tatra tat-kālaṁ bhakter yogyaṁ na sat-phalam | sañjātam iti tac-chuddha- bhaktimadbhir vinindyate

English translation

Translation

In the stage of possessing material desires (sakäma-avasthä), one does not obtain the principal result of devotional service immediately. Therefore, pure devotees condemn sakäma-bhakti (fruitive devotion).

2.4.223

Source

ते हि भक्तेः फलꣳ मूलꣳ भगवच्-चरणाब्जयोः । सदा सन्दर्शन-क्रीडा- नन्द-लाभादि मन्वते

te hi bhakteḥ phalaṁ mūlaṁ bhagavac-caraṇābjayoḥ | sadā sandarśana-krīḍā- nanda-lābhādi manvate

English translation

Translation

Pure devotees consider having constant darçana of Bhagavän’s lotus feet and attaining the happiness of engaging in pastimes with Him to be the primary result of devotional service.

2.4.224

Source

नापि तत्र सहन्ते ते विलम्बꣳ लव-मात्रकम् । भगवान् अपि तान् हातुꣳ मनाग् अपि न शक्नुयात्

nāpi tatra sahante te vilambaṁ lava-mātrakam | bhagavān api tān hātuṁ manāg api na śaknuyāt

English translation

Translation

Those pure devotees are unable to tolerate even a moment’s delay in receiving darçana of Bhagavän, and Çré Bhagavän also cannot give them up for even a second.

2.4.225

Source

अतो’न्यान्य् अति-तुच्छानि सर्व-काम-फलानि हि । मुक्तिश् च सुलभान्य् अस्मात् तद्-भक्तिर् न तु तादृशी

ato’nyāny ati-tucchāni sarva-kāma-phalāni hi | muktiś ca sulabhāny asmāt tad-bhaktir na tu tādṛśī

English translation

Translation

Therefore, Çré Bhagavän easily gives all other types of insignificant fruitive results and liberation as well, but He does not readily give His pure devotional service.

2.4.226

Source

तत्-प्रसादेन भक्तानाम् अधीनो भगवान् भवेत् । इति स्वातन्त्र्य-हान्य् एव न ताꣳ दद्यान् महेश्वरः

tat-prasādena bhaktānām adhīno bhagavān bhavet | iti svātantrya-hāny eva na tāṁ dadyān maheśvaraḥ

English translation

Translation

By the mercy of bhakti, Çré Bhagavän, the Supreme Lord, becomes subordinate to His devotees. Coming under their control, He loses His independence. Therefore, He does not easily grant His pure loving service.

2.4.227

Source

मन्ये महा-प्रेष्ठ-जनानुवश्यता न दुःख-दोषौ विदधीत कौचन । किन्तु प्रमोदꣳ निज-भक्त-वत्सल- त्वादीन् महा-कीर्ति-गुणाꣳस् तनोति सा

manye mahā-preṣṭha-janānuvaśyatā na duḥkha-doṣau vidadhīta kaucana | kintu pramodaṁ nija-bhakta-vatsala- tvādīn mahā-kīrti-guṇāṁs tanoti sā

English translation

Translation

However, we think that Çré Bhagavän does not experience distress or inconvenience when subjugated by His dearmost devotees. Rather, He finds great bliss when under their control. In this way, Bhagavän broadcasts His glorious quality of being affectionate to His devotees.

2.4.228

Source

विशेषतो नागर-शेखरस्य स्व-रामतादि-स्व-गुणापवादैः । अपेक्षणीया परम-प्रिया सा काष्ठा परा श्री-भगवत्त्व-सीम्नः

viśeṣato nāgara-śekharasya sva-rāmatādi-sva-guṇāpavādaiḥ | apekṣaṇīyā parama-priyā sā kāṣṭhā parā śrī-bhagavattva-sīmnaḥ

English translation

Translation

It is especially noteworthy that the crest jewel of clever heroes, Çré Kåñëa, can forego His ätmärämatä (self-satisfaction) and all His other qualities, but He cannot give up His quality of coming under the control of His beloved devotees; He accepts their control graciously. This alone is the ultimate limit of His Godhood (bhagavattä).

2.4.229

Source

स-प्रेम-भक्तेः परिपाकतः स्यात् काचिन् महा-भाव-विशेष-सम्पत् । स वै नरीणर्ति महा-प्रहर्ष- सम्राज्य-मूर्धोपरि तत्त्व-दृष्ट्या

sa-prema-bhakteḥ paripākataḥ syāt kācin mahā-bhāva-viśeṣa-sampat | sa vai narīṇarti mahā-praharṣa- samrājya-mūrdhopari tattva-dṛṣṭyā

English translation

Translation

In the fully matured stage of prema-bhakti, the indescribable, special treasure of bliss, mahä-bhäva, arises and from the perspective of tattva, is seen to dance ecstatically on the very head of the empire of all happiness.

