CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The Sixty-One Explanations of the Ātmārāma Verse
The following summary of this chapter is given by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura in his Amṛta-pravāha-bhāṣya. According to Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī’s request, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained the well-known Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam verse beginning ātmārāmāś ca munayaḥ. He explained this verse in sixty-one different ways. He analyzed all the words and described each word with its different connotations. Adding the words ca and api, He described all the different meanings of the verse. He then concluded that different classes of transcendentalists (jñānīs, karmīs, yogīs) utilize this verse according to their own interpretation, but if they would give up this process and surrender to Kṛṣṇa, as indicated by the verse itself, they would be able to comprehend the real meaning of the verse. In this regard, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu narrated a story about how the great sage Nārada converted a hunter into a great Vaiṣṇava, and how this was appreciated by Nārada’s friend Parvata Muni. Sanātana Gosvāmī then offered a prayer to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained the glory of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. After this, the Lord gave Sanātana Gosvāmī a synopsis of Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, which Sanātana Gosvāmī later developed into the guiding principle of all Vaiṣṇavas.
Bengali
জগত্তমো জহারাব্যাত্ স চৈতন্যোদয়াচলঃ ॥ ১ ॥
Text
ārthāṁśūn yaḥ prakāśayan
jagat-tamo jahārāvyāt
sa caitanyodayācalaḥ
Synonyms
ātmārāma iti — beginning with the word ātmārāma; padya — verse; arkasya — of the sunlike; artha-aṁśūn — the shining rays of different meanings; yaḥ — who; prakāśayan — manifesting; jagat-tamaḥ — the darkness of the material world; jahāra — eradicated; avyāt — may protect; saḥ — He; caitanya-udaya-acalaḥ — Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu who is like the eastern horizon, where the sun rises.
Translation
All glories to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who acted as the eastern horizon where the sun of the ātmārāma verse rose. He manifested its rays in the form of different meanings and thus eradicated the darkness of the material world. May He protect the universe.
Bengali
জয়াদ্বৈতচন্দ্র জয় গৌরভক্তবৃন্দ ॥ ২ ॥
Text
jayādvaita-candra jaya gaura-bhakta-vṛnda
Synonyms
Translation
All glories to Lord Caitanya! All glories to Lord Nityānanda! All glories to Advaitacandra! And all glories to all the devotees of Lord Caitanya!
Bengali
পুনরপি কহে কিছু বিনয় করিয়া ॥ ৩ ॥
Text
punarapi kahe kichu vinaya kariyā
Synonyms
Translation
Thereafter, Sanātana Gosvāmī clasped the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and humbly submitted the following petition.
Bengali
এক শ্লোকে আঠার অর্থ কৈরাছ ব্যাখ্যানে ॥ ৪ ॥
Text
eka śloke āṭhāra artha kairācha vyākhyāne
Synonyms
Translation
Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “My Lord, I have heard that previously, at the home of Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, You explained the ātmārāma verse in eighteen different ways.
Bengali
কুর্বন্ত্যহৈতুকীং ভক্তিমিত্থম্ভূতগুণো হরিঃ ॥ ৫ ॥
Text
nirgranthā apy urukrame
kurvanty ahaitukīṁ bhaktim
ittham-bhūta-guṇo hariḥ
Synonyms
ātma-ārāmāḥ — persons who take pleasure in being transcendentally situated in the service of the Lord; ca — also; munayaḥ — great saintly persons who have completely rejected material aspirations, fruitive activities and so forth; nirgranthāḥ — without interest in any material desire; api — certainly; urukrame — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, whose activities are wonderful; kurvanti — do; ahaitukīm — causeless, or without material desires; bhaktim — devotional service; ittham-bhūta — so wonderful as to attract the attention of the self-satisfied; guṇaḥ — who has transcendental qualities; hariḥ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Translation
“ ‘Those who are self-satisfied and unattracted by external material desires are also attracted to the loving service of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, whose qualities are transcendental and whose activities are wonderful. Hari, the Personality of Godhead, is called Kṛṣṇa because He has such transcendentally attractive features.’
Purport
This is the famous ātmārāma verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.7.10).
Bengali
কৃপা করি’ কহ যদি, জুড়ায় শ্রবণ ॥’ ৬ ॥
Text
kṛpā kari’ kaha yadi, juḍāya śravaṇa’
Synonyms
Translation
“I have heard this wonderful story and am therefore very inquisitive to hear Your explanation again. If You would kindly repeat it, I would be very pleased to hear.”
Bengali
সার্বভৌম বাতুল তাহা সত্য করি’ মানে ॥ ৭ ॥
Text
sārvabhauma vātula tāhā satya kari’ māne
Synonyms
Translation
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “I am one madman, and Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya is another. Therefore he took My words to be the truth.
Bengali
তোমার সঙ্গ-বলে যদি কিছু হয় মনে ॥ ৮ ॥
Text
tomāra saṅga-bale yadi kichu haya mane
Synonyms
Translation
“I do not recall what I spoke in that connection, but if something comes to My mind due to association with you, I shall explain it.
Bengali
তোমা-সবার সঙ্গ-বলে যে কিছু প্রকাশে ॥ ৯ ॥
Text
tomā-sabāra saṅga-bale ye kichu prakāśe
Synonyms
Translation
“Generally by Myself I cannot give an explanation, but by the strength of your association something may manifest itself.
Bengali
পৃথক্ নানা অর্থ পদে করে ঝলমল ॥ ১০ ॥
Text
pṛthak nānā artha pade kare jhalamala
Synonyms
Translation
“There are eleven clear words in this verse, but when they are studied separately, various meanings glitter from each word.
Purport
The eleven separate words are (1) ātmārāmāḥ, (2) ca, (3) munayaḥ, (4) nirgranthāḥ, (5) api, (6) urukrame, (7) kurvanti, (8) ahaitukīm, (9) bhaktim, (10) ittham-bhūta-guṇaḥ, and (11) hariḥ. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu will explain the different connotations and imports of these words.
Bengali
বুদ্ধি, স্বভাব, — এই সাত অর্থ-প্রাপ্তি ॥ ১১ ॥
Text
buddhi, svabhāva, — ei sāta artha-prāpti
Synonyms
Translation
“The seven different meanings of the word ‘ātmā’ are the Absolute Truth, the body, the mind, endeavor, firmness, intelligence and nature.
Bengali
Text
prayatne ca” iti
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘The following are synonyms of the word “ātmā”: the body, mind, Absolute Truth, natural characteristics, firmness, intelligence and endeavor.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Viśva-prakāśa dictionary.
Bengali
আত্মারামগণের আগে করিব গণন ॥ ১৩ ॥
Text
ātmārāma-gaṇera āge kariba gaṇana
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmārāma’ refers to one who enjoys these seven items [the Absolute Truth, body, mind and so on]. Later, I shall enumerate the ātmārāmas.
Bengali
পৃথক্ পৃথক্ অর্থ পাছে করিব মিলন ॥ ১৪ ॥
Text
pṛthak pṛthak artha pāche kariba milana
Synonyms
Translation
“My dear Sanātana, first hear the meanings of the other words, beginning with the word ‘muni.’ I shall first explain their separate meanings, then combine them.
Bengali
তপস্বী, ব্রতী, যতি, আর ঋষি, মুনি ॥ ১৫ ॥
Text
tapasvī, vratī, yati, āra ṛṣi, muni
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘muni’ refers to one who is thoughtful, one who is grave or silent, an ascetic, one who keeps great vows, one in the renounced order and a saint. These are the different meanings of the word ‘muni.’
Bengali
বিধি-নিষেধ-বেদশাস্ত্র-জ্ঞানাদি-বিহীন ॥ ১৬ ॥
Text
vidhi-niṣedha-veda-śāstra-jñānādi-vihīna
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘nirgrantha’ refers to one who is liberated from the material knots of ignorance. It also refers to one who is devoid of all regulative principles enjoined in the Vedic literature. It also refers to one who does not have knowledge.
Bengali
ধনসঞ্চয়ী — নির্গ্রন্থ, আর যে নির্ধন ॥ ১৭ ॥
Text
dhana-sañcayī — nirgrantha, āra ye nirdhana
Synonyms
mūrkha — foolish, illiterate persons; nīca — lowborn; mleccha — unclean persons with no principles; ādi — and others; śāstra-rikta-gaṇa — persons devoid of all regulative principles stated in the śāstra; dhana-sañcayī — a capitalist (one who gathers wealth); nirgrantha — called nirgrantha; āra — also; ye — anyone who; nirdhana — without riches.
Translation
“ ‘Nirgrantha’ also refers to one who is illiterate, lowborn, misbehaved, unregulated and devoid of respect for the Vedic literature. The word also refers to one who is a capitalist and to one who has no riches.
Bengali
গ্রন্থো ধনেঽথ সন্দর্ভে বর্ণসংগ্রথনেঽপি চ ॥ ১৮ ॥
Text
nir nirmāṇa-niṣedhayoḥ
grantho dhane ’tha sandarbhe
varṇa-saṅgrathane ’pi ca
Synonyms
niḥ — the prefix niḥ; niścaye — in the sense of ascertainment; niḥ — the prefix niḥ; krama-arthe — in the sense of succession; niḥ — the prefix niḥ; nirmāṇa — in the sense of forming; niṣedhayoḥ — in the sense of forbidding; granthaḥ — the word grantha; dhane — in the sense of wealth; atha — also; sandarbhe — thesis; varṇa-saṅgrathane — in the sense of tying together words; api — also; ca — and.
Translation
“ ‘The prefix “niḥ” may be used for a sense of ascertainment, gradation, construction or forbidding. The word “grantha” means “riches,” “thesis” and “composition.”’
Purport
This is another quotation from the Viśva-prakāśa dictionary.
Bengali
‘ক্রম’-শব্দে কহে এই পাদবিক্ষেপণ ॥ ১৯ ॥
Text
‘krama’-śabde kahe ei pāda-vikṣepaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘urukrama’ refers to one whose krama [step] is great. The word ‘krama’ means ‘throwing the foot forward,’ that is, ‘stepping.’
Bengali
চরণ-চালনে কাঁপাইল ত্রিভুবন ॥ ২০ ॥
Text
caraṇa-cālane kāṅpāila tribhuvana
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Krama’ also means ‘power,’ ‘trembling,’ ‘a systematic method,’ ‘argument’ and ‘a forcible attack by stepping forward.’ Thus Vāmana caused the three worlds to tremble.
Purport
Uru means “very great,” and krama means “step.” When Lord Vāmanadeva was offered three steps of land, He expanded His three steps by covering the entire universe. In this way the three worlds trembled, and therefore Śrī Vāmanadeva, the incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu, is referred to as Urukrama.
Bengali
যঃ পার্থিবান্যপি কবির্বিমমে রজাংসি ।
চস্কম্ভ যঃ স্বরংহসাস্খলতা ত্রিপৃষ্ঠং
যস্মাত্রিসাম্যসদনাদুরুকম্পয়ানম্ ॥ ২১ ॥
Text
yaḥ pārthivāny api kavir vimame rajāṁsi
caskambha yaḥ sva-raṁhasāskhalatā tri-pṛṣṭhaṁ
yasmāt tri-sāmya-sadanād uru kampayānam
Synonyms
viṣṇoḥ — of Lord Viṣṇu; nu — certainly; vīrya-gaṇanām — a counting of the different potencies; katamaḥ — who; arhati — is able to do; iha — in this world; yaḥ — who; pārthivāni — of the element earth; api — although; kaviḥ — a learned person; vimame — has counted; rajāṁsi — the atoms; caskambha — captured; yaḥ — who; sva — His own; raṁhasā — by potency; askhalatā — without hindrances; tri-pṛṣṭham — the topmost planet (Satyaloka); yasmāt — from some cause; tri-sāmya — where there is equilibrium of the three guṇas; sadanāt — from the place (from the root of the material world); uru kampayānam — trembling greatly.
Translation
“ ‘Even if a learned man is able to count all the minute atoms in this material world, he still cannot count the potencies of Lord Viṣṇu. In the form of the Vāmana incarnation, Lord Viṣṇu, without hindrance, captured all the planets, extending from the root of the material world up to Satyaloka. Indeed, He caused every planetary system to tremble by the force of His steps.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.40). In the Ṛg Veda mantras (1.2.154.1), it is said:
yaḥ pārthivāni vimame rajāṁsi
yo ’skambhayad uttaraṁ sadha-sthaṁ
vicakramāṇas tredhorugāyaḥ
The meaning of this verse is practically identical to that of the verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam quoted above.
Bengali
মাধুর্যশক্ত্যে গোলোক, ঐশ্বর্যে পরব্যোম ॥ ২২ ॥
Text
mādhurya-śaktye goloka, aiśvarye paravyoma
Synonyms
Translation
“Through His all-pervasive feature, the Supreme Personality of Godhead has expanded the entire creation. He is holding and maintaining this creation by His extraordinary potency. By His conjugal potency, He maintains the planetary system known as Goloka Vṛndāvana. Through His six opulences, He maintains many Vaikuṇṭha planets.
Purport
In His gigantic form, Lord Kṛṣṇa has covered the creation. He holds all the planetary systems and maintains them by His inconceivable potencies. Similarly, He is maintaining His personal abode, Goloka Vṛndāvana, through His conjugal love, and He is maintaining the spiritual world containing the Vaikuṇṭha planets by His opulences.
Bengali
‘উরুক্রম’-শব্দের এই অর্থ নিরূপণ ॥ ২৩ ॥
Text
‘urukrama’-śabdera ei artha nirūpaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘urukrama’ indicates the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who, by His external potency, has perfectly created innumerable universes.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘These are the different meanings of the word “krama.” It is used in the sense of potency, systematic arrangement, step, moving or trembling.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Viśva-prakāśa dictionary. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is all-pervasive. Not only does He carry the three worlds by His inconceivable energy, but He maintains them also. He is also maintaining His spiritual planet, Goloka Vṛndāvana, by His conjugal love, and He is maintaining the Vaikuṇṭhalokas by His opulences. He maintains the material universes through His external energy. The material universes are perfectly situated because they are created by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণসুখনিমিত্ত ভজনে তাৎপর্য কহয় ॥ ২৫ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-sukha-nimitta bhajane tātparya kahaya
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘kurvanti’ means ‘they do something for others,’ since it is a form of the verb ‘to do’ indicating things done for others. It is used in connection with devotional service, which must be executed for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa. That is the purport of the word ‘kurvanti.’
Purport
In Sanskrit the verb “to do” has two forms, technically called parasmai-pada and ātmane-pada. When things are done for one’s personal satisfaction, the form is called ātmane-pada. In that case, the word “do” in English is kurvate in sanskrit. When things are done for others, the verb form changes to kurvanti. Thus Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu informed Sanātana Gosvāmī that in the ātmārāma verse the verb kurvanti means that things should be done only for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa. This is supported by the grammarian Pāṇini. The verb is formed as ātmane-pada when the work is to be done for one’s own benefit, and when it is done for others, it is called parasmai-pada. Thus the verb is formed according to whether something is done for one’s self-satisfaction or for another’s satisfaction.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘The terminations of the ātmane-pada are employed when the fruit of the action accrues to the agent of verbs having an indicatory ñ or a svarita accent.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Pāṇini’s sūtras (1.3.72).
Bengali
ভুক্তি, সিদ্ধি, মুক্তি — মুখ্য এই তিন প্রকারে ॥ ২৭ ॥
Text
bhukti, siddhi, mukti — mukhya ei tina prakāre
Synonyms
hetu-śabde — by the word hetu; kahe — it is said; bhukti — enjoying the result by oneself; ādi — and so on; vāñchā-antare — because of a different ambition; bhukti — enjoying the result of action; siddhi — the perfection of doing something; mukti — liberation; mukhya — chief; ei — these; tina prakāre — in three ways.
Translation
“The word ‘hetu’ [‘cause’] means that a thing is done for some motive. There can be three motives. One may act to enjoy the result personally, to achieve some material perfection, or to attain liberation.
Bengali
সিদ্ধি — অষ্টাদশ, মুক্তি — পঞ্চবিধাকার ॥ ২৮ ॥
Text
siddhi — aṣṭādaśa, mukti — pañca-vidhākāra
Synonyms
Translation
“First we take the word ‘bhukti’ [‘material enjoyment’], which is of unlimited variety. We may also take the word ‘siddhi’ [‘perfection’], which has eighteen varieties. Similarly, the word ‘mukti’ has five varieties.
Bengali
যাহা হৈতে বশ হয় শ্রীকৃষ্ণ কৌতুকী ॥ ২৯ ॥
Text
yāhā haite vaśa haya śrī-kṛṣṇa kautukī
Synonyms
Translation
“Causeless devotional service is unmotivated by sense enjoyment, perfection or liberation. When one is freed from all these contaminations, he can bring Lord Kṛṣṇa, who is very funny, under control.
Bengali
এক — ‘সাধন’, ‘প্রেমভক্তি’ — নব প্রকার ॥ ৩০ ॥
Text
eka — ‘sādhana’, ‘prema-bhakti’ — nava prakāra
Synonyms
Translation
“There are ten meanings for the word ‘bhakti’ [‘devotional service’]. One is sādhana-bhakti, execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles, and the other nine are varieties of prema-bhakti, ecstatic love of Godhead.
Purport
The nine varieties of prema-bhakti are rati, prema, sneha, māna, praṇaya, rāga, anurāga, bhāva and mahābhāva — attraction, love, affection, adverse feelings, intimacy, attachment, subattachment, ecstatic love and sublime ecstatic love. For the word sādhana-bhakti there is only one meaning, “the execution of devotional service according to regulative principles.”
Bengali
ভাবরূপা, মহাভাব-লক্ষণরূপা আর ॥ ৩১ ॥
Text
bhāva-rūpā, mahābhāva-lakṣaṇa-rūpā āra
Synonyms
Translation
“Next are explained the symptoms of love of Godhead, which can be divided into nine varieties, beginning with attraction and extending up to ecstatic love and finally up to the topmost ecstatic love [mahābhāva].
Bengali
দাস্য-ভক্তের রতি হয় ‘রাগ’-দশা-অন্ত ॥ ৩২ ॥
Text
dāsya-bhaktera rati haya ‘rāga’-daśā-anta
Synonyms
Translation
“The attraction to Kṛṣṇa of devotees on the platform of neutrality increases up to love of Godhead [prema], and the attraction of devotees on the platform of servitorship increases to spontaneous attachment [rāga].
Bengali
পিতৃ-মাতৃ-স্নেহ আদি ‘অনুরাগ’-অন্ত ॥ ৩৩ ॥
Text
pitṛ-mātṛ-sneha ādi ‘anurāga’-anta
Synonyms
Translation
“Devotees in Vṛndāvana who are friends of the Lord can increase their ecstatic love to the point of anurāga. Parental affectionate lovers, Kṛṣṇa’s father and mother, can increase their love of Godhead up to the end of anurāga.
Bengali
‘ভক্তি’-শব্দের এই সব অর্থের মহিমা ॥ ৩৪ ॥
Text
‘bhakti’-śabdera ei saba arthera mahimā
Synonyms
Translation
“The gopīs of Vṛndāvana who are attached to Kṛṣṇa in conjugal love can increase their ecstatic love up to the point of mahābhāva, the greatest ecstatic love. These are some of the glorious meanings of the word ‘bhakti.’
Bengali
‘ইত্থং’-শব্দের ভিন্ন অর্থ, ‘গুণ’-শব্দের আন ॥ ৩৫ ॥
Text
‘itthaṁ’-śabdera bhinna artha, ‘guṇa’-śabdera āna
Synonyms
Translation
“Please hear the meaning of the word ‘ittham-bhūta-guṇa,’ which is found in the ātmārāma verse. ‘Ittham-bhūta’ has different meanings, and ‘guṇa’ has other meanings.
Bengali
যাঁর আগে ব্রহ্মানন্দ তৃণপ্রায় হয় ॥ ৩৬ ॥
Text
yāṅra āge brahmānanda tṛṇa-prāya haya
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ittham-bhūta’ is transcendentally exalted because it means ‘full of transcendental bliss.’ Before this transcendental bliss, the bliss derived from merging into the existence of the Absolute [brahmānanda] becomes like a piece of straw in comparison.
Bengali
সুখানি গোষ্পদায়ন্তে ব্রাহ্মাণ্যপি জগদ্গুরো ॥ ৩৭ ॥
Text
viśuddhābdhi-sthitasya me
sukhāni goṣ-padāyante
brāhmāṇy api jagad-guro
Synonyms
tvat — Your; sākṣāt — meeting; karaṇa — such action; āhlāda — pleasure; viśuddha — spiritually purified; abdhi — ocean; sthitasya — being situated; me — by me; sukhāni — happiness; goṣ-padāyante — becomes like a small hole created by the hoof of a calf; brāhmāṇi — the pleasure derived from impersonal Brahman understanding; api — also; jagat-guro — O master of the universe.
Translation
“ ‘My dear Lord, O master of the universe, since I have directly seen You, my transcendental bliss has taken the shape of a great ocean. Being situated in that ocean, I now realize all other so-called happiness to be like the water contained in the hoofprint of a calf.’
Purport
This is a verse from the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (14.36).
Bengali
আপনার বলে করে সর্ব-বিস্মারণ ॥ ৩৮ ॥
Text
āpanāra bale kare sarva-vismāraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Lord Kṛṣṇa is so exalted that He is more attractive than anything else and more pleasing than anything else. He is the most sublime abode of bliss. By His own strength, He causes one to forget all other ecstasies.
Bengali
অলৌকিক শক্তি-গুণে কৃষ্ণকৃপায় বান্ধে ॥ ৩৯ ॥
Text
alaukika śakti-guṇe kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya bāndhe
Synonyms
bhukti — material enjoyment; mukti — liberation from material suffering; siddhi — the perfection of mystic yoga; sukha — the happiness derived from these things; chāḍaya — one gives up; yāra — of which; gandhe — simply by the slight fragrance; alaukika — uncommon, transcendental; śakti-guṇe — by the power and quality; kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya — by the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa; bāndhe — one becomes bound.
Translation
“Pure devotional service is so sublime that one can very easily forget the happiness derived from material enjoyment, material liberation and mystic or yogic perfection. Thus the devotee is bound by Kṛṣṇa’s mercy and His uncommon power and qualities.
Bengali
এই স্বভাব-গুণে, যাতে মাধুর্যের সার ॥ ৪০ ॥
Text
ei svabhāva-guṇe, yāte mādhuryera sāra
Synonyms
Translation
“When one is attracted to Kṛṣṇa on the transcendental platform, there is no longer any logical argument on the basis of revealed scripture, nor are there considerations of such conclusions. This is His transcendental quality that is the essence of all transcendental sweetness.
Bengali
সচ্চিদ্রূপ-গুণ সর্ব পূর্ণানন্দ ॥ ৪১ ॥
Text
sac-cid-rūpa-guṇa sarva pūrṇānanda
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘guṇa’ means ‘quality.’ The qualities of Kṛṣṇa are transcendentally situated and are unlimited in quantity. All of the spiritual qualities are full of transcendental bliss.
Bengali
ভক্তবাৎসল্য, আত্মপর্যন্ত বদান্যতা ॥ ৪২ ॥
Text
bhakta-vātsalya, ātma-paryanta vadānyatā
Synonyms
Translation
“Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities of opulence, sweetness and mercy are perfect and full. As far as Kṛṣṇa’s affectionate leaning toward His devotees is concerned, He is so magnanimous that He can give Himself to His devotees.
Bengali
কারো মন কোন গুণে করে আকর্ষণ ॥ ৪৩ ॥
Text
kāro mana kona guṇe kare ākarṣaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Kṛṣṇa has unlimited qualities. The devotees are attracted by His uncommon beauty, mellows and fragrance. Thus they are differently situated in the different transcendental mellows. Therefore Kṛṣṇa is called all-attractive.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“The minds of the four boy sages [Sanaka, Sanātana, Sanandana and Sanat-kumāra] were attracted to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa by the aroma of the tulasī that had been offered to the Lord.
Bengali
কিঞ্জল্কমিশ্রতুলসীমকরন্দবায়ুঃ ।
অন্তর্গতঃ স্ববিবরেণ চকার তেষাং
সংক্ষোভমক্ষরজুষামপি চিত্ততন্বোঃ ॥ ৪৫ ॥
Text
kiñjalka-miśra-tulasī-makaranda-vāyuḥ
antar-gataḥ sva-vivareṇa cakāra teṣāṁ
saṅkṣobham akṣara-juṣām api citta-tanvoḥ
Synonyms
tasya — of Him; aravinda-nayanasya — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose eyes are like the petals of a lotus; padaaravinda — of the lotus feet; kiñjalka — with saffron; miśra — mixed; tulasī — of tulasī leaves; makaranda — with the aroma; vāyuḥ — the air; antaḥ-gataḥ — entered; sva-vivareṇa — through the nostrils; cakāra — created; teṣām — of them; saṅkṣobham — strong agitation; akṣara-juṣām — of the impersonally self-realized (Kumāras); api — also; citta-tanvoḥ — of the mind and body.
Translation
“ ‘When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasī leaves and saffron from the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered through the nostrils into the hearts of those sages [the Kumāras], they experienced a change in both body and mind, even though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.’
Purport
This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.15.43). For an explanation, see Madhya-līlā 17.142.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
śukadevera — of Śukadeva Gosvāmī; mana — the mind; harila — carried away; līlā-śravaṇe — by hearing the pastimes of the Lord.
Translation
“Śukadeva’s mind was carried away by hearing the pastimes of the Lord.
Bengali
গৃহীতচেতা রাজর্ষে আখ্যানং যদধীতবান্ ॥ ৪৭ ॥
Text
uttamaḥśloka-līlayā
gṛhīta-cetā rājarṣe
ākhyānaṁ yad adhītavān
Synonyms
pariniṣṭhitaḥ — situated; api — although; nairguṇye — in the transcendental position, freed from the material modes of nature; uttamaḥ-śloka-līlayā — by the pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Uttamaḥśloka; gṛhīta-cetāḥ — the mind became fully taken over; rājā-ṛṣe — O great King; ākhyānam — the narration; yat — which; adhītavān — studied.
Translation
“[Śukadeva Gosvāmī addressed Parīkṣit Mahārāja:] ‘My dear King, although I was fully situated in the transcendental position, I was nonetheless attracted to the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore I studied Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from my father.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.1.9).
Bengali
প্যজিতরুচিরলীলাকৃষ্টসারস্তদীয়ম্ ।
ব্যতনুত কৃপয়া যস্তত্ত্বদীপং পুরাণং
তমখিলবৃজিনঘ্নং ব্যাস-সূনুং নতোঽস্মি ॥ ৪৮ ॥
Text
’py ajita-rucira-līlākṛṣṭa-sāras tadīyam
vyatanuta kṛpayā yas tattva-dīpaṁ purāṇaṁ
tam akhila-vṛjina-ghnaṁ vyāsa-sūnuṁ nato ’smi
Synonyms
sva-sukha-nirbhṛta-cetāḥ — whose mind was always fully absorbed in the happiness of self-realization; tat — by that; vyudasta-anya-bhāvaḥ — being freed from all other attractions; api — although; ajita-rucira-līlā — by the most attractive pastimes of Ajita, the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ākṛṣṭa — attracted; sāraḥ — whose heart; tadīyam — in relation to the Lord; vyatanuta — described and spread; kṛpayā — out of mercy; yaḥ — he who; tattva-dīpam — which is the light of the Absolute Truth; purāṇam — the supplementary Vedic literature Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam; tam — to him; akhila-vṛjina-ghnam — who can destroy all kinds of material misery; vyāsa-sūnum — Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyāsadeva; nataḥ asmi — I offer my respectful obeisances.
Translation
“ ‘I offer my respectful obeisances unto Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyāsadeva and the destroyer of all sinful reactions. Being full in self-realization and bliss, he had no material desire. Still, he was attracted by the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and out of compassion for the people he described the transcendental historical literature called Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. This is compared to the light of the Absolute Truth.’
Purport
This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (12.12.69).
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa attracts the minds of all the gopīs with His beautiful, transcendental bodily features.
Bengali
গণ্ডস্থলাধরসুধং হসিতাবলোকম্ ।
দত্তাভয়ঞ্চ ভুজদণ্ডযুগং বিলোক্য
বক্ষঃ শ্রিয়ৈকরমণঞ্চ ভবাম দাস্যঃ ॥ ৫০ ॥
Text
gaṇḍa-sthalādhara-sudhaṁ hasitāvalokam
dattābhayaṁ ca bhuja-daṇḍa-yugaṁ vilokya
vakṣaḥ śriyaika-ramaṇaṁ ca bhavāma dāsyaḥ
Synonyms
vīkṣya — seeing; alaka-āvṛta-mukham — face decorated with curling tresses of hair; tava — Your; kuṇḍala-śrī — beauty of earrings; gaṇḍa-sthala — falling on Your cheeks; adhara-sudham — and the nectar from Your lips; hasita-avalokam — Your smiling glance; datta-abhayam — which assure fearlessness; ca — and; bhuja-daṇḍa-yugam — the two arms; vilokya — by seeing; vakṣaḥ — chest; śriyā — by the beauty; eka-ramaṇam — chiefly producing conjugal attraction; ca — and; bhavāma — we have become; dāsyaḥ — Your maidservants.
Translation
“ ‘Dear Kṛṣṇa, we have simply surrendered ourselves as Your maidservants, for we have seen Your beautiful face decorated with tresses of hair, Your earrings falling upon Your cheeks, the nectar of Your lips, and the beauty of Your smile. Indeed, because we have also been embraced by Your arms, which give us courage, and seen Your chest, which is beautiful and broad, we have surrendered ourselves.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.29.39) was spoken by the gopīs when they arrived near Kṛṣṇa for the rāsa dance on a full-moon night. The attracted gopīs were awestruck, and they began to speak about how they came to Kṛṣṇa to enjoy the rāsa dance.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“The queens in Dvārakā, headed by Rukmiṇī, are also attracted to Kṛṣṇa simply by hearing about His transcendental beauty and qualities.
Bengali
নির্বিশ্য কর্ণবিবরৈর্হরতোঽঙ্গতাপম্ ।
রূপং দৃশাং দৃশিমতামখিলার্থলাভং
ত্বয্যচ্যুতাবিশতি চিত্তমপত্রপং মে ॥ ৫২ ॥
Text
nirviśya karṇa-vivarair harato ’ṅga-tāpam
rūpaṁ dṛśāṁ dṛśimatām akhilārtha-lābhaṁ
tvayy acyutāviśati cittam apatrapaṁ me
Synonyms
śrutvā — hearing; guṇān — the transcendental qualities; bhuvana-sundara — O most beautiful one in the whole creation; śṛṇvatām — of those hearing; te — Your; nirviśya — entering; karṇa-vivaraiḥ — by the holes of the ears; harataḥ aṅga-tāpam — decreasing all the miserable conditions of the body; rūpam — the beauty; dṛśām — of the eyes; dṛśi-matām — of those who can see; akhila-artha-lābham — the achievement of all kinds of gains; tvayi — unto You; acyuta — O infallible one; āviśati — enters; cittam — the consciousness; apatrapam — without shame; me — my.
Translation
“ ‘O most beautiful Kṛṣṇa, I have heard about Your transcendental qualities from others, and therefore all my bodily miseries are relieved. If someone sees Your transcendental beauty, his eyes have attained everything profitable in life. O infallible one, I have become shameless after hearing of Your qualities, and I have become attracted to You.’
Purport
This verse (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.52.37) was written by Rukmiṇīdevī in a letter to Kṛṣṇa inviting Him to kidnap her. Śukadeva Gosvāmī described this to Mahārāja Parīkṣit when the King asked him how Rukmiṇī had been kidnapped. Rukmiṇī had heard about Kṛṣṇa’s qualities from different people, and after she heard about them, she decided to accept Kṛṣṇa as her husband. Everything had been arranged for her marriage to Śiśupāla; therefore she wrote a letter to Kṛṣṇa, which she sent through a brāhmaṇa, and invited Him to kidnap her.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“Lord Kṛṣṇa even attracts the mind of the goddess of fortune simply by vibrating His transcendental flute.
Bengali
তবাঙ্ঘ্রিরেণুস্পরশাধিকারঃ ।
যদ্বাঞ্ছয়া শ্রীর্ললনাচরত্তপো
বিহায় কামান্ সুচিরং ধৃতব্রতা ॥ ৫৪ ॥
Text
tavāṅghri-reṇu-sparaśādhikāraḥ
yad-vāñchayā śrīr lalanācarat tapo
vihāya kāmān su-ciraṁ dhṛta-vratā
Synonyms
kasya — of what; anubhāvaḥ — a result; asya — of the serpent (Kāliya); na — not; deva — O Lord; vidmahe — we know; tava-aṅghri — of Your lotus feet; reṇu — of the dust; sparaśa — for touching; adhikāraḥ — qualification; yat — which; vāñchayā — by desiring; śrīḥ — the goddess of fortune; lalanā — the topmost woman; acarat — performed; tapaḥ — austerity; vihāya — giving up; kāmān — all desires; su-ciram — for a long time; dhṛta — a law upheld; vratā — as a vow.
