Kartik Parikrama, Vrindavan, 24 10 2024, Varaha Ghat, Lecture by H G Chaturatma prabhu – YouTube
In the lecture at Varaha Ghat, H G Chaturatma Prabhu emphasizes the importance of surrender in devotional service, explaining that while we may feel like controllers, we are ultimately under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Krishna). He discusses the pastimes of Lord Varaha, highlighting verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam where Lord Varaha saves the submerged Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. Chaturatma Prabhu elaborates on the misconceptions demons have about the incarnations of the Lord, emphasizing that understanding His transcendental nature is key to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
He recounts the story of the four sages who sought to see Lord Vishnu and were initially obstructed, illustrating the playful and sweet pastimes of the Lord. Chaturatma Prabhu draws parallels between the material world and the muck of the Garba ocean, encouraging devotees to seek shelter in Lord Varaha to elevate their consciousness. He also narrates how the deity of Lord Varaha became worshiped in Mathura, connecting this to the ongoing tradition of devotion.
Through engaging anecdotes and reflections on the divine nature of Krishna’s pastimes, H G Chaturatma Prabhu inspires attendees to deepen their understanding of devotion and surrender.
I remember hearing Srila Prabhupad discuss this subject of surrender on a few occasions. in one instance, he contrasted it from Krishna's instructions in the Bhagavad Gita where He demands surrender first and Lord Caitanya's sweet mood of being merciful to us even if we don't surrender. He highlighted that it was due to Lord Krishna accepting the compassionate mood of Srimati Radharani's..
Prabhupad would implore us often to take to Krishna Consciousness by asking this question "What is the difficulty?" because we just have to chant and dance and when we are tired, we take a little prasadam… This is indeed a blissful process as opposed to the rigid surrender that Krishna demands. Of course, we must surrender here also but just it's blissful, the chanting of the holy names of the Lord and it is by the mercy of Srimati Radharani on us.