2.4.230

Source

स्वभावतो’थापि महार्ति-शोक- सन्ताप-चिह्नानि बहिस् तनोति । बाह्यापि स प्रेष्ठतमस्य सोढुꣳ दशा न शक्येत कदापि तेन

svabhāvato’thāpi mahārti-śoka- santāpa-cihnāni bahis tanoti | bāhyāpi sa preṣṭhatamasya soḍhuṁ daśā na śakyeta kadāpi tena

English translation

Translation

In the state of mahä-bhäva, external symptoms such as great distress, lamentation, and pain manifest naturally. Even though indescribable happiness also enters the hearts of His beloved devotees, Çré Kåñëa cannot tolerate seeing this pained external condition. Therefore, He does not easily grant His prema-bhakti.

2.4.231

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लोका बहिर्-दृष्टि-परास् तु भावꣳ तꣳ भ्रामकꣳ प्रेम-भरꣳ विलोक्य । भक्ताव् अकामा विहसन्ति भक्ताꣳस् तत्-प्रेम-भक्तिꣳ भगवान् न दत्ते

lokā bahir-dṛṣṭi-parās tu bhāvaṁ taṁ bhrāmakaṁ prema-bharaṁ vilokya | bhaktāv akāmā vihasanti bhaktāṁs tat-prema-bhaktiṁ bhagavān na datte

English translation

Translation

When worldly people see the premé-bhaktas’ signs of distress and lamentation that arise due to the matured stage of prema-bhakti, they become perplexed and have no desire to engage in bhakti. They even ridicule such devotees. Therefore, Çré Bhagavän does not grant His prema-bhakti.

2.4.232

Source

स-प्रेमका भक्तिर् अतीव-दुर्लभा स्वर्गादि-भोगः सुलभो’भवश् च सः । चिन्तामणिः सर्व-जनैर् न लभ्यते लभ्येत काचादि कदापि हातकम्

sa-premakā bhaktir atīva-durlabhā svargādi-bhogaḥ sulabho’bhavaś ca saḥ | cintāmaṇiḥ sarva-janair na labhyate labhyeta kācādi kadāpi hātakam

English translation

Translation

Anyone can obtain a piece of glass and sometimes a piece of gold, but not everyone can obtain a cintämaëi because it is most rare. Similarly, the pleasures of heaven and liberation are easily achieved, but prema-bhakti is extremely rare.

2.4.233

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कदाचिद् एव कस्मैचित् तद्-एकार्थ-स्पृहावते । तꣳ दद्याद् भगवान् भक्तिꣳ लोक-बाह्याय धीमते

kadācid eva kasmaicit tad-ekārtha-spṛhāvate | taṁ dadyād bhagavān bhaktiṁ loka-bāhyāya dhīmate

English translation

Translation

Only rarely does Çré Bhagavän give this prema-bhakti, and then, only to one who is highly elevated, who desires nothing other than loving devotional service to Him, and who is beyond the realm of social convention.

2.4.234

Source

शक्यꣳ न तद्-भाव-विशेष-तत्त्वꣳ निर्वक्तुम् अस्माभिर् अथो न योग्यम् । भक्ति-प्रवृत्त्य्-अर्थ-परैः प्रभोः सच्- छास्त्रैर् इवाज्ञेषु विरुद्धवत् स्यात्

śakyaṁ na tad-bhāva-viśeṣa-tattvaṁ nirvaktum asmābhir atho na yogyam | bhakti-pravṛtty-artha-paraiḥ prabhoḥ sac- chāstrair ivājñeṣu viruddhavat syāt

English translation

Translation

Even we are not able to describe the real nature of the special transcendental state of ecstacy that manifests in the fully mature stage of prema-bhakti. Although we can describe some of that special ecstasy’s marginal symptoms, there would still be some discrepancy in our description. Therefore, just as the pure scriptures do not reveal the nature of that special ecstasy, devotees dedicated to practicing bhakti also do not reveal it because foolish people would take it in a contrary way.

2.4.235

Source

तद्-भावोत्कर्ष-माधुर्यꣳ विदुस् तद्-रस-सेविनः । तत्रत्यस् त्वम् अपि ज्ञास्यस्य् अचिरात् तत्-प्रसादतः

tad-bhāvotkarṣa-mādhuryaṁ vidus tad-rasa-sevinaḥ | tatratyas tvam api jñāsyasy acirāt tat-prasādataḥ

English translation

Translation

His mercy. Only those who taste the nectar of prema-bhakti can experience its sweetness and excellence. O Gopa-kumära, you are also an eternal associate of Çré Kåñëa. Therefore, by His mercy you will soon understand this confidential matter.