Translation
“ ‘O Lord, we do not know how the serpent Kāliya attained such an opportunity to be touched by the dust of Your lotus feet. For this end, the goddess of fortune performed austerities for centuries, giving up all other desires and taking austere vows. Indeed, we do not know how this serpent Kāliya got such an opportunity.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.16.36) was spoken by the wives of the Kāliya serpent.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“Kṛṣṇa attracts not only the minds of the gopīs and the goddesses of fortune but the minds of all the young girls in the three worlds as well.
Bengali
সম্মোহিতার্যচরিতান্ন চলেত্রিলোক্যাম্ ।
ত্রৈলোক্যসৌভগমিদঞ্চ নিরীক্ষ্য রূপং
যদ্গোদ্বিজদ্রুমমৃগাঃ পুলকান্যবিভ্রন্ ॥ ৫৬ ॥
Text
sammohitārya-caritān na calet tri-lokyām
trailokya-saubhagam idaṁ ca nirīkṣya rūpaṁ
yad go-dvija-druma-mṛgāḥ pulakāny abibhran
Synonyms
kā strī — who is that woman; aṅga — O Kṛṣṇa; te — of You; kala-pada — by the rhythms; amṛta-veṇu-gīta — and sweet songs of Your flute; sammohitā — being captivated; ārya-caritāt — from the path of chastity according to Vedic civilization; na — not; calet — would wander; tri-lokyām — within the three worlds; trai-lokya-saubhagam — which is the fortune of the three worlds; idam — this; ca — and; nirīkṣya — by observing; rūpam — the beauty; yat — which; go — the cows; dvija — the birds; druma — the trees; mṛgāḥ — forest animals like the deer; pulakāni — transcendental jubilation; abibhran — manifested.
Translation
“ ‘My dear Lord Kṛṣṇa, where is that woman within the three worlds who would not be captivated by the rhythms of the sweet songs coming from Your wonderful flute? Who would not fall down from the path of chastity in this way? Your beauty is the most sublime within the three worlds. Upon seeing Your beauty, even cows, birds, animals and trees in the forest become stunned in jubilation.’
Purport
This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.29.40).
Bengali
দাস্য-সখ্যাদি-ভাবে পুরুষাদি গণ ॥ ৫৭ ॥
Text
dāsya-sakhyādi-bhāve puruṣādi gaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“The women of Vṛndāvana who are on the level of superior guardians are attracted to Lord Kṛṣṇa maternally. The men of Vṛndāvana are attracted as servants, friends and fathers.
Bengali
প্রেমে মত্ত করি’ আকর্ষয়ে কৃষ্ণগুণ ॥ ৫৮ ॥
Text
preme matta kari’ ākarṣaye kṛṣṇa-guṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“The qualities of Kṛṣṇa captivate and attract everything, living and nonliving. Even birds, animals and trees are attracted to Kṛṣṇa’s qualities.
Bengali
সর্ব অমঙ্গল হরে, প্রেম দিয়া হরে মন ॥ ৫৯ ॥
Text
sarva amaṅgala hare, prema diyā hare mana
Synonyms
Translation
“Although the word ‘hari’ has many different meanings, two of them are foremost. One meaning is that the Lord takes away all inauspicious things from His devotee, and the second meaning is that He attracts the mind by ecstatic love for God.
Bengali
চারিবিধ তাপ তার করে সংহরণ ॥ ৬০ ॥
Text
cāri-vidha tāpa tāra kare saṁharaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“When the devotee somehow or other always remembers the Supreme Personality of Godhead anywhere and everywhere, Lord Hari takes away life’s four miserable conditions.
Purport
The four miserable conditions are due to the four kinds of sinful activities, known as (1) pātaka, (2) uru-pātaka, (3) mahā-pātaka and (4) ati-pātaka — preliminary sin, very great sin, greater sin and topmost sin. However, Kṛṣṇa assures the devotee, ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ: “I will protect you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” The word sarva-pāpebhyaḥ indicates four kinds of sinful activities. As soon as the devotee surrenders unto Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, he is certainly relieved from all sinful activities and their results. The four basic sinful activities are summarized as illicit sex, intoxication, gambling and meat-eating.
Bengali
তথা মদ্বিষয়া ভক্তিরুদ্ধবৈনাংসি কৃত্স্নশঃ ॥ ৬১ ॥
Text
karoty edhāṁsi bhasma-sāt
tathā mad-viṣayā bhaktir
uddhavaināṁsi kṛtsnaśaḥ
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘As all fuel is burned to ashes by a full-fledged fire, all sinful activities are totally erased when one engages in devotional service to Me.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.14.19) was spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
শ্রবণাদ্যের ফল ‘প্রেমা’ করয়ে প্রকাশ ॥ ৬২ ॥
Text
śravaṇādyera phala ‘premā’ karaye prakāśa
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way, when all sinful activities are vanquished by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one gradually vanquishes all kinds of impediments on the path of devotional service, as well as the ignorance resulting from these impediments. After this, one totally manifests his original love of Godhead through devotional service in nine different ways — hearing, chanting and so forth.
Bengali
ঐছে কৃপালু কৃষ্ণ, ঐছে তাঁর গুণ ॥ ৬৩ ॥
Text
aiche kṛpālu kṛṣṇa, aiche tāṅra guṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“When the devotee is freed from all sinful material activities, Kṛṣṇa attracts his body, mind and senses to His service. Thus Kṛṣṇa is very merciful, and His transcendental qualities are very attractive.
Bengali
‘হরি’-শব্দের এই মুখ্য কহিলুঁ লক্ষণ ॥ ৬৪ ॥
Text
‘hari’-śabdera ei mukhya kahiluṅ lakṣaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“When one’s mind, senses and body are attracted to the transcendental qualities of Hari, one gives up the four principles of material success. Thus I have explained the chief meanings of the word ‘hari.’
Purport
The four principles of material success are (1) religious performance, (2) economic development, (3) sense gratification and (4) liberation, or merging into the impersonal effulgence of Brahman. These things do not interest the devotee.
Bengali
যেই অর্থ লাগাইয়ে, সেই অর্থ হয় ॥ ৬৫ ॥
Text
yei artha lāgāiye, sei artha haya
Synonyms
Translation
“When the conjunctions ‘ca’ [‘and’] and ‘api’ [‘although’] are added to this verse, the verse can assume whatever meaning one wants to give it.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ca’ can be explained in seven ways.
Bengali
যত্নান্তরে তথা পাদপূরণেঽপ্যবধারণে ॥ ৬৭ ॥
Text
’nyonyārthe ca samuccaye
yatnāntare tathā pāda-
pūraṇe ’py avadhāraṇe
Synonyms
ca — this word ca; anvācaye — in connecting one with another; samāhāre — in the sense of aggregation; anyonya-arthe — to help one another in the imports; ca — the word ca; samuccaye — in aggregate understanding; yatna-antare — in another effort; tathā — as well as; pāda-pūraṇe — in completing the verse; api — also; avadhāraṇe — in the sense of certainty.
Translation
“ ‘The word “ca” [“and”] is used to connect a word or sentence with a previous word or sentence, to give the sense of aggregation, to assist the meaning, to give a collective understanding, to suggest another effort or exertion, or to fulfill the meter of a verse. It is also used in the sense of certainty.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Viśva-prakāśa dictionary.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“There are seven chief meanings of the word ‘api.’ They are as follows.
Bengali
তথা যুক্তপদার্থেষু কামচারক্রিয়াসু চ ॥ ৬৯ ॥
Text
śaṅkā-garhā-samuccaye
tathā yukta-padārtheṣu
kāma-cāra-kriyāsu ca
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘The word “api” is used in the sense of possibility, question, doubt, censure, aggregation, appropriate application of things, and extravagance.’
Purport
This is another quotation from the Viśva-prakāśa.
Bengali
এবে শ্লোকার্থ করি, যথা যে লাগয় ॥ ৭০ ॥
Text
ebe ślokārtha kari, yathā ye lāgaya
Synonyms
Translation
“I have now described the different meanings of the eleven separate words. Now let Me give the complete meaning of the śloka, as it is applied in different places.
Bengali
স্বরূপ ঐশ্বর্য করি’ নাহি যাঁর সম ॥ ৭১ ॥
Text
svarūpa aiśvarya kari’ nāhi yāṅra sama
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘brahma’ indicates the summum bonum, the Absolute Truth, which is greater than all other truths. It is the original identity, and there can be nothing equal to that Absolute Truth.
Bengali
তস্মৈ নমস্তে সর্বাত্মন্ যোগিচিন্ত্যাবিকারবত্ ॥ ৭২ ॥
Text
tad brahma paramaṁ viduḥ
tasmai namas te sarvātman
yogi-cintyāvikāravat
Synonyms
bṛhattvāt — because of being all-pervasive; bṛṁhaṇatvāt — because of increasing unlimitedly; ca — and; tat — that; brahma — Absolute Truth; paramam — the ultimate; viduḥ — they know; tasmai — unto Him; namaḥ — obeisances; te — unto You; sarva-ātman — the Supreme Soul; yogi-cintya — appreciable by great yogīs; avikāra-vat — without change.
Translation
“ ‘I offer my respectful obeisances to the Absolute Truth, the summum bonum. He is the all-pervasive, all-increasing subject matter for the great yogīs. He is changeless, and He is the soul of all.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Viṣṇu Purāṇa (1.12.57).
Bengali
অদ্বিতীয়-জ্ঞান, যাঁহা বিনা নাহি আন ॥ ৭৩ ॥
Text
advitīya-jñāna, yāṅhā vinā nāhi āna
Synonyms
Translation
“The proper meaning of the word ‘brahma’ is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is one without a second and without whom nothing else exists.
Bengali
ব্রহ্মেতি পরমাত্মেতি ভগবানিতি শব্দ্যতে ॥ ৭৪ ॥
Text
tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam
brahmeti paramātmeti
bhagavān iti śabdyate
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth say that it is nondual knowledge and is called impersonal Brahman, localized Paramātmā and the Personality of Godhead.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.11). For an explanation, see Ādi-līlā 2.11.
Bengali
তিনকালে সত্য তিঁহো — শাস্ত্র-প্রমাণ ॥ ৭৫ ॥
Text
tina-kāle satya tiṅho — śāstra-pramāṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“That Absolute Truth without a second is Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the supreme truth in the past, present and future. That is the evidence of all revealed scriptures.
Bengali
পশ্চাদহং যদেতচ্চ যোঽবশিষ্যেত সোঽস্ম্যহম্ ॥ ৭৬ ॥
Text
nānyad yat sad-asat-param
paścād ahaṁ yad etac ca
yo ’vaśiṣyeta so ’smy aham
Synonyms
aham — I, the Personality of Godhead; eva — certainly; āsam — existed; eva — only; agre — before the creation; na — never; anyat — anything else; yat — which; sat — the effect; asat — the cause; param — the supreme; paścāt — after; aham — I, the Personality of Godhead; yat — which; etat — this creation; ca — also; yaḥ — who; avaśiṣyeta — remains; saḥ — that; asmi — am; aham — I, the Personality of Godhead.
Translation
“ ‘Prior to the cosmic creation, only I exist, and no phenomena exist, either gross, subtle or primordial. After creation, only I exist in everything, and after annihilation only I remain eternally.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.9.33) was spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa. For an explanation see Ādi-līlā 1.53.
Bengali
সর্বব্যাপক, সর্বসাক্ষী, পরমস্বরূপ ॥ ৭৭ ॥
Text
sarva-vyāpaka, sarva-sākṣī, parama-svarūpa
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmā’ [‘self’] indicates the highest truth, Kṛṣṇa. He is the all-pervasive witness of all, and He is the supreme form.
Bengali
Text
ātmā hi paramo hariḥ
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Hari, the Personality of Godhead, is the all-pervasive original source of everything; He is therefore the Supersoul of everything.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhāvārtha-dīpikā, Śrīdhara Svāmī’s commentary on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Bengali
জ্ঞান, যোগ, ভক্তি, — তিনের পৃথক্ লক্ষণ ॥ ৭৯ ॥
Text
jñāna, yoga, bhakti, — tinera pṛthak lakṣaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“There are three ways to attain the lotus feet of the Absolute Truth, Kṛṣṇa. There is the process of philosophical speculation, the practice of mystic yoga and the execution of devotional service. Each of these has its different characteristics.
Bengali
ব্রহ্ম, পরমাত্মা, ভগবত্তা, — ত্রিবিধ প্রকাশে ॥ ৮০ ॥
Text
brahma, paramātmā, bhagavattā, — trividha prakāśe
Synonyms
tina sādhane — by these three different processes; bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tina — three; svarūpe — in identities; bhāse — appears; brahma — the impersonal feature; paramātmā — the localized feature; bhagavattā — and the Supreme Personality of Godhead; trividha prakāśe — three manifestations.
Translation
“The Absolute Truth is the same, but according to the process by which one understands Him, He appears in three forms — as Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Bengali
ব্রহ্মেতি পরমাত্মেতি ভগবানিতি শব্দ্যতে ॥ ৮১ ॥
Text
tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam
brahmeti paramātmeti
bhagavān iti śabdyate
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth say that it is nondual knowledge and is called impersonal Brahman, localized Paramātmā and the Personality of Godhead.’
Bengali
‘রূঢ়িবৃত্ত্যে’ নির্বিশেষ অন্তর্যামী কয় ॥ ৮২ ॥
Text
‘rūḍhi-vṛttye’ nirviśeṣa antaryāmī kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“Although the words ‘brahma’ and ‘ātmā’ indicate Kṛṣṇa, their direct meaning refers only to the impersonal Brahman and the Supersoul respectively.
Bengali
যোগমার্গে — অন্তর্যামী-স্বরূপেতে ভাসে ॥ ৮৩ ॥
Text
yoga-mārge — antaryāmi-svarūpete bhāse
Synonyms
Translation
“If one follows the path of philosophical speculation, the Absolute Truth manifests Himself as impersonal Brahman, and if one follows the path of mystic yoga, He manifests Himself as the Supersoul.
Bengali
‘স্বয়ং-ভগবত্ত্বে’, ভগবত্ত্বে — প্রকাশ দ্বিরূপ ॥ ৮৪ ॥
Text
‘svayaṁ-bhagavattve’, bhagavattve — prakāśa dvi-rūpa
Synonyms
rāga-bhakti — spontaneous devotional service; vidhi-bhakti — regulative devotional service; haya — are; dui-rūpa — the two kinds of devotional service; svayam-bhagavattve — in the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhagavattve — and in His personal expansion; prakāśa dvi-rūpa — the two kinds of manifestation.
Translation
“There are two kinds of devotional activity — spontaneous and regulative. By spontaneous devotional service, one attains the original Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, and by the regulative process one attains the expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“By executing spontaneous devotional service in Vṛndāvana, one attains the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
জ্ঞানিনাঞ্চাত্মভূতানাং যথা ভক্তিমতামিহ ॥ ৮৬ ॥
Text
dehināṁ gopikā-sutaḥ
jñānināṁ cātma-bhūtānāṁ
yathā bhaktimatām iha
Synonyms
na — not; ayam — this Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa; sukha-āpaḥ — easily available; bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dehinām — for materialistic persons who have accepted the body as the self; gopikā-sutaḥ — the son of mother Yaśodā; jñāninām — for persons addicted to mental speculation; ca — and; ātma-bhūtānām — for persons performing severe austerities and penances; yathā — as; bhakti-matām — for persons engaged in spontaneous devotional service; iha — in this world.
Translation
“ ‘The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, the son of mother Yaśodā, is accessible to those devotees engaged in spontaneous loving service, but He is not as easily accessible to mental speculators, to those striving for self-realization by severe austerities and penances, or to those who consider the body the same as the self.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.9.21) was spoken by Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī. For an explanation see Madhya-līlā 8.227.
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“By executing regulative devotional service, one becomes an associate of Nārāyaṇa and attains the Vaikuṇṭhalokas, the spiritual planets in the spiritual sky.
Bengali
দূরে-যমা হ্যুপরি নঃ স্পৃহণীয়শীলাঃ ।
ভর্তুর্মিথঃ সুযশসঃ কথনানুরাগ-
বৈক্লব্যবাষ্পকলয়া পুলকীকৃতাঙ্গাঃ ॥ ৮৮ ॥
Text
dūre-yamā hy upari naḥ spṛhaṇīya-śīlāḥ
bhartur mithaḥ su-yaśasaḥ kathanānurāga-
vaiklavya-bāṣpa-kalayā pulakī-kṛtāṅgāḥ
Synonyms
yat — which; ca — also; vrajanti — go; animiṣām — of the demigods; ṛṣabha-anuvṛttyā — by practicing the best means of spiritual life; dūre — keeping at a distance; yamāḥ — the regulative principles; hi — certainly; upari — above; naḥ — our; spṛhaṇīya-śīlāḥ — decorated with desirable qualities; bhartuḥ — of the master; mithaḥ — mutually; su-yaśasaḥ — who has all transcendental qualities; kathana-anurāga — attracted to discussions; vaiklavya — transformation; bāṣpa-kalayā — with tears in the eyes; pulakī-kṛta — jubilation; aṅgāḥ — bodily limbs.
Translation
“ ‘Those who discuss the activities of Lord Kṛṣṇa are on the highest platform of devotional life, and they evince the symptoms of tears in the eyes and bodily jubilation. Such persons discharge devotional service to Kṛṣṇa without practicing the rules and regulations of the mystic yoga system. They possess all spiritual qualities, and they are elevated to the Vaikuṇṭha planets, which exist above us.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.15.25). In this verse Lord Brahmā is speaking to all the demigods, who feared the two asuras in Diti’s womb. Lord Brahmā described the Kumāras’ visit to Vaikuṇṭha, and this was again explained by Maitreya, the friend of Vyāsadeva, when he gave instructions to Vidura.
Bengali
অকাম, মোক্ষকাম, সর্বকাম আর ॥ ৮৯ ॥
Text
akāma, mokṣa-kāma, sarva-kāma āra
Synonyms
Translation
“The devotees are divided into three categories — akāma [desireless], mokṣa-kāma [desiring liberation] and sarva-kāma [desiring material perfection].
Bengali
তীব্রেণ ভক্তিযোগেন যজেত পুরুষং পরম্ ॥ ৯০ ॥
Text
mokṣa-kāma udāra-dhīḥ
tīvreṇa bhakti-yogena
yajeta puruṣaṁ param
Synonyms
akāmaḥ — without material desires; sarva-kāmaḥ — full of all material desires; vā — or; mokṣa-kāmaḥ — desiring liberation; udāra-dhīḥ — sincere and advanced in devotional service; tīvreṇa — firm; bhaktiyogena — by the practice of bhakti-yoga; yajeta — should worship; puruṣam param — the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Translation
“ ‘One who is actually intelligent, although he may be a devotee free from material desires, a karmī desiring all kinds of material facilities, or a jñānī desiring liberation, should seriously engage in bhakti-yoga for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.3.10).
Bengali
নিজ-কাম লাগিহ তবে কৃষ্ণেরে ভজয় ॥ ৯১ ॥
Text
nija-kāma lāgiha tabe kṛṣṇere bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“The meaning of the word ‘udāra-dhī’ is buddhimān — intelligent or considerate. Because of this, even for one’s own sense gratification one engages in the devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
সব ফল দেয় ভক্তি স্বতন্ত্র প্রবল ॥ ৯২ ॥
Text
saba phala deya bhakti svatantra prabala
Synonyms
Translation
“The other processes cannot yield results unless they are associated with devotional service. Devotional service, however, is so strong and independent that it can give one all the desired results.
Bengali
অতএব হরি ভজে বুদ্ধিমান্ জন ॥ ৯৩ ॥
Text
ataeva hari bhaje buddhimān jana
Synonyms
Translation
“With the exception of devotional service, all the methods of self-realization are like the nipples on the neck of a goat. Therefore an intelligent person adopts only devotional service, giving up all other processes of self-realization.
Purport
Without devotional service, other methods for self-realization and spiritual life are useless. Other methods cannot produce good results at any time, and therefore they are compared to the nipples on the neck of a goat. These nipples cannot produce milk, although it may appear that they can. An unintelligent person cannot understand that only devotional service can elevate one to the transcendental position.
Bengali
আর্তো জিজ্ঞাসুরর্থার্থী জ্ঞানী চ ভরতর্ষভ ॥ ৯৪ ॥
Text
janāḥ sukṛtino ’rjuna
ārto jijñāsur arthārthī
jñānī ca bharatarṣabha
Synonyms
catuḥ-vidhāḥ — four kinds; bhajante — worship; mām — Me; janāḥ — persons; sukṛtinaḥ — who have obeyed the principles of human life or the regulative principles of varṇa and āśrama; arjuna — O Arjuna; ārtaḥ — the distressed; jijñāsuḥ — the inquisitive; artha-arthī — one in need of money; jñānī — one pursuing knowledge; ca — also; bharata-ṛṣabha — O best of the Bharata dynasty.
Translation
“ ‘O best among the Bharatas [Arjuna], four kinds of pious men render devotional service unto Me — the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (7.16). The word sukṛtinaḥ is very important in this verse. Su means “auspicious,” and kṛtī means “meritorious” or “regulated.” Unless one follows the regulative principles of religious life, human life is no different from animal life. Religious life means following the principles of varṇa and āśrama. In the Viṣṇu Purāṇa it is said:
viṣṇur ārādhyate panthā nānyat tat-toṣa-kāraṇam
According to religious life, society is divided into four social divisions — brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra — and four spiritual divisions — brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa. One needs to be trained to become a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, just as one is trained to become an engineer, doctor or lawyer. Those who are properly trained can be considered human beings; if one is not trained socially and spiritually — that is, if one is uneducated and unregulated — his life is on the animal platform. Among animals there is no question of spiritual advancement. Spiritual life can be attained by proper training — either by following the principles of varṇa and āśrama or by being directly trained in the bhakti school by the methods of śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam/ arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam. Without being trained, one cannot be sukṛtī, auspicious. In this verse Kṛṣṇa says that people approach Him when in distress, in need of money or when actually inquisitive to understand the Supreme Being, or the original source of everything. Some people approach Him in the pursuit of knowledge of the Absolute Truth, and others approach Him when they are distressed, like the devotee Gajendra. Others are inquisitive, like the great sages headed by Śaunaka, and others need money, like Dhruva Mahārāja. Śukadeva Gosvāmī approached the Lord when he pursued knowledge. All these great personalities thus took to the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
জিজ্ঞাসু, জ্ঞানী, — দুই মোক্ষকাম মানি ॥ ৯৫ ॥
Text
jijñāsu, jñānī, — dui mokṣa-kāma māni
Synonyms
ārta — distressed; artha-arthī — desirous of money; dui — two persons; sakāma-bhitare — in the division of material activities; gaṇi — we consider; jijñāsu — inquisitive; jñānī — pursuing knowledge; dui — two; mokṣa-kāma — transcendentalists pursuing spiritual knowledge for liberation; māni — I consider.
Translation
“Materialistic devotees take to devotional service and worship Kṛṣṇa when they are distressed or in need of money. Those who are actually inquisitive to understand the supreme source of everything and those who are in search of knowledge are called transcendentalists, for they desire liberation from all material contamination.
Bengali
তত্তৎকামাদি ছাড়ি’ হয় শুদ্ধভক্তিমান্ ॥ ৯৬ ॥
Text
tat-tat-kāmādi chāḍi’ haya śuddha-bhaktimān
Synonyms
Translation
“Because they have a pious background, all four types of people are to be considered greatly fortunate. Such people gradually give up material desires and become pure devotees.
Bengali
কামাদি ‘দুঃসঙ্গ’ ছাড়ি’ শুদ্ধভক্তি পায় ॥ ৯৭ ॥
Text
kāmādi ‘duḥsaṅga’ chāḍi’ śuddha-bhakti pāya
Synonyms
Translation
“One is elevated to the platform of devotional life by the mercy of a Vaiṣṇava, the bona fide spiritual master, and by the special mercy of Kṛṣṇa. On that platform, one gives up all material desires and the association of unwanted people. Thus one is elevated to the platform of pure devotional service.
Bengali
কীর্ত্যমানং যশো যস্য সকৃদাকর্ণ্য রোচনম্ ॥ ৯৮ ॥
Text
hātuṁ notsahate budhaḥ
kīrtyamānaṁ yaśo yasya
sakṛd ākarṇya rocanam
Synonyms
sat-saṅgāt — by the association of pure devotees; mukta — freed; duḥsaṅgaḥ — the association of materialistic persons; hātum — to give up; na — not; utsahate — is able; budhaḥ — one who is actually learned; kīrtyamānam — being glorified; yaśaḥ — the glories; yasya — of whom (the Supreme Personality of Godhead); sakṛt — once; ākarṇya — hearing; rocanam — very pleasing.
Translation
“ ‘The intelligent, who have understood the Supreme Lord in the association of pure devotees and have become free from bad, materialistic association, can never avoid hearing the glories of the Lord, even though they have heard them only once.’
Purport
This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.10.11). All the members of the Kuru dynasty offered respects when Kṛṣṇa was leaving Hastināpura after the Battle of Kurukṣetra. Kṛṣṇa was going to His own kingdom, and all the members of the Kuru dynasty were overwhelmed by His departure. This verse was spoken in that connection by Sūta Gosvāmī.
A pure devotee becomes attached to Kṛṣṇa by hearing the Lord’s glories. The Lord’s glories and the Lord Himself are identical. One has to be qualified to understand this absolute truth; therefore one should be given a chance to associate with a pure devotee. Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for this purpose. We want to create pure devotees so that other people will benefit by their association. In this way the number of pure devotees increases. Professional preachers cannot create pure devotees. There are many professional preachers of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam who read this work to earn their livelihood. However, they cannot convert materialistic people to devotional service. Only a pure devotee can convert others to pure devotional service. It is therefore important for all the preachers in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement to first become pure devotees and follow the regulative principles, refraining from illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. They should regularly chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra on their beads, follow the devotional process, rise early in the morning, attend maṅgala-ārati and recite Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad-gītā regularly. In this way, one can become purified and free from all material contamination.
hṛṣīkeṇa hṛṣīkeśa- sevanaṁ bhaktir ucyate
“Bhakti, or devotional service, means engaging all one’s senses in the service of the Lord, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul renders service unto the Supreme, there are two side effects. One is freed from all material designations, and one’s senses are purified simply by being employed in the service of the Lord.” (Nārada-pañcarātra)
To make a show of devotional service will not help one. One must be a pure devotee following the devotional process; then one can convert others to devotional service. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu practiced devotional service and preached (āpani ācari’ bhakti karila pracāra). If a preacher behaves properly in devotional service, he will be able to convert others. Otherwise, his preaching will have no effect.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণ, কৃষ্ণভক্তি বিনু অন্য কামনা ॥ ৯৯ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa-bhakti vinu anya kāmanā
Synonyms
Translation
“Cheating oneself and cheating others is called kaitava. Associating with those who cheat in this way is called duḥsaṅga, bad association. Those who desire things other than Kṛṣṇa’s service are also called duḥsaṅga, bad association.
Bengali
বেদ্যং বাস্তবমত্র বস্তু শিবদং তাপত্রয়োন্মূলনম্ ।
শ্রীমদ্ভাগবতে মহামুনিকৃতে কিংবা পরৈরীশ্বরঃ
সদ্যো হৃদ্যবরুধ্যতেঽত্র কৃতিভিঃ শুশ্রূষুভিস্তত্ক্ষণাৎ ॥ ১০০ ॥
Text
vedyaṁ vāstavam atra vastu śiva-daṁ tāpa-trayonmūlanam
śrīmad-bhāgavate mahā-muni-kṛte kiṁ vā parair īśvaraḥ
sadyo hṛdy avarudhyate ’tra kṛtibhiḥ śuśrūṣubhis tat-kṣaṇāt
Synonyms
dharmaḥ — religiosity; projjhita — completely rejected; kaitavaḥ — in which fruitive intention; atra — herein; paramaḥ — the highest; nirmatsarāṇām — of the fully pure in heart; satām — devotees; vedyam — to be understood; vāstavam — factual; atra — herein; vastu — substance; śiva-dam — giving well-being; tāpa-traya — of the threefold miseries; unmūlanam — causing uprooting; śrīmat — beautiful; bhāgavate — in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa; mahā-muni — by the great sage (Vyāsadeva); kṛte — compiled; kim — what; vā — indeed; paraiḥ — with others; īśvaraḥ — the Supreme Lord; sadyaḥ — at once; hṛdi — within the heart; avarudhyate — becomes confined; atra — herein; kṛtibhiḥ — by pious men; śuśrūṣubhiḥ — desiring to hear; tat-kṣaṇāt — without delay.
Translation
“ ‘The great scripture Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, compiled by Mahāmuni Vyāsadeva from four original verses, describes the most elevated and kindhearted devotees and completely rejects the cheating ways of materially motivated religiosity. It propounds the highest principle of eternal religion, which can factually mitigate the threefold miseries of a living being and award the highest benediction of full prosperity and knowledge. Those willing to hear the message of this scripture in a submissive attitude of service can at once capture the Supreme Lord in their hearts. Therefore there is no need for any scripture other than Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.1.2). For an explanation see Ādi-līlā 1.91.
Bengali
এই শ্লোকে শ্রীধরস্বামী করিয়াছেন ব্যাখ্যান ॥ ১০১ ॥
Text
ei śloke śrīdhara-svāmī kariyāchena vyākhyāna
Synonyms
Translation
“The prefix ‘pra’ in the word ‘projjhita’ specifically refers to those desiring liberation or oneness with the Supreme. Such a desire should be understood to be the foremost cheating propensity. The great commentator Śrīdhara Svāmī has explained this verse in that way.
Bengali
স্ব-চরণ দিয়া করে ইচ্ছার পিধান ॥ ১০২ ॥
Text
sva-caraṇa diyā kare icchāra pidhāna
Synonyms
Translation
“When merciful Lord Kṛṣṇa understands that a foolish devotee desires material prosperity, He gratefully gives him the shelter of His lotus feet. In this way, the Lord covers the devotee’s undesirable ambitions.
Bengali
নৈবার্থদো যৎ পুনরর্থিতা যতঃ ।
স্বয়ং বিধত্তে ভজতামনিচ্ছতা-
মিচ্ছাপিধানং নিজপাদপল্লবম্ ॥ ১০৩ ॥
Text
naivārtha-do yat punar arthitā yataḥ
svayaṁ vidhatte bhajatām anicchatām
icchā-pidhānaṁ nija-pāda-pallavam
Synonyms
satyam — it is true; diśati — He awards; arthitam — that which is desired; arthitaḥ — being requested; nṛṇām — by human beings; na — not; eva — certainly; artha-daḥ — giving desired things; yat — which; punaḥ — again; arthitā — request; yataḥ — from which; svayam — Himself; vidhatte — He gives; bhajatām — of those engaged in devotional service; anicchatām — even though not desiring; icchā-pidhānam — covering all other desires; nija-pāda-pallavam — the shelter of His own lotus feet.
Translation
“ ‘Whenever Kṛṣṇa is requested to fulfill one’s desire, He undoubtedly does so, but He does not award anything which, after being enjoyed, will cause one to petition Him again and again to fulfill further desires. When one has other desires but engages in the Lord’s service, Kṛṣṇa forcibly gives one shelter at His lotus feet, where one will forget all other desires.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.19.27).
Bengali
এ তিনে সব ছাড়ায়, করে কৃষ্ণে ‘ভাব’ ॥ ১০৪ ॥
Text
e tine saba chāḍāya, kare kṛṣṇe ‘bhāva’
Synonyms
Translation
“Association with a devotee, the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, and the nature of devotional service help one to give up all undesirable association and gradually attain elevation to the platform of love of Godhead.
Purport
This verse-refers to the association of pure devotees, the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and the rendering of devotional service. All these help one give up the association of nondevotees and the material opulence awarded by the external energy, māyā. A pure devotee is never attracted by material opulence, for he understands that wasting time to acquire material opulence is a misuse of the gift of human life. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam it is said, śrama eva hi kevalam. In the eyes of a devotee, politicians, social workers, philanthropists, philosophers and humanitarians are simply wasting their time, for human society is not freed from the cycle of birth and death by their activity and propaganda. These so-called philanthropists, politicians and philosophers have no knowledge because they do not know that there is life after death. Understanding that there is life after death is the beginning of spiritual knowledge. A person can understand himself and what he is simply by understanding the first lessons of the Bhagavad-gītā (2.13):
tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati
“As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.”
Not knowing the real science of life, a foolish person engages in the temporary activities of this life and thus becomes further entangled in the cycle of birth and death. He always desires material opulence, which can be attained by karma, jñāna and yoga. But when one is actually elevated to the devotional platform, he gives up all these desires. This is called anyābhilāṣitā-śūnya. Then one becomes a pure devotee.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণগুণাস্বাদের এই হেতু জানিব ॥ ১০৫ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-guṇāsvādera ei hetu jāniba
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way I shall progressively explain all the words in the ātmārāma verse. It should be understood that all these words are meant to enable one to taste the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
এবে করি শ্লোকের মূলার্থ প্রকাশ ॥ ১০৬ ॥
Text
ebe kari ślokera mūlārtha prakāśa
Synonyms
Translation
“I have given all these explanations just to give some indication of the verse’s meaning. Now let Me explain the real meaning of the verse.
