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Sri Sanatkumara-samhita

 

 

Sri Sanatkumara-samhita

Jun 08, 2012 — CANADA (SUN) — Part One.

Sage Sanatkumara was one of the Four Kumaras, or four Manasputras -- mind-born-sons, or spiritual sons of Lord Brahma. As described in the Bhagavata Purana, Sanat was joined by three other sons: Sanaka, Sanatana, and Sanandana. In Sanskrit, sanatkumara means "eternal youth". Sanatkumara is the author of this Sanatkumara-samhita, which is part of the Shiva Purana. Comprised of 59 chapters, it is also considered to be part of the Vaisnava Pancaratra.

 

Text 1

ekada yamuna-tire
samasinam jagad-gurum
naradah pranipatyaha
deva-devam sadasivam

One day, bowing before Lord Lord Sadasiva, the master of both the demigods and the universe, who sat by the Yamuna's shore, Sri Narada said:

Text 2

sri-narada uvaca

deva-deva maha-deva
sarva-jna jagad-isvara
bhagavad-dharma-tattva-jna
krishna-mantra-vidam vara

Sri Narada said: O master of the demigods, O great Lord, O all-knowing one, O master of the universe, O sage wise in the science of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, O best of they who know the mantras glorifying Lord Krishna, . . .

Text 3

krishna-mantra maya labdha
saras-toye pituh pare
te sarve sadhita yatnan
mantra-rajadyo maya

. . . from my father I carefully learned the king of mantras and many other Krishna-mantras as we sat by the water.

Text 4

bahu-varsha-sahasreshu
saka-mula-phalasina
sushka-parnambu-vayv-adi-
bhogina ca nirasina

At first I ate only wild vegetables, roots, and fruits, then I ate only dry leaves, then I only drank water, then I only breathed air, and finally I neither ate, drank, nor breathed.

Text 5

strinam sandarsanalapa-
varjina bhumi-sayina
kamadi-sad-gunan jitva
bahyendriyan niyamya ca

I neither saw nor spoke to women. I slept on the ground. I conquered the six vices, beginning with lust, and I controlled the external senses.

Text 6

ananya-manasa nityam
krishna-dhyana-parena ca
tri-kala-snana-niratah
saucacara-parayanah

Without thinking of anything else, I always meditated on Lord Krishna. I bathed thrice daily. I was pure in all I did.

Text 7

tri-kalam arcayed devam
sanga-nyasa-vidhanatah
namani kirtayams tasya
tat-katha-sravanotsukah

Performing nyasas, one should worship the Lord thrice daily. One should chant the Lord's holy names and be eager to hear His glories.

Text 8

tad-gunan bhavayan nityam
japan mantram ahar-nisam
mantrasyartham bhavayams ca premasru-pulakancitah

Day and night one should meditate on the Lord's qualities and chant mantras glorifying Him. Thinking of the meaning of the Lord's mantras, one should shed tears of love. The hairs of one's body should stand erect in ecstasy.

Text 9

evam-adi-gunir yukto
bahu-varsha-satam tatah
samsadhya vaishnavan mantran
nirvedam gatavan aham

Worshiping the Lord in this way for many hundreds of years, I learned many Vishnu-mantras. I gave up all attachment for the material world.

Text 10

na purascaranaih kascid
vinashtadasabhir manuh
kenapi sadhitah kvapi
maya drishto na bhu-tale

Someone somewhere may have attained the eighteen-syllable mantra without first performing purscarana, but I have not seen that person anywhere in the world.

Text 11

jiva-hino yatha dehah
sarva-karmasu na kshamah
purascarana-hino hi
tatha mantra-prakirtitah

As a lifeless body cannot act, so a person who has not performed purascarana cannot chant mantras.

Text 12

vina nyasam tatha mantro
japtah kalpa-satair api
na bhavet phaladah purvam
ity uktam me svayambhuva

Lord Brahma told me that a mantra chanted for hundreds of kalpas will not bring the proper result if not performed with the proper nyasas.

Text 13

kalau kila bhavishyanti
narah papa-parayanah
sv-alpayusha ca manda-bhagya
manda-prajnah ku-medhasah

In Kali-yuga the people will be sinful, short-lived, unfortunate, slow, and unintelligent.

Text 14

sva-dharma-rahita nityam
hari-bhakti-vivarjitah
asuddha-hridayah kshudrah
kamadi-vasa-vartinah

The people will not follow the duties of varnasrama. They will have no devotion for Lord Hari. Their hearts will be dirty. They will be foolish. They will be slaves to lust and a host of vices.

Text 15

putra-dara-rata nityam
hari-bhakti-vivarjitah
idrisas ca katham sadhyah
krishna-mantrah su-durlabhah

They will care only for their wives and children. They will not care to serve Lord Hari. How can people like this attain Krishna-mantras, which are so difficult to attain?

Text 16

na caisham ca harau bhaktih
sravanadya bhavishyati
kamady-akula-cintanam
putra-dara-ratatmanam

They will not be interested in devotion to Lord Hari, which begins with hearing about His glories. They will be overcome by lust and a host of vices. They will care only for their wives and children.

Text 17

yac capi bhagavan-nama
su-labham syat kalau yuge
na purna-phala-dam tac ca
tasminn evaparadhinam

In the Kali-yuga the Lord's holy name is easy to attain. Still, the full result of the holy name does not come to they who commit offenses.

Text 18

aparadha-sahasrani
kritva krishne nirantaram
namasrayas taranty eva
tani sarvani manavah

They who commit thousands of offenses to Lord Krishna, but nevertheless take shelter of the Lord's holy name, cross beyond all those offenses.

Text 19

namni kritvaparadhams tu
yasyanti narakam dhruvam
ittham su-dushkara bhaktih
sukarapi janardane

They who commit offenses to the holy name go to hell. It is with the holy name's help that devotion to Lord Hari, which is otherwise so difficult to attain, is attained very easily.

Text 20

na ca bhaktim vina kincid
upayam vidyate param
yenaivanutishthenasu
gamishyanti hareh padam

No path but devotional service will quickly bring one to the transcendental abode of Lord Hari.

Text 21

dravya-desatmanam nityam
asuddhatvat kalau yuge
na karma-phala-dam kincid
ity ahus ca manishinah

Because in Kali-yuga objects, places, and people are all impure, one cannot easily attain the results of performing pious deeds. That is what the wise have said.

Text 22

jnanam ca dushkaram pumsam
kali-kale viseshatah
bahu-janma-satair
kasyacij jayate kvacit

In the Kali-yuga transcendental knowledge is especially difficult to attain. After many hundreds of births, someone somewhere will attain it.

Text 23

na ca tabhyam api jnana-
karmabhyam prapyate harih
tasmad etad dvayam vyartham
syad ity evam matam mama

One cannot attain Lord Hari by the cultivation of knowledge (jnana) or the performance of pious deeds (karma). These two are useless. That is my opinion.

Text 24

na jnanena karmana va
vairagyena tapasyaya
sreyobhir itarais capi
danadyair labhyate harih

One cannot attain Lord Hari by knowledge, pious deeds, renunciation, austerities, charity, or other auspicious activities.

Text 25

labhyate kevalam bhaktya
sa capi durlabha kalau
ittham cinta-kulad eva
tvam aham saranam gatah

Lord Hari is attained only by devotional service, service that in Kali-yuga is rare and difficult to attain. That is why I, pushed by a host of worries, now take shelter of you.

