Syamananda Prabhu (2/2)

Article: Syamananda Prabhu

CHAPTER 3

Eager to sing the glories of Sri Shyamananda, I continue writing this book. The devotees first circumambulated Vraja then happily started their long journey home, carrying the letter of Sri Jiva. Reaching Gauda, they immediately handed the letter to Hrdayananda.

Goswami read the letter and thoughtfully considered its contents. “What Sri Jiva has written may not be correct,” he said. “I cannot understand him. When did I appear in Shyamananda’s dream? I do not remember such an incident. I have not given the name Shyamananda. How absurd that I know nothing about it. Perhaps, out of fear, Krsnadas has made up this ridiculous story.

Are we expected to believe that his dream has become reality, and what we have witnessed with our own eyes is illusion? These are all deceiving talks. The whole world knows that dreams are meaningless, no one pays any heed to dreams. This is a trick of Sri Jiva, surely he has taken my Krsnadas. Now he is afraid of me and has written this deceiving letter. I shall go to Vrndavana with all of the Vaisnavas and prove it to everyone.”

In an angry mood he started for Gauda to request the mahantas to accompany him to Vraja. Along the way Goswami asked his disciples, “What kind of tilak did you see on the forehead of Krsnadas?” “We saw the tilak drawn like the temple of Hari, with a dot in the middle of it(?),” they replied. “Jiva has given his own mark,” Goswami said, “and to avoid the offense he has placed a dot in its middle. The name of that type of tilaka is Sri Radhavallavi. Now I know who they are worshipping, and it is certain that Krsnadas has taken refuge in Sri Jiva.”

Speaking in this way, he entered Gauda and addressed the mahantas, “Please be kind and accompany me to Vrndavana, as Krsnadas has ruined my life. If you do not go I shall commit suicide before you to save my prestige. You can take advantage of this opportunity to see Vrndavana, and at the same time my purpose can also be served.”

The Mahantas agreed to go to speak with Sri Jiva, and taking their chief disciples with them they started for Vraja. Along the way they passed the house of Gauridas Thakur and also brought his chief disciple along with them.

After a long journey the mahantas reached Vrndavana. Arriving at Dhira Samira, near the bank of the Yamuna, they took bath, cooked, and took prasadam. Afterwards they blissfully performed nama-sankirtan along the bank of the Yamuna. Meanwhile Hrdayananda sent one of his disciple to inform Sri Jiva of their arrival.

Sri Jiva hastily came before the Vaisnavas and offered his obeisnaces falling flat on the ground. All the mahantas embraced Sri Jiva. Some of them paid their respects, while others offered their blessings. “This is a very auspicious day,” Sri Jiva said happily. “Although I am the most insignificant person, today I am blessed with the association of so many great sages. It is certainly a wonderful day for me.”

The mahantas requested Sri Jiva to be seated and inquired about his well-being. “There are always waves of happiness flowing in Vraja,” Sri Jiva replied. Because Radha Krsna perform Their pastimes here the atmosphere is surcharged with spiritual bliss, thus Vrndavana is the ideal resting place for all devotees.

Shortly afterwards Shyamananda arrived there and offered his obeisances to the feet of his spiritual master, as well as the mahantas. Sri Hrdayananda Goswami asked Shyamananda, “To whom is Duhkini Krsnadas bowing?” “Prabhu,” Krsnadas said with surprise, “I am bowing to your feet, as well as all the saintly persons here.” Hrdayananda replied curtly, “You are relating to me having the name and tilak given by me, why are you bowing to others?”

“Prabhu,” Shyamananda said, “By your mercy I have received the name Shyamananda and this new tilak.” “Listen to me,” Goswami said, “Dreams cannot be accepted as fact. Acting without my approval you have become the servant of others and deceived me by sending a false letter.” “But I have not deceived you,” Shyamananda protested. “Everything written in the letter is true.”

“I shall wash off your tilak,” Goswami said, “and see whether it spontaneously reappears on your forehead. I shall wipe the name Shyamananda from your body and let us see if it again appears written in the same place. If this happens then you will receive my blessings, otherwise I shall reject you.”

