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By HH Subhag Sw\u0101m\u012b<\/strong><\/p>\n \u0101r\u0101dhyo bhagav\u0101n vraje\u015ba-tanayas tad-dh\u0101ma v\u1e5bnd\u0101vana\u1e41<\/em><\/p>\n ramya ka\u015bcid up\u0101san\u0101 vraja-vadhu-varga-v\u012brya kalpita<\/em><\/p>\n \u015br\u012bmad-bh\u0101gavatam amala\u1e41 pur\u0101\u1e47a\u1e41 prem\u0101 pum-artho mah\u0101n<\/em><\/p>\n \u015br\u012b-caitanya mah\u0101prabhor matam ida\u1e41 tatradara\u1e25 na para\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n “It is the conclusive opinion of Lord Caitanya that the most worshipable form of the Lord is that of \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, the son of Nanda Mah\u0101r\u0101ja. V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma is the topmost worshipable abode. The highest and most pleasing type of worship of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is done by the vraja<\/em> gop\u012bs<\/em>. \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> is the spotless authority on everything. And k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-prema<\/em> is the fifth and highest goal of life” [Caitanya-matta-ma\u00f1ju\u1e63\u0101<\/em> commentary on \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> by \u015ar\u012bla Vi\u015bvan\u0101tha Cakravart\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura].<\/p>\n One who stays in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma can make tremendous progress in his spiritual life. V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma is non-different from the spiritual realm of Goloka V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma is not different from K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Himself. This is what we understand from \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da and the previous \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em>. Lord Brahm\u0101 gives a description of Goloka V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana as follows:<\/p>\n cint\u0101ma\u1e47i-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-v\u1e5bk\u1e63a-<\/em><\/p>\n lak\u1e63\u0101v\u1e5bte\u1e63u surabhir abhip\u0101layantam<\/em><\/p>\n lak\u1e63m\u012b-sahasra-\u015bata-sambhrama-sevyam\u0101na\u1e41 <\/em><\/p>\n govindam \u0101di-puru\u1e63a\u1e41 tam aha\u1e41 bhaj\u0101mi<\/em><\/p>\n “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lak\u1e63m\u012bs<\/em> or gop\u012bs<\/em>.”<\/p>\n V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana is divine and the residents of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, the Vrajavas\u012bs, are also divine. Their love for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is unparalleled. In V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the central point of all the activities. The Vrajavas\u012bs are always absorbed in the thoughts of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Everybody in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana’s rivers, air, trees, stone, birds, animals, Nanda Mah\u0101r\u0101ja, Mother Yasoda, cowheard boys, gop\u012bs<\/em>, Govardhana, everybody in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana is looking towards K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, with a strong desire in their hearts which is ‘how can I please K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a?’ This is the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana mood. <\/p>\n By cultivating this mood, a service mood, where K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the centre of all our activities, any place, although being in this material world, can be transformed into V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. <\/p>\n There are twelve main ‘vanas<\/em>‘ (forests) and several other \u2018upavanas<\/em>‘ (sub-forests) in this land of Vraja. These forests have been highly glorified in various Pur\u0101\u1e47as<\/em>. Devotees who visit these forests can attain to the supreme abode of Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Seven of these primary forests lie on the western side of the Yamun\u0101. These are Madhuvana, T\u0101lavana, Kumudavana, Bahul\u0101vana, K\u0101myavana, Khadiravana and V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. The five on the eastern side of the Yamun\u0101 are Bhadravana, Bh\u0101\u1e47\u1e0d\u012bravana, Bilvavana, Lohavana and Mah\u0101vana. These twelve forests are \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s most confidential playgrounds. Out of these forests, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana is extremely dear to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. It is the forest of the Tulas\u012b plant. Tulas\u012b-dev\u012b is an expansion of \u015ar\u012bmati V\u1e5bnd\u0101-dev\u012b. V\u1e5bnd\u0101van is named after \u015ar\u012bmati V\u1e5bnd\u0101-dev\u012b. V\u1e5bnd\u0101-dev\u012b is the most exalted devotee of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. She organizes all the transcendental pastimes between \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Without the mercy of V\u1e5bnd\u0101-dev\u012b, it is not possible to enter into the pastimes of \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. <\/p>\n This land of Vraja is etched with the marks of Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s footprints. It is highly worshipable, even from a tiny grain of dust to the beautiful vines and trees growing here, as well as the birds and animals living in Vraja Dh\u0101ma. We need to pay our most humble obeisances with love and devotion to \u015ar\u012b V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma. <\/p>\n Can we visit this V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana by buying a ticket? We may see V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana to be just like some ordinary village. So, how to qualify to see this V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana? Our \u0101c\u0101ryas are showing us the way:<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Narottama d\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura sings,<\/p>\n vi\u1e63aya ch\u0101riy\u0101 kabe \u015buddha ha\u2018be mana<\/em><\/p>\n kabe h\u0101ma herabo \u015br\u012b-b\u1e5bnd\u0101bana<\/em><\/p>\n “When the mind is completely purified, being freed from material anxieties and desires, then I shall be able to understand V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and the conjugal love of R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and then my spiritual life will be successful.”