Text 26

tad upayam kincid adya
kali-kalocitam vada
yenanjasa gamishyanti
hari-lokam narah prabho

O master, please tell what method the people of Kali-yuga may adopt to easily attain the transcendental abode of Lord Hari.

Text 27

bhagavan kena mantrena
samsarottaranam nrinam
tan mayacakshasva tena
sarva-loka-hitam yatah

O Lord, what mantra will carry the people from this world of birth and death? So everyone may benefit, please tell it to me.

Text 28

ko mantrah sarva-mantranam
purascarana-varjitah
vina nyasair vina yogaih
samskaradayir vina prabho

O Lord, of all mantras what mantra needs no purascarana, no nyasa, no yoga, no samskara, and no other thing?

Text 29

sakrid uccaranan namnam
dadati phalam uttamam
yadi yogyo 'smi devesa
tan me karunaya vada

A single utterance of the Lord's holy name gives the highest result. O master of the demigods, if I am competent to hear it, please kindly tell me the Lord's holy name.

Text 30

sri-sadasiva uvaca sadhu prishtham maha-bhaga
sarva-loka-hitaishana
su-gopyam api vakshyami
mantra-cintamanim tava

Lord Sadasiva said: O fortunate one, your question is excellent. O you who wish for the welfare of all, I will tell you the secret cintamani jewel of the mantras.

Text 31

rahasyanam rahasyam yad
guhyanam guhyam uttamam
na maya kathitam devyai
nagrajebhyah pura tava

I will tell you the secret of secrets, the most confidential of all confidential things. I will tell you what I have not told either the goddess or your elder brothers.

Text 32

vakshyami yugalam tubhyam
krishna-mantram anuttamam
mantra-cudamanir nama
yugalam svayam eva ca

I will tell you two peerless Krishna-mantras that are the crest-jewels of all mantras.

Texts 33 and 34

paryayas casya mantrasya
tatha panca-paditi ca
gopijaneti vallabheti
caranav iti ca kramat

saranam ca prapadyeti
tata etat pada-trayam
padam trayatmako mantrah
shod asaksha udahritah

One mantra is "Gopijana-vallabha-caranau saranam prapadye" (I take shelter of the feet of Him who is the gopi's beloved). This mantra has three compound words, five individual words, and sixteen syllables.

Text 35

namo gopijanety uktva
vallabhabhyam vadet tatah
yad dvayatmako mantro
dasarnah khalu kathyate

The second mantra is "Namo gopijana-vallabhabhyam" (Obeisances to the divine couple, who are dear to the gopis). This mantra has two words and ten syllables.

Text 36

etam panca-padim japtva
sraddhayasraddhaya sakrit
krishna-priya-vrinda-madhye
vasaty eva na samsayah

One who either with faith or without faith once chants this five-word mantra resides among Lord Krishna's gopi-beloveds. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 37

na purascaranapeksha
nasya nyasa-vidhi-kramah
na desa-kala-niyamo
nari-mitradi-sodhanam

In chanting these mantras there is no need of purscarana, nyasa, ari-suddhi, mitra-suddhi, or other kinds of purification. In chanting these mantras there is no restriction of time or place.

Text 38

sarve 'dhikarinas catra
candalanta munisvarah
striyah sudradayas capi
jada-mukandha-pungavah

All, from the lowest outcaste to the greatest sage, are eligible to chant this mantra. Women, sudras, and all others are eligible. The paralyzed, mute, blind, and lame are eligible.

Text 39

andhra hunah kiratas ca
pulindah pukkasas tatha
abhira yavanah kankah
khasadyah papa-yonayah

The Andhras, Hunas, Kiratas, Pulindas, Pukkasas, Abhiras, Yavanas, Kankas, Khasas, and all others born from sinful wombs are also eligible.

Text 40

dambhahankara-paramah
papa-paisunya-tat-parah
go-brahmananam hantaro
mahopapatakanvitah

They who are overcome with pride and ego, who are intent on committing sins, who are killers of cows and brahmanas, and who are the greatest of sinners, are also eligible.

Text 41

jnana-vairagya-rahitah
sravanadi-vivarjitah
ete canye ca sarve syur
asyadhikarino mune

They who have neither knowledge nor renunciation, they who have never studied the sruti-sastra and other scriptures, and all others, whoever they may be, are also all eligible to chant these mantras.

Text 42

yadi bhaktir bhaved esham
krishne sarvesvaresvare
tadadhikarinah sarve
nanyatha muni-sattamah

Anyone who has devotion for Lord Krishna, the master of all masters, is eligible to chant these mantras, but they who have no devotion, even they may be the greatest of sages, are not eligible.

Texts 43 and 44

yajniko dana-niratah
sarva-tirthopasevakah
satya-vadi yatir vapi
veda-vedanga-para-gah

brahma-nishthah kulino va
tapasvi vrata-tat-parah
sa cadhikari na bhavet
krishne bhakti-vivarjitah

They who have performed many yajnas, given charity, visited all holy places, been devoted to speaking the truth, accepted the renounced order, traveled to the farther shore of the Vedas and Vedangas, devotedly served the brahmanas, taken birth in good families, and performed austerities and vows, but are not devoted to Lord Krishna, are not eligible to chant these mantras.

Text 45

tasmad dharer abhaktaya
krita-ghnaya na manine
na ca sraddha-vihinaya
vaktavyam nastikaya ca

Therefore these mantras should not be spoken to one who is not devoted to Lord Hari, nor to one who is ungrateful, proud, or faithless, nor to an atheist or a blasphemer.

Texts 46-48

nasusruvam pratibruyan
nasamvatsara-vasinam
sri-krishne 'nanya-bhaktaya
dambha-lobha-vivarjine

kama-krodhadi-muktaya
deyam etat prayatnatah
sadasiva rishis cayam
gayatri-cchanda ucyate

devata ballavi-kanto
mantrasya prakirtitah
sa priyasya harer dasye
viniyoga udahritah

One should not speak these mantras to one who does not wish to hear them, nor to one who has not stayed for one year in the speaker's asrama. One should carefully give these mantras to one who is free of hypocrisy, greed, lust, anger, and other vices, and who is sincerely devoted to Lord Krishna. The sage of this mantra is Lord Sadasiva. The meter is Gayatri. The Deity is Lord Krishna, the beloved of the gopis. The purpose is to attain service to dear Lord Hari.

Text 49

acakradyaih pancangani
tair eva karayor api
atha caitad dvayam vipra
bijenaiva samacaret

Beginning with the cakra one should perform the pancanga-nyasa and the kara-nyasa. O brahmana, one should perform them both with the bija-syllable.

Text 50

mantrasya prathama-varno
binduna parito 'ncitah
gamitveva bhaved bijam
namah saktir ihodita

The first syllable should be adorned with the bindu letter. That is the bija-syllable. The sakti is said to be the word {.sy 168}namah" (obeisances).

Text 51

antima dasangani
tenaiva ca tatharcanam
gandha-punyadibhis tac ca
janaih karyam anamatah

At the end should be the ten angas. Then the people should worship the Lord with scents, flowers, and other offerings.

Text 52

nyasa-puje ca nitye ca
kartavye hari-tushtaye
ata evasya mantrasya
nyaso nanye ca kascana

To please Lord Hari one should always perform worship and nyasa. Nyasa should be performed with this mantra. It should not be otherwise.