Bowing to the feet of his guru, requesting his permission, Shyamananda replied: “In the presence of all of you I shall prove that this name and tilak is autorised. If I am unable to do so then I am quilty of a very serious offense.”

Hrdayananda Goswami then gathered all the mahantas of Sri Vrjamandala under the kalpataru in the Rasasthali of Sri Vrndavana. The mahantas took their seats and called Shyamananda before them. Falling prostrate on the ground, Shyamananda offered his obeisances.

“Who is your guru,” the mahanatas asked, “And from where did you get your name?” “Sri Hrdayananda Goswami is my master, “Shyamananda said, “And I am his servant.”

Listen to us Krsnadas,” they replied. “Dreams are always false. If you are found quilty of this offense you will lose the association of devotees, and the opportunity to attain salvation. If the Lord is amgry with someone, his guru can save him, but if his guru becomes angry with him, no one can save him. Now tell the truth, and we shall protect you. Don’t lie before all these saintly persons.

Otherwise, you will certainly suffer the miseries of hell for as long as the sun and moon exist. This is the infallible verdic of Vyasa in the Srimad Bhagavatam. If you have secretly accepted another guru, tell us about him. We shall be kind enough to save you from this offense. You will prove yourself to be an imposter if you lie about your name and tilak.”

“Whether you are right or wrong I know within my own mind,” Shyamananda replied. “Please allow me one or two more days to think about my answer.” Remembering his spiritual master, Shyamananda then sat down and became fully absorbed in a blissful state of deep meditation. Chanting the mantra given to him by Lalita, he felt the presence of Sri Radhika within his heart. His soul, mind, life and knowledge entered into siddha (accomplishment)(?), and within his spiritual body he entered the temple of Sri Radha.

Sitting on the doorstep of Her room he began to cry. The sakhis of Sri Radha asked why he was crying. Bowing to them Shyamananda explained, “I am a Vrajavasi named Kanakamanjari. I am the maidservant of Lalita. I spent the whole day and night with Thakurani, then when I returned home and tried to enter my house my husband tried to beat me, so I ran away in fear and came here. Go tell Lalita to save my life by giving me her darshan.” Filled with anxiety he bowed again, crying helplessly.

The sakhis went to Lalita and reported, “One maidservant of yours has come here crying in great distress. Previously she stayed in your house with you, then when she returned home her husband tried to beat her.” “Bring her here,” Lalita ordered. “I am preparing the betel leaves now.” One of the sakhis called her in and Kanakamanjari found herself in the presence of Sri Radha. Radhika was sitting on a cot eating betel leaves as Lalita prepared them. Sri Rupamanjari massaged her legs, and Champaklatika fanned her with a camara.

Overwhelmed with ecstatic love, Kanakamanjari fell flat on the ground. Thakurani ordered the sakhis to lift her and Lalita took Kanaka on her lap. Holding the feet of Lalita she began to cry. Sri Radha affectionetly called Kanakamanjari and placed her lotus feet on her head. Kanaka fell unconscious on the feet of Sri Rupamanjari, who then pushed her under the lotus feet of Radha.

“Be kind to me Thakurani,” Kanaka cried, “I am your maidservant. Give me shelter under your reddish feet.” “Why are you crying so helplessly,” Radha asked. “What is your name? Who do you serve? Where do you live, and who are your parents?”

“My name is Kanakamanjari. I have always cherished the hope of receiving the dust of your feet. I am a Vrajavasi, and the maidservant of your maidservant, Sri Rupamanjari. She is my father, mother, master, and caretaker. She has bestowed loving devotion upon me, and by her mercy I received the darshan of Lalita. Now, by the grace of Lalita, I am able to see your lotus feet.”

“Oh supreme goddess, listen to my story then you shall understand why I am crying. I am the disciple of Sri Hrdayananda Goswami. Previously I carried the mark of his grace, in the form of a tilak, on my forehead. By his merciful order I came to Vraja, where I stayed with Jiva Goswami. Sri Jiva helped me immensely by explaining the wonderful pastimes of Radha Krsna in Vraja.