2.4.236

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— एवꣳ निजेष्ट-देव-श्री- गोपाल-चरणाब्जयोः । नितराꣳ दर्शनोत्कण्ठा तद्-वाचो मे व्यवर्धत

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— evaṁ nijeṣṭa-deva-śrī- gopāla-caraṇābjayoḥ | nitarāṁ darśanotkaṇṭhā tad-vāco me vyavardhata

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: Çré Närada’s words increased my eagerness to have darçana of the lotus feet of my worshipable Deity, Çré Madana- gopäla-deva.

2.4.237

Source

तादृग्-भाव-विशेषाशा- वत्याप्य् अजनि तत्-क्षणात् । ताभ्याꣳ शोकार्णवे क्षिप्तꣳ माम् आलक्ष्याह सान्त्वयन्

tādṛg-bhāva-viśeṣāśā- vatyāpy ajani tat-kṣaṇāt | tābhyāṁ śokārṇave kṣiptaṁ mām ālakṣyāha sāntvayan

English translation

Translation

That very moment, I was submerged in a stormy ocean of lamentation that had two vortexes – the desire for that special ecstasy of prema- bhakti and the darçana of Çré Madana-gopäla. Seeing this, the great sage Çré Närada consoled me with the following words.

2.4.238

Source

श्री-नारद उवाच— यद्यप्य् एतन् महा-गोप्यꣳ युज्यते नात्र जल्पितुम् । तथापि तव कातार्य- भरैर् मुखरितो ब्रुवे

śrī-nārada uvāca— yadyapy etan mahā-gopyaṁ yujyate nātra jalpitum | tathāpi tava kātārya- bharair mukharito bruve

English translation

Translation

Çré Närada said: Even though it is not proper to discuss all these highly confidential topics here in Vaikuëöha, seeing your aggrieved condition, I am compelled to tell you this secret.

2.4.239

Source

इतो’दूरे’योध्या विलसति पुरी श्री-रघुपतेस् ततो दूरे श्रीमन्-मधुर-मधु-पुर्यैव सादृशी । पुरी द्वारावत्य् उल्लसति दयिता श्री-यदुपतेस् तम् एवास्याꣳ गत्वा निज-दयित-देवꣳ भज दृशा

ito’dūre’yodhyā vilasati purī śrī-raghupates tato dūre śrīman-madhura-madhu-puryaiva sādṛśī | purī dvārāvaty ullasati dayitā śrī-yadupates tam evāsyāṁ gatvā nija-dayita-devaṁ bhaja dṛśā

English translation

Translation

A short distance from here is the city of Ayodhyä, where Çré Raghupati resides. Some distance from there is Dvärakä-puré, which, like Çré Mathurä-puré, is supremely beautiful and effulgent. This place is very dear to Çré Kåñëa, the Lord of the Yadus. Go there and have the direct darçana of your beloved Lord.

2.4.240

Source

प्राग् अयोध्याभिगमने सद्-उपायम् इमꣳ श्र्नु । श्री-रामचन्द्र-पादाब्ज- सेवैक-रसिकैर् मतम्

prāg ayodhyābhigamane sad-upāyam imaṁ śrnu | śrī-rāmacandra-pādābja- sevaika-rasikair matam

English translation

Translation

First, however, listen carefully to an excellent procedure for going to Ayodhyä. This is approved by the great devotees who relish the transcendental humors and are devoted to serving Çré Rämacandra’s lotus feet.

2.4.241

Source

साक्षाद् भगवतस् तस्य श्री-कृष्णस्यावतारिणः । उपासना-विशेषेण सर्वꣳ यद्यपि लभ्यते

sākṣād bhagavatas tasya śrī-kṛṣṇasyāvatāriṇaḥ | upāsanā-viśeṣeṇa sarvaṁ yadyapi labhyate

English translation

Translation

Çré Kåñëa is avatäré, the source of incarnations, and directly Bhagavän. Everything can be obtained by rendering special devotional service to Him.

2.4.242

Source

तथापि रघु-वीरस्य श्रीमत्-पाद-सरोजयोः । तयो रस-विशेषस्य लाभायोपदिशाम्य् अहम्

tathāpi raghu-vīrasya śrīmat-pāda-sarojayoḥ | tayo rasa-viśeṣasya lābhāyopadiśāmy aham

English translation

Translation

Nevertheless, I am giving this instruction separately, so that you may obtain the special rasa of the lotus feet of Çré Raghuvéra, the hero of the Raghu dynasty.

