Lord Chaitanya (from the Chaitanya Upanisad)

From The Sri Chaitanya Upanishad

(excerpted by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura from the Atharva Veda)

by Kusakratha dasa

In honor of the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, we present the following excerpt from the Atharva Veda, one of the four original books of the Vedic literature. These texts reveal that in the present age Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the incarnation of God and the Hare Krishna maha- mantra is the recommended mantra for progress in spiritual life.

Text 1

atha pippaladah samit-panir bhagavantam brahmanam upasanno bhagavan me shubham kim atra cakshasveti.

Carrying firewood in his hands, Pippalada humbly approached his father, Lord Brahma, and asked: “O my Lord, please tell me how I may attain an auspicious life.”

Text 2

sa hovaca, bhuya eva tapasa brahmacaryena shashvad ramasva mano vasheti.

Lord Brahma replied: “Be satisfied by remaining always celibate, and perform austerities. Carefully control the activities of the mind. In this way you will attain an auspicious condition of life.”

Text 3

sa tatha bhutva bhuya enam upasadyaha—bhagavan kalau papac channah prajah katham mucyerann iti

Pippalada followed these instructions, and after having become pure in his own heart and mind, he again approached his father and asked: “O my Lord, please tell me how the sinful living entities in the Kali-yuga may be delivered.”

Text 4

ko va devata ko va mantro bhuhiti.

“Who should be the object of their worship, and what mantra should they chant in order to become delivered? Kindly inform me.”

Text 5

sa hovaca. rahasyam te vadishyami— jahnavi-tire navadvipe golokakhye dhamni govindo dvi-bhujo gaurah sarvatma maha-purusho mahatma maha- yogi tri-gunatitah sattva-rupo bhaktim loke kasyatiti. tad ete shloka bhavanti.

Lord Brahma replied: “Listen carefully, for I shall give you a confidential description of what will happen in the Kali-yuga. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Govinda, the supreme enjoyer, whose form is transcendental, who is beyond the touch of the three modes of material nature, and who is the all-pervading Supersoul residing in the hearts of all living entities, will appear again in the Kali age. 

Appearing as the greatest devotee, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will assume a two-armed form of golden complexion in His abode of Goloka Vrindavana manifested on the bank of the Ganges at Navadvipa. He will disseminate pure devotional service in the world. This incarnation of the Lord is described in the following verses.”

Text 6

eko devah sarva-rupi mahatma
gauro rakta-shyamala-shveta- rupah
Chaitanyatma sa vai Chaitanya-shaktir
bhaktakaro bhakti-do bhakti- vedyah

The one Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of all transcendental potencies, and who may be known only by devotional service, appears in innumerable transcendental forms. He has appeared with red, black, and white complexions, and He shall also appear in the golden form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He shall assume the role of the perfect devotee, and He shall teach the conditioned souls the path of pure devotional service.

Text 7

namo vedanta-vedyaya
krishnaya paramatmane
sarva-Chaitanya-rupaya
Chaitanyaya namo namah

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Sri Krishna, the all-pervading Personality of Godhead, who is understood by the study of Vedanta philosophy. He is the master of all transcendental potencies, and He appears as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Text 8

vedanta-vedyam purusham puranam
Chaitanyatmanam vishva-yonim mahantam
tam eva viditvati-mrityum eti
nanyah pantha vidyate ’yanaya

One who understands that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is known by the study of Vedanta philosophy, who is the original cause of the universe, and who is the oldest, the original person, crosses beyond this world of birth and death. This is the proper understanding of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and aside from this there is no other way for one to achieve liberation.

Text 9

sva-nama-mula-mantrena sarvam hladayati vibhuh.

Appearing in this golden form, the all-powerful Supreme Lord will fill the entire universe with transcendental bliss by the chanting of His own holy names.

Text 10

dve shakti parame tasya hladini samvid eva ca iti.

In this way the Supreme Lord manifests two of His transcendental potencies: His hladini shakti (the potency of transcendental bliss) and samvit shakti (the potency of transcendental knowledge).

Text 11

sa eva mula-mantram japati harir iti krishna iti rama iti.

The Supreme Lord will chant a mantra consisting of the names of Hari, Krishna, and Rama (the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare).

Text 12

harati hridaya-granthim vasana-rupam iti harih. krishih smarane tac ca nas tad-ubhaya-melanam iti krishnah. ramayati sarvam iti rama ananda-rupah atra shloko bhavati.

These three names of the Supreme Lord (Hari, Krishna, and Rama) may be explained in the following way: (1) “Hari” means “He who unties [harati] the knot of material desire in the hearts of the living entities”; (2) “Krishna” is divided into the two syllables “Krish” and “na.” “Krish” means “He who attracts the minds of all living entities,” and “na” means “the supreme transcendental pleasure.” These two syllables combine to become the name “Krishna”; and (3) “Rama” means “He who delights [ramayati] all living entities,” and it also means “He who is full of transcendental bliss.” The maha-mantra consists of the repetition of these names of the Supreme Lord.

Text 13

mantro guhyah paramo bhakti-vedyah.

The maha-mantra (Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) is the best of all mantras. Although it is very difficult to understand the maha-mantra, it may be understood when one engages in pure devotional service of the Supreme Lord.

Text 14

namany ashtav ashta ca shobhanani, tani nityam ye japanti dhiras te vai mayam atitaranti nanyah paramam mantram parama-rahasyam nityam avartayati.

Those who seriously desire to make progress in spiritual life continually chant these sixteen splendid names of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and in this way they cross beyond the bondage of continued material existence. The chanting of these holy names of the Lord is the greatest of all mantras, and it is the most confidential of all secrets.

Text 15

Chaitanya eva sankarshano vasudevah parameshthi rudrah shakro brihaspatih sarve devah sarvani bhutani sthavarani carani ca yat kincit sad-asat-karanam sarvam. tad atra shlokah.

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead who appears as Lord Sankarshana and Lord Vasudeva. He is the original father of Brahma, Siva, Indra, Brihaspati, all the demigods, and all moving and nonmoving living entities. He is the original cause of all that is temporary and all that is eternal. Nothing exists separately from Him, and therefore He is everything. He is described in the following verses.

Text 16-18

yat kincid asad bhunkte -- ksharam tat karyam ucyate sat karanam param jivas
tad aksharam itiritam ksharaksharabhyam paramah -- sa eva purushottamah --
Chaitanyakhyam param tattvam -- sarva-karana-karanam

This material world is temporary, whereas the individual living entities who try to enjoy matter are eternal and superior to it. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is superior to both the temporary material energy and the eternal living entities. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is this Supreme Person, the Absolute Truth, the original cause of all causes.

Text 19

ya enam rasayati bhajati dhyayati sa papmanam tarati sa puto bhavati, sa tattvam janati, sa tarati shokam, gatis tasyate nanyasyeti.

One who worships the Supreme Lord, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, with devotion and always remembers Him becomes free from all sins and completely pure. Easily understanding the truth about the Personality of Godhead and becoming free from all material lamentation, such a devotee attains the supreme goal of life, which is unattainable by those averse to the Supreme Lord, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great acarya, or spiritual teacher, was the father of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

*According to some scholars, this text can also be found in the Purusha Bodhini Upanishad.

====================

THE BUDDHIST ACARYA CONFRONTS THE LORD

While touring South India, many millions of men came to see Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The Lord's bodily features were very beautiful and in addition, He was always absorbed in ecstasy of love of Godhead. As a result by seeing Him, everyone began chanting the Holy Names of Lord became Vaishnavas.


Aside from the common people, there were many varieties of philosophers. Some were doing logicians who followed Kanada or Gautama, some were followers of Jaimini's mimamsa philosophy. Some were adherents of Shankara's Mayavada philosophy, others followed Kapila's sankhya philosophy or Patanjali's yoga system. 
All of these philosophers were very eager to present their various conclusions, but Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu smashed all of their opinions to pieces and established His own philosophy of achintya-bhedabheda-tattva and the path of bhakti. After being defeated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, all of these philosophers their followers joined His movement, and in these way, the Lord made South India country of Vaishnavas. 


One such nonbeliever who came to see Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, after hearing about His great erudition, was the leader of a Buddhist cult, who was a very learned scholar. With great pride, surrounded by his disciples, the acharya came before the Lord attempted to establish the 9 philosophical conclusions of Buddhism.