<\/p>\n If we can give up sense gratification and clean our hearts, ‘ceto-darpa\u1e47a-m\u0101rjana\u1e41<\/em>‘ by rendering devotional service to the Lord, by chanting His transcendental names and by following in the footsteps of our previous \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em>, then only we will be able to realise this V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. Material world, is a world of ‘vi\u1e63aya<\/em>‘ (sense objects), it is a plane of sense gratification. We need to give it up; then can we come up to the spiritual plane, a plane which is free from enviousness, where everyone is trying to please K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. We must sincerely endeavour to purify our consciousness in order to unlock the huge storehouse of love, hidden in the core of our hearts; only then can we actually begin relishing the transcendental pastimes of Vrajendra-nandana K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in Vraja. <\/p>\n Lord Brahm\u0101 prays,<\/p>\n prem\u0101\u00f1jana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena santa\u1e25 sadaiva h\u1e5bdaye\u1e63u vilokayanti<\/em><\/p>\n ya\u1e41 \u015by\u0101masundaram acintya-gu\u1e47a-svar\u016bpa\u1e41 govindam \u0101di-puru\u1e63a\u1e41 tam aha\u1e41 bhaj\u0101mi<\/em><\/p>\n “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is \u015ay\u0101masundara, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Himself with inconceivable innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love” (Brahma-sa\u1e41hit\u0101<\/em> 5.38).<\/p>\n K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s pure devotees can see K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a with their eyes anointed with a tinge of love. Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says in the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101, ‘bhakty\u0101 m\u0101m abhij\u0101n\u0101ti<\/em>‘ (BG 18.55), ‘one can know Me in truth, only by pure, unmotivated devotional service.’ K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is known as ‘ajita’ <\/em>(unconquerable) but even K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a can be conquered, that is possible only through pure loving devotional service. <\/p>\n There is one devotee of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a who excels every other devotee in her devotional service. She is \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b; the eternal consort of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. As energy cannot be separated from the energetic, in the same way R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are inseparable. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s internal pleasure potency. The word ‘R\u0101dh\u0101’ originates from the Sanskrit <\/em>word ‘\u0100r\u0101dhana<\/em>‘. ‘\u0100r\u0101dhana<\/em>‘ means worship & service with love. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b serves K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in such a nice way that no one can excel R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b in her service to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is embodiment of devotional service. And ‘r\u0101\u1e47\u012b’ means the Queen. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is V\u1e5bnd\u0101vane\u015bvar\u012b, the Queen of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b has a very soft heart. Whatever service we do, we offer it to Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a through the ‘guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>‘, which in turn reaches K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a through \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. If She sees some nice devotee, She at once recommends him to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, saying, “Look K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, here is a very nice devotee, performing very nice, humble service. I am unable to do such nice service. Kindly accept his service”. And K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a cannot deny Her request. But on the other hand she is also very strict. She doesn’t let the non-devotees and offenders to stay in the dh\u0101ma<\/em>. The devotees in ‘Vraja’ try to humbly glorify \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. One who receives Her mercy can advance wonderfully in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness. <\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “Just like R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. She thinks always Herself as the lowest of the devotees. She thinks always, She sees always that the gop\u012bs<\/em>, other gop\u012bs<\/em> are better qualified to serve K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and that She is not qualified, not so much qualified. Therefore, in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, you’ll find the devotees approach R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b, “Jaya R\u0101dhe,” because if R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b advocates for him to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, it is very easily accepted. And R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b says… If R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b’s pleased, then She represents the devotee’s case that “Here is a devotee. He’s better than Me. Kindly accept his service, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.” So, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a cannot deny. So, mah\u0101-bh\u0101va<\/em>. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is mah\u0101-bh\u0101va.”(\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da lecture on The Nectar of Devotion, 23 Oct. 1972, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana)<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, who is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a himself, advented with this mood of \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b always feels intense pangs of separation for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Even K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a himself cannot understand the attitude of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b; therefore He took Her position and appeared as \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, just to understand Her transcendental feelings. The mah\u0101-bh\u0101va, which is the mood of the highest transcendental ecstasies, is especially prerogative of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and of the one who played the part of R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b, although He’s K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. Mah\u0101prabhu taught us this mood of separation for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. It is the highest perfection of devotional life. The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, the direct disciples of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu exhibited the feelings of gop\u012bs<\/em> love for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da said that we are the followers of \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b. Our ultimate goal is to develop this mood of separation as exhibited by \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu and as taught by the six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. Attaining this spontaneous love for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the highest perfection of life.