2.4.243

Source

सीता-पते श्री-रघुनाथ लक्ष्मण- ज्येष्ठ प्रभो श्री-हनूमत्-प्रियेश्वर । इत्य् आदिकꣳ कीर्तय वेद-शास्त्रतः ख्यातꣳ स्मरꣳस् तद्-गुण-रूप-वैभवम्

sītā-pate śrī-raghunātha lakṣmaṇa- jyeṣṭha prabho śrī-hanūmat-priyeśvara | ity ādikaṁ kīrtaya veda-śāstrataḥ khyātaṁ smaraṁs tad-guṇa-rūpa-vaibhavam

English translation

Translation

You should perform näma-kértana, singing loudly, “O Sétäpati! O Raghunätha! O elder brother of Lakñmaëa! O Lord! O beloved master of Hanumän!” In this way, you should remember Çré Raghunäthajé’s renowned form, qualities, pastimes, and so on, which are mentioned in the Vedic scriptures.

2.4.244

Source

येन प्रकारेण निजेष्ट-देवो लभ्येत तस्यानुसृतिः कृतित्वम् । यत्रास्य गन्धो’पि भवेत् क्रियेत प्रीतिः परा तत्र तद्-एक-निष्ठैः

yena prakāreṇa nijeṣṭa-devo labhyeta tasyānusṛtiḥ kṛtitvam | yatrāsya gandho’pi bhavet kriyeta prītiḥ parā tatra tad-eka-niṣṭhaiḥ

English translation

Translation

It is imperative that one performs whatever activity leads him to the service of his worshipable Deity. Devotees with single-pointed focus feel tremendous affection for anything that has even a slight trace of relationship with their beloved Lord.

2.4.245

Source

श्री-राम-पादाब्ज-युगे’वलोकिते शाम्येन् न चेत् स तव दर्शनोत्कता । तेनैव कारुण्य-भरार्द्र-चेतसा प्रहेष्यते द्वारवतीꣳ सुखꣳ भवान्

śrī-rāma-pādābja-yuge’valokite śāmyen na cet sa tava darśanotkatā | tenaiva kāruṇya-bharārdra-cetasā praheṣyate dvāravatīṁ sukhaṁ bhavān

English translation

Translation

Despite having the darçana of the lotus feet of Çré Rämacandra, if your eagerness to see your beloved worshipable Deity is not pacified, then that Çré Rämacandrajé, whose heart melts with great compassion, will happily send you to Dvärävaté (Dvärakä).

2.4.246

Source

सङ्कीर्तनꣳ तस्य यथोदितꣳ प्रभोः कुर्वन् गतस् तत्र निज-प्रियेश्वरम् । श्री-कृष्ण-चन्द्रꣳ यदुभिर् वृतꣳ चिरꣳ दिदृक्षितꣳ द्रक्ष्यसि तꣳ मनोहरम्

saṅkīrtanaṁ tasya yathoditaṁ prabhoḥ kurvan gatas tatra nija-priyeśvaram | śrī-kṛṣṇa-candraṁ yadubhir vṛtaṁ ciraṁ didṛkṣitaṁ drakṣyasi taṁ manoharam

English translation

Translation

Chanting the holy names of your Lord is the only way to reach Dvärakä. When you get there, you will finally receive what you have been anxiously awaiting for such a long, long time – darçana of your most attractive, beloved Çré Kåñëacandra, surrounded by the Yädavas.

2.4.247

Source

वैकुण्ठस्यैव देशस् ते कोषला-द्वारकादयः । तत् तत्र गमनायाज्ञा तद्-भर्तुर् न ह्य् अपेक्ष्यताम्

vaikuṇṭhasyaiva deśas te koṣalā-dvārakādayaḥ | tat tatra gamanāyājñā tad-bhartur na hy apekṣyatām

English translation

Translation

Ayodhyä, Dvärakä, and other such abodes are special provinces of Vaikuëöha itself. Therefore, there is no need of taking Çré Vaikuëöha- nätha’s consent to go there.

2.4.248

Source

तस्याज्ञयागतो’त्राहꣳ सर्व-हृद्-वृत्ति-दर्शिनः । मन्-मुखेनैव तस्याज्ञा सम्पन्न्नेत्य् अनुमन्यताम्

tasyājñayāgato’trāhaṁ sarva-hṛd-vṛtti-darśinaḥ | man-mukhenaiva tasyājñā sampannnety anumanyatām

English translation

Translation

I have come here only by the order of Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha, who knows the desire of everyone’s heart. Therefore, you should accept that everything I am saying is nothing but His direct order.