Although Buddhists were considered unfit for discussion not to be even seen by 
vaishnavas, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu debated with the acharya just to decrease their false pride. The scriptures of the Buddhist are mostly based on logic argument, but when the acharya attempted to put forward their 9 principles, the Lord broke them all to pieces with His strong logic. Indeed, the Lord put forward such a forceful argument that the Buddhists could not establish their philosophy, but were defeated instead. When the acharya could no longer defend his position, the people who had assembled there, began to laugh and thus all of the Buddhists felt ashamed and afraid.


Understanding the Lord to be a Vaishnava, the Buddhists morosely returned home. Later on, they began to plot against Him. Having come to a decision, the Buddhists brought a plate with untouchable food to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, calling it maha-prasada. However, just as the contaminated food was being offered to the Lord, a huge bird swooped down, took the plate in its beak, flew away.


The untouchable food spilled all over the Buddhists then, as the bird soared upwards, it dropped the heavy plate on the acharya's head, making a loud sound. Because the plate was made of heavy metal, when the edge hit the Buddhist acharya's head, it cut him deeply, he immediately fell to the ground unconscious. At this, all of the Buddhist students cried aloud, and took the shelter of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's lotus Feet. Addressing Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the students prayed, "Please excuse our offense, have mercy upon us, by bringing our spiritual master back to life.”


The Lord replied, "If you chant the holy name of Lord Krishna Hari, very loudly near your guru's ear, he will surely regain conciousness.”


Following this advice, the disciples began congregationally chanting the holy name of Lord, and as soon as they did, the Buddhist teacher regained consciousness, chanting, "Hari! Hari!". As the Buddhist acharya proceeded to surrender to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, all of the people gathered there became greatly astonished. The Lord then suddenly and mysteriously disappeared from everyone's sight, it was impossible for anyone to find Him.

Attempt to poison Sri Ramanujacharya

After having learnt all the branches of the spiritual sciences that Yamunacharya had to teach his disciples – Thiruvaranga Perumal Ariyar, Vararanga, Ghostipurna, Maladhara and Srishailapurna – and being blessed by a great devotee like Kanchipurna and having overcome all the dualities of this material world through sadhana, Ramanuja became the undisputed leader of the Vaishnava empire. He was now regarded as the personification of Yamunacharya. Ramanuja’s radiating childlike countenance used to attract even the ardent atheists towards him. 

Ramanuja’s righteous conduct and wonderful discourses on the glories of the Lord and the scriptures made him popular in and around Sri-Rangam. Hundreds of disciples gathered around Ramanuja and his monastery was always crowded. Though he had many rich disciples who were willing to do anything for him, Ramanuja never tried to exploit them or amass wealth. Like a true sannyasi, he used to beg in accordance with the scriptural injunctions for his living.

Once when Ramanuja went out on his daily rounds of begging, a group of boys who were playfully worshiping Sri-Ranganatha by drawing His image in the sand showed the image to Ramanuja and asked him to worship the Lord. Ramanuja kept his begging bowl aside and offered his obeisance to the image and worshiped the image as he would worship Lord Ranganatha everyday. The onlookers were stunned at Ramanuja’s attitude and started to compare him to Prahlada, who could see Lord Narayana everywhere and in everything.

On another occasion some boys playfully offered some sand to Lord Ranganatha’s image and started to distribute the same amongst themselves as prasadam. One of the boys gave the same to Ramanuja who devotedly put it into his mouth to the astonishment of those who were present. These two incidents highlight the intensity of Ramanuja’s devotion to the Lord and that he was accessible even to the small kids despite being a great scholar.

Some of the priests, who were controlling Lord Ranganatha’s temple, could not digest Ramanuja’s popularity. As most of the people, including those who used to come to Lord Ranganatha’s temple, were going to Ramanuja’s monastery and were gradually becoming his ardent disciples, the priests feared that their income would be affected and they might very soon become insignificant in the town. One of the chief priests of Lord Ranganatha’s temple conspired with others and decided to eliminate Ramanuja by poisoning him. 

The chief priest convinced Ramanuja to come to his house for alms one day. The priest went to his house with some deadly poison and gave it to his wife and said, “Listen, Ramanuja is coming to our house for alms today. Prepare some good food and poison the food that would be offered to him as alms. If he continues to live, we will have to beg for a living. With his sweet and crafty words he has tricked the people of Sri-Rangam into believing him to be an incarnation of Lakshmana. Very soon we might lose our importance in this town if we allow him to continue like this.”

In accordance with her husband’s instructions, the chief priest’s wife prepared different varieties of food and mixed some poison in them. Ramanuja came to the priest’s house for alms. The priest’s wife washed his feet and made him sit. Being an obedient wife, the priest’s wife had decided to offer the poisoned food to Ramanuja, but after seeing his captivating appearance and radiating childlike countenance the lady was moved. Despite her best efforts, she could not offer the poisoned food and tears started rolling down her cheeks as she was overwhelmed with affection towards Ramanuja. The priest’s wife said, “Son, take your alms elsewhere today. This food is poisoned.”

Saying so, the priest’s wife threw away the food. Ramanuja was stunned as he did not understand why people were trying to poison him when he did not harbor ill will against anyone and was working for the welfare of the society. With a heavy heart, Ramanuja silently walked out of the priest’s house.

RE: Impounding Srila Prabhupada's books (update)

For those following the debacle in India regarding the GBC's using the courts for impounding a printing of box-sets of the original Srimad Bhagavatams, there has been further discussion amongst the participants that we want to share.

To summarize, Jitarati Prabhu, negotiating through an intermediary offered to donate the entire printing of the 5,000 sets held by court order to the BBT Archives. The profits from their sale would be split between future printings of the Bhagavatam and building a world-class facility for the Bhaktivedanta Archives.

This flies in the face of a recurring reprimand by many devotees that half of the funds be dedicated to the printing of books, with the remainder devoted to Iskcon construction -- an instruction levelled by Srila Prabhupada towards the BBT -- but not being followed by the publishers of the original books. This pledge invalidates that criticism.

Indeed, Bhima Prabhu, head of BBT India, has admitted that no funds have ever been directed for construction projects in India from his organization. So Jitarati’s 50/50 pledge is groundbreaking and respects Prabhupada’s instruction while simultaneously highlighting the lack of fidelity to Srila Prabhupada by the BBT(s).

In addition, Jitarati offers to set up a distribution network to sell the books and pledges to continue for future printings; to begin printing the books with the BBT; not to keep any of the profit for himself; and to take responsibility for marketing the books throughout the world. What more could a legitimate follower of Srila Prabhupada ask for?

Excerpts from the original emails follows:

Subject: Re: Prayed for settlement and release of Srila Prabhupada's Srimad
Bhagavatam sets from seizure by High Court.

One possible proposal by Jitarati is that he donates all the 5,000 sets already printed to the Bhaktivedanta Archives and that in order for the Archives to achieve its goal of building a proper Archive and Prabhupada museum building and other important archival work to preserve Prabhupada's legacy, that this becomes a special Archive fund raising project with full BBT participation. We will always print with BBT and Jitarati's service will be to set up a sales force and manage the printing to ensure the standards are kept. 

The Archives can also sell to ISKCON which will ensure that ISKCON supply its own market and reduce the chance of conflict with our other outside sales force. Jitarati can help train the ISKCON devotees also to sell in high volume and the overall goal to support the Archives will be the driving factor for all. The profits on sales will be divided one half to the Archives and one half back to printing more books which is exactly the formula that Prabhupada gave. Jitarati will take nothing and cover his own expenses involved.

The following is (BBT's) Bhima's response:

“The above sounds interesting and funding for the archives is needed. Can we explore more of this proposal by asking some questions? Can Jitarati and myself talk today?” Ys Bhima Das

However, after consulting with the BBT Trustees, Bhima's optimism fizzled:

"Well the BBT devotees are ready to have the donation to the Archives. They will take care of the distribution and make sure that the proceeds go to the Archives. They are not interested in having a perpetual arrangement. Where the Archives keep this set in stock. But agree bbt should keep the pre 78 in stock [sic]."

Currently, the BBTI has undertaken only one printing of the original Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and has shown no interest in 25 other literatures produced by KBI, all undeniable, bonafide, original works of Srila Prabhupada. They want the funds from the sale of the Bhagavatam box-set, without committing to future reprints or continued funding of the Bhaktivedanta Archives.

This induced the following comment from Jitarati:

“I had held a glimmer of hope, but now it is clear that you people will not even help your own Archives because of silly politics or perhaps something even more sinister. This was the last chance of cooperation as I have surrendered everything and you are not willing to give even a pinhead. At least now the world can see without a shadow of doubt the agenda of the BBT trustees, even if you cannot see it yourself. Thanks for trying. Hare Krishna!”

