Sanātana Gosvāmī Visits the Lord at Jagannātha Purī

Translation

When Sanātana Gosvāmī returned from Vṛndāvana, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu affectionately saved him from his determination to commit suicide. Then, after testing him, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu purified his body.

Word meanings

vṛndāvanāt — from Vṛndāvana ; punaḥ — again ; prāptam — received ; śrī - gauraḥ — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śrī - sanātanam — Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī ; deha - pātāt — from giving up his body ; avan — protecting ; snehāt — by affection ; śuddham — pure ; cakre — made ; parīkṣayā — by examination .

Translation

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

Word meanings

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

Translation

When Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī returned from Jagannātha Purī to Bengal, Sanātana Gosvāmī went from Mathurā to Jagannātha Purī to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

nīlācala haite — from Nīlācala (Jagannātha Purī) ; rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; gauḍe — to Bengal ; yabe — when ; gelā — went ; mathurā haite — from Mathurā ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; nīlācala āilā — came to Jagannātha Purī .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī walked alone on the path through the Jhārikhaṇḍa forest in central India. Sometimes he fasted, and sometimes he would eat.

Word meanings

jhārikhaṇḍa — known as Jhārikhaṇḍa ; vana - pathe — through the path of the forest of central India ; āilā — came ; ekelā — alone ; caliyā — walking ; kabhu — sometimes ; upavāsa — fasting ; kabhu — sometimes ; carvaṇa kariyā — chewing .

Translation

Because of bad water in the Jhārikhaṇḍa forest and because of fasting, Sanātana Gosvāmī contracted a disease that made his body itch. Thus he was afflicted with itching sores from which fluid oozed.

Word meanings

jhārikhaṇḍera — at the place known as Jhārikhaṇḍa ; jalera — of the water ; doṣe — by the fault ; upavāsa haite — by fasting ; gātre — on the body ; kaṇḍu — itches ; haila — there were ; rasā — fluid ; paḍe — oozes out ; khājuyāite — by itching .

Translation

In disappointment, Sanātana Gosvāmī considered, “I am of a low caste, and my body is useless for devotional service.

Word meanings

nirveda ha - ila — there was disappointment ; pathe — on the path ; karena vicāra — he considered ; nīca - jāti — of a lower caste ; deha mora — my body ; atyanta — completely ; asāra — useless for devotional service .

Translation

“When I go to Jagannātha Purī, I shall not be able to see Lord Jagannātha, nor shall I always be able to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

jagannāthe — to Jagannātha Purī ; gele — when I go ; tāṅra — His ; darśana — visit ; nā pāimu — I shall not get ; prabhura darśana — seeing Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sadā — always ; karite — to do ; nārimu — I shall not be able .

Translation

“I have heard that the residential quarters of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are near the temple of Jagannātha. But I shall not have the power to go near the temple.

Word meanings

mandira - nikaṭe — near the temple ; śuni — I hear ; tāṅra — His ; vāsā - sthiti — residential place ; mandira - nikaṭe — near the temple ; yāite — to go ; mora — my ; nāhi śakti — there is no power .

Translation

“The servants of Lord Jagannātha generally move about tending to their duties, but if they touch me I shall be an offender.

Word meanings

jagannāthera — of Lord Jagannātha ; sevaka — different servants ; phere — move about ; kārya - anurodhe — because of different duties ; tāṅra — of them ; sparśa — touch ; haile — if there is ; mora — my ; habe — there will be ; aparādhe — offense .

Translation

“Therefore if I sacrifice this body in a good place, my unhappiness will be mitigated and I shall attain an exalted destination.

Word meanings

tāte — therefore ; yadi — if ; ei — this ; deha — body ; bhāla - sthāne — in a good place ; diye — I sacrifice ; duḥkha - śānti — appeasement of unhappiness ; haya — there is ; āra — and ; sat - gati — good destination ; pāiye — I get .

Translation

“During the Ratha-yātrā festival, when Lord Jagannātha comes out of the temple, I shall give up this body under the wheel of His car.

Word meanings

jagannātha ratha - yātrāya — on the occasion of the car festival of Lord Jagannātha ; ha - ibena bāhira — He will be out ; tāṅra — of Him ; ratha - cākāya — under the wheel of the car ; chāḍimu — I shall give up ; ei śarīra — this body .

Translation

“After seeing Lord Jagannātha, I shall give up my body under the wheel of the car in the presence of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This will be the highest benediction of my life.”

Word meanings

mahāprabhura āge — in front of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āra — and ; dekhi’ jagannātha — after seeing Lord Jagannātha ; rathe — under the car ; deha chāḍimu — I shall give up this body ; ei — this ; parama - puruṣa - artha — the highest benediction of life .

Translation

Having made this resolution, Sanātana Gosvāmī went to Nīlācala, where he asked directions from people and approached the residence of Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

ei ta’ — in this way ; niścaya kari’ — ascertaining ; nīlācale āilā — came to Jagannātha Purī ; loke puchi’ — inquiring from people ; haridāsa - sthāne — the place of Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; uttarilā — approached .

Translation

He offered his respects to the lotus feet of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who knew him and thus embraced him.

Word meanings

haridāsera — of Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; kailā — did ; teṅha — he ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet ; jāni’ — knowing ; haridāsa — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; tāṅre — him ; kailā āliṅgana — embraced .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī was very eager to see the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, “The Lord is coming here very soon.”

Word meanings

mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dekhite — to see ; tāṅra — his ; utkaṇṭhita — eager ; mana — mind ; haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa said ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āsibena ekhana — will come here .

Translation

At that very moment, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, after visiting the temple of Jagannātha to see the offering of upala-bhoga [morning refreshments], came with His other devotees to see Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

hena - kāle — at this time ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; upala - bhoga — the upala-bhoga offering to Lord Jagannātha ; dekhiyā — after seeing ; haridāse — Haridāsa ; milite — to meet ; āilā — came ; bhakta - gaṇa lañā — with other devotees .

Translation

Seeing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, both Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī immediately fell flat like rods to offer obeisances. The Lord then lifted Haridāsa and embraced him.

Word meanings

prabhu dekhi’ — seeing Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duṅhe — both of them ; paḍe — fell down ; daṇḍavat hañā — flat like rods ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āliṅgilā — embraced ; haridāsere — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; uṭhāñā — after lifting .

Translation

Haridāsa Ṭhākura said to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Here is Sanātana Gosvāmī offering his obeisances.” Seeing Sanātana Gosvāmī, the Lord was greatly surprised.

Word meanings

haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa said ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kare namaskāra — is offering his obeisances ; sanātane dekhi’ — seeing Sanātana Gosvāmī ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; hailā camatkāra — became very surprised .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came forward to embrace him, Sanātana backed away and spoke as follows.

Word meanings

sanātane — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; āliṅgite — to embrace ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āgu hailā — came forward ; pāche — back ; bhāge — runs ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kahite lāgilā — began to speak .

Translation

“My Lord, please do not touch me. I fall at Your lotus feet. I am the lowest of men, having been born of a low caste. Besides that, I have infections on my body.”

Word meanings

more — me ; nā chuṅiha — please do not touch ; prabhu — my Lord ; paḍoṅ — I fall down ; tomāra pāya — at Your feet ; eke — on one side ; nīca - jāti — of a low caste ; adhama — the lowest of mankind ; āra — and ; kaṇḍu - rasā — a disease of wet, itching infections ; gāya — on the body .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, however, embraced Sanātana Gosvāmī by force. Thus the moisture oozing from the itching sores touched the transcendental body of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

balātkāre — by force ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him ; āliṅgana kaila — embraced ; kaṇḍu - kleda — the moisture of weeping itches ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śrī — transcendental ; aṅge — body ; lāgila — touched .

Translation

The Lord introduced all the devotees to Sanātana Gosvāmī, who offered his respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of them all.

Word meanings

saba — all ; bhakta - gaṇe — devotees ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; milāilā — introduced ; sanātane — to Sanātana Gosvāmī ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kailā — did ; sabāra — of all of them ; caraṇa vandane — worshiping the lotus feet .

Translation

The Lord and His devotees sat on a raised platform, and below that sat Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

prabhu lañā — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vasilā — sat down ; piṇḍāra upare — upon the raised platform ; bhakta - gaṇa — all the devotees ; piṇḍāra tale — below the platform ; vasilā — sat down ; haridāsa sanātana — Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inquired from Sanātana about news of his well-being. Sanātana replied, “Everything is auspicious because I have seen Your lotus feet.”

Word meanings

kuśala — of well-being ; vārtā — news ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; puchena — inquires ; sanātane — from Sanātana Gosvāmī ; teṅha kahena — he said ; parama maṅgala — everything is auspicious ; dekhinu caraṇe — I have seen Your lotus feet .

Translation

When the Lord asked about all the Vaiṣṇavas at Mathurā, Sanātana Gosvāmī informed Him of their good health and fortune.

Word meanings

mathurāra — of Mathurā ; vaiṣṇava - sabera — of all the Vaiṣṇavas ; kuśala puchilā — inquired about the auspiciousness ; sabāra kuśala — the well-being of all of them ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; jānāilā — informed .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu informed Sanātana Gosvāmī, “Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī was here for ten months. He left for Bengal just ten days ago.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; ihāṅ — here ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; chila — was ; daśa - māsa — ten months ; ihāṅ haite — from here ; gauḍe gelā — has gone to Bengal ; haila — it was ; dina — days ; daśa — ten .

Translation

“Your brother Anupama is now dead. He was a very good devotee who had firm conviction in Raghunātha [Lord Rāmacandra].”

Word meanings

tomāra bhāi — your brother ; anupamera — of Anupama ; haila — was ; gaṅgā - prāpti — death ; bhāla chila — he was a very good man ; raghu - nāthe — unto Lord Raghunātha (Lord Rāmacandra) ; dṛḍha — firm ; tāra bhakti — his devotion .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “I was born in a low family, for my family commits all kinds of irreligious acts that violate the scriptural injunctions.

Word meanings

sanātana kahe — Sanātana Gosvāmī said ; nīca - vaṁśe — in a low family ; mora janma — my birth ; adharma — irreligion ; anyāya — sinful activities ; yata — all ; āmāra — my ; kula - dharma — family business .

Translation

“My Lord, without hatred for my family You have accepted me as Your servant. Only by Your mercy is there good fortune in my family.

Word meanings

hena — such ; vaṁśa — family ; ghṛṇā — hatred ; chāḍi’ — giving up ; kailā — You have done ; aṅgīkāra — acceptance ; tomāra — Your ; kṛpāya — by mercy ; vaṁśe — in the family ; maṅgala — auspiciousness ; āmāra — my .

Translation

“From the very beginning of his childhood, my younger brother Anupama was a great devotee of Raghunātha [Lord Rāmacandra], and he worshiped Him with great determination.

Word meanings

sei — that ; anupama - bhāi — brother named Anupama ; śiśu - kāla haite — from the beginning of childhood ; raghunātha — of Lord Rāmacandra ; upāsanā — worship ; kare — performs ; dṛḍha - citte — with great determination .

Translation

“He always chanted the holy name of Raghunātha and meditated upon Him. He continuously heard about the activities of the Lord from the Rāmāyaṇa and chanted about them.

Word meanings

rātri - dine — day and night ; raghunāthera — of Lord Rāmacandra ; nāma — holy name ; āra — and ; dhyāna — meditation ; rāmāyaṇa — the epic about the activities of Lord Rāmacandra known as the Rāmāyaṇa ; niravadhi — continuously ; śune — hears ; kare gāna — chants .

Translation

“Rūpa and I are his elder brothers. He stayed with us continuously.

Word meanings

āmi — I ; āra — and ; rūpa — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; tāra — his ; jyeṣṭha - sahodara — elder brothers ; āmā - doṅhā — the two of us ; saṅge — with ; teṅha — he ; rahe — remains ; nirantara — continuously .

Translation

“He heard Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and talks about Lord Kṛṣṇa with us, and both of us examined him.

Word meanings

āmā - sabā — all of us ; saṅge — with ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — talks about Lord Kṛṣṇa ; bhāgavata śune — hears Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ; tāhāra — his ; parīkṣā — examination ; kailuṅ — did ; āmi - dui - jane — both of us .

Translation

“ ‘Dear Vallabha,’ we said, ‘please hear from us. Lord Kṛṣṇa is supremely attractive. His beauty, sweetness and pastimes of love are without limit.

Word meanings

śunaha — please hear ; vallabha — dear Vallabha ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; parama - madhura — supremely attractive ; saundarya — beauty ; mādhurya — sweetness ; prema - vilāsa — pastimes of love ; pracura — without limitation .

Translation

“ ‘Engage yourself in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa with the two of us. We three brothers shall stay together and enjoy discussing the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.’

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - bhajana — devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kara — engage in ; tumi — you ; āmā - duṅhāra — the two of us ; saṅge — with ; tina bhāi — three brothers ; ekatra — in one place ; rahimu — we shall stay ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — of the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; raṅge — in enjoyment .

Translation

“In this way we spoke to him again and again, and because of this persuasion and his respect for us, his mind turned somewhat toward our instructions.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; bāra - bāra — again and again ; kahi — we speak ; dui - jana — two persons ; āmā - duṅhāra — of us both ; gaurave — out of respect ; kichu — somewhat ; phiri’ gela — turned ; mana — mind .

Translation

“Vallabha replied, ‘My dear brothers, how can I disobey your orders? Initiate me into the Kṛṣṇa mantra so that I may perform devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.’

Word meanings

tomā — of you ; duṅhāra — of both ; ājñā — the order ; āmi — I ; kemane — how ; laṅghimu — shall disobey ; dīkṣā — initiation ; mantra — mantra ; deha’ — just give ; kṛṣṇa - bhajana — devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; karimu — I shall perform .

Translation

“After saying this, at night he began to think, ‘How shall I give up the lotus feet of Lord Raghunātha?’

Word meanings

eta kahi’ — saying this ; rātri - kāle — at night ; karena cintana — began to think ; kemane — how ; chāḍimu — shall I give up ; raghunāthera caraṇa — the lotus feet of Lord Raghunātha .

Translation

“He stayed up all night and cried. In the morning, he came to us and submitted the following plea.

Word meanings

saba rātri — throughout the whole night ; krandana — crying ; kari’ — doing ; kaila jāgaraṇa — remained awake ; prātaḥ - kāle — in the morning ; āmā - duṅhāya — to the two of us ; kaila — made ; nivedana — submission .

Translation

“ ‘I have sold my head at the lotus feet of Lord Rāmacandra. I cannot take it away. That would be too painful for me.

