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Brindavaneswari Sri Radha - Vol 3

 Brindavaneswari Sri Radha - Vol 3
   
A Divine Message
1Sri Radha in Vedas
2Sri Radha in the Purana and the Itihasa
3The realms of Rasa of Radhaji’s Companions
 3.1Sri Sri Haridasji Maharaj
 3.2Sri Hitaharivamsaji
  3.2.1 Incarnation
  3.2.2 Preachings
  3.2.3 Worldly living and Rasopasana
  3.2.4 Grace on Ganga and Yamuna
  3.2.5 Manthra Deeksha
 3.3Paramountcy of Sri Radhaji's lotus feet
 3.4Why Radhaji alone should be worshipped
 3.5One Pointedness
 3.6Serving the Yugal in Sakhi Bhav
 3.7Other Principles of Serving
 3.8Sri Vithal Dasji Maharaj
 3.9Raja Naravahan
 3.10Sri Sevakji Maharaj
4Sri Syamananda
5The Eternal Graciousness of Sri Radhaji
 5.1The magnificence of Sri Radhaji in several continents
 5.2Sri Radhaji's endless graciousness
 5.3Why Should we woship only Sri Radha
 5.4Sri Radhaji's Avowal to Devotees
6The Hurdles
7The Goal of Devotees in this Tradition
 7.1The Seven Steps to reach the Lord
 7.2A Few Guidelines to Sadhakas
   
   
 
THE REALMS OF RASA OF RADHAJI'S COMPANIONS (SAKHIS)

Brindvaneswari Sri Radha's lotus feet

RADHAJI ALONE SHALL BE WORSHIPPED

Why Radhaji alone shall be worshipped?


Every act of human service cannot become Divine Service of the Lord. If the human is served for selfish ends, such actions only lead to deep entanglement with maya. If the human is served for the pleasure of Mother Radhaji, it will surely become real service of the Lord. We cannot approach Mother as long as we are immersed in Maya and remain encircled by sorrow and disturbance.

Sri Radhaji blesses the Sadhaka with the knowledge of Divine Philosophy and many other Spiritual Facts through Her 'Play' Sri Krishna taught the world through His verses in the Veda. The omnipotent Radhaji imparts Divine Knowledge through Her plays. As She is the Mother of Maha Prakriti (Great expanses of Nature) She can easily teach and guide Jeeva who are beset with sorrows through Her Play (Leela).

One day on the way of circumambulation of Vrindavan a saint was weeping immensely sitting under a tree. The people passing by were unmindful of his misery and did not care to talk to him. In the meantime a small girl of nine years attired as a Vraj Woman gently walked upto the saint and enquired with a voice replete with natural love.

Baba! Why are you weeping? What difficulty you had?


The saint forthwith said, "Oh! My child, at this small age what a love and sympathy you have dear! Why are you so kind towards nameless person like me? Alright, even though you are a child I will tell you about my difficulty". " I am a Bengali. Ever since my childhood I have immense fascination for Brindavan. My father and mother are very rich but I didn't like the way of their living. I thought it is better to beg alms in Vrindavan Dham, live under its trees and drink sweet waters of the Yamuna and meditate always on Laadli Radhaji than living unnatural life with their riches.

"Oh! My child, at this small age what a love and sympathy you have dear! Why are you so kind towards nameless person like me? Alright, even though you are a child I will tell you about my difficulty. I am a Bengali. Ever since my childhood I have immense fascination for Brindavan. My father and mother are very rich but I didn't like the way of their living. I thought it is better to beg alms in Vrindavan Dham, live under its trees and drink sweet waters of the Yamuna and meditate always on Laadli Radhaji than living unnatural life with their riches."

"There I get rice meal, Amma. All Bengalis take rice. But in your Vrindavan Amma, wherever I go I find only wheat rotis. As I eat these rotis I got troubled frequently by loose motions frequently as I am not used to the food. Other people say, Baba! Why should you at all face difficulties here? In your village you get food that suits you, better you go there. If I go there Amma, my parents will offer me delicious food, fruits and many other eatables. They will replace this dirty clothing with new one."

The little girl intervened and said

Oh Baba what a mad person you are! Why at all did you stay back here, go to your home and have good food there


Forthwith the saint replied,

"All are telling the same way Amma, but no one really knows the pain in my heart. With great expectation I am waiting that my Laadli will show a way-out at this hour of life Amma."

Next moment the girl said with a voice replete with authoritative affection,

Look at Baba that fourth house here in this street is mine. I am the only daughter of that house. In my house I am lovingly called 'Chinnari'. My Mother in the morning made Kadi (a curd-dall) preparation). To take it in the night she stored it in the third case of kitchen almirah. Go there, knock the door, tell them that your child sent me there. Also tell, you call her Chinnari, you have prepared Kadi for her and kept it the kitchen almirah. Also tell, the wheat rotis heated up my body and I got indisposed. So I am looking for only rice preparation. My papa and Maa are very kind. You can stay in my house any number of days. Tell them that I have told that rice be cooked up specially for you". The girl told him while streaming out immense love and care.


The girl told him while streaming out immense love and care.

The saint as told by the girl went to Her house and requested them as guided. Soon, the householder and his wife got puzzled and thought,

"We have no children at all. What can be the meaning behind sadhu's words? His wife suddenly said, "Dear, we are worshipping Kishori every day, and serving Her. You are immersed in remembering Her Plays and weeping for Her. Now I am sure our Laadli Radha Rani only sent this saint to our house, if not, how would he know that Kadi is prepared and kept in the almirah's third case? Oh! How sweet it is! Laadli said that She is our own child. What a blessing we had...What a blessing... (Her voice choked). This is Chinnari's own house. We are her parents. After a long time our worship consummated". As the wife is saying these words the husband started crying Amma..Amma..weeping loudly.

As the wife is saying these words the husband started crying Amma..Amma..weeping loudly.

Moments later he lovingly welcomed the sadhu inside his house and touched his feet.

"Oh! Great saint, because of your kindness, Radhaji from that world descended into our house as Chinnari (A small girl child). Our Sadhana consummated. You can stay here as long as you like. Treat this one as your own house" requested the husband replete with devotional love. The housewife ran into the kitchen and started cooking.

requested the husband replete with devotional love. The housewife ran into the kitchen and started cooking.