It is inconceivable that Srila Prabhupada would have refused such an offer. Where is the downside? Jitarati will invest hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money to cover printing costs, supervise the printing and direct sales, take nothing for himself, place thousands upon thousands of Prabhupada’s books in the hands of countless conditioned souls, while funding the Bhaktivedanta Archives. 

There certainly is something wrong here and the fault seems to fall squarely on the shoulders of Bhima and the BBT Trustees. Let us pray they come to their senses as this is ridiculous and void of Krishna consciousness.

[PADA: Right, the GBC has in a number of their locations NO original books of Srila Prabhupada. They simply have not shown a whole lot of interest in this item for now or for the future. It does look like our independent devotees, those "outside the framework of the ISKCON institution" will have to keep interest in the original books printings alive, since the desire to have the original edition books is apparently dying within the institutional structure. 

Anyway its another indication of the deteriorated state of the upper levels managers of ISKCON, they do not care if bogus people are substituted to become their "2/3 show of hands voted in" gurus and they apparently do not care if bogus books are substituted for real books either. Its just adding more and more water to the milk, eventually there is no longer any milk, its another product. Its really sad that these people hold the legal and financial controls over so much of Srila Prabhupada's legacy, when they are squandering it over trifles and foolishness. ys pd]  

Prayers by Women (Karnamrta Dasi) Video

Disappearance of Madhavendra Puri Feb 27th

http://www.iskcontimes.com/srila-madhavendra-puri-tirobhava-disappearance-tithi/

Subject: Fw: Sri Madhavendra Puri Tirobhava Tithi -dvadasi,Tuesday, February 27, 2018 [Mayapura, West Bengal, Bharata Bhumi time] 

Srila Prabhupada explains the exalted position of Madhavendra Puri in the Gaudiya Sampradaya

compiled by Yasoda nandana dasa

Books : Bhagavad-gita As It Is - Macmillan 1972 Edition : Bg: introduction :
1) Kṛṣṇa, 2) Brahmā, 3) Nārada; 4) Vyāsa, 5) Madhva, 6) Padmanābha, 7) Nṛhari, 8) Mādhava, 9) Akṣobhya, 10) Jayatīrtha, 11) Jñānasindhu, 12) Dayānidhi, 13) Vidyānidhi, 14) Rājendra, 15) Jayadharma, 16) Puruṣottama, 17) Brahmaṇyatīrtha, 18) Vyāsatīrtha, 19) Lakṣmīpati, 20) Mādhavendra Purī, 21) Īśvara Purī, (Nityānanda, Advaita), 22) Lord Caitanya, 23) Rūpa (Svarūpa, Sanātana), 24) Raghunātha, Jīva, 25) Kṛṣṇadāsa, 26) Narottama, 27) Viśvanātha, 28) (Baladeva) Jagannātha, 29) Bhaktivinode, 30) Gaurakiśora, 31) Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, 32) His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

Books : Srimad-Bhagavatam : Canto 2: "The Cosmic Manifestation" : SB 2.9: Answers by Citing the Lord's Version : SB 2.9.6 : PURPORT :

When Lord Brahmā was perplexed about how to construct the material manifestations in the universe and went down within the water to find out the means and the source of his lotus seat, he heard the word tapa vibrated twice. Taking the path of tapa is the second birth of the desiring disciple. The word upāśṛṇot is very significant. 

It is similar to upanayana, or bringing the disciple nearer to the spiritual master for the path of tapa. So Brahmājī was thus initiated by Lord Kṛṣṇa, and this fact is corroborated by Brahmājī himself in his book the Brahma-saṁhitā. In the Brahma-saṁhitā Lord Brahmā has sung in every verse govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi **. Thus Brahmā was initiated by the Kṛṣṇa mantra, by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, and thus he became a Vaiṣṇava, or a devotee of the Lord, before he was able to construct the huge universe. 

It is stated in the Brahma-saṁhitā that Lord Brahmā was initiated into the eighteen-letter Kṛṣṇa mantra, which is generally accepted by all the devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa. We follow the same principle because we belong to the Brahmā sampradāya, directly in the disciplic chain from Brahmā to Nārada, from Nārada to Vyāsa, from Vyāsa to Madhva Muni, from Madhva Muni to Mādhavendra Purī, from Mādhavendra Purī to Īśvara Purī, from Īśvara Purī to Lord Caitanya and gradually to His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, our divine master.

Books : Srimad-Bhagavatam : Canto 3: "The Status Quo" : SB 3.13: The Appearance of Lord Varaha : SB 3.13.8 : PURPORT :

Brahmā is the direct recipient of Vedic knowledge from the Personality of Godhead, and anyone discharging his entrusted duties in disciplic succession from Brahmā is sure to gain fame in this life and salvation in the next. The disciplic succession from Brahmā is called the Brahma-sampradāya, and it descends as follows: Brahmā, Nārada, Vyāsa, Madhva Muni (Pūrṇaprajña), Padmanābha, Nṛhari, Mādhava, Akṣobhya, Jayatīrtha, Jñānasindhu, Dayānidhi, Vidyānidhi, Rājendra, Jayadharma, Puruṣottama, Brahmaṇyatīrtha, Vyāsatīrtha, Lakṣmīpati, Mādhavendra Purī, Īśvara Purī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Svarūpa Dāmodara and Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī and others, Śrī Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī, Kṛṣṇadāsa Gosvāmī, Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, Viśvanātha Cakravartī, Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Gaurakiśora dāsa Bābājī, Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. 

Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : Cc. Introduction :

This is the method of paramparā, or disciplic succession. Similarly, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam explains that Kṛṣṇa imparted knowledge into the heart of Brahmā, the first created creature within the universe. Brahmā imparted those lessons to his disciple Nārada, and Nārada imparted that knowledge to his disciple Vyāsadeva. Vyāsadeva imparted it to Madhvācārya, and from Madhvācārya the knowledge has come down to Mādhavendra Purī, to Īśvara Purī, and from him to Caitanya Mahāprabhu

Śrī Mādhavendra Purī is one of the ācāryas in the disciplic succession from Madhvācārya.

Mādhavendra Purī had two principal disciples, Īśvara Purī and Śrī Advaita Prabhu. Therefore the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava-sampradāya is a disciplic succession from Madhvācārya. This fact has been accepted in the authorized books known as Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā and Prameya-ratnāvalī, as well as by Gopāla Guru Gosvāmī. 

The Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā clearly states the disciplic succession of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas as follows: "Lord Brahmā is the direct disciple of Viṣṇu, the Lord of the spiritual sky. His disciple is Nārada, Nārada's disciple is Vyāsa, and Vyāsa's disciples are Śukadeva Gosvāmī and Madhvācārya. Padmanābha Ācārya is the disciple of Madhvācārya, and Narahari is the disciple of Padmanābha Ācārya. Mādhava is the disciple of Narahari, Akṣobhya is the direct disciple of Mādhava, and Jayatīrtha is the disciple of Akṣobhya. Jayatīrtha's disciple is Jñānasindhu, and his disciple is Mahānidhi. Vidyānidhi is the disciple of Mahānidhi, and Rājendra is the disciple of Vidyānidhi. Jayadharma is the disciple of Rājendra. Puruṣottama is the disciple of Jayadharma. 

Śrīmān Lakṣmīpati is the disciple of Vyāsatīrtha, who is the disciple of Puruṣottama. And Mādhavendra Purī is the disciple of Lakṣmīpati.Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : Cc. Adi-lila : Adi 6: The Glories of Sri Advaita Acarya : Adi 6.40 : PURPORT

Srila Prabhupada explains the appearance of the associates of Lord Caitanya like Madhavendra Puri

mādhava-īśvara-purī, śacī, jagannātha
advaita ācārya prakaṭa hailā sei sātha

SYNONYMS

mādhava—Mādhavendra Purī; īśvara-purī—Īśvara Purī; śacī—Śacīmātā; jagannātha—Jagannātha Miśra; advaita ācārya—Advaita Ācārya; prakaṭa—manifested; hailā—were; sei—this; sātha—with.

TRANSLATION

Mādhavendra Purī, Īśvara Purī, Śrīmatī Śacīmātā and Śrīla Jagannātha Miśra all appeared with Śrī Advaita Ācārya.