Tasting only a drop of your nectarean pastimes, my mind fell deep into the ocean of love. When I was thirsty for the water of your love, Sri Jiva helped me to drink the nectar. He advised me that my ultimate goal should be to attain the grace of your feet. For that reason he put me under the care of the gracious feet of Sri Rupamanjari.”

“Relishing the sweetness of your lotus feet, I served the kunj daily. Although I am the most helpless and worthless person, you bestowed your kindness upon me by intentionally dropping your ankle bell in the kunj. You sent Lalita to retrieve the ankle bell and she mercifully appeared before me. She was so pleased to have found the ankle bell that she blessed me saying that the mark of your ankle bell should be on my forehead.

Touching the ankle bell to my forehead a mark was permanently painted there. She told me, ‘My Shyama will be extremely happy to get back the ankle bell, therefore from today, you shall be known as Shyamananda.’ She asked me what boon I would like and I requested to become the maidservant of Radha Krsna. She agreed, but forbade me to tell anyone accept Sri Jiva. Otherwise, she said, I would lose my life.”

“Still today I am carrying the mark on my forehead and I have not told anyone, but seeing this mark my guru misunderstood and thought that I had rejected him. He asked about my new name and tilak and I said that he had appeared to me in a dream and changed my name and tilak. I explained that in the dream he had asked me why I had not come to see him. I replied that because I was fully engaged in serving the kunj, and absorbed in remembrance of Sri Radha, I had not found time to meet him.

Hearing this my Prabhu became very happy and advised me to carry on with my duties. Bestowing his mercy upon me, he told me that through serving Radha Krsna and the kunj I would certainly attain the darshan of Shyama Shyam. Thus he gave me the name Shyamananda. Blessing me he put his foot on my head. After circumabulating the kunj he entered into it and took his seat.”

“I told Goswami that the mark of his lotus feet had become my tilak, but he did not believe it. He became very angry, saying that I had ignored my real name and tilak and followed a dream. ‘I know nothing about this dream,’ he said. ‘If you want to be my disciple accept my mark and tell everyone that your name is Krsnadas and nothing else.’

I told Goswami to personally wipe the tilak from my forehead and he replied, ‘I shall wash your tilak and see whether it spontaneously reappears. I will also wipe off the name Shyamananda and see whether it is spontaneously written again. Then your name will be acknowledged and you will receive my mercy.’ “Hearing this I accepted his order, bowing to his feet. Goswami then told me, ‘I must prove your name and tilak to all the mahantas, otherwise I shall commit suicide.’

“Calling together all the mahantas from Gauda and Vraja, Goswami formed a society in the Kalpakunj of the Rasasthali in Vrndavana. He requested me to appear before them to prove the truth. The mahantas strongly advised me to speak truthfully, otherwise I would be cast out from the association of devotees and suffer the miseries of hell.”

“I asked them to wait patiently and I began meditating on your lotus feet. In my meditation my mind and soul traveled here. Now I have attained the great fortune of seeing your lotus feet. I am ignorant, worthless, and wicked but your grace will help me to cross over this ocean of birth and death. Oh Thakurani, please be merciful to me, save me from the harassement of the mahantas. Show me how I can satisfy your feet, as well as the feet of my spiritual master. Now I have told you both the cause of my crying and my desire.”

Lalita and Sri Rupamanjari both requested Radharani to be merciful to Shyamananda. Holding the hands of Kanakamanjari, Lalita pushed her on the feet of Radha, who mercifully placed her fet on the head of Kanaka. Sri Radha called Suvalachand (Subala?) and told him everything: “Krsnadas, the servant of your servant, has taken refuge under my feet. He always serves the kunj and has dedicated his life and soul to me. By your order I have accepted him.”

“It is my great fortune that one of my servants has become your maidservant,” Suvala said. Even I am always desirous of becoming your maidservant.” Hearing this Sri Radha was very pleased and pushed Kanakamanjari on the feet of Suvala. Kanaka bowed to his feet and Suvala took her in his lap. Blessing her Suvala said, “You are extremely fortunate as you have received the love of Radha Krsna and become a favorite maidservant of Radha.”