Word meanings

raghunāthera — of Lord Rāmacandra ; pāda - padme — at the lotus feet ; veciyāchoṅ māthā — I have sold my head ; kāḍite — to take away ; nā pāroṅ — I am unable ; māthā — the head ; pāṅa — I get ; baḍa vyathā — too much pain .

Translation

“ ‘The two of you please be merciful to me and order me in such a way that life after life I may serve the lotus feet of Lord Raghunātha.

Word meanings

kṛpā kari’ — being merciful ; more — unto me ; ājñā deha’ — give the order ; dui - jana — both of you ; janme - janme — life after life ; sevoṅ — let me serve ; raghunāthera caraṇa — the lotus feet of Lord Raghunātha .

Translation

“ ‘It is impossible for me to give up the lotus feet of Lord Raghunātha. When I even think of giving them up, my heart breaks.’

Word meanings

raghunāthera — of Lord Raghunātha ; pāda - padma — lotus feet ; chāḍāna nā yāya — it is impossible to give up ; chāḍibāra — of giving up ; mana haile — when I think ; prāṇa — my heart ; phāṭi’ yāya — breaks .

Translation

“Upon hearing this, we each embraced him and encouraged him by saying, ‘You are a great saintly devotee, for your determination in devotional service is fixed.’ In this way we praised him.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; āmi - duṅhe — both of us ; tāre — him ; āliṅgana kailuṅ — embraced ; sādhu — very good ; dṛḍha — very determined ; bhakti — devotion ; tomāra — your ; kahi’ — saying ; praśaṁsiluṅ — we praised .

Translation

“My dear Lord, the family upon which You bestow even a little mercy is always fortunate, for such mercy makes all miseries disappear.”

Word meanings

ye vaṁśera — which family ; upare — upon ; tomāra — Your ; haya — there is ; kṛpā - leśa — a little mercy ; sakala maṅgala — all auspiciousness ; tāhe — on that ; khaṇḍe — are destroyed ; saba — all ; kleśa — miserable conditions .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “There was a similar incident concerning Murāri Gupta. Formerly I examined him, and his determination was similar.

Word meanings

gosāñi kahena — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied ; ei - mata — in this way ; murāri - gupta — Murāri Gupta ; pūrve — formerly ; āmi — I ; parīkṣiluṅ — examined ; tāra — of him ; ei — this ; rīta — manner .

Translation

“Glorious is that devotee who does not give up the shelter of his Lord, and glorious is that Lord who does not abandon His servant.

Word meanings

sei bhakta — that devotee ; dhanya — glorious ; ye — who ; nā — not ; chāḍe — gives up ; prabhura caraṇa — the lotus feet of the Lord ; sei prabhu — that Personality of Godhead ; dhanya — glorious ; ye — who ; nā — not ; chāḍe — gives up ; nija - jana — His servant .

Translation

“If by chance a servant falls down and goes somewhere else, glorious is that master who captures him and brings him back by the hair.

Word meanings

durdaive — by chance ; sevaka — the servant ; yadi — if ; yāya — goes ; anya sthāne — to another place ; sei ṭhākura — that master ; dhanya — glorified ; tāre — him ; cule — by the hair ; dhari’ — capturing ; āne — brings back .

Translation

“It is very good that you have arrived here. Now stay in this room with Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

bhāla haila — it was very good ; tomāra — your ; ihāṅ — here ; haila — there was ; āgamane — arrival ; ei ghare — in this room ; raha — remain ; ihāṅ — here ; haridāsa - sane — with Haridāsa Ṭhākura .

Translation

“Both of you are expert in understanding the mellows of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service. Therefore you should both continue relishing the taste for such activities and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.”

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; bhakti - rase — in the transcendental mellow of devotional service ; duṅhe — both of you ; parama pradhāna — highly expert ; kṛṣṇa - rasa — the transcendental taste of Kṛṣṇa ; āsvādana — relishing ; kara — do ; laha kṛṣṇa - nāma — chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

Having said this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu got up and left, and through Govinda He sent prasādam for them to eat.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; uṭhiyā calilā — got up and left ; govinda - dvārāya — through Govinda ; duṅhe — to both of them ; prasāda pāṭhāilā — sent prasādam. .

Translation

In this way, Sanātana Gosvāmī stayed under the care of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He would see the wheel on the pinnacle of the Jagannātha temple and offer respectful obeisances.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; rahe — remains ; prabhu - sthāne — under the care of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jagannāthera — of Lord Jagannātha ; cakra — the wheel on the top of the temple ; dekhi’ — seeing ; karena praṇāme — offers respectful obeisances .

Translation

Every day Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would go there to meet these two stalwart devotees and discuss topics of Kṛṣṇa with them for some time.

Word meanings

prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āsi’ — coming ; prati - dina — every day ; milena dui - jane — meets both of them ; iṣṭa - goṣṭhī — discussion ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — topics of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kahe — speaks ; kata - kṣaṇe — for some time .

Translation

The offerings of prasādam in the temple of Lord Jagannātha were of the highest quality. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would bring this prasādam and deliver it to the two devotees.

Word meanings

divya — first class ; prasāda — prasādam ; pāya — gets ; nitya — daily ; jagannātha - mandire — at the temple of Lord Jagannātha ; tāhā āni’ — bringing that ; nitya — daily ; avaśya — certainly ; dena — delivers ; doṅhākāre — to both of them .

Translation

One day when the Lord came to meet them, He suddenly began speaking to Sanātana Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

eka - dina — one day ; āsi’ — coming ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duṅhāre mililā — met both of them ; sanātane — unto Sanātana Gosvāmī ; ācambite — all of a sudden ; kahite lāgilā — began to speak .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana,” He said, “if I could attain Kṛṣṇa by committing suicide, I would certainly give up millions of bodies without a moment’s hesitation.

Word meanings

sanātana — My dear Sanātana ; deha - tyāge — by committing suicide ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; yadi — if ; pāiye — I can get ; koṭi - deha — millions of bodies ; kṣaṇeke — in a moment ; tabe — then ; chāḍite pāriye — I can give up .

Translation

“You should know that one cannot attain Kṛṣṇa simply by giving up the body. Kṛṣṇa is attainable by devotional service. There is no other means for attaining Him.

Word meanings

deha - tyāge — by giving up the body ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nā pāi — I do not get ; pāiye — I get ; bhajane — by devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - prāptyera — to get the shelter of Kṛṣṇa ; upāya — means ; kona — any ; nāhi — there is not ; bhakti vine — without devotional service .

Translation

“Acts such as suicide are influenced by the mode of ignorance, and in ignorance and passion one cannot understand who Kṛṣṇa is.

Word meanings

deha - tyāga - ādi — beginning with giving up the material body ; yata — as many ; saba — all ; tamaḥ - dharma — performed under the mode of ignorance ; tamaḥ - rajaḥ - dharme — by remaining in the modes of ignorance and passion ; kṛṣṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; nā pāiye — I cannot attain ; marma — the truth .

Translation

“Unless one discharges devotional service, one cannot awaken one’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa, and there is no means for attaining Him other than awakening that dormant love.

Word meanings

bhakti vinā — without devotional service ; kṛṣṇe — unto Kṛṣṇa ; kabhu — at any time ; nahe — is not ; prema - udaya — development of dormant love for Kṛṣṇa ; prema vinā — without love of Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇa - prāpti — attaining Kṛṣṇa ; anya — anything else ; haite — from ; naya — is not possible .

Translation

“[The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, said:] ‘My dear Uddhava, neither through aṣṭāṅga-yoga [the mystic yoga system for controlling the senses], nor through impersonal monism or an analytical study of the Absolute Truth, nor through study of the Vedas, nor through austerities, charity or acceptance of sannyāsa can one satisfy Me as much as by developing unalloyed devotional service unto Me.’

Word meanings

na — never ; sādhayati — causes to remain satisfied ; mām — Me ; yogaḥ — the process of control ; na — nor ; sāṅkhyam — the process of gaining philosophical knowledge about the Absolute Truth ; dharmaḥ — such an occupation ; uddhava — My dear Uddhava ; na — nor ; svādhyāyaḥ — study of the Vedas ; tapaḥ — austerities ; tyāgaḥ — renunciation, acceptance of sannyāsa, or charity ; yathā — as much as ; bhaktiḥ — devotional service ; mama — unto Me ; ūrjitā — developed .

Purport

This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.14.20) .

Translation

“Measures like suicide are causes for sin. A devotee never achieves shelter at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet by such actions.

Word meanings

deha - tyāga — giving up the material body by suicide ; ādi — beginning with ; tamaḥ - dharma — on the platform of the mode of ignorance ; pātaka - kāraṇa — cause of sinful activities ; sādhaka — the devotee ; nā pāya — does not get ; tāte — by that ; kṛṣṇera caraṇa — the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“Because of feelings of separation from Kṛṣṇa, an exalted devotee sometimes wants to give up his life. By such ecstatic love, however, one attains the audience of Kṛṣṇa, and at that time he cannot give up his body.

Word meanings

premī bhakta — a devotee attached to Kṛṣṇa by love ; viyoge — in separation ; cāhe — wants ; deha chāḍite — to give up the body ; preme — by such ecstatic love ; kṛṣṇa mile — one meets Kṛṣṇa ; seha — such a devotee ; nā pāre marite — cannot die .

Translation

“One who is deeply in love with Kṛṣṇa cannot tolerate separation from the Lord. Therefore such a devotee always desires his own death.

Word meanings

gāḍha - anurāgera — of one who has deep attachment ; viyoga — separation ; nā — not ; yāya sahana — tolerated ; tāte — therefore ; anurāgī — a deeply attached devotee ; vāñche — desires ; āpana maraṇa — death of himself .

Translation

“ ‘O lotus-eyed one, great personalities like Lord Śiva desire to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet to drive away ignorance. If I do not get the mercy of Your Lordship, I shall observe vows to reduce the duration of my life, and thus I shall give up bodies for hundreds of births if it is possible to get Your mercy in that way.’

Word meanings

yasya — whose ; aṅghri — of feet ; paṅkaja — lotus ; rajaḥ — in the dust ; snapanam — bathing ; mahāntaḥ — great personalities ; vāñchanti — desire ; umā - patiḥ — Lord Śiva ; iva — like ; ātma — personal ; tamaḥ — ignorance ; apahatyai — to drive away ; yarhi — when ; ambuja - akṣa — O lotus-eyed one ; na labheya — I do not get ; bhavat - prasādam — Your mercy ; jahyām — I shall give up ; asūn — life ; vrata - kṛśān — reduced by observing vows ; śata - janmabhiḥ — by hundreds of births ; syāt — if it is possible .

Purport

This verse was spoken by Rukmiṇīdevī in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.52.43) . Rukmiṇīdevī, the daughter of King Bhīṣmaka, had heard about Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental attributes, and thus she desired to get Kṛṣṇa as her husband. Unfortunately, her elder brother Rukmī was envious of Kṛṣṇa and therefore wanted her to be offered to Śiśupāla. When Rukmiṇī became aware of this, she was greatly aggrieved. Thus she wrote Kṛṣṇa a confidential letter, which was presented and read to Him by a brāhmaṇa messenger. This verse appeared in that letter.

Translation

“ ‘O dear Kṛṣṇa, by Your smiling glances and melodious talk, You have awakened a fire of lusty desire in our hearts. Now You should extinguish that fire with a stream of nectar from Your lips by kissing us. Kindly do this. Otherwise, dear friend, the fire within our hearts will burn our bodies to ashes because of separation from You. Thus by meditation we shall claim shelter at Your lotus feet.’ ”

Word meanings

siñca — just sprinkle water ; aṅga — O my dear Kṛṣṇa ; naḥ — our ; tvat — Your ; adhara — of the lips ; amṛta — of nectar ; pūrakeṇa — by the stream ; hāsa — smile ; avaloka — glancing ; kala — melodious ; gīta — speaking ; ja — produced by ; hṛt — in the heart ; śaya — resting ; agnim — upon the fire ; na u cet — if not ; vayam — we ; viraha — from separation ; ja — produced ; agni — by the fire ; upayukta — consumed ; dehāḥ — whose bodies ; dhyānena — by meditation ; yāma — shall go ; padayoḥ — of the lotus feet ; padavīm — to the site ; sakhe — O my dear friend ; te — Your .

Purport

This verse ( Bhāg. 10.29.35 ) was spoken by the gopīs when they were attracted by the vibration of Kṛṣṇa’s flute in the moonlight of autumn. All of them, being maddened, came to Kṛṣṇa, but to increase their ecstatic love, Kṛṣṇa gave them moral instructions to return home. The gopīs did not care for these instructions. They wanted to be kissed by Kṛṣṇa, for they had come there with lusty desires to dance with Him.

Translation

Caitanya Mahāprabhu told Sanātana Gosvāmī, “Give up all your nonsensical desires, for they are unfavorable for getting shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Engage yourself in chanting and hearing. Then you will soon achieve the shelter of Kṛṣṇa without a doubt.

Word meanings

ku - buddhi — intelligence not favorable to discharging devotional service ; chāḍiyā — giving up ; kara — just do ; śravaṇa - kīrtana — hearing and chanting ; acirāt — very soon ; pābe — you will get ; tabe — then ; kṛṣṇera caraṇa — the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa .

Translation

“A person born in a low family is not unfit for discharging devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, nor is one fit for devotional service simply because he is born in an aristocratic family of brāhmaṇas.

Word meanings

nīca - jāti — a lowborn person ; nahe — is not ; kṛṣṇa - bhajane — in discharging devotional service ; ayogya — unfit ; sat - kula - vipra — a brāhmaṇa born in a very respectable aristocratic family ; nahe — is not ; bhajanera yogya — fit for discharging devotional service .

Translation

“Anyone who takes to devotional service is exalted, whereas a nondevotee is always condemned and abominable. Therefore in the discharge of devotional service to the Lord, there is no consideration of the status of one’s family.

Word meanings

yei bhaje — anyone who takes to devotional service ; sei — he ; baḍa — exalted ; abhakta — nondevotee ; hīna chāra — most condemned and abominable ; kṛṣṇa - bhajane — in discharging devotional service ; nāhi — there is not ; jāti — caste ; kula — family ; ādi — and so on ; vicāra — consideration of .

Translation

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, is always favorable to the humble and meek, but aristocrats, learned scholars and the wealthy are always proud of their positions.

