Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

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His Divine Grace

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupada

Founder-Acarya of the

Hare Krishna Movement

 

 

 

 

 

 

While other forms of the Lord descended with various paraphernalia to deal with

the demoniac and irreligious influences of the time, Lord Sri Caitanya was

equipped with the most powerful weapon against irreligion, the Maha Mantra. The

chanting of the holy name of Lord Sri Krishna is the sublime and recommended

process in this age for the deliverance of all souls from the clutches of maya

(illusion) and irreligion Dharmaksetra das (05-12-03)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 4:7 "Whenever and wherever there is a decline

in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of

irreligion-at that time I descend Myself." In past ages Lord Krishna has

appeared in various forms. Over 5000 years ago He appeared as Himself in His

original form as Bhagavan, Sri Krishna. In this present age of Kali Yuga, He

appears in His most merciful form as Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. While other

forms of the Lord descended with various paraphernalia to deal with the demoniac

and irreligious influences of the time, Lord Sri Caitanya was equipped with the

most powerful weapon against irreligion, the Maha Mantra. The chanting of the

holy name of Lord Sri Krishna is the sublime and recommended process in this age

for the deliverance of all souls from the clutches of maya (illusion) and

irreligion

 

Lord Caitanya is Lord Krishna's devotional form and is mentioned in Srimad

Bhagavatam 11.5.29 "In this age of Kali, people who are endowed with sufficient

intelligence will worship the Lord, who is accompanied by His associates, by

performance of sankirtana-yajna", (chanting the Maha Mantra). Lord Sri Caitanya

Mahaprabhu is Lord Krishna's most merciful form who comes under the guise of a

devotee. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was setting the perfect example of the

"pure devotee of God", yet, He is God Himself! He is the devotional form of Lord

Sri Krishna. The purpose of Lord Caitanya's appearance was to spread the

sankirtan movement of chanting the holy names of the Lord to every town and

village worldwide as the main means of God realization for this present age of

Kali Yuga. He encouraged His followers to write books on Vaishnava sastra and to

defeat the present infection of mayavadi impersonalism that is present

everywhere and establish within the hearts of all, the practice of

bhakti (love and devotion) to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri

Krishna.

 

Whenever the Lord descends to earth to fulfill a particular mission, He is

accompanied by an entourage of His most exalted devotees who descend with Him

from the spiritual realm. They appear as parents, friends, relatives, etc. and

they are His liberated sincere devotees who have come to facilitate in the

advancement of His mission. God does not need help in any way, but just as His

pure devotees relish His association, so too does Lord Krishna relish in the

association of His pure devotees. Lord Caitanya's teachings are the same as Lord

Krishna's teachings in Bhagavad Gita. They are one and the same, but Lord

Caitanya's life is a practical example for all to follow. I stress the word

"follow" since it may be the incentive of some to try to imitate Lord Sri

Caitanya. That is not endorsed, or even possible. God cannot be imitated, but

His teachings can be followed and applied to cleanse the heart and advance in a

spiritual and Godly life. Lord Caitanya is God Himself showing the way

of how we can apply the message of Lord Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita to make

our lives perfect and complete.

CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU'S APPEARANCE

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Mayapur, India during an eclipsed moon on

the evening of February 18th, 1486. Caitanya's father was Jagannath Misra, a

poor Brahman and his mother was Sachi Devi. The people of the area were engaged

in bathing in the holy Bhagirathi, as was customary during such occassions. With

loud bursts of Haribol! Lord Sri Caitanya makes His appearance into this age

known as Kali Yuga

 

Lord Caitanya's appearance was foretold in sastra (scripture) and the

manifestation of His greatness was unfolding. Caitanya was a beautiful child

with a golden complexion. The ladies of Mayapur would come to see Him with

presents and they would call Him "Gaurahari" because of the golden color of His

complexion. Like golden sunshine He was radiant. His mother referred to Him as

"Nimai" because He was born near a Nim tree. People from all around the area

would come to visit Him every day.