From the above Leela we understand that Sri Radhaji is worshipped in households as their beloved child. Also by this Leela Sriji taught us that serving such pious saints is real service.


The tendency of ordinary human is 'how to use other person for his own benefit?' When we see a person with this view, it is a redoubtable fact that we are only roaming in Maya forsaking the Lord. 'He is hapless forlorn Sadhu, What is the use in helping him? Oh! I have no time even to look into my own problems'. Such mean thinking has filled the human mind. Divine Mother won't be pleased with umpteen number of devotional recitations or different forms of worship with such parochial mind. Every intention, every word and every act should be carried on for the pleasure of Mother. We should not forget that we came to this world not to enjoy pleasures offered by senses and ultimately suffer as a consequence.

By the service of Radhaji one day we will realize what the real service of mankind is? That realization will usher in real welfare to the world. Hence the Rasikacharya Maharaj has declared that worship of Radhaji's Lotus Feet is the most important Step in Spiritual Sadhana.

Another majestic leela and its enlightening instruction


Human being can attempt to reduce the difficulties of his fellow humans only after hearing about them in detail. Normally, he would extend his help only after the occurrence of the trouble. This is the natural human limitation. But omniscient Radhaji foresees difficulties to be faced by Jeevas and protects them through Her gracious pre-arrangements. She is the kind Mother who creates milk for the infant many days before its birth. She has shown unparalleled way of Her Grace through this majestic leela unfolded in Sri Dham Vrindavan.

There is a distance of about four miles between Radhaji's Temple Town-Barsana and Gopal's Nand Gaon. This Leela is a symbol of unparalleled love of Radhaji upon devotees. The people of Vraj were unable to forget Radhaji's love and affection. The residents of Nandagaon follow a strange custom. When they visit Barsana, they do not eat or drink anything there and return to Nandagaon. On one day of very hot summer many people of Nandagaon visited Barsana. Old people among them were not able to bear the scorching hotness. Moreover, on the mid-way there are hardly any trees to take shelter underneath or any facility to provide drinking water. That day they were returning slowly towards Nandagaon after finishing work at Barsana braving extreme hotness. But a little time later to their astonishment they found alongside the road a garden with many trees, spreading cool winds all around.

"How come this garden suddenly appeared? We are moving along this path almost every day. Never did we see such a beautiful greenery and tall trees"

wondered the passing Nandagaon natives. Meanwhile they heard a sweet voice of small girl.

Baba! Come on. Here it is very cool. To drink here is cool water also


The travelers came upto the girl and asked,

"Laadli, Who are you? Why are you inviting us with your sweet voice."

The girl said pretending anger..

Nothing to do with your words. Come on and have this cool water.


She started giving them cool water.

"Amma, looking at your affection we remember our King Vrishabhanu's daughter-Laadli Radharani. Her very sight and voice attracted one and all".

As they are saying so, the girl said with affectionate authority

why those things now, the Sun is very hot, quench your thirst and go home early.


"How tender and soft hearted is the tiny girl. Her voice is sweet and touching".

Thinking so, they left for Nandagaon. Some time later that strange garden, shrubs, trees and water, all disappeared. All the Vraj Vasis thought that this is the creation of Radhaji. Even to day they fondly remember the moving love and affection of Supreme Deity Radhaji.

Even before people do ask for anything, she has created a garden of plants and trees to relieve them from hot summer. By this leela Laadli Radhaji revealed 'how the human being should serve fellow humans'. All Her teachings are practical.

When Lord Chaitanya and his Goswamis came to Vrindavan there were hardly any households. They being Sanyasis do not cook for themselves. They used to go to nearby town Mathura and collect wheat rotis by means of Madhukara (asking householders for food which is ordained for Sanyasis). Occasionally Roopa Goswami used to gather sweet roots and leaves and fruits from the forest and offer them to the Yugal Prabhu in the Bhog. One day Roopa Goswami looking at the roots and the leaves he has collected for Bhog thought painfully,

"You are my life, you are very tender and sensitive. Devotees offer you hundreds of delicious dishes everyday. Here in this forest I have only this raw and unpalatable stuff to offer". Goswami wept for some time. The all-pervading mercy-Sri Radhaji cannot not tolerate the suffering of Her devotees. Very next moment Goswamiji heard a sweet and tender voice of a small girl calling "Roopa! Roopa!" Gently walking upto him She gave milk and curds and a fragrant pudding (kheer). He took them immediately. With enchanting gentleness She retreated from his hutment. Filled with Divine Bhav he ran towards Her loudly crying Amma, Amma. She disappeared. " Laadli, Radhe to describe your Grace and tenderness of heart language is not sufficient, Amma. Language is not....." Goswami shed tears of love.

Goswami wept for some time. The all-pervading mercy-Sri Radhaji cannot not tolerate the suffering of Her devotees. Very next moment Goswamiji heard a sweet and tender voice of a small girl calling

Roopa! Roopa!


Gently walking upto him She gave milk and curds and a fragrant pudding (kheer). He took them immediately. With enchanting gentleness She retreated from his hutment. Filled with Divine Bhav he ran towards Her loudly crying Amma, Amma. She disappeared.

"Laadli, Radhe to describe your Grace and tenderness of heart language is not sufficient, Amma. Language is not....."

Goswami shed tears of love.

At a nearby Ashram his elder brother Sanatan Goswami was meditating on the Yugal. He (Roopaji) sent a message to him to dine with him in his Ashram itself. Sanatan saw the delicious eatables with him. " Roopa, Wherefrom did you get these things". Roopa narrated entire happening to his brother. "Oh! Stupid, you have told your difficulty to Mother and cried before Her. She got pained looking at your trouble. Even if we confront hundreds of difficulties we should not put them before Radhaji. Have your forgotten that this tendency is contrary to our principles of living. Though I do not like, as Amma Herself gave these sweetmeats, I will partake them. If you do this again I will not be with you any more. Radhaji is extremely merciful. Even without asking She solves the problems of Her devotees. She serves Her devotees with great attention. (She sets example)." Sanatan thus warned his brother.