Text 53

sakrid uccaranad asya
krita-krityo na samsayah
tathapi dasadha nityam
japady-artham vibhavayan

By once chanting this mantra one attains success. Of this there is no doubt. Still, for the purpose of chanting japa one should chant this mantra ten times daily.

Text 54

atha dhyanam pravakshyami
mantrasyasya dvijottama
pitambaram ghana-syamam
dvi-bhujam vana-malinam

O best of brahmanas, now I will tell you the meditation of this mantra. I meditate on two-armed Lord Krishna, who is dark like a monsoon cloud, dressed in yellow garments, garlanded with forest flowers, . . .

Text 55

barhi-barhakrita-pidam
sasi-koti-nibhananam
ghurnayamana-nayanam
karnikaravatamsinam

. . . crowned with a peacock feather, and garlanded with lotus whorls, whose face is splendid like ten million moons, whose eyes move restlessly, . . .

Text 56

abhitas candanenatha
madhye kunkuma-binduna
racitam tilakam bhale
bibhratam mandalakritim

. . . whose forehead is marked with tilaka of sandal paste and musk, . . .

Text 57

tarunaditya-sankasam
kundalabhyam virajitam
gharmambu-kanika-rajad-
darpanabha-kapolakam

. . . who is splendid with earrings like two rising suns, whose perspiration-anointed cheeks are like two glistening mirrors, . . .

Text 58

priya-mukha-nyastapangam
lilaya yonnata-bhruvam
agra-bhaga-nyasta-mukta-
sphurad-ucca-su-nasikam

. . . who with raised eyebrows playfully glances at His beloved's face, the tip of whose graceful raised nose is decorated with a glistening pearl, . . .

Text 59

dasana-jyotsnaya rajat-
pakva-bimba-phaladharam
keyurangada-sad-ratna-
mudrikabhir lasat-karam

. . . whose bimba-fruit lips are splendid in the moonlight of His teeth, whose hands are splendid with bracelets, armlets, and jewel rings, . . .

Text 60

bibhratam muralim vame
padma-panau tathetare
kanci-dhama sphuran-madhyam
nupurabhyam lasat-padam

. . . who holds a flute in His left lotus hand, whose waist is splendid with a graceful belt, whose feet are splendid with graceful anklets, . . .

Text 61

rati-keli-rasavesa-
capalam capalekshanam
hasantam priyaya sardham hasayantam ca tam muhuh

. . . whose eyes are restless with the nectar of amorous pastimes, who jokes with His beloved, making Her laugh again and again, . . .

Text 62

ittham kalpa-taror mule
ratna-simhasanopari
vrindaranye smaret krishnam
samsthitam priyaya saha

. . . and who stays with Her on a jewel throne under a kalpa-vriksha tree in Vrindavana forest. In this way one should meditate on Lord Krishna and His beloved.

Text 63

vama-parsve sthitam tasya
radhikam ca smaret tatah
nicina-nila-vasanam
druta-hema-sama-prabham

On the Lord's left side one should meditate on Sri Radha, who is dressed in blue garments, who is splendid like molten gold, . . .

Text 64

patancalenavritardha-
su-smeranana-pankajam
kanta-vaktre nyasta-nrityac- cakori-cancalekshanam

. . . who with the edge of Her garment covers Her graceful lotus smile, whose restless cakori-bird eyes dance on Her beloved's face, . . .

Text 65

angushtha-tarjanibhyam ca
nija-priya-mukhambuje
arpayantim puga-phalim
parna-curna-samanvitam

. . . who with her forefinger and thumb places beletnuts and crushed betelleaves in Her beloved's lotus mouth, . . .

Text 66

mukta-hara-sphurac-caru-
pinonnata-payodharam
kshina-madhyam prithu-sronim
kinkini-jala-sobhitam

. . . whose full, raised breasts are decorated with a glistening pearl-necklace, whose waist is slender, whose broad hips are decorated with tinkling ornaments, . . .

Text 67

ratna-tatanka-keyura-
mudra-valava-dharinim
ranat-kataka-manjira-
ratna-padanguriyakam

. . . who is decorated with jewel earrings, fingerrings, toerings, bracelets, armlets, and tinkling golden anklets, . . .

Text 68

lavanya-sara-mugdhangim
sarvavayava-sundarim
ananda-rasa-sammagnam
prasannam nava-yauvanam

. . . whose limbs are graceful with the best of beauty, who is in always in the prime of youth, and who is always plunged in the nectar of bliss.

Text 69

sakhyas ca tasya viprendra
tat-samana-vayo-gunah
tat-sevana-para bhavyas
camara-vyajanadibhih

O king of brahmanas, Her friends, whose age and qualities are like Hers, devotedly serve Her with camaras, fans, and other articles.

Texts 70 and 71

atha tubhyam pravakshyami
mantrartham srinu narada
bahirangaih prapancasya
svamsair mayadi-saktibhih

antarangais tatha nitya-
vibhutais tais cid-adibhih
gopanad ucyate gopi
radhika krishna-vallabha

Please hear, O Narada, and I will tell you the meaning of these mantras. The material world is manifested by the Lord's maya potency and other external potencies. The spiritual world is manifested by the Lord's cit potency and other internal and everlasting spiritual potencies. The protector of these potencies is said to be the gopi Sri Radha, who is Lord Krishna's beloved.

Text 72

devi krishnamayi prokta
radhika para-devata
sarva-lakshmi-svarupa sa
krishnahlada-svarupini

The transcendental goddess Sri Radha is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She is the pleasure-potency of Lord Krishna.

Text 73

tatah sa procyate vipra
hladiniti manishibhih
tat-kala-koti-koty-amsa
durgadyas tri-gunatmikah

The wise say that She is the pleasure potency of Lord Krishna. Durga and the other goddesses in the world of the three modes are a million-millionth part of one of Her expansions.

Text 74

sa tu sakshan maha-lakshmih
krishno narayanah prabhuh
na tayor vidyate bhedah
sv-alpo 'pi muni-sattama

She is directly Goddess Maha-Lakshmi and Lord Krishna is Lord Narayana. O best of sages, there is not the slightest difference between Them.

Text 75

bahuna kim muni-sreshtha
vina tabhyam na kincana
cid-acil-lakshana-sarvam
radha-krishna-mayam jagat

O best of sages, what more can I say? Nothing can exist without Them. This universe made of spirit and matter together is Their potency.

Text 76

iyam durga hari rudrah
krishnah sakra iyam saci
savitriyam harir brahma
dhumondhasau yamo harih

She is Durga and Lord Hari is Siva. Lord Krishna is Indra and She is Saci. She is Savitri and Lord Hari is Brahma. She is Dhumorna and Lord Hari is Yama.

Text 77

ittham sarvam tayor eva
vibhutim viddhi narada
na saktyate maya vaktum
tat tu varsha-satair api

O Narada, please know that everything is Their potency. Even if I had many hundreds of years, I could not describe all Their glories.

Text 78

trailokye prithivi dhanya
jambudvipo yatah param
tatrapi bharatam varsham
tatrapi mathura puri

In the three worlds the most fortunate place is the earthly planets. The best of them is Jambudvipa. In Jambudvipa the best place is Bharata-varsha. In Bharata-varsha the best place is Mathura-puri.