Radha ordered Suvala to give Shyamananda the tilak and prove it before the society of mahantas. She also requested him to write the name Shyamananda on the chest of Krsnadas, and to tell the mahantas that by his grace Krsnadas attained the mark of Sri Radha’s feet as his tilak and the name Shyamananda, by which he should be known in the world.

Suvalachand happily painted the mark of the feet of Sri Radha on Krsnadas’ forehead, placing a dot in the middle. He wrote Shyamananda on the chest of Krsnadas and advised him to say everyday, “Pandit Thakur, in the form of my guru has favoured me.”

“When you are asked to prove the sanctity of the name and tilak,” Suvala said, “Just remember me and the name and tilak will spontaneously appear on your body.” Hearing this Shyamananda fell at the feet of Suvala. Placing his feet on the head of Shyamananda, Suvala blessed him and took his leave.

After offering obeisances at the feet of Sri Radha, Lalita, Visakha, Sri Rupamanjari, and the other sakhis, Shyamananda stood before Sri Radha with folded hands. Drinking in the nectar of her beautiful face, he was unable to check the tears of ecstacy flowing from his eyes. Shyamananda humbly requested Radha to help him to dedicate his life, body and soul to her reddish lotus feet.

The image of love, Sri Radha, assured him that he would always have her blessings. Radhika advised him to tour Orissa with Rasika Murari and afterwards return to Vraja. Shyamananda then took his leave and one of the sakhis accompanied him for some distance.

Meanwhile the mahantas in Vrndavana were astonished to see Shyamananda’s body become lifeless. Doubts began to pierce their hearts and they wondered if they had committed a great offense. Overcome with lamentation they rolled on the ground crying.

Only Sri Jiva could understand what had taken place. Consoling them Jiva suggested, “Everyone begin nama- sankirtan, Shyamanand will certainly come to life again. The mahantas eagerly began chatning the holy name: “Govinda, Shyamasundara, Kamala Lochana.” After sometime Shyamananda regained consciousness and sat up reciting the name of Sri Hrdayananda. Greatly relieved the mahantas cheered loudly, chanting the name of Hari. When Shyamananda opened his eyes fully they requested him to proclaim his verdict.

“It is my opinion,” Shyamananda replied, “that Gauridas Pandit Thakur, in the form of my spiritual master, has mercifully appeared before me in a dream. If I am a sincere servant of my guru’s feet then I shall prove the sanctity of this name and tilak before your eyes.”

The mahantas then painted the tilak like the temple of Sri Hari on Shyamananda’s forehead, placing a dot in its middle, and wrote the name Shyamananda on his chest. Praying to Sri Krsna Caitanya to maintain the prestige of His devotee, they requested Hrdayananda to preside over the mahanta society and wash the tilak off with water.

Goswami anxciously brought a water pot, while Shyamananda happily called out to Sri Gauridas Pandit to come and save his reputation. In the presence of everyone Sri Hrdayananda Goswami washed off the tilak, as well as the name Shyamananda from his chest.

Shyamananda loudly called to Sri Lalita Thakurani to save him, and immediately the tilak and name spontaneously reappeared in their proper places, even brighter than before. The mahantas were astonished, and Hrdayananda hung his head in shame.

Holding the hands of Shyamananda the mahantas joyfully called out the name of Hari. Some of them kissed and embraced him, while others shouted the name Shyamananda. Someone said that for the first time a dream has become reality, and another said that Suvalachanda has shown special mercy to Shyamananda, making him his companion. Someone else said that Shyamananda has pleased Shyama (Radha) and thus has thus attained this name.

Shyamananda offered his obeisances to all the mahantas, and fell at the feet of Hrdayananda. Filled with joy Goswami placed Shyamananda on his lap and lovingly kissed his face again and again. Accepting Shyamananda as the best of his disciples he decided to keep his precious association always. The mahantas then took bath, cooked and offered the food to Krsna.