Word meanings

dīnere — to the humble ; adhika — more ; dayā — mercy ; kare — shows ; bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; kulīna — aristocratic ; paṇḍita — learned scholar ; dhanīra — of a rich man ; baḍa abhimāna — great pride .

Translation

“ ‘One may be born in a brāhmaṇa family and have all twelve brahminical qualities, but if in spite of being thus qualified he is not devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, who has a navel shaped like a lotus, he is not as good as a caṇḍāla who has dedicated his mind, words, activities, wealth and life to the service of the Lord. Simply to take birth in a brāhmaṇa family or to have brahminical qualities is not sufficient. One must be a pure devotee of the Lord. Thus if a śva-paca, or caṇḍāla, is a devotee, he delivers not only himself but his entire family as well, whereas a brāhmaṇa who is not a devotee but simply has brahminical qualifications cannot even purify himself, what to speak of his family.’

Word meanings

viprāt — than a brāhmaṇa ; dvi - ṣaṭ - guṇa - yutāt — who has twelve brahminical qualifications ; aravinda - nābha — of Lord Viṣṇu, who has a lotuslike navel ; pāda - aravinda — unto the lotus feet ; vimukhāt — than a person bereft of devotion ; śva - pacam — a caṇḍāla, or a person accustomed to eating dogs ; variṣṭham — more glorified ; manye — I think ; tat - arpita — dedicated unto Him ; manaḥ — mind ; vacana — words ; īhita — activities ; artha — wealth ; prāṇam — life ; punāti — purifies ; saḥ — he ; kulam — his family ; na tu — but not ; bhūri - mānaḥ — a brāhmaṇa proud of possessing such qualities .

Purport

This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.9.10) .

Translation

“Among the ways of executing devotional service, the nine prescribed methods are the best, for these processes have great potency to deliver Kṛṣṇa and ecstatic love for Him.

Word meanings

bhajanera madhye — in executing devotional service ; śreṣṭha — the best ; nava - vidhā bhakti — the nine prescribed methods of devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - prema — ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇa — and Kṛṣṇa ; dite — to deliver ; dhare — possess ; mahā - śakti — great potency .

Purport

The nine kinds of devotional service are mentioned in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.5.23):

śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam

These nine are hearing, chanting, remembering Kṛṣṇa, offering service to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, offering worship in the temple, offering prayers, working as a servant, making friendship with Kṛṣṇa and unreservedly surrendering to Kṛṣṇa. These nine processes of devotional service can grant one Kṛṣṇa and ecstatic love for Him. In the beginning one has to discharge devotional service according to regulative principles, but gradually, as devotional service becomes one’s life and soul, one achieves the most exalted position of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. Ultimately, Kṛṣṇa is the goal of life. One need not have taken birth in an aristocratic brāhmaṇa family to attain the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, nor is a person born in a low family unfit for achieving Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.33.7) Devahūti says to Kapiladeva:

aho bata śva-paco ’to garīyān yaj-jihvāgre vartate nāma tubhyam tepus tapas te juhuvuḥ sasnur āryā brahmānūcur nāma gṛṇanti ye te

“O my Lord, even a person born in a low family of dog-eaters is glorious if he always chants the holy name of the Lord. Such a person has already performed all types of austerities, penances and Vedic sacrifices, has already bathed in the sacred rivers, and has also studied all the Vedic literature. Thus he has become an exalted personality.” Similarly, Kuntīdevī says to Lord Kṛṣṇa:

janmaiśvarya-śruta-śrībhir edhamāna-madaḥ pumān naivārhaty abhidhātuṁ vai tvām akiñcana-gocaram

“A person who is proud of his birth, opulence, knowledge and beauty cannot achieve Your lotus feet. You are available only to the humble and meek, not to the proud.” ( Bhāg. 1.8.26 .)

Translation

“Of the nine processes of devotional service, the most important is to always chant the holy name of the Lord. If one does so, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses, one very easily obtains the most valuable love of Godhead.”

Word meanings

tāra madhye — of the nine different types of devotional service ; sarva - śreṣṭha — the most important of all ; nāma - saṅkīrtana — chanting of the holy name of the Lord ; niraparādhe — without offenses ; nāma laile — if one chants the holy name ; pāya — he gets ; prema - dhana — the most valuable ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa .

Purport

Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī Prabhu gives the following directions in his Bhakti-sandarbha (270):

iyaṁ ca kīrtanākhyā bhaktir bhagavato dravya-jāti-guṇa-kriyābhir dīna-janaika-viṣayāpāra-karuṇā-mayīti śruti-purāṇādi-viśrutiḥ. ata eva kalau svabhāvata evāti-dīneṣu lokeṣu āvirbhūya tān anāyāsenaiva tat-tad-yuga-gata-mahā-sādhanānāṁ sarvam eva phalaṁ dadānā sā kṛtārthayati. yata eva tayaiva kalau bhagavato viśeṣataś ca santoṣo bhavati.

“Chanting the holy name is the chief means of attaining love of Godhead. This chanting or devotional service does not depend on any paraphernalia, nor on one’s having taken birth in a good family. By humility and meekness one attracts the attention of Kṛṣṇa. That is the verdict of all the Vedas. Therefore if one becomes very humble and meek, he can easily attain the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa in this Age of Kali. That is the fulfillment of all great sacrifices, penances and austerities because when one achieves ecstatic love of Godhead, he attains the complete perfection of life. Therefore whatever one does in executing devotional service must be accompanied by the chanting of the holy name of the Lord.” The chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa — Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare — has been praised by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in his Nāmāṣṭaka (verse 1):

nikhila-śruti-mauli-ratna-mālā- dyuti-nīrājita-pāda-paṅkajānta ayi mukta-kulair upāsyamānaṁ paritas tvāṁ hari-nāma saṁśrayāmi

“O Hari-nāma! The tips of the toes of Your lotus feet are constantly being worshiped by the glowing radiance emanating from the string of gems known as the Upaniṣads, the crown jewels of all the Vedas. You are eternally adored by liberated souls such as Nārada and Śukadeva. O Hari-nāma! I take complete shelter of You.”

Similarly, Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has praised the chanting of the holy name as follows in his Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta (part one, chapter One, verse 9):

jayati jayati nāmānanda-rūpaṁ murārer viramita-nija-dharma-dhyāna-pūjādi-yatnam katham api sakṛd āttaṁ mukti-daṁ prāṇināṁ yat paramam amṛtam ekaṁ jīvanaṁ bhūṣaṇaṁ me

“All glories, all glories to the all-blissful holy name of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, which causes the devotee to give up all conventional religious duties, meditation and worship. When somehow or other uttered even once by a living entity, the holy name awards him liberation. The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is the highest nectar. It is my very life and my only treasure.”

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.1.11) Śukadeva Gosvāmī says:

etan nirvidyamānānām icchatām akuto-bhayam yogināṁ nṛpa nirṇītaṁ harer nāmānukīrtanam

“O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge.”

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (6.3.22) Yamarāja says:

etāvān eva loke ’smin puṁsāṁ dharmaḥ paraḥ smṛtaḥ bhakti-yogo bhagavati tan-nāma-grahaṇādibhiḥ

“Devotional service, beginning with the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is the ultimate religious principle for the living entity in human society.”

Similarly, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has said in His Śikṣāṣṭaka (3):

tṛṇād api su-nīcena taror iva sahiṣṇunā amāninā māna-dena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.” Regarding the ten offenses in chanting the holy name, one may refer to Ādi-līlā, chapter eight, verse 24.

Translation

After hearing this, Sanātana Gosvāmī was exceedingly astonished. He could understand, “My decision to commit suicide has not been greatly appreciated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.”

Word meanings

eta śuni’ — hearing this ; sanātanera — of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; haila camatkāra — there was astonishment ; prabhure nā bhāya — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu does not approve ; mora — my ; maraṇa - vicāra — decision to commit suicide .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī concluded, “Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who knows everything — past, present and future — has forbidden me to commit suicide.” He then fell down, touching the lotus feet of the Lord, and spoke to Him as follows.

Word meanings

sarva - jña — who knows everything ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; niṣedhilā — has forbidden ; more — me ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇa — the feet ; dhari’ — touching ; kahena tāṅhāre — began to speak to Him .

Translation

“My Lord, You are the omniscient, merciful, independent Supreme Lord. Exactly like an instrument of wood, I dance as You make me do so.

Word meanings

sarva - jña — all-knowing ; kṛpālu — merciful ; tumi — You ; īśvara — the Supreme Lord ; svatantra — independent ; yaiche — as ; nācāo — You make to dance ; taiche — so ; nāci — I dance ; yena — as if ; kāṣṭha - yantra — an instrument of wood .

Translation

“I am lowborn. Indeed, I am the lowest. I am condemned, for I have all the characteristics of a sinful man. If You keep me alive, what will be the profit?”

Word meanings

nīca — lowborn ; adhama — lowest ; pāmara — condemned ; muñi — I ; pāmara - svabhāva — naturally sinful ; more jiyāile — if You save me ; tomāra — Your ; kibā — what ; habe — will be ; lābha — profit .

Translation

Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Your body is My property. You have already surrendered unto Me. Therefore you no longer have any claim to your body.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; tomāra deha — your body ; mora — My ; nija - dhana — personal property ; tumi — you ; more — to Me ; kariyācha — have done ; ātma - samarpaṇa — complete surrender .

Translation

“Why should you want to destroy another’s property? Can’t you consider what is right and wrong?

Word meanings

parera dravya — another’s property ; tumi — you ; kene — why ; cāha — want ; vināśite — to destroy ; dharma - adharma — what is pious and what is impious ; vicāra — consideration ; kibā — why ; nā — not ; pāra — you can ; karite — do .

Translation

“Your body is My principal instrument for executing many necessary functions. By your body I shall carry out many tasks.

Word meanings

tomāra śarīra — your body ; mora — My ; pradhāna — chief ; sādhana — instrument ; e śarīre — by this body ; sādhimu — shall carry out ; āmi — I ; bahu — many ; prayojana — necessities .

Translation

“You shall have to ascertain the basic principles of a devotee, devotional service, love of Godhead, Vaiṣṇava duties and Vaiṣṇava characteristics.

Word meanings

bhakta — devotee ; bhakti — devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - prema — love of Kṛṣṇa ; tattvera — of the truth of ; nirdhāra — ascertainment ; vaiṣṇavera kṛtya — duties of a Vaiṣṇava ; āra — and ; vaiṣṇava - ācāra — characteristics of a Vaiṣṇava .

Translation

“You will also have to explain Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service, establish centers for cultivation of love of Kṛṣṇa, excavate lost places of pilgrimage and teach people how to adopt the renounced order.

Word meanings

kṛṣṇa - bhakti — devotional service to Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇa - prema — love of Kṛṣṇa ; sevā — service ; pravartana — establishment of ; lupta - tīrtha — the lost places of pilgrimage ; uddhāra — excavating ; āra — and ; vairāgya - śikṣaṇa — instruction on the renounced order of life .

Translation

“Mathurā-Vṛndāvana is My own very dear abode. I want to do many things there to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Word meanings

nija — own ; priya - sthāna — very dear place ; mora — My ; mathurā - vṛndāvana — Mathurā and Vṛndāvana ; tāhāṅ — there ; eta — so many ; dharma — activities ; cāhi — I want ; karite — to do ; pracāraṇa — preaching .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to accomplish many purposes through the exegetical endeavors of Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī. First Sanātana Gosvāmī compiled the book called Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta to teach people how to become devotees, execute devotional service and attain love of Kṛṣṇa. Second, he compiled the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, wherein he collected authoritative scriptural injunctions regarding how a Vaiṣṇava should behave. Only by the endeavors of Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī were all the lost places of pilgrimage in the Vṛndāvana area excavated. He established Madana-mohana, the first Deity in the Vṛndāvana area, and by his personal behavior he taught how one should act in the renounced order, completely devoted to the service of the Lord. By his personal example, he taught people how to stay in Vṛndāvana to execute devotional service. The principal mission of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Mathurā and Vṛndāvana are the abodes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore these two places are very dear to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and He wanted to develop their glories through Sanātana Gosvāmī.

Translation

“By the order of My mother I am sitting here in Jagannātha Purī; therefore, I cannot go to Mathurā-Vṛndāvana to teach people how to live there according to religious principles.

Word meanings

mātāra — of My mother ; ājñāya — by the order ; āmi — I ; vasi — reside ; nīlācale — at Jagannātha Purī ; tāhāṅ — in Mathurā and Vṛndāvana ; dharma śikhāite — to teach religious principles ; nāhi — not ; nija - bale — within My ability .

Translation

“I have to do all this work through your body, but you want to give it up. How can I tolerate this?”

Word meanings

eta saba — all this ; karma — work ; āmi — I ; ye - dehe — by which body ; karimu — will do ; tāhā — that ; chāḍite — to give up ; cāha tumi — you want ; kemane — how ; sahimu — shall I tolerate .

Translation

At that time Sanātana Gosvāmī said to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. No one can understand the deep ideas You plan within Your heart.

Word meanings

tabe — at that time ; sanātana kahe — Sanātana Gosvāmī said ; tomāke namaskāre — I offer my respectful obeisances unto You ; tomāra — Your ; gambhīra — deep ; hṛdaya — heart ; ke — who ; bujhite pāre — can understand .

Translation

“A wooden doll chants and dances according to the direction of a magician but does not know how he is dancing and singing.

Word meanings

kāṣṭhera putalī — a doll made of wood ; yena — as ; kuhake nācāya — magician causes to dance ; āpane — personally ; nā jāne — does not know ; putalī — the doll ; kibā — how ; nāce — dances ; gāya — sings .

Translation

“My dear Lord, as You cause one to dance, he dances accordingly, but how he dances and who is causing him to dance he does not know.”

Word meanings

yāre — whomever ; yaiche — as ; nācāo — You cause to dance ; se — that person ; taiche — so ; kare nartane — dances ; kaiche — how ; nāce — he dances ; kebā nācāya — who causes to dance ; seha — he ; nāhi jāne — does not know .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then said to Haridāsa Ṭhākura, “My dear Haridāsa, please hear Me. This gentleman wants to destroy another’s property.

Word meanings

haridāse — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; kahe prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu addressed ; śuna haridāsa — My dear Haridāsa, please hear ; parera dravya — another’s property ; iṅho — this Sanātana Gosvāmī ; cāhena — wants ; karite vināśa — to destroy .

Translation

“One who is entrusted with another’s property does not distribute it or use it for his own purposes. Therefore, tell him not to do such an unlawful thing.”