Text 79

tatra vrindavanam nama
tatra gopi-kadambakah
tatra radha-sakhi-vargas
tatrapi radhika para

The best place in Mathura-puri is called Vrindavana. In Vrindavana stay the supreme Goddess, Sri Radha, and Her many gopi friends.

Text 80

sannidhyadhikyatas tasya
adhikyam syad yathottaram
prithivi-prabhritinam tu
nanyat kincid ihoditam

Beginning with the earthly planets, each realm described here is more or less exalted relative to its nearness to Sri Radha.

Text 81

saisha hi radhika gopi-
janas tasyah sakhi-janah
tasya sakhi-samuhasya
vallabhau prana-nayakau

The gopis are the friends of Sri Radha. Sri Sri Radha-Krishna are the hero and heroine dear to the gopis.

Text 82

radha-krishnatayoh padan
saranam syad ihasrayam
prapadye gatavan asmi
jivo 'ham mati-duhkhitah

I take shelter of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna's feet. I, an individual spirit soul unhappy at heart, surrender to Them.

Text 83

so 'ham yah saranam prapto
mama tasya vadanti ca
sarvam tabhyam tad-artham hi
tad-bhogyam na tu ye mama

The wise say, "I surrender to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Whatever is mine is in truth Their property. Everything is for Their sake. Everything is meant for Their enjoyment. It is not meant for me."

Text 84

ity asau kathito vipra
mantrasyarthah samasatah
yugalarthas tatha nyasah
prapattih saranagatih

O brahmana, thus I have briefly described the meaning of these mantras. Therefore one should perform nyasas to please the divine couple, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. One should take shelter of Them and surrender to Them.

Text 85

atmarpanam me panca-
paryasas te mayoditah
ayam eva cintaniyo
diva-naktam atandritaih

Thus I have described to you five ways to offer oneself to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. You should think of these ways of surrender day and night, and never become tired of thinking of them.

Text 86

atha diksha-vidhim vakshye
srinu narada tattvatah
sravanad eva mucyante
vina yasya vidhanatah

O Narada, please hear and I will tell you about spiritual initiation. Simply by hearing of this, even without following this description, the people become liberated.

Texts 87 and 88

a-virincaj jagat sarvam
vijnaya nasvaram budhah
adhyatmikadi-tri-vidham
duhkham evanubhuya ca

anityatvac ca sarvesham
sukhanam muni-sattama
duhkha-pakshe vinikshipya
tani tebhyo virajyate

O best of sages, aware that every place in the material world, from Brahmaloka down, is temporary and destined for destruction, directly feeling the three kinds of material suffering, beginning with sufferings caused by one's own body and mind, and also seeing that all material happinesses come to an end and finally lead only to pain, a wise person renounces the world. No longer is he interested in the things of this world.

Text 89

virajya samsriter hanau
sadhanani vicintayet
anuttama-sukhasyapi
sampraptau bhrisam duhkhitah

When a person no longer desires to enjoy the things of this world, he should consider how to finally sever all connection with this world. Only when he succeeds in that will such a person, unhappy with the world, attain peerless happiness.

Text 90

saranam dushkaratvam hi
vijnaya ca maha-matih
bhrisam artas tato vipra
sri-gurum saranam vrajet

O brahmana, a wise person, aware that the shelter of the Lord is very difficult to attain, and distressed by material life, should take shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master.

Texts 91-93

santo vimatsarah krishna-
bhakto 'nanya-prayojanah
ananya-sadhanah sriman
krodha-lobha-vivarjitah

sri-krishna-rasa-tattva-jnah
krishna-mantra-vidam varah
krishnasrayo nityam
mantra-bhaktah sada-sucih

sad-dharma-sadhako nityam
sad-acara-niyojakah
sampradayi kripa-purno
viragi gurur ucyate

It is said that a bona-fide spiritual master should be peaceful, non-envious, devoted to Lord Krishna, not interested in things that have no relation to Lord Krishna, not engaged in activities that have no relation to Lord Krishna, filled with spiritual virtues, free of anger and greed, learned in the science of the nectar mellows of Lord Krishna, expert in the mantras glorifying Lord Krishna, always surrendered to Lord Krishna and always taking shelter of Lord Krishna, devoted to chanting the mantras glorifying Lord Krishna, always pure, always pious and religious, always engaged in devotional service to the Lord, a teacher who shows his disciples how to serve the Lord, himself a disciple in the sampradaya (disciplic succession), filled with mercy, and renounced.

Text 94

evam-adi-gunah prayah
susrushur guru-padayoh
gurau nitanta-bhaktas ca
mumukshuh sishya ucyate

It is said that a bona-fide disciple should have qualities like these also. He should have faith in his spiritual master's feet, be devoted to his spiritual master, and have the attainment of liberation as the goal of his life.

Text 95

yat sakshat sevanam tasya
premna bhagavato bhavet
sa mokshah procyate prajnai
r veda-vedanga-vedibhih

Service to the spiritual master is the same as direct loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The wise, who are learned in the Vedas and Vedangas, declare that this service is the path to liberation.

Text 96

trayasva bho jagan-natha
guro samsara-vahnina
dagdham ca kala-dashtam ca
trahi mam bhava-sagarat

O spiritual master of all the worlds, please rescue me, for I am burning in the fire of repeated birth and death! I am bitten by the black snake of time! Please rescue me from the ocean of birth and death!

Text 97

sri-nanda-nandanah krishnah
sarva-deva-siro-manih
padambujaika-bhag eka-
diksha prokta manishibhih

Lord Krishna, the son of Nanda, is the crest jewel of all Deities. One should worship His lotus feet alone. One time only should one accept initiation to the worship of His lotus feet. This is said by the wise.

Text 98

agatya ca guroh pade
nija-vrittam nivedayet
sa-sandehanam prahvatya
bodhayitva punah punah

One should approach the spiritual master's feet, offer service to them, and learn the truth by asking questions again and again.

Text 99

sva-pada-pranatam santam
susrushum nija-padayoh
ati-hrishta-manah sishyam
gurur adhyapayen manum

Happy at heart, the spiritual master then teaches the sacred mantra to the disciple who is peaceful, who has faith in his spiritual master's feet, and who is surrendered to his spiritual master's feet.

Text 100

candanena mrida vapi
vilikhet bahu-mulayoh
vama-dakshinayor vipra
sankha-cakre yatha kramam

O brahmana, using sandal paste or clay, the spiritual master should draw a conchshell and cakra on the left and right shoulders.

Text 101

urdhva-pundram tatah kuryad
bhaladishu vidhanatah
tato mantra-dvayam tasya
daksha-karne vinirdiset

Then the spiritual master should draw Vaishnava tilaka on the forehead and other places, and then he should speak the two mantras in the disciple's right ear.

Text 102

mantrartham ca vadet tasmai
yathavad anupurvasah
dasa-sabda-yutam nama
dhayya tasya prayatnatah

Then he should explain the meaning of the mantras, and then he should give the disciple a name, a name ending with the word "dasa" (servant).

Text 103

tato 'ti-bhaktya sa-sneham
vaishnavan bhojayed budhah
sri-gurum pujayec capi
vastralankaranadibhih

Then the wise disciple should affectionately and devotedly feast the Vaishnavas, and then he should worship the spiritual master with garments, ornaments, and other gifts.