PURPORT

Whenever the Supreme Personality of Godhead descends in His human form, He sends ahead all His devotees, who act as His father, teacher and associates in many roles. Such personalities appear before the descent of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Before the appearance of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu, there appeared His devotees like Śrī Mādhavendra Purī; His spiritual master, Śrī Īśvara Purī; His mother, Śrīmatī Śacīdevī; His father, Śrī Jagannātha Miśra; and Śrī Advaita Ācārya. 

Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : Cc. Adi-lila : Adi 3: The External Reasons for Lord Caitanya's Appearance : Adi 3.95 : TRANSLATION :

Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : Cc. Adi-lila : Adi 9: The Tree of Devotional Service : Adi 9.10 : PURPORT :

Śrī Mādhavendra Purī, also known as Śrī Mādhava Purī, belonged to the disciplic succession from Madhvācārya and was a greatly celebrated sannyāsī. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was the third disciplic descendant from Śrī Mādhavendra Purī. The process of worship in the disciplic succession of Madhvācārya was full of ritualistic ceremonies, with hardly a sign of love of Godhead; Śrī Mādhavendra Purī was the first person in that disciplic succession to exhibit the symptoms of love of Godhead and the first to write a poem beginning with the words ayi dīna-dayārdra nātha, "O supremely merciful Personality of Godhead." In that poem is the seed of Caitanya Mahāprabhu's cultivation of love of Godhead.Srila Prabhupada explains how Srila Madhavendra Puri rediscovered Gopala ji

yasmai dātuṁ corayan kṣīra-bhāṇḍaṁ
gopīnāthaḥ kṣīra-corābhidho 'bhūt
śrī-gopālaḥ prādurāsīd vaśaḥ san
yat-premṇā taṁ mādhavendraṁ nato 'smi

SYNONYMS

yasmai—unto whom; dātum—to deliver; corayan—stealing; kṣīra-bhāṇḍam—the pot of sweet rice; gopīnāthaḥ—Gopīnātha; kṣīra-corā—stealer of a pot of sweet rice; abhidhaḥ—celebrated; abhūt—became; śrī-gopālaḥ—Śrī Gopāla Deity; prāduḥrāsīt appeared; vaśaḥ—captivated; san—being; yat-premṇā—by his love; tam—unto him; mādhavendram—Mādhavendra Purī, who was in the Madhva-sampradāya; nataḥ asmi—I offer my respectful obeisances.

TRANSLATION

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Mādhavendra Purī, who was given a pot of sweet rice stolen by Śrī Gopīnātha, celebrated thereafter as Kṣīra-corā. Being pleased by Mādhavendra Purī's love, Śrī Gopāla, the Deity at Govardhana, appeared to the public vision.

PURPORT

Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura annotates that this Gopāla Deity was originally installed by Vajra, the grandson of Kṛṣṇa. Mādhavendra Purī rediscovered Gopāla and established Him on top of Govardhana Hill. This Gopāla Deity is still situated at Nāthadvāra and is under the management of descendants of Vallabhācārya. The worship of the Deity is very luxurious, and one who goes there can purchase varieties of prasāda by paying a small price. 

Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : Cc. Madhya-lila : Madhya 4: Sri Madhavendra Puri's Devotional Service : Madhya 4.1 : TRANSLATION :

Sri Kavi karnapura explains the unique position of Sri Madhavendra Puri in the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya-Sampradaya

srimal laksmipatis tasya    sisyo bhakti  rasasrayah
 tasya sissyo madhavendro   yad dharmo,yam pravartitah
kalpa-vrkshasyavataro    vraja dhamani tisthgitah
prita preyo vatsalato    ujjvalakhya phala dharinah (Text 22)

Lakshmipati's disciple was Madhavendra Puri, a great preacher of devotional service. Madhavendra Puri was the incarnation of a kalpa-vriksha tree in the abode of Vraja.

This tree bears as its fruits the mellows of servitude to Lord Krsna, friendship with Lord Krsna, parental love for Lord Krsna, and conjugal love for Lord Krsna. GGD (22) 

Ramanuja's darshan of Adi-shesha

On coming to know that Ramanuja was visiting Tirumala, Srishailapurna went down the hill with some maha-prasadam from Lord Venkateshwara’s temple kitchen to receive Ramanuja. Ramanuja reached the foothill of Tirumala and offered his obeisance to the hill and to the Lord. Ramanuja offered his salutations to Srishailapurna who gave him the Lord’s prasadam. Ramanuja relished the prasadam and discussed the glories of Lord Srinivasa with the devotees who had come to receive him. After sometime, Ramanuja turned towards Srishailapurna and said, “Sir, I am grateful to you for having blessed me with the prasadam of the Lord. Please bless me and allow me to go back as the purpose of my visit has been served.”

Srishailapurna said, “How can you go away without having the darshan of the Lord?”

Ramanuja replied, “Sir, this hill is supposed to be the manifestation of Adisesha, the thousand hooded serpent of the Lord. How can I step on it when the great Alwars who are considered to be the greatest devotees did not dare to step on it?”

Srishailapurna said, “If a renounced sannyasi like you should not step on the hill, how can us householders and brahmacharisstay on this hill? All of us will stop our services to the Lord and come down to stay with you.”

Ramanuja was stunned at Srishailapurna’s reply and agreed to go to the hill and have darshan of the Lord. As Ramanuja did not want to place his foot on the hill, he started to climb the hill on his knees. When he reached a spot called Makalla-Parvatham, Adisesha who is in the form of the hill revealed his thousand hooded form to Ramanuja. The entire hill seemed divine and all the trees and stones on the hill seemed to be munis and rishis, who were performing different austerities to appease the Lord. Ramanuja became very happy and offered his obeisance again and again to Adisesha. After having the vision of Adisesha, Ramanuja climbed the hill on foot along with the other devotees.

After circumambulating the temple and Swami Pushkarini, the temple tank, Ramanuja entered the temple and had darshanof the Lord. Ramanuja was so captivated by the bewitching form of the Lord that he started to eulogize the Lord in mellifluous Sanskrit verses, which were later on recorded and presented as Vedartha-sangraha, which means the essence of the Vedas. On Ramanuja’s request, Srishailapurna agreed to teach him the different interpretations of Valmiki’s Ramayanaand the esoteric meanings enshrined in it. After staying on the hill for three days, Ramanuja climbed down the hill and started living in Tirupati.

Ramanuja used to travel on foot every day to the foothill of Tirumala to learn Ramayana and Srishailapurna used to come down the hill after having finished all his services to the Lord to teach him. Once when Ramanuja and Srishailapurna were discussing some important passages from the Ramayana, the deities of Lord Rama, mother Sita and Lakshmana manifested themselves close to them. 

Srishailapurna and Ramanuja were surprised to see the deities. They tried to see if anybody had brought the deities there and on not finding even a single soul around, they understood that the deities manifested themselves and became very happy. Srishailapurna made arrangements to take the deities to Tirumala and these deities were subsequently installed in the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateshwara’s temple and one can see these deities by the side of the main deity at Tirumala even today.

What happened to Torben?

Rocana's new writing partner Torben Nielsen came out "guns a blazing" attacking us here at PADA, saying we are bogus for allowing people to accept Srila Prabhupada as their guru. Yes this is a horrible deviation! Why? 

*** Torben says there is no need to worship a specific person as our guru because we vaishnavas worship "the concept of guru" and not necessarily an actual person as our guru. Right, suppose we eat only "the concept" of rice, dahl and chapattis -- and not the actual real and specific items? Right, we'll die. Yep little children, eat your "concept of rice and dahl" -- no need to eat the real thing! Is this what happens when people associate with the GBC / Rocana process, they think concepts are to be worshiped and not actual personalities?   

Ooops! No one can live by eating "the concept of food." Hey, I just put "the concept of gasoline" in my car, why won't it run now? Hee hee. Worse! Srila Prabhupada never mentions this concocted process, "we are going to worship the concept of a guru ... and not a specific and named guru"? We are going to have the concept of a book about Krishna, but not the actual book? We are going to worship the concept of God, but not the actual person God?

This is total speculation. 

Sorry! We need to worship the specific guru who represents Krishna, read the books of the specific guru, offer bhogha to the specific guru, and indeed offer everything via the specific guru. And this is how we have our services offered up the parampara chain to the specific personality of Godhead and so forth, that is the process. Of course, the same type argument has been made by mayavadas about the worship of God, we worship "the non-specific concept of God" -- and not the specific named person, ok like Krishna, yep -- this is called mayavada-ism. 