2.4.249

Source

एकꣳ महा-भक्तम् अनुग्रहीतुꣳ स्वयꣳ कुतश्चिद् भगवान् गतो’यम् । सोढुꣳ विलम्बꣳ न हि शक्ष्यसि त्वꣳ तन्-निर्गमे ते’वसरो वरो’यम्

ekaṁ mahā-bhaktam anugrahītuṁ svayaṁ kutaścid bhagavān gato’yam | soḍhuṁ vilambaṁ na hi śakṣyasi tvaṁ tan-nirgame te’vasaro varo’yam

English translation

Translation

Presently, Bhagavän Çré Vaikuëöha-nätha has gone somewhere to bestow mercy upon one of His great devotees. Because you will not be able to tolerate the delay until He returns, this is just the right moment for you to depart.

2.4.250

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— श्रुत्वा तꣳ नितराꣳ हृष्टो मुहुः श्री-नारदꣳ नमन् । तस्याशिर्वादम् आदाय शिक्षाꣳ चानुस्मरन्न् अयम्

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— śrutvā taṁ nitarāṁ hṛṣṭo muhuḥ śrī-nāradaṁ naman | tasyāśirvādam ādāya śikṣāṁ cānusmarann ayam

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära said: O brähmaëa, I became overjoyed to hear these words from Çré Näradajé. I offered him repeated obeisances and, upon taking his blessings and thinking of his instructions, I proceeded from there.

2.4.251

Source

दूराद् एव गतो’द्रक्षꣳ वानराꣳस् तान् इतस् ततः । प्लावमानान् महा-लोलान् राम रामेति वादिनः

dūrād eva gato’drakṣaṁ vānarāṁs tān itas tataḥ | plāvamānān mahā-lolān rāma rāmeti vādinaḥ

English translation

Translation

From a distance, I saw many very restless monkeys jumping about and repeatedly chanting the names of Çré Räma.

2.4.252

Source

तैः सहाग्रे गतो वꣳशीम् आकर्षद्भिः करान् मम । नरान् अपश्यꣳ वैकुण्ठ- पार्षदेभ्यो’पि सुन्दरान्

taiḥ sahāgre gato vaṁśīm ākarṣadbhiḥ karān mama | narān apaśyaṁ vaikuṇṭha- pārṣadebhyo’pi sundarān

English translation

Translation

As soon as I came close, those monkeys snatched the flute from my hands. As I entered the city with them, I saw human beings who were even more beautiful than the eternal associates of Vaikuëöha.

2.4.253

Source

तैर् एवार्य-वराचारैर् मन्-नत्य्-आद्य्-असहिष्णुभिः । पुरीꣳ प्रवेशितो बाह्यꣳ प्राक् प्रकोष्ठम् अगम् अहम्

tair evārya-varācārair man-naty-ādy-asahiṣṇubhiḥ | purīṁ praveśito bāhyaṁ prāk prakoṣṭham agam aham

English translation

Translation

Those servants of Çré Rämacandrajé, who were exemplary in their conduct, were the best of virtuous persons. When I offered obeisances and prayers to them, they became very embarrassed and prevented me from doing so. Then, with them, I entered in the first part of the city.

2.4.254

Source

सुग्रीवाङ्गद-जम्बवत्-प्रभृतिभिस् तत्रोपविष्टꣳ सुखꣳ श्रीमन्तꣳ मधुरैर् ।नरैश् च भरतꣳ शत्रुघ्न-युक्तꣳ पुरः । दृष्ट्वाहꣳ रघुनाथम् एव नितराꣳ मत्वा स्तुवꣳस् तत्-स्तवैः कर्णौ तेन पिधाय दास्य-परया वाचा निषिद्धो मुहुः

sugrīvāṅgada-jambavat-prabhṛtibhis tatropaviṣṭaṁ sukhaṁ śrīmantaṁ madhurair |naraiś ca bharataṁ śatrughna-yuktaṁ puraḥ | dṛṣṭvāhaṁ raghunātham eva nitarāṁ matvā stuvaṁs tat-stavaiḥ karṇau tena pidhāya dāsya-parayā vācā niṣiddho muhuḥ

English translation

Translation

There I saw Çré Bharata and Çré Çatrughna happily seated, sur- rounded by personal associates such as Sugréva, Aìgada, Jämbavän, and the most beautiful human beings. I thought that Bharata was Çré Raghunäthajé, and thus I began to offer prayers of glorification suitable for Çré Raghunäthajé. Çré Bharata blocked His ears and said, “I am His servant, I am His servant,” and thus he repeatedly stopped me from reciting the prayers.