<\/p>\n The Mood of the Six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs<\/strong><\/p>\n The six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana are the direct disciples of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. Taking instructions from \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, they rediscovered V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and wrote huge amount of transcendental literature to spread his teachings for the benefit of the whole world. They very scrutinizingly studied all the Vedic scriptures in order to establish the cult of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu on the authorized principles of Vedic knowledge. Their books acted as the foundation of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy. <\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Narottama d\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura desires for the day when he will be able to qualify to understand their literature. He is teaching us. He prays,<\/p>\n r\u016bpa-raghun\u0101tha-pade hoibe \u0101kuti kabe h\u0101ma bujhabo se jugala-p\u012briti<\/em><\/p>\n “When shall I be very much eager to study the books left by the six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, headed by \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b and \u015ar\u012bla Raghun\u0101tha d\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b. By their instruction, I shall be able to properly understand the loving affairs of R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a.”<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “Do not try to understand R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a with these blunt eyes and senses; try to understand through the instruction of \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b, \u015ar\u012bla San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b” (SP lecture on The Nectar of Devotion, Oct. 18, 1972, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana).<\/p>\n The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs are the eternal associates of the Lord. Internally, the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs were always immersed in the ecstatic ocean of the gop\u012bs <\/em>love for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a which they elaborated in their books. \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bniv\u0101sa \u0100c\u0101rya, an \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em> of the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas, beautifully explains their mood in his composition \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b \u1e62ad Gosv\u0101m\u012b A\u1e63\u1e6dakam as follows,<\/p>\n he r\u0101dhe vraja-dev\u012bke ca lalite he nanda-s\u016bno ku\u1e6da\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n \u015br\u012b-govardhana-kalpa-padapa-tale kalind\u012b-v\u0101ne kuta\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n “The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs kept calling out very loudly everywhere in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, shouting, “O Queen of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana! O Lalit\u0101! O son of Nanda Mah\u0101r\u0101ja! Where are You all now? Are You just on the hill of Govardhana, or are You under the trees on the bank of the Yamun\u0101? Where are You?”<\/p>\n The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs were absorbed with the gop\u012bs<\/em> mood of separation for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. But the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs; they were the \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em>s. For the benefit of the neophytes, they discussed elaborately, all the progressive steps in devotional life, beginning from the practicing stage to the advanced stages of spontaneous Bhakti<\/em>. \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b specifically discussed all the fine details of devotional life in his book ‘Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu’<\/em>, for the benefit of the aspiring devotees. \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b explains that the first step in devotional life is of ‘s\u0101dhana-bhakti’,<\/em> wherein an aspiring devotee practices to employ both his mind and the senses in practical devotional service. He says that one should always try to mold the activities of his life in such a way that he is able to constantly remember K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and anyone who tries to fix his mind on K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a will very rapidly make progress in successfully reviving his original K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness. This is practical K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da says that the persons engaged in the K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness movement may take advantage of this great literature and be very solidly situated in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness.<\/p>\n All of these principles as explained by the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs were based on the authorized teachings of the scriptures. \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b writes in his book Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu<\/em>,<\/p>\n \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti-pur\u0101\u1e47\u0101di-<\/em><\/p>\n pa\u00f1car\u0101triki-vidhi\u1e41 vin\u0101<\/em><\/p>\n aikantiki harer bhaktir<\/em><\/p>\n utpatayaiva kalpate<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDevotional service of the Lord that ignores the authorized Vedic literatures like the Upani\u1e63ads, Pur\u0101\u1e47as, N\u0101rada Pa\u00f1car\u0101tra, etc., is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society\u201d (Brs. 1.2.101).<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, \u201c\u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b has given us so many books, especially Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu<\/em>, which we have translated into English as Nectar of Devotion, to understand the science of devotional service. This is the greatest contribution of \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b = how to become a devotee. How to become a devotee. It is not sentiment; it is science. This K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness movement is a great science.\u201d (\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da Lecture on \u015ar\u012b Caitanya-carit\u0101m\u1e5bta, \u0100di-l\u012bl\u0101 1.4, March 28, 1975, M\u0101y\u0101pur).