And Srila Prabhupada also confirms that, he says we cannot say "all glories to Sri Guru," this is mayavada, we need to name the specific guru. How can we start a religion based on the worship of a "concept of guru," while having no actual specified guru?  

*** Torben says we need to follow the tradition of the parampara. OK but isn't that the tradition, to worship a specific guru and not the concept of a guru?

*** Torben says there is nothing wrong with Rocana's "constitutional" guru process. OK their gurus are voted in, voted out, censured (for deviations), monitored, suspended, removed and so forth. Worse, their guru is supervised by the GBC's "judicial committee" to manage and supervise their gurus. This is a "relative platform" (mundane afflicted) guru, and not an absolute platform guru -- which means he is at best a priest / ritvik de facto. A priest / ritvik is monitored by the church council committee, not the acharya.  

*** Then Torben says that there is no difference between his constitutional / judicial managed guru, and our guru? Where is any of this stated? Which previous acharyas have been managed and supervised by a judicial committee of a Governing Body? There is no difference between the "GBC managed" guru and the parampara gurus? Again, not stated anywhere in shastra? Nor do we even find ANY bona fide gurus who are subordinated to a managerial body?

*** Then Torben says the ritviks should not have made brahmanas to worship the deity, we should not have even started to worship these deities. OK wait a minute, there is no need to worship Krishna's deity anymore? Again, where does Srila Prabhupada say that after he departs the deity worship will be stopped? Sorry, he installed all of these deities expecting they would be worshiped ad infinitum, he never said this process should be halted. 

Anyway, we hope Torben will re-think his arguments and come back when he has better answers. Torben also wanted to know if Rocana has been asked these same questions, and what was his response. The answer is, Rocana is a co-founder / architect of the 1986 "guru reform" where they concocted the guru voting / guru suspending / guru censure etc. process, he has no answer for where this is found in shastra because -- its not. ys pd  

Amalaki Ekadasi Feb 26th

Glories of Amalaki Ekadasi

King Mandhata once said to Vasishtha Muni, “O great sage, kindly be merciful to me and tell me of a holy fast that will benefit me eternally.”

Vasishtha Muni replied. “O king, kindly listen as I describe the best of all fast days, Amalaki Ekadasi.He who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekadasi obtains enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brahmana. So please hear me attentively as I tell you the story of a hunter who, though daily engaged in killing innocent animals for his living, achieved liberation by observing a fast on Amalaki Ekadasi following the prescribed rules and regulations of worship.”

The Kingdom of Vaidisha

“There was once a kingdom named Vaidisha, where all the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence. Oh lion among kings, the whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned. The ruler of this kingdom was King Pashabinduka, a member of the dynasty of Soma, the moon. He was also known as Chitraratha and was very religious and truthful. It is said that King Chitraratha had the strength of ten thousand elephants and that he was very wealthy and knew the six branches of Vedic wisdom perfectly.”

“During the reign of Maharaja Chitraratha, not a single person in his kingdom attempted to practice another's dharma (duty); so perfectly engaged in their own dharmas were all the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras. Neither miser nor pauper was to be seen throughout the land, never was there ever a drought or flood. Indeed, the kingdom was free of disease, and everyone enjoyed good health. The people rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, as did the king, who also rendered special service to Lord Shiva. Moreover, twice a month everyone fasted on Ekadasi. "In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of Vaidisha lived many long years in great happiness and prosperity. Giving up all varieties of materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.”

Observing Amalaki Ekadasi

“Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii Ekadasi arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. King Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of Vaidisha observed this sacred Ekadasi very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations.”

“After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalaki tree grew. First the king and his leading sages offered the tree a pot filled with water, as well as a fine canopy, shoes, gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires, and aromatic incense. Then they worshiped Lord Parashurama with these prayers: ‘Oh Lord Parashurama, Oh son of Renuka, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalaki tree and accept our humble obeisances.’ Then they prayed to the Amalaki tree: ‘Oh Amalaki, Oh offspring of Lord Brahma, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Please accept our respectful obeisances and these humble gifts. O Amalaki, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates you is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.’

“After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping according to the regulations governing a sacred Ekadasi fast. It was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family by killing animals. Burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of Vaidisha observing Amalaki Ekadasi by performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps. The hunter hid nearby, wondering what this extraordinary sight before him was.

The fortunate hunter

‘What is going on here?’ he thought. What he saw in that lovely forest beneath the holy Amalaki tree was the Deity of Lord Damodara being worshiped upon the Asana of a waterpot and he heard the devotees singing sacred songs describing Lord Krishna's transcendental forms and pastimes. Despite himself, that staunchly irreligious killer of innocent birds and animals spent the entire night in great amazement as he watched the Ekadasi celebration and listened to the glorification of the Lord.”

“Soon after sunrise, the king and his royal retinue - including the court sages and all the citizens - completed their observance of Ekadasi and returned to the city of Vaidisha. The hunter returned to his hut and happily ate his meal. In due time the hunter died, but the merit he had gained by fasting on Amalaki Ekadasi and hearing the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as well as by being forced to stay awake all night, made him eligible to be reborn as a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers. His name was Vasuratha, the son of King Viduratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti.

King Vasuratha

“King Vasuratha was strong and fearless, as effulgent as the Sun, and as handsome as the Moon. In strength he was like Sri Vishnu, and in forgiveness like the Earth itself. Very charitable and every truthful, King Vasuratha always rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu. He therefore became very well versed in Vedic knowledge. Always active in the affairs of state, he enjoyed taking excellent care of his subjects, as though they were his own children. He disliked pride in anyone and would smash it when he saw it. He performed many kinds of sacrifices, and he always made certain that the needy in his kingdom received enough charity.”

“One day, while hunting in the jungle, King Vasuratha strayed from the footpath and lost his way. Wandering for some time and eventually growing weary, he paused beneath a tree and, using his arms as a pillow, fell asleep. As he slept, some barbarian tribesmen came upon him and, remembering their long standing enmity toward the king, began discussing among themselves various ways to kill him. ‘It is because he killed our fathers, mothers, brothers-in-law, grandsons, nephews, and uncles that we are forced to aimlessly wander like so many madmen in the forest.’

The Great Rescue

So saying, they prepared to kill King Vasuratha with various weapons, including spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes. But none of these deadly weapons could even touch the sleeping king, and soon the uncivilised, dog-eating tribesmen grew frightened. Their fear sapped their strength, and before long they lost what little intelligence they had and became almost unconscious with bewilderment and weakness. Suddenly a beautiful woman appeared from the king's body, startling the aborigines. Decorated with many ornaments, emitting a wonderful fragrance, wearing an excellent garland around her neck, her eyebrows drawn in a mood of fierce anger, and her fiery red eyes ablaze, she looked like death personified. With her blazing chakra discus she quickly killed all the tribal hunters, who had tried to slay the sleeping king.”

“Just then the king awoke, and seeing all the dead tribesmen lying around him, he was astonished. He wondered, ‘These are all great enemies of mine! Who has slain them so violently? Who is my great benefactor?’ At that very moment he heard a voice from the sky: ‘You asked that who helped you. Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone is distress? He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish motive.’

“Upon hearing these words, King Vasuratha became over-whelmed with love for the Personality of Godhead Sri Keshava (Krishna). He returned to his capital city and ruled there like a second lord Indra (king of the heavenly regions), without any obstacles at all.

Conclusion

“Therefore, Oh King Mandhata,” the venerable Vasishtha Muni concluded, “...anyone who observes this holy Amalaki Ekadasi will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-sukla Ekadasi, or Amalaki Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.

Note: If the Amarlaki tree isn't available then worship the sacred Tulsi tree. Also plant the sacred Tulsi seeds, and offer lamps to her.

Nand Gaon Lath Mar Holi Festival (video)

Russian Site for Little Bhaktas

http://littlebhakta.blogspot.ru/

Madana Mohana Murari (video)

Brief History of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

The Lion Guru

During the time of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s stay on this planet the pure religion of Vaishnavism taught by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu was essentially lost and had come to be considered of the degrading standard of simply a sex religion, or at best a cult of religious fanaticism and sentimentalism. The Thakura was very sad in his heart to see this and with a desire to present the actual teachings of Sri Caitanya, he wrote and published many books in Bengali, Sanskrit and English which conclusively presented to the world and to the people of India specifically the real teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His genuine followers. 

