Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Second Meeting with the Lord

Translation

I offer my respectful obeisances to Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu, by whose mercy even a lame man can cross over a mountain and a dumb man recite Vedic literature.

Word meanings

paṅgum — one who is lame ; laṅghayate — causes to cross over ; śailam — a mountain ; mūkam — one who is dumb ; āvartayet — can cause to recite ; śrutim — Vedic literature ; yat - kṛpā — the mercy of whom ; tam — unto Him ; aham — I ; vande — offer obeisances ; kṛṣṇa - caitanyam — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is Kṛṣṇa Himself ; īśvaram — the Lord .

Translation

My path is very difficult. I am blind, and my feet are slipping again and again. Therefore, may the saints help me by granting me the stick of their mercy as my support.

Word meanings

durgame — very difficult ; pathi — on the path ; me — of me ; andhasya — one who is blind ; skhalat — slipping ; pāda — on feet ; gateḥ — whose manner of moving ; muhuḥ — again and again ; sva - kṛpā — of their own mercy ; yaṣṭi — the stick ; dānena — by giving ; santaḥ — those saintly persons ; santu — let that become ; avalambanam — my support .

Translation

I pray to the lotus feet of the six Gosvāmīs — Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Bhaṭṭa Raghunātha, Śrī Jīva, Gopāla Bhaṭṭa and Dāsa Raghunātha — so that all impediments to my writing this literature will be annihilated and my real desire will be fulfilled.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa — Śrī Rūpa ; sanātana — Sanātana ; bhaṭṭa - raghunātha — Bhaṭṭa Raghunātha ; śrī - jīva — Śrī Jīva ; gopāla - bhaṭṭa — Gopāla Bhaṭṭa ; dāsa - raghunātha — Dāsa Raghunātha ; ei chaya — these six ; gurura — of spiritual masters ; karoṅ — I offer ; caraṇa vandana — prayers to the lotus feet ; yāhā haite — from which ; vighna - nāśa — destruction of all impediments ; abhīṣṭa - pūraṇa — fulfillment of desires .

Purport

If one wants to benefit the entire world, he will certainly find persons like hogs and pigs who will put forward many impediments. That is natural. But if a devotee seeks shelter at the lotus feet of the six Gosvāmīs, the merciful Gosvāmīs will certainly give the Lord’s servitor all protection. It is not astonishing that impediments are placed before those who are spreading the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement all over the world. Nevertheless, if we adhere to the lotus feet of the six Gosvāmīs and pray for their mercy, all impediments will be annihilated, and the transcendental devotional desire to serve the Supreme Lord will be fulfilled.

Translation

Glory to the all-merciful Rādhā and Madana-mohana! I am lame and ill advised, yet They are my directors, and Their lotus feet are everything to me.

Word meanings

aajayatām — all glory to ; su - ratau — most merciful, or attached in conjugal love ; paṅgoḥ — of one who is lame ; mama — of me ; manda - mateḥ — foolish ; gatī — refuge ; mat — my ; sarva - sva — everything ; pada - ambhojau — whose lotus feet ; rādhā - madana - mohanau — Rādhārāṇī and Madana-mohana .

Translation

In a temple of jewels in Vṛndāvana, underneath a desire tree, Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda, served by Their most confidential associates, sit upon an effulgent throne. I offer my humble obeisances unto Them.

Word meanings

dīvyat — shining ; vṛndā - araṇya — in the forest of Vṛndāvana ; kalpa - druma — desire tree ; adhaḥ — beneath ; śrīmat — most beautiful ; ratna - āgāra — in a temple of jewels ; siṁha - āsana - sthau — sitting on a throne ; śrīmat — very beautiful ; rādhā — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; śrīla - govinda - devau — and Śrī Govindadeva ; preṣṭha - ālībhiḥ — by most confidential associates ; sevyamānau — being served ; smarāmi — I remember .

Translation

Śrī Śrīla Gopīnātha, who originated the transcendental mellow of the rāsa dance, stands on the shore at Vaṁśīvaṭa and attracts the attention of the cowherd damsels with the sound of His celebrated flute. May they all confer upon us their benediction.

Word meanings

śrīmān — most beautiful ; rāsa — of the rāsa dance ; rasa — of the mellow ; ārambhī — the initiator ; vaṁśī - vaṭa — of Vaṁśīvaṭa ; taṭa — on the shore ; sthitaḥ — standing ; karṣan — attracting ; veṇu — of the flute ; svanaiḥ — by the sounds ; gopīḥ — the cowherd girls ; gopī - nāthaḥ — Śrī Gopīnātha ; śriye — benediction ; astu — let there be ; naḥ — our .

Translation

All glories to Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu! All glories to Lord Nityānanda! All glories to Advaita Ācārya! And all glories to all the devotees of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu!

Word meanings

jaya jaya śrī - caitanya — all glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jaya nityānanda — all glories to Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu ; jaya advaita - candra — all glories to Advaita Prabhu ; jaya gaura - bhakta - vṛnda — all glories to the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

I have briefly described the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu known as the madhya-līlā. Now I shall attempt to describe something about His last pastimes, which are known as the antya-līlā.

Word meanings

madhya - līlā — pastimes known as madhya-līlā ; saṅkṣepete — in brief ; kariluṅ varṇana — I have described ; antya - līlā — the last pastimes ; varṇana — description ; kichu — something ; śuna — hear ; bhakta - gaṇa — O devotees .

Translation

I have briefly described the antya-līlā within the description of the madhya-līlā.

Word meanings

madhya - līlā - madhye — within the madhya-līlā chapters ; antya - līlā - sūtra - gaṇa — a synopsis of the antya-līlā ; pūrva - granthe — in the previous chapter ; saṅkṣepete — in brief ; kariyāchi varṇana — I have described .

Translation

I am now almost an invalid because of old age, and I know that at any moment I may die. Therefore I have already described some portions of the antya-līlā.

Word meanings

āmi jarā - grasta — I am invalid because of old age ; nikaṭe — very near ; jāniyā — knowing ; maraṇa — death ; antya — final ; kono kono — some ; līlā — pastimes ; kariyāchi varṇana — I have described .

Purport

Following in the footsteps of Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī, I am trying to translate Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as quickly as possible. However, knowing myself to be an old man and almost an invalid because of rheumatism, I have already translated the essence of all literatures, the Tenth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, as a summary study in English. I started the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement at the age of seventy. Now I am seventy-eight, and so my death is imminent. I am trying to finish the translation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as soon as possible, but before finishing it, I have given my readers the book Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so that if I die before finishing the whole task, they may enjoy this book, which is the essence of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Translation

In accordance with the synopsis previously written, I shall describe in detail whatever I have not mentioned.

Word meanings

pūrva - likhita — previously mentioned ; grantha - sūtra — the synopsis of the pastimes ; anusāre — according to ; yei — whatever ; nāhi likhi — I have not mentioned ; tāhā — that ; likhiye — I shall write ; vistāre — elaborately .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu returned to Jagannātha Purī from Vṛndāvana, Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosāñi immediately sent news of the Lord’s arrival to the devotees in Bengal.

Word meanings

vṛndāvana haite — from Vṛndāvana ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nīlācale āilā — returned to Jagannātha Purī, Nīlācala ; svarūpa - gosāñi — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; vārtā pāṭhāilā — sent news .

Translation

Upon hearing this news, mother Śacī and all the other devotees of Navadvīpa were very joyful, and they all departed together for Nīlācala [Jagannātha Purī].

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; śacī — mother Śacī ; ānandita — very pleased ; saba bhakta - gaṇa — as well as all the other devotees of Navadvīpa ; sabe mili’ — meeting together ; nīlācale — to Jagannātha Purī, Nīlācala ; karilā gamana — departed .

Translation

Thus all the devotees of Kulīna-grāma and Śrī Khaṇḍa, as well as Advaita Ācārya, came together to meet Śivānanda Sena.

Word meanings

kulīna - grāmī — residents of the village known as Kulīna-grāma ; bhakta — devotees ; āra — and ; yata — all ; khaṇḍa - vāsī — the residents of Śrī Khaṇḍa ; ācārya — Advaita Ācārya ; śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; sane — with ; mililā — met ; sabe āsi’ — all coming together .

Translation

Śivānanda Sena arranged for the journey. He maintained everyone and provided residential quarters.

Word meanings

śivānanda — Śivānanda ; kare — does ; sabāra — of everyone ; ghāṭi — the camp ; samādhāna — arrangement ; sabāre — of everyone ; pālana — maintenance ; kare — performs ; deya — gives ; vāsā - sthāna — residential quarters .

Translation

While going to Jagannātha Purī, Śivānanda Sena allowed a dog to go with him. He supplied it food to eat and maintained it.

Word meanings

eka — one ; kukkura — dog ; cale — goes ; śivānanda - sane — with Śivānanda Sena ; bhakṣya — food ; diyā — giving ; lañā — taking ; cale — goes ; kariyā pālane — maintaining the dog .

Translation

One day, when they needed to cross a river, an Orissan boatman would not allow the dog to get in the boat.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; eka - sthāne — in one place ; nadī — a river ; pāra — crossing ; haite — to do ; uḍiyā nāvika — a boatman who was an Oriyā (Orissan) ; kukkura — the dog ; nā caḍāya — does not allow to mount ; naukāte — on the boat .

Translation

Śivānanda Sena, unhappy that the dog had to stay behind, paid the boatman ten paṇa of conchshells to take the dog across the river.

Word meanings

kukkura rahilā — the dog remained ; śivānanda duḥkhī hailā — Śivānanda became very unhappy ; daśa paṇa — ten paṇa ; kaḍi — small conchshells ; diyā — paying ; kukkure — the dog ; pāra kailā — crossed to the other side of the river .

Purport

One paṇa is eighty kaḍis, or small conchshells. Formerly, even fifty or sixty years ago, there was no paper currency in India. Coins were generally made not of base metal but of gold, silver and copper. In other words, the medium of exchange was really something valuable. Four pieces of kaḍi made one gaṇḍā, and twenty such gaṇḍās equaled one paṇa. This kaḍi was also used as a medium of exchange; therefore Śivānanda Sena paid for the dog with daśa paṇa, or eighty times ten pieces of kaḍi. In those days one paisa was also subdivided into small conchshells, but at the present moment the prices for commodities have gone so high that there is nothing one can get in exchange for only one paisa. With one paisa in those days, however, one could purchase sufficient vegetables to provide for a whole family. Even thirty years ago, vegetables were occasionally so inexpensive that one paisa’s worth could provide for a whole family for a day.

Translation

One day while Śivānanda was detained by a tollman, his servant forgot to give the dog its cooked rice.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; śivānande — Śivānanda Sena ; ghāṭiyāle — tollman ; rākhilā — detained ; kukkurake — unto the dog ; bhāta dite — to supply rice ; sevaka — the servant ; pāsarilā — forgot .

Translation

At night, when Śivānanda Sena returned and was taking his meal, he inquired from the servant whether the dog had gotten its meals.

Word meanings

rātre āsi’ — returning at night ; śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; bhojanera kāle — at the time of eating ; kukkura — the dog ; pāñāche — has gotten ; bhāta — rice ; sevake — from the servant ; puchile — he inquired .

Translation

When he learned that the dog had not been supplied food in his absence, he was very unhappy. He then immediately sent ten men to find the dog.

Word meanings

kukkura — the dog ; nāhi — did not ; pāya — get ; bhāta — rice ; śuni’ — hearing ; duḥkhī hailā — Śivānanda Sena became very unhappy ; kukkura cāhite — to look for the dog ; daśa - manuṣya — ten men ; pāṭhāilā — sent .

Translation

When the men returned without success, Śivānanda Sena became very unhappy and fasted for the night.

Word meanings

cāhiyā — looking ; nā — not ; pāila — found ; kukkura — the dog ; loka saba āilā — all the men returned ; duḥkhī hañā — being unhappy ; śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; upavāsa — fast ; kailā — observed .

Translation

In the morning they looked for the dog, but it could not be found anywhere. All the Vaiṣṇavas were astonished.

Word meanings

prabhāte — in the morning ; kukkura — the dog ; cāhi’ — looking for ; kāṅhā — anywhere ; nā pāila — not found ; sakala vaiṣṇavera — of all the Vaiṣṇavas present ; mane — in the minds ; camatkāra haila — there was great astonishment .

Purport

Śivānanda Sena’s attachment to the dog was a great boon for that animal. The dog appears to have been a street dog. Since it naturally began to follow Śivānanda Sena while he was going to Jagannātha Purī with his party, he accepted it into his party and maintained it the same way he was maintaining the other devotees. It appears that although on one occasion the dog was not allowed aboard a boat, Śivānanda did not leave the dog behind but paid more money just to induce the boatman to take the dog across the river. Then when the servant forgot to feed the dog and the dog disappeared, Śivānanda, being very anxious, sent ten men to find it. When they could not find it, Śivānanda observed a fast. Thus it appears that somehow or other Śivānanda had become attached to the dog.

As will be evident from the following verses, the dog got the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and was immediately promoted to Vaikuṇṭha to become an eternal devotee. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has therefore sung, tumi ta’ ṭhākura, tomāra kukkura, baliyā jānaha more ( Śaraṇāgati 19). He thus offers to become the dog of a Vaiṣṇava. There are many other instances in which the pet animal of a Vaiṣṇava was delivered back home to Vaikuṇṭhaloka, back to Godhead. Such is the benefit of somehow or other becoming the favorite of a Vaiṣṇava. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has also sung, kīṭa-janma ha-u yathā tuyā dāsa ( Śaraṇāgati 11). There is no harm in taking birth again and again. Our only desire should be to take birth under the care of a Vaiṣṇava. Fortunately we had the opportunity to be born of a Vaiṣṇava father who took care of us very nicely. He prayed to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī that in the future we would become a servant of the eternal consort of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Thus somehow or other we are now engaged in that service. We may conclude that even as dogs we must take shelter of a Vaiṣṇava. The benefit will be the same as that which accrues to an advanced devotee under a Vaiṣṇava’s care.

Translation

Thus in great anxiety they all walked to Jagannātha Purī, where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu met them as usual.

Word meanings

utkaṇṭhāya — in great anxiety ; cali’ — walking ; sabe — all the devotees ; āilā — came to Jagannātha Purī, Nīlācala ; nīlācale — as usual ; pūrvavat — as usual ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; mililā sakale — met all of them .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went with them to see the Lord in the temple, and on that day He also took lunch in the company of all those devotees.

Word meanings

sabā lañā — taking all of them ; kailā — did ; jagannātha daraśana — visiting the Jagannātha temple ; sabā lañā — with all of them ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karena bhojana — took prasādam. .

Translation

As previously, the Lord provided them all with residential quarters. And the next morning all the devotees came to see the Lord.

Word meanings

pūrvavat — as it was previously ; sabāre — everyone ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; pāṭhāilā — sent ; vāsā - sthāne — to their respective residential quarters ; prabhu - ṭhāñi — to the place of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prātaḥ - kāle — in the morning ; āilā — they came ; āra dine — on the next day .

Translation

When all the devotees came to the place of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, they saw the same dog sitting a little apart from the Lord.

Word meanings

āsiyā — coming ; dekhila — they saw ; sabe — everyone ; sei ta kukkure — that very same dog ; prabhu - pāśe — near Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vasiyāche — sat ; kichu alpa - dūre — a little bit away from the Lord .

Translation

Furthermore, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was throwing remnants of green coconut pulp to the dog. Smiling in His own way, He was saying to the dog, “Chant the holy names ‘Rāma,’ ‘Kṛṣṇa’ and ‘Hari.’ ”

Word meanings

prasāda — food ; nārikela - śasya — pulp of green coconut ; dena — gives ; phelāñā — throwing ; rāma — Lord Rāmacandra ; kṛṣṇa — Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; hari — the holy name of Hari ; kaha’ — say ; balena — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; hāsiyā — smiling .

Translation

Seeing the dog eating the green coconut pulp and chanting “Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa” again and again, all the devotees present were very surprised.

Word meanings

śasya khāya — eats the pulp of green coconut ; kukkura — the dog ; kṛṣṇa — the holy name of Kṛṣṇa ; kahe — chants ; bāra bāra — again and again ; dekhiyā — seeing this ; lokera — of all the people ; mane — in the minds ; haila — there was ; camatkāra — astonishment .

Translation

When he saw the dog sitting in that way and chanting the name of Kṛṣṇa, Śivānanda, because of his natural humility, immediately offered his obeisances to the dog just to counteract his offenses to it.

Word meanings

śivānanda — Śivānanda Sena ; kukkura — the dog ; dekhi’ — seeing there ; daṇḍavat kailā — offered obeisances ; dainya kari’ — exhibiting humbleness ; nija — personal ; aparādha — offenses ; kṣamāilā — asked to be forgiven .

Translation

The next day, no one saw that dog, for it had obtained its spiritual body and departed for Vaikuṇṭha, the spiritual kingdom.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; keha — all of them ; tāra — of the dog ; dekhā nā pāilā — did not get sight ; siddha - deha pāñā — obtaining a spiritual body ; kukkura — the dog ; vaikuṇṭhete gelā — went to the spiritual kingdom, Vaikuṇṭha .