2.4.255

Source

भीतस् तद्-अग्रे’ञ्जलिमान् अवस्थितो निःसृत्य वेगेन हनूमता बलात् । प्रवेशितो’न्तः-पुरम् अद्भुताद्भुतꣳ व्यलोकयꣳ तꣳ नृ-वराकृतिꣳ प्रभुम्

bhītas tad-agre’ñjalimān avasthito niḥsṛtya vegena hanūmatā balāt | praveśito’ntaḥ-puram adbhutādbhutaṁ vyalokayaṁ taṁ nṛ-varākṛtiṁ prabhum

English translation

Translation

Frightened, I stood in front of Bharata with folded hands. At that time, Çré Hanumänjé appeared with great speed and, catching me by the hand, forcibly took me inside the palace. There, I had darçana of Bhagavän Çré Raghunäthajé, whose splendid human form was extraordinarily beautiful.

2.4.256

Source

प्रासाद-मुख्ये’खिल-माधुरी-मये सम्राज्य-सिꣳहासनम् आस्थितꣳ सुखम् । हृष्टꣳ महा-पूरुष-लक्षणान्वितꣳ नारायणेनोपमितꣳ कथञ्चन

prāsāda-mukhye’khila-mādhurī-maye samrājya-siṁhāsanam āsthitaṁ sukham | hṛṣṭaṁ mahā-pūruṣa-lakṣaṇānvitaṁ nārāyaṇenopamitaṁ kathañcana

English translation

Translation

In the middle of an exquisitely beautiful palace, He was joyfully seated on an enchanting throne, befitting an emperor of emperors. He was adorned with all the qualities of a great personality and was in a happy mood. Thus, He seemed somewhat like Çré Näräyaëa.

2.4.257

Source

ततो’पि कैश्चिन् मधुरैर् विशेषैर् मनोरमꣳ चाप-विलासि-पाणिम् । स-प्राश्रय-ह्री-रमितावलोकꣳ राजेन्द्र-लीलाꣳ श्रित-धर्म-वार्तम्

tato’pi kaiścin madhurair viśeṣair manoramaṁ cāpa-vilāsi-pāṇim | sa-prāśraya-hrī-ramitāvalokaṁ rājendra-līlāṁ śrita-dharma-vārtam

English translation

Translation

However, distinguished by some special sweetness, He was even more captivating than Çré Näräyaëa. An enchanting bow graced His hand, and His glances were charmingly modest and shy. His pastimes are those of one who is the king of all kings, and thus He was busy in overseeing the well-being of His subjects. With His lotus mouth, He was conversing with his citizens on principles of religion and proper conduct.

2.4.258

Source

तद्-दऋष्णानन्द-भरेण मोहितो दण्ड-प्रणामार्थम् इवापतꣳ पुरः । ततश् च तेनार्थ-वरेण वाञ्चितो व्युत्थापितस् तत्-कृपया व्यलोकयम्

tad-daṛṣṇānanda-bhareṇa mohito daṇḍa-praṇāmārtham ivāpataṁ puraḥ | tataś ca tenārtha-vareṇa vāñcito vyutthāpitas tat-kṛpayā vyalokayam

English translation

Translation

Overcome with the bliss of seeing Him, I swooned and fell before Him as if offering prostrated obeisances. While unconscious, I lost that feeling of bliss. Nevertheless, by His mercy, my consciousness returned and I again had His darçana.

2.4.259

Source

माꣳ तत्र हित्वा निज-सेवयाहृतः प्लुत्यैकया श्री-हनूमान् गतो’न्तिकम् । सीतानुरूपा रमते प्रिया प्रभोः सव्ये’स्य पार्श्वे’नुज-लक्ष्मणो’न्यतः

māṁ tatra hitvā nija-sevayāhṛtaḥ plutyaikayā śrī-hanūmān gato’ntikam | sītānurūpā ramate priyā prabhoḥ savye’sya pārśve’nuja-lakṣmaṇo’nyataḥ

English translation

Translation

Çré Hanumänjé, being attached to his service, left me in that condition and returned to the Lord in just one leap. I saw that Lord Räma’s beloved Çré Sétä-devé, His perfect counterpart, was seated on His left side, and His younger brother Lakñmaëa sat with some other eternal associates on His right.

2.4.260

Source

कदापि शुभ्रैर् वर-चामरैः प्रभुꣳ गायन् गुणान् वीजयति स्थितो’ग्रतः । कदाप्य् उपश्लोकयति स्व-निर्मितैश् चित्रैः स्तवैः श्री-हनूमान् कृताञ्जलिः

kadāpi śubhrair vara-cāmaraiḥ prabhuṁ gāyan guṇān vījayati sthito’grataḥ | kadāpy upaślokayati sva-nirmitaiś citraiḥ stavaiḥ śrī-hanūmān kṛtāñjaliḥ

English translation

Translation

Sometimes, Çré Hanumänjé would fan the Lord with a white cämara while singing His glories. Sometimes, he would stand in front of the Lord and with folded hands praise the Lord with verses he had composed himself.