Bengali
কেবল ব্রহ্মোপাসক, মোক্ষাকাঙ্ক্ষী আর ॥ ১০৭ ॥
Text
kevala brahmopāsaka, mokṣākāṅkṣī āra
Synonyms
Translation
“There are two kinds of worshipers on the path of philosophical speculation — one is called brahma-upāsaka, a worshiper of the impersonal Brahman, and the other is called mokṣākāṅkṣī, one who desires liberation.
Bengali
সাধক, ব্রহ্মময়, আর প্রাপ্ত-ব্রহ্মলয় ॥ ১০৮ ॥
Text
sādhaka, brahmamaya, āra prāpta-brahma-laya
Synonyms
Translation
“There are three types of people who worship the impersonal Brahman. The first is the beginner, the second is one whose thoughts are absorbed in Brahman, and the third is one who is actually merged in the impersonal Brahman.
Bengali
ভক্তি সাধন করে যেই ‘প্রাপ্ত-ব্রহ্মলয়’ ॥ ১০৯ ॥
Text
bhakti sādhana kare yei ‘prāpta-brahma-laya’
Synonyms
Translation
“One cannot attain liberation simply through philosophical speculation devoid of devotional service. However, if one renders devotional service, he is automatically on the Brahman platform.
Bengali
দিব্য দেহ দিয়া করায় কৃষ্ণের ভজন ॥ ১১০ ॥
Text
divya deha diyā karāya kṛṣṇera bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“Characteristically, one in devotional service is attracted away from the impersonal Brahman platform. He is offered a transcendental body to engage in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s service.
Bengali
গুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা করে নির্মল ভজন ॥ ১১১ ॥
Text
guṇākṛṣṭa hañā kare nirmala bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“When one gets a devotee’s spiritual body, he can remember the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa. Simply by being attracted to Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities, one becomes a pure devotee engaged in His service.
Purport
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has given the following summary of verses 107-111. Transcendentalists on the path of philosophical speculation can be divided into two categories — the pure worshipers of impersonal Brahman and those who wish to merge into the existence of impersonal Brahman. When one is fully absorbed in the thought that one is not different from the Supreme Absolute Truth, one is said to be a worshiper of the impersonal Brahman. The impersonal worshipers of Brahman can again be divided into three categories — (1) sādhakas, those who are nearing perfect execution of the process of Brahman realization; (2) those who are fully absorbed in meditation on Brahman; and (3) those who are on the brahma-bhūta platform and have no relationship with material existence. Even though the worshiper of impersonal Brahman can be highly advanced, he cannot attain liberation without discharging devotional service. Anyone who has realized himself as spirit soul can engage in devotional service. This is the verdict of the Bhagavad-gītā (18.54):
samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām
“One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything; he is equally disposed to every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.”
To attain the platform of pure devotional service, one has to become spiritually pure and attain the brahma-bhūta platform, which is beyond material anxiety and material discrimination. When one approaches pure devotional service after realizing Brahman, one becomes attracted by pure devotional service. At such a time, by rendering devotional service, one gets a spiritual body with purified senses.
hṛṣīkeṇa hṛṣīkeśa- sevanaṁ bhaktir ucyate
When one’s senses are pure, one can render loving devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. A pure devotee can only remember Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities. Remembering them, he fully engages in the loving service of the Lord.
Bengali
Text
kṛtvā bhagavantaṁ bhajante”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Even a liberated soul merged in the impersonal Brahman effulgence is attracted to the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa. He thus installs a Deity and renders the Lord service.’
Purport
Highly elevated Māyāvādī sannyāsīs sometimes worship the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Deity and discuss the pastimes of the Lord, but their purpose is not elevation to Goloka Vṛndāvana. They want to merge into the Lord’s effulgence. This statement is quoted from Śaṅkarācārya’s commentary on the Upaniṣad known as Nṛsiṁha-tāpanī.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণগুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা কৃষ্ণেরে ভজয় ॥ ১১৩ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-guṇākṛṣṭa hañā kṛṣṇere bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“Although Śukadeva Gosvāmī and the four Kumāras were always absorbed in the thought of impersonal Brahman and were thus Brahmavādīs, they were nonetheless attracted by the transcendental pastimes and qualities of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore they later became devotees of Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
গুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা করে নির্মল ভজন ॥ ১১৪ ॥
Text
guṇākṛṣṭa hañā kare nirmala bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“The minds of the four Kumāras were attracted by the aroma of the flowers offered to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. Being thus attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa, they engaged in pure devotional service.
Bengali
কিঞ্জল্কমিশ্রতুলসীমকরন্দবায়ুঃ ।
অন্তর্গতঃ স্ববিবরেণ চকার তেষাং
সংক্ষোভমক্ষরজুষামপি চিত্ততন্বোঃ ॥ ১১৫ ॥
Text
kiñjalka-miśra-tulasī-makaranda-vāyuḥ
antar-gataḥ sva-vivareṇa cakāra teṣāṁ
saṅkṣobham akṣara-juṣām api citta-tanvoḥ
Synonyms
tasya — of Him; aravinda-nayanasya — of the lotus-eyed Lord; pada-aravinda — of the lotus feet; kiñjalka — with saffron; miśra — mixed; tulasī — the tulasī leaves; makaranda — fragrance; vāyuḥ — breeze; antaḥ-gataḥ — entered within; sva-vivareṇa — through their nostrils; cakāra — made; teṣām — of the Kumāras; saṅkṣobham — agitation for change; akṣara-juṣām — attached to impersonal Brahman realization; api — even though; citta-tanvoḥ — in both the mind and body.
Translation
“ ‘When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasī leaves and saffron from the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered through the nostrils into the hearts of those sages [the Kumāras], they experienced a change in both body and mind, even though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.’
Purport
This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.15.43).
Bengali
কৃষ্ণগুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা করেন ভজন ॥ ১১৬ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-guṇākṛṣṭa hañā karena bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“By the mercy of Śrīla Vyāsadeva, Śukadeva Gosvāmī was attracted by the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Being thus attracted by Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities, he also became a devotee and engaged in His service.
Bengali
অধ্যগান্মহদাখ্যানং নিত্যং বিষ্ণুজনপ্রিয়ঃ ॥ ১১৭ ॥
Text
bhagavān bādarāyaṇiḥ
adhyagān mahad-ākhyānaṁ
nityaṁ viṣṇu-jana-priyaḥ
Synonyms
hareḥ — of Lord Kṛṣṇa; guṇa-ākṣipta-matiḥ — whose mind was agitated by the qualities; bhagavān — the most powerful transcendentalist; bādarāyaṇiḥ — Śukadeva, son of Vyāsadeva; adhyagāt — studied; mahat-ākhyānam — the great epic description; nityam — eternally; viṣṇu-jana-priyaḥ — who is very dear to the Vaiṣṇavas, devotees of Lord Viṣṇu.
Translation
“ ‘Being very much attracted by the transcendental pastimes of the Lord, the mind of Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī was agitated by Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He therefore began to study Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam by the grace of his father.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.7.11).
Bengali
বিধি-শিব-নারদ-মুখে কৃষ্ণগুণ শুনি’ ॥ ১১৮ ॥
Text
vidhi-śiva-nārada-mukhe kṛṣṇa-guṇa śuni’
Synonyms
nava — nine; yogī-īśvara — great saintly yogīs; janma haite — from the very birth; sādhaka — practicers; jñānī — well versed in transcendental knowledge; vidhi — Lord Brahmā; śiva — Lord Śiva; nārada — the great sage Nārada; mukhe — in their mouths; kṛṣṇa-guṇa śuni’ — hearing the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa.
Translation
“From their very births, the nine great mystic yogīs [Yogendras] were impersonal philosophers of the Absolute Truth. But because they heard about Lord Kṛṣṇa’s qualities from Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and the great sage Nārada, they also became Kṛṣṇa’s devotees.
Bengali
একাদশ-স্কন্ধে তাঁর ভক্তি-বিবরণ ॥ ১১৯ ॥
Text
ekādaśa-skandhe tāṅra bhakti-vivaraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“In the Eleventh Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam there is a full description of the devotional service of the nine Yogendras, who rendered devotional service because they were attracted by the Lord’s transcendental qualities.
Bengali
কুর্বন্তঃ শ্রুতিশিরসাং শ্রুতিং শ্রুতজ্ঞাঃ ।
উত্তুঙ্গং যদুপুরসঙ্গমায় রঙ্গং
যোগীন্দ্রাঃ পুলকভৃতো নবাপ্যবাপুঃ ॥ ১২০ ॥
Text
kurvantaḥ śruti-śirasāṁ śrutiṁ śruta-jñāḥ
uttuṅgaṁ yadu-pura-saṅgamāya raṅgaṁ
yogīndrāḥ pulaka-bhṛto navāpy avāpuḥ
Synonyms
akleśām — without material trouble; kamala-bhuvaḥ — of Lord Brahmā, who took his birth from the lotus flower; praviśya — entering; goṣṭhīm — the association; kurvantaḥ — continuously performing; śruti-śirasām — of the topmost Vedic knowledge; śrutim — hearing; śruta-jñāḥ — who are expert in Vedic knowledge; uttuṅgam — very high; yadu-pura-saṅgamāya — for going back home, back to Godhead, to Dvārakā; raṅgam — to Raṅga-kṣetra; yogī-indrāḥ — great saintly persons; pulaka-bhṛtaḥ — being spiritually pleased; nava — nine; api — although; avāpuḥ — achieved.
Translation
“ ‘The nine Yogendras entered Lord Brahmā’s association and heard from him the real meaning of the topmost Vedic literatures, the Upaniṣads. Although the Yogendras were already conversant in Vedic knowledge, they became very jubilant in Kṛṣṇa consciousness just by listening to Brahmā. Thus they wanted to enter Dvārakā, the abode of Lord Kṛṣṇa. In this way they finally achieved the place known as Raṅga-kṣetra.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Mahā Upaniṣad.
Bengali
মুমুক্ষু, জীবন্মুক্ত, প্রাপ্তস্বরূপ আর ॥ ১২১ ॥
Text
mumukṣu, jīvan-mukta, prāpta-svarūpa āra
Synonyms
Translation
“Those who wish to merge into the impersonal Brahman are also divided into three categories — those desiring to be liberated, those already liberated and those who have realized Brahman.
Bengali
‘মুক্তি’ লাগি’ ভক্ত্যে করে কৃষ্ণের ভজন ॥ ১২২ ॥
Text
‘mukti’ lāgi’ bhaktye kare kṛṣṇera bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“There are many people within this material world who desire liberation, and for this purpose they render devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
নারায়ণ-কলাঃ শান্তা ভজন্তি হ্যনসূয়বঃ ॥ ১২৩ ॥
Text
hitvā bhūta-patīn atha
nārāyaṇa-kalāḥ śāntā
bhajanti hy anasūyavaḥ
Synonyms
mumukṣavaḥ — those who are perfectly learned, who desire the highest perfection, and who, unlike demons and nondevotees, are never envious of anyone; ghora-rūpān — demigods with fearful bodily features; hitvā — giving up; bhūta-patīn — the forefathers (prajāpatis); atha — therefore; nārāyaṇa-kalāḥ — the plenary expansions of Lord Nārāyaṇa; śāntāḥ — very peaceful; bhajanti — they worship; hi — certainly; anasūyavaḥ — nonenvious.
Translation
“ ‘Those who want to be relieved from the material clutches give up the worship of the various demigods who have fearful bodily features. Such peaceful devotees, who are not envious of the demigods, worship the different forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.26). Those who actually want the highest perfection worship Lord Viṣṇu in His different incarnations. Those who are attracted to the materialistic way of life and who are always agitated and full of anxiety worship demigods who appear fierce — demigods like goddess Kālī and Kāla-bhairava (Rudra). The devotees of Kṛṣṇa, however, do not envy the demigods or their worshipers but peacefully render devotional service to the incarnations of Nārāyaṇa instead.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণভজন করায়, ‘মুমুক্ষা’ ছাড়ায় ॥ ১২৪ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-bhajana karāya, ‘mumukṣā’ chāḍāya
Synonyms
sei sabera — of all those worshipers of different demigods; sādhu-saṅge — the contact of real devotees; guṇa sphurāya — awakens the appreciation of transcendental qualities; kṛṣṇa-bhajana karāya — engages in the devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa; mumukṣā chāḍāya — and causes to give up the desire to be liberated or merge into the impersonal feature of the Lord.
Translation
“If those who are attached to demigod worship fortunately associate with the devotees, their dormant devotional service and appreciation of the Lord’s qualities gradually awaken. In this way they also engage in Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service and give up the desire for liberation and the desire to merge into the existence of impersonal Brahman.
Purport
The four Kumāras (Catuḥsana), Śukadeva Gosvāmī and the nine Yogendras were absorbed in Brahman realization, and how they became devotees is described herein. There are three kinds of impersonalists — the mumukṣu (those desiring liberation), the jīvan-muktas (those liberated in this life) and the prāpta-svarūpas (those merged in Brahman realization). All three types of jñānīs are called mokṣākāṅkṣīs, those desiring liberation. By associating with devotees, such people give up the mumukṣu principle and render devotional service. The real cause for this change is the association of devotees. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant to attract all types of men, even those who desire things other than the Lord’s devotional service. Through the association of devotees, they gradually begin to render devotional service.
Bengali
প্যেকেন ভাত্যেষ ভবো গুণেন ।
সৎসঙ্গমাখ্যেন সুখাবহেন
কৃতাদ্য নো যেন কৃশা মুমুক্ষা ॥ ১২৫ ॥
Text
’py ekena bhāty eṣa bhavo guṇena
sat-saṅgamākhyena sukhāvahena
kṛtādya no yena kṛśā mumukṣā
Synonyms
aho mahā-ātman — O great devotee; bahu-doṣa-duṣṭaḥ — infected with varieties of material disease or attachment; api — although; ekena — with one; bhāti — shines; eṣaḥ — this; bhavaḥ — birth in this material world; guṇena — with a good quality; sat-saṅgama-ākhyena — known as association with devotees; sukha-āvahena — which brings about happiness; kṛtā — made; adya — now; naḥ — our; yena — by which; kṛśā — insignificant; mumukṣā — the desire for liberation.
Translation
“ ‘O great learned devotee, although there are many faults in this material world, there is one good opportunity — the association with devotees. Such association brings about great happiness. Due to this good quality, our strong desire to achieve liberation by merging into the Brahman effulgence has become weakened.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya.
Bengali
মুমুক্ষা ছাড়িয়া কৈলা কৃষ্ণের ভজন ॥ ১২৬ ॥
Text
mumukṣā chāḍiyā kailā kṛṣṇera bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“By associating with the great saint Nārada, Śaunaka and other great sages gave up the desire for liberation and engaged in Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service.
Bengali
মুমুক্ষা ছাড়িয়া গুণে ভজে তাঁর পা’য় ॥ ১২৭ ॥
Text
mumukṣā chāḍiyā guṇe bhaje tāṅra pā’ya
Synonyms
Translation
“Simply by meeting Kṛṣṇa or receiving Kṛṣṇa’s special favor, one can give up the desire for liberation. Being attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa, one can engage in His service.
Bengali
আত্মারামতয়া মে বৃথা গতো বত চিরং কালঃ ॥ ১২৮ ॥
Text
ātmārāmatayā me vṛthā gato bata ciraṁ kālaḥ
Synonyms
asmin — when this; sukha-ghana-mūrtau — form of complete happiness; parama-ātmani — the Supreme Person; vṛṣṇi-pattane — in Dvārakā-dhāma; sphurati — exists; ātmārāmatayā — by the process of cultivating Brahman realization; me — my; vṛthā — uselessly; gataḥ — wasted; bata — alas, what can I say; ciram — for a long time; kālaḥ — time.
Translation
“ ‘In this Dvārakā-dhāma, I am being attracted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, who is personified spiritual bliss. Simply by seeing Him, I am feeling great happiness. Oh, I have wasted so much time trying to become self-realized through impersonal cultivation. This is a cause for lamentation!’
Purport
This verse is found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (3.1.34).
Bengali
‘ভক্ত্যে জীবন্মুক্ত’, ‘জ্ঞানে জীবন্মুক্ত’ মানি ॥ ১২৯ ॥
Text
‘bhaktye jīvan-mukta’, ‘jñāne jīvan-mukta’ māni
Synonyms
jīvan-mukta — liberated in this life; aneka — there are many; sei — all of them; dui bheda — two divisions; jāni — we consider; bhaktye jīvan-mukta — one liberated in this life by pursuing the process of devotional service; jñāne jīvan-mukta — a person liberated in this life by following the process of philosophical speculation; māni — we can understand.
Translation
“There are many people who are liberated even in this lifetime. Some are liberated by discharging devotional service, and others are liberated through the philosophical speculative process.
Bengali
শুষ্কজ্ঞানে জীবন্মুক্ত অপরাধে অধো মজে ॥ ১৩০ ॥
Text
śuṣka-jñāne jīvan-mukta aparādhe adho maje
Synonyms
bhaktye jīvan-mukta — persons liberated in this life by discharging devotional service; guṇa-ākṛṣṭa hañā — being attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa; kṛṣṇa bhaje — engage in the devotional service of the Lord; śuṣka-jñāne jīvan-mukta — so-called liberated in this life by dry, speculative knowledge; aparādhe — by offenses; adho maje — fall down.
Translation
“Those who are liberated by devotional service become more and more attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa. Thus they engage in His service. Those who are liberated by the speculative process eventually fall down again due to offensive activity.
Bengali
স্ত্বয্যস্তভাবাদবিশুদ্ধবুদ্ধয়ঃ ।
আরুহ্য কৃচ্ছ্রেণ পরং পদং ততঃ
পতন্ত্যধোঽনাদৃতযুষ্মদঙ্ঘ্রয়ঃ ॥ ১৩১ ॥
Text
tvayy asta-bhāvād aviśuddha-buddhayaḥ
āruhya kṛcchreṇa paraṁ padaṁ tataḥ
patanty adho ’nādṛta-yuṣmad-aṅghrayaḥ
Synonyms
ye — all those who; anye — others (nondevotees); aravinda-akṣa — O lotus-eyed one; vimukta-māninaḥ — who consider themselves liberated; tvayi — unto You; asta-bhāvāt — without devotion; aviśuddha-buddhayaḥ — whose intelligence is not purified; āruhya — having ascended; kṛcchreṇa — by severe austerities and penances; param padam — to the supreme position; tataḥ — from there; patanti — fall; adhaḥ — down; anādṛta — without respecting; yuṣmat — Your; aṅghrayaḥ — lotus feet.
Translation
“ ‘O lotus-eyed one, those who think they are liberated in this life but are without devotional service to You are of impure intelligence. Although they accept severe austerities and penances and rise to the spiritual position, to impersonal Brahman realization, they fall down again because they neglect to worship Your lotus feet.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.2.32).
Bengali
সমঃ সর্বেষু ভূতেষু মদ্ভক্তিং লভতে পরাম্ ॥ ১৩২ ॥
Text
na śocati na kāṅkṣati
samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu
mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything; he is equally disposed to every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (18.54).
Bengali
স্বানন্দসিংহাসনলব্ধদীক্ষাঃ ।
শঠেন কেনাপি বয়ং হঠেন
দাসীকৃতা গোপবধূবিটেন ॥ ১৩৩ ॥
Text
svānanda-siṁhāsana-labdha-dīkṣāḥ
śaṭhena kenāpi vayaṁ haṭhena
dāsī-kṛtā gopa-vadhū-viṭena
Synonyms
advaita-vīthī — on the path of monism; pathikaiḥ — by the wanderers; upāsyāḥ — worshipable; sva-ānanda — of self-realization; siṁha-āsana — on the throne; labdha-dīkṣāḥ — being initiated; śaṭhena — by a cheater; kena api — some; vayam — I; haṭhena — by force; dāsī-kṛtā — made into a maidservant; gopa-vadhū-viṭena — engaged in joking with the gopīs.
Translation
“ ‘Although I was worshiped by those on the path of monism and initiated into self-realization through the yoga system, I have nonetheless been forcibly turned into a maidservant by some cunning boy who is always joking with the gopīs.’
Purport
This is a verse written by Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণগুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা ভজে কৃষ্ণ-পা’য় ॥ ১৩৪ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-guṇākṛṣṭa hañā bhaje kṛṣṇa-pā’ya
Synonyms
bhakti-bale — by the strength of devotional service; prāpta-svarūpa — attaining his original status; divya-deha — a transcendental body; pāya — one gets; kṛṣṇa-guṇa-ākṛṣṭa — attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa; hañā — being; bhaje — takes to devotional service; kṛṣṇa-pā’ya — at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.
Translation
“One who has attained his constitutional position by the strength of devotional service attains a transcendental body even in this lifetime. Being attracted by Lord Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities, he fully engages in service at His lotus feet.
Bengali
মুক্তির্হিত্বান্যথারূপং স্বরূপেণ ব্যবস্থিতিঃ ॥ ১৩৫ ॥
Text
ātmanaḥ saha śaktibhiḥ
muktir hitvānyathā-rūpaṁ
svarūpeṇa vyavasthitiḥ
Synonyms
nirodhaḥ — winding up; asya — of this; anu — after; śayanam — lying down; ātmanaḥ — of the Supreme Lord; saha — with; śaktibhiḥ — the energies (marginal and external); muktiḥ — liberation; hitvā — giving up; anyathā — other; rūpam — form; svarūpeṇa — with one’s own eternal form; vyavasthitiḥ — staying.
Translation
“ ‘The living entities and other potencies merge into Mahā-Viṣṇu as the Lord lies down and winds up [destroys] the cosmic manifestation. Liberation means being situated in one’s eternal, original form after giving up the changeable gross and subtle bodies.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.10.6).
Bengali
কৃষ্ণোন্মুখ ভক্তি হৈতে মায়া-মুক্ত হয় ॥ ১৩৬ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇonmukha bhakti haite māyā-mukta haya
Synonyms
Translation
“By opposing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one becomes conditioned and fearful due to the influence of māyā. By executing devotional service faithfully, one is liberated from māyā.
Bengali
দীশাদপেতস্য বিপর্যয়োঽস্মৃতিঃ ।
তন্মায়য়াতো বুধ আভজেত্তং
ভক্ত্যৈকয়েশং গুরুদেবতাত্মা ॥ ১৩৭ ॥
Text
īśād apetasya viparyayo ’smṛtiḥ
tan-māyayāto budha ābhajet taṁ
bhaktyaikayeśaṁ guru-devatātmā
Synonyms
bhayam — fear; dvitīya-abhiniveśataḥ — from the misconception of being a product of material energy; syāt — arises; īśāt — from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa; apetasya — of one who has withdrawn (the conditioned soul); viparyayaḥ — reversal of position; asmṛtiḥ — no conception of his relationship with the Supreme Lord; tat-māyayā — because of the illusory energy of the Supreme Lord; ataḥ — therefore; budhaḥ — one who is wise; ābhajet — must worship; tam — Him; bhaktyā — by devotional service; ekayā — not diverted to karma and jñāna; īśam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; guru — as the spiritual master; devatā — worshipable Lord; ātmā — Supersoul.
Translation
“ ‘When the living entity is attracted by the material energy, which is separate from Kṛṣṇa, he is overpowered by fear. Because he is separated from the Supreme Personality of Godhead by the material energy, his conception of life is reversed. In other words, instead of being the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, he becomes Kṛṣṇa’s competitor. This is called viparyayo ’smṛtiḥ. To nullify this mistake, one who is actually learned and advanced worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead as his spiritual master, worshipful Deity and source of life. He thus worships the Lord by the process of unalloyed devotional service.’
Purport
This verse is quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.2.37).
Bengali
মামেব যে প্রপদ্যন্তে মায়ামেতাং তরন্তি তে ॥ ১৩৮ ॥
Text
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
Synonyms
daivī — belonging to the Supreme Lord; hi — certainly; eṣā — this; guṇa-mayī — made of the three modes; mama — My; māyā — external energy; duratyayā — very difficult to surpass; mām — unto Me; eva — certainly; ye — those who; prapadyante — surrender fully; māyām — the illusory energy; etām — this; taranti — cross over; te — they.
Translation
“ ‘This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (7.14).
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“One does not attain liberation without rendering devotional service. Liberation is attained only by devotional service.
Bengali
ক্লিশ্যন্তি যে কেবল-বোধলব্ধয়ে ।
তেষামসৌ ক্লেশল এব শিষ্যতে
নান্যদ্যথা স্থূলতুষাবঘাতিনাম্ ॥ ১৪০ ॥
Text
kliśyanti ye kevala-bodha-labdhaye
teṣām asau kleśala eva śiṣyate
nānyad yathā sthūla-tuṣāvaghātinām
Synonyms
śreyaḥ-sṛtim — the auspicious path of liberation; bhaktim — devotional service; udasya — giving up; te — of You; vibho — O my Lord; kliśyanti — accept increased difficulties; ye — all those persons who; kevala — only; bodha-labdhaye — for obtaining knowledge; teṣām — for them; asau — that; kleśalaḥ — trouble; eva — only; śiṣyate — remains; na — not; anyat — anything else; yathā — as much as; sthūla — bulky; tuṣa — husks of rice; avaghātinām — of those beating.
Translation
“ ‘My dear Lord, devotional service unto You is the only auspicious path. If one gives it up simply for speculative knowledge or the understanding that these living beings are spirit souls and the material world is false, he undergoes a great deal of trouble. He only gains troublesome and inauspicious activities. His actions are like beating a husk that is already devoid of rice. His labor becomes fruitless.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.14.4).
Bengali
স্ত্বয্যস্তভাবাদবিশুদ্ধবুদ্ধয়ঃ ।
আরুহ্য কৃচ্ছ্রেণ পরং পদং ততঃ
পতন্ত্যধোঽনাদৃতযুষ্মদঙ্ঘ্রয়ঃ ॥ ১৪১ ॥
Text
tvayy asta-bhāvād aviśuddha-buddhayaḥ
āruhya kṛcchreṇa paraṁ padaṁ tataḥ
patanty adho ’nādṛta-yuṣmad-aṅghrayaḥ
Synonyms
ye — all those who; anye — others (nondevotees); aravinda-akṣa — O lotus-eyed one; vimukta-māninaḥ — who consider themselves liberated; tvayi — unto You; asta-bhāvāt — without devotion; aviśuddha-buddhayaḥ — whose intelligence is not purified; āruhya — having ascended; kṛcchreṇa — by severe austerities and penances; param padam — to the supreme position; tataḥ — from there; patanti — fall; adhaḥ — down; anādṛta — without respecting; yuṣmat — Your; aṅghrayaḥ — lotus feet.
Translation
“ ‘O lotus-eyed one, those who think they are liberated in this life but are without devotional service to You are of impure intelligence. Although they accept severe austerities and penances and rise to the spiritual position, to impersonal Brahman realization, they fall down again because they neglect to worship Your lotus feet.’
Purport
This is a verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.2.32).
Bengali
ন ভজন্ত্যবজানন্তি স্থানাদ্ভ্রষ্টাঃ পতন্ত্যধঃ ॥ ১৪২ ॥
Text
ātma-prabhavam īśvaram
na bhajanty avajānanti
sthānād bhraṣṭāḥ patanty adhaḥ
Synonyms
ye — those who; eṣām — of those divisions of social and spiritual orders; puruṣam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sākṣāt — directly; ātma-prabhavam — the source of everyone; īśvaram — the supreme controller; na — do not; bhajanti — worship; avajānanti — or who neglect; sthānāt — from their proper place; bhraṣṭāḥ — being fallen; patanti — fall; adhaḥ — downward into hellish conditions.
Translation
“ ‘If one simply maintains an official position in the four varṇas and āśramas but does not worship the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu, he falls down from his puffed-up position into a hellish condition.’
Purport
This is also a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.5.3).
Bengali
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“When one is actually liberated by executing devotional service, he always engages in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
Bengali
Text
kṛtvā bhagavantaṁ bhajante”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Even a liberated soul merged in the impersonal Brahman effulgence is attracted to the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa. He thus installs a Deity and renders the Lord service.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śaṅkarācārya’s commentary on the Nṛsiṁha-tāpanī Upaniṣad.
Bengali
পৃথক্ পৃথক্ চ-কারে ইহা ‘অপি’র অর্থ কয় ॥ ১৪৫ ॥
Text
pṛthak pṛthak ca-kāre ihā ‘api’ra artha kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“These six kinds of ātmārāmas engage in the loving service of Kṛṣṇa. The varieties of service are indicated by adding ‘ca,’ and they also bear the meaning of ‘api’ [‘indeed’].
Purport
There are six kinds of ātmārāmas: the neophyte student (sādhaka), one who is absorbed in Brahman realization (brahma-maya), one who has already attained the Brahman position (prāpta-brahma-laya), one who desires to be liberated (mumukṣu), one who is liberated even in this life (jīvan-mukta), and one who is self-realized (prāpta-svarūpa).
Bengali
“মুনয়ঃ সন্তঃ” ইতি কৃষ্ণমননে আসক্তি ॥ ১৪৬ ॥
Text
“munayaḥ santaḥ” iti kṛṣṇa-manane āsakti
Synonyms
Translation
“The six kinds of ātmārāmas render devotional service to Kṛṣṇa without ulterior motives. The words ‘munayaḥ’ and ‘santaḥ’ indicate those who are very much attached to meditating upon Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
যাহাঁ যেই যুক্ত, সেই অর্থের অধীন ॥ ১৪৭ ॥
Text
yāhāṅ yei yukta, sei arthera adhīna
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘nirgranthāḥ’ means ‘without ignorance’ and ‘devoid of rules and regulations.’ Whichever meaning fits may be applied.
Bengali
আর এক অর্থ কহে পরম সমর্থ ॥ ১৪৮ ॥
Text
āra eka artha kahe parama samartha
Synonyms
Translation
“The use of the word ‘ca’ in different places produces different meanings. Over and above them, there is another meaning that is very important.
Bengali
পঞ্চ আত্মারাম ছয় চ-কারে লুপ্ত হয় ॥ ১৪৯ ॥
Text
pañca ātmārāma chaya ca-kāre lupta haya
Synonyms
Translation
“Although the words ‘ātmārāmāś ca’ would be repeated six times, simply by adding the word ‘ca,’ five ‘ātmārāmas’ are deleted.
Bengali
এক ‘আত্মারাম’-শব্দে ছয় জন কহে ॥ ১৫০ ॥
Text
eka ‘ātmārāma’-śabde chaya-jana kahe
Synonyms
Translation
“Therefore there is no need to repeat the word ‘ātmārāma.’ One is sufficient, and that one word indicates six persons.
Bengali
উক্তার্থানামপ্ৰয়োগঃ ।
রামশ্চ রামশ্চ রামশ্চ রামা ইতিবৎ ॥ ১৫১ ॥
Text
uktārthānām aprayogaḥ,
rāmaś ca rāmaś ca rāmaś ca rāmā itivat.
Synonyms
sa-rūpāṇām — of words of the same form; eka-śeṣaḥ — only the last; eka-vibhaktau — in the same case; ukta-arthānām — of the previously spoken meanings; aprayogaḥ — nonapplication; rāmaḥ ca — and Rāma; rāmaḥ ca — and Rāma; rāmaḥ ca — and Rāma; rāmāḥ iti-vat — in this way, by one rāma, many rāmas are indicated.
Translation
“ ‘Of words having the same form and case termination, the last one is the only one retained. For example, the word “rāmāḥ” is used to stand for “rāmaś ca, rāmaś ca, rāmaś ca, etc.”’
Purport
This is a quotation from Pāṇini’s sūtras (1.2.64).
Bengali
“আত্মারামাশ্চ মুনয়শ্চ” কৃষ্ণেরে ভজয় ॥ ১৫২ ॥
Text
“ātmārāmāś ca munayaś ca” kṛṣṇere bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“By the aggregate use of the word ‘ca,’ it is indicated that all the ātmārāmas and saints serve and worship Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
এই সাত অর্থ প্রথমে করিলুঁ ব্যাখ্যানে ॥ ১৫৩ ॥
Text
ei sāta artha prathame kariluṅ vyākhyāne
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Api’ added to the word ‘nirgranthāḥ’ is used for exposition. Thus I have tried to clarify seven meanings [of the ātmārāma verse].
Bengali
সেই আত্মারাম যোগীর দুই ভেদ হয় ॥ ১৫৪ ॥
Text
sei ātmārāma yogīra dui bheda haya
Synonyms
Translation
“The yogī who worships the Supersoul within himself is also called ātmārāma. There are two types of ātmārāma-yogīs.
Bengali
এক এক তিন ভেদে ছয় বিভেদ ॥ ১৫৫ ॥
Text
eka eka tina bhede chaya vibheda
Synonyms
Translation
“The two types of ātmārāma-yogīs are called sagarbha and nigarbha. Each of these is divided into three; therefore there are six types of worshipers of the Supersoul.
