Syamananda Prabhu (1/2)

Article: Syamananda Prabhu

CHAPTER 1

All glories to Sri Caitanya and Nityananda Prabhu. All glories to Advaitacandra, and all the devotees of Mahaprabhu. Falling flat on the ground I offer my humble obeisances at their feet. I worship the lotus feet of the six goswamis, Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Batta Raghunatha, Sri Jiva, Gopal Batta, and Dasa Raghunatha, taking their feet on my head. I worship the feet of Sri Nayananda Deva, my sadhana and suvarna guru (Paramesti).

With the utmost care I worship the feet of Sri Rasikananada, my supreme spiritual teacher and guide life after life. (Paramesti guru) I worship the feet of Sri Hrdayananda Deva. Because he is a perfect representative of God, I honor him as I would the Supreme Lord Himself. (Paramesta Paratpara)

I worship the feet of Sri Gauridas Pandit Thakur. Like a dog, I eagerly wait to eat the remnants of his food life after life.I worship Sri Nityananda and Sri Caitanya, taking refuge under Their lotus feet.

Once Gauridas Pandit Thakur, the spiritual master of Hrdayananda Goswami, bestowed his mercy upon Sri Shyamananda by ordering him to go to Vraja. Upon receiving this instruction Shyamananda immediately became indifferent to the affairs of this material world. He eagerly approached his guru, Hrdayananda Deva, requesting permission to leave for Vraja at once. His spiritual master kindly consented and Shyamananda left for Vrndavana.

Sri Shyamananda Goswami settled in Vraja, living with Sri Jiva Goswami, who was very affectionate towards him. Shyamananda spent his days and nights listening to the rasa-lila of Sri Radha Krsna, tasting the essence of its madhurya rasa. Totally absorbed in these loving pastimes, he completely forgot all bodily demands.

He fully engaged in the service of Kanaka Kunja, cleaning and worshiping it every morning. He served the lotus feet of Sri Jiva and spent the rest of his time hearing the pastimes of Radha Krsna.

Once, while listening to such pastimes, his mind became so deeply absorbed in divine love that he fell unconscious in the kunja. It appeared that his breathing had stopped and no signs of life were visible in his body. Seeing him in this condition Sri Jiva was panic-stricken. Lifting the body of Shyamananda, Jiva quickly carried him to his house. A long twenty seven hours (tritya prahar) passed before Shyamananda regained consciousness and sat up. He then fell at the feet of Sri Jiva, took the dust from his lotus feet and placed it on his head. Greatly relieved, Sri Jiva happily offered Syamananda prasadam.

Cherishing a hope within his mind, Shyamananda asked Sri Jiva, “Oh Goswami, kindly fulfill my desire. Please tell me how I can attain the mercy of Radha Krsna.” Sri Jiva lovingly advised Shyamananda, explaining the five types of rasa, particularly the madhurya rasa. Inspired by Shyamananda’s submissiveness, Sri Jiva went on to explain frankly that bhava and bhavasraya are the same (?)(imagination and love based on imagination)(?).

These explanations fully satisfied the heart of Shyamananda. Sri Jiva then instructed Shyamanada regarding the practice of austerities and the methods of raganuga worship (bhajan)(?).

By the mercy of Jiva Goswami, who had taken shelter of Sri Rupa, Shyamananda began worshiping Radha Krsna continuously. Day by day he became increasingly absorbed in devotional service. His mind was inspired (uddipana) by love (raga)and he fell into a trance of spontaneous devotion (ragatmika) (?). With his body, mind and words he engaged in the service of Radha Krsna and the kunja.

He was always preoccupied with the thought of observing the divine pastimes of Radha Krsna. Externally, he expertly practiced religious austerities, while internally he lovingly served their Lordships, along with Sri Rupamanjari.

Inside the Kalpa Kunja Kutir in Vrndavana, Radha Krsna daily perform rasa-lila. Those who are not qualified (palite-amaika, non-vedic-avaidika, or non- brahmanas and causeless-ahaituki persons.?) are unable to perceive this reality, but see only the illusory energy of the Lord.

One day Radha and Krsna, along with their sakhis, were dancing and singing joyfully within the kunja. Holding one anothers hands Radha and her sakhis made a circle around Krsna. They danced delightfully, and Krsna, whose beauty charms Cupid himself, danced along with them while other sakhis sang and played musical instruments.

When Sri Radha danced, Krsna observed with great joy. Sometimes she danced, and other times she enjoyed watching her sakhis dance. The perfection of the eyes is to see these divine amusements, which are all meant for the pleasure of Krsna. While Radhika danced on and on, unknowingly, one of her ankle bells(nupura?) became lose and fell to on the ground. Neither she, nor her sakhis, noticed it.