2.4.261

Source

श्वेतातपत्रꣳ च बिभर्त्य् असौ क्षणꣳ सꣳवाहयेत् तस्य पदाम्बुजे क्षणम् । सेवा-प्रकारान् युगपद् बहून् क्षणꣳ तस्मिन्न् अवैयग्र्यम् अहो तनोति च

śvetātapatraṁ ca bibharty asau kṣaṇaṁ saṁvāhayet tasya padāmbuje kṣaṇam | sevā-prakārān yugapad bahūn kṣaṇaṁ tasminn avaiyagryam aho tanoti ca

English translation

Translation

One moment he would hold a white umbrella over the Lord, the next moment he would massage the Lord’s lotus feet, and sometimes, fixing his attention, he would perform many services simultaneously.

2.4.262

Source

परम-हर्ष-भरात् क्रमितो ह्य् अहꣳ जय जयेति वदन् प्रणमन् मुहुः । मृदुल-वाग्-अमृतैः परमाद्भुतैर् भगवतार्द्र-हृदा परितर्पितः

parama-harṣa-bharāt kramito hy ahaṁ jaya jayeti vadan praṇaman muhuḥ | mṛdula-vāg-amṛtaiḥ paramādbhutair bhagavatārdra-hṛdā paritarpitaḥ

English translation

Translation

With great happiness, I called out, “Jaya! Jaya!” and offered repeated obeisances to Bhagavän Çré Rämacandra. Then Çré Bhagavän, whose heart is melted with compassion, pleased me with the most wonderful, tender words.

2.4.263

Source

श्री-भगवान् उवाच— भो गोप-नन्दन सुहृत्तम साधु साधु स्नेहꣳ विधाय भवता विजयꣳ कृतो’त्र । विश्रम्यताम् अलम् अलꣳ बहुभिः प्रायसैर् एतैर् न दुःखय चिरꣳ निज-बान्धवꣳ माम्

śrī-bhagavān uvāca— bho gopa-nandana suhṛttama sādhu sādhu snehaṁ vidhāya bhavatā vijayaṁ kṛto’tra | viśramyatām alam alaṁ bahubhiḥ prāyasair etair na duḥkhaya ciraṁ nija-bāndhavaṁ mām

English translation

Translation

Çré Bhagavän said: O Gopa-kumära! O best of friends! Sädhu, sädhu! (Excellent, excellent!) It is a matter of great auspiciousness that out of love for Me you have come here. Now take rest and do not trouble yourself with things like offering obeisances – I am your very old friend.

2.4.264

Source

उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रꣳ ते गौरवात् सम्भ्रमꣳ त्यज । त्वदीय-प्रेम-रूपेण यन्त्रितो’स्मि सदा सखे

uttiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhadraṁ te gauravāt sambhramaṁ tyaja | tvadīya-prema-rūpeṇa yantrito’smi sadā sakhe

English translation

Translation

O friend, get up, get up! May you be showered with auspiciousness. Abandon this mood of awe and respect for Me. I am eternally controlled by your pure love.

2.4.265

Source

श्री-गोप-कुमार उवाच— अथ तस्याज्ञयागत्योत्थापितो’हꣳ हनूमता । श्रीमत्-पादाब्ज-पीठस्य नीतश् च निकटꣳ हठात्

śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca— atha tasyājñayāgatyotthāpito’haṁ hanūmatā | śrīmat-pādābja-pīṭhasya nītaś ca nikaṭaṁ haṭhāt

English translation

Translation

Çré Gopa-kumära continued: Then, on the Lord’s order, Çré Hanumänjé approached me. He lifted me up and brought me by force to the footstool on which Çré Bhagavän was resting His lotus feet.

2.4.266

Source

तदाकर्षꣳ मनस्य् एतद् दीर्घाशा फलिताधुना । वञ्छातीतꣳ च सम्पन्नꣳ फलꣳ तत् कुत्र यान्य् अतः

tadākarṣaṁ manasy etad dīrghāśā phalitādhunā | vañchātītaṁ ca sampannaṁ phalaṁ tat kutra yāny ataḥ

English translation

Translation

Then, in my mind I considered, “Today, my long-standing desire has finally borne fruit.” I felt that I had received something far beyond my wildest dreams, something I had not found anywhere until that day.

2.4.267

Source

गोप-बालक-वेशेन स्वकीयेनैव पूर्ववत् । कियन्तꣳ न्यवसꣳ कालꣳ तत्रानन्द-भरार्दितः

gopa-bālaka-veśena svakīyenaiva pūrvavat | kiyantaṁ nyavasaṁ kālaṁ tatrānanda-bharārditaḥ

English translation

Translation

Still dressed as a cowherd boy, I resided there for some time, absorbed in full bliss.