Meanwhile Shyamananda came before Sri Jiva falling prostrate at his feet. Taking him on his lap Sri Jiva kissed Shyamananda saying, “I dedicate myself to you, for you are not merely a devotee, you are my life and my life has become a captive to your love.” Sri Jiva advised Shyamananda to stay with Hrdayananda Goswami and serve his lotus feet.

Although I have no qualification, by the mercy of the lotus feet of Shyamananda, I have received the ability to write this book. Assisted by the rememberance of Sri Rupamanjari, I have described the third chapter of Sri Shyamananda Prakash.

CHAPTER 4

By the mercy of the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda I continue writing this book. The next day Hrdayananda Goswami, Shyamananda, and all the mahantas happily began a tour of all the forests (dvadasavanas and upavanas) and kunjas of Vraja.

One day during their pilgrimage they attended a festival of Rasa (?) which was held at Sanketa. There they watched a performance of the ecstatic loving pastimes of Radha Krsna and their sakhis. Some of the sakhis sang sweetly and danced beautifully, while others played various types of musical instruments.

As they watched the wonderful rasalila the mahantas were filled with joy, and Shyamananda, overwhelmed with ecstatic love, fell unconscious. Rolling on the ground he called out the name of Radha Krsna, as floods of tears drenched his body. Covering his head with a piece of cloth Shyamananda danced madly, crying continuously.

Observing the transcendental emotions displayed by Shyamananda, Sri Hrdayananda Goswami thought, “He is certainly a maidservant of Radha. He will be of no use to me because he is not the companion of my Krsna. Now I clearly understand Shyamananda. He has given up his own bhava and taken to Radha bhava. How can I associate with him?” Thinking in this way Hrdayananda left the Rasasthali feeling as if an arrow had pierced his heart. Shyamananda, however, remained at the Rasasthali which infuriated Hrdayananda.

When the rasalila was finished Shyamananda returned along with the mahantas. Shyamananda slept in his own place and in the morning came for darshan of his spiritual master. As he bowed to the feet of his guru, Hrdayanada burst out saying, “You have discarded Krsna bhava and taken gopi bhava instead. Now what is the necessity of your staying with me?”

Shyamananda humbly and sweetly replied, “Pandit Thakur (Gauridas Pandit-HG spiritual master?) worships in Radha bhava, yet in this bhava he is always with Krsna helping Radha Krsna to meet together. He is always engaged in the service of Radha Krsna and enjoys Their darshan in the kunja. This bhava also arises in me but I have not left you Prabhu. Suvala Thakur (Gauridas Pandit??) was absorbed in Radha bhava in the kunja and I gladly enjoyed it.

“That’s a lie,” Goswami said. “Pandit Thakur never told me anything about this. You must behave like a sakha. Don’t even think of accepting any other bhava.” “I cannot do this,” Shyamananda quietly replied. Hrdayananda was so enraged with this reply that he beat Shyamananda with a stick, striking him again and again on the hands, legs, and back until his flesh was cut. Bleeding profusely Shyamananda fell on the ground.

Seeing the pitiable condtion of Shyamananada, the mahantas angrily chastised Hrdayananda: “Oh Goswami! What are you doing? It is not good that you are beating Shyamananda. Previously you tried to destroy him and now you will be responsible for his death. Why are you behaving like this? All types of bhavas can be attained through madhurya bhava.”

The mahantas consoled Shyamananda, who told them, “I am not sorry, on the contrary I am glad because my spiritual master has acknowledged me after such a long time. His beating is like scented sandalwood paste to me. His chastisement has cooled and soothed my body and mind.

Being satisfied with me, my spiritual master has finally accepted me as his disciple. It seems as if the five sons are tied together by a single string (?). Don’t worry about me.” Then turning to Hrdayananda he said, “Prabhu, please be merciful to me. I am an ignorant fool, as I disobeyed your order.”

Singing the glories of Shyamananda the mahantas took bath, cooked, and offered everything to Krsna. After taking prasadam they visited Sanketa and the other kunjavanas then took rest in the kunj. That night Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared before Hrdayananda Goswami in a dream. Hrdayananda bowed to the Lord’s feet, then looking up he saw that Mahaprabhu’s white scarf was covered with blood. Severe wounds covered the flesh on His hands, legs and back. Because the white scarf was soaked with blood it stuck tightly to the Lord’s back.