Purport
The word sagarbha-yogī refers to a yogī who worships the Supersoul in the Viṣṇu form. The nigarbha-yogī worships the Supersoul without form. The sagarbha and nigarbha yogīs are further categorized: (1) sagarbha-yogārurukṣu, (2) nigarbha-yogārurukṣu, (3) sagarbha-yogārūḍha, (4) nigarbha-yogārūḍha, (5) sagarbha-prāpta-siddhi and (6) nigarbha-prāpta-siddhi.
Bengali
চতুর্ভুজং কঞ্জরথাঙ্গশঙ্খগদাধরং ধারণয়া স্মরন্তি ॥ ১৫৬ ॥
Text
prādeśa-mātraṁ puruṣaṁ vasantam
catur-bhujaṁ kañja-rathāṅga-śaṅkha-
gadā-dharaṁ dhāraṇayā smaranti
Synonyms
kecit — some of them; sva-deha-antaḥ — within one’s own body; hṛdaya-avakāśe — in the cavity of the heart; prādeśa-mātram — with the measurement of six inches; puruṣam — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; vasantam — residing; catuḥ-bhujam — with four hands; kañja — a lotus flower; ratha-aṅga — a disc like the wheel of a chariot; śaṅkha — a conchshell; gadā-dharam — holding the club; dhāraṇayā — by such contemplation; smaranti — they remember.
Translation
“ ‘Some yogīs think of the Lord within their hearts as measuring about six inches. The Lord has four hands, in which He holds a conchshell, club, disc and lotus flower. Those who worship this form of Viṣṇu within the heart are called sagarbha-yogīs.’
Purport
This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.2.8).
Bengali
ভক্ত্যা দ্রবদ্ধৃদয় উৎপুলকঃ প্রমোদাত্ ।
ঔৎকণ্ঠ্যবাষ্পকলয়া মুহুরর্দ্যমান-
স্তচ্চাপি চিত্তবড়িশং শনকৈর্বিযুঙ্ক্তে ॥ ১৫৭ ॥
Text
bhaktyā dravad-dhṛdaya utpulakaḥ pramodāt
autkaṇṭhya-bāṣpa-kalayā muhur ardyamānas
tac cāpi citta-baḍiśaṁ śanakair viyuṅkte
Synonyms
evam — thus; harau — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhagavati — the Lord; pratilabdha-bhāvaḥ — one who has awakened a sense of ecstatic love; bhaktyā — by devotional service; dravat — melting; hṛdayaḥ — the heart; utpulakaḥ — very pleased; pramodāt — because of happiness; autkaṇṭhya — with eagerness; bāṣpa-kalayā — with tears in the eyes; muhuḥ — always; ardyamānaḥ — merged in spiritual bliss; tat ca api — that also; citta-baḍiśam — with the heart like a fishing hook; śanakaiḥ — gradually; viyuṅkte — separates.
Translation
“ ‘When one is in ecstatic love with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one’s heart is melted by bhakti-yoga and one feels transcendental bliss. There are bodily symptoms manifest, and due to eagerness, there are tears in the eyes. Thus one is subjected to spiritual bliss. When the heart is overly afflicted, the meditative mind, like a fishing hook, is gradually separated from the object of meditation.’
Purport
This is also a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (3.28.34).
Bengali
এই তিন ভেদে হয় ছয় প্রকার ॥ ১৫৮ ॥
Text
ei tina bhede haya chaya prakāra
Synonyms
Translation
“By these three divisions of advancement in yoga — yogārurukṣu, yogārūḍha and prāpta-siddhi — there are six kinds of mystic yogīs.
Bengali
যোগারূঢ়স্য তস্যৈব শমঃ কারণমুচ্যতে ॥ ১৫৯ ॥
Text
karma kāraṇam ucyate
yogārūḍhasya tasyaiva
śamaḥ kāraṇam ucyate
Synonyms
ārurukṣoḥ — of a person desiring to rise to the platform of yogic perfection; muneḥ — of a saintly person; yogam — spiritual knowledge; karma — work; kāraṇam — the cause; ucyate — is said; yoga-ārūḍhasya — of one who has attained such perfect knowledge; tasya — for him; eva — certainly; śamaḥ — controlling the mind without being disturbed; kāraṇam — cause; ucyate — is said.
Translation
“ ‘For those saintly persons who wish to rise to the platform of yogic perfection, the means consists of practicing the yoga system by strictly following its regulative principles and practicing the yoga postures and breathing exercises. And for those who are already elevated to this platform, the means consists of maintaining mental equilibrium [śama] by rejecting all material activity and practicing meditation to keep the mind on the Supreme Lord.
Purport
texts 159 and 160 are from the Bhagavad-gītā (6.3-4).
Bengali
সর্বসংকল্পসন্ন্যাসী যোগারূঢ়স্তদোচ্যতে ॥ ১৬০ ॥
Text
na karmasv anuṣajjate
sarva-saṅkalpa-sannyāsī
yogārūḍhas tadocyate
Synonyms
yadā — when; hi — certainly; na — not; indriya-artheṣu — sense gratification; na — not; karmasu — in activities; anuṣajjate — one becomes engaged; sarva — all kinds of; saṅkalpa — desires; sannyāsī — renouncing; yoga-ārūḍhaḥ — one who has actually attained perfection in the yoga system; tadā — at that time; ucyate — is said.
Translation
“ ‘When a person is no longer interested in acting for sense gratification and when he renounces all material desires, he is said to be situated in perfect yoga [yogārūḍha].’
Bengali
কৃষ্ণ ভজে কৃষ্ণগুণে আকৃষ্ট হঞা ॥ ১৬১ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa bhaje kṛṣṇa-guṇe ākṛṣṭa hañā
Synonyms
Translation
“When a purified yogī associates with devotees, he engages in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service, being attracted by the Lord’s transcendental qualities.
Bengali
‘মুনি’, ‘নির্গ্রন্থ’-শব্দের পূর্ববৎ অর্থ হয় ॥ ১৬২ ॥
Text
‘muni’, ‘nirgrantha’-śabdera pūrvavat artha haya
Synonyms
Translation
“The meanings of the words ‘ca’ and ‘api’ can be applied here. The meanings of the words ‘muni’ and ‘nirgrantha’ are the same as before.
Bengali
এই তের অর্থ কহিলুঁ পরম সমর্থ ॥ ১৬৩ ॥
Text
ei tera artha kahiluṅ parama samartha
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ahaitukī’ is always applicable to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Urukrama. In this way I have described thirteen complete meanings [of the ātmārāma verse].
Purport
The thirteen meanings of the ātmārāma verse mentioned here are based on the following meanings for the word ātmārāma: (1) sādhaka, the neophyte performer; (2) brahma-maya, one absorbed in the thought of impersonal Brahman; (3) prāpta-brahma-laya, one who has actually attained Brahman perfection; (4) mumukṣu, one who desires liberation; (5) jīvan-mukta, one who is liberated in this life; (6) prāpta-svarūpa, one who has attained his original constitutional position; (7) nirgrantha-muni, a completely liberated saint; (8) sagarbha-yogārurukṣu, a yogī meditating upon the four-handed Viṣṇu form and desiring yogic perfection; (9) nigarbha-yogārurukṣu, one who is trying for perfection in impersonal meditation; (10) sagarbha-yogārūḍha, one who has been elevated to the platform of yogic perfection by meditating on the Viṣṇu form; (11) nigarbha-yogārūḍha, an impersonal yogī on the platform of perfection; (12) sagarbha-prāpta-siddhi, one who has attained the perfectional stage by meditating on the Viṣṇu form; (13) nigarbha-prāpta-siddhi, one who has attained perfection by practicing impersonal meditation.
Bengali
‘শান্ত’ ভক্ত করি’ তবে কহি তাঁর নাম ॥ ১৬৪ ॥
Text
‘śānta’ bhakta kari’ tabe kahi tāṅra nāma
Synonyms
Translation
“These thirteen types of yogīs and munis are called śānta-bhaktas, for they render transcendental loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the neutral stage.
Bengali
সাধুসঙ্গে সেহ ভজে শ্রীকৃষ্ণচরণে ॥ ১৬৫ ॥
Text
sādhu-saṅge seha bhaje śrī-kṛṣṇa-caraṇe
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmā’ sometimes means ‘the mind.’ In this case the word ‘ātmārāma’ means ‘a person who is satisfied by mental speculation.’ When such a person associates with a pure devotee, he takes to devotional service at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
পরিসরপদ্ধতিং হৃদয়মারুণয়ো দহরম্ ।
তত উদ্গাদনন্ত তব ধাম শিরঃ পরমং
পুনরিহ যৎ সমেত্য ন পতন্তি কৃতান্তমুখে ॥ ১৬৬ ॥
Text
parisara-paddhatiṁ hṛdayam āruṇayo daharam
tata udagād ananta tava dhāma śiraḥ paramaṁ
punar iha yat sametya na patanti kṛtānta-mukhe
Synonyms
udaram — the abdomen; upāsate — worship; ye — those who; ṛṣivartmasu — on the path marked out by the great saintly persons; kūrpa-dṛśaḥ — whose vision is grossly situated in the bodily conception of life; parisara-paddhatim — from which the system of the arteries comes; hṛdayam — the heart; āruṇayaḥ — saintly persons headed by Āruṇa Ṛṣi; daharam — the sky within the heart, the subtle conception of the Supersoul within the heart; tataḥ — from that; udagāt — went up; ananta — O unlimited one; tava — Your; dhāma — place; śiraḥ — the top of the head; paramam — supreme; punaḥ — again; iha — in this material world; yat — which; sametya — having achieved; na — not; patanti — fall down; kṛta-anta-mukhe — in the repetition of birth and death.
Translation
“ ‘Those who follow the path of great, saintly mystic yogīs take to the yogic gymnastic process and begin worshiping from the abdomen, where it is said that Brahman is located. Such people are called śārkarākṣa, which means that they are situated in the gross bodily conception. There are also followers of the ṛṣi known as Āruṇa. Following his path, they observe the activities of the arteries. Thus they gradually rise to the heart, where subtle Brahman, Paramātmā, is situated. They then worship Him. O unlimited Ananta! Better than these persons are the mystic yogīs who worship You from the top of their heads. Beginning with the abdomen and proceeding through the heart, they reach the top of the head and pass through the brahma-randhra, the hole at the top of the skull. Thus these yogīs attain the perfectional platform and do not enter the cycle of birth and death again.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.87.18).
Bengali
অহৈতুকী ভক্তি করে নির্গ্রন্থ হঞা ॥ ১৬৭ ॥
Text
ahaitukī bhakti kare nirgrantha hañā
Synonyms
Translation
“Being attracted by the transcendental qualities of Kṛṣṇa, such yogīs become great saints. At that time, not being hampered by the yogic process, they engage in unalloyed devotional service.
Bengali
“মুনয়োঽপি” কৃষ্ণ ভজে গুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা ॥ ১৬৮ ॥
Text
“munayo ’ ” kṛṣṇa bhaje guṇākṛṣṭa hañā
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Ātmā’ also means ‘endeavor.’ Being attracted by Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental qualities, some saints make a great endeavor to come to the point of rendering service to Him.
Bengali
ন লভ্যতে যদ্ভ্রমতামুপর্যধঃ ।
তল্লভ্যতে দুঃখবদন্যতঃ সুখং
কালেন সর্বত্র গভীর-রংহসা ॥ ১৬৯ ॥
Text
na labhyate yad bhramatām upary adhaḥ
tal labhyate duḥkha-vad anyataḥ sukhaṁ
kālena sarvatra gabhīra-raṁhasā
Synonyms
tasya eva — for that; hetoḥ — reason; prayateta — should endeavor; kovidaḥ — one who is learned and intelligent; na — not; labhyate — is achieved; yat — that which; bhramatām — of those wandering; upari adhaḥ — up and down; tat — that; labhyate — is achieved; duḥkha-vat — exactly like unhappiness or distress; anyataḥ — from other reasons (one’s past actions); sukham — happiness; kālena — by time; sarvatra — everywhere; gabhīra — insurmountable; raṁhasā — having force.
Translation
“ ‘The transcendental position cannot be attained by wandering up and down from Brahmaloka and Satyaloka to Pātālaloka. If one is actually intelligent and learned, he should endeavor for that rare transcendental position. By the force of time one attains whatever material happiness is available within the fourteen worlds, just as one attains distress in due course of time. But since spiritual consciousness is not attained in this way, one should try for it.’
Purport
This verse was spoken by Nārada Muni in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.5.18). Nārada Muni was speaking to Vyāsadeva, who was morose even after he had compiled all the Vedic literatures. In this connection, Nārada Muni advised Śrīla Vyāsadeva to try to attain devotional service and nothing else.
Bengali
অচিরাদেব সর্বার্থঃ সিধ্যত্যেষামভীপ্সিতঃ ॥ ১৭০ ॥
Text
yeṣāṁ nirbandhinī matiḥ
acirād eva sarvārthaḥ
sidhyaty eṣām abhīpsitaḥ
Synonyms
sat-dharmasya — of the path of progressive devotional service; avabodhāya — for understanding; yeṣām — those whose; nirbandhinī — unflinching; matiḥ — intelligence; acirāt — very soon; eva — certainly; sarva-arthaḥ — the goal of life; sidhyati — becomes fulfilled; eṣām — of these persons; abhīpsitaḥ — desired.
Translation
“ ‘Those who are eager to awaken their spiritual consciousness and who thus have unflinching, undeviated intelligence certainly attain the desired goal of life very soon.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Nāradīya Purāṇa.
Bengali
যত্নাগ্রহ বিনা ভক্তি না জন্মায় প্রেমে ॥ ১৭১ ॥
Text
yatnāgraha vinā bhakti nā janmāya preme
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ca’ may be used in place of ‘api,’ which gives emphasis to something. Thus it means that without sincere endeavor in devotional service, one cannot attain love of Godhead.
Bengali
হরিণা চাশ্বদেয়েতি দ্বিধা সা স্যাৎ সুদুর্লভা ॥ ১৭২ ॥
Text
alabhyā su-cirād api
hariṇā cāśv adeyeti
dvidhā sā syāt su-durlabhā
Synonyms
sādhana — activities of devotional service; oghaiḥ — by masses of; anāsaṅgaiḥ — without attachment; alabhyā — very difficult to achieve; su-cirāt api — even after a considerable duration of time; hariṇā — by the Supreme Lord; ca — also; āśu — very soon; adeyā — not to be delivered; iti — thus; dvidhā — two ways; sā — that; syāt — is; su-durlabhā — very difficult to obtain.
Translation
“ ‘Devotional perfection is very difficult to attain for two reasons. First, unless one is attached to Kṛṣṇa, he cannot attain devotional perfection even if he renders devotional service for a long time. Second, Kṛṣṇa does not easily deliver perfection in devotional service.’
Purport
As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.6.18), muktiṁ dadāti karhicit. Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī told Mahārāja Parīkṣit that Kṛṣṇa readily grants liberation but does not very readily grant perfection in devotional service. This means that Kṛṣṇa wants to see that a devotee is actually sincere and serious and that he does not have ulterior motives. If this is the case, devotional service can very easily be successful; otherwise it is very difficult to obtain from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This verse appears in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.1.35).
Bengali
দদামি বুদ্ধিযোগং তং যেন মামুপযান্তি তে ॥ ১৭৩ ॥
Text
bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ
yena mām upayānti te
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (10.10). For an explanation, see Ādi-līlā 1.49
Bengali
ধৈর্যবন্ত এব হঞা করয় ভজনে ॥ ১৭৪ ॥
Text
dhairyavanta eva hañā karaya bhajane
Synonyms
Translation
“Another meaning of ‘ātmā’ is dhṛti, or endurance. A person who endeavors with endurance is ātmārāma. With endurance, such a person engages in devotional service.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণকৃপায় সাধুকৃপায় দোঁহার ভজন ॥ ১৭৫ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya sādhu-kṛpāya doṅhāra bhajana
Synonyms
muni-śabde — by the word muni; pakṣī — bird; bhṛṅga — bumblebee; nirgranthe — by the word nirgrantha; mūrkha-jana — foolish people; kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya — by the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa; sādhu-kṛpāya — by the mercy of a devotee; doṅhāra bhajana — engages in devotional service of both (Kṛṣṇa and his spiritual master or the sādhu).
Translation
“The word ‘muni’ also means ‘bird’ and ‘bumblebee.’ The word ‘nirgrantha’ refers to foolish people. By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, such creatures contact a sādhu [spiritual master] and thus engage in devotional service.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণেক্ষিতং তদুদিতং কলবেণুগীতম্ ।
আরুহ্য যে দ্রুমভুজান্ রুচিরপ্রবালান্
শৃণ্বন্তি মীলিতদৃশো বিগতান্যবাচঃ ॥ ১৭৬ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇekṣitaṁ tad-uditaṁ kala-veṇu-gītam
āruhya ye druma-bhujān rucira-pravālān
śṛṇvanti mīlita-dṛśo vigatānya-vācaḥ
Synonyms
prāyaḥ — almost; bata — certainly; amba — O mother; munayaḥ — great sages; vihagāḥ — the birds; vane — in the forest; asmin — this; kṛṣṇa-īkṣitam — seeing the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa; tat-uditam — created by Him; kala-veṇu-gītam — sweet vibrations made by playing the flute; āruhya — rising; ye — all of them; druma-bhujān — to the branches of the trees; rucira-pravālān — having beautiful creepers and twigs; śṛṇvanti — hear; mīlita-dṛśaḥ — closing their eyes; vigata-anya-vācaḥ — stopping all other sounds.
Translation
“ ‘My dear mother, in this forest, all the birds, after rising on the beautiful branches of the trees, are closing their eyes and, not being attracted by any other sound, are simply listening to the vibration of Kṛṣṇa’s flute. Such birds must be on the same level as great saints.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.21.14). This statement was made by the gopīs, who were lamenting in separation from Kṛṣṇa and studying how the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana were enjoying life like saintly persons.
Bengali
গায়ন্ত আদিপুরুষানুপথং ভজন্তে ।
প্রায়ো অমী মুনিগণা ভবদীয়মুখ্যা
গূঢ়ং বনেঽপি ন জহত্যনঘাত্মদৈবম্ ॥ ১৭৭ ॥
Text
gāyanta ādi-puruṣānupathaṁ bhajante
prāyo amī muni-gaṇā bhavadīya-mukhyā
gūḍhaṁ vane ’pi na jahaty anaghātma-daivam
Synonyms
ete — all these; alinaḥ — bees; tava — Your; yaśaḥ — reputation; akhila — all; loka-tīrtham — auspicious for the planets; gāyante — are singing; ādi-puruṣa — O original person; anu-patham — along the path; bhajante — they are engaged in transcendental loving service; prāyaḥ — almost; amī — these; muni-gaṇāḥ — great saintly persons; bhavadīya — in relation with You; mukhyāḥ — very advanced devotees; gūḍham — unknown; vane — in the forest; api — although; na — not; jahati — give up; anagha — O personality of transcendental goodness; ātma-daivam — their worshipable Deity.
Translation
“ ‘O good fortune personified! O original Personality of Godhead, all these bees are chanting about Your transcendental fame, which will purify the entire universe. Indeed, they are following Your path in the forest and are worshiping You. Actually they are all saintly persons, but now they have taken the form of bees. Although You are playing like a human being, they could not forget that You are their worshipable Deity.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.15.6). Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma were just on the verge of boyhood and were entering the forest of Vṛndāvana when Kṛṣṇa began to offer prayers to please Balarāma.
Bengali
হরিমুপাসত তে যতচিত্তা হন্ত মীলিতদৃশো ধৃতমৌনাঃ ॥ ১৭৮ ॥
Text
cāru-gīta-hṛta-cetasa etya
harim upāsata te yata-cittā
hanta mīlita-dṛśo dhṛta-maunāḥ
Synonyms
sarasi — in the water; sārasa — cranes; haṁsa — swans; vihaṅgāḥ — birds; cāru-gīta — by the melodious song of Kṛṣṇa’s flute; hṛta-cetasaḥ — devoid of material consciousness; etya — coming near; harim — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; upāsata — worshiped; te — all of them; yata-cittāḥ — with full attention; hanta — alas; mīlita-dṛśaḥ — closing their eyes; dhṛta-maunāḥ — completely silent.
Translation
“ ‘All the cranes and swans in the water are being enchanted by the melodious song of Kṛṣṇa’s flute. They have approached and are worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead with full attention. Alas, they are closing their eyes and are becoming completely silent.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.35.11). In the day, Kṛṣṇa went to the forest of Vṛndāvana, and at that time the gopīs, being morose due to separation from Him, were lamenting in this way.
Bengali
আভীরশুহ্মা যবনাঃ খশাদয়ঃ ।
যেঽন্যে চ পাপা যদুপাশ্রয়াশ্রয়াঃ
শুধ্যন্তি তস্মৈ প্রভবিষ্ণবে নমঃ ॥ ১৭৯ ॥
Text
ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khaśādayaḥ
ye ’nye ca pāpā yad-upāśrayāśrayāḥ
śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ
Synonyms
kirāta — the aborigines named Kirātas; hūna — the Hūnas; āndhra — Āndhras; pulinda — Pulindas; pukkaśāḥ — Pukkaśas; ābhīra — Ābhīras; śumbhāḥ — Śumbhas; yavanāḥ — persons who do not follow the Vedic injunctions and who eat cow’s flesh; khaśa-ādayaḥ — Khaśas and others; ye — those who; anye — similar others; ca — also; pāpāḥ — sinful persons; yat — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; upāśraya — of the devotees; āśrayāḥ — taking shelter; śudhyanti — become purified; tasmai — unto Him, Lord Viṣṇu, because of whom they become purified; prabhaviṣṇave — to Lord Viṣṇu, the most powerful; namaḥ — respectful obeisances.
Translation
“ ‘Kirātas, Hūnas, Āndhras, Pulindas, Pukkaśas, Ābhīras, Śumbhas, Yavanas and members of the Khaśa races, and even others who are addicted to sinful acts, can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.4.18). This verse was spoken by Śukadeva Gosvāmī when Parīkṣit Mahārāja asked him for a description of the creation. While offering obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śukadeva Gosvāmī described the unlimited potencies of Lord Viṣṇu, who can purify the lowborn creatures mentioned herein.
Bengali
দুঃখাভাবে উত্তমপ্রাপ্ত্যে মহাপূর্ণ হয় ॥ ১৮০ ॥
Text
duḥkhābhāve uttama-prāptye mahā-pūrṇa haya
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘dhṛti’ is also used when one is fully perfect in knowledge. When, due to having obtained the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one has no material miseries, he attains mahā-pūrṇa, the highest level of perfection.
Bengali
অপ্রাপ্তাতীত-নষ্টার্থানভিসংশোচনাদিকৃৎ ॥ ১৮১ ॥
Text
duḥkhābhāvottamāptibhiḥ
aprāptātīta-naṣṭārthā-
nabhisaṁśocanādi-kṛt
Synonyms
dhṛtiḥ — endurance; syāt — may become; pūrṇatā — fullness; jñāna — knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; duḥkha-abhāva — the absence of misery; uttama-āptibhiḥ — by attainment of the highest platform of perfection; aprāpta — not obtained; atīta — gone; naṣṭa — destroyed; artha — object, goal; anabhisaṁśocana — absence of lamentation; ādi — and so on; kṛt — doing.
Translation
“ ‘Dhṛti is the fullness felt due to the absence of misery and the attainment of knowledge of the Supreme Lord and pure love for Him. The lamentation that accrues from not obtaining a goal or from losing something already attained does not affect this completeness.’
Purport
This verse is found in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (2.4.144).
Bengali
কৃষ্ণপ্রেম-সেবা-পূর্ণানন্দ-প্রবীণ ॥ ১৮২ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-prema-sevā-pūrṇānanda-pravīṇa
Synonyms
kṛṣṇa-bhakta — a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa; duḥkha-hīna — not under miserable material conditions; vāñchā-antara-hīna — he has no desire other than to serve Kṛṣṇa; kṛṣṇa-prema — love of Kṛṣṇa; sevā — service; pūrṇa-ānanda — full in transcendental bliss; pravīṇa — and very expert or experienced in all subject matters.
Translation
“A devotee of Kṛṣṇa is never in a miserable condition, nor does he have any desire other than to serve Kṛṣṇa. He is experienced and advanced. He feels the transcendental bliss of love of Kṛṣṇa and always engages in His service in full perfection.
Bengali
নেচ্ছন্তি সেবয়া পূর্ণাঃ কুতোঽন্যৎ কালবিপ্লুতম্ ॥ ১৮৩ ॥
Text
sālokyādi-catuṣṭayam
necchanti sevayā pūrṇāḥ
kuto ’nyat kāla-viplutam
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘My devotees, having fulfilled their desires by serving Me, do not accept the four kinds of salvation that are easily earned by such service. Why then should they accept any pleasures that are lost in the course of time?’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (9.4.67).
Bengali
স এব ধৈর্যমাপ্নোতি সংসারে জীবচঞ্চলে ॥ ১৮৪ ॥
Text
yasya sthairya-gatāni hi
sa eva dhairyam āpnoti
saṁsāre jīva-cañcale
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘In this material world, all living entities are disturbed due to their flickering position. A devotee, however, is fixed in the service of the lotus feet of the Lord, the master of the senses. Such a person is to be considered situated in endurance and patience.’
Bengali
ধৃতিমন্ত হঞা ভজে পক্ষি-মূর্খ-চয়ে ॥ ১৮৫ ॥
Text
dhṛtimanta hañā bhaje pakṣi-mūrkha-caye
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ca’ is for emphasis, and the word ‘api’ is used to indicate an aggregate. Thus it is to be understood that even dull creatures [birds and illiterates] can also be situated in endurance and engage in Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service.
Bengali
সামান্যবুদ্ধিযুক্ত যত জীব অবশেষ ॥ ১৮৬ ॥
Text
sāmānya-buddhi-yukta yata jīva avaśeṣa
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmā’ is also used for a particular type of intelligence. Since all living entities generally have some intelligence, more or less, they are included.
Bengali
‘পণ্ডিত’ মুনিগণ, নির্গ্রন্থ ‘মূর্খ’ আর ॥ ১৮৭ ॥
Text
‘paṇḍita’ muni-gaṇa, nirgrantha ‘mūrkha’ āra
Synonyms
Translation
“Everyone has some kind of intelligence, and one who utilizes his intelligence is called an ātmārāma. There are two types of ātmārāmas. One is a learned scholar and philosopher, and the other is an uneducated, illiterate, foolish person.
Bengali
সব ছাড়ি’ শুদ্ধভক্তি করে কৃষ্ণপায় ॥ ১৮৮ ॥
Text
saba chāḍi’ śuddha-bhakti kare kṛṣṇa-pāya
Synonyms
Translation
“By the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and by the association of devotees, one increases his attraction to and intelligence for pure devotional service; therefore one gives up everything and engages himself at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa and His pure devotees.
Bengali
ইতি মত্বা ভজন্তে মাং বুধা ভাবসমন্বিতাঃ ॥ ১৮৯ ॥
Text
mattaḥ sarvaṁ pravartate
iti matvā bhajante māṁ
budhā bhāva-samanvitāḥ
Synonyms
aham — I, Lord Kṛṣṇa; sarvasya — of everyone; prabhavaḥ — the original source; mattaḥ — from Me; sarvam — everything; pravartate — emanates; iti — thus; matvā — understanding; bhajante — they engage in devotional service; mām — to Me; budhāḥ — those who are learned; bhāva-samanvitāḥ — with love and devotion.
Translation
“ ‘I [Kṛṣṇa] am the original source of everything. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My service with love and devotion.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (10.8).
Bengali
স্ত্রীশূদ্রহূনশবরা অপি পাপজীবাঃ ।
যদ্যদ্ভুতক্রমপরায়ণ-শীল-শিক্ষা-
স্তির্যগ্জনা অপি কিমু শ্রুতধারণা যে ॥ ১৯০ ॥
Text
strī-śūdra-hūna-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ
yady adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās
tiryag-janā api kim u śruta-dhāraṇā ye
Synonyms
te — all of them; vai — certainly; vidanti — understand; atitaranti — cross over; ca — also; deva-māyām — the influence of the external illusory energy; strī — women; śūdra — fourth-class men; hūna — uncivilized hill tribes; śabarāḥ — and hunters; api — even; pāpa-jīvāḥ — sinful creatures; yadi — if; adbhuta-krama — of the performer of wonderful activities; parāyaṇa — of the devotees; śīla-śikṣāḥ — characteristics and education; tiryak-janāḥ — birds and beasts; api — even; kim u — what to speak of; śruta-dhāraṇāḥ ye — persons advanced in the education of Vedic knowledge.
Translation
“ ‘Women, fourth-class men, uncivilized hill tribes, hunters and many others born of low families, as well as birds and beasts, can engage in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead — who acts very wonderfully — and follow the path of the devotees and take lessons from them. Although the ocean of nescience is vast, they can still cross over it. What, then, is the difficulty for those who are advanced in Vedic knowledge?’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.46). Lord Brahmā said this when speaking to his disciple Nārada about the wonderful characteristics of Lord Viṣṇu. Simply by chanting the glories of Lord Viṣṇu, one can cross the ocean of nescience, even though one may be lowborn.
Bengali
সেই বুদ্ধি দেন তাঁরে, যাতে কৃষ্ণ পায় ॥ ১৯১ ॥
Text
sei buddhi dena tāṅre, yāte kṛṣṇa pāya
Synonyms
Translation
“Considering all these points, when one engages in the service of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, Kṛṣṇa gives one the intelligence by which he can gradually progress toward perfection in service to the Lord.
Bengali
দদামি বুদ্ধিযোগং তং যেন মামুপযান্তি তে ॥ ১৯২ ॥
Text
bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ
yena mām upayānti te
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Bhagavad-gītā (10.10).
Bengali
ব্রজে বাস, — এই পঞ্চ সাধন প্রধান ॥ ১৯৩ ॥
Text
vraje vāsa, — ei pañca sādhana pradhāna
Synonyms
sat-saṅga — association with devotees; kṛṣṇa-sevā — engagement in the service of Kṛṣṇa; bhāgavata — devotees and the book known as Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam; nāma — the chanting of the holy name; vraje vāsa — residence in Vṛndāvana or Mathurā; ei — these; pañca — five; sādhana pradhāna — the chief processes of devotion.
Translation
“To be elevated to the platform of devotional service, the following five items should be observed: association with devotees, engagement in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the reading of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the chanting of the holy names and residence at Vṛndāvana or Mathurā.
Bengali
সুবুদ্ধি জনের হয় কৃষ্ণপ্রেমোদয় ॥ ১৯৪ ॥
Text
subuddhi janera haya kṛṣṇa-premodaya
Synonyms
Translation
“One’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa gradually awakens if one is a little advanced in one of these five items and is intelligent.
Bengali
যত্র স্বল্পোঽপি সম্বন্ধঃ সদ্ধিয়াং ভাবজন্মনে ॥ ১৯৫ ॥
Text
śraddhā dūre ’stu pañcake
yatra sv-alpo ’pi sambandhaḥ
sad-dhiyāṁ bhāva-janmane
Synonyms
dur-ūha — difficult to understand; adbhuta — wonderful; vīrye — in the power; asmin — in this; śraddhā — faith; dūre — far away; astu — let it be; pañcake — in the above-mentioned five principles; yatra — in which; su-alpaḥ — a little; api — even; sambandhaḥ — connection; sat-dhiyām — of those who are intelligent and offenseless; bhāva-janmane — to awaken one’s dormant love for Kṛṣṇa.
Translation
“ ‘The power of these five principles is very wonderful and difficult to understand. Even without faith in them, a person who is offenseless can awaken his dormant love of Kṛṣṇa simply by being a little connected with them.’
Purport
This verse is found in Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.238).
Bengali
নানা কামে ভজে, তবু পায় ভক্তিসিদ্ধি ॥ ১৯৬ ॥
Text
nānā kāme bhaje, tabu pāya bhakti-siddhi
Synonyms
Translation
“If a person is actually liberal and intelligent, he can advance and become perfect in devotional service even if he has material desires and serves the Lord with some motive.
Bengali
তীব্রেণ ভক্তিযোগেন যজেত পুরুষং পরম্ ॥ ১৯৭ ॥
Text
mokṣa-kāma udāra-dhīḥ
tīvreṇa bhakti-yogena
yajeta puruṣaṁ param
Synonyms
akāmaḥ — without material desires; sarva-kāmaḥ — full of all material desires; vā — or; mokṣa-kāmaḥ — desiring liberation; udāra-dhīḥ — sincere and advanced in devotional service; tīvreṇa — firm; bhakti-yogena — by the practice of bhakti-yoga; yajeta — should worship; puruṣam param — the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Translation
“ ‘Whether one desires everything or nothing, or whether he desires to merge into the existence of the Lord, he is intelligent only if he worships Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, by rendering transcendental loving service.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.3.10).