 

He entered school in His fifth year and easily learned to speak Bengali in a

very brief time. Whenever the baby aitanya would cry continuously the neighbor

women and His mother would yell Haribol! At this sound He would immediatly stop.

There were always echos of "Haribol" within His home. Once a Brahmin came to His

house and was a guest for a short time. The Brahmin cooked some rice and during

the Brahmins offering prayers with meditation on Lord Sri Krishna, the small

Caitanya ate his rice. The Brahmin in turn, cooked more rice and while offering

prayers and meditating on Lord Krishna, the boy ate the Brahmin's rice again.

While everyone in the house was asleep the Brahmin cooked rice for the third

time and this time Caitanya showed His form as Lord Sri Krishna and blessed the

Brahmin guest. The Brahmin realizing that this boy was Lord Sri Krishna in

another form, became lost in extreme joy and ecstasy. His joy was extreme due to

the appearance of the Supreme Object of his worship,

Lord Sri Krishna Himself.

 

Once Caitanya was stolen by thieves who were out to plunder jewels and the boy

Caitanya was lured with sweet treats. Caitanya exercised His powers as illusory

energy and the thieves were made to go back towards His own house. The thieves

thought they were going the other way, but Caitanya had tricked them. Leaving

the boy at His own doorstep, with fear of being caught, they ran. At the age of

eight years old, He was instructed by Gangadas Pandit and within two years He

had become well prepared with a knowledge of Sanskrit grammar. His father

Jagannath Misra was a pandit himself and young Caitanya would study His father's

books. After Caitanya had reached His tenth year, His brother had accepted the

order of sannyasa and had left home. Not long after that incident His father

left this world and just as young Caitanya had consoled His mother when His

brother had left to take sannyasa, so too did He console her after His father's

departure.

 

During His teens, He was considered an expert scholar and His expertise in

Sanskrit and Nyaya philosophy was intimidating to the other pandits who would

avoid confronting Him in discussions. Caitanya would preach the principles of

Vaishnava Tradition and He was expert in debunking the speculative and

impersonal philosophies of some pandits. At the age of 16 Caitanya travelled to

Gaya with a following of His students and it was there that He took spiritual

initiation from Iswara Puri. Iswara was a Vaishnava sannyasi and his guru was

Madhavendra Puri. After His initiation He became an even more dedicated preacher

of the Vaishnava tradition and He was absorbed in the name and service to Lord

Sri Krishna.

 

His mission was to spread the glories of the holy names of Sri Sri Radha and

Krishna and thus spiritualize mankind with the chanting of these holy names. The

Vaishnava devotional creed of bhakti represents love and devotion to God, Lord

Krishna, on a personal level. Sri Caitanya was expert in defeating so called

scholars promoting an impersonal concept of the absolute without regard to

sastric revelation. The assertation of the Lord as the Supreme Personality of

Godhead was formost and the presentation of Krishna as chanted in kirtan

(congregational chanting of Hare Krishna) was a prime benediction that Caitanya

was bestowing upon all humanity at large.

 

At the house of Srivasa Pandit He would sing, dance, and chant the names of Lord

Krishna and express religious inspiration to all. Many sincere followers were in

attendance at these gatherings. Nityananda Prabhu had at this time completed a

tour of India and joined Caitanya and a host of other Vaishnava acharyas in the

goal of spiritualizing mankind with the highest transmission of the Vaishnava

devotional creed. Caitanya instructed His close associates Nityananda and

Haridas Thakur by saying "Go friends, go through the streets of the towns, meet

every man at his door and ask him to sing the name of Hari (Krishna) with a holy

life and you then come and report to Me every evening the result of your

preaching." On that order the two would go out and with the blessings of Sri

Caitanya many were converted to bhakti (love and devotion) to God. Even the two

sinful characters of Jagai and Madhai were inspired to give up their wrong ways

and change their hearts. Soon sankirtan parties (large

groups chanting God's name) flooded the streets to chant the names of Krishna.

 

All were surprised with the great power of Sri Caitanya. Envious smarta Brahmins

became jealous of Nimai Pandit's (Caitanya) success and complained to the Kazi.