Word meanings

parera — by another ; sthāpya — to be kept ; dravya — property ; keha nā khāya — no one uses ; vilāya — distributes ; niṣedhiha — forbid ; iṅhāre — him ; yena — so ; nā kare — he does not do ; anyāya — something unlawful .

Translation

Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied, “We are falsely proud of our capabilities. Actually we cannot understand Your deep intentions.

Word meanings

haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa Ṭhākura replied ; mithyā — falsely ; abhimāna kari — are proud ; tomāra — Your ; gambhīra — deep ; hṛdaya — intention ; bujhite nā pāri — we cannot understand .

Translation

“Unless You inform us, we cannot understand what Your purpose is or what You want to do through whom.

Word meanings

kon kon kārya — what work ; tumi — You ; kara — perform ; kon dvāre — through which ; tumi nā jānāile — unless You make to understand ; keha jānite nā pāre — no one can understand .

Translation

“My dear Sir, since You, a great personality, have accepted Sanātana Gosvāmī, he is greatly fortunate; no one can be as fortunate as he.”

Word meanings

etādṛśa — such ; tumi — You ; iṅhāre — him ; kariyācha aṅgīkāra — have accepted ; eta saubhāgya — so much fortune ; ihāṅ — upon him ; nā haya — is not possible ; kāhāra — by anyone else .

Translation

Thus Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced both Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī and then got up and left to perform His noon duties.

Word meanings

tabe — then ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kari’ duṅhāre āliṅgana — embracing both of them ; madhya - ahna karite — to perform His noon duties ; uṭhi’ — getting up ; karilā gamana — left .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana,” Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, embracing him, “no one can find the limits of your good fortune.

Word meanings

sanātane — unto Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kahe — said ; haridāsa — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; kari’ āliṅgana — embracing ; tomāra — your ; bhāgyera — of fortune ; sīmā — limitation ; nā yāya kathana — cannot be described .

Translation

“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has accepted your body as His own property. Therefore no one can equal you in good fortune.

Word meanings

tomāra deha — your body ; kahena prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu says ; mora — My ; nija - dhana — personal property ; tomā - sama — like you ; bhāgyavān — fortunate person ; nāhi — there is not ; kona jana — anyone .

Translation

“What Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu cannot do with His personal body He wants to do through you, and He wants to do it in Mathurā.

Word meanings

nija - dehe — with His personal body ; ye kārya — whatever business ; nā pārena karite — He cannot do ; se kārya — those things ; karāibe — He will cause to do ; tomā — you ; seha — that ; mathurāte — in Mathurā .

Translation

“Whatever the Supreme Personality of Godhead wants us to do will successfully be accomplished. This is your great fortune. That is my mature opinion.

Word meanings

ye — whatever ; karāite — to cause to do ; cāhe — wants ; īśvara — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; sei — that ; siddha — successful ; haya — is ; tomāra saubhāgya — your great fortune ; ei — this ; kahiluṅ — I have spoken ; niścaya — my considered opinion .

Translation

“I can understand from the words of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu that He wants you to write books about the conclusive decision of devotional service and about the regulative principles ascertained from the revealed scriptures.

Word meanings

bhakti - siddhānta — conclusive decision in devotional service ; śāstra — according to the scriptural injunctions ; ācāra - nirṇaya — ascertainment of behavior ; tomā - dvāre — by you ; karāibena — will cause to be done ; bujhiluṅ — I can understand ; āśaya — His desire .

Translation

“My body could not be used in the service of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore although it took birth in the land of India, this body has been useless.”

Word meanings

āmāra — my ; ei — this ; deha — body ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kārye — in the service ; nā lāgila — could not be used ; bhārata - bhūmite — in the land of India ; janmi’ — taking birth ; ei deha — this body ; vyartha haila — has become useless .

Purport

For a further explanation of the importance of Bhārata-bhūmi, one may refer to Ādi-līlā 9.41 and also Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.19.19-27. The special feature of a birth in India is that a person born in India becomes automatically God conscious. In every part of India, and especially in the holy places of pilgrimage, even an ordinary uneducated man is inclined toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and as soon as he sees a Kṛṣṇa conscious person, he offers obeisances. India has many sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, Yamunā, Narmadā, Kāverī and Kṛṣṇā, and simply by bathing in these rivers people are liberated and become Kṛṣṇa conscious. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu therefore says:

bhārata-bhūmite haila manuṣya-janma yāra janma sārthaka kari’ kara para-upakāra

One who has taken birth in the land of Bhārata-bhūmi, India, should take full advantage of his birth. He should become completely well versed in the knowledge of the Vedas and spiritual culture and should distribute the experience of Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world. People all over the world are madly engaging in sense gratification and in this way spoiling their human lives, with the risk that in the next life they may become animals or less. Human society should be saved from such a risky civilization and the danger of animalism by awakening to God consciousness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement has been started for this purpose. Therefore unbiased men of the highest echelon should study the principles of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and fully cooperate with this movement to save human society.

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “O Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who is equal to you? You are one of the associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore you are the most fortunate.

Word meanings

sanātana kahe — Sanātana Gosvāmī said ; tomā - sama — like you ; kebā — who ; āche — is there ; āna — another ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; gaṇe — among the personal associates ; tumi — you ; mahā - bhāgyavān — the most fortunate .

Translation

“The mission of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, for which He has descended as an incarnation, is to spread the importance of chanting the holy name of the Lord. Now instead of personally doing so, He is spreading it through you.

Word meanings

avatāra - kārya — mission of the incarnation ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nāma - pracāre — spreading the importance of the holy name of the Lord ; sei — that ; nija - kārya — mission of His life ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; karena — performs ; tomāra dvāre — through you .

Translation

“My dear sir, you are chanting the holy name 300,000 times daily and informing everyone of the importance of such chanting.

Word meanings

prati - aha — daily ; kara — you do ; tina - lakṣa — 300,000 ; nāma - saṅkīrtana — chanting of the holy name ; sabāra āge — before everyone ; kara — you do ; nāmera — of the holy name ; mahimā kathana — discussion of the glories .

Translation

“Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly.

Word meanings

āpane — personally ; ācare — behaves ; keha — someone ; nā kare pracāra — does not do preaching work ; pracāra karena — does preaching work ; keha — someone ; nā karena ācāra — does not behave strictly according to the principles .

Translation

“You simultaneously perform both duties in relation to the holy name by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the spiritual master of the entire world, for you are the most advanced devotee in the world.”

Word meanings

ācāra pracāra — behaving well and preaching ; nāmera — of the holy name ; karaha — you do ; dui — two ; kārya — works ; tumi — you ; sarva - guru — everyone’s spiritual master ; tumi — you ; jagatera ārya — the most advanced devotee within this world .

Purport

Sanātana Gosvāmī clearly defines herein the bona fide spiritual master of the world. The qualifications expressed in this connection are that one must act according to the scriptural injunctions and at the same time preach. One who does so is a bona fide spiritual master. Haridāsa Ṭhākura was the ideal spiritual master because he regularly chanted on his beads a prescribed number of times. Indeed, he was chanting the holy name of the Lord 300,000 times a day. Similarly, the members of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement chant a minimum of sixteen rounds a day, which can be done without difficulty, and at the same time they must preach the cult of Caitanya Mahāprabhu according to the gospel of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. One who does so is quite fit to become a spiritual master for the entire world.

Translation

In this way the two of them passed their time discussing subjects concerning Kṛṣṇa. Thus they enjoyed life together.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; dui - jana — two persons ; nānā - kathā - raṅge — in the happiness of discussing various subject matters ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — the subject matter of Kṛṣṇa ; āsvādaya — they taste ; rahi’ eka - saṅge — keeping together .

Translation

During the time of Ratha-yātrā, all the devotees arrived from Bengal to visit the car festival as they had done previously.

Word meanings

yātrā - kāle — during the time of the car festival ; āilā — came ; saba — all ; gauḍera bhakta - gaṇa — devotees from Bengal ; pūrvavat — like previously ; kailā — did ; sabe — all ; ratha - yātrā daraśana — visiting the car festival of Lord Jagannātha .

Translation

During the Ratha-yātrā festival, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu again danced before the car of Jagannātha. When Sanātana Gosvāmī saw this, his mind was astonished.

Word meanings

ratha - agre — in front of the car ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; taiche — similarly ; karilā nartana — performed dancing ; dekhi — seeing ; camatkāra haila — was astonished ; sanātanera mana — the mind of Sanātana .

Translation

The Lord’s devotees from Bengal stayed at Jagannātha Purī during the four months of the rainy season, and Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu introduced Sanātana Gosvāmī to them all.

Word meanings

varṣāra cāri - māsa — the four months of the rainy season ; rahilā — remained ; saba — all ; nija bhakta - gaṇe — the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sabā - saṅge — with all of them ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; milāilā — introduced ; sanātane — Sanātana .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu introduced Sanātana Gosvāmī to these and other selected devotees: Advaita Ācārya, Nityānanda Prabhu, Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura, Vakreśvara Paṇḍita, Vāsudeva Datta, Murāri Gupta, Rāghava Paṇḍita, Dāmodara Paṇḍita, Paramānanda Purī, Brahmānanda Bhāratī, Svarūpa Dāmodara, Gadādhara Paṇḍita, Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, Rāmānanda Rāya, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, Śaṅkara Paṇḍita, Kāśīśvara and Govinda.

Word meanings

advaita — Advaita Ācārya ; nityānanda — Nityānanda Prabhu ; śrīvāsa — Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura ; vakreśvara — Vakreśvara Paṇḍita ; vāsudeva — Vāsudeva Datta ; murāri — Murāri Gupta ; rāghava — Rāghava Paṇḍita ; dāmodara — Dāmodara Paṇḍita ; purī — Paramānanda Purī ; bhāratī — Brahmānanda Bhāratī ; svarūpa — Svarūpa Dāmodara ; paṇḍita - gadādhara — Gadādhara Paṇḍita ; sārvabhauma — Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya ; rāmānanda — Rāmānanda Rāya ; jagadānanda — Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; śaṅkara — Śaṅkara Paṇḍita ; kāśīśvara — Kāśīśvara ; govinda — Govinda ; ādi — and others ; yata bhakta - gaṇa — all the devotees ; sabā - sane — with all of them ; sanātanera — of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; karāilā milana — made introduction .

Translation

The Lord asked Sanātana Gosvāmī to offer obeisances to all the devotees in a way that befitted each one. Thus He introduced Sanātana Gosvāmī to them all, just to make him an object of their mercy.

Word meanings

yathā - yogya — as it is fit ; karāila — caused to perform ; sabāra — of all ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet ; tāṅre — him ; karāilā — made ; sabāra — of all of them ; kṛpāra bhājana — object of mercy .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī was dear to everyone because of his exalted qualities and learning. Suitably, therefore, they bestowed upon him mercy, friendship and honor.

Word meanings

sat - guṇe — in good qualities ; pāṇḍitye — in learning ; sabāra priya — dear to everyone ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; yathā - yogya — as it is suitable ; kṛpā — mercy ; maitrī — friendship ; gaurava — honor ; bhājana — worthy of being offered .

Translation

When all the other devotees returned to Bengal after the Ratha-yātrā festival, Sanātana Gosvāmī stayed under the care of the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

sakala — all ; vaiṣṇava — devotees ; yabe — when ; gauḍa - deśe — to Bengal ; gelā — returned ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇe rahilā — stayed at the lotus feet .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī observed the Dola-yātrā ceremony with Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. In this way, his pleasure increased in the company of the Lord.

Word meanings

dola - yātrā — the festival of Dola-yātrā ; ādi — and others ; prabhura saṅgete — with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dekhila — he saw ; dine - dine — day after day ; prabhu - saṅge — in the association of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ānanda bāḍila — his pleasure increased .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī had come to see Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu at Jagannātha Purī during the month of April-May, and during the month of May-June Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu tested him.

Word meanings

pūrve — formerly ; vaiśākha - māse — during the month of April-May ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; yabe — when ; āilā — came ; jyaiṣṭha - māse — in the month of May-June ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him ; parīkṣā karilā — tested .

Translation

In that month of May-June, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu came to the garden of Yameśvara [Lord Śiva] and accepted prasādam there at the request of the devotees.

Word meanings

jyaiṣṭha - māse — during the month of May-June ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yameśvara - ṭoṭā — to the garden of Lord Śiva, Yameśvara ; āilā — came ; bhakta - anurodhe — on the request of the devotees ; tāhāṅ — there ; bhikṣā ye karilā — accepted prasādam .

Translation

At noon, when it was time for lunch, the Lord called for Sanātana Gosvāmī, whose happiness increased because of the call.

Word meanings

madhya - ahna — at noon ; bhikṣā - kāle — at the time for lunch ; sanātane — for Sanātana Gosvāmī ; bolāila — He called ; prabhu bolāilā — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu called ; tāṅra — his ; ānanda — happiness ; bāḍila — increased .

Translation

At noon the sand on the beach was as hot as fire, but Sanātana Gosvāmī came by that path.

Word meanings

madhya - ahne — at noon ; samudra - vālu — the sand by the sea ; hañāche — was ; agni - sama — as hot as fire ; sei - pathe — by that path ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; karilā gamana — came .

Translation

Overwhelmed by joy at being called by the Lord, Sanātana Gosvāmī did not feel that his feet were burning in the hot sand.

Word meanings

prabhu bolāñāche — the Lord has called ; ei — this ; ānandita — happy ; mane — within the mind ; tapta - vālukāte — on the hot sand ; pā — feet ; poḍe — were burning ; tāhā — that ; nāhi jāne — could not understand .

Translation

Although the soles of his feet were blistered because of the heat, he nevertheless went to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. There he found that the Lord, having taken His lunch, was resting.

Word meanings

dui pāye — on the two soles ; phoskā haila — there were blisters ; tabu — still ; gelā — came ; prabhu - sthāne — to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhikṣā kari’ — after finishing lunch ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kariyāchena viśrāme — was taking rest .

Translation

Govinda gave Sanātana Gosvāmī the plate with the remnants of Lord Caitanya’s food. After taking the prasādam, Sanātana Gosvāmī approached Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

bhikṣā - avaśeṣa — of remnants of the food ; pātra — plate ; govinda — Govinda ; tāre dilā — delivered to him ; prasāda pāñā — after taking the remnants of food ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; prabhu - pāśe — to Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āilā — came .

Translation

When the Lord inquired, “By which path have you come?” Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “I have come on the path along the beach.”