“What has happened?” Goswami gasped in horror. “What is this I’m seeing on Your body?” “By your mercy My clothes have been soaked with blood,” Mahaprabhu said. “You have beaten Shyamananda who is like My very self(?), thus all the beatings have come upon me.”

Hrdayananda fell at the feet of Caitanya Maharabhu. Greatly lamenting he cried out, “Now there is no one in the world who can save me from hell. I had no understanding of how dear Shyamananda is to You. Oh! Padmapani, have mercy upon me. I have committed unforgiveable offenses. Now I shall commit suicide by entering into fire.”

Mahaprabhu forgave Hrdayananda and ordered him to perform twelve festivals. Accepting the order of the Lord Hrdayananda fell prostrate at His feet. Blessing him, Mahaprabhu placed the dust of His lotus feet on Goswami’s head and disappeared. At last Hrdayananda came to his senses, clearly understanding that dreams can be accepted as reality. He spent the rest of the night thinking deeply.

In the morning he related the dream to the mahantas, “Last night Mahaprabhu appeared to me in a dream. His body was covered with bleeding wounds caused by the beating I inflicted upon Shyamananda. Mahaprabhu explained that Shyamananda was like His very Self(?), thus the beatings had come upon Him. Lamenting for my sin, I fell at His feet begging forgiveness.

He ordered me to to atone for my sins by performing twelve festivals. I accepted the order and fell at His feet. Mahaprabhu placed His feet on my head and blessed me to be a devotee of Krsna, then He disappeared. First I committed offenses to saintly persons, then I offended the Supreme Lord Himself. Now, oh sages please save me.”

“Previously you did not accept dreams to be reality”, the mahantas replied. “Please be merciful,” Goswami insisted, “Allow me to perform twelve festivals.” Hearing this the mahantas kindly gave their consent.

Turning to Shyamananda Goswmai said, “You are most exallted because you have saved your guru from sin. From now on you are not my servant, you are the life of all.” Saying this Goswami took Shyamananda on his lap. Shyamananda fell to the ground bowing to the feet of Hrdayananda. All the mahantas blessed Shyamananda and happily shouted the names of Hari.

After discussing together they decided to send Shyamanada first to Vraja. “Go to Vrndavana”, they said, “And make arrangements for the forthcoming festivals. We shall return after visiting Vraja. (?)

Bowing to the feet of Sri Hrdayananda and the mahantas, Shyamananda took his leave and went to Vrndavana. After visiting the kunjavanas he entered into Vrndavana proper where he met Sri Jiva Goswami. Shyamananda offered his obeisances and informed him of all that had taken place. Filled with happiness Sri Jiva took Shyamananda on his lap and blessed him heartily.

Sri Jiva began preparations for the festivals by first offering things from his own store room. Then calling together all the Vrajavasis, he requested that they help prepare for the upcoming festivals. When the Vrajavasis came to know that the festivals were to be performed by Shyamananda they happily assisted by donating huge quantities of all the necessities required. Sri Jiva was able to collect all the items needed for the festivals from Mathura and Vrajamandala.

After finishing their tour the mahantas came to Vrndavana(?). Eager to begin the festivals Shyamananda humbly requested Sri Jiva, “I know nothing about what to do. You must be the organiser of all the festivals. You order me and I shall be your servant.” Taking up the responsibility Sri Jiva instructed his servants to invite all the saintly persons of Vraja. The servants obeyed his order and the festivities began on the second day of the full moon.

Numerous varieties of food namely; luchi, puri, sweets, khira, sugar, and curds were stocked for the festivals. The organizers received so many donations that a mountain was formed from the items collected.

All the cooked preparations tasted just like nectar. Crowds of Vrajavasis ate heartily and even carried food home with them. In this way the festivals continued for fifteen days. On the day of the full moon the rasa festival of Radha Krsna took place. Thus the twelve festivals were organised and completed joyfully.