Purport

This is the result of sādhu-saṅga — consequent association with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and promotion back home, back to Godhead. This result is possible even for a dog, by the mercy of the Vaiṣṇava. Therefore, everyone in the human form of life should be induced to associate with devotees. By rendering a little service, even by eating prasādam, what to speak of chanting and dancing, everyone can be promoted to Vaikuṇṭhaloka. It is therefore requested that all our devotees in the ISKCON community become pure Vaiṣṇavas, so that by their mercy all the people of the world will be transferred to Vaikuṇṭhaloka, even without their knowledge. Everyone should be given a chance to take prasādam and thus be induced to chant the holy names Hare Kṛṣṇa and also dance in ecstasy. By these three processes, although performed without knowledge or education, even an animal went back to Godhead.

Translation

Such are the transcendental pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the son of mother Śacī. He even delivered a dog simply by inducing it to chant the mahā-mantra, Hare Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

aiche — in that way ; divya - līlā — transcendental activities ; kare — performs ; śacīra nandana — the son of mother Śacī ; kukkurake — even a dog ; kṛṣṇa kahāñā — inducing to chant the holy name “Kṛṣṇa” ; karilā mocana — delivered .

Translation

Meanwhile, following the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī returned to Vṛndāvana. He desired to write dramas concerning the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

ethā — on the other side ; prabhu - ājñāya — upon the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; āilā — went ; vṛndāvana — to Vṛndāvana ; kṛṣṇa - līlā - nāṭaka — a drama on Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes ; karite — to compose ; haila — it was ; mana — the mind .

Translation

In Vṛndāvana, Rūpa Gosvāmī began to write a drama. In particular, he composed the introductory verses to invoke good fortune.

Word meanings

vṛndāvane — at Vṛndāvana ; nāṭakera — of the drama ; ārambha — the beginning ; karilā — wrote ; maṅgalācaraṇa — invoking auspiciousness ; nāndī - śloka — introductory verse ; tathāi — there ; likhilā — he wrote .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura quotes from the Nāṭaka-candrikā, wherein it is written:

prastāvanāyās tu mukhe nāndī kāryā śubhāvahā āśīr-namaskriyā-vastu- nirdeśānyatamānvitā

aṣṭābhir daśabhir yuktā kiṁ vā dvādaśabhiḥ padaiḥ candra-nāmāṅkitā prāyo maṅgalārtha-padojjvalā maṅgalaṁ cakra-kamala- cakora-kumudādikam

Similarly, in the sixth chapter of the Sāhitya-darpaṇa, text 282, it is said:

āśīr-vacana-saṁyuktā stutir yasmāt prayujyate deva-dvija-nṛ-pādīnāṁ tasmān nāndīti saṁjñitā

The introductory portion of a drama, which is written to invoke good fortune, is called nāndī-śloka.

Translation

On his way to Gauḍa-deśa, Rūpa Gosvāmī had been thinking of how to write the action of the drama. Thus he had made some notes and begun to write.

Word meanings

pathe cali’ — walking on the road ; āise — goes ; nāṭakera — of the drama ; ghaṭanā — events ; bhāvite — thinking of ; kaḍacā kariyā — making notes ; kichu — something ; lāgilā likhite — he began to write .

Translation

In this way the two brothers Rūpa and Anupama reached Bengal, but when they arrived there Anupama died.

Word meanings

ei - mate — in this way ; dui bhāi — Rūpa Gosvāmī and his younger brother, Anupama ; gauḍa - deśe āilā — reached Bengal, which is known as Gauḍa-deśa ; gauḍe āsi’ — coming to Gauḍa ; anupamera — of Anupama ; gaṅgā - prāpti hailā — there was attainment of the shelter of mother Ganges (passing away) .

Purport

Formerly when a person died it was commonly said that he had attained the shelter of mother Ganges, even if he did not die on the bank of the Ganges. It is customary among Hindus to carry a dying person to a nearby bank of the Ganges, for if one dies on the bank of the Ganges, his soul is considered to reach the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu, wherefrom the Ganges flows.

Translation

Rūpa Gosvāmī then departed to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, for he was very eager to see Him.

Word meanings

rūpa - gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; prabhu - pāśe — the place of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karilā gamana — departed for ; prabhure dekhite — to see Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅra — his ; utkaṇṭhita — full of anxiety ; mana — mind .

Translation

There was some delay because of the death of Anupama, and therefore when Rūpa Gosvāmī went to Bengal to see the devotees there, he could not get in touch with them because they had already left.

Word meanings

anupamera lāgi’ — on account of the passing away of Anupama ; tāṅra — of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kichu — some ; vilamba — delay ; ha - ila — there was ; bhakta - gaṇa - pāśa — to the devotees in Bengal ; āilā — came ; lāg nā pāila — he could not contact them .

Translation

In the province of Orissa there is a place known as Satyabhāmā-pura. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī rested for a night in that village on his way to Jagannātha Purī.

Word meanings

uḍiyā - deśe — in the state of Orissa ; satyabhāmā - pura — Satyabhāmā-pura ; nāme — named ; grāma — a village ; eka rātri — one night ; sei grāme — in that village ; karilā viśrāma — he rested .

Purport

There is a place known as Satyabhāmā-pura in the district of Kaṭaka (Cuttack), in Orissa. It is near the village known as Jānkādei-pura.

Translation

While resting in Satyabhāmā-pura, he dreamed that a celestially beautiful woman came before him and very mercifully gave him the following order.

Word meanings

rātre — at night ; svapne dekhe — he dreamed ; eka — one ; divya - rūpā nārī — celestially beautiful woman ; sammukhe āsiyā — coming before him ; ājñā dilā — ordered ; bahu kṛpā kari’ — showing him much mercy .

Translation

“Write a separate drama about me,” she said. “By my mercy it will be extraordinarily beautiful.”

Word meanings

āmāra nāṭaka — my drama ; pṛthak karaha racana — write separately ; āmāra kṛpāte — by my mercy ; nāṭaka — the drama ; haibe — will be ; vilakṣaṇa — extraordinarily beautiful .

Translation

After having that dream, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī considered, “It is the order of Satyabhāmā that I write a separate drama for her.

Word meanings

svapna dekhi’ — after dreaming ; rūpa - gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; karilā vicāra — considered ; satyabhāmāra ājñā — the order of Śrīmatī Satyabhāmā ; pṛthak nāṭaka karibāra — to write a separate drama .

Translation

“I have brought together in one work all the pastimes performed by Lord Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana and in Dvārakā. Now I shall have to divide them into two dramas.”

Word meanings

vraja - pura - līlā — Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes in Vraja and Dvārakā ; ekatra — in one place ; kariyāchi — I have collected ; ghaṭanā — all the events ; dui bhāga kari’ — dividing into two different parts ; ebe — now ; karimu racanā — I shall write .

Translation

Thus absorbed in thought, he quickly reached Jagannātha Purī. When he arrived, he approached the hut of Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

bhāvite bhāvite — thinking and thinking ; śīghra — very soon ; āilā nīlācale — reached Nīlācala (Jagannātha Purī) ; āsi’ — coming ; uttarilā — approached ; haridāsa - vāsā - sthale — the place where Haridāsa Ṭhākura was residing .

Translation

Out of affectionate love and mercy, Haridāsa Ṭhākura told Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, “Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has already informed me that you would come here.”

Word meanings

haridāsa - ṭhākura — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; tāṅre — unto him ; bahu - kṛpā kailā — showed much affection because of love and mercy ; tumi āsibe — you will come ; more — me ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ye — that ; kahilā — informed .

Translation

After seeing the upala-bhoga ceremony at the Jagannātha temple, Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would regularly come to see Haridāsa every day. Thus He suddenly arrived there.

Word meanings

upala - bhoga — the offering of food to Lord Jagannātha at noon ; dekhi’ — seeing ; haridāsere dekhite — to see Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; pratidina — daily ; āisena — comes ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āilā — He reached there ; ācambite — all of a sudden .

Translation

When the Lord arrived, Rūpa Gosvāmī immediately offered his obeisances. Haridāsa informed the Lord, “This is Rūpa Gosvāmī offering You obeisances,” and the Lord embraced him.

Word meanings

rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; daṇḍavat kare — offers You obeisances ; haridāsa kahilā — Haridāsa informed Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; haridāse mili’ — after meeting Haridāsa ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpe āliṅgilā — embraced Rūpa Gosvāmī .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then sat down with Haridāsa and Rūpa Gosvāmī. They inquired from one another about auspicious news and then continued to talk together for some time.

Word meanings

haridāsa - rūpe — both Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Rūpa Gosvāmī ; lañā — with ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vasilā — sat down ; eka - sthāne — in one place ; kuśala - praśna — questions about auspicious news ; iṣṭa - goṣṭhī — talking together ; kailā kata - kṣaṇe — continued for some time .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inquired about Sanātana Gosvāmī, Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “I did not meet him.

Word meanings

sanātanera vārtā — news of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; yabe — when ; gosāñi — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; puchila — inquired ; rūpa kahe — Rūpa Gosvāmī says ; tāra saṅge — with him ; dekhā nā ha - ila — there was no meeting .

Translation

“I came by the path on the bank of the Ganges, whereas Sanātana Gosvāmī came by the public road. Therefore we did not meet.

Word meanings

āmi — I ; gaṅgā - pathe — on the path on the bank of the Ganges ; āilāṅa — I came ; tiṅho — he ; rāja - pathe — on the public road ; ataeva — therefore ; āmāra — my ; dekhā — meeting ; nahila — was not possible ; tāṅra sāthe — with him .

Translation

“In Prayāga I heard that he had already gone to Vṛndāvana.” Rūpa Gosvāmī next informed the Lord about the death of Anupama.

Word meanings

prayāge — in Prayāga ; śuniluṅ — I heard ; teṅho — he ; gelā vṛndāvane — has gone to Vṛndāvana ; anupamera — of Anupama ; gaṅgā - prāpti — getting the mercy of the Ganges (death) ; kaila nivedane — he informed .

Translation

After allotting residential quarters there to Rūpa Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left. Then all of the Lord’s personal associates met Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

rūpe — to Rūpa ; tāhāṅ — there ; vāsā diyā — offered a residence ; gosāñi calilā — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left the place ; gosāñira saṅgī — the associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta — all the devotees ; rūpere mililā — met Rūpa Gosvāmī .

Translation

On the next day, Caitanya Mahāprabhu again met Rūpa Gosvāmī, and with great mercy the Lord introduced him to all the devotees.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; saba — all ; bhakta lañā — taking the devotees ; rūpe milāilā — introduced Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sabāya — to all of them ; kṛpā ta’ kariyā — showing His mercy .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī offered his respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of them all, and all the devotees, by their mercy, embraced him.

Word meanings

sabāra — of all the devotees ; caraṇa — to the lotus feet ; rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; karilā vandana — offered prayers ; kṛpā kari’ — showing great mercy ; rūpe — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sabe — all the devotees ; kailā — did ; āliṅgana — embracing .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu told Advaita Ācārya and Nityānanda Prabhu, “You should both show Your mercy wholeheartedly to Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

advaita — Advaita Ācārya ; nityānanda — Nityānanda Prabhu ; tomarā dui - jane’ — both of You ; prabhu kahe — Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; rūpe — to Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kṛpā — mercy ; kara — show ; kāya - mane — wholeheartedly .

Translation

“May Rūpa Gosvāmī, by Your mercy, become so powerful that he will be able to describe the transcendental mellows of devotional service.”

Word meanings

tomā - duṅhāra kṛpāte — by the mercy of both of You ; iṅhāra — of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; ha - u — let there be ; taiche — such ; śakti — power ; yāte — by which ; vivarite — to describe ; pārena — is able ; kṛṣṇa - rasa - bhakti — the transcendental mellows of devotional service .

Translation

Thus Rūpa Gosvāmī became the object of love and affection for all the devotees of the Lord, including those who came from Bengal and those who resided in Orissa.

Word meanings

gauḍiyā — devotees from Bengal ; uḍiyā — devotees belonging to Orissa ; yata — all ; prabhura bhakta - gaṇa — devotees of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sabāra — of all of them ; ha - ila — was ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; snehera bhājana — an object of love and affection .

Translation

Every day Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would go to see Rūpa Gosvāmī, and whatever prasādam He received from the temple He would deliver to Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

pratidina — every day ; āsi’ — going ; rūpe — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; karena milane — Caitanya Mahāprabhu meets ; mandire — at the Jagannātha temple ; ye — whatever ; prasāda pāna — prasādam He gets ; dena — gives ; dui jane — to two persons, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura .

Translation

He would talk for some time with them both and then leave to perform His noontime duties.

Word meanings

iṣṭa - goṣṭhī — conversation ; duṅhā sane — with both Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa ; kari’ — doing ; kata - kṣaṇa — for some time ; madhya - ahna karite — to execute daily noontime duties ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karilā gamana — left that place .

Translation

In this way Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s dealings with them continued every day. Thus receiving the transcendental favor of the Lord, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī felt unlimited pleasure.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; pratidina — daily ; prabhura vyavahāra — the dealings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prabhu - kṛpā — the mercy of Lord Caitanya ; pāñā — getting ; rūpera — of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; ānanda apāra — unlimited happiness .

Translation

After Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, taking all His devotees with Him, performed the Guṇḍicā-mārjana [washing and cleansing of the Guṇḍicā temple], He went to the garden known as Āiṭoṭā and accepted prasādam at a picnic within the garden.

Word meanings

bhakta - gaṇa — all the devotees ; lañā — taking ; kailā — performed ; guṇḍicā mārjana — cleansing and washing of the Guṇḍicā temple ; āiṭoṭā āsi’ — coming to the nearby garden named Āiṭoṭā ; kailā — had ; vanya - bhojana — a picnic within the garden .

Translation

When Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Rūpa Gosvāmī saw that all the devotees were accepting prasādam and chanting the holy name of Hari, they both were greatly pleased.

Word meanings

prasāda khāya — eat the prasādam ; hari bale — chant the holy name of Hari ; sarva - bhakta - jana — all the devotees ; dekhi’ — seeing this ; haridāsa — of Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; rūpera — and of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; haraṣita — jubilant ; mana — the minds .

Translation

When they received the remnants of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s prasādam through Govinda, they respected it, and then they both began to dance in ecstasy.

Word meanings

govinda - dvārā — through Govinda ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śeṣa - prasāda — remnants of food ; pāilā — they got ; preme matta — overwhelmed by ecstasy ; dui - jana — both of them ; nācite lāgilā — began to dance .

Translation

On the next day, when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to see Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, the omniscient Lord spoke as follows.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpe — with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; miliyā — meeting ; vasilā — sat down ; sarva - jña - śiromaṇi — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the best of the omniscient ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kahite lāgilā — began to speak .

Translation

“Do not try to take Kṛṣṇa out of Vṛndāvana, for He does not go anywhere else at any time.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇere — Kṛṣṇa ; bāhira — outside ; nāhi — do not ; kariha — take ; vraja haite — from Vṛndāvana ; vraja chāḍi’ — leaving Vṛndāvana ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kabhu — at any time ; nā — not ; yāna — goes ; kāhāṅte — anywhere .

Translation

“ ‘The Kṛṣṇa known as Yadu-kumāra is Vāsudeva Kṛṣṇa. He is different from the Kṛṣṇa who is the son of Nanda Mahārāja. Yadu-kumāra Kṛṣṇa manifests His pastimes in the cities of Mathurā and Dvārakā, but Kṛṣṇa the son of Nanda Mahārāja never at any time leaves Vṛndāvana.’ ”

Word meanings

kṛṣṇaḥ — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; anyaḥ — another (Lord Vāsudeva) ; yadu - sambhūtaḥ — born in the Yadu dynasty ; yaḥ — who ; pūrṇaḥ — the full Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa ; saḥ — He ; asti — is ; ataḥ — than Him (Vāsudeva) ; paraḥ — different ; vṛndāvanam — the place Vṛndāvana ; parityajya — giving up ; saḥ — He ; kvacit — at any time ; na eva gacchati — does not go .

Purport

This verse is included in the Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta (1.5.461), by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Translation

After saying this, Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to perform His noontime duties, leaving Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī somewhat surprised.

Word meanings

eta kahi’ — saying this ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; madhya - ahne calilā — left to execute noon duties ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; mane — in the mind ; kichu — some ; vismaya ha - ilā — there was surprise .

Translation

“Satyabhāmā ordered me to write two different dramas,” Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī thought. “Now I understand that this order has been confirmed by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

pṛthak nāṭaka — different dramas ; karite — to write ; satyabhāmā — Satyabhāmā ; ājñā dila — ordered ; jānilu — now I understand ; pṛthak nāṭaka — different dramas ; karite — to write ; prabhu - ājñā — the order of the Lord ; haila — there was .

Translation

“Formerly I wrote the two dramas as one composition. Now I shall divide it and describe the incidents in two separate works.

Word meanings

pūrve — previously ; dui nāṭaka — two dramas ; chila — there was ; ekatra — together ; racanā — composition ; dui - bhāga kari — dividing into two ; ebe — now ; karimu ghaṭanā — I shall write the incidents .

Translation

“I shall write two separate invocations of good fortune and two different introductions. Let me think deeply about the matter and then describe two different sets of incidents.”

Word meanings

dui nāndī — two invocations of good fortune ; prastāvanā — introductions ; dui — two ; saṁghaṭanā — chains of events ; pṛthak kariyā — making separate ; likhi — I shall write ; kariyā bhāvanā — thinking about them .