After dancing, Radha and Krsna went to bed and relished loving pastimes throughout the night, as the sakhis observed (stealthily?) through the windows. Upon awaking at dawn, the sakhis requested Radha Krsna to get up from bed. After some time Radha reluctantly arose. Fearful of the chastisement of her relatives she quickly started for her house. The sakhis also returned to their homes, unaware of the lost ankle bell. Sri Radha had planned this incident just to show her mercy to Shyamananda.

In the morning Shyamananda Goswami went to perform his regular daily service to the kunj (nikunj?). He took darshan, paid his obeisances, and began cleaning under the desire tree (kalpataru). There he found the golden ankle bell.

The entire surface of the kunj was glowing due to the ankle bells effulgence. Its brightness overshadowed the glittering of a golden mirror(?). It seemed as if the sun itself had appeared there personally. Seeing this, Shyamananda fainted on the spot. Sometime passed before he regained consciousness, then taking the ankle bell in his hand he placed it on his head.

Immediately his throat choked up with emotion and all the symptoms of ecstasy appeared in his body. Overwhelmed with love, he kissed the ankle bell and clasped it to his heart, then again fell unconscious on the ground of the kunj.

After considerable time he again came to his senses and began calling the names of Radha Krsna. Running frantically here and there he searched for their Lordships. Unable to find them, he was filled with distress. Mad with love, he cried out desperately, “When shall I see Radha Krsna.” Eventually he pacified himself, tied the ankle bell around his neck, and continued cleaning the kunj.

Meanwhile, after entering her room, Radha was perturbed to find one of her ankle bells missing. Thinking that she may have dropped it in the kunja, she ordered Lalita to go there and search for it. Lalita Sundari, in the disguise of an old lady hurried to the kunj.

Upon seeing Shyamananda, Lalita asked his name, and he replied “Dukhini Krsnadasa”. “Have you seen the ankle bell of my daughter-in-law?” Lalita inquired. “She came to the Jamuna to fetch water and due to her carelessness one of her precious golden ankle bells fell from her foot in this kunj. If you have found it please return it and I will gladly reward you.”

“Tell me frankly”, Goswami asked, “Where do you live and what is your name? “I am Radha dasi”, Lalita replied, concealing her identity. “I belong to a Kanoj brahmana family of Vraja.”

Hearing this Goswami admitted, “Thakurani, I did find an ankle bell, but it cannot be yours. It must belong to Sri Radha, because the moment I touched the ankle bell I felt as if I was falling deep into the ocean of love of God. My heart swelled with ecstatic love and I fell unconscious. No ordinary ankle bell could induce such feelings. Now listen to me, this ankle bell surely belongs to Sri Radha.

If you insist that it belongs to you I will certainly return it, but first I want to see where you live. I will show the ankle bell to the inhabitants of your village and they must identify it as yours. If they will act as your witnesses, I will immediately give it back. Otherwise I shall wear it myself until I am able to return it to the feet of the rightful owner.

Hearing this, Lalita finally confessed, “You are right. I have tried to deceive you. This ankle bell certainly belongs to Srimate Radharani. I am very pleased with you, ask any boon for yourself and I will happily grant it, afterwards I will take the ankle bell. The daughter of Vrsabhanu will also be extremely pleased with you for finding her ankle bell.”

Goswami earnestly replied, “O Thakurani, I must know your real identity. Only after you have revealed your true self to me will I ask my boon. Taking Goswami to a secluded place Lalita confessed, “I am Lalita, a maidservant of Sri Radha. Listen to me Duhkini Krsna das, you are anxious to see my real form, but such a revelation will certainly be too much for you to bear.” “By your mercy anything is possible,” he protested. Submitting to his desire Lalita agreed, “Alright Krsna das, I shall reveal my real self. Close your eyes.”

Goswami shut his eyes, then Lalita ordered, “Look at me Krsna das.” Opening his eyes Goswami witnessed the extraordinary beauty of Lalita. Overwhelmed with ecstasy he fell on the ground unconscious. Sri Lalita devi lovingly helped him to come to his senses, and Goswami bowed to her feet with tears in his eyes. Holding the feet of Lalita on his head he smeared the dust from her lotus feet over his entire body. Fully under the control of divine love, he cried incessantly, unable to speak a word.

Seeing his state of mind, Lalita gently touched his body, pacifying him. Satisfied by Goswami’s devotional sentiments, Lalita said, “Krsna das ask any type of boon from me.””I have nothing to ask for”, Goswami said. “I only want to be your servant and in this way serve Radha Krsna.”