<\/p>\n The six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana were the ideal followers of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. The way the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs spent their lives in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana was exemplary. These Gosv\u0101m\u012bs in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, they were engaged almost twenty-four hours daily in rendering service to the Lord. They were ‘aniketa<\/em>‘; they had no particular place of residence. The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs spent each day under a different tree. They usually slept an hour and a half; and on some days, when they continuously chanted Lord\u2019s holy names, they didn’t sleep at all. After a whole day of service, they used to eat very little. R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b took one or two chapatis<\/em> (an unleavened flatbread) with a little channa<\/em> (chickpeas); no salt, no spice, no sabj\u012b<\/em> (a vegetable preparation), nothing. San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b used to eat few dry chapatis<\/em> with some salt and Raghun\u0101tha d\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b simply drank some buttermilk in a leaf cup once in the evening. Over and above, the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs were also very popular among the local people. They were always kind and merciful, free from any enviousness. They were equally dear to both the sober and the ruffians.<\/p>\n Renunciation is the basic principle sustaining the lives of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu\u2019s devotees. Seeing this renunciation, \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is extremely satisfied. The six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana had renounced completely their high-class material lives. R\u016bpa and San\u0101tana, both brothers, were earlier very high-ranking officials under the Nawab of Bengal. The Nawab relied on both of these brothers to administer whole of Bengal. R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b was the finance minister and San\u0101tana was the chief minister. R\u016bpa and San\u0101tana enjoyed a lot of power and associated with the top aristocratic class of Bengal. Also Raghun\u0101tha d\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b came from one of the richest families in Bengal. But they kicked out in a moment their luxurious lifestyles to enjoy the association of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu’s lotus feet. They not only wrote books, but chanted, danced, discussed K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-l\u012al\u0101 and remembered \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu\u2019s pastimes. Thus, they executed devotional service in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs were ‘paramaha\u1e41sa<\/em>‘, the most exalted among the Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas. ‘R\u0101ja-ham\u0301sah\u0323’ <\/em>is a swan which lives in the crystal clear waters of the M\u0101na-Sarovara Lake in Kailash. The nature of a r\u0101ja-ham\u0301sah\u0323<\/em> (swan) is such that, if he is given a mixture of milk and water, he separates the milk portion from it. In the same way, those who are paramaha\u1e41sa<\/em>, they can separate the spiritual essence from this material world. They are only concerned with the topics related to the Lord and to self-realisation. They see everything in this world only in relation to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and His service. And, on other hand, they reject the mundane aspect of this material world, the world of sense gratification with no relation to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. <\/p>\n We cannot imitate the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, but at least we can try to follow in their footsteps. They are eternal associates of the Lord. We need to learn from them. At least, we should first of all try to eat simple pras\u0101da<\/em>, rice, \u1e0d\u0101l<\/em> and sabj\u012b<\/em>. We must follow the principle of living a very simple life in terms of eating, sleeping and dressing, and then endeavour to develop this mood of separation from K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. <\/p>\n Sr\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “But simply by imitating his loincloth one does not become R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b. One has to follow the principles of R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b. Then he’s called r\u016bp\u0101nuga<\/em>. Unless you become r\u016bp\u0101nuga<\/em>, you cannot understand the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya philosophy” (SP lecture on The Nectar of Devotion, Oct. 18, 1972, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana).<\/p>\n Cultivating a Proper Mood While Chanting \u2018Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n The six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and also other Mah\u0101prabhu’s associates displayed an excellent character of utmost humility. One who is not humble and tolerant, he cannot chant the names of the Lord. Gradually, as our heart gets cleaned by feelingly chanting the names of the Lord, then, by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s blessings, all the secrets of devotional life are automatically revealed within our hearts.<\/p>\n Everything related to bhakti<\/em> is present within the ‘Mah\u0101mantra’. At the very beginning, a proper mood while chanting the Lord\u2019s names is of paramount importance. \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu said that at least we must think ourselves to be most fallen, wretched; and one must be more tolerant than a tree, giving up all sense of false ego, \u201cI am this; I am the top gun; I am the in-charge.\u201d We shouldn’t think like that. Then, giving all respect to others\u2212\u2212we shouldn’t be doing it just externally but at heart, and we should not expect that \u2018people will honor me\u2019\u2212\u2212then, having such a feeling, one should chant “Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Hare Hare; Hare R\u0101ma Hare R\u0101ma R\u0101ma R\u0101ma Hare Hare” with a prayerful mood in the heart that, \u201cO pleasure giving energy of the Lord! O K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a! You are all-attractive! You are the deliverer from the cycle of birth and death in this material existence of the 8 million 400 thousand species of life. You are the embodiment of topmost bliss and transcendental happiness. You are the supreme enjoyer. Please, please, please engage me in Your loving service and the service of a pure devotee, like Prabhup\u0101da, so that I don’t serve M\u0101y\u0101.\u201d <\/p>\n Birds are Singing \u2018K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a! R\u0101dhe, R\u0101dhe!\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Did you ever carefully notice the chirpings of the birds in Vraja? What do you hear? We may be hearing their chirping to be some ordinary sound, but those who are siddha<\/em>, spiritually inclined, and are on a higher platform, they hear something else. They hear these birds glorifying R\u0101dh\u0101r\u1ea1\u1e47\u012b and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, chanting ‘R\u0101dhe! R\u0101dhe!’, ‘K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a! K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a!\u2019 and in the same manner, the birds call out,’Gaura-Nit\u0101i!’ in \u015ar\u012b M\u0101y\u0101pur Dh\u0101ma. It is said in Vraja that when we call out \u2018R\u0101dhe! R\u0101dhe!\u2019, then K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a comes, and when we call out \u2018K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a! K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a!