Purport

The two works are the Vidagdha-mādhava and the Lalita-mādhava. The Vidagdha-mādhava describes pastimes in Vṛndāvana, and the Lalita-mādhava describes pastimes in Dvārakā and Mathurā.

Translation

During the Ratha-yātrā ceremony Rūpa Gosvāmī saw Lord Jagannātha. He also saw Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu dancing and chanting in front of the ratha.

Word meanings

ratha - yātrāya — during the function of Ratha-yātrā ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha ; darśana karilā — he saw ; ratha - agre — the front of the ratha, or chariot ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nṛtya — dancing ; kīrtana — chanting ; dekhilā — he saw .

Translation

When Rūpa Gosvāmī heard a verse uttered by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu during the ceremony, he immediately composed another verse dealing with the same subject.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nṛtya - śloka — verse uttered during His dancing ; śuni’ — hearing ; śrī - rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sei śloka - artha — the meaning of that verse ; lañā — taking ; śloka karilā — composed another verse ; tathāi — on the spot .

Translation

I have already described all these incidents, but I still wish to add briefly something more.

Word meanings

pūrve — previously ; sei — these ; saba — all ; kathā — words ; kariyāchi varṇana — I have described ; tathāpi — still ; kahiye — let me say ; kichu — something ; saṅkṣepe — in brief ; kathana — telling .

Translation

Generally Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recited a verse while dancing and chanting before the ratha, but no one knew why He was reciting that particular verse.

Word meanings

sāmānya — generally ; eka — one ; śloka — verse ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; paḍena — recites ; kīrtane — while chanting ; kene — why ; śloka — that verse ; paḍe — He recites ; ihā — this ; keha nāhi jāne — no one knows .

Translation

Only Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī knew the purpose for which the Lord recited that verse. According to the Lord’s attitude, he used to quote other verses to enable the Lord to relish mellows.

Word meanings

sabe — only ; ekā — one ; svarūpa gosāñi — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī ; ślokera artha — the meaning of that verse ; jāne — knows ; śloka - anurūpa pada — other verses following that particular verse ; prabhuke — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karāna — causes ; āsvādane — tasting .

Translation

Rūpa Gosvāmī, however, could understand the intention of the Lord, and thus he composed another verse that appealed to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jāniyā — knowing ; abhiprāya — the intention ; sei arthe — in that meaning ; śloka — a verse ; kailā — composed ; prabhure — to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ye — which ; bhāya — appealed .

Translation

“That very personality who stole my heart during my youth is now again my master. These are the same moonlit nights of the month of Caitra. The same fragrance of mālatī flowers is there, and the same sweet breezes are blowing from the kadamba forest. In our intimate relationship, I am also the same lover, yet still my mind is not happy here. I am eager to go back to that place on the bank of the Revā under the Vetasī tree. That is my desire.”

Word meanings

yaḥ — that same person who ; kaumāra - haraḥ — the thief of my heart during youth ; saḥ — he ; eva hi — certainly ; varaḥ — lover ; tāḥ — these ; eva — certainly ; caitra - kṣapāḥ — moonlit nights of the month of Caitra ; te — those ; ca — and ; unmīlita — fructified ; mālatī — of mālatī flowers ; surabhayaḥ — fragrances ; prauḍhāḥ — full ; kadamba — with the fragrance of the kadamba flower ; anilāḥ — the breezes ; sā — that one ; ca — also ; eva — certainly ; asmi — I am ; tathā api — still ; tatra — there ; surata - vyāpāra — in intimate transactions ; līlā — of pastimes ; vidhau — in the manner ; revā — of the river named Revā ; rodhasi — on the bank ; vetasī — of the name Vetasī ; taru - tale — underneath the tree ; cetaḥ — my mind ; samutkaṇṭhate — is very eager to go .

Purport

This is the verse recited by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Translation

“My dear friend, now I have met My very old and dear friend Kṛṣṇa on this field of Kurukṣetra. I am the same Rādhārāṇī, and now We are meeting together. It is very pleasant, but I would still like to go to the bank of the Yamunā beneath the trees of the forest there. I wish to hear the vibration of His sweet flute playing the fifth note within that forest of Vṛndāvana.”

Word meanings

priyaḥ — very dear ; saḥ — He ; ayam — this ; kṛṣṇaḥ — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; saha - cari — O My dear friend ; kuru - kṣetra - militaḥ — who is met on the field of Kurukṣetra ; tathā — also ; aham — I ; sā — that ; rādhā — Rādhārāṇī ; tat — that ; idam — this ; ubhayoḥ — of both of Us ; saṅgama - sukham — the happiness of meeting ; tathā api — still ; antaḥ — within ; khelan — playing ; madhura — sweet ; muralī — of the flute ; pañcama — the fifth note ; juṣe — which delights in ; manaḥ — the mind ; me — My ; kālindī — of the river Yamunā ; pulina — on the bank ; vipināya — the trees ; spṛhayati — desires .

Purport

This is the verse composed by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. It is included in the Padyāvalī (386), an anthology of verses he compiled.

Translation

After writing this verse on a palm leaf, Rūpa Gosvāmī put it somewhere in his thatched roof and went to bathe in the sea.

Word meanings

tāla - patre — on a palm leaf ; śloka — the verse ; likhi’ — writing ; cālete — in the thatched roof ; rākhilā — kept it ; samudra - snāna — bath in the sea ; karibāre — for taking ; rūpa - gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; gelā — departed .

Translation

At that time, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went there to meet him, and when He saw the leaf pushed into the roof and saw the verse, He began to read it.

Word meanings

hena - kāle — at that time ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āilā — came there ; tāṅhāre milite — to meet him ; cāle — in the thatched roof ; śloka — verse ; dekhi — seeing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; lāgilā — began ; paḍite — to read .

Translation

After reading the verse, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was overwhelmed by ecstatic love. At that very time, Rūpa Gosvāmī returned, having finished bathing in the sea.

Word meanings

śloka paḍi’ — reading this verse ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sukhe — in great happiness ; prema - āviṣṭa hailā — became overwhelmed by ecstatic love ; hena - kāle — at that time ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; snāna kari’ — after taking his bath ; āilā — came back .

Translation

Seeing the Lord, Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī fell flat in the courtyard to offer obeisances. The Lord slapped him mildly in love and spoke as follows.

Word meanings

prabhu dekhi’ — after seeing the Lord there ; daṇḍavat — obeisances ; prāṅgaṇe — in the courtyard ; paḍilā — fell down ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — to Rūpa Gosvāmī ; cāpaḍa māri’ — giving a mild slap ; kahite lāgilā — began to speak .

Translation

“My heart is very confidential. How did you know My mind in this way?” After saying this, He firmly embraced Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

gūḍha — very confidential ; mora — My ; hṛdaya — heart ; tuñi — you ; jānilā — knew ; kemane — how ; eta kahi’ — saying this ; rūpe — to Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kailā — did ; dṛḍha āliṅgane — firm embracing .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu took that verse and showed it to Svarūpa Dāmodara for him to examine. Then the Lord questioned him.

Word meanings

sei śloka — that verse ; lañā — taking ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; svarūpe dekhāilā — showed to Svarūpa Dāmodara ; svarūpera — of Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosāñi ; parīkṣā lāgi’ — for the examination ; tāṅhāre puchilā — He inquired from him .

Translation

“How could Rūpa Gosvāmī have understood My heart?” the Lord asked.

Word meanings

mora antara - vārtā — My internal intentions ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; jānila — knew ; kemane — how ; svarūpa kahe — Svarūpa replied ; jāni — I can understand ; kṛpā kariyācha — You have bestowed Your mercy ; āpane — personally .

Purport

Svarūpa Dāmodara replied, “I can understand that You have already bestowed Your causeless mercy upon him.

Translation

“No one could otherwise understand this meaning. I can therefore guess that previously You bestowed upon him Your causeless mercy.”

Word meanings

anyathā — otherwise ; e artha — this confidential meaning ; kāra — of anyone ; nāhi — not ; haya — is ; jñāna — the knowledge ; tumi — You ; pūrve — before this ; kṛpā kailā — bestowed mercy ; kari anumāna — I can conjecture .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “Rūpa Gosvāmī met Me at Prayāga. Knowing him to be a suitable person, I naturally bestowed My mercy upon him.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replies ; iṅho — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; āmāya — with Me ; prayāge — at Prayāga ; milila — met ; yogya - pātra jāni — knowing him to be a suitable person ; iṅhāya — unto him ; mora — My ; kṛpā ta’ ha - ila — there was mercy .

Translation

“I thereupon also bestowed upon him My transcendental potency. Now you also should give him instructions. In particular, instruct him in transcendental mellows.”

Word meanings

tabe — thereupon ; śakti sañcāri’ — empowering him with My transcendental potency ; āmi — I ; kailuṅ upadeśa — gave instruction ; tumiha — you also ; kahio — inform ; ihāṅya — unto him ; rasera viśeṣa — particular information about transcendental mellows .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara said, “As soon as I saw the unique composition of this verse, I could immediately understand that You had bestowed upon him Your special mercy.

Word meanings

svarūpa kahe — Svarūpa Dāmodara says ; yāte — since ; ei śloka — this verse ; dekhiluṅ — I have seen ; tumi — You ; kariyācha kṛpā — have bestowed Your mercy ; tabaṅhi — immediately ; jānilu — I could understand .

Translation

“ ‘By seeing a result, one can understand the cause of that result.’

Word meanings

phalena — by the result ; phala - kāraṇam — the origin of the result ; anumīyate — one can guess .

Purport

This verse is from the doctrines of Nyāya, or logic.

Translation

“ ‘The river Ganges flowing in the heavenly planets is full of golden lotus flowers, and we, the residents of those planets, eat the stems of the flowers. Thus we are very beautiful, more so than the inhabitants of any other planet. This is due to the law of cause and effect, for if one eats food in the mode of goodness, the mode of goodness increases the beauty of his body.’ ”

Word meanings

svarga - apagā — of the Ganges water flowing in the heavenly planets ; hema — golden ; mṛṇālinīnām — of the lotus flowers ; nānā — various ; mṛṇāla - agra - bhujaḥ — those who eat the tops of the stems ; bhajāmaḥ — we get ; anna - anurūpām — according to the food ; tanu - rūpa - ṛddhim — an abundance of bodily beauty ; kāryam — the effect ; nidānāt — from the cause ; hi — certainly ; guṇān — qualities ; adhīte — one obtains .

Purport

One’s bodily luster and beauty, one’s constitution, one’s activities and one’s qualities all depend on the law of cause and effect. There are three qualities in material nature, and as stated in the Bhagavad-gītā (13.22) , kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu: one takes birth in a good or bad family according to his previous association with the qualities of material nature. Therefore one seriously eager to achieve transcendental perfection, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, must eat kṛṣṇa-prasādam. Such food is sāttvika, or in the material quality of goodness, but when offered to Kṛṣṇa it becomes transcendental. Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement distributes kṛṣṇa-prasādam, and those who eat such transcendental food are sure to become devotees of the Lord. This is a very scientific method, as stated in this verse from Nala-naiṣadha (3.17): kāryaṁ nidānād dhi guṇān adhīte. If in all his activities a person strictly adheres to the mode of goodness, he will certainly develop his dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness and ultimately become a pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Unfortunately, at the present moment the bodily constitutions of the leaders of society, especially the governmental leaders, are polluted. As described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (12.1.40):

asaṁskṛtāḥ kriyā-hīnā rajasā tamasāvrtāḥ prajās te bhakṣayiṣyanti mlecchā rājany-arūpiṇaḥ

Such leaders have no chance to purify their eating. Politicians meet together and exchange good wishes by drinking liquor, which is so polluted and sinful that naturally drunkards and meat-eaters develop a degraded mentality in the mode of ignorance. The processes of eating in different modes are explained in the Bhagavad-gītā, wherein it is stated that those who eat rice, wheat, vegetables, milk products, fruit and sugar are situated in the elevated quality of goodness. Therefore if we want a happy and tranquil political situation, we must select leaders who eat kṛṣṇa-prasādam. Otherwise the leaders will eat meat and drink wine, and thus they will be asaṁskṛtāḥ, unreformed, and kriyā-hīnāḥ, devoid of spiritual behavior. In other words, they will be mlecchas and yavanas, or men who are unclean in their habits. Through taxation, such men exploit the citizens as much as possible, and in this way they devour the citizens of the state instead of benefiting them. We therefore cannot expect a government to be efficient if it is headed by such unclean mlecchas and yavanas.

Translation

After the four months of Cāturmāsya [Śrāvaṇa, Bhādra, Āśvina and Kārttika], all the Vaiṣṇavas of Bengal returned to their homes, but Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī remained in Jagannātha Purī under the shelter of the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

cāturmāsya rahi’ — remaining four months for Cāturmāsya ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; vaiṣṇava — all the devotees ; calilā — returned ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇe — at the shelter of His lotus feet ; rahilā — remained .

Translation

One day while Rūpa Gosvāmī was writing his book, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu suddenly appeared.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; karena — does ; nāṭaka — drama ; likhana — writing ; ācambite — all of a sudden ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; haila — there was ; āgamana — the coming .

Translation

As soon as Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Rūpa Gosvāmī saw the Lord coming, they both stood up and then fell down to offer Him their respectful obeisances. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced them both and then sat down.

Word meanings

sambhrame — with great respect ; duṅhe — Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Rūpa Gosvāmī ; uṭhi’ — standing up ; daṇḍavat hailā — fell down to offer obeisances ; duṅhe — the two of them ; āliṅgiyā — embracing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āsane vasilā — sat down on a seat .

Translation

The Lord inquired, “What kind of book are you writing?” He held up a palm leaf that was a page of the manuscript, and when He saw the fine handwriting, His mind was very pleased.

Word meanings

kyā — what ; puṅthi — book ; likha — you are writing ; bali’ — saying this ; eka - patra nilā — took one page written on a palm leaf ; akṣara — the good handwriting ; dekhiyā — seeing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; mane — in the mind ; sukhī hailā — became very happy .

Translation

Thus being pleased, the Lord praised the writing by saying, “The handwriting of Rūpa Gosvāmī is just like rows of pearls.”

Word meanings

śrī - rūpera akṣara — the handwriting of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; yena — like ; mukutāra pāṅti — a row of pearls ; prīta hañā — being pleased ; karena — does ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; akṣarera stuti — praise of the handwriting of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī .

Translation

While reading the manuscript, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu saw a verse on that page, and as soon as He read it He was overwhelmed by ecstatic love.

Word meanings

sei patre — on that palm leaf ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; eka śloka — one verse ; ye — which ; dekhilā — He saw ; paḍitei — by reading ; śloka — the verse ; preme — ecstatic love ; āviṣṭa ha - ilā — was overwhelmed .

Translation

“I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Kṛṣ-ṇa’ have produced. When the holy name of Kṛṣṇa is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert.”

Word meanings

tuṇḍe — in the mouth ; tāṇḍavinī — dancing ; ratim — the inspiration ; vitanute — expands ; tuṇḍa - āvalī - labdhaye — to achieve many mouths ; karṇa — of the ear ; kroḍa — in the hole ; kaḍambinī — sprouting ; ghaṭayate — causes to appear ; karṇa - arbudebhyaḥ spṛhām — the desire for millions of ears ; cetaḥ - prāṅgaṇa — in the courtyard of the heart ; saṅginī — being a companion ; vijayate — conquers ; sarva - indriyāṇām — of all the senses ; kṛtim — the activity ; na u — not ; jāne — I know ; janitā — produced ; kiyadbhiḥ — of what measure ; amṛtaiḥ — by nectar ; kṛṣṇa — the name of Kṛṣṇa ; iti — thus ; varṇa - dvayī — the two syllables .

Purport

This verse is included in the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.15), a seven-act play written by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī describing the pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana.

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu chanted this verse, Haridāsa Ṭhākura, upon hearing the vibration, became jubilant and began to dance while praising its meaning.

Word meanings

śloka śuni’ — hearing this verse ; haridāsa — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; ha - ilā ullāsī — became very jubilant ; nācite lāgilā — he began to dance ; ślokera — of the verse ; artha praśaṁsi’ — praising the meaning .

Translation

One has to learn about the beauty and transcendental position of the holy name of the Lord by hearing the revealed scriptures from the mouths of devotees. Nowhere else can we hear of the sweetness of the Lord’s holy name.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - nāmera mahimā — the glories of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; śāstra — of the revealed scriptures ; sādhu — of the devotees ; mukhe — in the mouth ; jāni — we can understand ; nāmera mādhurī — the sweetness of the holy name ; aiche — in that way ; kāhāṅ — anywhere else ; nāhi śuni — we do not hear .

Purport

It is said in the Padma Purāṇa, ataḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāmādi na bhaved grāhyam indriyaiḥ. Chanting and hearing of the transcendental holy name of the Lord cannot be performed by the ordinary senses. The transcendental vibration of the Lord’s holy name is completely spiritual. Thus it must be received from spiritual sources and must be chanted after having been heard from a spiritual master. One who hears the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra must receive it from the spiritual master by aural reception. Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has forbidden us to hear the holy name of Kṛṣṇa chanted by non-Vaiṣṇavas, such as professional actors and singers, for it will have no effect. It is like milk touched by the lips of a serpent, as stated in the Padma Purāṇa:

avaiṣṇava-mukhodgīrṇaṁ pūtaṁ hari-kathāmṛtam śravaṇaṁ naiva kartavyaṁ sarpocchiṣṭaṁ yathā payaḥ

As far as possible, therefore, the devotees in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement gather to chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa in public so that both the chanters and the listeners may benefit.