Text 104

sarvasvam gurave dadyat
tad-ardham va maha-mune
sva-deham api nikshiptam
puras tishthed akincanah

O great sage, then the disciple should offer all his wealth to his spiritual master, or he may offer half his wealth, or, being penniless, he may offer his body in the spiritual master's service.

Text 105

ya etaih pancabhir vidvan
samskaraih samskrito bhavet
dasya-bhagi sa krishnasya
nanyatha kalpa-kotibhih

With these five samskaras (purificatory rituals) one becomes purified. He becomes a servant of Lord Krishna. Even in ten million kalpas he will not renounce that service.

Text 106

ankanam cordhva-pundram ca
mantra-nama-vidharanam
pancami yaga ity uktam
samskaram purva-suribhih

The previous sages say these five samskaras are: 1. the marking, 2. tilaka, 3. mantra, 4. name, and 5. yajna.

Text 107

ankanam sankha-cakradyaih
sac-chidra-pundra ucyate
dasa-sabda-yutam nama
mantro yugala-samjnakam

The marking is the marking of the conchshell, disc, and other signs. The tilaka is Vaishnava tilaka. The name is the name to which the word "da sa" (servant) is added. The mantra is the two mantras already described.

Text 108

guru-vaishnavayoh puja
yaga ity abhidhiyate
ete parama-samskara
maya te parikirtitah

 

The yajna is the worship of the spiritual master and the Vaishnavas. Thus I have described these great samskaras to you.

Text 109



atha tubhyam prapannam
dharman vakshyami Narada
yan asthaya gamishyanti
hari-dhama narah kalau

O Narada, now I will describe to you, a surrendered soul, the spiritual activities people in Kali-yuga may follow to attain the abode of Lord Hari.

Text 110



ittham guror labdha-mantro
guru-bhakti-parayanah
sevamano gurum nityam
tat-kripam bhavayet sudhih

After receiving the mantras, the wise disciple should always devotedly serve his spiritual master. In this way he inspires the spiritual master's mercy to him.

Text 111



satam dharmas tatah sikshet
prapannanam viseshatah
sveshta-deva-dhiya nityam
vaishnavan paritoshayet

The disciple should study the devotional activities of the devotees. Especially he should study the activities of the surrendered souls. He should always meditate on his chosen Deity. He should always try to please the Vaishnavas.

Text 112



tadanam bhartsanam kami
bhogyatvena yatha striyah
grihnati vaishnavanam ca
tat-tad-grahyam tatha budhaih

As a rake enjoys when his mistress rebukes and hits him, so a wise person is happy when the Vaishnavas punish him.

Text 113



aihikamushmaki-cinta
na ca karya kadacana
aihikam tu sada bhavyam
purva carati karmanam

He never worries what will happen in this life or the next. He knows that what happens in this life is determined by his past deeds.

Text 114



amushmikam tatha krishnah
svayam eva karishyati
ato hi tat krite tyajyah
prayatnah sarvatha naraih

He does not worry what will happen in the next life. Lord Krishna Himself will arrange what will happen after this life.

Text 115



sarvopaya-parityagah
krishnopayanam arcanam
su-ciram proshite kantam
yatha pati-parayana

He should renounce all plans and make the worship of Lord Krishna his only plan. As a faithful wife worships her husband when he has gone away on a journey, so he should worship Lord Krishna.

Text 116



priyanuragini dina
tasya sangaika-ka\nkshini
tad-gunan bhavayen nityam
gayaty api srinoti ca

Filled with love for her dear husband, such an unhappy wife always longs for his company. She always meditates on his virtues. She glorifies them and hears about them.

Text 117



sri-krishna-guna-liladeh
smaranadi tatha caret
na punah sadhanatvena
karyam tat tu kadacana

In the same way the devotee should always remember, hear about, and glorify Lord Krishna virtues, pastimes, and everything else about the Lord. A devotee need do nothing but this.

Text 118



ciram proshyagatam kantam
prapya kanta-dhiya tatha
cumbanti valinganti ca
netrantena pibanty api

When the dear husband, long absent on a journey, finally returns, the wife, filled with thoughts of him, kisses him, embraces him, and with her eyes drinks in the sight of him.

Text 119



brahmanandam gatam vamum
sevate paraya muda
srimad-arcavatare ca
taya paricared dharim

By serving the Deity form of the Lord one directly serves supremely blissful Lord Hari.

Text 120



ananya-sarano nityam
tathaivananya-sadhanah
ananya-sadhanartho ca
syad ananya-prayojanah

One should take shelter of Lord Krishna. One should not take shelter of anyone but Him. One should not strive to attain anyone but Him. One should not desire anyone but Him. One should not have any goal but Him.

Text 121



nanyam ca pujayed devam
na namet tam smaren na ca
na ca pasyen na gayen na
ca vindeta kadacana

One should not worship anyone but Him. One should not bow down before anyone but Him. One should not meditate on anyone but Him. One should not gaze upon anyone but Him. One should not glorify anyone but Him. One should not seek anyone but Him.

Text 122



nanyocchishtam ca bhunjita
nanya-sesham ca dharayet
avaishnavanam sambhasham
vandanadi vivarjayet

One should not eat the remnants of food eaten by anyone but Him. One should not wear the garments and ornaments worn by anyone but Him. One should not talk with they who are not devotees of the Lord. One should not bow down before them or honor them in any way.

Text 123



isa-vaishnavayor nindam
srinuyan na kadacana
karnau pidhaya gantavyam
sakto dandam samacaret

One should not hear the blasphemy of the Supreme Lord or His devotees. One should cover one ears and go away. If one has the power, one should punish the offender.

Text 124



asritas catakim vrittim
deha-patavadhi dvija
dvayasyartham bhavayata
stheyam ity eva me matih

O brahmana, one should always serve the Lord and His devotees. Until the moment of one's death one should follow the example of the cataki bird.

Text 125



sarah-samudra-nady-adin
vihaya cataki yatha
trshiti mriyate vapi
yacate va payodharat

Rejecting lakes, rivers, oceans, and any other source of water, a cataki bird will drink only water falling from a cloud. It will die of thirst before accepting any other water.

Text 126



evam eva prayatnena
sadhanani parityajan
sveshta-devau sada bhavyau
gatis tau me bhaved iti

Renouncing all other goals, one should think, "Sri Sri Radha-Krishna are the only goal of my life."

Text 127



sveshta-deva-tadiyanam
guror api viseshatah
anukulye sada-stheyam
pratikulyam vivarjayet

One should accept what is favorable for service to the Lord, His devotees, and one's spiritual master. One should reject what is not favorable for Their service.

Text 128



sakrit-prapanna-rakshadi-
kalyanugunatam tayoh
vicintya visvasayed etau
mam avasyam avisyatah

Sri Sri Radha-Krishna will protect anyone who even once surrenders to Them. One should confidently think, "Sri Sri Radha-Krishna will protect me".

Text 129



samsara-sagaran nathau
putra-mitra-grihakulat
goptarau me yuvam eva
prapanna-bhaya-bhanjanau

One should pray, "O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, please rescue me from the ocean of birth and death. Please rescue me from the troubles born from children, friends, and home. Please break into pieces the fears of Your surrendered devotee.

Text 130



yo 'ham mamasti yat kincid
iha loke paratra ca
tat sarvam bhavator adya
caraneshu mayarpitam

"O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, today I place at Your feet Myself and everything I possess either in this life or in the next.