The Kazi was a non-Hindu political enforcer at that time. The Kazi went to

Srivasa Pandit's house and broke a mridanga drum (drum used for loud

congregational chanting). The Kazi also ordered that unless Caitanya cease the

public display of amassing crowds to chant the name of God (Krishna), he would

be forced to apply Mohammedan law against Him and His followers. When word of

this threat reached Caitanya, He ordered the towns people to appear in the

evening, each carrying a torch. They did this and He organized them into 14

groups. They all marched, led by Nimai (Caitanya) to the house of the Kazi. At

the Kazi's house Caitanya engaged in a long conversation with the Kazi. He spoke

of the Vaishnava tradition and communicated into the heart of the Kazi His

Vaishnava influence by touching his body. The Kazi broke into tears and

admitted that he had felt a great spiritual presence and was deeply influenced

by Caitanya's message. The Kazi experienced a higher ecstasy that cleared all

doubts and gave him a religious conviction like never before. The Kazi joined

Caitanya's samkirtan party and he too took part in the mass congregational

chanting spreading in India. The great spiritual power of the Supreme Lord

astonished all as hundreds upon hundreds were converted and joined under the

banner of Vaishnava love of God. The names of Lord Krishna echoed in the

streets.

 

In His 24th year, Caitanya took the vow of sannyasa and upon renouncing material

ties, He embraced a greater wealth of the world of Lord Krishna and a life

exemplified as a perfect devotee of God. He radiated love for Sri Sri Radha and

Krishna. After His taking of the vows of sannyasa, He traveled to Santipur to

the house of Advaitacharya. Advaita invited many friends and admirers of

Caitanya and even brought Saci Devi to see her son. As a sannyasi, Sri Krishna

Caitanya wore only an outer covering. His head was shaved and he carried a danda

and a kamandalu. Upon seeing His mother Caitanya fell at her feet and exclaimed

"Mother! this body is yours and I must obey your orders. Permit me to go to

Vrindavan for My spiritual attainments." After a consultation with Advaita and

others present, she asked Him to reside in Jagannatha Puri, so that she could

obtain information from Him from time to time. This He agreed to.

 

After taking sannyasa He became known to many as "Krishna Caitanya". On His way

to Jagannath Puri He passed the Bhubaneswar temple and upon His arrival in Puri

He saw Lord Jagannath in the temple there. A very renouned pandit of that time

was Sarvabhauma. Saravabhauma was known as the most educated scholar of Vedanta

in the school of Sankaracharya at that time. Gopinath Misra introduced Caitanya

to Sarvabhauma. Sarvabhauma was informed that this was no ordinary pandit. After

a hot discussion with Gopinath, Sarvabhauma requested Caitanya to hear his

recitation of the Vedanta Sutras. This Caitanya listened to with great patience

and silence for seven days. At the end of the recitation, Sarvabhauma said

"Caitanya! I think You do not understand the Vedanta, as You do not say anything

after hearing my recitation and explanation." Caitanya replied that He

understood the sutras very well, but could not make out what Sankaracharya had

meant. Sarvabhauma was astonished and asked Caitanya to

explain. Caitanya in turn explained the sutras perfectly without regard to the

pantheistic commentary of Sankaracharya. With keen understanding and a vision

for the truth, harmony, and beauty of what Caitanya had explained, Sarvabhauma

was humbled. Sarvabhauma admitted that he had never heard such a clear manner of

commentary on the Vedanta Sutras. He made known that the commentaries of

Sankaracharya were not the natural and profound commentaries that Sri Caitanya

had given. Another thing that was clear to Sarvabhauma was that to not submit

himself to be a follower and devotee of Sri Krishna Caitanya would be the

greatest mistake. He did just that and became one of the greatest Vaishnava

devotees of the Lord at that time.