"Roopa, Where from did you get these things".


Roopa narrated entire happening to his brother.

"Oh! Stupid, you have told your difficulty to Mother and cried before Her. She got pained looking at your trouble. Even if we confront hundreds of difficulties we should not put them before Radhaji. Have your forgotten that this tendency is contrary to our principles of living. Though I do not like, as Amma Herself gave these sweetmeats, I will partake them. If you do this again I will not be with you any more. Radhaji is extremely merciful. Even without asking She solves the problems of Her devotees. She serves Her devotees with great attention. (She sets example)." Sanatan thus warned his brother.


Sanatan thus warned his brother.

This leela gives us a nectarous instruction that we must not keep selfish motive within our mind while doing chanting or meditation. We must maintain a tranquil mind and should not think of our deficiencies and difficulties in Her presence. This is real mediation.


One day Chaitanya Prabhu visited the house of scholor Srivasa. On that day he could not experience any ecstasy in sankirtan or meditation of the Lord in the scholor's house. He called Srivasa and enquired,

Srivasa, is anyone here in deep sorrow?


Srivasa did not reply and remained silent. His servant maid in the mean time told Mahaprabhu,

"Lord, the house owner's (Srivasa's) son passed away in the morning and his body is hidden in a box so that the news of his demise shall not disturb you. But Oh! Lord, you know everything. We cannot detail about it any further".

Radhaji's has been teaching us this principle itself. Do not forget that Radhaji is all-pervading. Withstand any number of difficulties. She is witness to what is happening to each one of us. What we should understand is the divine message She is giving us through Her 'play'. Now we shall introduce our readers few more Divine Leelas of Radhaji and the invaluable message She graced us through them.

To reveal Her philosophy of life She gave forth the Divine principle 'Tava sukhena mama sukham' to Her devotees. For purifying the mind, for bringing about real welfare of the world and for increasing the feeling of Her presence this principle immensely helps the Spiritual Seeker. The lives of Gopis of Vrindavan are glaring example to this outstanding spiritual principle. We have to treat our fellow beings as we do with the Lord. Gopis always remained in the Krishna Bhav.

"Hay, Krishna your happiness is our happiness. Our religion is to make you happy in every respect. For your pleasure we are even ready to go to the Hell".

They used to feel in this manner. The Bhav of Gopis amply commentates above principle of Sri Radhaji. By Her Plays She has been teaching the world this great principle itself. When we come across a person a thought or an intention as to 'how to bring forth peace and happiness to him', will immensely please Sri Radhaji. Consequent actions from such thoughts are dearest things to Her.

Sri Radhaji is an endless repository of Divine Happiness. She will surely bless the happiness that we need. But, for it the right time should come. As She anxiously waits to bless Her devotees, the Scriptures reverently addressed Her as 'Bhaktanugrahakataram'. She is ever-ready to rain streams of Divine Happiness in our hearts. She has been teaching us this way,

Leave aside all sense-related thoughts and do not fear at any difficulty that befalls on you. Forget not that these difficulties are but momentary.


Our heart must be filled with the remembrance of Radhaji. The mundane person has umpteen number of desires. But the real devotee has only one desire i.e. reaching the Divine Abode of Mother. Sorrows are inevitable consequence if you have any desire except that of Mother, besides pain, misery and decline also follow. Thereafter taking birth after birth becomes inevitable. No Sadhaka should be oblivious of such eventualities. In this context there are three types of Jeevas.

1. As he faces the difficulties this Jeeva moves heaven and hearth and gets maddened by their impact.

2. The other Jeeva thinks 'the moment I got the body it brought forth pleasures and pains'.

3. This unique Jeeva feels 'by the experience of this sorrow my karmic burden got lightened. Moreover its occurrence has intensified my remembrance for Mother'.

Once Queen Kunti prayed Lord Krishna this way,

"Oh! My Lord, you are coming to me whenever I face difficulties. I get your Divya Darshan (Divine Presence). So, Lord bless me difficulties all the time".

A mind that is replete with Radhabhav develops a shield within itself. Mundane pleasures and pains cannot penetrate that mind breaking the shield. Once Radhaji told in this way.

Before we leave the world, we should possess the shield. Thereafter our journey in the path of Nivritti gains momentum.

Behold the entire world through witness consciousness and attach yourself with Mother with deep earnestness.


This is a loving message blessed by Radhaji to a devotee.

By now the readers might have understood how beautifully above principle of Divine Love has been displayed in Radhaji's 'plays'. Our lives should shine with the philosophy graced by Her.

Jesus Christ's life reflects such philosophy of Divine Love and because of it; he is worshipped by the world. Many devotees of Sriji praising Her as 'Bhaktanugrahakataram' resolve to reflect the same principle in their own lives. We may note in this context that the life histories of great devotees also display the same philosophy of Love.

A Jeeva by name Valmiki was a dacoit at the outset. By tormenting and torturing people he used to earn money and gold. To meet such a cruel person Maharshi Narada descended. Cruel Valmiki raised his sword to kill the sage. But the Maharshi neither tried to escape nor struck by fear. Besides, he didn't try to force him out using physical strength. Chanting the Lord's Divine Name, he smilingly approached him. Later Valmiki experienced how severe is the torture that results from sinfulness. Ultimately he understood one naked truth. 'Wife and children prefer to be partners in your wealth, but they hardly come forward to share an iota of your sins. They long only your prosperity but they have nothing to do with your sinfulness. You are to bear the burden and result your sin'. This is the real face of the world. Neither the lovingly brought-up children nor the affectionately treated relatives will come forward a bit to share your sin. Divine Mother's power helped Naradji as he taught the spiritual philosophy to Valmiki.

Thus transforming sinners as Mahatma or Sages is the real method of bringing about lasting welfare of world. This is the path of Radhaji. Omnipotent Radhaji, without even touching the body of the sinner changes him into a great sage or paramahamsa. The enlightened and transformed decoit-Valmiki, is now shining in the hearts of millions of people. Hence Harivamsaji advised us to worship the Lotus Feet of Radhaji.