Text 131



aham apy aparadhanam
alayas tyakta-sadhanah
agatis ca tato nathau
bhavantau me bhaved gatih

"I am the home of all offenses. I have abandoned all spiritual duties. I have no shelter. O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, O my Lords, please become my shelter.

Text 132



tavasti radhika-natha
karmana manasa gira
krishna-kante tavaivasmi
yuvam eva gatir mama

"O master of Radha, I am Yours. O beloved of Lord Krishna, I am Yours. I offer to You both my thoughts, words, and deeds. You both are the goal of my life.

Text 133



saranam vam prapanno 'smi
karuna-nikarakarau
prasadam kurutam dasyam
mayi dushte 'paradhini

"O Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, You are like two great oceans of mercy. Please be merciful to me. I take shelter of You. I surrender to You. Please engage me, a sinner and an offender, in Your service."

Text 134



ity evam japatam nityam
gantavyam padya-pancakam
acirad eva tada dasyam
icchata muni-sattama

O best of sages, one who desires to quickly attain the direct service of the divine couple should daily recite these five verses.

Text 135



bahya-dharmo maya tubhyam
sankshepenopavarnitah
antarah paramah dharmah
prapannanam athocyate

In this way I have briefly described the external activities of the surrendered souls. Now I will describe the activities hidden in their hearts.

Text 136



krishna-priya-sakhi-bhavam
samasritya prayatnatah
tayoh sevam prakurvita
diva-naktam atandritah

Accepting the nature of one of Sri Radha's gopi friends, one should carefully serve the divine couple day and night, without ever becoming fatigued.

Text 137



esha te kathito dharma
antaro muni-sattama
guhyad guhyataro hy esha
gopaniyah prayatnatah

O best of sages, I have thus told you something that is very confidential. This is the most secret of all secrets. It should be concealed with great care.

Text 138



ukto mantras tad-angani
tatha tasyadhikarinah
tad-dharmas ca tatha tebhyah
phalam mantrasya narada

O Narada, thus I have described to you the mantra, the parts of the mantra, they who are qualified to chant the mantra, spiritual activities, and the result attained by performing spiritual activities and chanting the mantra.

Text 139



anutishthatvam apy ete
tayor dasyam avapsyasi
svadhikam rakshayed vipra
sandeho natra kascana

Follow this teaching and you will attain direct service to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. O brahmana, They will always protect you. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 140



sakrin-matra-prapanno yas
tavasmiti ca yacate
nija-dasyam harir dadyan
na me 'trasti vicarana

To a person who once surrenders to the Lord and says, "O Lord, I am Yours," Lord Hari gives direct devotional service. Of this I have no doubt.

Text 141



tatra te varnayishyami
rahasya-paramadbhutam
srutam purvam maya krishnat
sakshad bhagavatah kila

Now I will tell you a very wonderful secret, a secret I directly heard from Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Himself.

Text 142



mantra-ratnam aham purvam
japan kailasa-murdhani
dhyayan narayanam devam
avasam gahane vane

In the past I lived deep in the forest on Mount Kailasa's summit. Chanting the jewel of mantras, I meditated on Lord Narayana.

Text 143



tatas tu bhagavams tushtah
pradurasin mamagratah
vriyatam varam ity ukte
mayapy udghatya locanam

Pleased with me, the Lord appeared in my meditation and said, "You may ask a boon". I suddenly opened my eyes.

Text 144



drishto devah sriya sardham samsthito garudopari pranipatya muhus cainam avadac ca sriyah patim Gazing at the Lord as He stood on Garuda with the goddess of fortune at His side, I bowed down again and again. Then I said to the goddess of fortune's husband:
Text 145 and 146


yad rupam te kripa-sindho
paramananda-dayinam
sarvanandasrayam nityam
murtam ca sarvato-'dhikam
nirgunam nishkriyam santam
brahmeti ca vidur budhah
tad aham drashtum icchami
cakshurbhyam paramesvara

"O Supreme controller, O ocean of mercy, I wish that with my own eyes I may see Your original form, the best of all Your forms, a form the great sages say is eternal, the giver of bliss, the abode of all bliss, beyond the modes of nature, beyond material deeds, peaceful, and spiritual.

Text 147


tato mam aha bhagavan
prasannah kamala-patih
tad adya drakshyase rupam
yat te manasi kankshitam

Pleased, the goddess of fortune's husband said to me, "Today you will see the form your heart desires.

Text 148


yamuna-pascime kule
gaccha vrindavanam mama
ity uktvantardadhe devah
sriya sardham jagat-patih

"Go to the place named Vrindavana, which is on the western shore of the Yamuna." After speaking these words, the master of the universes, accompanied by the goddess of fortune, suddenly disappeared.

Text 149


aham apy agamam tarhi
yamunayas tatam subham
atra krishnam apasyams ca
sarva-devesvaresvaram

Then I went to the beautiful shore of the Yamuna. There I saw the demigods' master, Lord Krishna, . . .

Text 150


gopa-vesa-dharam kantam
kisora-vayasanvitam
priya-skandhe su-vinyasta-
vama-hastam manoharam

. . . who was a cowherd youth, who was charming and handsome, whose left hand was gracefully placed on His beloved's shoulder, . . .

Text 151


hasantam hasyantam ca
madhye gopi-kadambakam
snigdha-medhasam abhasa-
kalyana-guna-mandiram

. . . who stood in the midst of many gopis, laughing and making them laugh, whose heart was filled with love, and who was a great palace of splendor, auspiciousness, and virtues.

Text 152


prahasya ca tatah krishno
mam ahamrita-bhashanah
aham te darsanam yatam
jnatva rudra tavepsitam

Smiling, Lord Krishna spoke to me these words of nectar: "O Siva, I could understand your desire. That is why I have now come before your eyes.

Text 153


yad adya me tvaya drishtam
idam rupam alaukikam
ghani-bhutamala-prema-
sac-cid-ananda-vigraham

"Now you can see My original form, a form beyond the world of matter, a form filled with intense and pure love, a form eternal and filled with knowledge and bliss.

Text 154


nirupam nirgunam vyapi
kriya-hinam parat param
vadanti veda-sirasa
idam eva mamanagha

"O sinless one, the Upanishads, which form the crown of all the Vedas, say that I am formless, without qualities, all-pervading, inactive, and greater than the greatest.

Text 155


prakritaika-gunabhavad
anantatvat tathesvara
aprasiddhya mad-gunanam
nirgunam mam vadanti hi

"Of all My qualities, not a single one is made of matter. My qualities are all limitless and eternal. No one can understand them perfectly or completely. That is why the Upanishads say I have no qualities.

Text 156


adrisyatvan mamaitasya
rupasya carma-cakshusha
arupam ma vadanty ete
vedah sarve mamesvara

"O Siva, My form cannot be seen by material eyes. That is why the Vedas say I am formless.

Text 157


vyapakatvac cid-amsena
mam brahmeti vidur budhah
akartritvat prapancasya
nishkriyam mam vadanty api

"With a single fragment of consciousness I pervade everything. That is why the philosophers think I am the formless Brahman. My actions have nothing to do with the world of matter. That is why the philosophers say I am inactive.