 

All of Orisa praised Sri Krishna Caitanya and his glories were spreading, just

as He was spreading the glories of Lord Sri Krishna through the congregational

chanting of His Holy Name "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare". Caitanya travelled to southern India

along with Krishnadas Brahmin. In Kurmaksetra He peformed a miracle by curing a

leper named Vasudev. He had conversations with many and many were converted to

the great mission of love of God and they became devotees of Lord Krishna and

supporters of Sri Krishna Caitanya in the advancment of His mission. Everywhere

the names of Sri Krishna were chanted with ecstatic joy. He performed another

miracle by touching the seven trees that Ramachandra , the son of Dasarath, had

shot arrows through and by His touch the trees disappeared. He stayed four

months at the home of Venkata Bhatta and the whole family was delivered from

Ramanuja Vaishnavaism into Krishna bhakti. The boy in

that family, named Gopal, later became one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan

under the leadership of Sri Krishna Caitanya. He had many discussions and even

many Mayavadis surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Wherever He

travelled His mercy was an endless ocean for all and He displayed miracles

everywhere to the amazement of all. His deep love and devotion to the Supreme

Lord Krishna and His perfect example of pure Vaishnava bhakti (love and

devotion) was contagious. On a trip with Balabhadra around India, Caitanya was

passing by the jungle, enroute to Puri. Balabhadra reported that Sri Caitanya

had shown a great many miracles during this trip, such as making tigers and

elephants dance after hearing the name of Krishna. Just as an iron rod is made

hot by association with fire, so too is love for the Supreme Lord made possible

by the proper contact and association with Vaishnava devotees. Rupa Goswami was

trained in spirituality by Caitanya and was given directions to

write theological books on the subject of pure bhakti and prema, devotional

service, and love of Godhead. Rupa Goswami's second mission was to revive the

places where the Lord Krishna Himself had at the end of Dvapara Yuga ( the

previous age) exhibited His lilas, or Pastimes that were for the benefit of the

all.

 

Throughout His life Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya preached the principles of pure

love of God to the masses. He would many times perform a miracle to attract

pandits, sannyasis, and the inquisitive to Him. He would fall at the lotus feet

of the Deity of Sri Sri Radha Krishna in ecstacy and weep with love and

devotion. By His association, He could touch the hearts of those around Him and

make them weep for His mercy to help their spiritual advancement. Lord Sri

Caitanya is Lord Krishna and Radharani combined in the form of the "Golden

Avatar". Sri Caitanya preached pure bhakti (love and devotion) for God. He

instilled into the heart great spiritual love for Krishna and inspired many to

give up sectarian connections. God is not sectarian, nor is His word, or

followers. The platform of pure bhakti (love and devotion to the Lord) is above

sectarian and other material "isms" and labels. Sri Caitanya defied caste

distinction and unified everyone in spiritual brotherhood and love of the

Supreme

Lord Krishna.

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spent the last 18 years of His appearance in this world

in Puri at the home of Kasi Misra. His disappearance in the 48th year was at the

time of sankirtan (congregational chanting of God's names) in the temple of Tota

Gopinath. He was surrounded by Vaishnavas with the purest character, learning

and firm spiritual love for Sri Krishna. All who came in contact with Him knew

Him as the all-beautiful God appearing in this world for the benefit of all

mankind. Humility was personified in Him. The six Goswamis of Vrindavan are His

eternal servitors who preached love on His behalf. He never lacked proper

instruction for those who approached Him and would always chastise those who

deviated from a holy life. He is still the way and light for those in this age

of Kali Yuga who wish to make their lives perfect and bask in the light of love

of God. In Lord Sri Caitanya's "Sikshastaka" verse 1, Caitanya says: "Glory to

the Sri Krishna Sankirtan which cleanses the heart of

all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional

life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana movement is the prime

benediciton for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction

moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of

transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we

are always anxious". (This ends my summary of the life and precepts of Lord Sri

Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabh)