Raghunadh Das Goswami who was famous disciple of Chaitanya Prabhu one morning was meditating on the banks of Radhakund in Vrindavan. Gradually it became afternoon. Without caring extreme hotness of noon-time he was continuing his meditation. But Sriji was unable to bear the suffering of Her devotee. As a nine year girl She came upto Raghunadhji and spread Her sari above his head shielding him from hot Sun. Sanatan Goswami from nearby ashram viewed this 'play' of Radhaji, and shouted Raghu...Raghu. look behind..". Raghunadh opened his eyes. But She disappeared. Later Raghunadh understood what has happened. He wept entire day for his mistake. Forthwith he built a small hutment for himself and peacefully continued his meditation at Radhakund. A portrait depicting this Leela can be viewed even today on the banks of Radhakund.

"Raghu...Raghu. look behind..".

Raghunadh opened his eyes. But She disappeared. Later Raghunadh understood what has happened. He wept entire day for his mistake. Forthwith he built a small hutment for himself and peacefully continued his meditation at Radhakund. A portrait depicting this Leela can be viewed even today on the banks of Radhakund.

Radhaji gave us another charming instruction. Whenever you have confronted with a difficulty, do not brood over its fallout and disturb your mind. But your duty is to remember mother, Her myriad plays, Her Divine Mercy intensively, forgetting the hardship that has befallen on you and thus take shelter at Her Lotus Feet. Then alone Mother is pleased and graces Her blessing. A child when got scared spontaneously hugs its mother crying 'Amma.Amma'. The Seeker similarly should remember Divine Mother whenever faced by hardships in his Sadhana. From the following 'Leela' Radhaji blessed us a vivid and clear understanding of this instruction.

One day a military van arrived in the temple-town Barsana. A few soldiers alighted from the van and loudly read out a warrant asking for six persons residing in the town. Trembling with fear all of them reported at the Van. The van left the town taking all of them away. Neither the charges framed against them were informed nor the place where there were being taken to was indicated. Soon, their wives were told about the untoward incident. Astonishingly, they didn't get depressed by this catastrophic even or they have anyone to come to their rescue. Minutes later they got freshened, dressed themselves in good clothing and ran towards the temple of Radhaji situated at the hill-top. In front of the temple they formed a circle and kept the portrait of Radhakrishna in the middle. They began chanting Radhakrishna jai, Krishna murari jai, Jai Radhe.Radhe.. They kept on dancing thus reciting the divine names. By the touch of Mother's impulse, in the mean time, people around served them food and tea.

Now the 'Leela' of Radhaji commenced. Inexplicable is Her Grace upon Her Grace upon devotees. Gradually it became evening. There is no pause in the sankirtan by the devotee-women even for a moment. Nor are they tired a bit. Just before dawn, the same military van returned. It dropped all the six persons and quietly left the town. The husbands were told about the ceaseless sankirtan. They hurriedly came to the temple and joined their wives in the sankirtan for sometime.

Whatever be the intensity of difficulty, do not brood over it and do not disturb the mind. Forget the difficulty and surrender to 'Amma'. This is the Divine Principle blessed by Radhaji in this 'leela'. If you weep and wail remembering the difficulty, the Grace of Radhaji doesn't come forth immediately. It will be delayed. If you forget the hardship and dwell in Sriji's meditation you are sure to get Her Grace soon. You do not wait for long. The all-pervading Radhaji saw the wives chanting Her Name one hand and their frightened husbands on the other. She joined both of them the earliest at Barsana. This is yet another great principle of living blessed by Radhaji. We should note that many devotees following this principle are blessed with tranquillity of mind.

Radhaji never leaves away 'Ananya' devotees. Do not remember the difficulty that is befallen on you and do not forget at all remembering Divine Mother. Teach this transcendental principle to your fellow-devotees and advise them how to adjust to eventualities when necessary.

READERS MAY PERUSE ANOTHER DELIGHTFUL LEELA OF SRIJI IN THIS CONTEXT


Raghunadhdas Goswami used to take one glass of buttermilk everyday and it was only food he takes for the whole day. But Sri Radhaji nourished the mind and the body of Her devotee in delightful way. While he was sleeping in the state of dream She was feeding him with Kheer (sweet liquid) every day. A few days hence Goswamiji suffered from severe indigestion and motions. Disciples surprised at their Guruji who partakes one glass of milk for the whole day has had such indigestion. Meanwhile a doctor arrived there. He checked the pulse of Goswamiji.

Swami, aren't you fed with sweet pudding in the dream

The doctor questioned smilingly. Raghunadhji most reluctantly agreed to have been fed in the dream. Disciples wondered at the play of Radhaji. Soon the doctor game some medicines and left the place. Few moments later disciples around him had a doubt as to how the doctor could know about dream-feeding as if he had seen it. "Who is this doctor?" They got puzzled. Then they ran into the street to find him. But the doctor disappeared as they were approaching him. Rasik Siromani Sri Radhaji's plays are most delightful and beyond anyone's comprehension. When the Leela was progressing no one could ever recognize Her. Once while playing with Krishna She suddenly disappeared. Later neither Krishna nor Sakhis could trace Her. Radhaji cannot be seen even by Krishna. No one can have Her darshan unless She graces it to them. So inscrutable is Her path of worship!


During the course of Sadhana the seeker tends to commit several mistakes, some times unwittingly also. The Spiritual Master Sri Radhaji administers delicate punishments so that the seeker smoothly moves along the path of Sadhana. Her methods of correction are incomparable and most delightful. A leela of Sriji is presented here which enables us understand this fact.

One day Roopa goswami was immersed in Divine Bhav. He was visualizing a beautiful scene in the eternal play of Radha Krishna. 'Radha and Krishna as small children are playing in a Kunj on the banks of the Yamuna; Bal Radha (child Radha) saw a tree with flowers blossomed all around. She wants to get some flowers. But they are too high to catch. Then Bal Gopal said,

Radha, I will bend down on my knees, then you stand on my back and collect those flowers


Chinnari is about to stand on the back of Gopal.' The beautiful vision suddenly disappeared. Goswamiji's Bhav Samadhi got disturbed. He felt extremely unhappy.