He also traveled to many parts of India preaching and giving lectures to many people whose hearts became changed by seeing his pure character and shining example. Thakura Bhaktivinoda practically single-handedly revived the pure movement of Nama-sankirtana (the congregational chanting of the holy names of God) and presented the glories of Lord Caitanya to all learned men of the world.

Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

However, so that this preaching of Nama-sankirtana [congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord] could go on nicely even after the Thakura left this world, he prayed to Lord Caitanya to send him an assistant and a successor from the Lord’s personal staff of preachers. Answering the prayer of the Thakura, a son was born to him on February 6th, 1874 while he was serving as the government magistrate in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in Orissa. Through various signs the Lord showed Thakura Bhaktivinoda and his good wife that this was the great soul that had been sent by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to carry on the preaching work that Bhaktivinoda Thakura had started. 

It was witnessed by all present that when the child came out of the womb, his umbilical cord was wrapped around him like the sacred thread worn by brahmanas. Everyone was very amazed by this sign. Six months later at the annual Jagannatha Puri Rathayatra festival, the Jagannatha cart, being pulled by hundreds of people, came to a stop in front of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s house. When all the people were trying to get the cart moving again, Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s wife took the opportunity to take the child, whose name then was Bimala Prasad, out to see Lord Jagannatha and because she was the wife of Thakura Bhaktivinoda, who was the manager of the Jagannatha temple then, everyone respected her and she was allowed on the cart for darshana of the Lord. 

She then placed the child at the lotus feet of the Jagannatha deity and immediately one of the huge flower garlands hanging around the neck of the Lord fell down and encircled the child. Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s heart was filled with joy, for he knew beyond all doubt that this child was the answer to his prayers.

As the boy grew, the Thakura instructed him in the science of Krishna Consciousness. At the age of only seven Bimala Prasad Datta, who was later to be known as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, had memorized all seven hundred verses of the Bhagavad-Gita and could explain each one.

One day the boy took an un-offered mango from the room of the family Deity and ate it. Thakura Bhaktivinoda chastised him for it upon catching him and told him that it was not proper Vaishnava behaviour to eat food that had not first been offered to the Lord. At that time Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, taking his father’s words very seriously, made a vow to Thakura Bhaktivinoda that he would never eat mango again. Through his whole life he kept this vow very faithfully. Whenever someone would offer him a mango he would say, “No, I cannot take, I am a great offender”.

At the age of 10 and college life

At the age of ten, while attending the Serampore Missionary School, he was initiated by his father into the Hare Krishna mantra and a Nrsimhadeva mantra. In school he invented a novel kind of phonetic alphabet which he called Bikranti or Bicanto. Later on he attended a special Sanskrit college where he became expert in Sanskrit grammar, Vedic shastra and different views of philosophy. Due to his lifelong celibacy he had such a clear memory that even in his last days he could reproduce word for word any passage of any book he had read fifty years back.

At college he read all of the books in the library and made private studies into higher mathematics, international history and philosophy and Vedic astronomy. At that time he attended a cultural association in Calcutta called August Assembly and in which the study of various philosophical and theological topics was conducted. He was such a powerful debater that no one’s arguments could stand up against his vast erudition and scholarship. 

At the age of twenty-three in the year 1897 he opened a school in Calcutta which he called Sarasvata Chatuspathi. It was here that he began teaching Vedic astronomy. Many prominent and scholarly Calcutta gentlemen were among his students. At this time he also edited two monthly journals, the Jyotirvid and the Brhaspati and published several authoritative documents on Vedic astronomy such as the Surya-siddhanta which he had written himself. He was offered a chair at the University of Calcutta by Sir Asutosh Mukherjee, but he declined thinking that it might be too much an impediment on his devotional life. Since 1895 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was attending the meetings of his father’s Vishva Vaishnava Raja Sabha in Calcutta. In 1899 he was editing and writing for a weekly cultural magazine, the Nivedana. 

In 1900 he wrote and published a book on the society and different religious sects in Bengal called Bange Sama-jikata. In 1901 Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura requested his son to become initiated in the Gayatri mantra and accept a spiritual master.

Initiation from Srila Gaura-kisora Dasa Babaji

The Thakura had one very beloved disciple, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maha­raja, a very renowned Vaishnava saint of Navadvipa. It was therefore he who the Thakura requested his son to take initiation from. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura then approached the babaji for getting initiated, but Gaurakisora dasa Babaji, who hadn’t any disciples, out of his infinite humbleness refused to accept such an erudite pandita as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, when he himself could not even write  his own name. 

So, disappointed, Sarasvati Thakura went back to his father and related to him what had happened, but Thakura Bhaktivinoda sent him out again, and again Srila Bhaktisiddhanta came back with the same news. So this time the Thakura told his son, “Unless you take initiation from Gaurakishora dasa Babaji your life is useless and no longer may you enter this house”. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati then set off with great determination, and meeting Srila Gaurakishora dasa Babaji on a bridge along the road told him that he would jump off the bridge and kill himself if the Babaji did not accept him as a disciple. 

He said to him, “My father has told me that human life is worthless without a spiritual master, so if you refuse to accept me as your disciple I must kill myself”. Upon hearing that and seeing the young man’s sincerity of purpose, the Babaji accepted him as his only disciple.

On 19 Nov 1915, on Utthana Ekadasi in the Kartika-vrata, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja re-entered into his eternal loving pastimes with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. After Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja had heard of his disappearance, he went to the place where Srila Gaura-kisora lived. At that time different persons from different temples in the area began to fiercely argued to claim the spiritual body of Srila Babaji Maharaja. But Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja obstructed them from doing so. The inspector of the police of Navadvipa arrived at the scene.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta in a voice as deep as thunder said, "I am the only disciple of Paramahamsa Babaji Maharaja. Even though I have not accepted sannyasa, I am a celibate brahmacari and by the grace of Babaji Maharaja I am not secretly addicted to abominable habits or involved in fornication as some monkey-like people are. If there is someone amongst the people here present who is a renunciate of stainless character, then he can have Babaji Maharaja's samadhi. We have no objection to that. He, who within the last year, or the last six months, three months, one month or at least within the last three days, has not had illicit connection with a woman will be able to touch this spiritual blissful body. If anyone else touches it he will be completely ruined.”

Hearing this, the superintendent of police said, "How is it that he can prove this?"

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura replied, "I have faith in their word".

At this, one-by-one all the bogus babajis slipped away without a word. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati then claimed the samadhi.

After this, several persons approached Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja and said, "Before Srila Gaura-kisora disappeared, he requested that his body be bound with ropes and be dragged through the streets of Navadvipa Dhama, and thus, be bathed in the dust of the Dhama. Therefore, we should follow these instructions of Srila Babaji Maharaja."

Then Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja spoke up and said, "My spiritual master, on whose shoulders reside the Supreme Lord Krishnacandra, has said this in a very, very deep mood of humility in order to destroy the pride of those persons who are opposing the Supreme Lord. Even though we are inexperienced, foolish and offensive, still, I will not let his instruction be misinterpreted. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took the spiritual body of Srila Haridasa Thakura, when he disappeared, on His lap and began to dance. Just see how his glories have been described. So therefore, we are also following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya. Place the transcendental body of Srila Gaura-kisora above our heads."

According to the regulations from the Samakara Dipika, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja with his own hands prepared the samadhi of his spiritual master. Later on, by the desire of Srila Gaura-kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, the place of his samadhi gradually became engulfed by the changing current of the Ganga. When the samadhi was within very close proximity to Ganga Devi, in 1932, his samadhi was moved under the instructions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja, from that place to a place in Sri Mayapur Dhama where the Caitanya Math is presently situated.

Preaching and travelling to spread Krishna Consciousness

From that year, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta travelled with Thakura Bhaktivinoda in his pilgrimages to all the principle holy places in India. During this time he compiled a Vaishnava encyclopaedia named Vaisnava-manjusha. In 1900 he was staying in Puri where he began to publicly preach the holy precepts of Srimad-Bhagavatam. In 1904 Srila Sarasvati Thakura travelled in East Bengal. In 1905 he travailed to the far southern provinces of India, lecturing, preaching, writing, debating, fully absorbed  in the fire of propagating the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. 