When all the guests had returned home, Shyamananda came before Hrdayananda Goswami and bowed at his feet. “I own nothing”, he said, “Everything belongs to you. Whatever I seem to possess is only due to your mercy.” Saying this he placed five maharas(?) at the feet of his spiritual master and offered his obeisances. Taking Shyamananda on his lap Hrdayananda blessed him that he would attain devotion to the lotus feet of Krsna. Sri Hrdayananda then took his leave.

Sri Jiva came before all the mahantas and bowed at their feet. They all embraced Sri Jiva heartily, some of them took him on their laps and dedicated Shyamananda to the grace of Sri Jiva(?). Hearing this all the Vrajavasis, saints, and mahantas happily called out the names of Hari.

Sri Jiva accomapnied the mahantas for some distance as they began their journey home. When it was time to bid farewell Sri Jiva, filled with sadness, fell on the ground unconscious. The mahantas consoled him and Hrdayananda blessed him, and they departed for Gauda.

Shyamananda returned to Vrndavana and stayed with Sri Jiva. One day Jiva Goswami requested Shyamananda to go to Orissa to preach and save the fallen condtioned souls there from the suffering of hell, after fulfilling this responsiblity he could return to Vrndavana. He reminded Shyamananda that Srimate Radharani had also ordered him to go to Orissa and take shelter of Rasika Murari.

Accepting this order Shyamananda turned over all his books and articles of worship to Sri Jiva and left for Utkala where he met Rasika Murari. By the mercy of Rasika he was empowered to preach and deliver the fallen souls. Shyamananda preached in Orissa for a long time. He later returned to Vraja where he continued to live with Sri Jiva.

Taking the lotus feet of Sri Shyamananda as my only resort and remembering the lotus feet of Sri Rupamanjari, I have thus completed the episode of the fourth chapter.

EXTRACTS FROM DIFFERENT BOOKS(?)

In the fifth chapter the family life of Shyamananda is discussed. The previous four chapters have dealt with Shyamananda’s desire to attain the grace of Krsna. The ninth chapter describes the perfection of Shyamananda’s sadhana. And the last, or tenth chapter, deals with the birth of the feeling of madhurya viraha (separation) within Shyamananda. Who could possibly describe the intense desire of Shyamanada by which he attained the opportunity of personally serving Radha Krsna?

When Sri Jiva came to Vrndavana Shyamananda left his body out of seperation from Jiva.(?) In the tenth chapter Shyamananda attains his spiritual form and begins to live happily with Sri Rupamanjari. Sri Radha Krsna favoured him and kept him in Their service. Kanakamanjari became a favorite of Lalita, Sri Rupamanjari and all the sakhis.

I have described Shyamananda’s attainment of the spiritual abode only in hints, as I have been ordered to do so. I am the most unqualified and ignornat person but due to the grace of Sri Shyamananda Goswami I have written this book and presented it before all the devotees. Although I have no ability to write, by the mercy of my spirtiual master this book has been completed.

THE EPISODE OF WRITING THIS BOOK

Oh wise listeners! Hear how this book, Shyamananda Prakash, has come into existence.

One day I met a saint who read the book Bhaktirasamrita Sindhu to me. While listening a deep feeling of indifference towards the material world (vairagya) took birth within me and the desire to go to Vrndavana arose in my heart. Previously I had never found the time to meditate upon the merciful lotus feet of Krsna. My mind had always been preoccupied with sinful activities. My body, mind and life was filled with passion, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and mundane emotions. Pride gave rise to vanity and jealousy.

Thus my life passed in vain. Not a scent of devotion to Krsna entered my heart. Even in the sphere of family life I was a failure. What was the use of such a worthless life? Absorbed in maintaining my wife and children all the golden opportunities of life passed me by. Fully engaged in material activities I found no time to remember the lotus feet of Govinda, or to perform any sadhana. In this way my life passed uselessly and death was quickly approaching.

But after hearing Bhaktirasamrita Sindhu from that saint I began to realise that the lotus feet of Krsna are the only resort for all of mankind. I decided to give up all material attachments and live in Vraja. Although my heart ached to leave for Vrndavana, the opportunity to go did not arise. I became very disturbed and began meditating on Shyamananda Goswami(?). Absorbed in this way I went to bed and fell asleep thinking of Sri Vrndavana Dhama.