Bengali
কৃষ্ণপদে ভক্তি করায় গুণে আকর্ষিয়া ॥ ১৯৮ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-pade bhakti karāya guṇe ākarṣiyā
Synonyms
Translation
“Devotional service is so strong that when one engages in it, he gradually gives up all material desires and becomes fully attracted to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. All this is brought about by attraction for the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
Bengali
নৈবার্থদো যৎ পুনরর্থিতা যতঃ ।
স্বয়ং বিধত্তে ভজতামনিচ্ছতা-
মিচ্ছা-পিধানং নিজপাদপল্লবম্ ॥ ১৯৯ ॥
Text
naivārtha-do yat punar arthitā yataḥ
svayaṁ vidhatte bhajatām anicchatām
icchā-pidhānaṁ nija-pāda-pallavam
Synonyms
satyam — it is true; diśati — He awards; arthitam — that which is desired; arthitaḥ — being requested; nṛṇām — by human beings; na — not; eva — certainly; artha-daḥ — giving desired things; yat — which; punaḥ — again; arthitā — request; yataḥ — from which; svayam — Himself; vidhatte — He gives; bhajatām — of those engaged in devotional service; anicchatām — even though not desiring; icchā-pidhānam — covering all other desires; nija-pāda-pallavam — the shelter of His own lotus feet.
Translation
“ ‘Whenever Kṛṣṇa is requested to fulfill one’s desire, He undoubtedly does so, but He does not award anything which, after being enjoyed, will cause one to petition Him again and again to fulfill further desires. When one has other desires but engages in the Lord’s service, Kṛṣṇa forcibly gives one shelter at His lotus feet, where one will forget all other desires.’
Purport
This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.19.27).
Bengali
আত্মারাম জীব যত স্থাবর-জঙ্গমে ॥ ২০০ ॥
Text
ātmārāma jīva yata sthāvara-jaṅgame
Synonyms
Translation
“Another meaning of the word ‘ātmā’ is ‘one’s characteristic nature.’ Whoever enjoys his particular type of nature is called ātmārāma. Therefore, all living entities — be they moving or nonmoving — are also called ātmārāma.
Bengali
দেহে আত্ম-জ্ঞানে আচ্ছাদিত সেই ‘জ্ঞান’ ॥ ২০১ ॥
Text
dehe ātma-jñāne ācchādita sei ‘jñāna’
Synonyms
Translation
“The original nature of every living entity is to consider himself the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa. But under the influence of māyā he thinks himself to be the body, and thus his original consciousness is covered.
Bengali
‘আত্মারামা এব’ হঞা শ্রীকৃষ্ণ ভজয়ে ॥ ২০২ ॥
Text
‘ātmārāmā eva’ hañā śrī-kṛṣṇa bhajaye
Synonyms
Translation
“In that case, by the word ‘ca,’ the word ‘eva’ is meant. The word ‘api’ can be taken in the sense of aggregation. Thus the verse would read ātmārāmā eva — that is, ‘even all kinds of living beings worship Kṛṣṇa.’
Purport
It is here mentioned that every living entity is ātmārāma. Temporarily covered by the influence of māyā, the living entity serves his senses, which are represented as kāma-krodha-lobha-moha-mada-mātsarya — lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy. In the material condition, all living entities are engaged in sense gratification, but when they associate with devotees who follow the regulative principles, they become purified and awakened to their original consciousness. They then attempt to satisfy the senses of Lord Kṛṣṇa and engage in His devotional service.
Bengali
‘নির্গ্রন্থ’ — মূর্খ, নীচ, স্থাবর-পশুগণ ॥ ২০৩ ॥
Text
‘nirgrantha’ — mūrkha, nīca, sthāvara-paśu-gaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Living entities include great personalities like the four Kumāras, and also low-class foolish people, trees, plants, birds and beasts.
Bengali
‘নির্গ্রন্থ’ স্থাবরাদির শুন বিবরণ ॥ ২০৪ ॥
Text
‘nirgrantha’ sthāvarādira śuna vivaraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“The devotional service of Vyāsa, Śuka and the four Kumāras has already been well celebrated. Now let Me explain how immovable living entities like trees and plants engage in the Lord’s devotional service.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণগুণাকৃষ্ট হঞা তাঁহারে ভজয় ॥ ২০৫ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-guṇākṛṣṭa hañā tāṅhāre bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“Everyone is eligible to receive Kṛṣṇa’s mercy — including Vyāsadeva, the four Kumāras, Śukadeva Gosvāmī, lowborn creatures, trees, plants and beasts. By Kṛṣṇa’s mercy they are elevated and engaged in His service.
Purport
This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.32), wherein the Lord says:
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
“O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth — women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] — can attain the supreme destination.”
Everyone is eligible to become Kṛṣṇa’s devotee. One simply has to be trained according to the approved process. It is the work of Kṛṣṇa’s confidential devotees to turn everyone into a Kṛṣṇa bhakta. If the confidential devotees do not take up the task of elevating everyone to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then who will do it? Those who claim to be devotees but do not engage in Kṛṣṇa’s service to elevate all living creatures to Kṛṣṇa consciousness are to be considered kaniṣṭha-adhikārīs (people in the lowest stage of devotional service). When one rises to the second platform of devotional service, his business is to propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world. Those who are active in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement should not remain in the neophyte stage but should rise to the platform of preachers, the second platform of devotional service. Devotional service is so enchanting that even the first-class devotees (uttama-adhikārīs) also come down to the second platform to preach and render service to the Lord for the benefit of the whole world.
Bengali
পাদস্পৃশো দ্রুমলতাঃ করজাভিমৃষ্টাঃ ।
নদ্যোঽদ্রয়ঃ খগমৃগাঃ সদয়াবলোকৈ-
র্গোপ্যোঽন্তরেণ ভুজয়োরপি যৎস্পৃহা শ্রীঃ ॥ ২০৬ ॥
Text
pāda-spṛśo druma-latāḥ karajābhimṛṣṭāḥ
nadyo ’drayaḥ khaga-mṛgāḥ sadayāvalokair
gopyo ’ntareṇa bhujayor api yat-spṛhā śrīḥ
Synonyms
dhanyā — glorified; iyam — this; adya — today; dharaṇī — the surface of the globe; tṛṇa-vīrudhaḥ — the grass and herbs; tvat — Your; pāda-spṛśaḥ — from the touch of the lotus feet; druma-latāḥ — the creepers and trees; karaja-abhimṛṣṭāḥ — touched by Your fingernails; nadyaḥ — the rivers; adrayaḥ — the hills; khaga-mṛgāḥ — the birds and forest animals; sadaya-avalokaiḥ — because of Your merciful glances; gopyaḥ — the gopīs, the damsels of Vraja; antareṇa — by the region between; bhujayoḥ — Your two arms; api — also; yat — for which; spṛhā — desirous; śrīḥ — the goddess of fortune.
Translation
“ ‘This land of Vṛndāvana [Vrajabhūmi] is glorified today because Your lotus feet have touched her earth and grass, Your fingernails have touched her trees and creepers, and Your merciful eyes have glanced upon her rivers, hills, birds and beasts. The gopīs have been embraced by Your arms, and even the goddess of fortune desires this. Now all of these are glorified.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.15.8) was spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa to Śrī Balarāma.
Bengali
বেণুস্বনৈঃ কলপদৈস্তনুভৃৎসু সখ্যঃ ।
অস্পন্দনং গতিমতাং পুলকস্তরূণাং
নির্যোগপাশকৃতলক্ষণয়োর্বিচিত্রম্ ॥ ২০৭ ॥
Text
veṇu-svanaiḥ kala-padais tanu-bhṛtsu sakhyaḥ
aspandanaṁ gatimatāṁ pulakas tarūṇāṁ
niryoga-pāśa-kṛta-lakṣaṇayor vicitram
Synonyms
gāḥ — the cows; gopakaiḥ — with the cowherd boys; anu-vanam — to each forest; nayatoḥ — leading; udāra — very liberal; veṇu-svanaiḥ — by the vibrations of the flutes; kala-padaiḥ — having sweet tones; tanu-bhṛtsu — among the living entities; sakhyaḥ — O friends; aspandanam — the lack of movement; gati-matām — of those living entities that can move; pulakaḥ — the ecstatic jubilation; tarūṇām — of the otherwise nonmoving trees; niryoga-pāśa — the ropes for binding the rear legs of the cows; kṛta-lakṣaṇayoḥ — of those two (Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma), who are characterized by; vicitram — wonderful.
Translation
“ ‘My dear friend, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma are passing through the forest leading Their cows with Their cowherd boyfriends. They both carry ropes with which, at the time of milking, They bind the rear legs of the cows. When They play on Their flutes, all moving living entities are stunned, and nonmoving living entities experience ecstatic jubilation by Their sweet music. All these things are certainly very wonderful.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.21.19). As Kṛṣṇa wandered in the forest with Baladeva and the two of Them wonderfully played Their flutes, all the gopīs became very much attracted. Thus they praised the Lord’s activities, describing how He was enthusing all the plants, birds, hills, water — everything.
Bengali
ব্যঞ্জয়ন্ত্য ইব পুষ্পফলাঢ্যাঃ ।
প্রণতভারবিটপা মধুধারাঃ
প্রেমহৃষ্টতনবো ববৃষুঃ স্ম ॥ ২০৮ ॥
Text
vyañjayantya iva puṣpa-phalāḍhyāḥ
praṇata-bhāra-viṭapā madhu-dhārāḥ
prema-hṛṣṭa-tanavo vavṛṣuḥ sma
Synonyms
vana-latāḥ — the herbs and plants; taravaḥ — the trees; ātmani — in the Supreme Soul; viṣṇum — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; vyañjayantyaḥ — manifesting; iva — like; puṣpa-phala-āḍhyāḥ — filled with luxuriant fruits and flowers; praṇata-bhāra — bowed down because of loads; viṭapāḥ — the trees; madhu-dhārāḥ — showers of honey; prema-hṛṣṭa — inspired by love of Godhead; tanavaḥ — whose bodies; vavṛṣuḥ — constantly rained; sma — certainly.
Translation
“ ‘The plants, creepers and trees were full of fruits and flowers due to ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa. Indeed, being so full, they were bowing down. They were inspired by such deep love for Kṛṣṇa that they were constantly pouring showers of honey. In this way the gopīs saw all the forests of Vṛndāvana.’
Purport
This verse is from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.35.9). For an explanation, see Madhya-līlā 8.276.
Bengali
আভীরশুম্ভা যবনাঃ খসাদয়ঃ ।
যেঽন্যে চ পাপা যদুপাশ্রয়াশ্রয়াঃ
শুধ্যন্তি তস্মৈ প্রভবিষ্ণবে নমঃ ॥ ২০৯ ॥
Text
ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khaśādayaḥ
ye ’nye ca pāpā yad-upāśrayāśrayāḥ
śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ
Synonyms
kirāta — the aborigines named Kirātas; hūna — the Hūnas; āndhra — Āndhras; pulinda — Pulindas; pukkaśāḥ — Pukkaśas; ābhīra — Ābhīras; śumbhāḥ — Śumbhas; yavanāḥ — persons who do not follow the Vedic injunctions and who eat cow’s flesh; khaśa-ādayaḥ — Khaśas and others; ye — those who; anye — similar others; ca — also; pāpāḥ — sinful persons; yat — of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; upāśraya — of the devotees; āśrayāḥ — taking shelter; śudhyanti — become purified; tasmai — unto Him, Lord Viṣṇu, because of whom they become purified; prabhaviṣṇave — to Lord Viṣṇu, the most powerful; namaḥ — respectful obeisances.
Translation
“ ‘Kirātas, Hūnas, Āndhras, Pulindas, Pukkaśas, Ābhīras, Śumbhas, Yavanas and members of the Khaśa races, and even others who are addicted to sinful acts, can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.’
Bengali
ঊনবিংশতি অর্থ হইল মিলি’ এই দুই ॥ ২১০ ॥
Text
ūnaviṁśati artha ha-ila mili’ ei dui
Synonyms
Translation
“I have already spoken about thirteen meanings [of the ātmārāma verse]. Now there are six more. Combined, these make nineteen.
Purport
The six further meanings of the verse are based on the following meanings of the word ātmārāma: (1) mental speculators (vide verse 165), (2) those engaged in different types of endeavor (vide verse 168), (3) those who are patient and sober (vide verse 174), (4) those who are intelligent and learned scholars (vide verse 187), (5) those who are intelligent but illiterate and foolish (vide verse 187), and (6) those who are conscious of their eternal servitorship to Kṛṣṇa (vide verse 201).
Bengali
‘আত্মা’-শব্দে ‘দেহ’ কহে, — চারি অর্থ তার ॥ ২১১ ॥
Text
‘ātma’-śabde ‘deha’ kahe, — cāri artha tāra
Synonyms
Translation
“I have already explained nineteen different meanings. Now please hear further meanings. The word ‘ātma’ also refers to the body, and this can be taken in four ways.
Purport
The four divisions of meanings of the word deha (“body”) are (1) aupādika-brahma-deha, the material body considered as Brahman with designations (vide verse 212), (2) karma-niṣṭha yājñikera karma-deha, the body engaged in ritualistic ceremonies of the Vedic injunctions (vide verse 214), (3) tapo-deha, the body engaged in austerities and penances (vide verse 216), and (4) sarva-kāma-deha, the body engaged for the satisfaction of all kinds of material desires (vide verse 218).
Bengali
সৎসঙ্গে সেহ করে কৃষ্ণের ভজন ॥ ২১২ ॥
Text
sat-saṅge seha kare kṛṣṇera bhajana
Synonyms
dehārāmī — a person who has accepted the body as the self and is interested only in sense gratification; dehe — in the body; bhaje — worships; deha-upādhi brahma — Brahman having the body as a designation; sat-saṅge — in the association of devotees; seha — such a person; kare — does; kṛṣṇera bhajana — service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Translation
“One in the bodily conception worships his own body as Brahman, but when he comes in contact with a devotee, he gives up this mistaken idea and engages himself in the devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
পরিসরপদ্ধতিং হৃদয়মারুণয়ো দহরম্ ।
তত উদ্গাদনন্ত তব ধাম শিরঃ পরমং
পুনরিহ যৎ সমেত্য ন পতন্তি কৃতান্তমুখে ॥ ২১৩ ॥
Text
parisara-paddhatiṁ hṛdayam āruṇayo daharam
tata udagād ananta tava dhāma śiraḥ paramaṁ
punar iha yat sametya na patanti kṛtānta-mukhe
Synonyms
udaram — the abdomen; upāsate — worship; ye — those who; ṛṣi-vartmasu — on the path marked out by the great saintly persons; kūrpa-dṛśaḥ — whose vision is grossly situated in the bodily conception of life; parisara-paddhatim — from which the system of the arteries comes; hṛdayam — the heart; āruṇayaḥ — saintly persons headed by Āruṇa Ṛṣi; daharam — the sky within the heart, the subtle conception of the Supersoul within the heart; tataḥ — from that; udagāt — went up; ananta — O unlimited one; tava — Your; dhāma — place; śiraḥ — the top of the head; paramam — supreme; punaḥ — again; iha — in this material world; yat — which; sametya — having achieved; na — not; patanti — fall down; kṛta-anta-mukhe — in the repetition of birth and death.
Translation
“ ‘Those who follow the path of great, saintly mystic yogīs take to the yogic gymnastic process and begin worshiping from the abdomen, where it is said that Brahman is located. Such people are called śārkarākṣa, which means that they are situated in the gross bodily conception. There are also followers of the ṛṣi known as Āruṇa. Following his path, they observe the activities of the arteries. Thus they gradually rise to the heart, where subtle Brahman, Paramātmā, is situated. They then worship Him. O unlimited Ananta! Better than these persons are the mystic yogīs who worship You from the top of their heads. Beginning with the abdomen and proceeding through the heart, they reach the top of the head and pass through the brahma-randhra, the hole at the top of the skull. Thus these yogīs attain the perfectional platform and do not enter the cycle of birth and death again.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.87.18).
Bengali
সৎসঙ্গে ‘কর্ম’ ত্যজি’ করয় ভজন ॥ ২১৪ ॥
Text
sat-saṅge ‘karma’ tyaji’ karaya bhajana
Synonyms
dehārāmī — those in the bodily concept of life; karma-niṣṭha — attracted to fruitive activities; yājñika-ādi jana — persons who perform ritualistic ceremonies for a better standard of life; sat-saṅge — in contact with devotees; karma tyaji’ — giving up such fruitive activities; karaya bhajana — engage in the devotional service of the Lord.
Translation
“Those who are in the bodily conception mainly engage in fruitive activity. Those who perform yajñas and ritualistic ceremonies are also considered in the same category. However, when such persons come in contact with the pure devotee, they give up their fruitive activity and fully engage in the service of the Lord.
Bengali
আপায়য়তি গোবিন্দপাদপদ্মাসবং মধু ॥ ২১৫ ॥
Text
dhūma-dhūmrātmanāṁ bhavān
āpāyayati govinda-
pāda-padmāsavaṁ madhu
Synonyms
karmaṇi — in fruitive activity; asmin — in this; anāśvāse — although not positive in result; dhūma-dhūmra-ātmanām — whose bodies are simply becoming blackish because of smoke; bhavān — you; āpāyayati — give a chance to drink; govinda-pāda-padma-āsavam — the nectarean beverage flowing from the lotus feet of Govinda; madhu — sweet.
Translation
“ ‘We have just begun performing this fruitive activity, a sacrificial fire, but due to the many imperfections in our action, we are not certain of its result. Our bodies have become black from the smoke, but we are factually pleased by the nectar of the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, Govinda, which you are distributing.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.18.12) was spoken to Sūta Gosvāmī at the meeting of great sages at Naimiṣāraṇya. The great sages were headed by Śaunaka, and Sūta Gosvāmī was speaking of the glorious activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead at that meeting. At that time, all the ṛṣis assembled there neglected to complete the ritualistic ceremonies because there was no positive assurance of the results. All the performers were coated with black ash due to the large amount of smoke coming from the fire.
Bengali
সাধুসঙ্গে তপ ছাড়ি’ শ্রীকৃষ্ণ ভজয় ॥ ২১৬ ॥
Text
sādhu-saṅge tapa chāḍi’ śrī-kṛṣṇa bhajaya
Synonyms
tapasvī — persons who undergo severe penances; prabhṛti — and so on; yata — all; dehārāmī haya — are within the category of the bodily concept of life; sādhu-saṅge — in the association of devotees; tapa chāḍi’ — giving up all such processes of penance and austerity; śrī-kṛṣṇa bhajaya — engage themselves in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Translation
“The tapasvīs, those who undergo severe austerities and penances to elevate themselves to the higher planetary systems, are also in the same category. When such persons come in contact with a devotee, they give up all those practices and engage in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s service.
Bengali
মশেষজন্মোপচিতং মলং ধিয়ঃ ।
সদ্যঃ ক্ষিণোত্যন্বহমেধতী সতী
যথা পদাঙ্গুষ্ঠবিনিঃসৃতা সরিৎ ॥ ২১৭ ॥
Text
aśeṣa-janmopacitaṁ malaṁ dhiyaḥ
sadyaḥ kṣiṇoty anv-aham edhatī satī
yathā padāṅguṣṭha-viniḥsṛtā sarit
Synonyms
yat-pāda-sevā-abhiruciḥ — the taste for serving the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa; tapasvinām — of persons undergoing severe penances; aśeṣa — unlimited; janma-upacitam — contracted from life after life; malam — dirt; dhiyaḥ — of the intelligence; sadyaḥ — immediately; kṣiṇoti — vanquishes; anu-aham — every day; edhatī — increasing; satī — being in the mode of goodness; yathā — as; pada-aṅguṣṭha-viniḥsṛtā — emanating from the toe of the Lord; sarit — the river Ganges.
Translation
“ ‘The taste for loving service is like the water of the river Ganges, which flows from the feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Every day that taste diminishes the results of sinful activities acquired over a period of many births by those who perform austerities.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (4.21.31).
Bengali
কৃষ্ণকৃপায় কৃষ্ণ ভজে ছাড়ি’ সব কাম ॥ ২১৮ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya kṛṣṇa bhaje chāḍi’ saba kāma
Synonyms
dehārāmī — persons who are in the bodily concept of life; sarva-kāma — full of all material desires; saba — all; ātmārāma — enjoying self-satisfaction; kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya — by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa; kṛṣṇa bhaje — become engaged in the devotional service of Lord Kṛṣṇa; chāḍi’ saba kāma — giving up all sorts of material desires.
Translation
“As long as one labors under the bodily conception, he must fulfill volumes and volumes of material desires. Thus a person is called ātmārāma. When such an ātmārāma is favored by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, he gives up his so-called self-satisfaction and engages in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
Bengali
ত্বাং প্রাপ্তবান্ দেবমুনীন্দ্রগুহ্যম্ ।
কাচং বিচিন্বন্নপি দিব্যরত্নং
স্বামিন্ কৃতার্থোঽস্মি বরং ন যাচে ॥ ২১৯ ॥
Text
tvāṁ prāptavān deva-munīndra-guhyam
kācaṁ vicinvann api divya-ratnaṁ
svāmin kṛtārtho ’smi varaṁ na yāce
Synonyms
sthāna-abhilāṣī — desiring a very high position in the material world; tapasi — in severe austerities and penances; sthitaḥ — situated; aham — I; tvām — You; prāptavān — have obtained; deva-muni-indra-guhyam — difficult to achieve even for great demigods, saintly persons and kings; kācam — a piece of glass; vicinvan — searching for; api — although; divya-ratnam — a transcendental gem; svāmin — O my Lord; kṛta-arthaḥ asmi — I am fully satisfied; varam — any benediction; na yāce — I do not ask.
Translation
“[When he was being blessed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Dhruva Mahārāja said:] ‘O my Lord, because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.’
Purport
This verse is from the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (7.28).
Bengali
আর তিন অর্থ শুন পরম সমর্থ ॥ ২২০ ॥
Text
āra tina artha śuna parama samartha
Synonyms
Translation
“In addition to the nineteen meanings of the verse mentioned previously, there are these four further meanings when the word ‘ātmārāma’ is taken to mean ‘those laboring under the bodily conception.’ This brings the total to twenty-three. Now hear of another three meanings, which are very suitable.
Purport
The three further meanings of the verse are understood when (1) the word ca is taken to mean “in due course,” (2) the word ca is taken to mean eva and the word api to mean “censure,” and (3) the word nirgrantha is taken to mean “one who is very poor, without money.”
Bengali
‘আত্মারামাশ্চ মুনয়শ্চ’ কৃষ্ণেরে ভজয় ॥ ২২১ ॥
Text
‘ātmārāmāś ca munayaś ca’ kṛṣṇere bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“As mentioned above, the word ‘ca’ can be used to mean ‘aggregate.’ According to this meaning, all the ātmārāmas and munis engage in Kṛṣṇa’s service. Besides ‘aggregate,’ there is another meaning of the word ‘ca.’
Bengali
‘রামশ্চ কৃষ্ণশ্চ’ যথা বিহরয়ে বনে ॥ ২২২ ॥
Text
‘rāmaś ca kṛṣṇaś ca’ yathā viharaye vane
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘nirgranthāḥ’ can be used as an adjective, and ‘api’ can be used in the sense of certainty. For instance, rāmaś ca kṛṣṇaś ca means that both Rāma and Kṛṣṇa enjoy walking in the forest.
Purport
Because it is said that both Rāma and Kṛṣṇa enjoy wandering in the forest, it is understood that both of Them are enjoying Their tour within the forest.
Bengali
‘বটো, ভিক্ষামট, গাঞ্চানয়’ যৈছে প্রকার ॥ ২২৩ ॥
Text
‘baṭo, bhikṣām aṭa, gāṁ cānaya’ yaiche prakāra
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ca’ can also present a secondary thing to be done at the same time. This way of understanding the word ‘ca’ is called anvācaye. An example is ‘O brahmacārī, go out to collect alms and at the same time bring in the cows.’
Bengali
‘আত্মারামা অপি’ ভজে, — গৌণ অর্থ কয় ॥ ২২৪ ॥
Text
‘ātmārāmā api’ bhaje, — gauṇa artha kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“Saintly persons who are always meditating upon Kṛṣṇa are engaged in the devotional service of the Lord. The ātmārāmas are also engaged in the Lord’s service. That is the indirect import.
Purport
The anvācaye meaning of the word ca indicates that between the two words compounded by the word ca, one is given more importance and the other is considered subordinate. For example, “O brahmacārī, please go out and collect alms and at the same time bring in the cows.” In this statement, the collection of alms is of first importance, and the second business of collecting the cows is subordinate. Similarly, one who always meditates upon Kṛṣṇa is mainly a devotee of Kṛṣṇa engaged in His devotional service. Other ātmārāmas are subordinate in devotional service.
Bengali
“আত্মারামা অপি” — ‘অপি’ ‘গর্হা’-অর্থ কয় ॥ ২২৫ ॥
Text
“ātmārāmā api” — ‘api’ ‘garhā’-artha kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ca’ can also be used to indicate the certainty that only saintly persons are engaged in rendering devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. In the combination ‘ātmārāmā api,’ ‘api’ is used in the sense of censure.
Bengali
আর অর্থ শুন, যৈছে সাধুর সঙ্গম ॥ ২২৬ ॥
Text
āra artha śuna, yaiche sādhura saṅgama
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘nirgrantha’ can be taken as an adjective modifying ‘muni’ and ‘ātmārāma.’ There is another meaning, which you may hear from Me, indicating association with a devotee. Now I shall explain how it is that through the association of devotees, even a nirgrantha can become a devotee.
Bengali
সাধুসঙ্গে সেহ করে শ্রীকৃষ্ণ-ভজন ॥ ২২৭ ॥
Text
sādhu-saṅge seha kare śrī-kṛṣṇa-bhajana
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘nirgrantha,’ when combined with ‘api’ used in the sense of certainty, indicates a person who is a hunter by profession or who is very poor. Nonetheless, when such a person associates with a great saint like Nārada, he engages in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s devotional service.
Bengali
ব্যাধ হঞা হয় পূজ্য ভাগবতোত্তম ॥ ২২৮ ॥
Text
vyādha hañā haya pūjya bhāgavatottama
Synonyms
Translation
“The words ‘kṛṣṇārāmaś ca’ refer to one who takes pleasure in thinking of Kṛṣṇa. Even though such a person may be a hunter, he is still worshipable and is the best of devotees.
Bengali
যাহা হৈতে হয় সৎসঙ্গ-মহিমার জ্ঞানে ॥ ২২৯ ॥
Text
yāhā haite haya sat-saṅga-mahimāra jñāne
Synonyms
Translation
“I shall now narrate the story of how a hunter became a great devotee by the association of such an exalted personality as Nārada Muni. From this story, one can understand the greatness of association with pure devotees.
Bengali
ত্রিবেণী-স্নানে প্রয়াগ করিলা গমন ॥ ২৩০ ॥
Text
triveṇī-snāne prayāga karilā gamana
Synonyms
Translation
“Once upon a time the great saint Nārada, after visiting Lord Nārāyaṇa in the Vaikuṇṭhas, went to Prayāga to bathe at the confluence of three rivers — the Ganges, Yamunā and Sarasvatī.
Purport
The great saint Nārada is so liberated that he can go to the Vaikuṇṭha planets to see Nārāyaṇa and then immediately come to this planet in the material world and go to Prayāga to bathe in the confluence of three rivers. The word tri-veṇī refers to a confluence of three rivers. This confluence is still visited by many hundreds of thousands of people who go there to bathe, especially during the Māgha-melā, which occurs during the month of January. A liberated person who has no material body can go anywhere and everywhere; therefore a living entity is called sarva-ga, which indicates that he can go anywhere and everywhere. Presently scientists are trying to go to other planets, but due to their material bodies, they are not free to move at will. However, when one is situated in his original spiritual body, he can move anywhere and everywhere without difficulty. Within this material world there is a planet called Siddhaloka, whose inhabitants can go from one planet to another without the aid of a machine or space rocket. In the material world every planet has a specific advantage (vibhūti-bhinna). In the spiritual world, however, all the planets and their inhabitants are composed of spiritual energy. Because there are no material impediments, it is said that everything in the spiritual world is one.
Bengali
বাণ-বিদ্ধ ভগ্নপাদ করে ধড়্ফড়ি ॥ ২৩১ ॥
Text
bāṇa-viddha bhagna-pāda kare dhaḍ-phaḍi
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni saw that a deer was lying on the path through the forest and that it was pierced by an arrow. It had broken legs and was twisting due to much pain.
Bengali
তৈছে বিদ্ধ ভগ্নপাদ করে ধড়্ফড় ॥ ২৩২ ॥
Text
taiche viddha bhagna-pāda kare dhaḍ-phaḍa
Synonyms
Translation
“Farther ahead, Nārada Muni saw a boar pierced by an arrow. Its legs were also broken, and it was twisting in pain.
Bengali
জীবের দুঃখ দেখি’ নারদ ব্যাকুল-অন্তরে ॥ ২৩৩ ॥
Text
jīvera duḥkha dekhi’ nārada vyākula-antare
Synonyms
Translation
“When he went farther, he saw a rabbit that was also suffering. Nārada Muni was greatly pained at heart to see living entities suffer so.
Bengali
মৃগ মারিবারে আছে বাণ যুড়িয়া ॥ ২৩৪ ॥
Text
mṛga māribāre āche bāṇa yuḍiyā
Synonyms
Translation
“When Nārada Muni advanced farther, he saw a hunter behind a tree. This hunter was holding arrows, and he was ready to kill more animals.
Bengali
ধনুর্বাণ হস্তে, — যেন যম দণ্ডধর ॥ ২৩৫ ॥
Text
dhanur-bāṇa haste, — yena yama daṇḍa-dhara
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter’s body was blackish. He had reddish eyes, and he appeared fierce. It was as if the superintendent of death, Yamarāja, were standing there with a bow and arrows in his hands.
Bengali
নারদে দেখি’ মৃগ সব পলাঞা গেল ॥ ২৩৬ ॥
Text
nārade dekhi’ mṛga saba palāñā gela
Synonyms
Translation
“When Nārada Muni left the forest path and went to the hunter, all the animals immediately saw him and fled.
Bengali
নারদ-প্রভাবে মুখে গালি নাহি আয় ॥ ২৩৭ ॥
Text
nārada-prabhāve mukhe gāli nāhi āya
Synonyms
Translation
“When all the animals fled, the hunter wanted to chastise Nārada with abusive language, but due to Nārada’s presence, he could not utter anything abusive.
Bengali
তোমা দেখি’ মোর লক্ষ্য মৃগ পলাইলা ॥” ২৩৮ ॥
Text
tomā dekhi’ mora lakṣya mṛga palāilā”
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter addressed Nārada Muni: ‘O gosvāmī! O great saintly person! Why have you left the general path through the forest to come to me? Simply by seeing you, all the animals I was hunting have now fled.’
Bengali
মনে এক সংশয় হয়, তাহা খণ্ডাইতে ॥ ২৩৯ ॥
Text
mane eka saṁśaya haya, tāhā khaṇḍāite
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni replied, ‘Leaving the path, I have come to you to settle a doubt that is in my mind.
Bengali
ব্যাধ কহে, — “যেই কহ, সেই ত’ নিশ্চয়” ॥ ২৪০ ॥
Text
vyādha kahe, — “yei kaha, sei ta’ niścaya”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘I was wondering whether all the boars and other animals that are half-killed belong to you.’
Purport
“The hunter replied, ‘Yes, what you are saying is so.’
Bengali
অর্ধ-মারা কর কেনে, না লও পরাণ ?” ২৪১ ॥
Text
ardha-mārā kara kene, nā lao parāṇa?”
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni then inquired, ‘Why did you not kill the animals completely? Why did you half-kill them by piercing their bodies with arrows?’
Bengali
পিতার শিক্ষাতে আমি করি ঐছে কাম ॥ ২৪২ ॥
Text
pitāra śikṣāte āmi kari aiche kāma
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter replied, ‘My dear saintly person, my name is Mṛgāri, enemy of animals. My father taught me to kill them in that way.
Bengali
তবে ত’ আনন্দ মোর বাড়য়ে অন্তরে ॥” ২৪৩ ॥
Text
tabe ta’ ānanda mora bāḍaye antare”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘When I see half-killed animals suffer, I feel great pleasure.’
Bengali
ব্যাধ কহে, — “মৃগাদি লহ, যেই তোমার মনে ॥ ২৪৪ ॥
Text
vyādha kahe, — “mṛgādi laha, yei tomāra mane
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni then told the hunter, ‘I have one thing to beg of you.’
Purport
“The hunter replied, ‘You may take whatever animals or anything else you would like.
Bengali
যেই চাহ তাহা দিব মৃগব্যাঘ্রাম্বরে ॥” ২৪৫ ॥
Text
yei cāha tāhā diba mṛga-vyāghrāmbare”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘I have many skins, if you would like them. I shall give you either a deerskin or a tiger skin.’
Bengali
আর একদান আমি মাগি তোমা-ঠাঞি ॥ ২৪৬ ॥
Text
āra eka-dāna āmi māgi tomā-ṭhāñi
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni said, ‘I do not want any of the skins. I am asking only one thing from you in charity.
Bengali
প্রথমেই মারিবা, অর্ধ-মারা না করিবা ॥” ২৪৭ ॥
Text
prathamei māribā, ardha-mārā nā karibā”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘I beg you that from this day on you will kill animals completely and not leave them half-dead.’