In the South he travelled to places such as Simachalam, Madras, Tirupati, Kanchipuram and many other places of pilgrimage. His strong preaching gave him such a reputation that his very name would strike terror into the hearts of his philosophical adversaries. The perverted and immoral so-called religious activities of different nonsense cults and sects were doomed forever in the presence of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

In 1911 at an All-India Conference of Panditas at Midnapore, presided over by Pandita Vishvambharananda deva Gosvami, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, taking the place of Thakura Bhaktivinoda who was ill at the time, lectured to an astounded audience on the comparative position of a brahmana and a Vaishnava. After the discourse all the people came forward to offer him respect and touch his lotus feet. The president of the conference called him the other self of Sri Sukadeva Gosvami. The lecture was subsequently published as a book in Bengali.

In 1912 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta travelled and preached in different parts of Bengal. In 1913 he established the Bhagavat Press in South Calcutta which was later moved to Mayapur and then to Krishnanagar, where he began to publish his many carefully edited books. Altogether he published, edited and wrote about sixty-one works as well as eight different journals. Once when he was asked how it was possible to publish a journal every month just about God, he replied that here in this world there are thousands of newspapers and magazines reporting the stale repetitious happenings of this limited space, so for reporting the news of the unlimited spiritual realm concerning the eternal, ever-fresh Supreme Personality of Godhead, we could publish a magazine at every second, what to speak of monthly.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada made special studies of the Vaishnava literature of south India and was the first to introduce Bengali translations of the works of the Madhvacharya Sampradaya to the public in Bengal. In his teachings he has dealt with the relative positions of different Vaishnava and non-Vaishnava schools of philosophy and he has brought out the difference between empiric and revealed methods of spiritual understanding. He always stressed the importance of publishing and distributing Vaishnava literature as a means of educating the mass of ignorant humanity and in order to facilitate the printing of books and journals he established four printing presses: the Gaudiya Printing Works in Calcutta (1923), the Nadiya Prakash Printing Works at Mayapura (1928), the Bhagavat Press in Krishnanagar (1914-15), and the Paramarthi Printing Works at Cuttack (1936). 

He called these presses the Brihad mridangas or big mridungas (clay drums used for large congregational singing groups) because the sound that they would produce would be heard all over India.

In 1914 on the disappearance of Thakura Bhaktivinoda from this mortal world, the task to carry on the movement of Sri Caitanya now lay in the hands of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada. He took over as the editor of his father’s journal, the Sajjanatoshani, a monthly Vaishnava paper in Bengali. Later on in 1927 he converted it into English fortnightly called the Harmonist.

Establishment of Gaudiya Math’s

In 1918 at the age of forty-four, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati accepted the title Gosvami Maharaja by taking the renounced order of life, sannyasa. On that same day he established his first Vaishnava monastery, the Caitanya Math at Sridhama Mayapura which became his preaching headquarters. Later that year one important figure in a popular religious organization met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta SarasvatI Thakura and was so impressed by his power of purity that he immediately begged to become a disciple. He would arrange for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s transportation between Mayapura and Calcutta and he rented him a small house for him in Calcutta for expanding the preaching of Sri Caitanya’s teachings. 

The house became known as “Bhaktivinoda Agana” and was later known as Sri Gaudiya Math when it was later moved to a large marble building in the Bagh bazaar of North Calcutta in 1930. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura then in quick succession after that spread his Gaudiya Mission to every part of India attracting thousands of disciples to the banners of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. At the time of his passing from this world he had opened sixty-four Gaudiya Maths for the propagation of spiritual life and Bhagavata philosophy. In all these maths he established the worship of the archa-vigraha (Deity) form of the Lord so that his disciples wouldn’t become impersonalists. This deity worship was executed according to the principles of Sanatana Gosvami’s book of Vaisnava activities, Sri-hari-bhakti-vilasa.

One time a very important gentleman approached Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and said that your Gaudiya Math is so nice you should open up temples in all cities of the world, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta replied, “My real business is to establish temples in everyone’s heart”.

Chastisement of Mayavadi’s

He was such a powerful and bold preacher that he became known as the lion guru. Sometimes on walks in the early morning he would come across some big Mayavadi (impersonalist) sannyasi and he would physically grab him and shake him while verbally chastising him. Thereafter whenever any Mayavadi’s saw him coming, they would flee in fear of him. One time a big impersonalist Vedanta society in Calcutta invited him to a debate, on the condition that he could not use Srimad-Bhagavatam as scriptural evidence and so he agreed to come to the debate. Then after a short time they called him again and said he could not speak on Mahabharata, Ramayana, or any of the Puranas or Pancharattnas. He also agreed to come on those conditions. Then they called him and said that he could not use as evidence any of the Vedas, Upanisads or smriti texts, but could speak only from the Vedanta-Sutras. And so he agreed to that also. Then they called him up and said that he could not come at all.

From the years 1919-1929 he was constantly travelling all over India lecturing to crowds of thousands, debating, destroying various bogus religious sects and performing parikrama (walks to the holy places) with his disciples to different sacred sites, seeking to improve and preserve them. During these travels he installed foot­prints of Lord Caitanya in one hundred and eight places where the Lord had travelled during His sannyasa life. At those spots he also recorded the date when Sri Caitanya had been there.

In 1919 he completed his preaching tour over North and East Bengal and in 1920 he toured more extensively in East Bengal. In 1920 he also toured the provinces of Bihar, Orissa and the Sonthal Parganas establishing temples in some of these places, and in 1922 he visited Vrindavana, the place of Lord Krishna’s pastimes. On this Braja Mandal Parikrama he went with hundreds of disciples and gave lectures at all the major temples and places of the Lord’s pastimes. 

In the year 1925 His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, along with a large group or disciples went on an extensive tour of Bengal. On this Gauda Mandala Parikrama, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta visited all the holy places connected with the pastimes of Sri Caitanya. In the early part of 1926 he toured in some places in Assam. His tours during the years 1926-1928 marked a very important place in the Gaudiya movement of Sri Caitanya and in the history of India as well. He brought about changes and improvements in various ways in all the sacred places as well as brought about a new spiritual insight in the minds and lives of many followers of different religious sects, and brought them all under the banners of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtana movement. 

Wherever Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would go he was received as a saviour, religious reviver and prophet by all who came in contact with him. In most states he was received as an honoured state guest and in many places was presented with public addresses of reception.

From 1928-1929 he again traveled to places from Assam to Punjab. During these tours he gathered a large number of authentic manuscripts of ancient Vaishnava writings which he started publishing, but left unfinished.

Opposition from Caste Brahmanas

All these tours were highly successful, but were not without their problems. Because many of Srila Sarasvati Thakura’s disciples, although initiated as brahmanas and sannyasis, were not born in brahmana families, along the way while traveling, the so-called brahmana shopkeepers would close their shops and refuse to sell provisions to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and his disciples. Srila Sarasvati Thakura would always preach very strongly against the nonsense philosophy of these proud and arrogant caste brahmanas. He always emphasized the needlessness of material qualifications to receive spiritual life. Anyone, regardless of caste, sex, nationality, past background, etc., who was sincere to have spiritual life, he would give it to them.

Assassination attempt

These caste brahmanas were very much in an uproar about his turning those not born in brahmana families into brahmanas better than them. The Nityananda-vamsas especially plotted to assassinate him and went to the local police magistrate to bribe him so he wouldn’t apprehend them after the murder. The police magistrate told them that although he usually accepts bribes, he could not be connected with the killing of a Sadhu, a holy man. The police magistrate then immediately informed Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and in this way Srila Saraavati Thakura’s life was saved.

In 1930 and 1931 a new kind of spiritual education was exhibited for the benefit of the public and especially the illiterate masses. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada demonstrated the import and teachings of the Vedic literature by means of huge exhibitions in which pictorial representations by means of dioramas and dolls in life-like manner were employed. These wonderful exhibitions attracted thousands of people. One was on the property of the Calcutta Gaudiya Math in 1930 and in 1931 on the Calcutta corporation grounds. The exhibitions would draw at least one hundred thousand visitors daily during a month time period.

In 1933, eager to spread Lord Caitanya’s message beyond the borders of India, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura sent some of his sannyasa disciples to England to preach and open up Gaudiya Maths in the West, but not being able to convince the Westerners to take up spiritual life, they returned to India unsuccessful. Fortunately for the benefit of all people of the world, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada’s most beloved disciple, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada carried out his Guru Maharaja’s order and has spread Lord Caitanya’s Nama-sankirtana movement to every corner of the globe, and is now being assisted by thousands of disciples in this preaching work.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada has so glad to reveal the transcendental glories of Lord Krishna that whenever he found an eager listener he would go on speaking, not knowing the bounds of time and space. Disregarding the requests of his medical advisors, up to the last moment be continued to deliver the message of the Supreme Lord to all people. This was the only purpose of his divine appearance in this world. He did not appear here by being forced by the laws of nature as an ordinary living being appears. 