\u2019 then R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b comes. There’s a famous saying in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, “Just roam around V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and keep chanting Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s names and R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b’s names.” This bestows one with an eternal spiritual benefit. Prabhup\u0101da asked his disciples from the Western countries to simply come here and stay in India or V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, or some other dh\u0101ma,<\/em> to make rapid advancement in their spiritual lives. So, the devotees come here and roll on the ground in the transcendental dust of Vraja. The devotees chant, dance, and smear this dust of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana over their heads, and the dust of other devotees, and feel themselves to be spiritually enlivened.<\/p>\n Opening the Curtain of Yogam\u0101y\u0101<\/strong><\/p>\n K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a sometimes opens the curtain of his yogam\u0101y\u0101 <\/em>potency to let his devotees get a glimpse of the spiritual world, the eternal V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. The devotees are unable to believe it themselves what they sometimes experience. Whatever a devotee desires can at once be fulfilled. A devotee may desire some water, as he feels thirsty; then, at once, someone comes, “Please take this water.” “How did you know I needed water?” the devotee asks. \u201cNo, no. I didn’t know.\u201d the man replies. But the Param\u0101tm\u0101 inspired him from within. The Param\u0101tm\u0101 told him to give water. “How is this happening?” the devotee wonders. This is the symptom of the spiritual world. Because the devotee has had past piety, he got a glimpse of the spiritual world. Many devotees can share such experiences. The longer a devotees stays in devotional life, the greater will be his realisations.<\/p>\n We have all heard the sweet pastimes when K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b reciprocated with their pure devotees. Gop\u0101la, in the form of a cowherd boy in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, brought a pot of milk for M\u0101dhavendra Pur\u012b. And Gop\u012bn\u0101tha of Remuna, Orissa, stole a pot of sweet rice for M\u0101dhavendra Pur\u012b. We can remember how R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b approached \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b in the form of a small cowherd girl and delivered to him all the ingredients for preparing a feast, as he desired to feed his elder brother \u015ar\u012bla San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b. The Lord Himself presented a Govardhana-\u015b\u012bla<\/em> to \u015ar\u012bla San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b with His personal footprints, the print of His stick, flute, etc., to stop him from going for Govardhana-parikram\u0101<\/em> at an advanced age. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b personally came and stood nearby, covering Raghun\u0101tha d\u0101sa Gosv\u0101m\u012b from the hot sun, when he was absorbed in his bhajana<\/em>. They all are very elevated devotees. They incessantly served K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a keeps looking for a chance to serve His unmotivated devotees.<\/p>\n Early Days in ISKCON<\/strong><\/p>\n During the early days, life in ISKCON was quite a lot different. The devotees lived an austere life. In V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana too, at that time, the K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-Balar\u0101ma temple was under construction. V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana looked very different then. There were not many buildings around, almost nothing, except very few old buildings, which were also run-down, and a few shops which were concentrated around the well-known ‘Loi Bazaar’ area. The side towards our temple had no construction at all, except for a small tea thatch opposite our property. Not many people used to come to this side. ‘Nilgai<\/em>‘, the blue cows from K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s time, were still roaming around our temple area. They are very shy; if they see you, they’ll run away. One could also find some s\u0101dhus<\/em> living with the very bare necessities, wearing minimum clothing, unlike now in ISKCON, where we are getting all the nice facilities, nice dress, etc; of course, we carefully try to use all of these in the service of the Lord. I remember when I came to V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana back in 1974. I had been in a foreign country for a long time; and although I was told by \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da to go to India earlier, I was unable to come because of some reasons. After a few years, when Prabhup\u0101da had brought with him some foreign devotees, I came, in 1974. Devotees were austere. We were taking only rice and \u1e0d\u0101l<\/em> (a soup prepared from split pulses), \u1e0d\u0101l<\/em> with some reddish leaves three times a day, and nothing else.<\/p>\n Once, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da was having his morning walk along the Chatikara Road. At that time, there was hardly any traffic. Rarely a car came from Delhi; most of the time, some ‘tongawala<\/em>‘ with a horse-drawn cart plied on the road, ferrying people. Life at that time was very simple, reminiscent of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s old times. One of the devotees asked \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, “\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, this dust, is it different from the dust of other places outside V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana?\u201d Prabhup\u0101da replied, “This dust is non-different from the dust of the spiritual world.” We can understand this statement of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da’s, from the scriptures. Anything related to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s dh\u0101ma<\/em>, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s tree, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s dog, whatever there is here in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, are not ordinary. So, the devotees asked \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da to explain further. Prabhup\u0101da said, “This dust is cinmaya<\/em>; it is spiritual. You see this dust, it can fulfill all your desires.” <\/p>\n The trees and dust of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana are transcendental. They can fulfill all our desires. We can see this to be true in the case of the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs. The Gosv\u0101m\u012bs of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana used to spend each night under a different tree. As they changed their places of stay each day, by that time all of their previous desires, if any, were fulfilled, their transcendental desires in the loving service to the Lord. <\/p>\n Material vs Spiritual Plane <\/strong><\/p>\n There are two kinds of existence; one is of the material world and