Translation

Thus Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Haridāsa and Rūpa Gosvāmī and left for the seaside to perform His noontime duties.

Word meanings

tabe — then ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duṅhe — unto both Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; kari’ — doing ; āliṅgana — embracing ; madhya - ahna karite — to perform His noontime duties ; samudre — to the seaside ; karilā gamana — went .

Translation

On the next day, after visiting the temple of Jagannātha as usual, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu met Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, Rāmānanda Rāya and Svarūpa Dāmodara. They all went together to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, and on the way the Lord greatly praised his qualities.

Word meanings

āra dina — the next day ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dekhi’ — seeing ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha in the temple ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; rāmānanda — Rāmānanda Rāya ; svarūpa - ādi — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī ; sātha — along with ; sabe mili’ — meeting all together ; cali āilā — came there ; śrī - rūpe milite — to meet Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; pathe — on the way ; tāṅra — of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; guṇa — all the good qualities ; sabāre — unto all the personal associates ; lāgilā kahite — began to speak .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recited the two important verses, He felt great pleasure; thus, as if He had five mouths, He began to praise His devotee.

Word meanings

dui śloka kahi’ — reciting two verses ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; haila — there was ; mahā - sukha — great pleasure ; nija - bhaktera — of His own devotee ; guṇa — the qualities ; kahe — describes ; hañā — as if becoming ; pañca - mukha — five-mouthed .

Purport

The two verses referred to are those beginning with priyaḥ so ’yam (79) and tuṇḍe tāṇḍavinī (99).

Translation

Just to examine Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya and Rāmānanda Rāya, the Lord began to praise the transcendental qualities of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī before them.

Word meanings

sārvabhauma - rāmānande — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya and Rāmānanda Rāya ; parīkṣā karite — to examine ; śrī - rūpera guṇa — the transcendental qualities of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; duṅhāre — unto both of them ; lāgilā kahite — He began to praise .

Translation

Characteristically, the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not take seriously an offense committed by a pure devotee. The Lord accepts whatever small service a devotee renders as being such a great service that He is prepared to give even Himself, what to speak of other benedictions.

Word meanings

īśvara - svabhāva — the characteristic of the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; bhaktera — of the pure devotee ; nā laya — does not take ; aparādha — any offense ; alpa - sevā — very small service ; bahu māne — the Lord accepts as very great ; ātma - paryanta — giving Himself ; prasāda — mercy .

Translation

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is known as Puruṣottama, the greatest of all persons, has a pure mind. He is so gentle that even if His servant is implicated in a great offense, He does not take it very seriously. Indeed, if His servant renders some small service, the Lord accepts it as being very great. Even if an envious person blasphemes the Lord, the Lord never manifests anger against him. Such are His great qualities.”

Word meanings

bhṛtyasya — of the servant ; paśyati — He sees ; gurūn — very great ; api — although ; na — not ; aparādhān — the offenses ; sevām — service ; manāk api — however small ; kṛtām — performed ; bahudhā — as great ; abhyupaiti — accepts ; āviṣkaroti — manifests ; piśuneṣu — on the enemies ; api — also ; na — not ; abhyasūyām — envy ; śīlena — by gentle behavior ; nirmala - matiḥ — naturally clean-minded ; puruṣa - uttamaḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the best of all personalities ; ayam — this .

Purport

This verse is from the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (2.1.138), by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Translation

When Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Rūpa Gosvāmī saw that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had come with His intimate devotees, they both immediately fell down like logs and offered prayers to their lotus feet.

Word meanings

bhakta - saṅge — accompanied by other devotee associates ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āilā — came ; dekhi’ — seeing this ; dui jana — Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; daṇḍavat hañā — falling flat like logs ; kailā — did ; caraṇa vandana — prayers to their lotus feet .

Translation

Thus Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His personal devotees met Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura. The Lord then sat down in an elevated place with His devotees.

Word meanings

bhakta - saṅge — with His intimate associates ; kailā — did ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duṅhāre — the two (Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura) ; milana — meeting ; piṇḍāte — on a raised place ; vasilā — sat down ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; lañā bhakta - gaṇa — with His personal devotees .

Translation

Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura sat at the foot of the elevated place where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was sitting. Although everyone asked them to sit on the same level as the Lord and His associates, they did not do so.

Word meanings

rūpa haridāsa — Rūpa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; duṅhe — both of them ; vasilā — sat down ; piṇḍā - tale — at the foot of the raised place where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was sitting ; sabāra — of all of the devotees ; āgrahe — the insistence ; nā uṭhilā — did not rise ; piṇḍāra upare — the top of the raised place where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was sitting with His devotees .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ordered Rūpa Gosvāmī to read the verse they had previously heard, Rūpa Gosvāmī, because of great shyness, did not read it but instead remained silent.

Word meanings

pūrva - śloka — the previous verse ; paḍa — just read ; rūpa — My dear Rūpa ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ājñā kailā — ordered ; lajjāte — in great shyness ; nā paḍe — did not read ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; mauna dharilā — remained silent .

Translation

Then Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī recited the verse, and when all the devotees heard it, their minds were struck with wonder.

Word meanings

svarūpa - gosāñi — Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosāñi ; tabe — then ; sei — that ; śloka paḍila — recited the verse ; śuni’ — hearing this ; sabākāra — of all of them ; citte — in the minds ; camatkāra haila — there was great wonder .

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, now I have met My very old and dear friend Kṛṣṇa on this field of Kurukṣetra. I am the same Rādhārāṇī, and now We are meeting together. It is very pleasant, but I would still like to go to the bank of the Yamunā beneath the trees of the forest there. I wish to hear the vibration of His sweet flute playing the fifth note within that forest of Vṛndāvana.’ ”

Word meanings

priyaḥ — very dear ; saḥ — He ; ayam — this ; kṛṣṇaḥ — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; saha - cari — O My dear friend ; kuru - kṣetra - militaḥ — who is met on the field of Kurukṣetra ; tathā — also ; aham — I ; sā — that ; rādhā — Rādhārāṇī ; tat — that ; idam — this ; ubhayoḥ — of both of Us ; saṅgama - sukham — the happiness of meeting ; tathā - api — still ; antaḥ — within ; khelan — playing ; madhura — sweet ; muralī — of the flute ; pañcama — the fifth note ; juṣe — which delights in ; manaḥ — the mind ; me — My ; kālindī — of the river Yamunā ; pulina — on the bank ; vipināya — the trees ; spṛhayati — desires .

Translation

After hearing this verse, Rāmānanda Rāya and Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya said to Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Without Your special mercy, how could this Rūpa Gosvāmī have understood Your mind?”

Word meanings

rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; bhaṭṭācārya — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; bale — say ; tomāra prasāda vine — without Your special mercy ; tomāra hṛdaya — Your mind ; ei — this Rūpa Gosvāmī ; jānila — understood ; kemane — how .

Translation

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya said that previously Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had empowered his heart so that he could express elevated and conclusive statements to which even Lord Brahmā has no access.

Word meanings

āmāte — within me ; sañcāri’ — creating all logical truths ; pūrve — previously ; kahilā — You express ; siddhānta — conclusive statements ; ye — which ; saba — all of ; siddhānte — conclusive statements ; brahmā — even Lord Brahmā ; nāhi pāya anta — cannot understand the limit .

Translation

“Had You not previously bestowed Your mercy on him,” they said, “it would not have been possible for him to express Your internal feelings.”

Word meanings

tāte — in such instances ; jāni — I can understand ; pūrve — previously ; tomāra — Your ; pāñāche prasāda — he has obtained special mercy ; tāhā vinā — without that ; nahe — there is not ; tomāra — Your ; hṛdaya - anuvāda — expression of feelings .

Purport

Devotees acknowledge Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s special mercy upon Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in the following words:

śrī-caitanya-mano-’bhīṣṭaṁ sthāpitaṁ yena bhū-tale svayaṁ rūpaḥ kadā mahyaṁ dadāti sva-padāntikam

“When will Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda, who has established within this material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under his lotus feet?”

The special function of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī is to establish the feelings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. These feelings are His desires that His special mercy be spread throughout the world in this Kali-yuga.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi-grāma sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

The desire of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is that all over the world everyone, in every village and every town, know of Him and His saṅkīrtana movement. These are the inner feelings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī committed to writing all these feelings of the Lord. Now again, by the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the same feelings are being spread all over the world by the servants of the Gosvāmīs, and devotees who are pure and simple will appreciate this attempt. As concluded by Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī, however, those who are on the level of hogs and dogs will never appreciate such a great attempt. Yet this does not matter to the preachers of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s cult, for all over the world they will continue to perform this responsible work, even though persons who are like cats and dogs do not appreciate them.

Translation

Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “My dear Rūpa, please recite that verse from your drama which, upon being heard, makes all people’s unhappiness and lamentation go away.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; kaha — please recite ; rūpa — My dear Rūpa ; nāṭakera śloka — the verse of your drama ; ye — which ; śloka — verse ; śunile — hearing ; lokera — of all people ; yāya — go away ; duḥkha - śoka — the unhappiness and lamentation .

Translation

When the Lord persisted in asking this again and again, Rūpa Gosvāmī recited that verse [as follows].

Word meanings

bāra bāra — again and again ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yadi — when ; tāre — him ; ājñā dila — ordered ; tabe — at that time ; sei śloka — that particular verse ; rūpa - gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kahila — recited .

Translation

“ ‘I do not know how much nectar the two syllables “Kṛṣ-ṇa” have produced. When the holy name of Kṛṣṇa is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert.’ ”

Word meanings

tuṇḍe — in the mouth ; tāṇḍavinī — dancing ; ratim — the inspiration ; vitanute — expands ; tuṇḍa - āvalī - labdhaye — to achieve many mouths ; karṇa — of the ear ; kroḍa — in the hole ; kaḍambinī — sprouting ; ghaṭayate — causes to appear ; karṇa - arbudebhyaḥ spṛhām — the desire for millions of ears ; cetaḥ - prāṅgaṇa — in the courtyard of the heart ; saṅginī — being a companion ; vijayate — conquers ; sarva - indriyāṇām — of all the senses ; kṛtim — the activity ; na u — not ; jāne — I know ; janitā — produced ; kiyadbhiḥ — of what measure ; amṛtaiḥ — by nectar ; kṛṣṇa — the name of Kṛṣṇa ; iti — thus ; varṇa - dvayī — the two syllables .

Translation

When all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, especially Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya, heard this verse, they were all filled with transcendental bliss and were struck with wonder.

Word meanings

yata bhakta - vṛnda — all the personal devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āra — and ; rāmānanda rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; śloka śuni’ — hearing this verse ; sabāra — of everyone ; ha - ila — there was ; ānanda - vismaya — transcendental bliss and astonishment .

Translation

Everyone admitted that although they had heard many statements glorifying the holy name of the Lord, they had never heard such sweet descriptions as those of Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

sabe bale — every one of them said ; nāma - mahimā — the glories of chanting the holy name ; śuniyāchi — we have heard ; apāra — many times ; emana — this kind of ; mādhurya — sweetness ; keha — someone ; nāhi — not ; varṇe — describes ; āra — else .

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya inquired, “What kind of drama are you writing? We can understand that it is a mine of conclusive statements.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya inquired ; kon — what ; grantha — dramatic literature ; kara — you are writing ; hena — such ; jāni — I can understand ; yāhāra bhitare — within which ; ei — these ; siddhāntera khani — a mine of conclusive statements .

Translation

Svarūpa Dāmodara replied for Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī: “He wanted to compose a drama about the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. He planned to describe in one book both the pastimes of Vṛndāvana and those of Dvārakā and Mathurā.

Word meanings

svarūpa kahe — Svarūpa Dāmodara replied on behalf of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kṛṣṇa - līlāra — of the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nāṭaka karite — composing a drama ; vraja - līlā - pura - līlā — His pastimes in Vṛndāvana and His pastimes in Mathurā and Dvārakā ; ekatra — in one book ; varṇite — to describe .

Translation

“He began it in that way, but now, following the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he has divided it in two and is writing two plays, one concerning the pastimes of Mathurā and Dvārakā and the other concerning the pastimes of Vṛndāvana.

Word meanings

ārambhiyāchilā — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī began ; ebe — now ; prabhu - ājñā pāñā — getting the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dui nāṭaka — two different dramas ; kariteche — he is compiling ; vibhāga kariyā — dividing the original idea .

Translation

“The two plays are called Vidagdha-mādhava and Lalita-mādhava. Both of them wonderfully describe ecstatic emotional love of God.”

Word meanings

vidagdha - mādhava — one is named Vidagdha-mādhava ; āra — and ; lalita - mādhava — named Lalita-mādhava ; dui nāṭake — in two plays ; prema - rasa — ecstatic mellows of emotional love for Kṛṣṇa ; adabhuta — wonderful ; saba — all .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura informs us in this connection that Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī finished the drama known as Vidagdha-mādhava in the year Śakābda 1454 (A.D. 1532) and the Lalita-mādhava in Śakābda 1459 (A.D. 1537). The discussion between Rāmānanda Rāya and Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī at Jagannātha Purī took place in Śakābda 1437 (A.D. 1515).

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Please recite the introductory verse of the Vidagdha-mādhava so that I can hear and examine it.” Thus Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī, being ordered by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, recited the verse (1.1).

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya says ; nāndī - śloka paḍa — please recite the introductory verse ; dekhi — so that I can see ; śuni — so that I can hear ; śrī - rūpa śloka paḍe — Rūpa Gosvāmī recites the verse ; prabhu - ājñā māni’ — accepting the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

“ ‘May the pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa reduce the miseries existing in the material world and nullify all unwanted desires. The pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are like śikhariṇī, a blend of yogurt and sugar candy. They overpower the pride of even the nectar produced on the moon, for they distribute the sweet fragrance of the concentrated loving affairs of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and the gopīs.’ ”

Word meanings

sudhānām — of the nectar ; cāndrīṇām — produced on the moon ; api — even ; madhurimā — the sweetness ; unmāda - damanī — overpowering the pride ; dadhānā — distributing ; rādhā - ādi — of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and Her companions ; praṇaya - ghana — of the concentrated loving affairs ; sāraiḥ — by the essence ; surabhitām — a good fragrance ; samantāt — everywhere ; santāpa — miserable conditions ; udgama — generating ; viṣama — very dangerous ; saṁsāra - saraṇī — on the path of material existence ; praṇītām — created ; te — your ; tṛṣṇām — desires ; haratu — let it take away ; hari - līlā — the pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; śikhariṇī — exactly like a combination of yogurt and sugar candy .

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Now please recite the description of the glories of your worshipable Deity.” Rūpa Gosvāmī, however, hesitated due to embarrassment because Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was present.

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; kaha — now speak ; iṣṭa - devera varṇana — description of your worshipable Deity ; prabhura saṅkoce — embarrassment in the presence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; nā kare — does not do ; paṭhana — recitation .

Translation

The Lord, however, encouraged Rūpa Gosvāmī, saying, “Why are you embarrassed? You should recite it so the devotees can hear the good fruit of your writing.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; kaha — speak up ; kene — why ; kara — you do ; saṅkoca - lāje — in shame and embarrassment ; granthera — of the book ; phala — the fruit ; śunāibā — you should make heard ; vaiṣṇava - samāje — in the society of pure devotees .

Translation

When Rūpa Gosvāmī thus recited his verse, Caitanya Mahāprabhu disapproved of it because it described His personal glories. He expressed the opinion that it was an exaggerated explanation.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; rūpa - gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; yadi — when ; śloka paḍila — recited the verse ; śuni’ — hearing this ; prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; ei — this ; ati stuti — exaggerated offering of prayers ; haila — was .

Translation

“ ‘May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Śrīmatī Śacīdevī be transcendentally situated in the innermost core of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has descended in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most elevated mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love.’ ”

Word meanings

anarpita — not bestowed ; carīm — having been formerly ; cirāt — for a long time ; karuṇayā — by causeless mercy ; avatīrṇaḥ — descended ; kalau — in the Age of Kali ; samarpayitum — to bestow ; unnata — elevated ; ujjvala - rasām — the conjugal mellow ; sva - bhakti — of His own service ; śriyam — the treasure ; hariḥ — the Supreme Lord ; puraṭa — than gold ; sundara — more beautiful ; dyuti — of splendor ; kadamba — with a multitude ; sandīpitaḥ — illuminated ; sadā — always ; hṛdaya - kandare — in the cavity of the heart ; sphuratu — let Him be manifest ; vaḥ — your ; śacī - nandanaḥ — the son of mother Śacī .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 1.2) also appears in the Ādi-līlā (1.4 and 3.4). In his commentary on the Vidagdha-mādhava, Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura remarks, mahā-prabhoḥ sphūrtiṁ vinā hari-līlā-rasāsvādanānupapatter iti bhāvaḥ: “Without the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, one cannot describe the pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” Therefore Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī said, vo yuṣmākaṁ hṛdaya-rūpa-guhāyāṁ śacī-nandano hariḥ pakṣe siṁhaḥ sphuratu: “May Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is exactly like a lion that kills all the elephants of desire, be awakened within everyone’s heart, for by His merciful blessings one can understand the transcendental pastimes of Kṛṣṇa.”