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — the Lord inquired ; kon pathe — through which path ; āilā sanātana — you have come, Sanātana ; teṅha kahe — he replied ; samudra - pathe — on the path by the sea ; kariluṅ āgamana — I have come .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “How did you come along the beach, where the sand is so hot? Why didn’t you come by the path in front of the Siṁha-dvāra gate? It is very cool.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; tapta - vālukāte — on hot sand ; kemane āilā — how did you come ; siṁha - dvārera patha — the path of the Siṁha-dvāra gate ; śītala — very cool ; kene — why ; nā āilā — did you not come .

Purport

Siṁha-dvāra refers to the main gate on the eastern side of the Jagannātha temple.

Translation

“The hot sand must have blistered your soles. Now you cannot walk. How did you tolerate it?”

Word meanings

tapta - vālukāya — by the hot sand ; tomāra — your ; pāya — on the soles ; haila — there were ; vraṇa — blisters ; calite nā pāra — you cannot walk ; kemane — how ; karilā sahana — did you tolerate .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “I did not feel much pain, nor did I know that there were blisters because of the heat.

Word meanings

sanātana kahe — Sanātana Gosvāmī replied ; dukha — pain ; bahuta — much ; nā pāiluṅ — I did not feel ; pāye — on the soles ; vraṇa hañāche — there were blisters ; tāhā — that ; nā jāniluṅ — I did not know .

Translation

“I have no right to pass by the Siṁha-dvāra, for the servants of Jagannātha are always coming and going there.

Word meanings

siṁha - dvāre — in front of the main gate, known as Siṁha-dvāra ; yāite — to go ; mora — my ; nāhi adhikāra — there is no right ; viśeṣe — specifically ; ṭhākurera — of Lord Jagannātha ; tāhāṅ — there ; sevakera pracāra — traffic of the servants .

Translation

“The servants are always coming and going without interval. If I touch them, I shall be ruined.”

Word meanings

sevaka — servants ; gatāgati kare — come and go ; nāhi avasara — there is no interval ; tāra sparśa haile — if I touch them ; sarva - nāśa habe mora — I shall be ruined .

Purport

Herein it is very clearly indicated that priests performing Deity worship should be careful to keep themselves completely pure and not be touched by outsiders. Sanātana Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura, thinking themselves mlecchas and yavanas because of their past association with Muslims, did not enter the temple or even travel on the path in front of the temple gate. It is customary for the priests of temples in India not even to touch outsiders or enter the Deity room after having been touched. This is a very important item in temple worship.

Translation

Having heard all these details, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, greatly pleased, spoke as follows.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; mane — in the mind ; santoṣa pāilā — became very happy ; tuṣṭa hañā — being pleased ; tāṅre — unto him ; kichu — something ; kahite lāgilā — began to speak .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, although you are the deliverer of the entire universe and although even the demigods and great saints are purified by touching you, it is the characteristic of a devotee to observe and protect the Vaiṣṇava etiquette. Maintenance of the Vaiṣṇava etiquette is the ornament of a devotee.

Word meanings

yadyapio — although ; tumi — you ; hao — are ; jagat - pāvana — the deliverer of the entire universe ; tomā — you ; sparśe — by touching ; pavitra — purified ; haya — becomes ; deva - muni - gaṇa — the demigods and great saintly persons ; tathāpi — still ; bhakta - svabhāva — the nature of a devotee ; maryādā — etiquette ; rakṣaṇa — to protect or observe ; maryādā pālana — to maintain etiquette ; haya — is ; sādhura bhūṣaṇa — ornament of devotees .

Translation

“If one transgresses the laws of etiquette, people make fun of him, and thus he is vanquished in both this world and the next.

Word meanings

maryādā - laṅghane — by surpassing the customs of etiquette ; loka — people ; kare upahāsa — joke ; iha - loka — this world ; para - loka — the next world ; dui — two ; haya nāśa — become vanquished .

Translation

“By observing the etiquette, you have satisfied My mind. Who else but you could show this example?”

Word meanings

maryādā rākhile — since you have observed the etiquette ; tuṣṭa kaile — you have satisfied ; mora mana — My mind ; tumi — you ; aiche — like that ; nā karile — without doing ; kare — would do ; kon jana — who .

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced Sanātana Gosvāmī, and the moisture oozing from the itching sores on Sanātana’s body smeared the body of the Lord.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — him ; āliṅgana kaila — embraced ; tāṅra — his ; kaṇḍu - rasā — moisture oozing from the itches ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śrī - aṅge lāgila — smeared the body .

Translation

Although Sanātana Gosvāmī repeatedly forbade Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to embrace him, the Lord still did so. Thus His body was smeared with the moisture from Sanātana’s body, and Sanātana became greatly distressed.

Word meanings

bāra bāra — again and again ; niṣedhena — forbids ; tabu — still ; kare āliṅgana — He embraces ; aṅge — on the body ; rasā lāge — oozing moisture touches ; duḥkha — unhappiness ; pāya — gets ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

Thus both servant and master departed for their respective homes. The next day, Jagadānanda Paṇḍita went to meet Sanātana Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

ei - mate — in this way ; sevaka - prabhu — the servant and the master ; duṅhe — both of them ; ghara gelā — returned to their respective places ; āra dina — the next day ; jagadānanda — Jagadānanda ; sanātanere mililā — met Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

When Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and Sanātana Gosvāmī sat together and began to discuss topics about Kṛṣṇa, Sanātana Gosvāmī submitted to Jagadānanda Paṇḍita the cause of his distress.

Word meanings

dui - jana vasi’ — both of them sitting ; kṛṣṇa - kathā — topics of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; goṣṭhī — discussion ; kailā — did ; paṇḍitere — unto Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; duḥkha nivedilā — submitted his unhappiness .

Translation

“I came here to diminish my unhappiness by seeing Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, but the Lord did not allow me to execute what was in my mind.

Word meanings

ihāṅ — here (to Jagannātha Purī) ; āilāṅa — I have come ; prabhure — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dekhi’ — by seeing ; duḥkha khaṇḍāite — to diminish my unhappiness ; yebā mane — what was in my mind ; tāhā — that ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; nā dilā karite — did not allow me to do .

Translation

“Although I forbid Him to do so, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu nevertheless embraces me, and therefore His body becomes smeared with the discharges from my itching sores.

Word meanings

niṣedhite — although I forbid ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; āliṅgana — embracing ; karena — does ; more — unto me ; mora kaṇḍu - rasā — my wet sores ; lāge — touches ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; śarīre — on the body .

Translation

“In this way I am committing offenses at His lotus feet, and from these offenses I shall certainly not be delivered. At the same time, I cannot see Lord Jagannātha. This is my great unhappiness.

Word meanings

aparādha — offense ; haya — is ; mora — mine ; nāhika nistāra — there is no deliverance ; jagannātheha — also Lord Jagannātha ; nā dekhiye — I cannot see ; e — this ; duḥkha apāra — great unhappiness .

Translation

“I came here for my benefit, but now I see that I am getting just the opposite. I do not know, nor can I ascertain, how there will be benefit for me.”

Word meanings

hita - nimitta — for benefit ; āilāṅa — came ; āmi — I ; haila viparīte — it has become just the opposite ; ki karile — how ; hita haya — there will be benefit ; nāri nirdhārite — I cannot ascertain .

Translation

Jagadānanda Paṇḍita said, “The most suitable place for you to reside is Vṛndāvana. After seeing the Ratha-yātrā festival, you can return there.

Word meanings

paṇḍita kahe — Jagadānanda Paṇḍita said ; tomāra — your ; vāsa - yogya — a suitable place for residence ; vṛndāvana — Vṛndāvana ; ratha - yātrā dekhi’ — after seeing the Ratha-yātrā festival ; tāhāṅ — there ; karaha gamana — go .

Translation

“The Lord has already ordered both of you brothers to situate yourselves in Vṛndāvana. There you will achieve all happiness.

Word meanings

prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ājñā — order ; hañāche — has been ; tomā’ — you ; dui bhāye — to the two brothers ; vṛndāvane vaisa — sit down at Vṛndāvana ; tāhāṅ — there ; sarva - sukha — all happiness ; pāiye — you will get .

Translation

“Your purpose in coming has been fulfilled, for you have seen the lotus feet of the Lord. Therefore, after seeing Lord Jagannātha on the Ratha-yātrā car, you can leave.”

Word meanings

ye - kārye — for which business ; āilā — you have come ; prabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dekhilā — you have seen ; caraṇa — the feet ; rathe — on the car ; jagannātha — Lord Jagannātha ; dekhi’ — after seeing ; karaha gamana — go .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “You have given me very good advice. I shall certainly go there, for that is the place the Lord has given me for my residence.”

Word meanings

sanātana kahe — Sanātana Gosvāmī replied ; bhāla kailā upadeśa — you have given good advice ; tāhāṅ yāba — I shall go there ; sei — that ; mora — my ; prabhu - datta — given by the Lord ; deśa — residential country .

Purport

The words prabhu-datta deśa are very significant. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s devotional cult teaches one not to sit down in one place but to spread the devotional cult all over the world. The Lord dispatched Sanātana Gosvāmī and Rūpa Gosvāmī to Vṛndāvana to excavate and renovate the holy places and from there establish the cult of bhakti. Therefore Vṛndāvana was given to Sanātana Gosvāmī and Rūpa Gosvāmī as their place of residence. Similarly, everyone in the line of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s devotional cult should accept the words of the spiritual master and thus spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. They should go everywhere, to all parts of the world, accepting those places as their prabhu-datta deśa, the places of residence given by the spiritual master or Lord Kṛṣṇa. The spiritual master is the representative of Lord Kṛṣṇa; therefore one who has carried out the orders of the spiritual master is understood to have carried out the orders of Kṛṣṇa or Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to spread the bhakti cult all over the world ( pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma ). Therefore devotees in the line of Kṛṣṇa consciousness must go to different parts of the world and preach, as ordered by the spiritual master. That will satisfy Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Translation

After talking in this way, Sanātana Gosvāmī and Jagadānanda Paṇḍita returned to their respective duties. The next day, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu went to see Haridāsa and Sanātana Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — talking like this ; duṅhe — both Jagadānanda Paṇḍita and Sanātana Gosvāmī ; nija - kārye — to their respective duties ; uṭhi’ — getting up ; gelā — went ; āra dina — the next day ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; milibāre āilā — came to meet .

Translation

Haridāsa Ṭhākura offered obeisances to the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and the Lord embraced him in ecstatic love.

Word meanings

haridāsa — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; kailā — did ; prabhura — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; caraṇa vandana — worshiping the lotus feet ; haridāse — unto Haridāsa ; kailā — did ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; prema - āliṅgana — embracing in ecstatic love .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī offered his obeisances and daṇḍavats from a distant place, but Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu called him again and again to embrace him.

Word meanings

dūra haite — from a distant place ; daṇḍa - paraṇāma — offering obeisances and daṇḍavats ; kare — did ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bolāya — calls ; bāra bāra — again and again ; karite āliṅgana — to embrace .

Translation

Out of fear of committing offenses, Sanātana Gosvāmī did not come forward to meet Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. The Lord, however, went forward to meet him.

Word meanings

aparādha - bhaye — out of fear of offenses ; teṅha — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; milite — to meet ; nā āila — did not come forward ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; milibāre — to meet ; sei ṭhāñi — to Sanātana Gosvāmī ; gela — went .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī backed away, but Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu caught him by force and embraced him.

Word meanings

sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; bhāgi’ — running away ; pāche — back ; karena gamana — goes ; balātkāre — by force ; dhari — capturing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kailā āliṅgana — embraced .

Translation

The Lord took them both with Him and sat down in a sacred place. Then Sanātana Gosvāmī, who was advanced in renunciation, began to speak.

Word meanings

dui jana lañā — taking the two of them ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; vasilā — sat down ; piṇḍāte — on the altar ; nirviṇṇa — advanced in renunciation ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; lāgilā kahite — began to speak .

Translation

“I came here for my benefit,” he said, “but I see that I am getting just the opposite. I am unfit to render service. I simply commit offenses day after day.

Word meanings

hita lāgi’ — for benefit ; āinu muñi — I came ; haila viparīta — it has become just the opposite ; sevā - yogya nahi — I am not fit to render service ; aparādha karoṅ — I commit offenses ; niti niti — day after day .

Translation

“By nature I am lowborn. I am a contaminated reservoir of sinful activities. If You touch me, Sir, that will be a great offense on my part.

Word meanings

sahaje — by nature ; nīca - jāti — lowborn ; muñi — I ; duṣṭa — sinful ; pāpa - āśaya — reservoir of sinful activities ; more — me ; tumi chuṅile — if You touch ; mora — my ; aparādha haya — there is offense .

Translation

“Moreover, blood is running from infected itching sores on my body, smearing Your body with moisture, but still You touch me by force.

Word meanings

tāhāte — over and above this ; āmāra — my ; aṅge — on the body ; kaṇḍu - rasā — from wet, itching sores ; rakta — blood ; cale — runs ; tomāra aṅge lāge — touches Your body ; tabu — still ; sparśaha — touch ; tumi — You ; bale — by force .

Translation

“My dear Sir, You do not have even a pinch of aversion to touching my body, which is in a horrible condition. Because of this offense, everything auspicious will be vanquished for me.

Word meanings

bībhatsa — horrible ; sparśite — to touch ; nā kara — You do not do ; ghṛṇā - leśe — even a small bit of aversion ; ei aparādhe — because of this offense ; mora — my ; habe — there will be ; sarva - nāśe — loss of everything auspicious .

Translation

“Therefore I see that I will get nothing auspicious by staying here. Kindly give me orders allowing me to return to Vṛndāvana after the Ratha-yātrā festival.

Word meanings

tāte — because of this ; ihāṅ — here ; rahile — if I remain ; mora — my ; nā — not ; haya — there is ; kalyāṇa — auspiciousness ; ājñā deha’ — kindly give the order ; ratha dekhi’ — after witnessing the Ratha-yātrā festival ; yāṅa vṛndāvana — I may return to Vṛndāvana .

Translation

“I have consulted Jagadānanda Paṇḍita for his opinion, and he has also advised me to return to Vṛndāvana.”

Word meanings

jagadānanda - paṇḍite — from Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; āmi — I ; yukti — advice ; puchila — inquired ; vṛndāvana yāite — to go to Vṛndāvana ; teṅha — he ; upadeśa dila — has given instruction .

Translation

Hearing this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, in an angry mood, began to chastise Jagadānanda Paṇḍita.

Word meanings

eta śuni’ — hearing this ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; sa - roṣa - antare — in an angry mood ; jagadānande — at Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; kruddha hañā — becoming very angry ; kare tiraskāre — chastises .