Text 158


maya-gunair yuta me 'msah
kurvanti srijanadikam
na karomi svayam kincit
srishty-adikam aham siva

"Filled with the modes of material nature, the demigods, who are My parts and parcels, create, maintain, and destroy the material universes. O Siva, I do not Myself create, maintain, or destroy them.

Text 159


aham asam maha-deva
gopinam prema-vihvalah
kriyantaram na janami
natmanam api manada

"O Siva, O humble and respectful one, I am overcome with love for the gopis. I do not know anything else. I do not even know My own self.

Text 160


viharamy anaya nityam
asyah prema-vasi-kritah
imam tu mat-priyam viddhi
radhikam para-devatam

"Please understand the truth of My beloved, the supreme goddess Sri Radha. I enjoy pastimes with Her eternally. She has conquered Me with Her love.

Text 161


asyas ca paritah pasya
sakhyah sata-sahasrasah
nityah sarva ima rudra
yathaham nitya-vigrahah

"O Siva, see how hundreds and thousands of Her friends surround Us. As I am eternal, so are they also.

Text 162


sakhayah pitarau gopa
gavo vrindavanam mama
nityam eva sarvam etat
cid-ananda-rasatmakam

My gopa friends, parents, cows, and this land named Vrindavana are all eternal. They are spiritual, blissful, and sweet like nectar.

Text 163


idam ananda-kandakhyam
viddhi vrindavanam mama
yasmin pravesa-matrena
na punah samsritim viset

Know that My Vrindavana is filled with bliss. One who enters it never again enters the world of birth and death.

Text 164


mad-vanam prapya yo mudhah
punar anyatra gacchati
sa atma-ha mahadeva
sarvatha natra samsayah

One who, after entering My forest, leaves and goes somewhere else is a great fool. O Siva, it is as if he killed his own soul. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 165


vrindavanam parityajya
naiva gacchamy aham kvacit
nivasamy anaya sardham
aham atraiva sarvada

I never take even a single step out of Vrindavana. Accompanied by Sri Radha, I stay here eternally.

Text 166


ity evam sarvam akhyatam
yat te rudra hridi sthitam
kathayasva mamedanim
kim anyat srotum icchasi

Thus I have told you everything. O Siva, speak what is in your heart. What more do you wish to hear?

Text 167


tatas tam abruvam devam
aham ca muni-sattama
idrisdas tvam katham labhyas
tam upayam vadasva me

O best of sages, then I said to Lord Krishna: How can one attain You? Please tell me the way.

Text 168


tato mam aha bhagavan
sadhu rudra tvayoditam
ati-guhyatamam hy etat
gopaniyam tvayanagha

Then Lord Krishna said to me: O Siva, you have spoken well. I will tell you a great secret, which you should carefully conceal, O sinless one.

Text 169


sakrid avam prapanno yas
tyaktopaya upasate
gopi-bhavena devesa
samam eti na cetara

A person who, renouncing all else, once surrenders to Me and to Sri Radha, and worships Us as the gopis worship Us, attains Us. No one else attains Us.

Text 170


yo mam eva prapannas ca
mat-priyam na mahesvara
na kadapi samapnoti
mam eva te mayoditam

O Siva, a person who surrenders to Me but not to My beloved never attains Me. This I tell you.

Text 171


sakrid etam prapanno yas
tavasmiti vaded api
sadhanena vinapy esha
mam apnoti na samsayah

A person who once surrenders to Her and tells Her, "I am Yours", attains Me also without doing anything further. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 172


tasmat sarvatmana rudra
mat-priyam saranam vrajet
ya asu mat-priya bhutva
mam vasi-kartum icchati

Therefore, O Siva, a person who desires to conquer Me should surrender, with all his heart, to My beloved. In this way one becomes dear to Me.

Text 173


idam rahasyam paramam
maya te parikirtitam
tvayapy etan mahadeva
gopaniyam prayatnatah

I have spoken to you a very great secret. O Siva, please conceal it with great care.

Text 174


tvam apy etam samasritya
radhikam mama vallabham
japan me yugalam mantram
sada tishtha mamalaye

You also should take shelter of My beloved Radha, chant My two mantras, and always stay in My abode.

Text 175


sri-siva uvaca
ity uktva dakshine karne
mama krishno daya-nidhih
upadisya dvayam hy etat
samskarams ca vidhaya hi

Lord Sadasiva said: After speaking these words, Lord Krishna, who is an ocean of mercy, spoke the two mantras in my right ear. Then He taught me the various samskaras.

Text 176


sa-gano 'ntardadhe vipra
tatraiva me vipascitah
aham apy atra tishthami
tad arabhya nirantaram

O wise brahmana, then the Lord and His company suddenly disappeared. Since then I have always stayed in this place.

Text 177


sarvam etan maya tubhyam
sangam eva prakirtitam
adhuna vada viprendra
kim bhuyah srotum icchasi

O king of brahmanas, now I have told you everything. Please speak. What more do you wish to hear?

Text 178


sri-narada uvaca
bhagavan sarvam akhyatam
yat prishtam maya guro
adhuna srotum icchami
bhava-margam anuttamam

Sri Narada said: O spiritual master, you have answered my question with all completeness. Now I wish to hear about the path of spiritual love, the best of all paths.

Text 179


sri-sadasiva uvaca
sadhu prishtam tvaya vipra
sarva-loka-hitaishina
rahasyam api vakshyami
tan me nigaditam srinu

Lord Sadasiva said: O brahmana who wishes the welfare of all, I will tell you a great secret. Please hear this from me.

Text 180


dasah sakhayah pitarau
preyasyas ca harir iha
sarve nitya muni-sreshtha
tat-tulya-guna-salinah

O best of sages, Lord Hari, His servants, His friends, His parents, and His gopi beloveds are all eternal. They all have the same transcendental virtues.

Text 181


yatha prakata-lilayah
puraneshu prakirtitah
tatha te nitya-lilayam
santi vrindavane bhuvi

Lord Krishna's eternal pastimes in the spiritual world of Vrindavana are exactly like His manifested pastimes in earthly Vrindavana, as described in the Puranas.

Text 182


gamanagamane nityam
tathaiva vana-goshthayoh
go-caranam vayasyas ca
vinasura-vighatanam

In the spiritual world of Vrindavana there is the same coming and going to the forest and village of Vraja, the same herding of the cows, and the same friends. Only the killing of the demons is absent.

Text 183


parakiyabhimaninyas
tatha tasya priya-janah
pracchannenaiva bhavena
ramayanti nijam priyam

Thinking of Him as their paramour, with hidden love the gopis please their beloved Krishna.

Text 184 and 185


atmanam cintayet tatra
tasam madhye manoramam
rupa-yauvana-sampannam
kisorim pramadakritim
nana-silpa-kalabhijnam
krishna-bhoganurupinim
prarthitam api krishnena
tato bhoga-paranmukhim

One should think of oneself as a beautiful young gopi girl expert in various arts, pleasing to Lord Krishna, reluctant to directly enjoy with Lord Krishna even if He were personally to invite you, . . .

Text 186


radhikanucarim nityam
tat-sevana-parayanam
krishnad apy adhikam prema
radhikayam prakurvatim

. . . a follower of Sri Radha, always devoted to Her service, more affectionate to Sri Radha than to Lord Krishna Himself, . . .