Translation

All the devotees present so greatly appreciated this verse that they expressed their gratitude to Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī for his transcendental recitation.

Word meanings

saba bhakta - gaṇa — all the devotees present there ; kahe — say ; śloka śuniyā — hearing this verse ; kṛta - artha karilā — you have obliged ; sabāya — everyone ; śloka śunāñā — by reciting this verse .

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya inquired, “How have you introduced the assembly of the players?”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; kon — what ; āmukhe — by introduction ; pātra - sannidhāna — presence of the players ; rūpa kahe — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī replies ; kāla - sāmye — in agreement of time ; pravartaka nāma — the introduction called pravartaka. .

Purport

Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “The players assemble at a suitable time under the heading of pravartaka.

In a drama all the actors are called pātra, or players. This is stated by Viśvanātha Kavirāja in the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.283):

divya-martye sa tad-rūpo miśram anyataras tayoḥ sūcayed vastu-bījaṁ vā- mukhaṁ pātram athāpi vā

The meaning of āmukha is stated by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in the Nāṭaka-candrikā:

sūtra-dhāro naṭī brūte sva-kāryaṁ pratiyuktitaḥ prastutākṣepi-citroktyā yat tad āmukham īritam

When Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya inquired about the arrangement for introducing the assembly of players in the drama, Rūpa Gosvāmī replied that when the players first enter the stage in response to the time, the introduction is technically called pravartaka. For an example, see verse 136 below. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that the introduction, which is technically called āmukha, may be of five different kinds, according to the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.288):

udghātyakaḥ kathodghātaḥ prayogātiśayas tathā pravartakāvalagite pañca prastāvanā-bhidāḥ

“Introductions may be classified as follows: (1) udghātyaka, (2) kathodghāta, (3) prayogātiśaya, (4) pravartaka and (5) avalagita. ” These five kinds of introduction are called āmukha. Thus Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya asked which of the five introductions had been employed, and Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī replied that he had used the introduction called the pravartaka.

Translation

“ ‘When the entrance of the actors is set in motion by the arrival of a suitable time, the entrance is called pravartaka.’

Word meanings

ākṣiptaḥ — set in motion ; kāla - sāmyena — by a suitable time ; praveśaḥ — the entrance ; syāt — should be ; pravartakaḥ — named pravartaka. .

Purport

This verse is from the Nāṭaka-candrikā (12), by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Translation

“ ‘Springtime had arrived, and the full moon of that season inspired the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is complete in everything, with new attraction to meet the beautiful Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī at night to increase the beauty of Their pastimes.’ ”

Word meanings

saḥ — that ; ayam — this ; vasanta - samayaḥ — springtime ; samiyāya — had arrived ; yasmin — in which ; pūrṇam — the complete ; tam — Him ; īśvaram — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; upoḍha — obtained ; nava - anurāgam — new attachment ; gūḍha - grahā — which covered the stars ; rucirayā — very beautiful ; saha — with ; rādhayā — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; asau — that full-moon night ; raṅgāya — for increasing the beauty ; saṅgamayitā — caused to meet ; niśi — at night ; paurṇamāsī — the full-moon night .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura interprets this verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 1.10) in two ways, for Lord Kṛṣṇa and for Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. When interpreted for Kṛṣṇa, the night is understood to have been a dark-moon night, and when interpreted for Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, it is considered to have been a full-moon night.

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Please recite the prarocanā portion so that I may hear and examine it.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya says ; prarocanādi kaha — please recite the prarocanā ; dekhi — I shall see ; śuni — and hear ; rūpa kahe — Śrīla Rūpa Gosāñi replies ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śravaṇa - icchā — desire to hear ; jāni — I think .

Purport

Śrī Rūpa replied, “I think that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s desire to hear is prarocanā.

The method of inducing the audience to become more and more eager to hear by praising the time and place, the hero and the audience is called prarocanā. This is the statement regarding prarocanā in the Nāṭaka-candrikā:

deśa-kāla-kathā-vastu- sabhyādīnāṁ praśaṁsayā śrotṝṇām unmukhī-kāraḥ kathiteyaṁ prarocanā

Similarly, the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.286) says:

tasyāḥ prarocanā vīthī tathā prahasanā-mukhe aṅgānyatronmukhī-kāraḥ praśaṁsātaḥ prarocanā

Any literature presented in Sanskrit must follow the rules and regulations mentioned in the authoritative reference books. The technical inquiries by Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya and the replies of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī indicate that both of them were expert and fully conversant with the techniques of writing drama.

Translation

“ ‘The devotees now present are constantly thinking of the Supreme Lord and are therefore highly advanced. This work named Vidagdha-mādhava depicts the characteristic pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa with decorations of poetic ornaments. And the inner grounds of the forest of Vṛndāvana provide a suitable platform for the dancing of Kṛṣṇa with the gopīs. Therefore I think that the pious activities of persons like us, who have tried to advance in devotional service, have now attained maturity.’

Word meanings

bhaktānām — of devotees ; udagāt — has appeared ; anargala - dhiyām — constantly thinking of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa ; vargaḥ — the assembly ; nisarga - ujjvalaḥ — naturally very advanced ; śīlaiḥ — with natural poetic decorations ; pallavitaḥ — spread like the leaves of a tree ; saḥ — that ; ballava - vadhū - bandhoḥ — of the friend of the gopīs, Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; prabandhaḥ — a literary composition ; api — even ; asau — that ; lebhe — has achieved ; catvaratām — the quality of a quadrangular place with level ground ; ca — and ; tāṇḍava - vidheḥ — for dancing ; vṛndā - aṭavī — of the forest of Vṛndāvana ; garbha - bhūḥ — the inner grounds ; manye — I consider ; mat - vidha — of persons like me ; puṇya - maṇḍala — of groups of pious activities ; parīpākaḥ — the full development ; ayam — this ; unmīlati — appears .

Purport

This is verse 8 of the first act of the Vidagdha-mādhava.

Translation

“ ‘O learned devotees, I am by nature ignorant and low, yet even though it is from me that the Vidagdha-mādhava has come, it is filled with descriptions of the transcendental attributes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, will not such a literature bring about the attainment of the highest goal of life? Although its wood may be ignited by a low-class man, fire can nevertheless purify gold. Similarly, although I am very low by nature, this book may help cleanse the dirt from within the hearts of the golden devotees.’ ”

Word meanings

abhivyaktā — manifested ; mattaḥ — from me ; prakṛti — by nature ; laghu - rūpāt — situated in a lower position ; api — although ; budhāḥ — O learned devotees ; vidhātrī — which may bring about ; siddha - arthān — all the objects of perfection ; hari - guṇa - mayī — whose subject matter is the attributes of Kṛṣṇa ; vaḥ — of you ; kṛtiḥ — the poetic play known as Vidagdha-mādhava ; iyam — this ; pulindena — by the lowest class of men ; api — although ; agniḥ — a fire ; kim u — whether ; samidham — the wood ; unmathya — rubbing ; janitaḥ — produced ; hiraṇya — of gold ; śreṇīnām — of quantities ; apaharati — vanquishes ; na — not ; antaḥ — inner ; kaluṣatām — dirty things .

Purport

This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 1.6.

Translation

Then Rāmānanda Rāya inquired from Rūpa Gosvāmī about the causes of the loving affairs between Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs, such as previous attachment, transformations of love, endeavors for love, and exchanges of letters disclosing the gopīs’ awakening love for Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya further inquires ; kaha — please recite ; dekhi — so that I may know ; prema - utpatti - kāraṇa — the causes of awakening the loving propensity ; pūrva - rāga — previous attachment ; vikāra — transformation ; ceṣṭā — endeavor ; kāma - likhana — writing of letters disclosing the gopīs’ attachment for Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī gradually informed Rāmānanda Rāya about everything he asked. Hearing his explanations, all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu were struck with wonder.

Word meanings

krame — gradually ; śrī - rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sakali kahila — explained everything ; śuni’ — hearing ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta - gaṇera — of the devotees ; camatkāra — astonishment ; haila — there was .

Purport

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has explained kāma-likhana in his book Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi ( Vipralambha-prakaraṇa 26):

sa lekhaḥ kāma-lekhaḥ syāt yaḥ sva-prema-prakāśakaḥ yuvatyā yūni yūnā ca yuvatyāṁ samprahīyate

“ Exchanges of letters between a young boy and young girl concerning their awakening of attachment for each other are called kāma-lekha. ”

Translation

“[Experiencing previous attachment to Kṛṣṇa (pūrva-rāga), Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī thought:] ‘Since I have heard the name of a person called Kṛṣṇa, I have practically lost My good sense. Then, there is another person who plays His flute in such a way that after I hear the vibration, intense madness arises in My heart. And again there is still another person to whom My mind becomes attached when I see His beautiful lightninglike effulgence in His picture. Therefore I think that I am greatly condemned, for I have become simultaneously attached to three persons. It would be better for Me to die because of this.’

Word meanings

ekasya — of one person ; śrutam — heard ; eva — certainly ; lumpati — take away ; matim — the mind ; kṛṣṇa iti — Kṛṣṇa ; nāma - akṣaram — the letters of the name ; sāndra - unmāda — of intense madness ; paramparām — a shower ; upanayati — brings ; anyasya — of another ; vaṁśī - kalaḥ — the sound vibration of the flute ; eṣaḥ — this third one ; snigdha — giving love ; ghana - dyutiḥ — lightninglike effulgence ; manasi — in the mind ; me — My ; lagnaḥ — attachment ; paṭe — in the picture ; vīkṣaṇāt — by seeing ; kaṣṭam dhik — oh, shame upon Me ; puruṣa - traye — to three persons ; ratiḥ — attachment ; abhūt — has appeared ; manye — I think ; mṛtiḥ — death ; śreyasī — better .

Purport

This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 2.9.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, these palpitations of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī’s heart are extremely difficult to cure. Even if one applied some medical treatment, it would only end in defamation.’

Word meanings

iyam — this ; sakhi — My dear friend ; su - duḥsādhyā — incurable ; rādhā — of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; hṛdaya - vedanā — palpitations of the heart ; kṛtā — done ; yatra — in which ; cikitsā — treatment ; api — although ; kutsāyām — in defamation ; paryavasyati — ends in .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.8) is spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself.

Translation

“ ‘O dearly beautiful one, the artistic loveliness of Your picture is now impressed within My mind. Since You are now living within My mind, wherever I wish to run because I am agitated by impressions of You, I find that You, O My friend, are blocking My way.”’

Word meanings

dhari - a — capturing ; paḍicchanda - guṇam — the quality of an artistic picture ; sundara — O most beautiful one ; maha — My ; mandire — within the heart ; tumam — You ; vasasi — reside ; taha taha — that much ; rundhasi — You block ; bali - am — by force ; jaha jaha — as much as ; ca - idā — being disturbed ; palāemhi — I try to escape .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.33) is written in the Prakrit language, not in Sanskrit. When transformed into Sanskrit, it reads as follows:

dhṛtvā praticchanda-guṇaṁ sundara mama mandire tvaṁ vasasi tathā tathā ruṇatsi balitaṁ yathā yathā cakitā palāye

The meaning is the same, but the native language is different. It was spoken to Kṛṣṇa by Madhumaṅgala as he read Him a letter from Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘Upon seeing peacock feathers in front of Her, this girl suddenly begins trembling. When She sometimes sees a necklace of guñjā [small conchshells], She sheds tears and cries loudly. I do not know what kind of new ecstatic influence has entered the heart of this poor girl. It has imbued Her with the dancing attitude of a player creating wonderful, unprecedented dances on a stage.’

Word meanings

agre — in front ; vīkṣya — seeing ; śikhaṇḍa - khaṇḍam — some peacock feathers ; acirāt — all of a sudden ; utkampam — trembling of the heart and body ; ālambate — takes to ; guñjānām — of a garland of guñjā (small conchshells) ; ca — also ; vilokanāt — by seeing ; muhuḥ — constantly ; asau — She ; sa - asram — with tears ; parikrośati — goes around crying ; na u — not ; jāne — I know ; janayan — awakening ; apūrva - naṭana — like unheard-of dramatic dancing ; krīḍā — of activities ; camatkāritām — the madness ; bālāyāḥ — of this poor girl ; kila — certainly ; citta - bhūmim — within the heart ; aviśat — has entered ; kaḥ — what ; ayam — this ; navīna - grahaḥ — new ecstatic influence .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.15) is spoken by Mukharā, a friend of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s grandmother, in a conversation with Paurṇamāsī, the grandmother of Madhumaṅgala.

Translation

“[Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī said to Her constant companion Viśākhā:] ‘My dear friend, if Kṛṣṇa is unkind to Me, there will be no need for you to cry, for it will not be due to any fault of yours. I shall then have to die, but afterwards please do one thing for Me: to observe My funeral ceremony, place My body with its arms embracing a tamāla tree like creepers so that I may remain forever in Vṛndāvana undisturbed. That is My last request.’ ”

Word meanings

akārunyaḥ — very cruel ; kṛṣṇaḥ — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; yadi — if ; mayi — unto Me ; tava — your ; āgaḥ — offense ; katham — how ; idam — this ; mudhā — uselessly ; mā rodīḥ — do not cry ; me — for Me ; kuru — do ; param — but afterwards ; imām — this ; uttara - kṛtim — final act ; tamālasya — of a tamāla tree ; skandhe — the trunk ; vinihita — fixed upon ; bhuja - vallariḥ — arms like creepers ; iyam — this ; yathā — as far as possible ; vṛndā - araṇye — in the forest of Vṛndāvana ; ciram — forever ; avicalā — without being disturbed ; tiṣṭhati — remains ; tanuḥ — the body .

Purport

This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 2.47.

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya inquired, “What are the characteristics of emotional love?”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; kaha — kindly recite ; dekhi — so that I may see ; bhāvera svabhāva — the characteristic of emotional love ; rūpa kahe — Rūpa Gosvāmī replies ; aiche — such ; haya — is ; kṛṣṇa - viṣayaka — concerning Kṛṣṇa ; bhāva — emotional love .

Purport

Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “This is the nature of emotional love for Kṛṣṇa:

Translation

“ ‘My dear beautiful friend, if one develops love of Godhead, love of Kṛṣṇa, the son of Nanda Mahārāja, all the bitter and sweet influences of this love will manifest in one’s heart. Such love of Godhead acts in two ways. The poisonous effects of love of Godhead defeat the severe and fresh poison of the serpent. Yet there is simultaneously transcendental bliss, which pours down and defeats the poisonous effects of a snake, as well as the happiness derived from pouring nectar on one’s head. It is perceived as doubly effective, simultaneously poisonous and nectarean.’ ”

Word meanings

pīḍābhiḥ — by the sufferings ; nava — fresh ; kāla - kūṭa — of poison ; kaṭutā — of the severity ; garvasya — of pride ; nirvāsanaḥ — banishment ; nisyandena — by pouring down ; mudām — happiness ; sudhā — of nectar ; madhurimā — of the sweetness ; ahaṅkāra — the pride ; saṅkocanaḥ — minimizing ; premā — love ; sundari — beautiful friend ; nanda - nandana - paraḥ — fixed upon the son of Mahārāja Nanda ; jāgarti — develops ; yasya — of whom ; antare — in the heart ; jñāyante — are perceived ; sphuṭam — explicitly ; asya — of that ; vakra — crooked ; madhurāḥ — and sweet ; tena — by him ; eva — alone ; vikrāntayaḥ — the influences .

Purport

This verse is from the Vidagdha-mādhava (2.18). It also appears in the Madhya-līlā (chapter two, verse 52). It is spoken by Paurṇamāsī.

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya further inquired, “What are the natural characteristics of awakening love of Godhead?”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya inquires ; kaha — please tell me ; sahaja - premera — of natural love ; lakṣaṇa — the characteristics ; rūpa - gosāñi kahe — Rūpa Gosvāmī replies ; sāhajika — spontaneous ; prema - dharma — character of love of Godhead .

Purport

Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “These are the natural characteristics of love of God:

Translation

“ ‘When one hears praise from his beloved, he outwardly remains neutral but feels pain within his heart. When he hears his beloved making accusations about him, he takes them to be jokes and enjoys pleasure. When he finds faults in his beloved, they do not diminish his love, nor do the beloved’s good qualities increase his spontaneous affection. Thus spontaneous love continues under all circumstances. That is how spontaneous love of Godhead acts within the heart.’

Word meanings

stotram — praising ; yatra — in which ; taṭa - sthatām — neutrality ; prakaṭayat — manifesting ; cittasya — to the heart ; dhatte — gives ; vyathām — painful reaction ; nindā — blaspheming ; api — also ; pramadam — pleasure ; prayacchati — delivers ; parīhāsa — of joking ; śriyam — the beauty ; bibhratī — bringing forth ; doṣeṇa — by accusation ; kṣayitām — the quality of diminishing ; guṇena — by good qualities ; gurutām — the importance ; kena api — by any ; anātanvatī — not increasing ; premṇaḥ — of love of Godhead ; svārasikasya — spontaneous ; kasyacit — of any ; iyam — this ; vikrīḍati — acts within the heart ; prakriyā — the manner of action .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (5.4) is spoken by Paurṇamāsī, the grandmother of Madhumaṅgala and mother of Sāndīpani Muni.