"I must have committed a grave mistake, otherwise how such Divine Play stops so abruptly",

thought Goswami. Meanwhile Sanatan Goswami came and told, "Roopa, a Mahatma came here to see you. But you are engrossed in Bhav. It appears he was asking you something. As he does not want to disturb your meditation he quietly left from your ashram visibly dissatisfied. Radhaji cannot bear such treatment to Great Souls. You should have served the Mahatma coming out from the meditation. Mother will not tolerate any delay in their service. First service of the Mahatma and then Sadhana, this is the proper order". Thus Sanatan exhorted his brother Roopa Goswami.

"Roopa, a Mahatma came here to see you. But you are engrossed in Bhav. It appears he was asking you something. As he does not want to disturb your meditation he quietly left from your ashram visibly dissatisfied. Radhaji cannot bear such treatment to Great Souls. You should have served the Mahatma coming out from the meditation. Mother will not tolerate any delay in their service. First service of the Mahatma and then Sadhana, this is the proper order". Thus Sanatan exhorted his brother Roopa Goswami.

Thus Sanatan exhorted his brother Roopa Goswami.

Roopa goswami realized his mistake. He immediately ran into the street and traced the Mahatma.

"I couldn't talk you, Sir. Please forgive me."

implored Roopaji. The Mahatma replied,

"If you touch the fire wittingly or unwittingly, it will burn you. Same thing happened now."

Then he told him the purpose of his visit. After satisfying the Mahatma with his reply Roopji returned to his Ashram and continued his meditation. To his amazement the 'Divine Play' started wherefrom it was abruptly ended. Roopji unconsciously committed a small ' Vaishnavaparadha'. Sriji would not tolerate any mistake in the treatment to Great Souls.

Therefore, do not delay the Service of Great Souls. Do not be inattentive in their service. And do not forget that the path of 'Sadhana' is very delicate and one may be pricked by thorns unknowingly.

When Roopa Goswami was writing 'Bhakhi Rasamrutha Sindhu' in Vrindavan, a scholor advised Rooji to submit the completed work to him so that the mistakes can be corrected. Roopji didn't respond to the scholor's advise and remained silent. But Jeeva Goswami who is the nephew of Roop and Sanatan angrily reacted to the proposal of the scholor and said, " Can you point out mistakes in my uncle's work. You don't know even alphabets of good writing". Thus Jeeva Goswami criticized the scholor in a harsher tone.

"Can you point out mistakes in my uncle's work. You don't know even alphabets of good writing".

Thus Jeeva Goswami criticized the scholor in a harsher tone.

In the Divine Path of Radhaji there are no place for arguments and counter-arguments. (tarka vitarka) These arguments bolster your ego and distance you from Mother. This is the foremost principle of Sadhana blessed by Radhaji. Roopa goswami then reprimanded Jeeva.

"You have criticized the scholor in your argument and hurt his feelings. Do not stay with me any longer. Go out somewhere".

Crestfallen, Jeeva Goswami left the hermitage of Roopji and spent two or three days in deep sorrow. Later, Sanatan came and chided him.

"Jeeva, doesn't Roop know how to counter-argue with the scholor. Go and prostrate before him. Take a vow that hence forth you will not enter into arguments".

By way of argumentation Jeeva (the being) cannot be victorious. Tarko aprathishtah - Arguments devalue honour. This was the advice given by Dharmaraja as he was answering the questions of Yaksha in the Maha Bharata. Even if your path of worship is criticized or derided by someone, you should not evince any emotional reaction. During the period of 'sadhana' you should maintain tranquility of mind especially while facing a situation wherein your ego is hurt by others' behaviour. Please take note of an incident in the life of Saint Tyagaraya.

Once Tyagaraya was offered huge wealth by the local king. But the saint politely declined it by saying, 'nidhi chala sukhama Ramuni sannidhi sukhama' - Is the money brings in more happiness or the presence of Lord Rama? He said, what he needed was the wealth of Sri Ramachandra's devotion but not the ephemeral prosperity like gold or money. Tyagaraya's brother was furious at his behaviour and angrily said, " Oh! Stupid, what an opportunity have you spurned?". Then he even went on to throw his worship-idols of Sri Ramachandra into the river Kaveri. Even at this most vulnerable moment the saint remained unruffled. With a tranquil mind he sang. 'santamu leka soukhyamu ledu dantuni kai nanu vedantuni kainanu'- Without peacefulness there is hardly any happiness either to the mundane being or to the philosopher. Therefore the seeker should not part with peace and forbearance any moment during 'sadhana'

The principle of Radhaji is not to criticize or condemn the action of any individual or tradition or religion. Those who understand and practice these instructions surely attain Her Grace within a short time. Hitaji advised us to worship and surrender to the Lotus Feet of Radhaji in order to easily understand and follow this principle of living. At any point of time during our 'sadhana' we should not forget this unique principle of 'peace' blessed by Radhaji.

For the ignorant and feeble Jeeva to attain the Highest Divine Abode - the Eternal Rasa Dham, he needs the support of an all powerful and merciful transcendent power. The Supreme Grace is necessary to protect him from every fall in the 'sadhana' and to gently lead him towards the goal. The scriptures in this context put forth a comment in this way.

There is a tree. On its top there is a nectarous sweet fruit. On the ground an ant is moving up and its goal is the juice that fruit. For the small being to reach out to the sweet fruit atop the tree, it has two alternatives. One is to get to the top on its own, by its own effort. But this is an impossible task for the little being. It slips down four feet as it ascends two. It flies off with blowing wind and burns out by the hot Sun in the summer. In the rainy season it is in utter confusion without knowing where it is. A few sages also gave similar example. Doesn't the ant at all have an opportunity to reach its goal? Isn't there any other way-out? Yes, there is. It has to catch hold of the feet of celestial bird like Garutmata when it land on the ground.

When the weak, emaciated Kuchela (Sudama) embarked on a journey to Dwaraka from Saurashtra, on his way he got completely tired and fell down on the ground as he could not walk any further,

"He Krishna, my collegue, my dearest friend with a great expectation to see you, I am coming. Now I cannot move a step forward. I am in a miserable condition. You are extremely kind. I am always yours. I never believed any one except you. I don't need to do any thing with prosperity. I want only your loving embrace, your affectionate words and appearance".