Bengali
অর্ধ মারিলে কিবা হয়, তাহা কহ মোরে ॥” ২৪৮ ॥
Text
ardha mārile kibā haya, tāhā kaha more”
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter replied, ‘My dear sir, what are you asking of me? What is wrong with the animals’ lying there half-killed? Will you please explain this to me?’
Bengali
জীবে দুঃখ দিতেছ, তোমার হইবে ঐছে অবস্থা ॥ ২৪৯ ॥
Text
jīve duḥkha ditecha, tomāra ha-ibe aiche avasthā
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni replied, ‘If you leave the animals half-dead, you are purposefully giving them pain. Therefore you will have to suffer in retaliation.’
Purport
This is an authoritative statement given by the greatest authority, Nārada Muni. If one gives another living entity unnecessary pain, one will certainly be punished by the laws of nature with a similar pain. Although the hunter Mṛgāri was uncivilized, he still had to suffer the results of his sinful activities. However, if a civilized man kills animals regularly in a slaughterhouse to maintain his so-called civilization, using scientific methods and machines to kill animals, one cannot even estimate the suffering awaiting him. So-called civilized people consider themselves very advanced in education, but they do not know about the stringent laws of nature. According to nature’s law, it is a life for a life. We can hardly imagine the sufferings of one who maintains a slaughterhouse. He endures suffering not only in this life, but in his next life also. It is said that a hunter, murderer or killer is advised not to live and not to die. If he lives, he accumulates even more sins, which bring about more suffering in a future life. He is advised not to die because his dying means that he immediately begins to endure more suffering. Therefore he is advised not to live and not to die.
As followers of the Vedic principles, we accept the statements of Nārada Muni in this regard. It is our duty to see that no one suffers due to sinful activities. Foolish rascals are described in the Bhagavad-gītā as māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ, which indicates that although they are superficially educated, māyā has taken their real knowledge away. Such people are presently leading human society. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam they are described as andhā yathāndhair upanīyamānāḥ. These rascals are themselves blind, and yet they are leading others who are blind. When people follow such leaders, they suffer unlimited pains in the future. Despite so-called advancement, all this is happening. Who is safe? Who is happy? Who is without anxiety?
Bengali
কদর্থনা দিয়া মার’ — এ পাপ ‘অপার’ ॥ ২৫০ ॥
Text
kadarthanā diyā māra’ — e pāpa ‘apāra’
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni continued, ‘My dear hunter, your business is killing animals. That is a slight offense on your part. But when you consciously give them unnecessary pain by leaving them half-dead, you incur very great sins.’
Purport
This is another good instruction to animal-killers. There are always animal-killers and animal-eaters in human society because less civilized people are accustomed to eating meat. In the Vedic civilization, meat-eaters are advised to kill an animal for the goddess Kālī or a similar demigod. This is in order not to give the animal unnecessary pain, as slaughterhouses do. In the bali-dāna sacrifice to a demigod, it is recommended to cut the throat of an animal with one slice. This should be done on a dark-moon night, and the painful noises expressed by the animal at the time of being slaughtered are not to be heard by anyone. There are also many other restrictions. Slaughter is allowed only once a month, and the killer of the animal has to suffer similar pains in his next life. At the present moment, so-called civilized men do not sacrifice animals to a deity in a religious or ritualistic way. They openly kill animals daily by the thousands for no purpose other than the satisfaction of the tongue. Because of this the entire world is suffering in so many ways. Politicians are unnecessarily declaring war, and according to the stringent laws of material nature, massacres are taking place between nations.
ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate
“The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by nature.” (Bg. 3.27) The laws of prakṛti (nature) are very stringent. No one should think that he has the freedom to kill animals and not suffer the consequences. One cannot be safe by doing this. Nārada Muni herein says that animal-killing is offensive, especially when animals are given unnecessary pain. Meat-eaters and animal-killers are advised not to purchase meat from the slaughterhouse. They can worship Kālī once a month, kill some unimportant animal and eat it. Even by following this method, one is still an offender.
Bengali
তারা তৈছে তোমা মারিবে জন্ম-জন্মান্তরে ॥” ২৫১ ॥
Text
tārā taiche tomā māribe janma-janmāntare”
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni continued, ‘All the animals that you have killed and given unnecessary pain will kill you one after the other in your next life and in life after life.’
Purport
This is another authoritative statement made by the great sage Nārada. Those who kill animals and give them unnecessary pain — as people do in slaughterhouses — will be killed in a similar way in the next life and in many lives to come. One can never be excused from such an offense. If one kills many thousands of animals in a professional way so that other people can purchase the meat to eat, one must be ready to be killed in a similar way in his next life and in life after life. There are many rascals who violate their own religious principles. According to Judeo-Christian scriptures, it is clearly said, “Thou shalt not kill.” Nonetheless, giving all kinds of excuses, even the heads of religions indulge in killing animals while trying to pass as saintly persons. This mockery and hypocrisy in human society bring about unlimited calamities; therefore occasionally there are great wars. Masses of such people go out onto battlefields and kill themselves. Presently they have discovered the atomic bomb, which is simply waiting to be used for wholesale destruction. If people want to be saved from the killing business life after life, they must take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and cease sinful activity. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness recommends that everyone abandon meat-eating, illicit sex, intoxication and gambling. When one gives up these sinful activities, he can understand Kṛṣṇa and take to this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. We therefore request everyone to abandon sinful activity and chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. In this way people can save themselves from repeated birth and death and from being killed like the animals in slaughterhouses.
Bengali
তাঁর বাক্য শুনি’ মনে ভয় উপজিল ॥ ২৫২ ॥
Text
tāṅra vākya śuni’ mane bhaya upajila
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way, through the association of the great sage Nārada Muni, the hunter was a little convinced of his sinful activity. He therefore became somewhat afraid due to his offenses.
Purport
This is the effect of associating with a pure devotee. Our preachers who are preaching Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world should follow in the footsteps of Nārada Muni and become purified by following the four principles and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. This will make them fit to become Vaiṣṇavas. Then, when they speak to sinful people about the teachings of this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, people will be affected and take the instructions. We receive instructions in devotional service through the disciplic succession. Nārada Muni is our original guru because he is the spiritual master of Vyāsadeva. Vyāsadeva is the spiritual master of our disciplic succession; therefore we should follow in the footsteps of Nārada Muni and become pure Vaiṣṇavas. A pure Vaiṣṇava is one who has no ulterior motive. He has totally dedicated himself to the service of the Lord. He does not have material desires, and he is not interested in so-called learning and philanthropic work. The so-called learned scholars and philanthropists are actually karmīs and jñānīs, and some are actually misers engaged in sinful activity. All are condemned because they are not devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Everyone has a chance to become purified by associating with this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and strictly following the rules and regulations. By chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, one can become free from all contamination, especially contamination brought about by the killing of animals. Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself requests:
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” (Bg. 18.66)
We should take this instruction from Kṛṣṇa and follow in the footsteps of Nārada Muni in the disciplic succession. If we simply surrender unto Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet and take this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement seriously, we can be freed from the karma incurred by sin. If we are intelligent enough, we shall engage in the loving service of the Lord. Then our lives will be successful, and we shall not have to suffer like the hunter life after life. By killing animals, not only will we be bereft of the human form but we will have to take an animal form and somehow or other be killed by the same type of animal we have killed. This is the law of nature. The Sanskrit word māṁsa means “meat.” It is said, māṁ saḥ khadati iti māṁsaḥ. That is, “I am now eating the flesh of an animal who will some day in the future be eating my flesh.”
Bengali
কেমনে তরিমু মুঞি পামর অধম ? ২৫৩ ॥
Text
kemane tarimu muñi pāmara adhama?
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter then admitted that he was convinced of his sinful activity, and he said, ‘I have been taught this business from my very childhood. Now I am wondering how I can become freed from these unlimited volumes of sinful activity.’
Purport
This kind of admission is very beneficial as long as one does not again commit sin. Cheating and hypocrisy are not tolerated by higher authorities. If one understands what sin is, he should give it up with sincerity and regret and surrender unto the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead through His agent, the pure devotee. In this way, one can be freed from the reactions of sin and make progress in devotional service. However, if one continues committing sins after making some atonement, he will not be saved. In the śāstras, such atonement is compared to an elephant’s bathing. An elephant takes a very good bath and cleanses its body very nicely, but as soon as it comes out of the water, it picks up some dust on the shore and throws it all over its body. Atonement may be carried out very nicely, but it will not help a person if he continues committing sins. Therefore the hunter first admitted his sinful activity before the saintly person Nārada and then asked how he could be saved.
Bengali
নিস্তার করহ মোরে, পড়োঁ তোমার পায়ে ॥” ২৫৪ ॥
Text
nistāra karaha more, paḍoṅ tomāra pāye”
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter continued, ‘My dear sir, please tell me how I can be relieved from the reactions of my sinful life. Now I fully surrender unto you and fall down at your lotus feet. Please deliver me from sinful reactions.’
Purport
By the grace of Nārada Muni, the hunter came to his good senses and immediately surrendered unto the saint’s lotus feet. This is the process. By associating with a saintly person, one is able to understand the reactions of his sinful life. When one voluntarily surrenders to a saintly person who is a representative of Kṛṣṇa and follows his instructions, one can become freed from sinful reactions. Kṛṣṇa demands the surrender of a sinful man, and Kṛṣṇa’s representative gives the same instructions. The representative of Kṛṣṇa never tells his disciple, “Surrender unto me.” Rather he says, “Surrender unto Kṛṣṇa.” If the disciple accepts this principle and surrenders himself through the representative of Kṛṣṇa, his life is saved.
Bengali
তবে সে করিতে পারি তোমার মোচন ॥’ ২৫৫ ॥
Text
tabe se karite pāri tomāra mocana’
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni assured the hunter, ‘If you listen to my instructions, I shall find the way you can be liberated.’
Purport
Gaurāṅgera bhakta-gaṇe jane jane śakti dhare. The purport of this song is that the devotees of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are very powerful, and each and every one of them can deliver the whole world. What, then, to speak of Nārada Muni? If one follows the instructions of Nārada Muni, one can be delivered from any number of sinful reactions. This is the process. One must follow the instructions of a spiritual master; then one will certainly be delivered from all sinful reactions. This is the secret of success. Yasya deve parā bhaktir yathā deve tathā gurau. If one has unflinching faith in Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, the result is tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ prakāśante mahātmanaḥ: all the conclusions of the revealed scriptures will be open to such a person. A pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa can make the same demands that Nārada Muni is making. He says, “If you follow my instructions, I shall take responsibility for your liberation.” A pure devotee like Nārada can give assurance to any sinful man because by the grace of the Lord such a devotee is empowered to deliver any sinful person if that person follows the principles set forth.
Bengali
নারদ কহে, — ‘ধনুক ভাঙ্গ, তবে সে কহিব’ ॥ ২৫৬ ॥
Text
nārada kahe, — ‘dhanuka bhāṅga, tabe se kahiba’
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter then said, ‘My dear sir, whatever you say I shall do.’
Purport
“Nārada immediately ordered him, ‘First of all, break your bow. Then I shall tell you what is to be done.’
This is the process of initiation. The disciple must vow that he will no longer commit sinful activity — namely illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. He promises to execute the order of the spiritual master. Then the spiritual master takes care of him and elevates him to spiritual emancipation.
Bengali
নারদ কহে, — ‘আমি অন্ন দিব প্রতিদিনে ॥’ ২৫৭ ॥
Text
nārada kahe, — ‘āmi anna diba prati-dine’
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter replied, ‘If I break my bow, how shall I maintain myself?’
Purport
“Nārada Muni replied, ‘Do not worry. I shall supply all your food every day.’
The source of our income is not actually the source of our maintenance. Every living being — from the great Brahmā down to an insignificant ant — is being maintained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Eko bahūnāṁ yo vidadhāti kāmān. The one Supreme Being, Kṛṣṇa, maintains everyone. Our so-called source of income is our own choice only. If I wish to be a hunter, it will appear that hunting is the source of my maintenance. If I become a brāhmaṇa and completely depend on Kṛṣṇa, I do not conduct a business, but nonetheless my maintenance is supplied by Kṛṣṇa. The hunter was disturbed about breaking his bow because he was worried about his income. Nārada Muni assured the hunter because he knew that the hunter was not being maintained by the bow but by Kṛṣṇa. Being the agent of Kṛṣṇa, Nārada Muni knew very well that the hunter would not suffer by breaking the bow. There was no doubt that Kṛṣṇa would supply him food.
Bengali
তারে উঠাঞা নারদ উপদেশ কৈল ॥ ২৫৮ ॥
Text
tāre uṭhāñā nārada upadeśa kaila
Synonyms
Translation
“Being thus assured by the great sage Nārada Muni, the hunter broke his bow, immediately fell down at the saint’s lotus feet and fully surrendered. After this, Nārada Muni raised him with his hand and gave him instructions for spiritual advancement.
Purport
This is the process of initiation. The disciple must surrender to the spiritual master, the representative of Kṛṣṇa. The spiritual master, being in the disciplic succession stemming from Nārada Muni, is in the same category with Nārada Muni. A person can be relieved from his sinful activity if he surrenders to the lotus feet of a person who actually represents Nārada Muni. Nārada Muni gave instructions to the hunter after the hunter surrendered.
Bengali
এক এক বস্ত্র পরি’ বাহির হও দুইজন ॥ ২৫৯ ॥
Text
eka eka vastra pari’ bāhira hao dui-jana
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni then advised the hunter, ‘Return home and distribute whatever riches you have to the pure brāhmaṇas who know the Absolute Truth. After you have distributed all your riches to the brāhmaṇas, you and your wife should leave home, each of you taking only one cloth to wear.’
Purport
This is the process of renunciation at the stage of vānaprastha. After enjoying householder life for some time, the husband and wife must leave home and distribute their riches to brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. One can keep his wife as an assistant in the vānaprastha stage. The idea is that the wife will assist the husband in spiritual advancement. Therefore Nārada Muni advised the hunter to adopt the vānaprastha stage and leave home. It is not that a gṛhastha should live at home until he dies. Vānaprastha is preliminary to sannyāsa. In the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement there are many young couples engaged in the Lord’s service. Eventually they are supposed to take vānaprastha, and after the vānaprastha stage the husband may take sannyāsa in order to preach. The wife may then remain alone and serve the Deity or engage in other activities within the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
Bengali
তার আগে একপিণ্ডি তুলসী রোপিয়া ॥ ২৬০ ॥
Text
tāra āge eka-piṇḍi tulasī ropiyā
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni continued, ‘Leave your home and go to the river. There you should construct a small cottage, and in front of the cottage you should grow a tulasī plant on a raised platform.
Bengali
নিরন্তর কৃষ্ণনাম করিহ কীর্তন ॥ ২৬১ ॥
Text
nirantara kṛṣṇa-nāma kariha kīrtana
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘After planting the tulasī tree before your house, you should daily circumambulate that tulasī plant, serve her by giving her water and other things, and continuously chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.’
Purport
This is the beginning of spiritual life. After leaving householder life, one may go to a holy place, such as the bank of the Ganges or Yamunā, and erect a small cottage. A small cottage can be constructed without any expenditure. Four logs serving as pillars can be secured by any man from the forest. The roof can be covered with leaves, and one can cleanse the inside. Thus one can live very peacefully. In any condition, any man can live in a small cottage, plant a tulasī tree, water it in the morning, offer it prayers, and continuously chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. Thus one can make vigorous spiritual advancement. This is not at all difficult. One simply has to follow the instructions of the spiritual master strictly. Then everything will be successful in due course of time. As far as eating is concerned, there is no problem. If Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, supplies everyone with eatables, why should He not supply His devotee? Sometimes a devotee will not even bother to construct a cottage. He will simply go to live in a mountain cave. One may live in a cave, in a cottage beside a river, in a palace or in a big city like New York or London. In any case, a devotee can follow the instructions of his spiritual master and engage in devotional service by watering the tulasī plant and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Taking the advice of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and our spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja, one can go to any part of the world and instruct people to become devotees of the Lord by following the regulative principles, worshiping the tulasī plant and continuously chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
Bengali
সেই অন্ন লবে, যত খাও দুইজনে ॥” ২৬২ ॥
Text
sei anna labe, yata khāo dui-jane”
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni continued, ‘Every day I shall send sufficient food to you both. You can take as much food as you want.’
Purport
When a person takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there is no need to care for material necessities. Kṛṣṇa says, yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham: “I personally carry all necessities to My devotees.” Why should one be anxious about the necessities of life? The principle should be that one should not want more than what is absolutely necessary. Nārada Muni advises the hunter to accept only what is absolutely necessary for him and his wife. The devotee should always be alert to consume only those things that he absolutely requires and not create unnecessary needs.
Bengali
সুস্থ হঞা মৃগাদি তিনে ধাঞা পলাইল ॥ ২৬৩ ॥
Text
sustha hañā mṛgādi tine dhāñā palāila
Synonyms
Translation
“The three animals that were half-killed were then brought to their consciousness by the sage Nārada. Indeed, the animals got up and swiftly fled.
Bengali
ঘরে গেল ব্যাধ, গুরুকে করি’ নমস্কার ॥ ২৬৪ ॥
Text
ghare gela vyādha, guruke kari’ namaskāra
Synonyms
Translation
“When the hunter saw the half-killed animals flee, he was certainly struck with wonder. He then offered his respectful obeisances to the sage Nārada and returned home.
Bengali
নারদের উপদেশে সকল করিল ॥ ২৬৫ ॥
Text
nāradera upadeśe sakala karila
Synonyms
Translation
“After all this, Nārada Muni went to his destination. After the hunter returned home, he exactly followed the instructions of his spiritual master, Nārada.
Purport
For spiritual advancement one must have a bona fide spiritual master and follow his instructions in order to be assured of advancement.
Bengali
গ্রামের লোক সব অন্ন আনিতে লাগিল ॥ ২৬৬ ॥
Text
grāmera loka saba anna ānite lāgila
Synonyms
Translation
“The news that the hunter had become a Vaiṣṇava spread all over the village. Indeed, all the villagers brought alms and presented them to the Vaiṣṇava who had formerly been a hunter.
Purport
It is the duty of the public to present a gift to a saintly person, Vaiṣṇava or brāhmaṇa when going to see him. Every Vaiṣṇava is dependent on Kṛṣṇa, and Kṛṣṇa is ready to supply all of life’s necessities, provided a Vaiṣṇava follows the principles set forth by the spiritual master. There are certainly many householders in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. They join the movement and live in the society’s centers, but if they take advantage of this opportunity and do not work but live at the expense of the movement, eating prasādam and simply sleeping, they place themselves in a very dangerous position. It is therefore advised that gṛhasthas should not live in the temple. They must live outside the temple and maintain themselves. Of course, if the gṛhasthas are fully engaged in the Lord’s service according to the directions of the authorities, there is no harm in their living in a temple. In any case, a temple should not be a place to eat and sleep. A temple manager should be very careful about these things.
Bengali
দিনে তত লয়, যত খায় দুই জনে ॥ ২৬৭ ॥
Text
dine tata laya, yata khāya dui jane
Synonyms
Translation
“In one day enough food was brought for ten or twenty people, but the hunter and his wife would accept only as much as they could eat.
Bengali
আমার এক শিষ্য আছে, চলহ দেখিতে ॥” ॥ ২৬৮ ॥
Text
āmāra eka śiṣya āche, calaha dekhite”
Synonyms
Translation
“One day, while speaking to his friend Parvata Muni, Nārada Muni requested him to go with him to see his disciple the hunter.
Bengali
দূর হৈতে ব্যাধ পাইল গুরুর দরশনে ॥ ২৬৯ ॥
Text
dūra haite vyādha pāila gurura daraśane
Synonyms
Translation
“As the saintly sages approached the hunter’s place, the hunter could see them from a distance.
Bengali
পথের পিপীলিকা ইতি-উতি ধরে পায় ॥ ২৭০ ॥
Text
pathera pipīlikā iti-uti dhare pāya
Synonyms
Translation
“With great alacrity the hunter began to run toward his spiritual master, but he could not fall down and offer obeisances because ants were running hither and thither around his feet.
Bengali
বস্ত্রে স্থান ঝাড়ি’ পড়ে দণ্ডবৎ হঞা ॥ ২৭১ ॥
Text
vastre sthāna jhāḍi’ paḍe daṇḍavat hañā
Synonyms
Translation
“Seeing the ants, the hunter whisked them away with a piece of cloth. After thus clearing the ants from the ground, he fell down flat to offer his obeisances.
Purport
The word daṇḍa means “rod,” and vat means “like.” To offer obeisances to the spiritual master, one must fall flat exactly as a rod falls on the ground. This is the meaning of the word daṇḍavat.
Bengali
হরিভক্ত্যে হিংসা-শূন্য হয় সাধুবর্য ॥ ২৭২ ॥
Text
hari-bhaktye hiṁsā-śūnya haya sādhu-varya
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni said, ‘My dear hunter, such behavior is not at all astonishing. A man in devotional service is automatically nonviolent. He is the best of gentlemen.
Purport
In this verse the word sādhu-varya means “the best of gentlemen.” At the present moment there are many so-called gentlemen who are expert in killing animals and birds. Nonetheless, these so-called gentlemen profess a type of religion that strictly prohibits killing. According to Nārada Muni and Vedic culture, animal-killers are not even gentlemen, to say nothing of being religious men. A religious person, a devotee of the Lord, must be nonviolent. Such is the nature of a religious person. It is contradictory to be violent and at the same time call oneself a religious person. Such hypocrisy is not approved by Nārada Muni and the disciplic succession.
Bengali
হরিভক্তৌ প্রবৃত্তা যে ন তে স্যুঃ পরতাপিনঃ ॥ ২৭৩ ॥
Text
tavāhiṁsādayo guṇāḥ
hari-bhaktau pravṛttā ye
na te syuḥ para-tāpinaḥ
Synonyms
ete — all these; na — not; hi — certainly; adbhutāḥ — wonderful; vyādha — O hunter; tava — your; ahiṁsā-ādayaḥ — nonviolence and others; guṇāḥ — qualities; hari-bhaktau — in devotional service; pravṛttāḥ — engaged; ye — those who; na — not; te — they; syuḥ — are; para-tāpinaḥ — envious of other living entities.
Translation
“ ‘O hunter, good qualities like nonviolence, which you have developed, are not very astonishing, for those engaged in the Lord’s devotional service are never inclined to give pain to others because of envy.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Skanda Purāṇa.
Bengali
কুশাসন আনি’ দোঁহারে ভক্ত্যে বসাইল ॥ ২৭৪ ॥
Text
kuśāsana āni’ doṅhāre bhaktye vasāila
Synonyms
Translation
“The hunter then received the two great sages in the courtyard of his house. He spread out a straw mat for them to sit upon, and with great devotion he begged them to sit down.
Bengali
সেই জল স্ত্রী-পুরুষে পিয়া শিরে লইল ॥ ২৭৫ ॥
Text
sei jala strī-puruṣe piyā śire la-ila
Synonyms
Translation
“He then fetched water and washed the sages’ feet with great devotion. Then both husband and wife drank that water and sprinkled it on their heads.
Purport
This is the process one should follow when receiving the spiritual master or someone on the level of the spiritual master. When the spiritual master comes to the residence of his disciples, the disciples should follow in the footsteps of the former hunter. It doesn’t matter what one was before initiation. After initiation, one must learn the etiquette mentioned herein.
Bengali
ঊর্ধ্ববাহু নৃত্য করে বস্ত্র উড়াঞা ॥ ২৭৬ ॥
Text
ūrdhva bāhu nṛtya kare vastra uḍāñā
Synonyms
Translation
“When the hunter chanted the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra before his spiritual master, his body trembled and tears welled up in his eyes. Filled with ecstatic love, he raised his hands and began to dance, waving his garments up and down.
Bengali
নারদেরে কহে, — তুমি হও স্পর্শমণি ॥ ২৭৭ ॥
Text
nāradere kahe, — tumi hao sparśa-maṇi
Synonyms
Translation
“When Parvata Muni saw the ecstatic loving symptoms of the hunter, he told Nārada, ‘Certainly you are a touchstone.’
Purport
When a touchstone touches iron, it turns the iron to gold. Parvata Muni called Nārada Muni a touchstone because by his touch the hunter, who was the lowest among men, became an elevated and perfect Vaiṣṇava. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura said that the position of a Vaiṣṇava can be tested by seeing how good a touchstone he is — that is, by seeing how many Vaiṣṇavas he has made during his life. A Vaiṣṇava should be a touchstone so that he can convert others to Vaiṣṇavism by his preaching, even though people may be fallen like the hunter. There are many so-called advanced devotees who sit in a secluded place for their personal benefit. They do not go out to preach and convert others into Vaiṣṇavas, and therefore they certainly cannot be called sparśa-maṇi, advanced devotees. Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī devotees cannot turn others into Vaiṣṇavas, but a madhyama-adhikārī Vaiṣṇava can do so by preaching. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu advised His followers to increase the numbers of Vaiṣṇavas.
āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa
(Cc. Madhya 7.128)
It is Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s wish that everyone should become a Vaiṣṇava and guru. Following the instructions of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His disciplic succession, one can become a spiritual master, for the process is very easy. One can go everywhere and anywhere to preach the instructions of Kṛṣṇa. The Bhagavad-gītā is Kṛṣṇa’s instructions; therefore the duty of every Vaiṣṇava is to travel and preach the Bhagavad-gītā, either in his country or a foreign country. This is the test of sparśa-maṇi, following in the footsteps of Nārada Muni.
Bengali
নীচোঽপ্যুৎপুলকো লেভে লুব্ধকো রতিমচ্যুতে ॥” ২৭৮ ॥
Text
kṛpayā yasya tat-kṣaṇāt
nīco ’py utpulako lebhe
lubdhako ratim acyute”
Synonyms
aho — oh; dhanyaḥ — glorified; asi — you are; deva-ṛṣe — O sage among the demigods; kṛpayā — by the mercy; yasya — of whom; tat-kṣaṇāt — immediately; nīcaḥ api — even though one is the lowest of men; utpulakaḥ — becoming agitated in ecstatic love; lebhe — gets; lubdhakaḥ — a hunter; ratim — attraction; acyute — unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Translation
“Parvata Muni continued, ‘My dear friend Nārada Muni, you are glorified as the sage among the demigods. By your mercy, even a lowborn person like this hunter can immediately become attached to Lord Kṛṣṇa.’
Purport
A pure Vaiṣṇava believes in the statements of the śāstras. This verse is quoted from the Vedic literature, the Skanda Purāṇa.
Bengali
ব্যাধ কহে, “যারে পাঠাও, সেই দিয়া যায় ॥ ২৭৯ ॥
Text
vyādha kahe, “yāre pāṭhāo, sei diyā yāya
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni then asked the hunter, ‘My dear Vaiṣṇava, do you have some income for your maintenance?’
Purport
“The hunter replied, ‘My dear spiritual master, whoever you send gives me something when he comes to see me.’
This confirms the statement in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.22) to the effect that the Lord carries all necessities to His Vaiṣṇava devotee. Nārada Muni asked the former hunter how he was being maintained, and he replied that everyone who came to see him brought him something for his maintenance. Kṛṣṇa, who is situated in everyone’s heart, says, “I personally carry all necessities to a Vaiṣṇava.” He can order anyone to execute this. Everyone is ready to give something to a Vaiṣṇava, and if a Vaiṣṇava is completely engaged in devotional service, he need not be anxious for his maintenance.
Bengali
সবে দুইজনার যোগ্য ভক্ষ্যমাত্র চাই ॥” ২৮০ ॥
Text
sabe dui-janāra yogya bhakṣya-mātra cāi”
Synonyms
Translation
“The former hunter said, ‘Please do not send so much grain. Only send what is sufficient for two people, no more.’
Purport
The former hunter only wanted enough for two people to eat, no more. It is not necessary for a Vaiṣṇava to keep a stock of food for the next day. He should receive only sufficient grain to last one day. The next day, he must again depend on the Lord’s mercy. This is the instruction of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. When His personal servant Govinda sometimes kept a stock of harītakī (myrobalan), Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu chastised him, saying, “Why did you keep a stock for the next day?” Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and others were begging daily from door to door for their sustenance, and they never attempted to stock their āśrama with food for the next day. We should not materially calculate, thinking, “It is better to stock food for a week. Why give the Lord trouble by having Him bring food daily?” One should be convinced that the Lord will provide daily. There is no need to stock food for the next day.
Bengali
এত বলি’ দুইজন হইলা অন্তর্ধান ॥ ২৮১ ॥
Text
eta bali’ dui-jana ha-ilā antardhāna
Synonyms
Translation
“Nārada Muni approved his not wanting more than a daily supply of food, and he blessed him, saying, ‘You are fortunate.’ Nārada Muni and Parvata Muni then disappeared from that place.
Bengali
যা শুনিলে হয় সাধুসঙ্গ-প্রভাব-জ্ঞান ॥ ২৮২ ॥
Text
yā śunile haya sādhu-saṅga-prabhāva-jñāna
Synonyms
Translation
“Thus I have narrated the incident of the hunter. By hearing this narration, one can understand the influence of association with devotees.
Purport
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted to stress that even a hunter, the lowest of men, could become a topmost Vaiṣṇava simply by associating with Nārada Muni or a devotee in his bona fide disciplic succession.
Bengali
এই দুই অর্থ মিলি’ ‘ছাব্বিশ’ অর্থ হৈল ॥ ২৮৩ ॥
Text
ei dui artha mili’ ‘chābbiśa’ artha haila
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way we have found three more meanings [of the ātmārāma verse]. Combine these with the other meanings, and the total number of meanings adds up to twenty-six in all.
Bengali
স্থূলে ‘দুই’ অর্থ, সূক্ষ্মে ‘বত্রিশ’ প্রকার ॥ ২৮৪ ॥
Text
sthūle ‘dui’ artha, sūkṣme ‘batriśa’ prakāra
Synonyms
Translation
“There is yet another meaning, which is full of a variety of imports. Actually there are two gross meanings and thirty-two subtle meanings.
Purport
The two gross meanings refer to regulative devotional service and spontaneous devotional service. There are also thirty-two subtle meanings. Under the heading of regulative devotional service, there are sixteen meanings based on understanding the word ātmārāma to mean (1) a servant of the Lord as His personal associate, (2) a personal friend, (3) personal parents or similar superiors, (4) a personal beloved, (5) a servant elevated by spiritual cultivation, (6) a friend by spiritual cultivation, (7) parents and superior devotees by cultivation of devotional service, (8) a beloved wife or female friend by cultivation of devotional service, (9) a mature devotee as a servant, (10) a mature devotee as a friend, (11) a mature devotee as a parent and superior, (12) a mature devotee as a wife and beloved, (13) an immature devotee as a servant, (14) an immature devotee as a friend, (15) an immature devotee as a father or superior, and (16) an immature devotee as a beloved. Similarly, under the heading of spontaneous devotion there are also sixteen various associates. Therefore the total number of devotees under the headings of regulated devotees and spontaneous devotees is thirty-two.
Bengali
এক ‘স্বয়ং ভগবান্’, আর ‘ভগবান্’-আখ্যান ॥ ২৮৫ ॥
Text
eka ‘svayaṁ bhagavān’, āra ‘bhagavān’-ākhyāna
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmā’ refers to all the different Personalities of Godhead. One of them is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, Kṛṣṇa, and the others are different incarnations or expansions of Kṛṣṇa.
Purport
The word ātmā also includes all kinds of personalities known as Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This means that Kṛṣṇa has unlimited expansions. This is described in the Brahma-saṁhitā (5.46):
dīpāyate vivṛta-hetu-samāna-dharmā
yas tādṛg eva hi ca viṣṇutayā vibhāti
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi
The expansions of Kṛṣṇa are thus compared to candles that have been lit from an original candle. All the secondary candles are equally powerful, but the original candle is that from which all the others have been lit. Kṛṣṇa is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, and He is expanded as Balarāma, Saṅkarṣaṇa, Aniruddha, Pradyumna and Vāsudeva. In this way there are innumerable incarnations and expansions who are also called Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Regarding the variety of personalities known as Bhagavān, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura says that the Personality of Godhead known as Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that His expansions are also called the Personality of Godhead. In other words, Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the origin of all other Personalities of Godhead. Speculative philosophers and mystic yogīs also meditate upon the form of Kṛṣṇa, but this form is not the form of the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such a Bhagavān is but a partial representation of the Lord’s full potency. Nonetheless, He also has to be understood to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To clarify this matter, one should simply understand that Kṛṣṇa, the son of Nanda Mahārāja in Vṛndāvana, the friend of the cowherd boys and lover of the gopīs, is actually the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is attained by spontaneous love. Although His expansions are also called the Supreme Personality of Godhead, They are attained only by the execution of regulative devotional service.