Translation

“ ‘Upon hearing of My cruelty, moon-faced Rādhārāṇī may establish some kind of tolerance in Her aggrieved heart. But then She might turn against Me. Or, indeed, being fearful of the lusty desires invoked by the bow of formidable Cupid, She might even give up Her life. Alas! I have foolishly uprooted the soft creeper of Her desire just when it was ready to bear fruit.’

Word meanings

śrutvā — by hearing ; niṣṭhuratām — cruelty ; mama — My ; indu - vadanā — moon-faced ; prema - aṅkuram — the seed of love ; bhindatī — splitting ; sva - ante — within Her heart ; śānti - dhurām — great toleration ; vidhāya — taking ; vidhure — aggrieved ; prāyaḥ — almost ; parāñciṣyati — may turn against ; kiṁ vā — or ; pāmara — most formidable ; kāma — of lusty desires or Cupid ; kārmuka — of the bow ; paritrastā — frightened ; vimokṣyati — will give up ; asūn — life ; hā — alas ; maugdhyāt — on account of bewilderment ; phalinī — almost fruitful ; manaḥ - ratha - latā — the creeper of growing love ; mṛdvī — very soft ; mayā — by Me ; unmūlitā — uprooted .

Purport

Having been very cruel to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, Kṛṣṇa is repenting in this way ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.40).

Translation

“ ‘Desiring the happiness of His association and embraces, My dear friend, I disregarded even My superiors and relaxed My shyness and gravity before them. Furthermore, although you are My best friend, more dear to Me than My own life, I have given you so much trouble. Indeed, I even put aside the vow of dedication to My husband, a vow kept by the most elevated women. Oh, alas! Although He is now neglecting Me, I am so sinful that I am still living. Therefore I must condemn My so-called patience.’

Word meanings

yasya — of whom ; utsaṅga - sukha - āśayā — by the desire for the happiness of the association ; śithilitā — slackened ; gurvī — very great ; gurubhyaḥ — unto the superiors ; trapā — bashfulness ; prāṇebhyaḥ — than My life ; api — although ; suhṛt - tamāḥ — more dear ; sakhi — O My dear friend ; tathā — similarly ; yūyam — you ; parikleśitāḥ — so much troubled ; dharmaḥ — duties to My husband ; saḥ — that ; api — also ; mahān — very great ; mayā — by Me ; na — not ; gaṇitaḥ — cared for ; sādhvībhiḥ — by the most chaste women ; adhyāsitaḥ — practiced ; dhik dhairyam — to hell with patience ; tat — by Him ; upekṣitā — neglected ; api — although ; yat — which ; aham — I ; jīvāmi — am living ; pāpīyasī — the most sinful .

Purport

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is speaking this verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.41) to Her intimate friend Viśākhādevī.

Translation

“ ‘I was engaged in My own playful activities in My home, and because of My childish innocence I did not know right from wrong. Therefore, is it good for You to have forced Us into being so much attracted to You and then to have neglected Us? Now You are indifferent to Us. Do You think this is right?’

Word meanings

gṛha - antaḥ khelantyaḥ — who were engaged in childish play within the house ; nija — one’s own ; sahaja — simple ; bālyasya — of childhood ; balanāt — on account of influence ; abhadram — bad ; bhadram — good ; vā — or ; kim api — what ; hi — certainly ; na — not ; jānīmahi — We did know ; manāk — even slightly ; vayam — We ; netum — to lead ; yuktāḥ — suitable ; katham — how ; aśaraṇām — without surrender ; kām api — such as this ; daśām — to the condition ; katham — how ; vā — or ; nyāyyā — correct ; te — of You ; prathayitum — to manifest ; udāsīna — of carelessness ; padavī — the position .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.46) is spoken to Kṛṣṇa by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘Our hearts are so polluted by miserable conditions that we are certainly going to Pluto’s kingdom. Nevertheless, Kṛṣṇa does not give up His beautiful loving smiling, which is full of cheating tricks. O Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, You are very intelligent. How could You have developed such great loving affection for this deceitful debauchee from the neighborhood of the cowherds?’

Word meanings

antaḥ - kleśa - kalaṅkitāḥ — polluted by inner miserable conditions that continue even after death ; kila — certainly ; vayam — all of us ; yāmaḥ — are going ; adya — now ; yāmyām — of Yamarāja ; purīm — to the abode ; na — not ; ayam — this ; vañcana - sañcaya — cheating activities ; praṇayinam — aiming at ; hāsam — smiling ; tathāpi — still ; ujjhati — gives up ; asmin — in this ; sampuṭite — filled ; gabhīra — deep ; kapaṭaiḥ — with deceit ; ābhīra - pallī — from the village of the cowherd men ; viṭe — in a debauchee ; hā — alas ; medhāvini — O intelligent one ; rādhike — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; tava — Your ; katham — how ; premā — love ; garīyān — so great ; abhūt — became .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 2.37) is spoken to Rādhārāṇī by Lalitā-sakhī, another confidential friend.

Translation

“ ‘O Lord Kṛṣṇa, You are just like an ocean. The river of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī has reached You from a long distance — leaving far behind the tree of Her husband, breaking through the bridge of social convention, and forcibly crossing the hills of elder relatives. Coming here because of fresh feelings of love for You, that river has now received Your shelter, but now You are trying to turn Her back by the waves of unfavorable words. How is it that You are spreading this attitude?’ ”

Word meanings

hitvā — giving up ; dūre — far away ; pathi — on the road ; dhava - taroḥ — of the tree of the husband ; antikam — the vicinity ; dharma - setoḥ — the bridge of religion ; bhaṅga - udagrā — being strong enough for breaking ; guru - śikhariṇam — the hill of the superior relatives ; raṁhasā — with great force ; laṅghayantī — crossing over ; lebhe — has obtained ; kṛṣṇa - arnava — O ocean of Kṛṣṇa ; nava - rasā — being influenced by new ecstatic love ; rādhikā — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; vāhinī — like a river ; tvām — You ; vāk - vīcibhiḥ — only by the waves of words ; kim — how ; iva — like this ; vimukhī - bhāvam — indifference ; asyāḥ — toward Her ; tanoṣi — You are spreading .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (3.9) is spoken to Lord Kṛṣṇa by Paurṇamāsī.

Translation

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya further inquired, “How have you described Vṛndāvana, the vibration of the transcendental flute, and the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and Rādhikā?

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; vṛndāvana — the place named Vṛndāvana ; muralī - niḥsvana — the vibration of Kṛṣṇa’s flute ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; rādhikāra — of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; kaiche — how ; kariyācha varṇana — you have described .

Translation

“Please tell me all this, for your poetic ability is wonderful.” After offering obeisances to Rāmānanda Rāya, Rūpa Gosvāmī gradually began answering his inquiries.

Word meanings

kaha — kindly let me know ; tomāra kavitva śuni’ — by hearing your poetic ability ; haya — there is ; camatkāra — much astonishment ; krame — gradually ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kahe — continues to speak ; kari’ namaskāra — offering obeisances .

Translation

“ ‘The sweet, fragrant honey oozing from newly grown mango buds is again and again attracting groups of bumblebees, and this forest is trembling in the softly moving breezes from the Malaya Hills, which are full of sandalwood trees. Thus the forest of Vṛndāvana is increasing My transcendental pleasure.’

Word meanings

su - gandhau — in the fragrance ; mākanda - prakara — of the bunches of mango buds ; makarandasya — of the honey ; madhure — sweet ; vinisyande — in the oozing ; vandī - kṛta — grouped together ; madhupa - vṛndam — bumblebees ; muhuḥ — again and again ; idam — this ; kṛta - andolam — agitated ; manda - unnatibhiḥ — moving softly ; anilaiḥ — by the breezes ; candana - gireḥ — from the Malaya Hills ; mama — My ; ānandam — pleasure ; vṛndā - vipinam — the forest of Vṛndāvana ; atulam — very much ; tundilayati — increases more and more .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.23) is spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, see how this forest of Vṛndāvana is full of transcendental creepers and trees. The tops of the creepers are full of flowers, and intoxicated bumblebees are buzzing around them, humming songs that please the ear and surpass even the Vedic hymns.’

Word meanings

vṛndāvanam — the forest of Vṛndāvana ; divya - latā - parītam — surrounded by transcendental creepers ; latāḥ ca — and the creepers ; puṣpa — by flowers ; sphurita — distinguished ; agra - bhājaḥ — possessing ends ; puṣpāṇi — the flowers ; ca — and ; sphīta - madhu - vratāni — having many maddened bumblebees ; madhu - vratāḥ — the bumblebees ; ca — and ; śruti - hāri - gītāḥ — whose songs defeat the Vedic hymns and are pleasing to the ear .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.24) is spoken by Lord Balarāma to His friend Śrīdāmā.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, this forest of Vṛndāvana is giving great pleasure to our senses in various ways. Somewhere bumblebees are singing in groups, and in some places mild breezes are cooling the entire atmosphere. Somewhere the creepers and tree twigs are dancing, the mallikā flowers are expanding their fragrance, and an overabundance of juice is constantly flowing in showers from pomegranate fruits.’

Word meanings

kvacit — somewhere ; bhṛṅgī - gītam — the humming songs of the bumblebees ; kvacit — somewhere ; anila - bhaṅgī - śiśiratā — coolness from the waves of the mild breezes ; kvacit — somewhere ; vallī - lāsyam — the dancing of the creepers ; kvacit — somewhere ; amala - mallī - parimalaḥ — the pure fragrance of the mallikā flowers ; kvacit — somewhere ; dhārā - śālī — abounding in showers ; karaka - phala - pālī — of pomegranate fruits ; rasa - bharaḥ — overabundance of juice ; hṛṣīkāṇām — of the senses ; vṛndam — to the group ; pramadayati — is giving pleasure ; vṛndāvanam — the forest of Vṛndāvana ; idam — this .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.31) is spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa to His cowherd friend Madhumaṅgala.

Translation

“ ‘The flute of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes measures three fingers in length, and it is bedecked with indranīla gems. At the ends of the flute are aruṇa gems [rubies], glittering beautifully, and between its ends the flute is plated with gold set ablaze by diamonds. This auspicious flute, pleasing to Kṛṣṇa, is glittering in His hand with transcendental brilliance.’

Word meanings

parāmṛṣta — measured ; anguṣṭha - trayam — a length of three fingers ; asita - ratnaiḥ — with valuable indranīla jewels ; ubhayataḥ — from both ends ; vahantī — having ; saṅkīrṇau — bedecked ; maṇibhiḥ — by gems ; aruṇaiḥ — rubies ; tat - parisarau — the two ends of the flute ; tayoḥ madhye — between them ; hīra — with diamonds ; ujjvala — blazing ; vimala — pure ; jāmbūnada - mayī — covered with gold plate ; kare — in the hand ; kalyāṇī — very auspicious ; iyam — this ; viharati — glitters ; hareḥ — of Kṛṣṇa ; keli - muralī — the pastime flute .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (3.1) is spoken to Lalitādevī by Paurṇamāsī.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend the flute, it appears that you have been born of a very good family, for your residence is in the hands of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. By birth you are simple and are not at all crooked. Why then have you taken initiation into this dangerous mantra that enchants the assembled gopīs?’

Word meanings

sat - vaṁśataḥ — very respectable family ; tava — your ; janiḥ — birth ; puruṣottamasya — of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; pāṇau — in the hands ; sthitiḥ — residence ; muralike — O good flute ; saralā — simple ; asi — you are ; jātyā — by birth ; kasmāt — why ; tvayā — by you ; sakhi — O My dear friend ; guroḥ — from the spiritual master ; viṣamā — dangerous ; gṛhītā — taken ; gopa - aṅganā - gaṇa - vimohana — for bewildering the groups of the gopīs ; mantra - dīkṣā — initiation in the mantra .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 5.17) is spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend the flute, you are actually full of many holes or faults. You are light, hard, juiceless and full of knots. But what kind of pious activities have engaged you in the service of being kissed by the Lord and embraced by His hands?’

Word meanings

sakhi murali — O dear friend the flute ; viśāla - chidra - jālena — with so many big holes in your body (in other words, full of chidra, which also means “faults”) ; pūrṇā — full ; laghuḥ — very light ; ati - kaṭhinā — very hard in constitution ; tvam — you ; granthilā — full of knots ; nīrasā — without juice ; asi — are ; tat api — therefore ; bhajasi — you obtain through service ; śaśvat — continuously ; cumbana - ānanda — the transcendental bliss of being kissed by the Lord ; sāndram — intense ; hari - kara - parirambham — being embraced by the hands of Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; kena — by what ; puṇya - udayena — means of pious activities .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 4.7) is spoken by Candrāvalī-sakhī, the gopī competitor of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘The transcendental vibration of Kṛṣṇa’s flute blocked the movements of the rain clouds, struck the Gandharvas full of wonder, and agitated the meditation of great saintly persons like Sanaka and Sanandana. It created wonder in Lord Brahmā, wrought intense curiosity that agitated the mind of Bali Mahārāja, who was otherwise firmly fixed, made Mahārāja Ananta, the carrier of the planets, whirl around, and penetrated the strong coverings of the universe. Thus the sound of the flute in the hands of Kṛṣṇa created a wonderful situation.’

Word meanings

rundhan — blocking ; ambu - bhṛtaḥ — the clouds bearing rain ; camatkṛti - param — full of wonder ; kurvan — making ; muhuḥ — at every moment ; tumburum — the King of the Gandharvas, Tumburu ; dhyānāt — from meditation ; antarayan — disturbing ; sanandana - mukhān — the great saintly persons headed by Sanandana ; vismāpayan — causing wonder ; vedhasam — even to Lord Brahmā ; autsukya - āvalibhiḥ — with thoughts of curiosity ; balim — King Bali ; caṭulayan — agitating ; bhogī - indram — the King of the Nāgas ; āghūrṇayan — whirling around ; bhindan — penetrating ; aṇḍa - kaṭāha - bhittim — the strong coverings of the universe ; abhitaḥ — all around ; babhrāma — circulated ; vaṁśī - dhvaniḥ — the transcendental vibration of the flute .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 1.27) is spoken by Madhumaṅgala, a cowherd friend of Kṛṣṇa’s.

Translation

“ ‘The beauty of Kṛṣṇa’s eyes surpasses the beauty of white lotus flowers, His yellow garments surpass the brilliance of fresh decorations of kuṅkuma, His ornaments of selected forest flowers subdue the hankering for the best of garments, and His bodily beauty possesses mind-attracting splendor greater than the jewels known as marakata-maṇi [emeralds].’

Word meanings

ayam — this ; nayana — by whose beautiful eyes ; daṇḍita — defeated ; pravara — best ; puṇḍarīka - prabhaḥ — the luster of the white lotus flower ; prabhāti — looks beautiful ; nava - jāguḍa - dyuti — the brilliance of newly painted kuṅkuma ; viḍambi — deriding ; pīta - ambaraḥ — whose yellow dress ; araṇya - ja — picked up from the forest ; pariṣkriyā — by whose ornaments ; damita — subdued ; divya - veśa - ādaraḥ — the hankering for first-class dress ; harin - maṇi — of emeralds ; manaḥ - hara — mind-attracting ; dyutibhiḥ — with splendor ; ujjvala - aṅgaḥ — whose beautiful body ; hariḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.17) is spoken by Paurṇamāsī.

Translation

“ ‘O most beautiful friend, please accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is standing before You full of transcendental bliss. The borders of His eyes roam from side to side, and His eyebrows move slowly like bumblebees on His lotuslike face. Standing with His right foot placed below the knee of His left leg, the middle of His body curved in three places, and His neck gracefully tilted to the side, He takes His flute to His pursed lips and moves His fingers upon it here and there.’

Word meanings

jaṅghā — of the shin ; adhaḥ - taṭa — at the lower border ; saṅgi — connected ; dakṣiṇa - padam — the right foot ; kiñcit — slightly ; vibhugna - trikam — the middle of the body bent in three places ; sāci - stambhita - kandharam — whose neck is fixed in a curve to the side ; sakhi — O friend ; tiraḥ - sañcāri — roaming sideways ; netra - añcalam — whose borders of the eyes ; vaṁśīm — flute ; kuṭmalite — shut like a flower bud ; dadhānam — placing ; adhare — on the lips ; lola - aṅgulī - saṅgatām — joined with fingers moving here and there ; riṅgat - bhrū — whose slowly moving eyebrows ; bhramaram — like bumblebees ; vara - aṅgi — O most beautiful one ; parama - ānandam — the personality of bliss ; puraḥ — situated in front ; svī - kuru — just accept .

Purport

This verse from the Lalita-mādhava-nāṭaka (4.27), a ten-act play by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, is spoken by Lalitādevī to Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘O beautiful-faced one, who is this creative person standing before us? With the sharp chisels of His loving glances, He is splitting the hard stones of many women’s devotion to their husbands. And with the luster of His body, surpassing the brilliance of countless emeralds, He is simultaneously constructing private meeting places for His pastimes.’