Praying the Lord this way hapless Sudama started weeping. Krishna is not only all-pervading but also very powerful Divine Personality. The vibrations of prayers of Sudama touched the Lord at Dwaraka. Krishna got up immediately and remembered Garutmanta. He immediately appeared and saluted Him.

The Lord said,

Garutmanta, you know all my feelings. Look .., there under a tree my dearest friend fell unconscious


Garutmanta forthwith said,

"Lord, don't tell me any further. This servant will bring your friend and land him right at your door-step."

The celestial bird disappeared. Within a few moments Sudama woke up at the portal of Lord's mansion. Puzzled Sudama was about to go inside the mansion. But the gate keepers stopped him. They said,

"You are looking like a beggar. How would you get the darsan of King Vasudeva. Don't worry. We will give you alms. Take this money and sweetmeats. Eat them and happily go back to your house".

"I haven't come here for begging alms. Your king is my bosom friend. From childhood he is like my life. Now, I am alive only to see him. I cannot live any more without his presence. Krishna you are mine. I am also yours, am I not?"

As Sudama was uttering these words, the Lord was running towards him from inside the harem without caring for his slipping cloths. He said,

Sudama, my friend, hearing your words I cannot remain a moment without bringing you close.


The Lord deeply hugged his forlorn friend. This is way of Lord's love. .

The fruit shining at the top of the tree is 'Radha Bhav'. We must not forget that for us Radhaji occupies the place of Krishna. What Sri Krishna is for hapless Sudama, our Mother, our Kishori, our Radhaji is exactly for the feeble Jeeva. She blesses Her presence with extreme love and graciousness.

Vrajvasi (the resident of Vraj) Phool Baba's life story is much like that of Sudama. He was Rasic devotee and loved Radhaji in Sakhibhav. His only pre-occupation and Sadhana is collecting different varieties of flowers around Vrindavan and preparing beautiful garlands for Banke Biharji. He hardly had any wherewithal to buy these flowers everyday. House holders used to scold him and sometimes even beat him for thieving flowers from their gardens. Bearing all such difficulties he used to prepare garlands for the Lord with unflinching devotional feeling. The story of renowned devotee of Vrindavan-Sri Phool Baba is very sacred and represents spotless devotion on the Lord.

One day overwhelmed with an intense feeling of separation, he was talking to Banke Biharji Idol.

"For you, I have waited for long. I am living only for your darshan. How long do you trouble me? I have stopped even taking food as the pain of your separation is unbearable. Only one thing left for me now. That is death".

As he was talking this way, he heard a voice from Banke Bihariji.

I don't look at obstinate persons.


As the voice stopped, the idol raised its hand and pointed towards North. To the North of Bihariji, Radhaji's Barsana Temple is situated.

Phool Baba thought it was better to die at the footsteps of Radhaji's Barsana Temple. He reached Barsana and as he was going up he saw a beautiful small girl smiling at him affectionately at the last step. She held a plate containing a sweet pudding ( kheer ) in a silver bowl wearing the garland that he offered to Biharji in the morning. She said in a sweet voice

Phool Baba, why are you weeping? Did you forget me? Look, I wore the garland you have offered today. Come to me fearlessly.


The small girl outstretched Her tiny hands inviting Phool baba. Soon Baba filled with Radha Bhav uttered,

"Oh! The essence of Mercy, how long you have been showering your Grace upon orphans like me, Amma! At last you have accepted my garland with love, Amma". Weeping incessantly with Radha Bhav he fell at the Feet Sri Radhaji and left his physical body.

Weeping incessantly with Radha Bhav he fell at the Feet Sri Radhaji and left his physical body.

With his own effort or strength no Jeeva can ever ascend to Mother. We ought to have a firm faith and courage that one day our Chinnari, our Radhaji surely come to us. Hitaji graced a message to one and all for worshipping the Lotus Feet of Radhaji during 'Sadhana' and dedicate life to Her service. Let us do not forget the message at all. Take note of what the VEDA is preaching us in this context.
 

 

 
 
Yato vacho nivartante apraprya manasasah
----
 
 

Under any circumstance speech or mind of Jeeva cannot reach the Lord. Failed to access him, speech retreats along with mind.

 
 

 
 

 

 
 
Nayamatma pravachanena labhyaha
----
 
 

Any amount of chanting or recitation in His praise cannot take you to Him.

 
 

-Kathopanishad 

 

One day or the other Her Grace is the only way. The essence of Divine Love - Sri Radhaji's Grace alone will take us to the goal but not 'Sadhana of any intensity. Such words of Sri Hitaji are only echoing above Vedic instructions.
 

 

 
 
Sarvadharman parityajya
----
 
 

 
 

-The Gita 

 

The Lord had avowed to bless Moksha to the Jeeva who surrendered to Him. To reach Rasadham which is beyond Moksha the Grace of Sri Radhaji is the only way.

For the spiritual being there have been many types of prisons in this world. Jeeva's mind is encased and arrested and gradually gets narrowed down. The mean and narrow mind thinks, "My religion is the greatest, it is only the purest and most truthful of all. Whoever ignores my religion cannot reach higher state of mind. That tradition is bad, misleading." Thus some people spend entire life casting aspersions on other faiths and religions. In a town called Kanchi there are two places called Siva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi which follow different spiritual traditions in their worship. The followers of each tradition mark their respective religious symbols on their compound walls, whereas followers of one tradition detests even to look at the symbols of the other while passing by their houses. Almost every religious festival witnesses uneasiness and untoward incidents. Such a situation is not at all desirable. In the realms of spirituality there must not be any segmentation, divisiveness and narrow outlook. True spiritual vision is broad- based in its every aspect and never engenders animosities.

The jeeva's mind is filled with Avidya and always remains narrow. A narrow-being does not deserve to worship the infinite and all pervading Lord. God is beyond any name or form and the Jeeva who is in the state of Sadhana is enchained to Name and Form. The Geeta in a majestic Sloka said:
 

 

 
 
Bahunam janmanamante jnanavan mam prapadyate
Vasudevassarvamiti sa mahatma sudurlabha
----
 
 

 
 

-The Gita 

 

Whoever has strong faith that the Lord is all encompassing and all pervading is the real Mahatma. Such a Mahatma is very rare here in this world.