Bengali
‘বিধিভক্ত’, ‘রাগভক্ত’, — দুইবিধ নাম ॥ ২৮৬ ॥
Text
‘vidhi-bhakta’, ‘rāga-bhakta’, — dui-vidha nāma
Synonyms
tāṅte — in all those Supreme Personalities of Godhead; rame — takes pleasure in devotional service; yei — those persons who; sei saba — all of them; ātmārāma — are also known as ātmārāma; vidhi-bhakta — devotees following the regulative principles; rāga-bhakta — devotees following spontaneous love; dui-vidha nāma — two different varieties.
Translation
“One who always engages in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is called ātmārāma. There are two types of ātmārāmas. One is an ātmārāma engaged in regulative devotional service, and the other is an ātmārāma engaged in spontaneous devotional service.
Bengali
পারিষদ, সাধনসিদ্ধ, সাধকগণ আর ॥ ২৮৭ ॥
Text
pāriṣada, sādhana-siddha, sādhaka-gaṇa āra
Synonyms
dui-vidha bhakta — these two varieties of ātmārāma devotees; haya — are; cāri cāri prakāra — each of four different categories; pāriṣada — personal associate; sādhana-siddha — liberated to the position of associates by perfection in devotional service; sādhaka-gaṇa āra — and devotees already engaged in the devotional service of the Lord.
Translation
“Both the ātmārāmas engaged in regulative devotional service and those engaged in spontaneous devotional service are further categorized into four groups. There are the eternal associates, the associates who have become perfect by devotional service, and those who are practicing devotional service and are called sādhakas, of whom there are two varieties.
Bengali
বিধি-রাগ-মার্গে চারি চারি — অষ্ট ভেদ ॥ ২৮৮ ॥
Text
vidhi-rāga-mārge cāri cāri — aṣṭa bheda
Synonyms
jāta-ajāta-rati-bhede — by distinction of mature love and immature love; sādhaka dui bheda — those practicing devotional service are of two varieties; vidhi — regulative devotion; rāga — spontaneous devotion; mārge — on both the paths; cāri cāri — there are four different varieties; aṣṭa bheda — a total of eight kinds.
Translation
“Those who are practicing devotional service are either mature or immature. Therefore the sādhakas are of two types. Since the devotees execute either regulative devotional service or spontaneous devotional service and there are four groups within these two divisions, altogether there are eight varieties.
Bengali
‘সখা’ ‘গুরু’, ‘কান্তাগণ’, — চারিবিধ প্রকাশ ॥ ২৮৯ ॥
Text
‘sakhā’ ‘guru’, ‘kāntā-gaṇa’, — cāri-vidha prakāśa
Synonyms
Translation
“By executing regulative devotional service, one is elevated to the platform of an eternally perfect associate, such as a servant, friend, superior or beloved woman. Each of these is of four varieties.
Bengali
জাতরতি সাধকভক্ত — চারিবিধ জন ॥ ২৯০ ॥
Text
jāta-rati sādhaka-bhakta — cāri-vidha jana
Synonyms
Translation
“Among those who have perfected themselves by devotional service, there are servants, friends, superiors and beloved damsels. Similarly, there are four types of mature devotees.
Bengali
বিধিমার্গে ভক্তে ষোড়শ ভেদ প্রচার ॥ ২৯১ ॥
Text
vidhi-mārge bhakte ṣoḍaśa bheda pracāra
Synonyms
Translation
“Within the category of regulative devotional service, there are also immature devotees. These are also of four varieties. Thus in regulative devotional service there are altogether sixteen varieties.
Bengali
দুই মার্গে আত্মারামের বত্রিশ বিভেদ ॥ ২৯২ ॥
Text
dui mārge ātmārāmera batriśa vibheda
Synonyms
rāga-mārge — on the path of spontaneous loving service; aiche — in the same way; bhakte — all the devotees; ṣoḍaśa vibheda — divided into sixteen varieties; dui mārge — on the two paths, namely regulative devotional service and spontaneous devotional service; ātmārāmera — of persons enjoying with the Supreme Self; batriśa vibheda — there are thirty-two varieties of devotees.
Translation
“On the path of spontaneous devotional service, there are also sixteen categories of devotees. Thus there are thirty-two types of ātmārāmas enjoying the Supreme Lord on these two paths.
Bengali
যাহাঁ যেই লাগে, তাহা করিয়ে সমর্থ ॥ ২৯৩ ॥
Text
yāhāṅ yei lāge, tāhā kariye samartha
Synonyms
Translation
“When these thirty-two types of devotees are qualified with the words ‘muni,’ ‘nirgrantha,’ ‘ca’ and ‘api,’ the meanings can be increased in different ways and very soundly elaborated upon.
Bengali
আর এক ভেদ শুন অর্থের প্রকাশ ॥ ২৯৪ ॥
Text
āra eka bheda śuna arthera prakāśa
Synonyms
Translation
“When we add the twenty-six types of devotees to these thirty-two, they altogether number fifty-eight. You may now hear from Me of further manifestations of meanings.
Bengali
‘আটান্ন’বার আত্মারাম নাম লইয়ে ॥ ২৯৫ ॥
Text
‘āṭānna’-bāra ātmārāma nāma la-iye
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way, as I add the word ‘ca’ to one word after another, I make a compound. Thus the different names of ātmārāmas can be taken fifty-eight times.
Bengali
শেষে সব লোপ করি’ রাখি একবার ॥ ২৯৬ ॥
Text
śeṣe saba lopa kari’ rākhi eka-bāra
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way, one can repeat the word ‘ātmārāmāḥ’ with ‘ca’ for each of the fifty-eight meanings. By following the rule previously stated and rejecting all but the last, we retain that which represents all the meanings.
Bengali
উক্তার্থানামপ্রয়োগ ইতি ॥ ২৯৭ ॥
Text
uktārthānām aprayoga iti
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘Of words having the same form and case termination, the last one is the only one retained.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Pāṇini’s sūtras (1.2.64).
Bengali
এক আত্মারাম-শব্দে আটান্ন অর্থ কয় ॥ ২৯৮ ॥
Text
eka ātmārāma-śabde āṭānna artha kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“When all the ca-kāras, or additions of the word ‘ca,’ are taken away, fifty-eight different meanings can still be understood by the one word ‘ātmārāma.’
Bengali
কপিত্থবৃক্ষাশ্চ আম্রবৃক্ষাশ্চ বৃক্ষাঃ ॥ ২৯৯ ॥
Text
vṛkṣāś ca āmra-vṛkṣāś ca vṛkṣāḥ
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘By the plural word ‘vṛkṣāḥ’ [‘trees’], all trees, such as banyan trees, fig trees, kapittha trees and mango trees, are indicated.’
Bengali
তৈছে সব আত্মারাম কৃষ্ণে ভক্তি করয় ॥ ৩০০ ॥
Text
taiche saba ātmārāma kṛṣṇe bhakti karaya
Synonyms
Translation
“The ātmārāma verse is like the sentence ‘In this forest many different trees bear fruit.’ All ātmārāmas render devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
‘মুনয়শ্চ’ ভক্তি করে, — এই অর্থ তার ॥ ৩০১ ॥
Text
‘munayaś ca’ bhakti kare, — ei artha tāra
Synonyms
ātmārāmāḥ ca — similarly the word ātmārāmāḥ with the word ca added; samuccaye — in aggregation; kahiye — means; ca-kāra — the word ca; munayaḥ ca — the word munayaḥ with the word ca added; bhakti kare — all of them engage in devotional service; ei artha tāra — this is the perfect meaning of the verse.
Translation
“After uttering the word ‘ātmārāmāḥ’ fifty-eight times and taking ‘ca’ in a sense of aggregation, one may add the word ‘munayaḥ.’ That will mean that great sages also render devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. In this way there are fifty-nine meanings.
Bengali
এই ‘ঊনষষ্টি’ প্রকার অর্থ করিলুঁ ব্যাখ্যানে ॥ ৩০২ ॥
Text
ei ‘ūnaṣaṣṭi’ prakāra artha kariluṅ vyākhyāne
Synonyms
Translation
“Then taking the word ‘nirgranthāḥ’ and considering ‘api’ in the sense of sustenance, I have tried to explain a fifty-ninth meaning of the verse.
Bengali
‘আত্মারামাশ্চ মুনয়শ্চ নির্গ্রন্থাশ্চ’ ভজয় ॥ ৩০৩ ॥
Text
‘ātmārāmāś ca munayaś ca nirgranthāś ca’ bhajaya
Synonyms
sarva-samuccaye — taking all of them together; āra — another; eka — one; artha — import; haya — there is; ātmārāmāḥ ca munayaḥ ca nirgranthāḥ ca bhajaya — the ātmārāmas, great sages and nirgranthas (the learned and the fools) are all eligible to engage in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
Translation
“Taking all the words together, there is another meaning. Whether one is an ātmārāma, a great sage or a nirgrantha, everyone must engage in the service of the Lord.
Purport
The word sarva-samuccaye is significant here. It includes all classes of men — ātmārāmas, munis and nirgranthas. Everyone must engage in the service of the Lord. Taking the word api in the sense of ascertainment, there are, all together, sixty different meanings.
Bengali
চারিশব্দ-সঙ্গে এবের করিবে উচ্চার ॥ ৩০৪ ॥
Text
cāri-śabda-saṅge evera karibe uccāra
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘api’ is then used in the sense of ascertainment, and then the word ‘eva’ can be uttered four times with four words.
Bengali
অহৈতুকীমেব কুর্বন্ত্যেব” ॥ ৩০৫ ॥
Text
Synonyms
Translation
“The words ‘urukrama,’ ‘bhakti,’ ‘ahaitukī’ and ‘kurvanti’ are added to the word ‘eva’ again and again. Thus another meaning is explained.
Bengali
আর এক অর্থ শুন প্রমাণে সমর্থ ॥ ৩০৬ ॥
Text
āra eka artha śuna pramāṇe samartha
Synonyms
Translation
“Now I have given sixty different meanings of the verse, and yet there is another meaning which is also very strongly evident.
Bengali
ব্ৰহ্মাদি কীটপর্যন্ত — তাঁর শক্তিতে গণন ॥ ৩০৭ ॥
Text
brahmādi kīṭa-paryanta — tāṅra śaktite gaṇana
Synonyms
Translation
“The word ‘ātmā’ also refers to the living entity who knows about his body. That is another symptom. From Lord Brahmā down to the insignificant ant, everyone is counted as the marginal potency of the Lord.
Bengali
অবিদ্যা-কর্ম-সংজ্ঞান্যা তৃতীয়া শক্তিরিষ্যতে ॥ ৩০৮ ॥
Text
kṣetrajñākhyā tathā parā
avidyā-karma-saṁjñānyā
tṛtīyā śaktir iṣyate
Synonyms
viṣṇu-śaktiḥ — the potency of Lord Viṣṇu; parā — spiritual; proktā — it is said; kṣetra-jña-ākhyā — the potency known as kṣetrajña; tathā — as well as; parā — spiritual; avidyā — ignorance; karma — fruitive activities; saṁjñā — known as; anyā — other; tṛtīyā — third; śaktiḥ — potency; iṣyate — known thus.
Translation
“ ‘The potency of Lord Viṣṇu is summarized in three categories — namely the spiritual potency, the living entities and ignorance. The spiritual potency is full of knowledge; the living entities, although belonging to the spiritual potency, are subject to bewilderment; and the third energy, which is full of ignorance, is always visible in fruitive activities.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Viṣṇu Purāṇa. For an explanation, see Ādi-līlā 7.119.
Bengali
প্রধানং প্রকৃতিঃ স্ত্রিয়াম্ ॥” ৩০৯ ॥
Text
pradhānaṁ prakṛtiḥ striyām”
Synonyms
Translation
“ ‘The word ‘kṣetrajña’ refers to the living entity, the enjoyer, the chief and material nature.’
Purport
This is a quotation from the Svarga-varga (7) of the Amara-kośa dictionary.
Bengali
সব ত্যজি’ তবে তিঁহো কৃষ্ণেরে ভজয় ॥ ৩১০ ॥
Text
saba tyaji’ tabe tiṅho kṛṣṇere bhajaya
Synonyms
Translation
“The living entities are wandering in different species of life on different planets, but if by chance they get the association of a pure devotee [sādhu], they give up all other engagements and engage in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
সেই অর্থ হয় এই সব উদাহরণে ॥ ৩১১ ॥
Text
sei artha haya ei saba udāharaṇe
Synonyms
Translation
“I have thus explained sixty different meanings, and all of them aim at the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa. After giving so many examples, that is the only meaning.
Bengali
তোমার ভক্তিবশে উঠে অর্থের তরঙ্গে ॥ ৩১২ ॥
Text
tomāra bhakti-vaśe uṭhe arthera taraṅge
Synonyms
Translation
“Now, due to your association, another meaning has awakened. It is due to your devotional service that these waves of meaning are arising.
Purport
The word ātmā refers to the living entity. From Lord Brahmā down to an insignificant ant, everyone is considered a living entity. Living entities are considered part of the Lord’s marginal potency. All of them are kṣetra-jña, knowers of the body. When they become nirgrantha, or free, saintly persons, they engage in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s service. That is the sixty-first meaning of the verse.
Bengali
ভক্ত্যা ভাগবতং গ্রাহ্যং ন বুদ্ধ্যা ন চ টিকয়া ॥ ৩১৩ ॥
Text
vyāso vetti na vetti vā
bhaktyā bhāgavataṁ grāhyaṁ
na buddhyā na ca ṭīkayā
Synonyms
aham — I (Lord Śiva); vedmi — know; śukaḥ — Śukadeva Gosvāmī; vetti — knows; vyāsaḥ — Vyāsadeva; vetti — knows; na vetti vā — or may not know; bhaktyā — by devotional service (executed in nine different processes); bhāgavatam — the Bhāgavata Purāṇa (called the Paramahaṁsa-saṁhitā, the text or treatise readable by the topmost transcendentalists); grāhyam — to be accepted; na — not; buddhyā — by so-called intelligence or experimental knowledge; na — nor; ca — also; ṭīkayā — by imaginary commentary.
Translation
“[Lord Śiva said:] ‘I may know; Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyāsadeva, may know; and Vyāsadeva may know or may not know Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. On the whole, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the spotless Purāṇa, can be learned only through devotional service, not by material intelligence, speculative methods or imaginary commentaries.’ ”
Purport
Devotional service includes nine processes, beginning with hearing, chanting and remembering the activities of Lord Viṣṇu. Only one who has taken to devotional service can understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which is the spotless Purāṇa for a transcendentalist (paramahaṁsa). So-called commentaries are useless for this purpose. According to the Vedic injunction, yasya deve parā bhaktir yathā deve tathā gurau. All Vedic literatures maintain that Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam has to be learned from the person bhāgavata, and to understand it one has to engage in pure devotional service. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam cannot be understood by so-called erudite scholars or grammarians. One who has developed pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness and has served the pure devotee, the spiritual master, can understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Others cannot.
Bengali
স্তুতি করে মহাপ্রভুর চরণে ধরিয়া ॥ ৩১৪ ॥
Text
stuti kare mahāprabhura caraṇe dhariyā
Synonyms
Translation
After hearing all the explanations of all the different meanings of the ātmārāma verse, Sanātana Gosvāmī was struck with wonder. He fell down at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and began to offer prayers.
Bengali
তোমার নিশ্বাসে সর্ববেদ-প্রবর্তন ॥ ৩১৫ ॥
Text
tomāra niśvāse sarva-veda-pravartana
Synonyms
Translation
Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “My dear Lord, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, the son of Mahārāja Nanda. All the Vedic literatures are vibrated through Your breathing.
Bengali
তোমা বিনা অন্য জানিতে নাহিক সমর্থ ॥” ৩১৬ ॥
Text
tomā vinā anya jānite nāhika samartha”
Synonyms
Translation
“My dear Lord, You are the original speaker of the Bhāgavatam. You therefore know its real import. But for You, no one can understand the confidential meaning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.”
Purport
Following this statement by Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, we have written our introduction to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (First Canto, pages 1-41).
Bengali
ভাগবতের স্বরূপ কেনে না কর বিচারণ ? ৩১৭ ॥
Text
bhāgavatera svarūpa kene nā kara vicāraṇa?
Synonyms
Translation
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “Why are you glorifying Me personally? You should understand the transcendental position of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Why don’t you consider this important point?
Bengali
প্ৰতি-শ্লোকে প্ৰতি-অক্ষরে নানা অর্থ কয় ॥ ৩১৮ ॥
Text
prati-śloke prati-akṣare nānā artha kaya
Synonyms
Translation
“Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is as great as Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord and shelter of everything. In each and every verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and in each and every syllable, there are various meanings.
Bengali
যাঁহার শ্রবণে লোকে লাগে চমৎকার ॥ ৩১৯ ॥
Text
yāṅhāra śravaṇe loke lāge camatkāra
Synonyms
Translation
“The form of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is given in questions and answers. Thus the conclusion is established. By hearing these questions and answers, one is highly astonished.
Bengali
স্বাং কাষ্ঠামধুনোপেতে ধর্মঃ কং শরণং গতঃ ॥ ৩২০ ॥
Text
brahmaṇye dharma-varmaṇi
svāṁ kāṣṭhām adhunopete
dharmaḥ kaṁ śaraṇaṁ gataḥ
Synonyms
brūhi — kindly explain; yoga-īśvare — the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all mystic power; kṛṣṇe — Lord Kṛṣṇa; brahmaṇye — the protector of brahminical culture; dharma-varmaṇi — the strong arms of religious principles; svām — His own; kāṣṭhām — to the personal abode; adhunā — at present; upete — having returned; dharmaḥ — the religious principles; kam — unto what; śaraṇam — shelter; gataḥ — have gone.
Translation
“ ‘Now that Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Absolute Truth, the master of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please tell us by whom religious principles are presently protected.’
Purport
This verse from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.1.23) was a question raised by all the sages, who were headed by Śaunaka. This question put before the great devotee Sūta Gosvāmī is the foremost of the six questions raised. The answer to this important question is given in the next verse, also from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.3.43).
Bengali
কলৌ নষ্টদৃশামেষ পুরাণার্কোঽধুনোদিতঃ ॥ ৩২১ ॥
Text
dharma-jñānādibhiḥ saha
kalau naṣṭa-dṛśām eṣa
purāṇārko ’dhunoditaḥ
Synonyms
kṛṣṇe — Lord Kṛṣṇa; sva-dhāma — to His personal abode; upagate — having returned; dharma-jñāna-ādibhiḥ saha — along with religious principles, transcendental knowledge, and so on; kalau — in this Age of Kali; naṣṭa-dṛśām — of persons who have lost their spiritual vision; eṣaḥ — this; purāṇa-arkaḥ — Purāṇa or Vedic literature that shines like the sun; adhunā — at the present moment; uditaḥ — has arisen.
Translation
“ ‘After Lord Kṛṣṇa departed for His abode along with religious principles and transcendental knowledge, this Purāṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, has arisen like the sun in this Age of Kali to enlighten those who have no spiritual vision.’
Bengali
বাতুলের প্রলাপ করি’ কে করে প্রমাণ ? ৩২২ ॥
Text
vātulera pralāpa kari’ ke kare pramāṇa?
Synonyms
Translation
“In this way, like a madman, I have explained the meaning of just one verse. I do not know who will take this as evidence.
Bengali
এইদৃষ্টে ভাগবতের অর্থ জানয় ॥” ৩২৩ ॥
Text
ei-dṛṣṭe bhāgavatera artha jānaya”
Synonyms
Translation
“If one becomes a madman like Me, he may also understand the meaning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam by this process.”
Purport
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu plainly explains that Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam cannot be understood by those who are materially situated. In other words, one has to become a madman like Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Apart from being the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is an ācārya who exhibited love of God like a madman. According to His own written verse, yugāyitaṁ nimeṣeṇa. He says that for Him, “a moment seems to last twelve years.” Cakṣuṣā prāvṛṣāyitam: “My tears are flowing like torrents of rain.” Śūnyāyitaṁ jagat sarvam: “I feel as if the entire universe were vacant.” Why? Govinda-viraheṇa me: “Due to My being separated from Govinda, Kṛṣṇa.”
One can understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam only by following in the footsteps of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who was mad for Kṛṣṇa. We cannot, of course, imitate Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. It is not possible. However, unless one is very serious about understanding Kṛṣṇa, he cannot understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam gives the full narration of Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental activities. The first nine cantos explain who Kṛṣṇa is, and the Lord’s birth and activities are narrated in the Tenth Canto. In the Bhagavad-gītā it is stated, janma karma ca me divyam. Kṛṣṇa’s appearance and disappearance are transcendental, not mundane. A person is eligible to return home, back to Godhead, if he perfectly understands Kṛṣṇa and His appearance and disappearance. This is verified by Kṛṣṇa Himself in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.9): tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti so ’rjuna.
It is therefore concluded that one has to learn about Kṛṣṇa from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad-gītā, and one has to follow in the footsteps of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Those who do not follow Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu cannot understand the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Bengali
“প্রভু আজ্ঞা দিলা ‘বৈষ্ণবস্মৃতি’ করিবারে ॥ ৩২৪ ॥
Text
“prabhu ājñā dilā ‘vaiṣṇava-smṛti’ karibāre
Synonyms
Translation
Folding his hands, Sanātana Gosvāmī said, “My Lord, You ordered me to write a directory about the activities of Vaiṣṇavas.
Bengali
মো-হৈতে কৈছে হয় স্মৃতি-পরচার ॥ ৩২৫ ॥
Text
mo-haite kaiche haya smṛti-paracāra
Synonyms
Translation
“I am a most lowborn person. I have no knowledge of good behavior. How is it possible for me to write authorized directions about Vaiṣṇava activities?”
Purport
Actually Sanātana Gosvāmī belonged to a very respectable brāhmaṇa family. Nonetheless, he submitted himself as a fallen, lowborn person because he had served in the Muslim government. A brāhmaṇa is never supposed to engage in anyone’s service. Serving others for a livelihood (paricaryātmakaṁ karma) is the business of śūdras. The brāhmaṇa is always independent and busy studying śāstra and preaching śāstra to subordinate social members such as kṣatriyas and vaiśyas. Sanātana Gosvāmī felt unfit to write Vaiṣṇava smṛti about the behavior of Vaiṣṇavas because he had fallen from the brahminical position. Thus Sanātana Gosvāmī clearly admits that the brahminical culture should be standardized. Presently in India, so-called brāhmaṇas are almost all engaged in some mundane service, and they do not understand the import of the Vedic śāstras. Nonetheless, they are passing themselves off as brāhmaṇas on the basis of birth. In this connection, Sanātana Gosvāmī declares that a brāhmaṇa cannot be engaged in anyone’s service if he wants to take a leading part in society. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Nārada Muni states that even if a brāhmaṇa is in a difficult position, he should not accept the occupation of a śūdra. This means that he should not be engaged in service for another, for this is the business of dogs. Under the circumstances, Sanātana Gosvāmī felt very low because he had accepted a position of service in the Muslim government. The conclusion is that no one should claim to be a brāhmaṇa simply by birthright while engaging in someone else’s service.
Bengali
আপনে করহ যদি হৃদয়ে প্রবেশ ॥ ৩২৬ ॥
Text
āpane karaha yadi hṛdaye praveśa
Synonyms
Translation
Sanātana Gosvāmī then requested the Lord, “Please personally tell me how I can write this difficult book about Vaiṣṇava behavior. Please manifest Yourself in my heart.
Purport
The writing of Vaiṣṇava literatures is not a function for ordinary men. Vaiṣṇava literatures are not mental concoctions. They are all authorized literatures meant to guide those who are going to be Vaiṣṇavas. Under these circumstances, an ordinary man cannot give his own opinion. His opinion must always correspond with the conclusion of the Vedas. Unless one is fully qualified in Vaiṣṇava behavior and authorized by superior authority (the Supreme Personality of Godhead), one cannot write Vaiṣṇava literatures or purports and commentaries on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad-gītā.
Bengali
ঈশ্বর তুমি, — যে করাহ, সেই সিদ্ধ হয় ॥” ৩২৭ ॥
Text
īśvara tumi, — ye karāha, sei siddha haya”
Synonyms
Translation
“If You would please manifest Yourself within my heart and personally direct me in writing this book, then, although I am lowborn, I may hope to be able to write it. You can do this because You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead Yourself, and whatever You direct is perfect.”
Bengali
কৃষ্ণ সেই সেই তোমা করাবে স্ফুরণ ॥ ৩২৮ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa sei sei tomā karābe sphuraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “Whatever you want to do you will be able to do correctly by Lord Kṛṣṇa’s favor. He will manifest the real purport.
Purport
Sanātana Gosvāmī was a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa. A pure devotee has no business other than serving Kṛṣṇa; consequently Kṛṣṇa is always ready to help him. This benediction was given by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to Sanātana Gosvāmī, who was authorized to write Vaiṣṇava smṛti. Sanātana Gosvāmī was a pure devotee of the Lord, and through the blessings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu he was able to write the book perfectly.
Bengali
সকারণ লিখি আদৌ গুরু-আশ্রয়ণ ॥ ৩২৯ ॥
Text
sakāraṇa likhi ādau guru-āśrayaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Because you asked Me for a synopsis, please hear these few indications. In the beginning describe how one must take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master.
Bengali
সেব্য — ভগবান্, সর্বমন্ত্র-বিচারণ ॥ ৩৩০ ॥
Text
sevya — bhagavān, sarva-mantra-vicāraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Your book should describe the characteristics of the bona fide guru and the bona fide disciple. Then, before accepting a spiritual master, one can be assured of the spiritual master’s position. Similarly, the spiritual master can also be assured of the disciple’s position. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, should be described as the worshipable object, and you should describe the bīja-mantra for the worship of Kṛṣṇa, as well as that for Rāma and for other expansions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Purport
In the Padma Purāṇa, the characteristics of the guru, the bona fide spiritual master, have been described:
sarveṣām eva lokānām asau pūjyo yathā hariḥ
sahasra-śākhādhyāyī ca na guruḥ syād avaiṣṇavaḥ
The guru must be situated on the topmost platform of devotional service. There are three classes of devotees, and the guru must be accepted from the topmost class. The first-class devotee is the spiritual master for all kinds of people. It is said, gurur nṛṇām. The word nṛṇām means “of all human beings.” The guru is not limited to a particular group. It is stated in the Upadeśāmṛta of Rūpa Gosvāmī that a guru is a gosvāmī, a controller of the senses and the mind. Such a guru can accept disciples from all over the world. Pṛthivīṁ sa śiṣyāt. This is the test of the guru.
In India there are many so-called gurus, and they are limited to a certain district or a province. They do not even travel about India, yet they declare themselves to be jagad-guru, the guru of the whole world. Such cheating gurus should not be accepted. Anyone can see how the bona fide spiritual master accepts disciples from all over the world. The guru is a qualified brāhmaṇa; therefore he knows Brahman and Parabrahman. He thus devotes his life for the service of Parabrahman. The bona fide spiritual master who accepts disciples from all over the world is also worshiped all over the world because of his qualities. Lokānām asau pūjyo yathā hariḥ: the people of the world worship him just as they worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead. All these honors are offered to him because he strictly follows the brahminical principles and teaches these principles to his disciples. Such a person is called an ācārya because he knows the principles of devotional service, he behaves in that way himself, and he teaches his disciples to follow in his footsteps. Thus he is an ācārya or jagad-guru. Even though a person is born in a brahminical family and is very expert in performing sacrifices, he cannot be accepted as a guru if he is not a strict Vaiṣṇava. A guru is a brāhmaṇa by qualification, and he can turn others into brāhmaṇas according to the śāstric principles and brahminical qualifications. Brahmanism is not a question of heredity. In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (7.11.35) Śrī Nārada Muni tells Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira what a brāhmaṇa is. He states that if brahminical qualifications are observed in kṣatriyas, vaiśyas or even śūdras, one should accept them as brāhmaṇas. In this regard, Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī has commented: śamādibhir eva brāhmaṇādi-vyavahāro mukhyaḥ, na jāti-mātrādīty āha — yasyeti. yad yadi anyatra varṇāntare ’pi dṛśyeta, tad-varṇāntaraṁ tenaiva lakṣaṇa-nimittenaiva varṇena vinirdiśet, na tu jāti-nimittenety arthaḥ: “The most important criterion for deciding whether to deal with someone as a brāhmaṇa or as a member of another varṇa is the presence or absence of self-control and similar brahminical qualities. We should not judge primarily according to superficial characteristics like birth. This is stated in the verse beginning yasya [Bhāg. 7.11.35]. If the qualities of one varṇa are seen in someone born in another, he should be designated according to the varṇa of his qualities, not that of his birth.”
There is a similar statement made by Nīlakaṇṭha, a commentator on the Mahābhārata: śūdro ’pi śamādy-upeto brāhmaṇa eva brāhmaṇo ’pi kāmādy-upetaḥ śūdra eva. “Although one may be born in a śūdra family, if he is endowed with the brahminical qualities, beginning with śama [control of the mind], he is to be accepted as a brāhmaṇa. Although one may be born in a brāhmaṇa family, if he is endowed with the qualities beginning with kāma [lust], he is to be considered a śūdra.” No one should present himself as a brāhmaṇa simply on the basis of being born in a brahminical family. One must be qualified by the brahminical qualities mentioned in the śāstras, particularly the Bhagavad-gītā (18.42):
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam
“Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness — these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.”
Unless one is qualified with all these attributes, he cannot be accepted as a brāhmaṇa. It is not a question of simply taking birth in a brāhmaṇa family. In this regard, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura remarks that Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura and Śyāmānanda Gosvāmī, although not born in brāhmaṇa families, are accepted as bona fide spiritual masters because they were brāhmaṇas by qualification. Personalities like Śrī Gaṅgā-nārāyaṇa, Rāmakṛṣṇa and many others, who were actually born in brāhmaṇa families, accepted Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura and Śyāmānanda Gosvāmī as their spiritual masters.
The mahā-bhāgavata is one who decorates his body with tilaka and whose name indicates him to be a servant of Kṛṣṇa by the word dāsa. He is also initiated by a bona fide spiritual master and is expert in worshiping the Deity, chanting mantras correctly, performing sacrifices, offering prayers to the Lord and performing saṅkīrtana. He knows how to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead and how to respect a Vaiṣṇava. When one has attained the topmost position of mahā-bhāgavata, he is to be accepted as a guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the Personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a guru. However, if one is highly qualified but is not a Vaiṣṇava, he cannot be accepted as a guru. One cannot be a brāhmaṇa unless one is a Vaiṣṇava. If one is a Vaiṣṇava, he is already a brāhmaṇa. If a guru is completely qualified as a Vaiṣṇava, he must be accepted as a brāhmaṇa even if he is not born in a brāhmaṇa family. The caste system method of distinguishing a brāhmaṇa by birth is not acceptable when applied to a bona fide spiritual master. A spiritual master is a qualified brāhmaṇa and ācārya. If one is not a qualified brāhmaṇa, he is not expert in studying the Vedic literatures. Nānā-śāstra-vicāraṇaika-nipuṇau. Every Vaiṣṇava is a spiritual master, and a spiritual master is automatically expert in brahminical behavior. He also understands the Vedic śāstras.
Similarly, a disciple’s qualifications must be observed by the spiritual master before he is accepted as a disciple. In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, the requirement is that one must be prepared to give up the four pillars of sinful life — illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. In Western countries especially, we first observe whether a potential disciple is prepared to follow the regulative principles. Then he is given the name of a Vaiṣṇava servant and initiated to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, at least sixteen rounds daily. In this way the disciple renders devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master or his representative for at least six months to a year. He is then recommended for a second initiation, during which a sacred thread is offered and the disciple is accepted as a bona fide brāhmaṇa. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura introduced the system of giving the sacred thread to a bona fide Vaiṣṇava, and we are following in his footsteps. The qualifications of a bona fide disciple are described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.10.6) as follows:
asatvaro ’rtha-jijñāsur anasūyur amogha-vāk
The disciple must have the following qualifications. He must give up interest in the material bodily conception. He must give up material lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy. He should be interested only in understanding the science of God, and he should be ready to consider all points in this matter. He should no longer think, “I am this body,” or, “This thing belongs to me.” One must love the spiritual master with unflinching faith, and one must be very steady and fixed. The bona fide disciple should be inquisitive to understand transcendental subject matter. He must not search out faults among good qualities, and he should no longer be interested in material topics. His only interest should be Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
As far as the mutual testing of the spiritual master and disciple is concerned, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura explains that a bona fide disciple must be very inquisitive to understand the transcendental subject matter. As stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (11.3.21):
“One who is inquisitive to understand the highest goal and benefit of life must approach a bona fide spiritual master and surrender unto him.” A serious disciple must be alert when selecting a bona fide spiritual master. He must be sure that the spiritual master can deliver all the transcendental necessities. The spiritual master must observe how inquisitive the disciple is and how eager he is to understand the transcendental subject matter. The spiritual master should study the disciple’s inquisitiveness for no less than six months or a year. A spiritual master should not be very anxious to accept a disciple because of his material opulences. Sometimes a big businessman or landlord may approach a spiritual master for initiation. Those who are materially interested are called viṣayīs (karmīs), which indicates that they are very fond of sense gratification. Such viṣayīs sometimes approach a famous guru and ask to become a disciple just as a matter of fashion. Sometimes viṣayīs pose as disciples of a reputed spiritual master just to cover their activities and advertise themselves as advanced in spiritual knowledge. In other words, they want to attain material success. A spiritual master must be very careful in this regard. Such business is going on all over the world. The spiritual master does not accept a materially opulent disciple just to advertise the fact that he has such a big disciple. He knows that by associating with such viṣayī disciples, he may fall down. One who accepts a viṣayī disciple is not a bona fide spiritual master. Even if he is, his position may be damaged due to association with an unscrupulous viṣayī. If a so-called spiritual master accepts a disciple for his personal benefit or for material gain, the relationship between the spiritual master and the disciple turns into a material affair, and the spiritual master becomes like a smārta-guru. There are many caste gosvāmīs who professionally create some disciples who do not care for them or their instructions. Such spiritual masters are satisfied simply to get some material benefits from their disciples. Such a relationship is condemned by Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, who calls such spiritual masters and disciples a society of cheaters and cheated. They are also called bāulas or prākṛta-sahajiyās. Their aim is to make the connection between the spiritual master and the disciple into a very cheap thing. They are not serious in wanting to understand spiritual life.