KRISHNADAS KAVIRAJ

Krishnadas Kaviraj was a great writer who has given many details on Sri

Caitanya's life and teachings. Much of the information he gathered originated

from the six Goswamis of Vrindavan themselves. Jiva Goswami also left a valuable

work on the precepts of Sri Caitanya, called, Sad-sandarbha. The multivolume

presentation of Sri Caitanya Caritamrita is an emense biography of Sri Caitanya.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta's translation is recommended for all interested in advancing

in both knowledge and love of God. While my efforts were made here to convey

some understanding of Lord Caitanya, it is but a particle summary of those

precepts. It is clear that the vast appearance and teachings of Sri Caitanya go

beyond anything that I can transmit. I therefore urge a more complete study of

Sri Krishna Caitanya to fully reap the nectarian fruit of spiritual

consciousness that He radiates. I pay obeisances and express great gratitude to

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is by his mercy that the

mercy of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya is so available to all, around the world

outside of India. Srila Prabhupada's translations of Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri

Caitanya Caritamrita, Bhagavad Gita, Sri Isopanisad, Srila Rupa Goswami's

Bhaktamrita Sindu (Nectar of Devotion), and other great Vaishnava scriptures has

saved so many from the darkness of maya and impersonalism throughout the world.

I can not recommend enough that everyone who is interested in the subject of

spiritual life, read his books and apply them in their own life daily. He is

teaching purely the message of Lord Krishna and the benefit of hearing and

acting on Lord Krishna's instructions is an endless ocean of mercy for all

souls. CREDITS

Those interested in deeper study of Lord Sri Caitanya's life are urged to refer

to "The Teachings of Lord Caitanya" printed by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This

book is recommended as well as "Sri Caitanya Caritamrita", which is a

multivolume account of the precepts and pastimes of Lord Sri Caitanya, as

described by the great Gaudiya Vaishnava saint Krishnadas Kaviraja and

translated by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In this connection, I quote

Krishnadas Kaviraja as saying "By the mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu a dumb

man can recite perfect poetry, a lame man can cross over mountains, and a blind

man can see the stars." In presenting this particle account of the unlimited

greatness of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, I can attest to His mercy and

guidance in my life, and the mercy of His pure devotee, His Divine Grace A. C.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Haribol!

Written by Dharmaksetra das

Dharmaksetra das's web site is: www.geocities.com/radhakrishna108/

 

 

 

 

Send this story to a friend This story URL:

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There's No Need to Leave Home and Join the Temple...

“The brahmana Kurma begged Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, “My dear Lord, kindly show

me favor and let me go with You. I can no longer tolerate the waves of misery

caused by materialistic life.” It appears that he was materially very happy.

Now, being glorious, he wanted to leave all these material opulences. He wanted

to travel with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. According to the Vedic way of

civilization, one should leave his (Article by Srila Prabhupada)

 

THE GOLDEN AVATAR

Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared during an eclipse on the full moon night

of March in Mayapur India about 500 years ago. During eclipses in India it is

the custom of the people to go to the holy rivers and chant mantras to invoke

auspiciousness. (Article by Gauridasa Pandita dasa)

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts

The moon was eclipsed at the time of Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birth, and the people

of Nadia were then engaged, as was usual on such occasions, in bathing in the

Bhagirathi [Ganges] with loud cheers of Haribol! (Article by Srila Bhaktivinoda

Thakura)

 

Lord Chaitanya Defeats the Buddhists

Having made their plot, the Buddhists brought a plate of untouchable food before

Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and called it maha-prasada. When the contaminated

food was offered to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a very large bird appeared on the

spot, picked up the plate in its beak and flew away. Indeed, the untouchable

food fell upon the Buddhists, and the large bird dropped the plate on the head

of the chief Buddhist (Article by Stoka Krishna dasa)

 

The Cleansing of the Gundica Temple

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu washed and cleansed the Gundica temple with His devotees

and associates. In this way He made the temple as cool and bright as His own

heart, and thus He made the place befitting for Lord Sri Krsna to sit. (Article

by Srila Prabhupada)

 

During His Whole Life Lord Caitanya Induced People to Chant Hare Krishna

At His birth, in His childhood and in His early and later boyhood, as well as in

His youth, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, under different pleas, induced people to

chant the holy name of Hari [the Hare Krsna maha-mantra]. (Article by Daily

Devotions--Dravinaksa dasa)

Chant Hare Krishna and be Happy!