Translation

“Jagā [Jagadānanda Paṇḍita] is only a new boy, but he has become so proud that he thinks himself competent to advise a person like you.

Word meanings

kālikāra — new ; baṭuyā — boy ; jagā — Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; aiche — so ; garvī haila — has become proud ; tomā - sabāreha — persons like you ; upadeśa karite — to advise ; lāgila — has begun .

Translation

“In affairs of spiritual advancement and even in ordinary dealings, you are on the level of his spiritual master. Yet not knowing his own value, he dares to advise you.

Word meanings

vyavahāre — in ordinary dealings ; parama - arthe — in spiritual matters ; tumi — you ; tāra — of him ; guru - tulya — like a spiritual master ; tomāre — you ; upadeśe — he advises ; nā jāne — does not know ; āpana - mūlya — his value .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, you are on the level of My advisor, for you are an authorized person. But Jagā wants to advise you. This is but the impudence of a naughty boy.”

Word meanings

āmāra — My ; upadeṣṭā — advisor ; tumi — you ; prāmāṇika ārya — authorized person ; tomāreha — even you ; upadeśe — he advises ; bālakā — boy ; kare — does ; aiche — such ; kārya — business .

Translation

When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was thus chastising Jagadānanda Paṇḍita, Sanātana Gosvāmī fell at the Lord’s feet and said, “I can now understand the fortunate position of Jagadānanda.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; pāye dhari’ — capturing the feet ; prabhure kahila — began to say to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; jagadānandera — of Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; saubhāgya — fortune ; āji — now ; se — that ; jānila — I understand .

Translation

“I can also understand my misfortune. No one in this world is as fortunate as Jagadānanda.

Word meanings

āpanāra — my personal ; asaubhāgya — misfortune ; āji — today ; haila jñāna — I can understand ; jagate — within this world ; nāhi — there is not ; jagadānanda - sama — like Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; bhāgyavān — fortunate person .

Translation

“Sir, You are making Jagadānanda drink the nectar of affectionate relationships, whereas by offering me honorable prayers, You are making me drink the bitter juice of nimba and niśindā.

Word meanings

jagadānande — unto Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; piyāo — You cause to drink ; ātmīyatā - sudhā - rasa — the nectar of affectionate relations ; more — me ; piyāo — You cause to drink ; gaurava - stuti — honorable prayers ; nimba - niśindā - rasa — the juice of nimba fruit and niśindā. .

Translation

“It is my misfortune that You have not accepted me as one of Your intimate relations. But You are the completely independent Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

Word meanings

ājiha — even until now ; nahila — there has not been ; more — unto me ; ātmīyatā - jñāna — feeling as one of Your relations ; mora abhāgya — my misfortune ; tumi — You ; svatantra bhagavān — the independent Personality of Godhead .

Translation

Hearing this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was somewhat ashamed. Just to satisfy Sanātana Gosvāmī, He spoke the following words.

Word meanings

śuni’ — hearing ; mahāprabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kichu — somewhat ; lajjita — ashamed ; hailā — became ; mane — within the mind ; tāṅre — him ; santoṣite — to satisfy ; kichu — some ; balena — said ; vacane — words .

Translation

“My dear Sanātana, please do not think that Jagadānanda is more dear to Me than you. However, I cannot tolerate transgressions of the standard etiquette.

Word meanings

jagadānanda — Jagadānanda Paṇḍita ; priya — more dear ; āmāra — to Me ; nahe — is not ; tomā haite — than you ; maryādā - laṅghana — transgressing the etiquette ; āmi — I ; nā — not ; pāroṅ — can ; sahite — tolerate .

Translation

“You are an experienced authority in the śāstras, whereas Jagā is just a young boy.

Word meanings

kāhāṅ — where ; tumi — you ; prāmāṇika — authority ; śāstre pravīṇa — experienced in the learning of the śāstras ; kāhāṅ — where ; jagā — Jagā ; kālikāra — recent ; baṭuyā — youth ; navīna — new .

Translation

“You have the power to convince even Me. In many places you have already convinced Me about ordinary behavior and devotional service.

Word meanings

āmākeha — even Me ; bujhāite — to convince ; tumi — you ; dhara — have ; śakti — power ; kata ṭhāñi — in how many places ; bujhāñācha — you have convinced ; vyavahāra - bhakti — ordinary behavior as well as devotional service .

Translation

“Jagā’s advising you is intolerable for Me. Therefore I am chastising him.

Word meanings

tomāre — you ; upadeśa kare — advises ; nā yāya sahana — I cannot tolerate ; ataeva — therefore ; tāre — unto him ; āmi — I ; kariye — do ; bhartsana — chastisement .

Translation

“I offer you praise not because I think of you as being outside an intimate relationship with Me but because you are actually so qualified that one is forced to praise your qualities.

Word meanings

bahiraṅga - jñāne — thinking outside My intimate relationship ; tomāre — unto you ; nā kari — I do not ; stavana — offer praise ; tomāra — your ; guṇe — by qualifications ; stuti karāya — one is induced to offer prayers ; yaiche — as ; tomāra — your ; guṇa — attributes .

Translation

“Although one has affection for many persons, different types of ecstatic love awaken according to the nature of one’s personal relationships.

Word meanings

yadyapi — although ; kāhāra — of someone ; mamatā — affection ; bahu - jane — unto many persons ; haya — there is ; prīti - svabhāve — according to one’s affection ; kāhāte — in someone ; kona — some ; bhāva - udaya — awakening of ecstatic love .

Translation

“You consider your body dangerous and awful, but I think that your body is like nectar.

Word meanings

tomāra deha — your body ; tumi — you ; kara bībhatsa - jñāna — consider horrible ; tomāra deha — your body ; āmāre — unto Me ; lāge — appears ; amṛta - samāna — as if made of nectar .

Translation

“Actually your body is transcendental, never material. You are thinking of it, however, in terms of a material conception.

Word meanings

aprākṛta — transcendental ; deha — body ; tomāra — your ; prākṛta — material ; kabhu naya — is never ; tathāpi — still ; tomāra — your ; tāte — in that ; prākṛta - buddhi — conception as material ; haya — is .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura gives his opinion about how a person completely engaged in the service of the Lord transforms his body from material to transcendental. He says, “A pure devotee engaged in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa has no desire for his personal sense gratification, and thus he never accepts anything for that purpose. He desires only the happiness of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, and because of his ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa, he acts in various ways. Karmīs think that the material body is an instrument for material enjoyment, and that is why they work extremely hard. A devotee, however, has no such desires. A devotee always engages wholeheartedly in the service of the Lord, forgetting about bodily conceptions and bodily activities. The body of a karmī is called material because the karmī, being too absorbed in material activities, is always eager to enjoy material facilities, but the body of a devotee who tries his best to work very hard for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa by fully engaging in the Lord’s service must be accepted as transcendental. Whereas karmīs are interested only in the personal satisfaction of their senses, devotees work for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. Therefore one who cannot distinguish between devotion and ordinary karma may mistakenly consider the body of a pure devotee material. One who knows does not commit such a mistake. Nondevotees who consider devotional activities and ordinary material activities to be on the same level are offenders to the chanting of the transcendental holy name of the Lord. A pure devotee knows that a devotee’s body, being always transcendental, is just suitable for rendering service to the Lord.

“A devotee on the topmost platform of devotional service always humbly thinks that he is not rendering any devotional service. He thinks that he is poor in devotional service and that his body is material. On the other hand, those known as the sahajiyās foolishly think that their material bodies are transcendental. Because of this, they are always bereft of the association of pure devotees, and thus they cannot behave like Vaiṣṇavas. Observing the defects of the sahajiyās, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has sung as follows in his book Kalyāṇa-kalpataru:

āmi ta’ vaiṣṇava, e-buddhi ha-ile, amānī nā haba āmi pratiṣṭhāśā āsi’, hṛdaya dūṣibe, ha-iba niraya-gāmī nije śreṣṭha jāni’, ucchiṣṭādi-dāne, habe abhimāna bhāra tāi śiṣya tava, thākiyā sarvadā, nā la-iba pūjā kāra

“ ‘If I think I am a Vaiṣṇava, I shall look forward to receiving respect from others. And if the desire for fame and reputation pollutes my heart, certainly I shall go to hell. By giving others the remnants of my food, I shall consider myself superior and shall be burdened with the weight of false pride. Therefore, always remaining your surrendered disciple, I shall not accept worship from anyone else.’ Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī has written ( Antya-līlā 20.28):

premera svabhāva — yāhāṅ premera sambandha sei māne, — ‘kṛṣṇe mora nāhi prema-gandha’

“ ‘Wherever there is a relationship of love of Godhead, the natural symptoms are that the devotee does not think himself a devotee, but always thinks that he has not even a drop of love for Kṛṣṇa.’ ”

Translation

“Even if your body were material, I still could not neglect it, for the material body should be considered neither good nor bad.

Word meanings

prākṛta — material ; haile ha — even if it were ; tomāra — your ; vapu — body ; nāri — I cannot ; upekṣite — neglect ; bhadra - abhadra — good and bad ; vastu - jñāna — appreciation of things ; nāhika — there is not ; prākṛte — in the material world .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu told Sanātana Gosvāmī, “Since you are a Vaiṣṇava, your body is spiritual, not material. Therefore you should not consider this body to be subjected to superior or inferior qualities. Moreover, I am a sannyāsī . Therefore even if your body were material, a sannyāsī should see no distinction between a good body and a bad body.”

Translation

“ ‘Anything not conceived in relationship to Kṛṣṇa should be understood to be illusion [māyā]. None of the illusions uttered by words or conceived in the mind are factual. Because illusion is not factual, there is no distinction between what we think is good and what we think is bad. When we speak of the Absolute Truth, such speculations do not apply.’

Word meanings

kim — what ; bhadram — good ; kim — what ; abhadram — bad ; vā — or ; dvaitasya — of this material world ; avastunaḥ — that which has temporary existence ; kiyat — how much ; vācā — by words ; uditam — vibrated ; tat — that ; anṛtam — without permanent existence ; manasā — by the mind ; dhyātam — conceived ; eva — certainly ; ca — and .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.28.4) .

Translation

“In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying ‘This is good’ and ‘This is bad’ is all a mistake.

Word meanings

dvaite — in the material world ; bhadra - abhadra - jñāna — understanding of good and bad ; saba — all ; manaḥ - dharma — speculative mental creations ; ei bhāla — this is good ; ei manda — this is bad ; ei — this ; saba — all ; bhrama — mistake .

Purport

Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the Absolute Truth, ever existing with different varieties of energies. When one is absorbed in the illusory energy of Kṛṣṇa and cannot understand Kṛṣṇa, one cannot ascertain what is good for him and what is bad. Conceptions of good and bad are all imaginations or mental speculations. When one forgets that he is an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, he wants to enjoy the material world through different plans. At that time he distinguishes between material plans that are good and those that are bad. Actually, however, they are all false.

Translation

“ ‘The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater.’

Word meanings

vidyā — knowledge ; vinaya — gentleness ; sampanne — endowed with ; brāhmaṇe — unto a brāhmaṇa ; gavi — unto a cow ; hastini — unto an elephant ; śuni — unto a dog ; ca — and ; eva — also ; śva - pāke — unto a dog-eater ; ca — also ; paṇḍitāḥ — those who are actually learned in spiritual understanding ; sama - darśinaḥ — equipoised .

Purport

This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (5.18) .

Translation

“ ‘One who is fully satisfied in knowledge obtained and practically applied in life, who is always determined and fixed in his spiritual position, who completely controls his senses, and who sees pebbles, stones and gold on the same level is understood to be a perfect yogī.’

Word meanings

jñāna — by acquired knowledge ; vijñāna — realized knowledge ; tṛpta — satisfied ; ātmā — living entity ; kūṭa - sthaḥ — fixed in his constitutional position ; vijita — controlled ; indriyaḥ — whose senses ; yuktaḥ — in touch with the Supreme ; iti — thus ; ucyate — is said ; yogī — a yogī ; sama — equal ; loṣṭra — pebbles ; aśma — stone ; kāñcanaḥ — gold .

Purport

This is also a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (6.8) .

Translation

“Since I am in the renounced order, My duty is to make no distinctions and be equipoised. My knowledge must be equally disposed toward sandalwood pulp and dirty mud.

Word meanings

āmi — I ; ta’ — certainly ; sannyāsī — in the renounced order of life ; āmāra — My ; sama - dṛṣṭi — seeing everything on the same platform ; dharma — duty ; candana - paṅkete — between sandalwood pulp and mud ; āmāra — My ; jñāna — knowledge ; haya — is ; sama — same .

Purport

It is the duty of a sannyāsī, a person in the renounced order, to be always equipoised, and that is also the duty of a learned man and a Vaiṣṇava. A Vaiṣṇava, a sannyāsī or a learned person has no conception of the material world; in other words, he has no conception of anything materially important. He has no desire to use sandalwood pulp for sense gratification, nor does sense gratification make him hate mud. Acceptance or rejection of material things is not the concern of a sannyāsī, a Vaiṣṇava or a learned person. An advanced devotee has no desire to enjoy or reject anything. His only duty is to accept whatever is favorable for the advancement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. A Vaiṣṇava should be indifferent to material enjoyment and renunciation and should always hanker for the spiritual life of rendering service to the Lord.

Translation

“For this reason, I cannot reject you. If I hated you, I would deviate from My occupational duty.”

Word meanings

ei lāgi’ — for this reason ; tomā — you ; tyāga karite — to reject ; nā yuyāya — is not befitting ; ghṛṇā - buddhi kari — I regard with hatred ; yadi — if ; nija - dharma yāya — I deviate from My duty .

Translation

Haridāsa said, “My dear Lord, what You have spoken deals with external formalities. I do not accept it.

Word meanings

haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa said ; prabhu — my Lord ; ye — what ; kahilā — have spoken ; tumi — You ; ei — this ; bāhya pratāraṇā — external formality ; nāhi māni āmi — I do not accept .

Translation

“My Lord, we are all fallen, but You have accepted us due to Your attribute of being merciful to the fallen. This is well known all over the world.”

Word meanings

āmā - saba — all of us ; adhame — most fallen ; ye — that ; kariyācha — You have done ; aṅgīkāra — acceptance ; dīna - dayālu — merciful unto the fallen souls ; guṇa — attribute ; tomāra — of You ; tāhāte — in that ; pracāra — proclaiming .