Word meanings

kula - vara - tanu — of the family women ; dharma — in the form of dedication to the husband, etc. ; grāva - vṛndāni — the stones ; bhindan — splitting ; su - mukhi — O beautiful-faced one ; niśita — sharp ; dīrgha - apāṅga — in the form of long outer corners of the eyes ; ṭaṅka - chaṭābhiḥ — by chisels ; yugapat — simultaneously ; ayam — this ; apūrvaḥ — unprecedented ; kaḥ — who ; puraḥ — in front ; viśvakarmā — creative person ; marakata - maṇi - lakṣaiḥ — with countless emeralds ; goṣṭha - kakṣām — a private room for meeting ; cinoti — He is constructing .

Purport

This verse ( Lalita-mādhava 1.52) is spoken by Rādhārāṇī to Lalitādevī.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, this newly youthful Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the moon in the family of Nanda Mahārāja, is so beautiful that He defies the beauty of clusters of valuable jewels. All glories to the vibration of His flute, for it is cunningly breaking the patience of chaste ladies by loosening their belts and tight dresses.’

Word meanings

mahendra - maṇi — of jewels of the name mahendra-maṇi ; maṇḍalī — of masses ; mada - viḍambi — defeating the pride ; deha - dyutiḥ — one whose bodily luster ; vrajendra - kula - candramāḥ — the moon of the family of Vrajarāja (Nanda Mahārāja) ; sphurati — manifests ; kaḥ api — some ; navyaḥ yuvā — newly youthful person ; sakhi — O my dear friend ; sthira — steady ; kula - aṅganā — of family ladies ; nikara — of groups ; nīvi - bandha - argala — of the impediments such as tightened dresses and belts ; chidā - karaṇa — in causing the cutting ; kautukī — very cunning ; jayati — all glories ; yasya — of whom ; vaṁśī - dhvaniḥ — to the vibration of the flute .

Purport

This verse from the Lalita-mādhava (1.49) is spoken by Lalitādevī to Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

“ ‘The beauty of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī’s eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold into a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is awakening in Vṛndāvana.’

Word meanings

balāt — by force ; akṣṇoḥ — of the two eyes ; lakṣmīḥ — the beauty ; kavalayati — devours ; navyam — newly awakened ; kuvalayam — lotus flower ; mukha - ullāsaḥ — the beauty of the face ; phullam — fructified ; kamala - vanam — a forest of lotus flowers ; ullaṅghayati — surpasses ; ca — also ; daśām — to a situation ; kaṣṭām — painful ; aṣṭā - padam — gold ; api — even ; nayati — brings ; āṅgika - ruciḥ — the luster of the body ; vicitram — wonderful ; rādhāyāḥ — of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; kim api — some ; kila — certainly ; rūpam — the beauty ; vilasati — manifests .

Purport

This verse is from the Vidagdha-mādhava (1.32). It is spoken by Paurṇamāsī.

Translation

“ ‘Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?’

Word meanings

vidhuḥ — the moon ; eti — becomes ; divā — by daytime ; virūpatām — faded away ; śata - patram — the lotus flower ; bata — alas ; śarvarī - mukhe — in the beginning of evening ; iti — thus ; kena — with what ; sadā — always ; śriyā - ujjvalam — brilliant with beauty ; tulanām — comparison ; arhati — deserves ; mat — of Me ; priyā — of the dear one ; ānanam — the face .

Purport

This verse ( Vidagdha-mādhava 5.20) is spoken by Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Madhumaṅgala.

Translation

“ ‘When Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī smiles, waves of joy flow over Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart.’ ”

Word meanings

pramada — of joy ; rasa - taraṅga — by the continuous waves of the mellow ; smera — mildly smiling ; gaṇḍa - sthalāyāḥ — whose cheeks ; smara - dhanuḥ — the bow of Cupid ; anubandhi — related with ; bhrū - latā — of the arched eyebrows ; lāsya — dancing ; bhājaḥ — of one who has ; mada - kala — intoxicated ; cala — unsteady ; bhṛṅgī - bhrānti — the moving to and fro of bees ; bhaṅgīm — the semblance of ; dadhānaḥ — giving ; hṛdayam idam — this heart ; adāṅkṣīt — has bitten ; pakṣmala — possessing exquisite eyelashes ; akṣyāḥ — of whose two eyes ; kaṭa - akṣaḥ — the glance .

Purport

This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (2.51) is also spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Translation

Having heard these verses recited by Rūpa Gosvāmī, Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Your poetic expressions are like continuous showers of nectar. Kindly let me hear the introductory portion of the second drama.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; tomāra — you ; kavitva — superexcellence in poetic presentation ; amṛtera dhāra — a continuous shower of nectar ; dvitīya nāṭakera — of the second drama ; kaha — please tell ; nāndī - vyavahāra — treatment of the introduction .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī said, “In your presence, which is just like brilliant sunshine, I am as insignificant as the light of a glowworm.

Word meanings

rūpa kahe — Rūpa Gosvāmī says ; kāhāṅ — where ; tumi — you ; sūrya - upama — like the sun ; bhāsa — brilliance ; muñi — I ; kon — some ; kṣudra — insignificant ; yena — exactly like ; khadyota - prakāśa — the brilliance of the glowworm .

Translation

“It is even impudent for me to open my mouth before you.” Then, having said this, he recited the introductory verse of the Lalita-mādhava.

Word meanings

tomāra āge — before you ; dhāṛṣṭya — impudence ; ei — this ; mukha - vyādāna — simply opening the mouth ; eta bali’ — saying this ; nāndī - śloka — the introductory verses ; karilā vyākhyāna — explained .

Translation

“ ‘The beautiful moonlike glories of Mukunda give distress to the lotuslike faces of the wives of the demons and to their raised breasts, which are like gleaming cakravāka birds. Those glories, however, are pleasing to all His devotees, who are like cakora birds. May those glories forever give pleasure to you all.’ ”

Word meanings

sura - ripu — of the enemies of the demigods ; sudṛśām — of the wives ; uroja — the breasts ; kokān — like birds known as cakravāka birds ; mukha — faces ; kamalāni — like lotuses ; ca — also ; khedayan — distressing ; akhaṇḍaḥ — completely without distortion ; ciram — for a long time ; akhila — of all ; suhṛt — the friend ; cakora - nandī — pleasing to the cakora birds ; diśatu — let it give ; mukunda — of Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; yaśaḥ — the glories ; śaśī — like the moon ; mudam — pleasure ; vaḥ — to all of you .

Purport

This is the first verse of Act One of the Lalita-mādhava.

Translation

When Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya further inquired about the second introductory verse, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī was somewhat hesitant, but nevertheless he began to recite.

Word meanings

dvitīya nāndī — the second introductory verse ; kaha — recite ; dekhi — so that we can see ; rāya puchilā — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya again inquired ; saṅkoca pāñā — becoming a little hesitant ; rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; paḍite lāgilā — began to recite .

Translation

“ ‘The moonlike Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is known as the son of mother Śacī, has now appeared on earth to spread devotional love of Himself. He is the emperor of the brāhmaṇa community. He can drive away all the darkness of ignorance and control the mind of everyone in the world. May that rising moon bestow upon us all good fortune.’ ”

Word meanings

nija - praṇayitām — own devotional love ; sudhām — the nectar ; udayam — appearance ; āpnuvan — obtaining ; yaḥ — one who ; kṣitau — on the surface of the world ; kirati — expands ; alam — extensively ; urī - kṛta — accepted ; dvija - kula - adhirāja - sthitiḥ — the situation of the most exalted of the brāhmaṇa community ; saḥ — He ; luñcita — driven away ; tamaḥ — of darkness ; tatiḥ — mass ; mama — my ; śacī - suta - ākhyaḥ — known as Śacīnandana, the son of mother Śacī ; śaśī — the moon ; vaśī - kṛta — subdued ; jagat - manāḥ — the minds of the whole world ; kim api — somehow ; śarma — auspiciousness ; vinyasyatu — let it be bestowed .

Purport

This is the third verse of Act One of the Lalita-mādhava.

Translation

Although Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was inwardly greatly pleased when He heard this verse, externally He spoke as if angry.

Word meanings

śuniyā — hearing this ; prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yadi — although ; antare — within ; ullāsa — great jubilation ; bāhire — externally ; kahena — says ; kichu — something ; kari’ — making ; roṣa - ābhāsa — as if angry .

Translation

“Your exalted poetic descriptions of the mellows of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes are like an ocean of nectar. But why have you put in a false prayer about Me? It is like a drop of detestable alkali.”

Word meanings

kāṅhā — where ; tomāra — your ; kṛṣṇa - rasa - kāvya — of exalted poetry concerning the mellows of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes ; sudhā - sindhu — ocean of the nectar ; tāra madhye — within that ; mithyā — false ; kene — why ; stuti — prayer ; kṣāra - bindu — like a drop of alkali .

Translation

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya objected, “It is not alkali at all. It is a particle of camphor he has put into the nectar of his exalted poetic expression.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya says ; rūpera kāvya — the poetic expression of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; amṛtera pūra — filled with all nectar ; tāra madhye — within that ; eka bindu — one drop ; diyāche — he has given ; karpūra — camphor .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “My dear Rāmānanda Rāya, you are jubilant at hearing these poetic expressions, but I am ashamed to hear them, for people in general will joke about the subject of this verse.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; tomāra — your ; ihāte — in this ; ullāsa — jubilation ; śunitei — to hear ; lajjā — ashamed ; loke — the people in general ; kare — do ; upahāsa — joking .

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Instead of joking, people in general will feel great pleasure in hearing such poetry, for the initial remembrance of the worshipable Deity invokes good fortune.”

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; lokera — of the people in general ; sukha — happiness ; ihāra śravaṇe — in hearing such poetic expressions ; abhīṣṭa - devera — of the worshipable Deity ; smṛti — remembrance ; maṅgala - ācaraṇe — in the performance of auspiciousness in the beginning .

Translation

Rāmānanda Rāya inquired, “By which subdivision of style do the players enter?” Rūpa Gosvāmī then began to speak specifically about this subject.

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Rāmānanda Rāya says ; kon — what ; aṅge — subdivision of style ; pātrera praveśa — the entrance of the players ; tabe — at that time ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kahe — continues to speak ; tāhāra viśeṣa — specifically on this matter .

Translation

“ ‘While dancing on the stage after having killed the ruler of uncivilized men [Kaṁsa], Lord Kṛṣṇa, master of all arts, will at the proper time accept the hand of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, who is qualified with all transcendental attributes.’

Word meanings

naṭatā — dancing on the stage ; kirāta - rājam — the ruler of the Kirātas (uncivilized men), Kaṁsa ; nihatya — killing ; raṅga - sthale — on the stage ; kalā - nidhinā — the master of all arts ; samaye — at the time ; tena — by Him ; vidheyam — to be done ; guṇa - vati — at the qualified moment ; tārā - kara — of the hand of Tārā (Rādhā) ; grahaṇam — the acceptance .

Purport

This verse is Lalita-mādhava 1.11.

Translation

“This introduction is technically called udghātyaka, and the whole scene is called vīthī. You are so expert in dramatic expression that each of my statements before you is like a wave from an ocean of impudence.

Purport

‘ udghātyaka’ nāma — a dancing appearance of the player, technically known as udghātyaka; ei āmukha — this is the introduction; vīthī aṅga — the part is called vīthī; tomāra āge — before you; kahi — I say; ihā — this; dhārṣṭyera taraṅga — a wave of impudence.

In this connection Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura again quotes the following verse from the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.288):

udghātyakaḥ kathodghātaḥ prayogātiśayas tathā pravartakāvalagite pañca prastāvanā-bhidāḥ

Thus the technical names for the five kinds of introductory scenes of the drama are listed as udghātyaka, kathodghāta, prayogātiśaya, pravartaka and avalagita. When Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya inquired which of these five Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī had used to accomplish the technical introduction to his drama Lalita-mādhava, Rūpa Gosvāmī replied that he had used the introduction technically called udghātyaka. According to the Bhāratī-vṛtti, three technical terms used are prarocanā, vīthī and prahasanā. Thus Rūpa Gosvāmī also mentioned vīthī, which is a technical term for a certain type of expression. According to the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.520):

vīthyām eko bhaved aṅkaḥ kaścid eko ’tra kalpyate ākāśa-bhāṣitair uktaiś citrāṁ pratyuktim āśritaḥ

The vīthī beginning of a drama consists of only one scene. In that scene, one of the heroes enters the stage, and by means of opposing statements uttered by a voice from the sky (offstage), he introduces the abundant conjugal mellow and other mellows to some degree. In the course of the introduction, all the seeds of the play are planted. This introduction is called udghātyaka because the player dances on the stage. This term also indicates that the full moon enters the stage. In this case, when the word naṭatā (“dancing on the stage”) is linked with the moon, its meaning is obscure, but because the meaning becomes very clear when the word naṭatā is linked with Kṛṣṇa, this type of introduction is called udghātyaka .

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya used highly technical terms when he discussed this subject with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. Rūpa Gosvāmī stated that Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya was a greatly learned scholar of bona fide dramatic composition. Thus although Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī was quite fit to answer Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya’s questions, due to his Vaiṣṇava humility he said that his words were impudent. Actually both Rūpa Gosvāmī and Rāmānanda Rāya were scholarly experts in composing poetry and presenting it strictly according to the Sāhitya-darpaṇa and other Vedic literatures.

Translation

“ ‘To explain an unclear word, men generally join it with other words. Such an attempt is called udghātyaka.’ ”

Word meanings

padāni — words ; tu — but ; agata - arthāni — having an unclear meaning ; tat — that ; artha - gataye — to understand the meaning ; narāḥ — men ; yojayanti — join ; padaiḥ — with words ; anyaiḥ — other ; saḥ — that ; udghātyakaḥ — udghātyaka ; ucyate — is called .

Purport

This verse is quoted from the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.289).

Translation

When Rāmānanda Rāya requested Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī to speak further about various portions of the play, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī briefly quoted his Lalita-mādhava.

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya says ; kaha — please tell me ; āge — further ; aṅgera viśeṣa — particular portions ; śrī - rūpa kahena — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī says ; kichu — something ; saṅkṣepa — in brief ; uddeśa — reference .

Translation

“ ‘The dust from cows and calves on the road creates a kind of darkness indicating that Kṛṣṇa is returning home from the pasture. Also, the darkness of evening provokes the gopīs to meet Kṛṣṇa. Thus the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs are covered by a kind of transcendental darkness and are therefore impossible for ordinary scholars of the Vedas to see.’

Word meanings

harim — Kṛṣṇa ; uddiśate — it indicates ; rajaḥ - bharaḥ — dust from the cows ; purataḥ — in front ; saṅgamayati — causes to meet ; amum — Kṛṣṇa ; tamaḥ — the darkness ; vraja - vāma - dṛśām — of the damsels of Vṛndāvana ; na — not ; paddhatiḥ — the course of activities ; prakaṭā — manifested ; sarva - dṛśaḥ — who know everything ; śruteḥ — of the Vedas ; api — as well as .

Purport

This verse from the Lalita-mādhava (1.23) is spoken by Paurṇamāsī in a conversation with Gārgī.

Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (2.45) , trai-guṇya-viṣayā vedā nistrai-guṇyo bhavārjuna. Thus He advised Arjuna to rise above the modes of material nature, for the entire Vedic system is filled with descriptions involving sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. People are generally covered by the quality of rajo-guṇa and are therefore unable to understand the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa with the gopīs of Vraja. Moreover, the quality of tamo-guṇa further disturbs their understanding. In Vṛndāvana, however, although Kṛṣṇa is covered by the hazy darkness of the dust, the gopīs can nevertheless understand that within the dust storm is Kṛṣṇa. Because they are His topmost devotees, they can perceive His hand in everything. Thus even in the dark or in a hazy storm of dust, devotees can understand what Kṛṣṇa is doing. The purport of this verse is that under no circumstances is Kṛṣṇa ever lost to the vision of exalted devotees like the gopīs.

Translation

“ ‘May the sweet sound of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s flute, His authorized messenger, be glorified, for it expertly releases Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī from Her shyness and attracts Her from Her home to the forest.’

Word meanings

hriyam — bashfulness ; avagṛhya — impeding ; gṛhebhyaḥ — from private houses ; karṣati — attracts ; rādhām — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī ; vanāya — to the forest ; yā — which ; nipuṇā — being expert ; sā — that ; jayati — let it be glorified ; nisṛṣṭa - arthā — authorized ; vara - vaṁśa - ja — of the bamboo flute ; kākalī — the sweet tone ; dūtī — the messenger .

Purport

This verse from the Lalita-mādhava (1.24) is spoken by Gārgī, the daughter of Garga Muni.

Translation

“ ‘My dear friend, who is this fearless young man? He is as bright as a lightning cloud, and He wanders in His pastimes like a maddened elephant. From where has He come to Vṛndāvana? Alas, by His restless movements and attractive glances He is plundering from the vault of My heart the treasure of My patience.’

Word meanings

saha - cari — O My dear friend ; nirātaṅkaḥ — without fear ; kaḥ — who ; ayam — this ; yuvā — young man ; mudira - dyutiḥ — as effulgent as a lightning cloud ; vraja - bhuvi — in the land of Vraja, Vṛndāvana ; kutaḥ — from where ; prāptaḥ — obtained ; mādyan — being intoxicated ; matam - gaja — like an elephant ; vibhramaḥ — whose pastimes ; ahaha — alas ; caṭulaiḥ — very unsteady ; utsarpadbhiḥ — with wanderings in all directions ; dṛk - añcala - taskaraiḥ — by the glances of His eyes like thieves ; mama — My ; dhṛti - dhanam — the treasure of My patience ; cetaḥ — of the heart ; koṣāt — from the core ; viluṇṭhayati — plunders ; iha — here in Vṛndāvana ; yaḥ — the person who .