He worked until the last moment of his life without any reservation, disregarding physical pleasure, comfort or relief to himself. His whole life was absorbed in a mood of loving devotion to the Lord. He was fully devoted to the propagation of the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The noble example of his life and conduct, his powerful speeches and numerous publications are evidence to this fact.

In 1936 he was residing in Jagannatha Puri and on December 31st, 1936 at the age of 62 he left this mortal world and again re-entered the loving pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna in the sweetness of Braja Dhama, the spiritual atmosphere. The samadhi of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is at Sri Caitanya Math at Sridham Mayapur.

Directions to Birthplace of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura:

Birthplace of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is on Grand Road about ½ km towards Jagannatha Mandira. It is very close to Jagannatha Vallabha garden. After exiting Jagannatha Vallabha garden turn right on Grand Road and proceed towards Jagannatha Mandira until you see on the right side the big pink Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Matha temple with a sign above the entrance gate saying: “Birthplace of Prabhupada 108 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Thakura”.

One can also visit the birthplace of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura by attending annual Sri Ksetra Jagannatha Puri Dhama Parikrama organized in Mayapur about a week after the Kartik masa (month) during the month of November / December.

"Killing for Krishna" / Janmastmi Sinkowski / FBI conspiracy plot?

PADA: Ex-New Vrndavana "bouncer / enforcer" Janmastmi Dasa has tried in some ways to befriend us at PADA, and admit he made a mistake supporting Kirtanananda's regime. At the same time, he seems to STILL have an axe to grind with us, despite his previous axe grinding process against us resulted in the death of Sulochana. The good news is that Janmastmi has at least admitted Radhanath was involved in the New Vrndavana upper management, and he alleges that Radhanath had a part in paying Tirtha to murder Sulochana.

Ooops! Yet Janmastmi now claims that I was helping the FBI keep tabs on Sulochana's location, and the FBI gave Sulochana's address to the hit men. Therefore, I helped Sulochana get killed by being an "informant" to the FBI, giving away his locations. So Janmastmi is guilty or implicated, and now -- spreading the blame around? Even blaming his victims, like us?

OK except, at the time Sulochana was almost always parking his van in an unknown location in the San Francisco Bay Area, living in his vehicle. I had no idea where he was parking, and it would have been impossible for me to find him -- even if I wanted to. NOTICE! There were NO cell phones among us at that time, and the only way we communicated is when he came to visit me. That was our plan, I could have been kidnapped by the GBC's goondas and STILL would not have been able to direct anyone to find him, even if I had been put into a wood chipper slowly. I didn't know where he was. How was I relaying his location?   

A few times he called me on the Berkeley temple phone, but the Hansadutta people were not too reliable in getting me to the phone. When Sulochana finally went to Los Angeles, again I would have no way of knowing what street he was parking on, or even if he was at or near the temple? Nor did I even know if he was in LA for sure, or visiting some of his friends in Three rivers, or whatever it might be? We had no means of regular communication, period. So it would not have been possible for me to know "where he was located" -- to relay to the FBI -- unless I was a psychic people finder. Which I'm not.

Meanwhile Henry Doctorski says Janmastmi's story does not match any of the other accounts he is getting from there, which seems to indicate these folks are hiding things to protect themselves -- maybe from criminal implication and criminal prosecution. What I do know for sure is -- Sulochana said if he was going to be killed -- it would most likely be done by Tirtha or Janmastmi, or both of them as a team. So Janmastmi was an active thug "enforcer" for the New Vrndavana program at the time, according to Sulochana at least. It seems his party has the most responsibility for Sulochana's untimely demise and -- not so much -- me or the FBI. 

And Henry claims that Janmastmi said in effect, even if Kirtanananda is having sex with hundreds of people, he is still a pure devotee. That would mean Janmastmi was aware of the allegations of sexual predator problems with the swami. Anyway, Janmastmi seems to be obsessed with linking me as an FBI informant recently, and he has thus teamed up with the Sanat / Mukunda / Prahlad das (Paul Coats?) / HKC Jaipur / Janardan / Tamohara / Pancali NZ / Krishna Kirtan team saying that PADA's testimony is all "lies, psychopathic distortions and slander," and he is quoting some of them and their sites.

OK so PADA is a secret member of the Illuminati / New World Order / Satanic ritual society; and / or -- is a paid FBI informant / CIA agent / paid secret plant and so forth. Conspiracy theories ki jaya! Wow. Same wild theories some of the GBC's program's members and / or goonda folks said to us all along as well, even WAY back in the 1980s. Yep! PADA is a secret plant of the Berkeley police and so on and so forth; a police informant, a snitch, an agent of Kali yuga etc. -- hah hah! 

Why do these people say these things?

Pretty simple explanation really; (A) We are saying (for example) that there is a child abuse problem. Then (B) they are saying that this is all "conspiracy theory, psychopathic distorted lies and slander, all paid for by Illuminati / FBI mis-information campaigns." And this is how these thinkers allow / facilitate / enable / continue / protect / defend / their abuse programs. Of course! These thinkers said this all along since the early 1980s, me and Sulochana are "making all this up," so they could perpetuate their abusive programs, and have us dissenters squashed, which is what they have done in fact. Of course the Jim Jones, David Koresh and other bogus cults also think "the FBI / CIA / Illuminati is after us"!

Thus! As soon as we say: The 11 gurus were not EVER appointed; child abuse has been going on; books are being changed; Srila Prabhupada is himself complaining of being poisoned, its all "lies, psychopathic distortions, FBI informants giving bad info, slander etc." OK, and that is what many of the GBC's clan said all along? What is the real purpose of these folks? They are making the actual complaints of actual problems become nullified, so the criminals and their crimes will go on. What else? Krishna Kirtan even says PADA is a CONTEL agent (whatever that is) yep, none of these crimes were going on! Who knew! All lies!

However, as even the police have told me, when these folks say that PADA is making all this up, they are really not attacking us, but attacking the testimony of the original victims. We are simply advocates / agents for the victims, by presenting THEIR COMPLAINTS. These are not OUR complaints. So when they say this is "all PADA lies," its meant to perpetuate their sexual predator's abuse program, and cover up for the book changers / bogus gurus / poisoners and so on. And the police are right: none of these complaints originated from PADA, we simply re-packaged and re-presented these complaints -- made by others.

Prahlad for his part has said that he was not present in the 1980s kicking these victims in the head. OK maybe he was not kicking them then, but he is kicking the victims in the head with his giant jackboots NOW, by saying the victims complaints are bogus because they are being presented by PADA. Prahlad team are still kicking the abuse victims in the face with boots by saying those who present their case are "making up lies." Sulochana called these people "the boot lickers of the butt lovers." Wow! No wonder Janmastmi / Prahlad team still says this is all lies, Sulochana had them pegged! And as the police told me, suppressing the testimony of victims is for the sole purpose of protecting criminal activity. Duh! 

In others word, the real reason all these crimes went on is because these types of thinkers enabled, defended, cover-up for, and facilitated all of these crimes. What is more amazing to us is that they seem to be proud of all this mayhem? Worse, to say that the person bringing forward the poison tapes is "a liar" is actually enabling if not -- licking the boots of -- the Judas party. Why would they attack the person who brought out Srila Prabhupada's poison complaint tapes as "a liar" unless they still have deep affection and loyalty to the poison sabha? 

Anyway! Janmastmi appears to have other problematic issues: indicted, apparently for marijuana dealing:

http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2016/06/30-indicted-by-brooke-county-grand-jury/

Why are people involved in assisting the GBC's high crimes, or at best engaging in low level crimes even up to now, giving us any advice at all? My friend's son is a police man. He says, they often try to rehabilitate gang members, and even help get them into jobs and so on. Yet, despite being in some rehab program, and despite disavowing their gang associations, they may still have residual resentment and grudge against the people who busted up their gang. 

In other words, they really wanted their status quo gangster program to continue, and they only took to the rehab process because they were forced to by law enforcement, or face perhaps going to jail. They did not really want their goonda gangster process to be broken down. So they still hold a grudge against those who upset their false and exploiting program, despite claiming to be reformed and rectified. Same as these guys, we apparently forced them to reform, so they hold a grudge.

The good news is, the police, courts, media, millions of newspaper readers and thousands of ISKCON victims agree with PADA, these events are not lies, its really what happened. ys pd    
  
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