In my dream I met some sannyasi’s who were going to Vraja and I traveled along with them. Arriving in Vraja I took darshan of the Jamuna (?), then went to the kunja of Sri Shyamananda Goswami. I washed my hands and feet and sat down in the kunja.

After some time Sri Shyamananda, having completed the circumambulation of Vraja, returned to his kunja, and all the devotees there fell at his feet. They washed his feet and happily drank the water. I asked one vairagi who the Goswami was and he replied , “This is Shyamananda Goswami”. Hearing his name I shed tears of love. Noticing me, Goswami called me before him and I fell flat offering obeisances.

“Where do you come from,” he asked, “What is your name, whom do you serve, and how many devotees are with you?” “I am Krsnacarana dasa”, I said. Please be merciful and allow me to serve you. I came to Vrndavana with four vairagi’s who have gone for a tour of Vrndavana. I use to live in Orissa with my wife, but she became a burden to me so I left her and came alone to Vrndavana.”

“Your wife must be in a state of depression,” Goswami replied. “Who will look after your son? Why have you given up material life and become a vairagi?” “Prabhu, My wife is also very indifferent to family life”, I explained. Out of love for Krsna I have come to Vraja.” “Do not leave your wife, “Prabhu said. Return to your home and perform the sadhana of Krsna, along with your wife. What type of sadhana are you doing by leaving a helpless vaisnavi?”

I humbly explained to Prabhu, “I know nothing about sadhana or smarana worship. I have come to you because I have not understood Krsna yet, please be kind and fulfill my desire.” “You will obtain my mercy, as well as the mercy of Radha Krsna, if you obey my order. Now go back to your house and engage, along with your wife, in worshipping Krsna and singing my glories. Write something about my auspicious activities and sing the praises of my devotess.”

“But I know nothing about your eulogies,” I protested. “I know only the letters but I do not know their meanings.(?) How can I describe your glories? “Due to my wish you will be able to understand everything”, Prabhu said. “If you remember me everything will become clear to you.” “I am an illiterate and ignorant person”, I said. “What can I write? And even if I write, what intelligent man will accept it?”

“My fame is known throughout the three worlds”, Prabhu replied. Anyone who does not accept it is quilty of flouting Sri Caitanya. These words cannot be false. After completing the book you should show it to my disciple, Nayananda. He will be very happy to receive a book about me. Out of love for me he will distribute the book.

Since the people have confidence in Nayananda they will gladly accept the book. He who sings the glories of Krsna and of myself will attain salvation. He will also get my association as well as the feet of Krsna. Don’t hesitate to write this book.” Hearing this I fell prostrate on the ground at the feet of Goswami. He placed his feet on my head and blessed me to attain devotion to Krsna. He went to his kunja and I returned home.

Just then I awoke from my dream, but everything remained crystal clear in my mind. I contemplated my good fortune in having the darshan of Vrndavana in my dream. For a few days I hesitated to carry out the order I had received. Then again my Prabhu mercifully appeared before me in my sleep. He sat at my head and said, “You have flouted my order.

This will only bring harm to you. I was sorry to see your distressed condition so I came here to save you from sin. Begin the work of writing a book in my name and remember that I am always with you. Go take your bath and start the book after worshipping Radha Krsna.”

Obeying his order I began writing, meditating on my spiritual master. In this way by the desire and mercy of my guru I received the ability to write this book, otherwise it was not possible.

I fall flat at the feet of Sri Shyamananda Goswami offering my obeisances millions of times. If there is any mistakes in my writing or any incidence of rasavasa I humbly beg forgivemenss. It is impossible for a worthless person like myself to fully describe the glorious qualities of Sri Shyamananda.

I hold the feet of Sri Caitanya and Nityananda and all the devotees on my head. I have sold my head at the feet of Sri Radhamohana, the bestower of love and devotion. Taking the lotus fet of Shyamananda prabhu in my heart I, Krsnadasa, have compiled this book Sri Shyamananda Prakash.