Purport

This verse ( Lalita-mādhava 2.11) is spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī to Her friend Lalitādevī.

Translation

“ ‘Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is the Ganges in which the elephant of My mind enjoys pastimes. She is the shining of the full autumn moon for the cakora birds of My eyes. She is the dazzling ornament, the bright and beautiful arrangement of stars, on the border of the sky of My chest. Now today I have gained Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī because of the highly elevated state of My mind.’ ”

Word meanings

vihāra - sura - dīrghikā — the Ganges flowing in the heavenly planets ; mama — My ; manaḥ - kari - indrasya — of the elephantlike mind ; yā — She who ; vilocana — glancing ; cakorayoḥ — of My two eyes, which are like cakora birds ; śarat - amanda - candra - prabhā — like the shine of the full moon in the autumn ; uraḥ — of My chest ; ambara — like the sky ; taṭasya — on the edge ; ca — also ; ābharaṇa — ornaments ; cāru — beautiful ; tārā - āvalī — like the stars ; mayā — by Me ; unnata — highly elevated ; manaḥ - rathaiḥ — by mental desires ; iyam — this ; alambhi — attained ; sā — She ; rādhikā — Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī .

Purport

This verse from the Lalita-mādhava (2.10) expresses the thoughts of Lord Kṛṣṇa in relation with Rādhārāṇī.

Translation

After hearing this, Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya submitted at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu the superexcellence of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s poetic expression and began to praise it as if he had thousands of mouths.

Word meanings

eta śuni’ — hearing this ; rāya — Rāmānanda Rāya ; kahe — says ; prabhura caraṇe — at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpera — of Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kavitva — poetic art ; praśaṁsi’ — glorifying ; sahasra - vadane — as if with a thousand mouths .

Translation

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya said, “This is not a poetic presentation; it is a continuous shower of nectar. Indeed, it is the essence of all ultimate realizations, appearing in the form of plays.

Word meanings

kavitva — poetic art ; nā haya — is not ; ei — this ; amṛtera dhāra — constant shower of nectar ; nāṭaka — a drama ; lakṣaṇa — appearing as ; saba — all ; siddhāntera sāra — essences of ultimate realization .

Translation

“The wonderful descriptions of Rūpa Gosvāmī are superb arrangements to express loving affairs. Hearing them will plunge the heart and ears of everyone into a whirlpool of transcendental bliss.

Word meanings

prema - paripāṭī — a first-class arrangement to express loving affairs ; ei — this ; adbhuta varṇana — wonderful description ; śuni’ — hearing ; citta - karṇera — of the heart and the ear ; haya — there is ; ānanda - ghūrṇana — a whirlpool of transcendental bliss .

Translation

“ ‘What is the use of a bowman’s arrow or a poet’s poetry if they penetrate the heart but do not cause the head to spin?’

Word meanings

kim — what use ; kāvyena — with poetry ; kaveḥ — of the poet ; tasya — that ; kim — what use ; kāṇḍena — with the arrow ; dhanuḥ - mataḥ — of the bowman ; parasya — of another ; hṛdaye — in the heart ; lagnam — penetrating ; na ghūrṇayati — does not cause to roll about ; yat — which ; śiraḥ — the head .

Translation

“Without Your mercy such poetic expressions would be impossible for an ordinary living being to write. My guess is that You have given him the power.”

Word meanings

tomāra śakti vinā — without Your special power ; jīvera — of an ordinary living being ; nahe — there is not ; ei vāṇī — these words ; tumi — You ; śakti diyā — giving power ; kahāo — make him say ; hena — such ; anumāni — I guess .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “I met Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī at Prayāga. He attracted and satisfied Me because of his qualities.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; prayāge — at Prayāga ; ihāra — of him ; ha - ila — there was ; milana — meeting ; ihāra guṇe — by his transcendental qualities ; ihāte — in him ; āmāra — of Me ; tuṣṭa — satisfied ; haila — became ; mana — the mind .

Purport

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not partial to some and neutral to others. One can actually draw the attention of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by service. Then one is further empowered by the Lord to act in such a way that everyone can appreciate his service. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.11) : ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham. Kṛṣṇa is responsive. If one tries to render his best service to the Lord, the Lord gives him the power to do so. Kṛṣṇa also says in the Bhagavad-gītā (10.10) :

teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ yena mām upayānti te

“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bestowed His special favor upon Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī because Rūpa Gosvāmī wanted to serve the Lord to the best of his ability. Such is the reciprocation between the devotee and the Lord in the discharge of devotional duties.

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu praised the metaphors and other literary ornaments of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s transcendental poetry. Without such poetic attributes, He said, there is no possibility of preaching transcendental mellows.

Word meanings

madhura — sweet ; prasanna — pleasing ; ihāra — his ; kāvya — poetry ; sa - alaṅkāra — with metaphors and other ornaments ; aiche — such as that ; kavitva — poetic qualifications ; vinu — without ; nahe — there is not ; rasera — of mellows ; pracāra — preaching .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu requested all His personal associates to bless Rūpa Gosvāmī so that he might continuously describe the pastimes of Vṛndāvana, which are full of emotional love of Godhead.

Word meanings

sabe — all of you ; kṛpā kari’ — showing your mercy ; iṅhāre — unto Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; deha’ — give ; ei vara — this benediction ; vraja - līlā - prema - rasa — the transcendental mellows of the pastimes of Vṛndāvana ; yena — so that ; varṇe — he can describe ; nirantara — without cessation .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s elder brother, whose name is Sanātana Gosvāmī, is such a wise and learned scholar that no one is equal to him.”

Word meanings

iṅhāra — of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; ye — who ; jyeṣṭha - bhrātā — the elder brother ; nāma — named ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; pṛthivīte — on the surface of the world ; vijña - vara — most learned ; nāhi — there is none ; tāṅra sama — equal to him .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu told Rāmānanda Rāya, “Sanātana Gosvāmī’s renunciation of material connections is just like yours. Humility, renunciation and excellent learning exist in him simultaneously.

Word meanings

tomāra — your ; yaiche — just as ; viṣaya - tyāga — renunciation of material connections ; taiche — similarly ; tāṅra rīti — his manner of activity ; dainya — humbleness ; vairāgya — renunciation ; pāṇḍityera — of learned scholarship ; tāṅhātei — in him ; sthiti — existing .

Translation

“I empowered both of these brothers to go to Vṛndāvana to expand the literature of bhakti.”

Word meanings

ei — these ; dui — two ; bhāiye — brothers ; āmi — I ; pāṭhāiluṅ — sent ; vṛndāvane — to Vṛndāvana ; śakti diyā — empowering them ; bhakti - śāstra — transcendental literature regarding devotional service ; karite — to do ; pravartane — establishing .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu informed Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya that he and Sanātana Gosvāmī had engaged equally in devotional service after giving up all relationships with material activity. Such renunciation is a symptom of an unalloyed devotee engaged in the service of the Lord with no tinge of material contamination. According to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, this is the position of tṛṇād api su-nīcena taror iva sahiṣṇunā. A pure devotee, free from the reactions of the material modes of nature, executes devotional service with tolerance like that of a tree. He also feels humbler than the grass. Such a devotee, who is called niṣkiñcana, or free from all material possessions, is always absorbed in emotional love of Godhead. He is reluctant to perform any kind of sense gratification. In other words, such a devotee is free from all material bondage, but he engages in Kṛṣṇa conscious activities. Such expert devotional service is performed without hypocrisy. Humility, renunciation and learned scholarship were combined in Sanātana Gosvāmī, the ideal pure devotee, who was on the same level of understanding as Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya. Like Rāmānanda Rāya, Sanātana Gosvāmī was a fully cognizant expert in the conclusions of devotional service and was therefore able to describe such transcendental knowledge.

Translation

Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya replied to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “My Lord, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If You like, You can cause even a wooden doll to dance.

Word meanings

rāya kahe — Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya says ; īśvara tumi — You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; ye — whatever ; cāha — You want ; karite — to do ; kāṣṭhera — of wood ; putalī — a doll ; tumi — You ; pāra — are able ; nācāite — to make dance .

Translation

“I see that the truths regarding transcendental mellows that You expounded through my mouth are all explained in the writings of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

mora mukhe — through my mouth ; ye — whatever ; saba rasa — all such transcendental mellows ; karilā — You did ; pracāraṇe — preaching ; sei rasa — those same transcendental mellows ; dekhi — I see ; ei — this ; ihāra likhane — in the writing of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī .

Translation

“Because of Your causeless mercy toward Your devotees, You want to describe the transcendental pastimes in Vṛndāvana. Anyone empowered to do this can bring the entire world under Your influence.”

Word meanings

bhakte — unto the devotees ; kṛpā - hetu — because of mercy ; prakāśite — to show ; cāha — You want ; vraja - rasa — the transcendental mellows in Vṛndāvana ; yāre — whomever ; karāo — You may empower ; sei — he ; karibe — will make ; jagat — the whole world ; tomāra vaśa — under Your control .

Purport

This passage parallels the statement kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana, which means that unless empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, one cannot spread the holy name of the Lord throughout the entire world (Cc. Antya 7.11). Under the protection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a pure devotee can preach the holy name of the Lord so that everyone may take advantage of this facility and thus become Kṛṣṇa conscious.

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then embraced Rūpa Gosvāmī and asked him to offer prayers at the lotus feet of all the devotees present.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kailā — did ; rūpe — unto Rūpa Gosvāmī ; āliṅgana — embracing ; tāṅre — him ; karāilā — induced to do ; sabāra — of all of them ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet .

Translation

Advaita Ācārya, Nityānanda Prabhu and all the other devotees showed their causeless mercy to Rūpa Gosvāmī by embracing him in return.

Word meanings

advaita — Advaita Ācārya ; nityānanda - ādi — Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu and others ; saba — all ; bhakta - gaṇa — personal devotees ; kṛpā kari’ — being very merciful ; rūpe — unto Rūpa Gosvāmī ; sabe — all of them ; kailā āliṅgana — embraced .

Translation

Seeing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s special mercy toward Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and seeing his personal qualities, all the devotees were struck with wonder.

Word meanings

prabhu - kṛpā — Lord Caitanya’s mercy ; rūpe — upon Rūpa Gosvāmī ; āra — and ; rūpera sat - guṇa — the transcendental qualities of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; dekhi’ — seeing ; camatkāra haila — there was astonishment ; sabākāra — of all of them ; mana — in the minds .

Translation

Then, when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left with all of His devotees, Haridāsa Ṭhākura also embraced Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; saba — all ; bhakta — devotees ; lañā — with ; gelā — departed from the place ; haridāsa - ṭhākura — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; rūpe — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; āliṅgana kailā — embraced .

Translation

Haridāsa Ṭhākura told him, “There is no limit to your good fortune. No one can understand the glories of what you have described.”

Word meanings

haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa Ṭhākura says ; tomāra — your ; bhāgyera — of fortune ; nāhi sīmā — there is no limit ; ye — whatever ; saba — all ; varṇilā — you have described ; ihāra — of this ; ke jāne — who can understand ; mahimā — the glories .

Translation

Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī said, “I do not know anything. The only transcendental words I can utter are those which Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu makes me speak.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa kahena — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī replies ; āmi — I ; kichui — anything ; nā jāni — do not know ; yei — whatever ; mahāprabhu kahāna — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu makes me say or write ; sei — that ; kahi — I speak ; vāṇī — transcendental words .

Purport

The poet or writer dealing with transcendental subject matters is not an ordinary writer or translator. Because he is empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whatever he writes becomes very effective. The principle of being empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead is essential. A materialistic poet who describes in his poetry the material activities of men and women cannot describe the transcendental pastimes of the Lord or the transcendental conclusions of devotional service. Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has therefore warned all neophyte devotees that one should not hear from the mouth of a non-Vaiṣṇava:

avaiṣṇava-mukhodgīrṇaṁ pūtaṁ hari-kathāmṛtam śravaṇaṁ naiva kartavyaṁ sarpocchiṣṭaṁ yathā payaḥ

( Padma Purāṇa )

“One should not hear anything about Kṛṣṇa from a non-Vaiṣṇava. Milk touched by the lips of a serpent has poisonous effects; similarly, talks about Kṛṣṇa given by a non-Vaiṣṇava are also poisonous.”

Unless one is a fully unalloyed devotee of the Lord, one should not try to describe the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa in poetry, for it will be only mundane. There are many descriptions of Kṛṣṇa’s Bhagavad-gītā written by persons whose consciousness is mundane and who are not qualified by pure devotion. Although they attempted to write transcendental literature, they could not fully engage even a single devotee in Kṛṣṇa’s service. Such literature is mundane, and therefore, as warned by Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī, one should not touch it.

Translation

“Although I am the lowest of men and have no knowledge, the Lord has mercifully bestowed upon me the inspiration to write transcendental literature about devotional service. Therefore I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has given me the chance to write these books.”

Word meanings

hṛdi — within the heart ; yasya — of whom (the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who gives His pure devotees the intelligence to spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement) ; preraṇayā — by the inspiration ; pravartitaḥ — engaged ; aham — I ; varāka — insignificant and low ; rūpaḥ — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; api — although ; tasya — of Him ; hareḥ — of Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; pada - kamalam — to the lotus feet ; vande — let me offer my prayers ; caitanya - devasya — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Purport

This verse is from the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.1.2).

Translation

In this way Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī passed his time in close association with Haridāsa Ṭhākura by discussing the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa in great happiness.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; dui - jana — Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kṛṣṇa - kathā - raṅge — in the pleasure of discussing topics about Kṛṣṇa ; sukhe — in happiness ; kāla — time ; goṅāya — passes ; rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; haridāsa - saṅge — in the company of Haridāsa Ṭhākura .

Translation

All the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu thus spent four months with Him. Then the Lord bade them farewell, and they returned to Bengal.

Word meanings

cāri māsa — four months ; rahi’ — staying ; saba — all ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta - gaṇa — the devotees ; gosāñi — Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vidāya dilā — bade farewell ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; karilā gamana — they returned .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, however, stayed at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and when the Dola-yātrā festival took place, he saw it in great happiness with the Lord.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; prabhu - pade — at the feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nīlācale — at Jagannātha Purī ; rahilā — remained ; dola - yātrā — the festival of Dola-yātrā ; prabhu - saṅge — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ānande — in great happiness ; dekhilā — saw .

Translation

After the Dola-yātrā festival ended, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu bade farewell to Rūpa Gosvāmī also. The Lord empowered him and bestowed upon him all kinds of mercy.

Word meanings

dola anantare — after the Dola-yātrā ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; rūpe — unto Rūpa Gosvāmī ; vidāya dilā — bade farewell ; aneka prasāda kari’ — endowing with all kinds of mercy ; śakti sañcārilā — empowered him .

Translation

“Now go to Vṛndāvana and stay there,” the Lord said. “You may send here your elder brother, Sanātana.

Word meanings

vṛndāvane — to Vṛndāvana ; yāha’ — now go ; tumi — you ; rahiha — stay ; vṛndāvane — in Vṛndāvana ; eka - bāra — once ; ihāṅ — here ; pāṭhāiha — send ; sanātane — your elder brother, Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

“When you go to Vṛndāvana, stay there, preach transcendental literature and excavate the lost holy places.

Word meanings

vraje yāi — going to Vṛndāvana ; rasa - śāstra — all the transcendental literature concerning the pastimes of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa ; kariha nirūpaṇa — write carefully ; lupta - tīrtha — the lost holy places ; saba — all ; tāhāṅ — there ; kariha pracāraṇa — make known .

Translation

“Establish the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa and preach the mellows of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service. I shall also go to Vṛndāvana once more.”

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - sevā — the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; rasa - bhakti — devotional service ; kariha pracāra — preach ; āmiha — I also ; dekhite — to see ; tāhāṅ — there to Vṛndāvana ; yāimu — I shall go ; eka - bāra — once more .

Translation

Having thus spoken, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Rūpa Gosvāmī, who then placed the lotus feet of the Lord upon his head.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kailā āliṅgana — embraced ; rūpa gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; śire — on the head ; dhare — takes ; prabhura caraṇa — the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī took leave of all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and returned to Vṛndāvana by the path through Bengal.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta - gaṇa - pāśe — from the devotees ; vidāya la - ilā — took leave ; punarapi — again ; gauḍa - pathe — by the way through Bengal ; vṛndāvane — to Vṛndāvana ; āilā — returned .

Translation

Thus I have described the second meeting of Rūpa Gosvāmī and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Anyone who hears of this incident will certainly attain shelter at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

ei ta’ kahilāṅa — thus I have said ; punaḥ — again ; rūpera milana — the meeting with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; ihā — this narration ; yei śune — anyone who hears ; pāya — gets ; caitanya - caraṇa — the shelter of the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu .

Translation

Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps.

Word meanings

śrī - rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; raghunātha — Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; pade — at the lotus feet ; yāra — whose ; āśa — expectation ; caitanya - caritāmṛta — the book named Caitanya-caritāmṛta ; kahe — describes ; kṛṣṇadāsa — Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī .

Purport

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, first chapter, describing the second meeting of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.