All rivers flow towards the sea. Similarly, whatever be the path and prayer of the Jeeva, it actually goes to or reaches the all-pervading Lord. In the view of the Lord the truly worthy and deserving Jeeva regards himself as, "I am not this earthly body. I am a vibrant being of Super consciousness. I am not at all attached to worldly pleasures." He is very dear to the Lord. In other words the principal qualities of such deserving Jeeva are 1. To view the world through detachment and through witness consciousness 2. To dedicate himself to the Lord having the attitude of self-surrender.

1. To view the world through detachment and through witness consciousness

2. To dedicate himself to the Lord having the attitude of self-surrender.

Now Radhaji is unfolding an extra-ordinary leela. It is taking place on the banks of 'Radha kund' at Vrindavan. An eye witness to this 'leela' is Sri Pramod Kumar Chatopadhyaya who is disciple of Sri Aurobindo.

'Prema bhaktha' Rehaman was the only son of Sri Mirja Saheb of Mathura. The boy's father hated Hindu religion. His age was about nine years and was studying in a convent. The boy didn't even hear the name of Hindu religion a half an hour before the commencement of his spiritual life. He didn't even know the name of famous Deity of Vrindavan - Sri Radhakrishna. Sri Radhaji attracted the boy at such moment. Very soon, the boy had reached a transcendental state in the world of Divine Love like Prahlada. Prahlada had a Guru, a tradition and Divine Instruction when he was in mother's womb itself. All Angels had profound love on him. Such favourable ambience was no where near Rehman. His only strength is 'he does know the Divine Name of Sri Radhaji-Syama. Sriji attracted this boy with great compassion and love. The haters of Hindu religion unleashed cruel treatment on the small boy. But without caring that treatment the boy embraced 'Syama Nam' day and night with heartful devotional love. 'Syama Nam' has become an incomparable protector and nourished his life. It had become his life itself.

Rehman and his uncle's son were studying in a school. One day while coming back from school he found the doors of a nearby Radhakrishna temple were open. Out of curiosity he peeped through it and saw beautifully decorated marble idols of Radha and Krishna. Soon, his attention fell on Radhaji's idol At that very moment something strongly attracted his mind. Immediately he asked the owner of the house, "who is this girl-idol? What is Her name? He affectionately replied, "Lala, She is our Goddess, we call Her Syama". Next moment the name 'Syama' was firmly implanted in his heart. To those people who do not aware that the name of Mother is Her direct and visible form, the behaviour of Rehman is declaring the truth irrefutably in thousand voices. Repeating the Divine Name, the boy was gently walking back to his house. Deeply enchanted by it the boy even forgot to wipe-out tears rolling from his eyes. He immersed in the chintan of Syamaji and was not even uttering a word. Watching the boy's strange behaviour his mother shouted 'Rehman, why do your repeat that Kafir name (kafirs are mean and low caste people in Islam). Muslims there believe that all Hindus are kafirs. Without talking to any one, the boy dedicated his mind to Syamaji. Meanwhile his cruel father arrived and shouted. "Badmash wherefrom did the Kafir's name infect you? Saying so, he slapped him on the face. He later had beaten his boy several times. Rehman neither wept even for a while nor paused the chanting a moment. The boy was not talking to any one. Sitting in a corner with eyes closed he was continuously chanting Syama...Syama.. Since that evening father had stopped him from going to school and gave him only small nicker to wear.

Next day father took him to a Mullah. Looking at Rehman he said, "an obstinate evil power seized your boy, with four whips it will run away". The Mullah started beating the boy and the father also joined him. In spite of long cruel beating they boy was not weeping, not even trying to escape and never parted with Divne Name. Vexed with him the father brought him back to house. He told his wife, "A strong evil-power seized Rehman. It is not relenting by any amount of whipping. Don't give him food any more. Remember, if you don't do so you will not be alive". Thus the father sternly warned his wife and left the house.

Boy Rehman sitting in the backyard appealed to Divine Mother,

"I don't stay here Shyama. Take me to you. I don't have any one here".

The boy wept for some time. This weeping arose out of 'Love'. Not at all due to physical torture unleashed on him. By that time Rehman didn't have food for six days. It appeared as if a strange power entered his body and nourishing him. His mother came to him and took him in her lap and wept. She said,

"What fate befallen on you Rehman? You are my only child and your father is a demon. I cannot live any more without feeding you my child. For your father's sake utter 'Allaho' 'Allaho' at least once. Am I not your mother? Listen to me at least once."

Thus the mother implored Rehman. For the first time the boy opened up and replied.

"Amma! What can I do? From within a sweet voice of a girl is being heard chanting 'Syama' 'Syama'. As I listen to it tears roll out from eyes. It is giving me great happiness.great happiness, Amma. Do not force me any more. I cannot remain in this house for long. This is my salutation to you."

While the boy was uttering so his mother became unconscious. Meanwhile Rehman had an intense impulse from within.

"This is not my house. This Mathura is not mine."

Such feeling settled in his mind. He started for Vrindavan. That was a cruel winter night. Severe coolness was clotting the blood. That night Rehman reached Vrindavan walking nearly 10 miles. He quietly sat on the bank of the Yamuna. He started saying, Syama.Syama. when will you take me to you?

At a nearby place a Bengali Sadhu who was a disciple of Sri Aurobindo-Sri Pramod Kumar Chatopadhyaya heard voice of Rehman. He was a yogi. Occasionally he used to visit Vrindavan for meditation. On hearing the chanting of Rehman he thought, "this is a bright moon-lit night, there seems to be a boy chanting Name. So yearnful, so devoted is the boy's chanting at this early hour. He is also weeping for Radhaji while chanting Syama..Syama.' Amazed Pramodji kept on watching the boy. Suddenly the Yogi saw a bright circular light in the sky. An unbelievable magnificent event ever witnessed by him had commenced. From the middle of the circle a bright small girl descended. In a sweet voice She told Rehman, "Syama has sent me to you."

Syama has sent me to you.


"Really...Really..."

Said, Rehman. His face lit with joy.

Syama sent this sweet pudding (Kheer). Have it my child.