The words sevya bhagavān in this verse of the Caitanya-caritāmṛta are important. Bhagavān indicates the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Viṣṇu. Lord Viṣṇu alone is worshipable. There is no need to worship demigods. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.20):
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā
“Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.”
It is also stated in the Skanda Purāṇa:
sva-mātaraṁ parityajya śva-pacīṁ vandate hi saḥ
“A person who worships the demigods and gives up Lord Vāsudeva is like a man who gives up the protection of his mother for the shelter of a witch.”
It is also stated by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.23):
te ’pi mām eva kaunteya yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam
“Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them with faith actually worship only Me, O son of Kuntī, but they do so in a wrong way.”
Demigods are also living entities and parts and parcels of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore in one sense one worships Kṛṣṇa when one worships the demigods, but not in the proper way. There is a proper method to water a tree: one should water the root. But if one waters the leaves and branches instead, he is simply wasting his time. If one worships the demigods to the exclusion of Lord Viṣṇu, his rewards will only be material. As confirmed by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.23):
devān deva-yajo yānti mad-bhaktā yānti mām api
“Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet.”
Demigod worship is meant for unintelligent men because the benefits derived from demigod worship are all material, temporary and retractable. It is also stated in the Padma Purāṇa:
samatvenaiva vīkṣeta sa pāṣaṇḍī bhaved dhruvam
“Whoever thinks Lord Viṣṇu and the demigods are on the same level is to be immediately considered a rogue as far as spiritual understanding is concerned.”
There are three modes of nature in the material world, but when one is situated spiritually, he is above the material modes, even though he lives in this material world. As Lord Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (14.26):
sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate
“One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.” In material consciousness, however, even one who is situated in the mode of goodness is susceptible to pollution by the modes of passion and ignorance. When the mode of goodness is mixed with the mode of passion, one worships the sun-god, Vivasvān. When the mode of goodness is mixed with the mode of ignorance, one worships Gaṇapati, or Gaṇeśa. When the mode of passion is mixed with the mode of ignorance, one worships Durgā, or Kālī, the external potency. When one is simply in the mode of ignorance, one becomes a devotee of Lord Śiva because Lord Śiva is the predominating deity of the mode of ignorance within this material world. However, when one is completely free from the influence of all the modes of material nature, one becomes a pure Vaiṣṇava on the devotional platform. As Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī states in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu:
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu- śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā
“One should render transcendental loving service to the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa favorably and without desire for material profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical speculation. That is called pure devotional service.”
The position of viśuddha-sattva is the position of uncontaminated goodness. On that platform one can then understand, ārādhyo bhagavān vrajeśa-tanayas tad-dhāma vṛndāvanam: “The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Nanda Mahārāja, is to be worshiped along with His transcendental abode, Vṛndāvana.”
The word sarva-mantra-vicāraṇa in the present verse of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta means “considering all different types of mantras.” There are different kinds of mantras for different kinds of devotees. There is the mantra known as the dvādaśākṣara mantra, composed of twelve syllables, and there is the mantra composed of eighteen syllables. Similarly, there are the Nārasiṁha mantra, the Rāma mantra, the Gopāla mantra and so on. Each and every mantra has its own spiritual significance. The spiritual master has to select a mantra for his disciple according to the disciple’s ability to chant different mantras.
Bengali
দীক্ষা, প্রাতঃস্মৃতি-কৃত্য, শৌচ, আচমন ॥ ৩৩১ ॥
Text
dīkṣā, prātaḥ-smṛti-kṛtya, śauca, ācamana
Synonyms
mantra-adhikārī — qualification for receiving mantra initiation; mantra-siddhi-ādi — the perfection of the mantra and so on; śodhana — purification; dīkṣā — initiation; prātaḥ-smṛti-kṛtya — morning duties and remembrance of the Supreme Lord; śauca — cleanliness; ācamana — washing the mouth and other parts of the body.
Translation
“You should discuss the qualifications necessary for receiving a mantra, the perfection of the mantra, the purification of the mantra, initiation, morning duties, remembrance of the Supreme Lord, cleanliness and washing the mouth and other parts of the body.
Purport
The following injunction is given in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (1.194) regarding mantra-adhikārī, the qualification for receiving mantra initiation:
sādhvīnām adhikāro ’sti śūdrādīnāṁ ca sad-dhiyām
“Śūdras and women who are chaste and sincerely interested in understanding the Absolute Truth are qualified to be initiated with the pāñcarātrika-mantras.” This is confirmed by Lord Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.32):
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatiṁ
“O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth — women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] — can attain the supreme destination.”
If one actually wants to serve Kṛṣṇa, it doesn’t matter whether one is a śūdra, vaiśya or even a woman. If one is sincerely eager to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra or dīkṣā-mantra, one is qualified to be initiated according to the pāñcarātrika process. However, according to Vedic principles, only a brāhmaṇa who is fully engaged in his occupational duties can be initiated. Śūdras and women are not admitted to a vaidika initiation. Unless one is fit according to the estimation of the spiritual master, one cannot accept a mantra from the pāñcarātrika-vidhi or the vaidika-vidhi. When one is fit to accept the mantra, one is initiated by the pāñcarātrika-vidhi or the vaidika-vidhi. In any case, the result is the same.
Regarding mantra-siddhy-ādi-śodhana, the efficacy of the mantra, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura gives sixteen divisions, which are confirmed in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (beginning with 1.204):
These are (1) siddha, (2) sādhya, (3) susiddha and (4) ari. These four principles can be divided further: (1) siddha-siddha, (2) siddha-sādhya, (3) siddha-susiddha, (4) siddha-ari, (5) sādhya-siddha, (6) sādhya-sādhya, (7) sādhya-susiddha, (8) sādhya-ari, (9) susiddha-siddha, (10) susiddha-sādhya, (11) susiddha-susiddha, (12) susiddha-ari, (13) ari-siddha, (14) ari-sādhya, (15) ari-susiddha, and (16) ari-ari.
Those who are initiated with the eighteen-syllable mantra do not need to consider the above-mentioned sixteen divisions. As enjoined in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (1.215, 219, 220):
ṛkṣa-rāśi-vicāro vā na kartavyo manau priye
There is śodhana, or purification of the mantra, but there is no such consideration for the Kṛṣṇa mantra. Balitvāt kṛṣṇa-mantrāṇāṁ saṁskārāpekṣaṇaṁ na hi: “The Kṛṣṇa mantra is so strong that there is no question of śodhana.” (Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 1.235)
As far as dīkṣā is concerned, one should consult Madhya-līlā 15.108. On the whole, when a person is initiated according to the pāñcarātrika-vidhi, he has already attained the position of a brāhmaṇa. This is enjoined in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (2.12):
tathā dīkṣā-vidhānena dvijatvaṁ jāyate nṛṇām
“As bell metal can be turned into gold when treated with mercury, a disciple initiated by a bona fide guru immediately attains the position of a brāhmaṇa.”
As far as the time of dīkṣā (initiation) is concerned, everything depends on the position of the guru. As soon as a bona fide guru is received by chance or by a program, one should immediately take the opportunity to receive initiation. In the book called Tattva-sāgara, it is stated:
tad-anujñā yadā labdhā sa dīkṣāvasaro mahān
āgacchati gurur daivād yathā dīkṣā tad-ājñayā
na tīrthaṁ na vrataṁ hemo na snānaṁ na japa-kriyā
“If by chance one gets a sad-guru, it doesn’t matter whether one is in the temple or the forest. If the sad-guru, the bona fide spiritual master, agrees, one can be initiated immediately, without waiting for a suitable time or place.”
Concerning prātaḥ-smṛti, remembrance of the Lord in the morning, in the early morning hours (known as brāhma-muhūrta) one should get up and immediately chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, or at least “Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa.” In this way, one should remember Kṛṣṇa. Some ślokas or prayers should also be chanted. By chanting, one immediately becomes auspicious and transcendental to the infection of material qualities. Actually one has to chant and remember Lord Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours daily, or as much as possible:
sarve vidhi-niṣedhāḥ syur etayor eva kiṅkarāḥ
“Kṛṣṇa is the origin of Lord Viṣṇu. He should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the śāstras should be the servants of these two principles.” This is a quotation from the Padma Purāṇa, from the portion called Bṛhat-sahasra-nāma-stotra.
The word prātaḥ-kṛtya in the present verse of the Caitanya-caritāmṛta means that one should evacuate regularly in the morning and then cleanse himself by taking a bath. One has to gargle (ācamana) and brush his teeth (danta-dhāvana). He should do this either with twigs or a toothbrush — whatever is available. This will purify the mouth. Then one should take his bath. Actually householders and vānaprasthas should bathe two times a day (prātar-madhyāhnayoḥ snānaṁ vānaprastha-gṛhasthayoḥ). A sannyāsī should bathe three times daily, and a brahmacārī may take only one bath a day. Whenever one is not able to bathe in water, he can bathe by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. One also has to perform his sandhyādi-vandana — that is, one has to chant his Gāyatrī mantra three times daily — morning, noon and evening.
Bengali
গুরুসেবা, ঊর্ধ্বপুণ্ড্রচক্রাদি-ধারণ ॥ ৩৩২ ॥
Text
guru-sevā, ūrdhva-puṇḍra-cakrādi-dhāraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“You should describe how in the morning one should regularly brush his teeth, take his bath, offer prayers to the Lord and offer obeisances to the spiritual master. You should also describe how one should render service to the spiritual master and paint one’s body in twelve places with ūrdhva-puṇḍra [tilaka], as well as how one should stamp one’s body with the holy names of the Lord or the symbols of the Lord, such as the disc and club.
Bengali
বস্ত্র-পীঠ-গৃহ-সংস্কার, কৃষ্ণ-প্রবোধন ॥ ৩৩৩ ॥
Text
vastra-pīṭha-gṛha-saṁskāra, kṛṣṇa-prabodhana
Synonyms
Translation
“After this, you should describe how one should decorate his body with gopīcandana, wear neck beads, collect tulasī leaves from the tulasī tree, cleanse his cloth and the altar, cleanse his own house or apartment and go to the temple and ring the bell just to draw the attention of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Bengali
পঞ্চকাল পূজা আরতি, কৃষ্ণের ভোজন-শয়ন ॥ ৩৩৪ ॥
Text
pañca-kāla pūjā ārati, kṛṣṇera bhojana-śayana
Synonyms
Translation
“Also describe Deity worship, wherein one should offer food to Kṛṣṇa at least five times daily and in due time place Him on a bed. You should also describe the process for offering ārati and the worship of the Lord according to the list of five, sixteen or fifty ingredients.
Purport
The five ingredients for Deity worship are (1) very good scents, (2) very good flowers, (3) incense, (4) a lamp and (5) something edible. As for ṣoḍaśopacāra, the sixteen ingredients, one should (1) provide a sitting place (āsana), (2) ask Kṛṣṇa to sit down, (3) offer arghya, (4) offer water to wash the legs, (5) wash the mouth, (6) offer madhu-parka, (7) offer water for washing the mouth, (8) bathe the Lord, (9) offer garments, (10) decorate the Lord’s body with ornaments, (11) offer sweet scents, (12) offer flowers with good fragrance, like the rose or campaka, (13) offer incense, (14) offer a lamp, (15) give good food, and (16) offer prayers.
In the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (eleventh vilāsa, verses 127-140) there is a vivid description of what is required in Deity worship. There are sixty-four items mentioned. In the temple, worship should be so gorgeous that all sixty-four items should be available for the satisfaction of the Personality of Godhead. Sometimes it is impossible to get all sixty-four items; therefore we recommend that at least on the first day of installation all sixty-four items should be available. When the Lord is established, worship with all sixty-four items should continue as far as possible. The sixty-four items are as follows: (1) There must be a big bell hanging in front of the temple room so that whoever comes into the room can ring the bell. This item is called prabodhana, or offering oneself submissively to the Lord. This is the first item. (2) The visitor must chant “Jaya Śrī Rādhā-Govinda!” or “Jaya Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava!” when he rings the bell. In either case, the word jaya must be uttered. (3) One should immediately offer obeisances to the Lord, falling down like a stick. (4) There must be regular maṅgala-ārati in the temple during the early morning, an hour and a half before the sun rises. (5) There must be an āsana, a sitting place before the altar. This āsana is for the spiritual master. The disciple brings everything before the spiritual master, and the spiritual master offers everything to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (6) After maṅgala-ārati, the Deity is supposed to wash His teeth by using a twig; therefore a twig must be offered. (7) Water must be offered for washing the Deity’s feet. (8) Arghya should be offered. (9) Water for ācamana should be offered. (10) Madhu-parka, a small bowl containing madhu (honey, a little ghee, a little water, a little sugar, yogurt and milk) should be offered. This is called madhu-parka-ācamana. (11) One should place wooden slippers before the Lord. (12) One should massage the body of the Lord. (13) One should massage the body of the Lord with oil. (14) With a soft, wet sponge one should remove all the oil smeared over the Lord’s body. (15) One should bathe the Lord with water in which nicely scented flowers have been soaking for some time. (16) After bathing the body of the Lord with water, one should bathe Him with milk. (17) Then one should bathe Him with yogurt. (18) Then one should bathe Him with ghee. (19) Then one should bathe Him with honey. (20) Then one should bathe Him with water in which sugar has been dissolved. (21) Then one should wash the Deity with water and chant this mantra:
lakṣāvṛteṣu surabhīr abhipālayantam
lakṣmī-sahasra-śata-sambhrama-sevyamānaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi
(22) One should dry the entire body of the Lord with a towel. (23) A new dress should be put on the Lord’s body. (24) A sacred thread should be placed on His body. (25) Water should be offered for cleansing His mouth (ācamana). (26) Nicely scented oils like liquid sandalwood pulp should be smeared over the Lord’s body. (27) All kinds of ornaments and crowns should be placed on His body. (28) Then one should offer flower garlands and decorative flowers. (29) One should burn incense. (30) Lamps should be offered. (31) Precautions should always be taken so that demons and atheists cannot harm the body of the Lord. (32) Food offerings should be placed before the Lord. (33) Spices for chewing should be offered. (34) Betel nuts should be offered. (35) At the proper time, there should be arrangements so that the Lord may take rest in bed. (36) The Lord’s hair should be combed and decorated. (37) First-class garments should be offered. (38) A first-class helmet should be offered. (39) The garments should be scented. (40) There should be Kaustubha jewels and other ornaments offered. (41) A variety of flowers should be offered. (42) Another maṅgala-ārati should be offered. (43) A mirror should be offered. (44) The Lord should be carried on a nice palanquin to the altar. (45) The Lord should be seated on the throne. (46) Again water should be given for the washing of His feet. (47) Something again should be offered for eating. (48) Evening ārati should be offered. (49) The Lord should be fanned with a cāmara fan, and an umbrella should be placed over His head. (50) The Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and approved songs should be sung. (51) Musical instruments should be played. (52) One should dance before the Deity. (53) One should circumambulate the Deity. (54) One should again offer obeisances. (55) One should offer different types of prayers and hymns at the Lord’s lotus feet. (56) One should touch the lotus feet of the Lord with one’s head. This may not be possible for everyone, but at least the pūjārī should do this. (57) The flowers offered on the previous day should touch one’s head. (58) One should take the remnants of the Lord’s food. (59) One should sit before the Lord and think that he is massaging the Lord’s legs. (60) One should decorate the Lord’s bed with flowers before the Lord takes His rest. (61) One should offer one’s hand to the Lord. (62) One should take the Deity to His bed. (63) One should wash the feet of the Lord and then sit Him on the bed. (64) One should place the Lord on the bed and then massage His feet.
Ārati should be offered to the Deities five times daily — early in the morning before sunrise, later in the morning, at noon, in the evening and at night. This means that there should be worship and a change of dress and flowers. As far as the eatables are concerned, all items should be first-class preparations. There should be first-class rice, dhal, fruit, sweet rice, vegetables and a variety of foods to be sucked, drunk and chewed. All the eatables offered to the Deities should be extraordinarily excellent. In Europe and America there is presently no monetary scarcity. People are not poor, and if they follow these principles of Deity worship, they will advance in spiritual life. As far as placing the Deity in the bed is concerned, if the Deity is large and heavy, it is not possible to move Him daily. It is better that a small Deity, which is also worshiped, be taken to the bed. This mantra should be chanted: āgaccha śayana-sthānaṁ priyābhiḥ saha keśava. “O Keśava, kindly come to Your bed along with Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.” (Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 11.40)
The Deity should be placed in bed with Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and this should be indicated by bringing the wooden slippers from the altar to the bedside. When the Deity is laid down, His legs should be massaged. Before laying the Deity down, a pot of milk and sugar should be offered to Him. After taking this thick milk, the Deity should lie down and should be offered betel nuts and spices to chew.
Bengali
কৃষ্ণক্ষেত্র-যাত্রা, কৃষ্ণমূর্তি-দরশন ॥ ৩৩৫ ॥
Text
kṛṣṇa-kṣetra-yātrā, kṛṣṇa-mūrti-daraśana
Synonyms
Translation
“The characteristics of the Deities should be discussed, as well as the characteristics of the śālagrāma-śilā. You should also discuss visiting the Deities in the temple and touring holy places like Vṛndāvana, Mathurā and Dvārakā.
Bengali
বৈষ্ণবলক্ষণ, সেবাপরাধ-খণ্ডন ॥ ৩৩৬ ॥
Text
vaiṣṇava-lakṣaṇa, sevāparādha-khaṇḍana
Synonyms
Translation
“You should glorify the holy name and explain that one must carefully give up offenses when chanting the holy name. You should also describe the symptoms of a Vaiṣṇava and explain that one must give up or nullify all kinds of sevā-aparādha, offenses in Deity worship.
Purport
The devotee should always be very careful not to commit the ten offenses when chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. If a devotee very strictly follows the methods of Deity worship, he will naturally and quickly become a pure Vaiṣṇava. A pure Vaiṣṇava has unflinching faith in the Lord, and he does not deviate at all. He is always engaged in perfect Deity worship.
One should also note the specific offenses against Deity worship. These are mentioned in the Skanda Purāṇa (Avantī-khaṇḍa), spoken by Vyāsadeva himself. One should liquidate all kinds of offenses.
The śālagrāma-śilā should be worshiped with tulasī where a sufficient quantity of tulasī leaves are available. Worship of śālagrāma-śilā should be introduced in all ISKCON temples. Śālagrāma-śilā is the form of the Lord’s mercy. To worship the Deity with the sixty-four items mentioned may be a difficult job, but the Lord has become so small that anyone in any temple can carefully handle Deity worship simply by performing the same activities with the śālagrāma-śilā.
There are thirty-two offenses to the Deity that should be avoided. (1) One should not enter the temple in a vehicle. Shoes and slippers should be removed before entering the temple. (2) One should offer obeisances as soon as he sees the Deity. (3) One should enter the temple after taking a bath. In other words, one should be very clean. (4) One should not offer obeisances to the Lord with one hand. (5) One should not circumambulate demigods before the Deities. (6) One should not spread his legs before the Deity. (7) One should not sit down before the Deity with his legs crossed, nor should one touch his legs with his hands. (8) One should not lie down before the Deity. (9) One should not eat before the Deity. (10) One should not speak lies before the Deity. (11) One should not speak very loudly before the Deity. (12) One should not talk nonsense before the Deity. (13) One should not cry before the Deity. (14) One should not deal with others before the Deity. (15) One should not utter harsh words before the Deity. (16) One should not cover himself with a blanket. (17) One should not talk enviously of others before the Deity. (18) One should not praise others before the Deity. (19) One should not use slang before the Deity. (20) One should not pass air before the Deity. (21) One should not neglect the sixty-four items of Deity worship. (22) One should not eat anything not offered to the Deity. (23) One should not neglect offering seasonal fruits as soon as they are available. (24) One should always offer fresh, untouched fruit to the Deity. (25) One should not sit with his back toward the Deity. (26) One should not offer obeisances to others before the Deity. (27) One should not sit near the Deity without taking the spiritual master’s permission. (28) One should not be proud to hear himself praised before the Deity. (29) One should not blaspheme the demigods. (30) One should not be unkind to others before the Deities. (31) One should observe all festivals in the temple. (32) One should not fight or quarrel before the Deity.
Bengali
জপ, স্তুতি, পরিক্রমা, দণ্ডবৎ বন্দন ॥ ৩৩৭ ॥
Text
japa, stuti, parikramā, daṇḍavat vandana
Synonyms
Translation
“The items of worship, such as water, conchshell, flowers, incense and lamp, should be described. You should also mention chanting softly, offering prayers, circumambulating and offering obeisances. All these should be carefully described.
Purport
All these are mentioned in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa. The eighth vilāsa of that book should be consulted as far as possible.
Bengali
অনিবেদিত-ত্যাগ, বৈষ্ণবনিন্দাদি-বর্জন ॥ ৩৩৮ ॥
Text
anivedita-tyāga, vaiṣṇava-nindādi-varjana
Synonyms
Translation
“Other items you should describe are the method of performing puraścaraṇa, taking kṛṣṇa-prasādam, giving up unoffered food and not blaspheming the Lord’s devotees.
Purport
Regarding the vaiṣṇava-nindā, see Madhya-līlā 15.261.
Bengali
অসৎসঙ্গ-ত্যাগ, শ্রীভাগবত-শ্রবণ ॥ ৩৩৯ ॥
Text
asat-saṅga-tyāga, śrī-bhāgavata-śravaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“You should describe the symptoms of a devotee, how to associate with devotees, how to satisfy a devotee by rendering service, and how to give up the association of nondevotees. You should also explain the value of regularly hearing the recitation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Bengali
মাসকৃত্য, জন্মাষ্টম্যাদি-বিধি-বিচারণ ॥ ৩৪০ ॥
Text
māsa-kṛtya, janmāṣṭamyādi-vidhi-vicāraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“You should describe the ritualistic duties to be performed every day, and you should also describe the fortnightly duties — especially how to observe the fortnightly Ekādaśī fast. You should also describe the duties to be observed every month, and you should especially describe the observance of ceremonies like Janmāṣṭamī, Rāma-navamī and Nṛsiṁha-caturdaśī.
Bengali
শ্রীরামনবমী, আর নৃসিংহচতুর্দশী ॥ ৩৪১ ॥
Text
śrī-rāma-navamī, āra nṛsiṁha-caturdaśī
Synonyms
Translation
“Ekādaśī, Janmāṣṭamī, Vāmana-dvādaśī, Rāma-navamī and Nṛsiṁha-caturdaśī — all these should be described.
Bengali
অকরণে দোষ, কৈলে ভক্তির লম্ভন ॥ ৩৪২ ॥
Text
akaraṇe doṣa, kaile bhaktira lambhana
Synonyms
Translation
“You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekādaśī and the performance of pure Ekādaśī. You should also describe the fault in not observing Ekādaśī. One should be very careful as far as these items are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional service.
Bengali
শ্রীমূর্তি-বিষ্ণুমন্দিরকরণ-লক্ষণ ॥ ৩৪৩ ॥
Text
śrī-mūrti-viṣṇu-mandira-karaṇa-lakṣaṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“Whatever you say about Vaiṣṇava behavior, the establishment of Vaiṣṇava temples and Deities, and everything else should be supported by evidence from the Purāṇas.
Bengali
কর্তব্যাকর্তব্য সব ‘স্মার্ত’ ব্যবহার ॥ ৩৪৪ ॥
Text
kartavyākartavya saba ‘smārta’ vyavahāra
Synonyms
Translation
“You should give general and specific descriptions of the behavior and activities of a Vaiṣṇava. You should outline things that are to be done and things that are not to be done. All this should be described as regulations and etiquette.
Bengali
যবে তুমি লিখিবা, কৃষ্ণ করাবে স্ফুরণ ॥ ৩৪৫ ॥
Text
yabe tumi likhibā, kṛṣṇa karābe sphuraṇa
Synonyms
Translation
“I have thus given a synopsis of the Vaiṣṇava regulative principles. I have given this in brief just to give you a little direction. When you write on this subject, Kṛṣṇa will help you by spiritually awakening you.”
Purport
One cannot write on spiritual matters without being blessed by Kṛṣṇa and the disciplic succession of gurus. The blessings of the authorities are one’s power of attorney. One should not try to write anything about Vaiṣṇava behavior and activities without being authorized by superior authorities. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.2): evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ.
Bengali
যাহার শ্রবণে চিত্তের খণ্ডে অবসাদ ॥ ৩৪৬ ॥
Text
yāhāra śravaṇe cittera khaṇḍe avasāda
Synonyms
Translation
Thus I have narrated Lord Caitanya’s mercy upon Sanātana Gosvāmī. When one hears these topics, one’s heart will be cleansed of all contamination.
Bengali
সনাতনে প্রভুর প্রসাদ রাখিয়াছে লিখিয়া ॥ ৩৪৭ ॥
Text
sanātane prabhura prasāda rākhiyāche likhiyā
Synonyms
Translation
The authorized poet Kavi-karṇapūra has written a book named Caitanya-candrodaya-nāṭaka. This book tells how Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu blessed Sanātana Gosvāmī with His specific mercy.
Bengali
রূপস্যাগ্রজ এষ এব তরুণীং বৈরাগ্যলক্ষ্মীং দধে ।
অন্তর্ভক্তিরসেন পূর্ণহৃদয়ো বাহ্যেহ্বধূতাকৃতিঃ
শৈবালৈঃ পিহিতং মহা-সর ইব প্রীতিপ্রদস্তদ্বিদাম্ ॥ ৩৪৮ ॥
Text
rūpasyāgraja eṣa eva taruṇīṁ vairāgya-lakṣmīṁ dadhe
antar-bhakti-rasena pūrṇa-hṛdayo bāhye ’vadhūtākṛtiḥ
śaivālaiḥ pihitaṁ mahā-sara iva prīti-pradas tad-vidām
Synonyms
gauḍa-indrasya — of the ruler of Gauḍa-deśa (Bengal); sabhā — of the parliament; vibhūṣaṇa — fundamental; maṇiḥ — the gem; tyaktvā — relinquishing; yaḥ — one who; ṛddhām — opulent; śriyam — kingly enjoyment; rūpasya agrajaḥ — the elder brother of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī; eṣaḥ — this; eva — certainly; taruṇīm — youthful; vairāgya-lakṣmīm — the fortune of renunciation; dadhe — accepted; antaḥ-bhakti-rasena — by the mellows of inner love of Kṛṣṇa; pūrṇa-hṛdayaḥ — satisfied fully; bāhye — externally; avadhūta-ākṛtiḥ — the dress of a mendicant; śaivālaiḥ — by moss; pihitam — covered; mahā-saraḥ — a great lake or very deep lake; iva — like; prīti-pradaḥ — very pleasing; tat-vidām — to persons acquainted with the science of devotional service.
Translation
“Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, the elder brother of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, was a most important minister in the government of Hussain Shah, the ruler of Bengal, and he was considered a most brilliant gem in that assembly. He possessed all the opulences of a royal position, but he gave up everything just to accept the youthful goddess of renunciation. Although he externally appeared to be a mendicant who had renounced everything, he was filled with the pleasure of devotional service within his heart. Thus he can be compared to a deep lake covered with moss. He was the object of pleasure for all the devotees who knew the science of devotional service.
Purport
This and the following two verses are from Caitanya-candrodaya-nāṭaka (9.34, 35, 38).
Bengali
র্দৃষ্টমাত্রমতিমাত্রদয়ার্দ্রঃ ।
আলিলিঙ্গ পরিঘায়ত-দোর্ভ্যাং
সানুকম্পমথ চম্পক-গৌরঃ ॥ ৩৪৯ ॥
Text
dṛṣṭa-mātram atimātra-dayārdraḥ
āliliṅga parighāyata-dorbhyāṁ
sānukampam atha campaka-gauraḥ
Synonyms
tam — unto him; sanātanam — Sanātana Gosvāmī; upāgatam — having arrived; akṣṇoḥ — with the eyes; dṛṣṭa-mātram — being only seen; ati-mātra — greatly; dayā-ārdraḥ — merciful; āliliṅga — embraced; parighāyata-dorbhyām — with His two arms; sa-anukampam — with great affection; atha — thus; campaka-gauraḥ — Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who has a complexion the color of a campaka flower (golden).
Translation
“As soon as Sanātana Gosvāmī arrived in front of Lord Caitanya, the Lord, seeing him, became merciful to him. The Lord, who has the complexion of a golden campaka flower, opened His arms and embraced him while expressing great affection.”
Bengali
লুপ্তেতি তাং খ্যাপয়িতুং বিশিষ্য ।
কৃপামৃতেনাভিষিষেচ দেব-
স্তত্রৈব রূপঞ্চ সনাতনঞ্চ ॥ ৩৫০ ॥
Text
lupteti tāṁ khyāpayituṁ viśiṣya
kṛpāmṛtenābhiṣiṣeca devas
tatraiva rūpaṁ ca sanātanaṁ ca
Synonyms
kālena — in the course of time; vṛndāvana-keli-vārtā — topics concerning the transcendental mellows of the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana; luptā — almost lost; iti — thus; tām — all those; khyāpayitum — to enunciate; viśiṣya — making specific; kṛpā-amṛtena — with the nectar of mercy; abhiṣiṣeca — sprinkled; devaḥ — the Lord; tatra — there; eva — indeed; rūpam — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī; ca — and; sanātanam — Sanātana Gosvāmī; ca — as well as.
Translation
“In the course of time, the transcendental news of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes in Vṛndāvana was almost lost. To enunciate explicitly those transcendental pastimes, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu empowered Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī with the nectar of His mercy to carry out this work in Vṛndāvana.”
Bengali
যাহার শ্রবণে চিত্তের খণ্ডে অবসাদ ॥ ৩৫১ ॥
Text
yāhāra śravaṇe cittera khaṇḍe avasāda
Synonyms
Translation
I have thus explained the mercy bestowed on Sanātana Gosvāmī by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. If one hears this description, all moroseness in the heart will diminish.
Bengali
বিধি-রাগ-মার্গে ‘সাধনভক্তি’র বিধান ॥ ৩৫২ ॥
Text
vidhi-rāga-mārge ‘sādhana-bhakti’ra vidhāna
Synonyms
kṛṣṇera svarūpa-gaṇera — of Lord Kṛṣṇa in His various expansions; sakala — all; haya — there is; jñāna — knowledge; vidhi-rāga-mārge — in the process of devotional service under regulative principles or in spontaneous love; sādhana bhaktira vidhāna — the authorized means of executing devotional service.
Translation
By reading these instructions to Sanātana Gosvāmī, one will become fully aware of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s various expansions and the process of devotional service according to the regulative principles and spontaneous love. Thus everything can be fully known.
Bengali
ইহার শ্রবণে ভক্ত জানেন সব অন্ত ॥ ৩৫৩ ॥
Text
ihāra śravaṇe bhakta jānena saba anta
Synonyms
Translation
By reading these instructions, a pure devotee can understand love of Kṛṣṇa, the mellows of devotional service and the conclusion of devotional service. Everyone can understand all these things to their ultimate end by studying these instructions.
Bengali
যাঁর প্রাণধন, সেই পায় এই ধন ॥ ৩৫৪ ॥
Text
yāṅra prāṇa-dhana, sei pāya ei dhana
Synonyms
Translation
The conclusion of these instructions can be known to one whose life and soul are the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Nityānanda Prabhu and Advaita Prabhu.
Bengali
চৈতন্যচরিতামৃত কহে কৃষ্ণদাস ॥ ৩৫৫ ॥
Text
caitanya-caritāmṛta kahe kṛṣṇadāsa
Synonyms
śrī-rūpa — Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī; raghunātha — Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī; pade — at the lotus feet; yāra — whose; āśa — expectation; caitanya-caritāmṛta — the book named Caitanya-caritāmṛta; kahe — describes; kṛṣṇadāsa — Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī.
Translation
Praying at the lotus feet of Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Raghunātha, always desiring their mercy, I, Kṛṣṇadāsa, narrate Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, following in their footsteps.
Purport
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, chapter twenty-four, describing the ātmārāma verse and the Lord’s mercy upon Sanātana Gosvāmī.