Lalita kindly fulfilled his desire saying, “You shall certainly attain the association of Radha Krsna, but you cannot serve their Lordships in this feature. You must prepare yourself mentally as a confidante of Radha to have her darshan. Come with Sri Rupamanjari to the kunj and observe the rasalila of Radha Krsna. Then you can witness all of our true identities. For the remainder of this life stay with Sri Jiva and go on tasting the essence of the rasalila.

At the end of your life you will attain the lotus feet of Sri Radhika. Now, accept this eternal mantra of Radha Krsna. Whenever you chant this mantra you will be able to see their Lordships.” Showering her mercy upon him, Lalita gave Goswami the mantra practiced by herself. Immediately upon reciting the mantra within the kunj pure love arose within the mind of Goswami. Filled with joy he fell at the feet of Lalita. She put her feet on his head, then taking him on her lap, blessed him heartily.

Goswami then went to a particular spot in the kunja where he had previously cleared the grass and dug a hole using a small spade(?). In that hole he had hidden the ankle bell, along with the spade, covering them with a cloth. Upon removing the cloth he found that the spade had been transformed into gold by the touch of the ankle bell. Delighted, Goswami brought the ankle bell to Lalita carrying it on his head. He place it before her and fell prostrate on the ground offering obeisances.

Taking the ankle bell in her hand Lalita Sundari quickly placed it to Goswami’s head saying, “Let the touch of Sri Radhika’s feet be on your head.” Again she touched the ankle bell to his forehead, suddenly two vertical lines appeared on his forehead, and from the touch of the pinnacle of the ankle bell a dot appeared in the middle of the tilak.

Goswami fell on the ground bowing to the feet of Lalitadevi. “From today”, Lalita said, “You will be known by the name Shyamananda. Having attained the mercy of the lotus feet of Shyama (Radha) you have become extremely fortunate. Now return to your kunj and do not tell anyone, except Sri Jiva about this incident, otherwise you will not live long.”

Overwhelmed with love Goswami again bowed before Lalita, crying helplessly. Lalita consoled him and took her leave. She walked a few steps, then suddenly disappeared from the kunj. Goswami frantically began roaming from kunj to kunj crying loudly, “Where is Lalita.” Filled with ecstatic love he eventually returned to his kunj and fell at the feet of Sri Jiva Goswami.

By the touch of Sri Lalita, the complexion of Shyamananda had been transformed into a wonderful golden color. His beauty had increased to such an extent that the entire world would certainly be enchanted by his appearance. “Where have you been for so long”, Sri Jiva inquired curiously, “and how has your complexion become golden?” Shyamananda replied, “My lord, I have been in my kunj. It is only by the mercy of your lotus feet that my complexion has changed.”

“You have become so beautiful,” Sri Jiva said with wonder. “What is that sign on your forehead? Who painted it there? Your body is filled with love and your eyes are full of tears. Previously you wore tilak like the temple of Sri Hari(?), who has given you this new tilak? You are definetly hiding something from me Shyamananda, but I am not deceived. I know you have received the mercy of Krsna, or maybe the mercy of Sri Radhika, because I see the mark of her feet on your forehead. Now you must explain everything to me.

“It is your mercy which has caused these tears of love and ecstasy in my body”, Shyamananda insisted. “The mark of your grace is the tilak on my forehead. Please show me your mercy so that I may attain the spiritual realm. Syamananda had hidden the golden spade under a cloth in his room, suddenly Sri Jiva noticed it and inquired: “What is under that cloth? Show me and I’m sure I will understand everything.

Shyamananda uncovered the cloth, revealing the golden spade. Astonished, Sri Jiva asked, “How is it possible that the iron spade has become gold?”

“I shall tell you confidentially,” Shyamananda softly replied, as I was forbidden to tell anyone except you. Saying this he took Sri Jiva to a secluded place and whispered the whole story in his ear. Filled with happiness Sri Jiva placed Shyamananda on his lap saying, “Today I have become your property. Because you have received the favor of the daughter of Vrsabhanu, you have now become the most fortunate devotee.”

Bowing at the feet of Sri Jiva, Shyamananda lovingly requested him not to reveal this incident to anyone. “Say only that by the grace of my spiritual master everything has taken place.” Concealing Shyamananda’s secret, Sri Jiva simply told everyone that due to the wish of Shyamananda’s guru from now on Krsnadas would be known as Shyamanada, and his tilak shall be known as Shyamanandi.