the other is of the spiritual world. And correspondingly, there are two planes of consciousness, material and spiritual planes of consciousness. A kani\u1e63\u1e6dha-adhik\u0101r\u012b<\/em>, or a new devotee, has his consciousness situated in the material plane. But an advanced devotee, the ‘mah\u0101tm\u0101s<\/em>, the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, although living in this material world, have their consciousness situated in the spiritual plane. Being spiritually situated under the influence of ‘the daivi\u1e41 prak\u1e5btim’<\/em>, as Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says in the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101<\/em>, they can witness the spiritual world. <\/p>\n There are symptoms for both of these devotees. How do you know that you are situated in the material plane? In this material world, where generally everyone is obsessed with the material plane of consciousness, a person tries to enjoy his senses and lord over this material nature; whereas, in the spiritual plane, a devotee tries to please the senses of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and tries to follows what his guru<\/em> says. <\/p>\n A devotee in the spiritual plane can have a glimpse of the spiritual world. Thinking of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a means you are associating with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Chanting K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s names means association with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a; and if your feelings for K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are very intense, then you can feel K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s presence everywhere near you. This is the spiritual plane. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da said that if you are absorbed in serving K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, twenty-four hours a day, then you can feel this K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a current, the presence of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, just as an electrician who can perceive the presence of an electric current flowing in a wire. <\/p>\n The material world means the three modes of material nature. One in the mode of passion and ignorance may be standing in front of the Deity but may not be thinking of R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a but something else. One may be very happy to stay in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>, but, \u201cSorry, sir. If you are not thinking of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, then you are not in the dh\u0101ma<\/em>. You are not in R\u0101dh\u0101-ku\u1e47\u1e0da, maybe some other ku\u1e47\u1e0da<\/em>.\u201d It depends upon your consciousness. It is the consciousness which matters the most for a serious devotee.<\/p>\n So, what does the spiritual world mean? Which mode? Lord \u015aiva is instructing Dev\u012b Sat\u012b:<\/p>\n sattva\u1e41 vi\u015buddha\u1e41 vasudeva-\u015babditam <\/em> (\u015arimad-Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> 4.3.23)<\/p>\n This is the mode of pure goodness. In the spiritual plane, one is completely free from lusty desires. K\u0101ma<\/em>, krodha<\/em>, lobha<\/em> lead us to hell. Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a instructs Arjuna to go beyond these three modes, \u201ctrai-gu\u1e47ya-vi\u1e63ay\u0101 ved\u0101 nistrai-gu\u1e47yo bhav\u0101rjuna<\/em>\u201d (Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101<\/em> 2.45). We must know the ‘tattva’<\/em>;then we need to ask ourselves, \u201cAm I becoming free from these three modes of material nature?\u201d At least try to come to the mode of goodness; that is the qualification of a Brahmin. Situated in the mode of goodness, you can experience a higher quality of \u0101nanda <\/em>(happiness). You all are getting up early in the morning and taking bath. Do you like it? This is the mode of goodness. Also, you chant and listen to harikath\u0101<\/em>. Does it cause you to feel very joyful? For performing real devotional service, one has to be at least brahminically qualified. One who is trying to become a pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava<\/em>, he will automatically develop all the brahminical qualities. And only one, who strictly follows the instructions of his spiritual master can become a pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava<\/em>.<\/p>\n There is a very nice, related pastime of \u015ar\u012bla Gauraki\u015bora d\u0101sa B\u0101b\u0101j\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja. B\u0101b\u0101j\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja was always absorbed in his bhajana<\/em> in Navadv\u012bp Dh\u0101ma. He was a true renunciant. Once, a new b\u0101b\u0101j\u012b<\/em> made a ku\u1e6dira (hut)<\/em> and tried to copy \u015ar\u012bla Gauraki\u015bora d\u0101sa B\u0101b\u0101j\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja. He showed himself to be fully absorbed in his bhajana<\/em>. Soon, he started getting a good number of audience bringing with them their offerings for his dar\u015bana<\/em>. Some devotees approached B\u0101b\u0101j\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja to ask him of the new Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Then B\u0101b\u0101j\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja revealed that they may be hearing from his mouth, ‘K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a! K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a!’, but from inside he is chanting, ‘\u1e6c\u0101k\u0101, \u1e6d\u0101k\u0101<\/em>‘, \u2018Money money\u2019. We all know what we desire from the core of our hearts. We must not cheat ourselves. Time will reveal everyone’s true identity. Soonenough, b\u0101b\u0101j\u012b<\/em> ‘s real identity got revealed before everybody.<\/p>\n Even though he was in the dh\u0101ma<\/em>, the pretending b\u0101b\u0101j\u012b’s<\/em> consciousness was stuck in the material plane, occupied with the thoughts of earning material profits.<\/p>\n It is the Consciousness which Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n Once, a devotee asked \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, “Prabhup\u0101da, what does, ‘man-man\u0101 bhava<\/em>‘, always think of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, means? Prabhup\u0101da, you also ask us to think of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a playing the flute, Ki\u015bora-Ki\u015bor\u012b, R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, all the time but we are not always able to think of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, Prabhup\u0101da; you know that.” \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da replied, “In the absolute plane, thinking about K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, which is the most confidential knowledge, and thinking about K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s service are one and the same. Are you not thinking of the ways to spread this movement as \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu said!