Translation

Lord Caitanya smiled and said, “Listen, Haridāsa and Sanātana. Now I am speaking the truth about how My mind is attached to you.

Word meanings

prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; hāsi’ — smiling ; kahe — says ; śuna — hear ; haridāsa — My dear Haridāsa ; sanātana — My dear Sanātana ; tattvataḥ — truly ; kahi — I am speaking ; tomā - viṣaye — about you ; yaiche — as ; mora mana — My mind .

Translation

“My dear Haridāsa and Sanātana, I think of you as My little boys, to be maintained by Me. The maintainer never takes seriously any faults of the maintained.

Word meanings

tomāre — unto you ; lālya — maintained ; āpanāke — unto Me ; lālaka — the maintainer ; abhimāna — conception ; lālakera — of the maintainer ; lālye — unto the maintained ; nahe — not ; doṣa — fault ; parijñāna — understanding .

Purport

When a father maintains a child and the child is maintained by the father, the father never takes seriously the faults of the child. Even if they actually are faults, the father does not mind them.

Translation

“I always think of Myself as deserving no respect, but because of affection I always consider you to be like My little children.

Word meanings

āpanāre — unto Myself ; haya — there is ; mora — My ; amānya — not deserving respect ; samāna — like ; tomā - sabāre — unto all of you ; karoṅ — do ; muñi — I ; bālaka - abhimāna — considering My sons .

Translation

“When a child passes stool and urine that touch the body of the mother, the mother never hates the child. On the contrary, she takes much pleasure in cleansing him.

Word meanings

mātāra — of the mother ; yaiche — as ; bālakera — of the child ; amedhya — stool and urine ; lāge gāya — touches the body ; ghṛṇā — hatred ; nāhi janme — does not arise ; āra — more ; mahā - sukha — great pleasure ; pāya — gets .

Translation

“The stool and urine of the maintained child appear like sandalwood pulp to the mother. Similarly, when the foul moisture oozing from the sores of Sanātana touches My body, I have no hatred for him.”

Word meanings

lālya — of the maintained child ; amedhya — stool and urine ; lālakera — of the maintainer ; candana - sama — like sandalwood pulp ; bhāya — appears ; sanātanera — of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; klede — unto the moisture of the sores ; āmāra — My ; ghṛṇā — hatred ; nā — not ; upajāya — arises .

Translation

Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, “My dear Sir, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead and are most merciful toward us. No one can understand what is within Your deeply affectionate heart.

Word meanings

haridāsa kahe — Haridāsa Ṭhākura said ; tumi — You ; īśvara — the Supreme Personality of Godhead ; dayā - maya — merciful ; tomāra — Your ; gambhīra — deep ; hṛdaya — heart ; bujhana nā yāya — cannot be understood .

Translation

“You embraced the leper Vāsudeva, whose body was fully infected by worms. You are so kind that in spite of his condition You embraced him.

Word meanings

vāsudeva — Vāsudeva ; galat - kuṣṭhī — suffering from leprosy ; tāte — over and above that ; aṅga — the body ; kīḍā - maya — full of worms ; tāre — him ; āliṅgana — embracing ; kailā — You did ; hañā sa - daya — being merciful .

Translation

“By embracing him You made his body as beautiful as that of Cupid. We cannot understand the waves of Your mercy.”

Word meanings

āliṅgiyā — by embracing ; kailā — You made ; tāra — his ; kandarpa - sama — as beautiful as Cupid ; aṅga — body ; bujhite nā pāri — we cannot understand ; tomāra — Your ; kṛpāra taraṅga — waves of mercy .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “The body of a devotee is never material. It is considered to be transcendental, full of spiritual bliss.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said ; vaiṣṇava deha — the body of a Vaiṣṇava ; prākṛta — material ; kabhu naya — is never ; aprākṛta — transcendental ; deha — body ; bhaktera — of a devotee ; cit - ānanda - maya — full of transcendental bliss .

Purport

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is trying to convince Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī that a devotee whose life is dedicated to the service of the Lord is never in the material conception. Because he always engages in the service of the Lord, his body is transcendental and full of spiritual bliss. One should never consider his body material, just as one should never consider the body of the Deity worshiped in the temple to be made of stone or wood. Factually, the Deity is directly the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without a doubt. The injunctions of the Padma Purāṇa therefore state, arcye viṣṇau śilā-dhīr guruṣu nara-matir vaiṣṇave jāti-buddhiḥ . . . yasya vā nārakī saḥ : “That person is a resident of hell who considers the Deity worshiped in the temple to be stone or wood, who considers the spiritual master an ordinary man, and who thinks that the body of a Vaiṣṇava fully dedicated to the service of the Lord belongs to the material modes of nature.”

Translation

“At the time of initiation, when a devotee fully surrenders unto the service of the Lord, Kṛṣṇa accepts him to be as good as Himself.

Word meanings

dīkṣā - kāle — at the time of initiation ; bhakta — the devotee ; kare — does ; ātma — of himself ; samarpaṇa — full dedication ; sei - kāle — at that time ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāre — him ; kare — makes ; ātma - sama — as spiritual as Himself .

Translation

“When the devotee’s body is thus transformed into spiritual existence, the devotee, in that transcendental body, renders service to the lotus feet of the Lord.

Word meanings

sei deha — that body ; kare — makes ; tāra — his ; cit - ānanda - maya — full of transcendental bliss ; aprākṛta - dehe — in that transcendental body ; tāṅra — His ; caraṇa — feet ; bhajaya — worships .

Translation

“ ‘The living entity who is subjected to birth and death attains immortality when he gives up all material activities, dedicates his life to the execution of My order, and acts according to My directions. In this way he becomes fit to enjoy the spiritual bliss derived from exchanging loving mellows with Me.’

Word meanings

martyaḥ — the living entity subjected to birth and death ; yadā — as soon as ; tyakta — giving up ; samasta — all ; karmāḥ — fruitive activities ; nivedita - ātmā — a fully surrendered soul ; vicikīrṣitaḥ — desired to act ; me — by Me ; tadā — at that time ; amṛtatvam — immortality ; pratipadyamānaḥ — attaining ; mayā — with Me ; ātma - bhūyāya — for becoming of a similar nature ; ca — also ; kalpate — is eligible ; vai — certainly .

Purport

This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.29.34) . At the time of initiation, a devotee gives up all his material conceptions. Therefore, being in touch with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he is situated on the transcendental platform. Thus having attained knowledge and the spiritual platform, he always engages in the service of the spiritual body of Kṛṣṇa. When one is freed from material connections in this way, his body immediately becomes spiritual, and Kṛṣṇa accepts his service. However, Kṛṣṇa does not accept anything from a person with a material conception of life. When a devotee no longer has any desire for material sense gratification, in his spiritual identity he engages in the service of the Lord, for his dormant spiritual consciousness awakens. This awakening of spiritual consciousness makes his body spiritual, and thus he becomes fit to render service to the Lord. Karmīs may consider the body of a devotee material, but factually it is not, for a devotee has no conception of material enjoyment. If one thinks that the body of a pure devotee is material, he is an offender, for that is a vaiṣṇava-aparādha. In this connection one should consult Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī’s Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta (1.3.45 and 2.3.139).

Translation

“Kṛṣṇa somehow or other manifested these itching sores on the body of Sanātana Gosvāmī and sent him here to test Me.

Word meanings

sanātanera — of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; dehe — in the body ; kṛṣṇa — Lord Kṛṣṇa ; kaṇḍu — itches ; upajāñā — manifesting ; āmā — Me ; parīkṣite — to test ; ihāṅ — here ; dilā pāṭhāñā — has sent .

Translation

“If I had hated Sanātana Gosvāmī and had not embraced him, I would certainly have been chastised for offenses to Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

ghṛṇā kari’ — hating ; āliṅgana — embracing ; nā karitāma — I would not do ; yabe — when ; kṛṣṇa - ṭhāñi — unto Lord Kṛṣṇa ; aparādha - daṇḍa — punishment for offenses ; pāitāma — I would have gotten ; tabe — then .

Translation

“Sanātana Gosvāmī is one of the associates of Kṛṣṇa. There could not be any bad odor from his body. On the first day I embraced him, I smelled the aroma of catuḥsama [a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, aguru and musk].”

Word meanings

pāriṣada - deha — the body of Kṛṣṇa’s associate ; ei — this ; nā haya — is not ; durgandha — having a bad smell ; prathama divase — on the first day ; pāiluṅ — I got ; catuḥsama - gandha — the smell of catuḥsama, a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, aguru and musk .

Purport

An associate of the Lord is one whose body is fully engaged in the service of the Lord. A materialist might see Sanātana Gosvāmī’s body as being full of itching sores that exuded foul moisture and a bad smell. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, however, said that actually the aroma of his body was the excellent scent of a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, musk and aguru. In the Garuḍa Purāṇa this mixture, which is called catuḥsama, is described as follows:

kastūrikāyā dvau bhāgau catvāraś candanasya tu kuṅkumasya trayaś caikaḥ śaśinaḥ syāt catuḥ-samam

“Two parts of musk, four parts of sandalwood, three parts of aguru or saffron and one part of camphor, when mixed together, form catuḥsama. ” The aroma of catuḥsama is very pleasing. It is also mentioned in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (sixth vilāsa ).

Translation

In fact, however, when Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu embraced the body of Sanātana Gosvāmī, by the Lord’s touch alone there was manifested a fragrance exactly like that of sandalwood pulp.

Word meanings

vastutaḥ — in fact ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; yabe — when ; kailā — did ; āliṅgana — embracing ; tāṅra sparśe — by His touch ; gandha haila — there was a fragrance ; candanera sama — exactly like that of sandalwood pulp .

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “My dear Sanātana, do not be aggrieved, for when I embrace you I actually get great pleasure.

Word meanings

prabhu kahe — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued to speak ; sanātana — My dear Sanātana ; nā māniha duḥkha — do not be unhappy ; tomāra āliṅgane — by embracing you ; āmi — I ; pāi — get ; baḍa sukha — great happiness .

Translation

“Stay with Me at Jagannātha Purī for one year, and after that I shall send you to Vṛndāvana.”

Word meanings

e - vatsara — this year ; tumi — you ; ihāṅ — here ; raha — remain ; āmā - sane — with Me ; vatsara — year ; rahi’ — remaining ; tomāre — you ; āmi — I ; pāṭhāimu vṛndāvane — shall send to Vṛndāvana .

Translation

After saying this, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu again embraced Sanātana Gosvāmī. Thus immediately Sanātana’s sores disappeared, and his entire body resembled the color of gold.

Word meanings

eta bali’ — saying this ; punaḥ — again ; tāṅre — him ; kailā — did ; āliṅgana — embracing ; kaṇḍu gela — the itching sores disappeared ; aṅga — the body ; haila — became ; suvarṇera sama — like gold .

Translation

Seeing the change, Haridāsa Ṭhākura, greatly astonished, told the Lord, “This is Your pastime.

Word meanings

dekhi’ — seeing ; haridāsa — Haridāsa Ṭhākura ; mane — in the mind ; hailā camatkāra — became astonished ; prabhure kahena — spoke to the Lord ; ei — this ; bhaṅgī — transcendental activity ; ye — which ; tomāra — Your .

Translation

“My dear Lord, You made Sanātana Gosvāmī drink the water of Jhārikhaṇḍa, and You actually generated the consequent itching sores on his body.

Word meanings

sei — that ; jhārikhaṇḍera — of Jhārikhaṇḍa ; pānī — water ; tumi — You ; khāoyāilā — made to drink ; sei pānī - lakṣye — on account of this water ; iṅhāra — of Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kaṇḍu upajāilā — You generated the itching .

Translation

“After thus causing these itching sores, You examined Sanātana Gosvāmī. No one can understand Your transcendental pastimes.”

Word meanings

kaṇḍu kari’ — generating the itching sores ; parīkṣā — examination ; karile — You did ; sanātane — unto Sanātana Gosvāmī ; ei — this ; līlā — of pastimes ; bhaṅgī — trick ; tomāra — Your ; keha nāhi jāne — no one knows .

Translation

After embracing both Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu returned to His residence. Then Haridāsa Ṭhākura and Sanātana Gosvāmī, in great ecstatic love, began to describe the Lord’s transcendental attributes.

Word meanings

duṅhe — both of them ; āliṅgiyā — embracing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; gelā — departed ; nija - ālaya — for His place ; prabhura guṇa — attributes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kahe — discussed ; duṅhe — both of them ; hañā — being ; prema - maya — overwhelmed by ecstasy .

Translation

In this way Sanātana Gosvāmī stayed under the care of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and discussed the transcendental qualities of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu with Haridāsa Ṭhākura.

Word meanings

ei - mata — in this way ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; rahe — remained ; prabhu - sthāne — at the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; kṛṣṇa - caitanya — of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; guṇa — of the attributes ; kathā — discussion ; haridāsa - sane — with Haridāsa Ṭhākura .

Translation

After they saw the Dola-yātrā festival, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu instructed Sanātana Gosvāmī fully about what to do in Vṛndāvana and bade him farewell.

Word meanings

dola - yātrā — the festival of Dola-yātrā ; dekhi’ — seeing ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅre — unto him ; vidāya dilā — bid farewell ; vṛndāvane — at Vṛndāvana ; ye karibena — whatever he would do ; saba — all ; śikhāilā — instructed .

Translation

The scene of separation that took place when Sanātana Gosvāmī and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu took leave of each other is so piteous that it cannot be described herein.

Word meanings

ye - kāle — when ; vidāya — farewell ; hailā — there was ; prabhura caraṇe — at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; dui - janāra — both of them ; viccheda - daśā — condition of separation ; nā yāya varṇane — cannot be described .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī decided to go to Vṛndāvana by the very forest path Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had traversed.

Word meanings

yei — which ; vana - pathe — on the path in the forest ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; gelā vṛndāvana — went to Vṛndāvana ; sei - pathe — on the very path ; yāite — to go ; mana — mind ; kailā — made ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī noted from Balabhadra Bhaṭṭācārya all the villages, rivers and hills where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had performed His pastimes.

Word meanings

ye - pathe — on which path ; ye — which ; grāma — villages ; nadī — rivers ; śaila — hills ; yāhāṅ — where ; yei — which ; līlā — pastimes ; balabhadra - bhaṭṭa - sthāne — from Balabhadra Bhaṭṭa ; saba — everything ; likhi’ — writing ; nilā — he took .

Translation

Sanātana Gosvāmī met all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and then, traveling by that same path, visited the places through which Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had passed.