“I am a captive of your love,” Shyamananda told Jiva. “By your mercy I found the ankle bell, and by your mercy I was able to see Sri Lalita devi and receive the mantra.” By the grace of the lotus feet of Shyamananda I received the ability to write this book. Meditating on Sri Rupamanjari, I have described the first chapter in a nutshell.

CHAPTER 2

All glories to the lotus feet of Shyamananda, by his mercy I have been empowered to write this book.

Seeing the golden complextion and beautiful mark of tilak on Shyamananda’s forehead, the people began to talk: “By the mercy of Sri Jiva, Krsnadas has received the name Shyamananda and become famous in Vrndavana. He is the disciple of Sri Hrdayananda Goswami, but now he has left his original guru and taken shelter under the feet of Sri Jiva.”

These conversations amongst the Vrajavasis came to the ears of all the Vaisnavas. Criticising Sri Jiva they said: “How can Sri Jiva do this? He has accepted Shyamananda as his own disciple. Is there any law in the scriptures which allows such behavior? Sri Jiva is a great sage, most probably he has done it unconsciously. If he comes to know what we are discussing certainly he will respect our opinions”

Others said: “This cannot be done by Jiva Goswami.” Yet all of the Vaisnavas were afraid to directly question Sri Jiva. Rather, they simply judged him according to the rumors circulating. Some Vaisnavas who traveled from Vraja to Gauda met Hrdayananda Goswami and informed him: “Duhkini Krsnadas has left your refuge and taken shelter at the feet of Sri Jiva Goswami. He has given Krsnadas the name Shyamananda das, and changed his tilak, calling it Shyamanandi.

Hearing this Hrdayananda was furious: “Sri Jiva has accepted my disciple as his disciple,” he roared. “Neither Caitanya Mahaaprabhu nor Nityananda Prabhu have ever done such a thing, but now Sri Jiva is proving himself superior to Them? I shall make him understand the mistake he has made.”

Saying this he called his disciples and ordered them: “Five to ten of you go to Vrndavana, bind up Duhkini Krsnadas and bring him back here to me. However, if Sri Jiva tries to free him, then leave Krsnadas there in his care. If this situation arises give my letter to Jiva Goswami and bring his reply to me. Ask Krsnadas why he has done this. How dare he ignore me and accept another guru.

Ask him if he has attained Krsna by the mercy of Jiva Goswami. If the answer is yes, then we shall all go to Sri Jiva and accept him as our spiritual master also. I have never heard of such behavior amongst the disciples of Mahaprabhu. Advaita Acarya left his own son, but Mahaprabhu never accepted him. These topics are clearly explained in the scriptures. (something missing)

“Once Mahaprabhu rejected Chota Haridas. Bereft of his spiritual master, Chota Haridas decided to commit suicide by jumping into the Jamuna. This is the method of Mahaprabhu’s religion. I have never seen or heard of anything like this. It is explained in the scriptures that we must reject the association of superficial persons who outwardly pose as devotees. If I am such a non-Vaisnava guru then it is good that Krsnadas has left me. I shall arrange a debate with all the Vaisnavas regarding this matter.

If it is proven that I am a non-Vaisnava, then I shall surely take refuge in Sri Jiva. Now go to Vrndavana as quickly as possible and bring Sri Jiva’s reply, then I will understand the truth. If I am correct, I shall visit all the holy places of Gauda and gather all the Vaisnavas together, then we will all go to Vrndavana for the judgement.” Saying this he ordered his disciples to leave for Vrndavana immediately.

After a long journey they finally reached Vraja and brought the letter to Sri Jiva. Keeping the letter in front of himself, Sri Jiva paid his sincere obeisances. He embraced all the Vaisnavas and inquired, “Who has sent this letter?” “It was written by Hrdayananda Goswami,” they replied. Be merciful to us and read it immediately. Sri Jiva requested them to finish bathing, be seated and take prasadam. “We have already bathed and eaten,” they replied abrubtly. Please read the letter without delay.”

Assuring them that he would read the letter at once, Sri Jiva insisted that they wash their hands and feet and be comfortably seated. Accepting the order of Sri Jiva, they washed and took their seats.

After silently reading the letter, Sri Jiva smiled and told them: “Listen to me, Hrdayananda Goswami has written this accusing letter, but I assure you I have not made Krsnadas my disciple. I respect Hrdayananda as a great scholar, I am not even qualified to be his disciple. I cannot bear his anger. Sri Gauridas Pandit Thakur is my spiritual master and has alway affectionately treated me like his servant.