After he took it She said,

Syama told me to tie this clothing around your head and ears. How do you feel now, my dear?


Asked the girl.

"Ever since you tied this cloth I have no coldness at all. Sister, who are you?"

asked Rehman.

I am always with Syamaji, my name is Champakalatha. I am one of the eight sakhis of Radhaji. What do you want, my child.


The Sakhi asked affectionately.

"How nice is my Syama. How great She is. I cannot live a moment without seeing Her. If She doesn't come I will jump into the river and die. When will you show me Syama? When will you.. ".

Rehman asked Her, replete with feeling of separation.

Don't weep my child. Don't weep.. Now, go to a nearby tank known as Radha Kund. I will come there tomorrow at this time.


Saying so, Champakalathaji disappeared.

Watching the incident from a distance Pramod Kumar Chatopadhyaya hurriedly came to Rehman and hugged him. "What a good fortune you had dear. I studied all standard spiritual texts. I had the Holy Mantra from Guru and have been continuing 'sadhana' for thirty long years. I didn't have such good fortune, till now. Pramodji wept for some time.

The following day as She promised Champakalathaji came to Radhakund. Rehman ran to Her anxiously and hugged Her and said,

"You are taking me to Syama, aren't you?"

Dear, I came for that only.


The Sakhi of Radhaji replied. That is all. Both are not visible. Villages searched for the boy in the nook and corner of the Kund. It is of no avail. Pramodji forthwith wrote his direct experience in an essay and gave it to the manger of Sriji Mandir at Vrindavan. He told the Manager, "This is a great essay. You may publish it in your magazine."

This 'Leela' clearly reveals what qualities a Jeeva should have, to deserve the Grace of the Lord. To ascertain the veracity of the value and significance of a philosophy, a direct 'Leela' is more dependable than scriptural averments, commentaries of great souls and rules enunciated by the Gurus. This Leela put before us gave us a Great Truth. 'Sadhaka's religion or his tradition or the Texts he has studied or even his adulthood cannot lead him to his goal'. It is only the Grace of the Lord. Wholly and solely by His Grace alone the Jeeva could reach His Abode. We have to note that there is no sadhana for the Grace.

In Barsana a poor Vrajvasi by name Narayan Bhattu used to live. Down the hill the steps leading to the temple of Sri Radhaji at the hill top used to be filled with sharp stones due to the visits of thousands of pilgrims every day. These sharp ones though appear to be small, troubling Vrajavasis very much as they do not use any foot-wear. Narayana also saw many children were pricked by these sharp stones as they go up to see the temple. Their misery melted the sensitive heart of Narayana. He started clearing these stones every morning before the temple is opened for devotees, with his 'anga vastra'(clothing to cover shoulder) to make the steps smooth and clean.

That was extreme winter season. One day Narayana was cleaning the steps in the early hours as usual. Unbearable cold wind was blowing across the place. He was sweeping the steps slowly while chanting Radhe..Radhe.. within his mind. Though he was not fed fully from the alms given by the villagers, his devotion towards service of Radhaji is unflinching. Shivering due to coldness but having tranquil mind within and firmly believing what he is doing is the direct service (pratyaksha seva) to Mother Radhaji, Narayana Bhatta used to bear the hostile winter days.

"Laadli, my child, you are so tender, you are so small girl, how can you bear this coldness Amma." He used feel this way and weep for Her as he does the service. This weeping is the real Tapas. This weeping has melted the tender heart of Radhaji. Despite the fact that he didn't have a penny in his pocket and was not fed by one square meal a day, he is weeping in Prem Bhav (devotional love) for Laadli. 'How Laadli could bear this extreme coldness', is the only worry he had in his mind. This feeling is an incomparable service of Mother. His life is proving with a loud voice that to serve Mother Jeeva need not possess money or material or any other instrument.

Sri Radhaji is the essence of extreme graciousness; She is witness to the minds of Jeevas all the time. Moments later, the Rasic devotee Narayana Bhatt had a strange and wonderful experience.

That day the severity of winter was still more acute as he was sweeping with his 'Anga vastra'. Despite such severe conditions, he did not forget Radha Nam. "This crude hard body is suffering so much with cold, then how unbearable it would have been for tender and sensitive Laadli." Thinking this way he was sweeping while sitting at one of the steps in the early hours. Meanwhile an amazing incident unfolded. A very soft, fragrant and valuable shawl came down and covered his shivering body. He doesn't know wherefrom it has come, but saw an extremely tender hands of a girl of eight or nine years. This wonderful even took place so fast that he could not understand anything immediately. But soon he started thinking, "Wherefrom this shawl- so fragrant, so valuable has come. How delicate were those tiny hands? Is it Amma? If it is Amma, I cannot live any more after giving Her so much trouble. I am only alive for Her happiness. In this world there is no Deity except Sri Radhaji whom I can serve. Though I don't have enough clothing, enough food and suffering from many privations, it is only the Chintan of Radhaji that is giving me absolute tranquility from within." Thinking so, Narayana went up to the temple to meet the manager.

"Sir, believe me. A small girl from heavenly-path had come and put this shawl around me." Listening to his words, the Manager entered the temple along with priest. The priest went into the Sanctum, but soon came out hurriedly to the Manager. " It is quite astonishing, Sir. The shawl I wore around Laadliji yesterday night is not seen now. The Sanctum locks were very much intact. Hearing these words, Narayana Bhattu, "Oh! My Laadli, this shawl ..with your tender hands. bearing all the coldness of winter" saying so Narayana Bhattu has wept inconsolably and collapsed. His tender and sensitive heart could not bear the trouble faced by Radhaji and within few moments he died there itself. We cannot imagine how sensitive the hearts of Rasic devotees are. For the pleasure of Lord they sacrifice any thing, tolerate any privation and treat their own life as a blade of grass. The Vraja purana says, that Radhaji fainted when She heard about the hardships faced by Vrajvasis. Kanhaiya then hurriedly came and sprinkled perfume water to awaken Her.

Due to the foregoing reasons it is amply clear that worship of Sri Radhaji's Lotus Feet - the embodiment of Rasa, the ocean of Mercy, is the most important principle.

 

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