Word meanings

mahāprabhura — of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; bhakta - gaṇe — the devotees ; sabāre — all ; miliyā — meeting ; sei - pathe — on the path ; cali’ yāya — passed through ; se — those ; sthāna — places ; dekhiyā — visiting .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes in a song ( Śaraṇāgati 31.3):

gaura āmāra, ye saba sthāne, karala bhramaṇa raṅge se-saba sthāna, heriba āmi, praṇayi-bhakata-saṅge

“May I visit all the holy places associated with the līlās of Lord Caitanya and His devotees.” A devotee should make a point of visiting all the places where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu performed His pastimes. Indeed, pure devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu even want to see the places He simply visited for only hours or minutes.

Translation

As soon as Sanātana Gosvāmī visited a place where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had performed His pastimes on the way, he was immediately filled with ecstatic love.

Word meanings

ye - ye — whatever ; līlā — pastimes ; prabhu — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; pathe — on the way ; kailā — performed ; ye - ye - sthāne — in whatever places ; tāhā — those places ; dekhi’ — by seeing ; prema - āveśa — ecstatic love ; haya — there is ; sanātane — in Sanātana Gosvāmī .

Translation

In this way Sanātana Gosvāmī reached Vṛndāvana. Later Rūpa Gosvāmī came and met him.

Word meanings

ei - mate — in this way ; sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; vṛndāvane āilā — came to Vṛndāvana ; pāche āsi’ — coming after ; rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; tāṅhāre — him ; mililā — met .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī had been delayed in Bengal for a year because he was dividing his money among his relatives to situate them in their proper positions.

Word meanings

eka - vatsara — for one year ; rūpa - gosāñira — of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; gauḍe — in Bengal ; vilamba — delay ; haila — there was ; kuṭumbera — of the relatives ; sthiti - artha — wealth for maintenance ; vibhāga — shares ; kari’ — making ; dila — gave .

Purport

Although Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī renounced his family life, he nevertheless was not unjust to his family members. Even after renunciation, he returned to Bengal, where he properly divided whatever money he had and gave it to his relatives so that they would not be inconvenienced.

Translation

He collected whatever money he had accumulated in Bengal and divided it among his relatives, the brāhmaṇas and the temples.

Word meanings

gauḍe — in Bengal ; ye — whatever ; artha — money ; chila — there was ; tāhā — that ; ānāilā — collected ; kuṭumba — to relatives ; brāhmaṇa — brāhmaṇas ; devālaye — temples ; bāṅṭi’ dilā — divided and distributed .

Translation

Thus after finishing all the tasks he had on his mind, he returned to Vṛndāvana fully satisfied.

Word meanings

saba — all ; manaḥ - kathā — decisions ; gosāñi — Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kari’ nirvāhaṇa — executing properly ; niścinta hañā — being freed from all anxiety ; śīghra āilā — very soon returned ; vṛndāvana — to Vṛndāvana .

Translation

The brothers met at Vṛndāvana, where they stayed to execute the will of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Word meanings

dui bhāi — both brothers ; mili’ — meeting ; vṛndāvane — in Vṛndāvana ; vāsa kailā — resided ; prabhura ye ājñā — whatever was ordered by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; duṅhe — both of them ; saba — all ; nirvāhilā — executed .

Purport

PURPORT:

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 the material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under his lotus feet?” Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī were previously ministers directly in charge of the government of Nawab Hussain Shah, and they were also householders, but later they became gosvāmīs. A gosvāmī, therefore, is one who executes the will of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. The title gosvāmī is not an inherited designation; it is meant for a person who has controlled his sense gratification and dedicated his life to executing the order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī and Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī became genuine gosvāmīs after dedicating their lives to the service of the Lord.

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī collected many revealed scriptures, and from the evidence in those scriptures they excavated all the lost sites of pilgrimage. Thus they established temples for the worship of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

nānā - śāstra — different types of revealed scripture ; āni’ — bringing together ; lupta - tīrtha — the lost sites of the holy places ; uddhārilā — excavated ; vṛndāvane — at Vṛndāvana ; kṛṣṇa - sevā — Lord Kṛṣṇa’s direct service ; prakāśa karilā — manifested .

Translation

Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī compiled the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta. From this book one can understand who is a devotee, what is the process of devotional service, and who is Kṛṣṇa, the Absolute Truth.

Word meanings

sanātana — Sanātana Gosvāmī ; grantha — books ; kailā — compiled ; bhāgavatāmṛte — in the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta ; bhakta — devotee ; bhakti — devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - tattva — Kṛṣṇa, the Absolute Truth ; jāni — we know ; yāhā haite — from which .

Translation

Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī wrote a commentary on the Tenth Canto known as Daśama-ṭippanī, from which we can understand the transcendental pastimes and ecstatic love of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

siddhānta - sāra — mature understanding ; grantha — book ; kailā — compiled ; daśama - ṭippanī — commentary on the Tenth Canto ; kṛṣṇa - līlā — of pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; rasa — of the transcendental mellows ; prema — ecstatic love ; yāhā haite — from which ; jāni — we can understand .

Translation

He also compiled the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, from which we can understand the standard behavior of a devotee and the full extent of a Vaiṣṇava’s duty.

Word meanings

hari - bhakti - vilāsa — of the name Hari-bhakti-vilāsa ; grantha — book ; kailā — compiled ; vaiṣṇava - ācāra — the standard behavior of a Vaiṣṇava ; vaiṣṇavera — of a devotee ; kartavya — duty ; yāhāṅ — in which ; pāiye pāra — one can understand up to the extreme limit .

Purport

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura writes, “The Hari-bhakti-vilāsa was originally compiled by Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī. Later, Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī produced a shortened version of it and added the Dig-darśinī-ṭīkā. In the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa there are so many quotations from the sātvata scriptures that sometimes it is inquired how the atheistic smārtas can refuse to accept them and instead imagine some other opinions. What is recorded in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa strictly follows the Vedic scriptures and is certainly pure, but the attitude of the karmīs is always one of giving up the conclusion of pure Vaiṣṇava understanding. Because the karmīs are very much attached to the world and material activities, they always try to establish atheistic principles that oppose the understanding of the Vaiṣṇavas.”

Translation

Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī also compiled many other books. Who can enumerate them? The basic principle of all these books is to show us how to love Madana-mohana and Govindajī.

Word meanings

āra yata — all other ; grantha — books ; kailā — compiled ; tāhā — that ; ke kare gaṇana — who can enumerate ; madana - gopāla — the Deity named Madana-mohana ; govindera — of the Deity named Śrī Govinda ; sevā — service ; prakāśana — exhibition .

Purport

The Bhakti-ratnākara refers to the following books by Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī: (1) the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta, (2) the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa and his commentary known as Dig-darśinī, (3) the Līlā-stava and (4) the commentary on the Tenth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam known as Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī. Sanātana Gosvāmī compiled many, many books, all with the aim of describing how to serve the principal Deities of Vṛndāvana — Govinda and Madana-gopāla. Later, other Deities were gradually established, and the importance of Vṛndāvana increased.

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī also wrote many books, the most famous of which is the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. From that book one can understand the essence of devotional service to Kṛṣṇa and the transcendental mellows one can derive from such service.

Word meanings

rūpa - gosāñi — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī ; kailā — compiled ; rasāmṛta - sindhu — the book known as Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu ; sāra — the essence of knowledge in devotional service ; kṛṣṇa - bhakti - rasera — of the transcendental mellows in devotional service ; yāhāṅ — wherein ; pāiye — we can get ; vistāra — elaboration .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī also compiled the book named Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi, from which one can understand, to the fullest limits, the loving affairs of Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

ujjvala - nīlamaṇi — Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi ; nāma — named ; grantha — scripture ; kaila — compiled ; āra — also ; rādhā - kṛṣṇa - līlā - rasa — the transcendental mellows of the pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa ; tāhāṅ — there ; pāiye — we get ; pāra — the extreme limit .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī also compiled two important dramas named Vidagdha-mādhava and Lalita-mādhava, from which one can understand all the mellows derived from the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Word meanings

vidagdha - mādhava — Vidagdha-mādhava ; lalita - mādhava — Lalita-mādhava ; nāṭaka - yugala — two dramas ; kṛṣṇa - līlā - rasa — the mellows derived from the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa ; tāhāṅ — there ; pāiye sakala — we can understand all .

Translation

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī compiled 100,000 verses, beginning with the book Dāna-keli-kaumudī. In all these scriptures he elaborately explained the transcendental mellows of the activities of Vṛndāvana.

Word meanings

dāna - keli - kaumudī — the book named Dāna-keli-kaumudī ; ādi — beginning with ; lakṣa — 100,000 ; grantha — verses ; kaila — compiled ; sei — those ; saba — all ; granthe — in scriptures ; vrajera — of Vṛndāvana ; rasa vicārila — elaborately explained the transcendental mellows .

Purport

Referring to the words lakṣa-grantha (“100,000 verses”), Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that the total number of verses written by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī is 100,000 ( eka-lakṣa or lakṣa-grantha ). The copyists count both the verses and the prose sections of the Sanskrit works. One should not mistakenly think that Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī compiled 100,000 books. He actually wrote sixteen books, as mentioned in the First Wave of the Bhakti-ratnākara ( śrī-rūpa-gosvāmī grantha ṣoḍaśa karila ).

Translation

The son of Śrī Vallabha, or Anupama, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s younger brother, was the great learned scholar named Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī.

Word meanings

tāṅra — his ; laghu - bhrātā — younger brother ; śrī - vallabha - anupama — named Śrī Vallabha or Anupama ; tāṅra putra — his son ; mahā - paṇḍita — very learned scholar ; jīva - gosāñi — Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī ; nāma — named .

Translation

After renouncing everything, Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī went to Vṛndāvana. Later he also wrote many books on devotional service and expanded the work of preaching.

Word meanings

sarva tyaji’ — renouncing everything ; teṅho — he (Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī) ; pāche — later ; āilā vṛndāvana — came to Vṛndāvana ; teṅha — he ; bhakti - śāstra — books on devotional service ; bahu — many ; kailā — did ; pracāraṇa — spreading .

Translation

In particular, Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī compiled the book named Bhāgavata-sandarbha, or Ṣaṭ-sandarbha, which is the essence of all scriptures. From this book one can obtain a conclusive understanding of devotional service and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Word meanings

bhāgavata - sandarbha — the Bhāgavata-sandarbha, which is also known as the Ṣaṭ-sandarbha ; nāma — named ; kaila — made ; grantha - sāra — the essence of all scriptures ; bhāgavata - siddhāntera — of conclusive information about the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His service ; tāhāṅ — there ; pāiye — we get ; pāra — the limit .

Translation

He also compiled the book named Gopāla-campū, which is the essence of all Vedic literature. In this book he has exhibited the ecstatic loving transactions and pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana.

Word meanings

gopāla - campū — Gopāla-campū ; nāma — named ; grantha sāra — the essence of all Vedic literature ; kaila — made ; vraja — of Vṛndāvana ; prema — of love ; līlā — of pastimes ; rasa — of mellows ; sāra — essence ; dekhāila — exhibited .

Translation

In the Ṣaṭ-sandarbha Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī set forth the truths about transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa. In this way he expanded 400,000 verses in all his books.

Word meanings

ṣaṭ sandarbhe — in the Ṣaṭ-sandarbha ; kṛṣṇa - prema - tattva — the truth about transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa ; prakāśila — he exhibited ; cāri - lakṣa grantha — 400,000 verses ; teṅho — he ; vistāra karila — expanded .

Translation

When Jīva Gosvāmī wanted to go to Mathurā from Bengal, he requested permission from Śrīla Nityānanda Prabhu.

Word meanings

jīva - gosāñi — Śrīpāda Jīva Gosvāmī ; gauḍa haite — from Bengal ; mathurā calilā — started for Mathurā ; nityānanda - prabhu - ṭhāñi — from Śrīla Nityānanda Prabhu ; ājñā māgilā — he asked permission .

Translation

Because of Jīva Gosvāmī’s relationship with Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī, who were greatly favored by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Lord Nityānanda Prabhu placed His feet on the head of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī and embraced him.

Word meanings

prabhu prītye — because of the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; tāṅra — his ; māthe — on the head ; dharilā caraṇa — rested His lotus feet ; rūpa - sanātana - sambandhe — because of his relationship with Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī ; kailā āliṅgana — embraced .

Translation

Lord Nityānanda Prabhu ordered, “Yes, go soon to Vṛndāvana. That place has been awarded to your family, to your father and uncles, by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and therefore you must go there immediately.”

Word meanings

ājñā dilā — He gave orders ; śīghra — very soon ; tumi — you ; yāha — go ; vṛndāvane — to Vṛndāvana ; tomāra — your ; vaṁśe — to the family ; prabhu — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; diyāchena — has given ; sei - sthāne — that place .

Translation

By the order of Nityānanda Prabhu, he went to Vṛndāvana and actually achieved the result of His order, for he compiled many books for a long time and preached the cult of bhakti from there.

Word meanings

tāṅra ājñāya — by His order ; āilā — came ; ājñā - phala — the result of His order ; pāilā — got ; śāstra kari’ — compiling various scriptures ; kata - kāla — for a long time ; bhakti pracārilā — preached devotional service .

Translation

These three — Rūpa Gosvāmī, Sanātana Gosvāmī and Jīva Gosvāmī — are my spiritual masters, and so also is Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī. I therefore offer prayers at their lotus feet, for I am their servant.

Word meanings

ei — these ; tina - guru — three spiritual masters ; āra — also ; raghunātha - dāsa — Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī ; iṅhā - sabāra — of all of them ; caraṇa — the lotus feet ; vandoṅ — I worship ; yāṅra — of whom ; muñi — I ; dāsa — the servant .

Translation

Thus I have described how the Lord again met with Sanātana Gosvāmī. By hearing this I can understand the Lord’s desire.

Word meanings

ei ta’ kahiluṅ — thus I have described ; punaḥ — again ; sanātana - saṅgame — the meeting with Sanātana Gosvāmī ; prabhura āśaya — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s desire ; jāni — I can understand ; yāhāra śravaṇe — by hearing of which .

Translation

These characteristics of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are like sugar cane that one can chew to relish transcendental juice.

Word meanings

caitanya - caritra — the characteristics of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; ei — this ; ikṣu - daṇḍa - sama — exactly like sugar cane ; carvaṇa karite — chewing ; haya — there is ; rasa - āsvādana — a taste of juice .

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, fourth chapter, describing Sanātana Gosvāmī’s stay with the Lord at Jagannātha Purī.