\u201d. \u201cYes, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da” replied the devotee. “Yes, that is also as good. That’s alright.” assured Prabhup\u0101da. <\/p>\n So, if we are thinking of our services to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, thinking of the ways to improve and increase our services, then it’s the same as remembering K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s form. We are naturally unable to think of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a all the time; rather, our mind is disturbed to a larger extent by many other things. But if we are thinking of our services, like how to run and manage K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s temple or thinking about our preaching services, or else, if we are nicely engaged in any other service, like cooking for the Lord, cleaning the temple, etc., then these are the same as remembering K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. And if you are able to do it always, then it is as good as you being in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da went to America following the orders of his spiritual master, \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura, to spread the message of Lord \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da was absorbed a hundred percent in fulfilling the desire of his spiritual master. Actually, he was always in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “Just like my residence is in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana\u2014that is the place of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, when K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a advented Himself, He was there\u2014so, now I am in America, in your country, but that does not mean that I am out of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. Because if I think of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a always, so it is as good as I am in India, in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. I am as good as in New York, in this apartment. The consciousness is there. So, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness means you already live with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in that spiritual planet. Simply you have to wait for giving up this body” (\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da Lecture on Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101<\/em> 8.12\u201314, Oct. 26, 1966, New York).<\/p>\n It’s our choice whether we are keeping ourself absorbed in the Lord’s services or letting ourselves get affected by sense objects. These senses are very strong; they always pull one towards sense gratification. But if our s\u0101dhana<\/em> is good, especially the early morning chanting, then we can win this war–K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness versus M\u0101y\u0101, a war in which our mind is sometimes overpowered by M\u0101y\u0101 and at other times is absorbed in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s service. If our ‘bhajana-bala<\/em>‘, spiritual strength, is stronger, then we can fight M\u0101y\u0101.<\/p>\n There is a related pastime of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s. Once, one of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da’s disciples from the Melbourne temple wrote a letter to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, which goes like this, “In Melbourne, Prabhup\u0101da, as soon as we go outside the temple, so many things we see; M\u0101y\u0101 is so strong. I feel very difficult to always remember K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. It influences me so much.” \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da replied, “Look, if you are in the temple, there is no difference between the temple and Vaiku\u1e47\u1e6dha. The spiritual world is in the mode of pure goodness. Wherever the holy names of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are being sung twenty-four hours a day, that place is not in the material world. In Melbourne, in the temple, you have R\u0101dh\u0101-Gop\u012bn\u0101tha, Jagann\u0101tha, Baladeva, Subhadr\u0101 and Gaura-Nit\u0101i; some devotees are engaged in decorating the Lord; someone is performing \u0101rati<\/em>; someone is making a garland for the Lord; some are cooking for the Lord; twenty-four hours, everyone is engaged in serving K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a; continuous harin\u0101ma<\/em> sa\u1e45k\u012brtana<\/em> is going on; the temple is purified with incense; the atmosphere is in the mode of pure goodness. If you are absorbed in this consciousness, then you are pure and free from M\u0101y\u0101. “<\/p>\n Offenses in the Dh\u0101ma<\/strong><\/p>\n Practicing devotional life in a dh\u0101ma, like V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, gives a thousand times result; but if one does some offense and breaks the regulative principles in a dh\u0101ma, especially in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, then he gets a thousand times reaction. R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is V\u1e5bnd\u0101vane\u015bvar\u012b; She is the Queen of V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. She doesn’t let the non-devotees stay in the dh\u0101ma.<\/em><\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “We should be very much respectful to V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana Dh\u0101ma<\/em>; otherwise, we’ll be an offender, committing dh\u0101m\u0101par\u0101dha<\/em>. If we remain in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana we should know that we are living with K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a….The Dh\u0101ma<\/em> is also K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. If in the dh\u0101ma<\/em> we commit sinful activities, then we are, what it\u2019s called, committing suicide. It is a fact.” (\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da Lecture on The Nectar of Devotion, Oct. 31, 1972, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana).<\/p>\n There is a need to guard against the offenses committed in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>. Anyone living in a dh\u0101ma<\/em> is not an ordinary soul; they must be treated very very respectfully. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da said that there is a reason behind everything. There is also a reason behind the animals, the birds and the aquatics like the turtles living in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>. Actually, they are not ordinary animals or birds. They are the Lord’s devotees. But, possibly, due to some mistake of theirs, breaking of some prohibitive rules in their past life, they got such bodies. Monkeys, hogs, asses and some birds, like the sparrow, pigeon and dove, are very much sensually inclined. If someone living in a dh\u0101ma,<\/em> while practicing devotional life, also breaks the regulative principles, engages in illicit sex, then K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a arranges for them such a facility. We can see some birds drinking cara\u1e47\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em>. The trees, birds and animals hear harin\u0101ma in the dh\u0101ma <\/em>and eat the remnants of mah\u0101pras\u0101da<\/em>. Thus, they make spiritual progress.