By the grace of Hrdayananda, Krsnadas came to Vraja. He stayed with be in order to relish the topics of Srimad Bhagavatam. I allowed him to stay here only because it was the order of his guru. The mind of Krsnadas has become completely purified by hearing the pastimes of the Lord, and his respect for his spiritual master has doubled. Love can only be revealed in the heart of one who is pure. Who has said that Krsnadas has become my disciple? Bring him here!”

“Two sannyasi’s from Vraja came to Gauda,” they replied, “and reported that Krsnadas had left Hrdayananda and accepted you as his guru. The Vrajavasis also say that by your mercy Krsnadas painted the tilak named Shyamanadi and received his new name, Shyamananda. Hrdayananda was astonished to hear this and has written this letter to find out the truth.”

“Call everyone together,” Sri Jiva said. “Now we shall find out whether this story is true or false. If it is proven to be true then certainly I am quilty.” Protesting, the devotees replied: “We believe you. We want to hear the truth from you only, then we shall report to Goswami. Replying sweetly, Sri Jiva said: ” Listen, and I shall tell you everything. One day I asked Krsnadas, ‘Who has given you this name.’ He explained to me that by the grace of Hrdayananda Goswami, he accepted his new name.

“Now let me tell you about Krsnadas. He always serves Radha Krsna and the kunj, and listens intently to Srimad Bhagavatam. He chants lacs of holy names throughout the day and night. He regularly takes darshan of Sri Govinda, takes prasadam, and serves the devotees daily. He constantly sings the glories of Radha Krsna, always remembering Their eternal pastimes. Krsnadas stays in my kunja and cleans it daily, absorbed in the service of Radha Krsna. One day Krsnadas had a dream which he revealed to me.

In his dream Hrdayananda appeared before him while he was busy cleaning the kunj. Krsnadas offered him a seat made of grass, and Goswami asked Krsnadas what he had been doing. Krsnadas humbly replied that, according to his order, he was living in Vraja and serving the kunj, keeping the lotus feet of his spiritual master in his mind. Hearing this Hrdayananda was very happy and told Krsnadas that he was extremely fortunate to be engaged in that way, as Radha Krsna eternally reside in the kunj.

Hrdayananda explained that even great personalities like Brahma, and other demigods, pray for the precious opportunity to serve the kunj. Thus he advised Krsnadas to remain in the kunj and carry on with his duties, in this way eventually he would have the darshan of Radha Krsna. He told Krsnadas that: “Shyama Shyam (Radha), being pleased with your service will give you the name Shyamananda.” Blessing him, he placed his feet on the head of Krsnadas and immediately a new tilak spontaneously appeared on his forehead.

Hrdayananda Goswami then circumambulated the kunj and entered into it. From the day that Krsnadas told me this story I have taken the order of Hrdayananda as supreme, and called Krsnadas, Shyamananda. Not understanding what actually took place, the people in general only guessd what had happened.”

The devotees were relieved to hear this explanation, and happily recorded the words of Sri Jiva in a letter. Sri Jiva then requested that they confirm this story with Krsnadas.

Coming before them Krsnadas bowed at their feet and verified the words of Sri Jiva. “I hold the lotus feet of Hrdayananda Goswami on my head,” Krsnadas said. “He is my lord and master. It is his order that I live with the Vaisnavas and associate with the devotees of Mahaprabhu. While in Vraja, I have spent many days with Sri Jiva Goswami, listening to Srimad Bhagavatam and topics related to Krsna. Sri Hrdayananda Goswami is my last resort and the life of my life, and I regard Sri Jiva like my guru.

I desire to spend the rest of my life serving Radha Krsna, the kunj, and the feet of all the Vaisnavas. I want to have darshan of the kunj daily and serve Sri Vrajamandala, Sri Govindadev, and Sri Hrdayananda Goswami. My life, body, and mind are fully absorbed in this ecstacy. By the grace of my guru’s guru I am enjoying the pleasure of the darshan of the Rasastahli.

My mind has become soothed by seeing the Yamuna and the Kadamba. My daily worship and meditation is the lotus feet of Sri Hrdayananda Prabhu. Not knowing this, people have made false accussations, without proper understanding. Hearing this, all the devotees happily embraced Shyamananda. Sri Jiva then fed all the Vaisnavas sumptuous prasadam.

In the morning Jiva gave them a letter for Sri Hrdayananda Goswami, and bade them farewell. After visiting the sacred places of Vrndavana, the devotees started for Gauda. By the grace of the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda, I received the ability to write this book. Remembering the lotus feet of Sri Rupamanjari, I have described the episode of chapter two in short.