2.4.268

Source

अथ श्री-रघु-सिꣳहस्य महाराजधिराजताम् । लीलाꣳ तद्-अनुरूपाꣳ च वीक्षे धर्मानुसारिणीम्

atha śrī-raghu-siṁhasya mahārājadhirājatām | līlāṁ tad-anurūpāṁ ca vīkṣe dharmānusāriṇīm

English translation

Translation

In Ayodhyä, I saw Çré Raghunäthajé performing regal pastimes befitting a grand emperor, a king of exalted kings. I also saw His strict adherence to religious conduct.

2.4.269

Source

न चेष्टा-देव-पादानाꣳ तत्-तत्-क्रीडानुसारिणीम् । विहार-माधुरीꣳ काञ्चिन् नापि ताꣳ ताꣳ कृपाꣳ लभे

na ceṣṭā-deva-pādānāṁ tat-tat-krīḍānusāriṇīm | vihāra-mādhurīṁ kāñcin nāpi tāṁ tāṁ kṛpāṁ labhe

English translation

Translation

In Ayodhyä, I never experienced the varieties of sweet pastimes of the lotus feet of my worshipable Lord, nor did I ever receive His mercy in the form of His embraces, kisses, and so on.

2.4.270-271

Source

ततः शोकम् इवामुत्राप्य् आप्नुवन् श्री-हनूमतः । श्री-रामचन्द्र-पादाब्ज- महिम्नाꣳ श्रवणेन हि साक्षाद्-अनुभवेनापि मनो-दुःखꣳ निवारये । तस्मिन् निजेष्ट-देवस्य सर्वम् आरोपयामि च

tataḥ śokam ivāmutrāpy āpnuvan śrī-hanūmataḥ | śrī-rāmacandra-pādābja- mahimnāṁ śravaṇena hi sākṣād-anubhavenāpi mano-duḥkhaṁ nivāraye | tasmin nijeṣṭa-devasya sarvam āropayāmi ca

English translation

Translation

Thus, I felt like I was stricken by grief in Ayodhyä. Nevertheless, after hearing from Çré Hanumän about the glories of Çré Rämacandra’s lotus feet, and by directly experiencing those glories, I would ward off the agony in my heart. Like this, I began to superimpose the form and attributes of my worshipable Çré Madana-gopäla upon Çré Rämacandrajé.

2.4.272

Source

पूर्वाभ्यास-वशेनेयꣳ व्रजभूमिर् यदा बलात् । स तल्-लीलानुकम्पाशाप्य् अक्रमेद् धृदयꣳ मम

pūrvābhyāsa-vaśeneyaṁ vrajabhūmir yadā balāt | sa tal-līlānukampāśāpy akramed dhṛdayaṁ mama

English translation

Translation

However, when I remembered this Vraja-bhümi by the influence of past practice, I would be aggrieved at heart with the hope of experiencing the pastimes of my worshipable Çré Madana-gopäla.

2.4.273

Source

तदा मन्त्रि-वरेणाहꣳ आलक्ष्य श्री-हनूमता । विचित्र-युक्ति-चातुर्यै रक्ष्येयाश्वास्य तत्र हि

tadā mantri-vareṇāhaṁ ālakṣya śrī-hanūmatā | vicitra-yukti-cāturyai rakṣyeyāśvāsya tatra hi

English translation

Translation

At times like that, Çré Hanumänjé, the best of Çré Rämacandrajé’s ministers, could understand my heart. He would stop my torment by pacifying me with various tricks and clever arguments.

2.4.274

Source

अथ श्री-रामेण प्रखर-करुणा-कोमल-हृदा जगच्-चित्तज्ञेन प्रणय-मृदुनाश्वास्य वचसा । व्रज-द्वारावत्याꣳ सुखम् इति समादिश्य गमितः समꣳ तꣳ भल्लूकावली-परिवृढेनाहम् अचिरात्

atha śrī-rāmeṇa prakhara-karuṇā-komala-hṛdā jagac-cittajñena praṇaya-mṛdunāśvāsya vacasā | vraja-dvārāvatyāṁ sukham iti samādiśya gamitaḥ samaṁ taṁ bhallūkāvalī-parivṛḍhenāham acirāt

English translation

Translation

Çré Rämacandrajé, who knows the hearts of everyone in the entire world, and whose own heart is always soft with immense kindness, personally lovingly consoled me with sweet words, saying, “O Gopa- kumära, joyfully proceed to Dvärakä.” He ordered the king of bears, Çré Jämbavän, to quickly take me there. Thus ends the verse translation of the Fourth Chapter of the Second Canto of Çré Båhad-bhägavatämåta.