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da has said, “Those who are living in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and acting like monkeys, they’ll get a next life as a monkey to remain in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana; and then, in the next life, they will be liberated. In one life, all their sinful activities will be punished” (Room Conversation, Sep. 7, 1976, V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana).<\/p>\n Regarding the above statement, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da pointed out that we cannot bear to lose one lifetime in animal bodies. One must follow the instructions of his spiritual master and must try to go back to godhead Godhead in this lifetime.<\/p>\n Overnight, we cannot become \u015ar\u012bla Harid\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura. We will cheat ourselves. We must introspect. When we close our eyes, what comes spontaneously in the screen of our mind? It’s most probably sense objects. It’s better to consult with your spiritual master if you are looking forward to stay in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>. More important is the service given by the spiritual master. Regularly visit the holy dh\u0101ma<\/em>, like V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, M\u0101y\u0101pur, and Jagann\u0101tha Pur\u012b, to recharge your devotional life. Continue performing devotional service; and when you feel that your last time is approaching, then immediately shift to stay in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>.<\/p>\n In this connection I’ll narrate one funny story related to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da regarding dh\u0101ma v\u0101s<\/em> (residing in a dh\u0101ma<\/em>) and our real attachment. <\/p>\n Once, a big, heavy, black American devotee came to stay in ISKCON M\u0101y\u0101pur campus. He chose to stay near the cows in the go\u015bala. But whenever he was approached by the authorities for some service, he used to say that he was meditating on K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and replied in Bengali ‘Ami m\u0101lai bo\u1e63ichi’<\/em>, \u2018I am chanting my rounds.\u2019 The concerned authority got frustrated and had to inform about this problem to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da asked, “Is he punctual at the time of pras\u0101dam<\/em>?” The devotee in-charge replied, “Yes, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, very punctual.” Prabhup\u0101da then said, “Then tell him that as he is a very advanced devotee, he need not bother to come to the kitchen to take pras\u0101dam<\/em>; instead, you will bring the pras\u0101dam<\/em> to him. As he is relishing ‘nama-rasa’<\/em>, (the taste in the holy name), he must be above the bodily platform. So you take for him some pras\u0101dam<\/em> once in a day.” The devotee in-charge did as \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da said. But astonishingly, the American devotee became very restless and anxious for his pras\u0101dam<\/em> and couldn’t tolerate separation from it. Soon enough, he mended his ways and forgot his bhajana<\/em> mood. <\/p>\n Hence, in reality, our attachments clearly reflect our standing in spiritual life.<\/p>\n Sahajiy\u0101s are not Entertained<\/strong><\/p>\n ‘Sahaj’<\/em> means easy. One who takes everything to be very easy and cheap is called a sahajiy\u0101 . <\/em>Unfortunately, in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana, there is a group of so called pr\u0101k\u1e5bta-sahajiy\u0101s<\/em> who want to begin their devotional life directly by discussing R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s conjugal loving pastimes. But, in reality, these topics are meant only for the liberated souls. Without first reading anything of the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101<\/em>, that is, the first instruction of the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101<\/em>, ‘I am not this body’, and realising it, they endeavour to understand K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s intimate dealings with the gop\u012bs<\/em>. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da told that these sahajiy\u0101s<\/em>, they overnight want to imitate the Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, putting on gosv\u0101m\u012b <\/em>clothes, but factually they are not gosv\u0101m\u012b<\/em> but god\u0101sa<\/em> (servant of the senses). In reality, only the most elevated devotees, the mah\u0101jan’s like the four Kum\u0101ras, who are eternal brahmac\u0101r\u012bs<\/em>, can say something about Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s dealings with the gop\u012bs<\/em> and \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da condemned the sahajiy\u0101s’<\/em> breaking of the regulative principles in the name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a’s r\u0101sa-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>. We can see that whatever they had left behind at their homes, again they are associating with those things in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. Living in R\u0101dh\u0101-ku\u1e47\u1e0da has no meaning if a person\u2019s consciousness is entrapped in the bodily platform. It is very dangerous for a person on the sensual plane to stay in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana. There is every chance of a fall down. Prabhup\u0101da never recommended that. He did not allow his disciples to sit idle and talk big big words. We can see this from \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da’s personal example. After trying very very hard in India to spread the movement of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, Prabhup\u0101da, at an advanced age of seventy years, took up the mammoth task of spreading this divine message of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu in the western world. It is simply most amazing.<\/p>\n K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is called ‘Adhok\u1e63aja<\/em>‘. It means that K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is beyond sense perception. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a cannot be realised by the sensual activities which these people think of. First of all, one has to give up sense gratification. And this is possible only if one gets a higher taste by serving the Lord, by doing our s\u0101dhana<\/em> very nicely; then automatically one can have ‘vair\u0101gya’<\/em>, or renunciation.<\/p>\n \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu has said,<\/p>\n jihv\u0101ra l\u0101lase yei iti-uti dh\u0101ya<\/em><\/p>\n \u015bi\u015bnodara-par\u0101ya\u1e47a k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a n\u0101hi p\u0101ya<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOne who is subservient to the tongue and who thus goes here and there, devoted to the genitals and the belly, cannot attain K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u201d(Caitanya-carit\u0101m\u1e5bta,<\/em> Antya-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 6.227).<\/p>\n