Text 187


prityanudivasam yatnat
tayoh sangama-karinim
tat-sevana-sukhasvada-
bharenati-su-nirvritam

. . . every day carefully and affectionately arranging the meeting of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, and becoming happy to see Them pleased by your service.

Text 188


ity atmanam vicintyaiva
tatra sevam samacaret
brahma-muhurtam arabhya
yavat santa maha-nisa

Thinking of oneself in this way, one should serve Sri Sri Radha-Krishna from the early morning of brahma-muhurta to the end of night.

Text 189


sri-narada uvaca
harer dainandinim lilam
srotum icchami tattvatah
lilam ajanatam sevyo
manasa tu katham harih

Sri Narada said: I wish to hear the daily pastimes of Lord Hari. How can they who do not know these pastimes serve Lord Hari in their hearts?

Text 190


sri-sadasiva uvaca
naham janami tam lilam
harer narada tattvatah
vrinda-devim samagaccha
sa te lilam pravakshyati

Lord Sadasiva said: I do not know these pastimes of Lord Hari. Go to Vrinda-devi. She will tell them to you.

Text 191


avidura itah sthanat
kesi-tirtha-samipatah
sakhi-sangha-vrita saste
govinda-paricarika

She stays near Kesi-tirtha, which is not far from this place. She is surrounded by many gopi friends. She is a maidservant of Lord Krishna.

Text 192


sri-sanat-kumara uvaca
ity uktas tam parikramya
gurum natva punah punah
vrinda-sthanam jagamadau
narado muni-sattamah

Sri Sanat-kumara said: Hearing these words, the great sage Sri Narada circumambulated his spiritual master, bowed before him again and again, and then went to the abode of Sri Vrinda-devi.

Text 193


vrindapi naradam drishtva
pranamyapi punah punah
uvaca tam muni-sreshtha
katham atragatis tava

Seeing Narada, Vrinda bowed before him again and again. "O best of sages, why have you come here?" she said.

Text 194


sri-narada uvaca
tvatto veditum icchami
naittikam caritam hareh
tat tada bruhi me devi
yadi yogyo 'smi sobhane

Sri Narada said: I have come to learn from you of Lord Hari's daily activities. O beautiful goddess, if I am qualified to hear of them, please tell them to me.

Text 195


sri-vrindovaca
rahasyam api vakshyami
krishna-bhakto 'si narada
na prakasyam tvaya hy etad
guhyad guhyatamam mahat

Sri Vrinda said: O Narada, you are a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Therefore I will tell you this, the greatest of all secrets. Please do not make these words public.

 

Text 196
nisanta-seva

madhye vrindavane ramye
pancasat kunja-mandite
kalpa-vriksha-nikunje tu
divya-ratna-maye grihe

In the middle of beautiful Vrindavana forest, which is decorated with fifty groves, in a grove of kalpa-vriksha trees, in a glittering jewel palace, . . .

Text 197
nidrito tishthatas talpe
nividalingatau mithah
mad-ajna-karibhih pascat
pakshibhir bodhitav api

. . . on a graceful bed, the sleeping, tightly embracing divine couple were awakened by birds following my command.

Text 198
gadhalingana-nirbhedam
aptau tad-bhanga-katarau
na manas kurutas talpat
samutthatum manag api

Their firm embrace broken, the divine couple became unhappy at the thought of Their impending separation. They had no wish to rise even slightly from Their bed.

Text 199
tatas ca sarika-sanghaih
sukadyair api tau muda
bodhitau vividhair vakyaih
sva-talpad udatishthatam

Awakened by the cheerful words of many parrots and other birds, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna rose from Their bed.

Translated by Sriman Kusakratha dasa


 

 

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  • 200
    upavishtau tato drishtva
    sakhyas talpe mudanvitau
    pravisya cakrire sevam
    tat-kalasyocitam tayoh

    Seeing that the divine couple had happily risen from bed, the gopis entered and served Them in ways appropriate to that time.

    201
    punas ca sarika-vakyair
    utthaya tau sva-talpatah
    gacchatah sva-sva-bhavanam
    bhity-utkanthakulau mithah

    When the female parrots spoke, the divine couple rose from Their bed. Very anxious, They returned to Their homes.

    Pastimes in the Early Morning

    202
    pratah-seva

    pratas ca bodhito matra
    talpad utthaya sa-tvaram
    kritva krishno danta-kashtham
    baladeva-samanvitam

    Wakened by His mother in the early morning, Lord Krishna rose from bed. Then He and Balarama brushed Their teeth.

    203
    matranumodito yati
    go-salam dohanotsukah
    radhapi bodhita vriddha-
    vayasyabhih sva-talpatah

    With His mother's permission, Lord Krishna eagerly went to the barn to milk the cows. Then Sri Radha, wakened by the elder gopis, also rose from Her bed.

    204
    utthaya danta-kashthadi
    kritvabhyangam samacaret
    snana-vedim tato gatva
    snapita lalitadibhih

    Sri Radha rose, brushed Her teeth, anointed Herself with fragrant oils, and then went to the bathing-room, where Lalita and the other gopis bathed Her.

    205
    bhusha-griham vrajet tatra
    vayasya bhushayanty api
    bhushanair vividhair divyair
    gandha-malyanulepanaih

    Then She went to the decorating-room, where Her friends decorated Her with garlands, scents, oils, and many glittering ornaments.

    206
    tatas ca sva-janais tasyah
    svasrum samprarthya yatnatah
    paktum ahuyate turnam
    sa-sakhi sa yasodaya

    Then, after first speaking to Radha's mother-in-law, Yasoda called Radha and Her friends to cook breakfast for Lord Krishna.

    207
    sri-narada uvaca

    katham ahuyate devi
    pakartham sa yasodaya
    satishu paka-kartrishu
    rohini-pramukhasv api

    Sri Narada said: O goddess, why did Yasoda call Sri Radha to cook when Rohini and so many other expert cooks were present in her home?

    208
    sri-vrindovaca

    durvasasa svayam datto
    varas tasyai maharshina
    iti katyayani-vaktrac
    chrutam asin maya pura

    Sri Vrinda said: The great sage Durvasa gave Radha a boon that She would be the best of cooks. This I heard from the mouth of Katyayani.

    209
    tvaya yat pacyate devi
    tad-annam mad-anugrahat
    mishtam svadv-amrita-spardhi
    bhoktur ayush-karam tatha

    Durvasa said to Radha, "O goddess, by my mercy whatever You cook will be more delicious than nectar. It will increase the life of whoever eats it."

    210
    ity ahvayati tam nityam
    yasoda putra-vatsala
    ayushman me bhavet putrah
    svadu-lobhat tatha sati

    That is why every day Yasoda calls Radha to cook. Yasoda thinks, "Eager to eat this delicious food, my son will live a very long life."

    211
    svasrus canumodita sapi
    hrishtanandalayam vrajet
    sa-sakhi-prakara tatra
    gatva pakam karoti ca

    Receiving permission from Her mother-in-law, Radha becomes very happy. Accompanied by a host of friends, She goes to Krishna's home to cook.

    212
    krishno 'pi dugdhva gah kascid
    dohayitva janaih parah
    agacchati pitur vakyat
    sva-griham sakhibhir vritah

    Meanwhile, Lord Krishna milked some cows and had the other boys milk the others. Then, called by His father, He and His friends returned home.

    213
    abhanga-mardanam kritva
    dasaih samsnapito muda
    dhauta-vastra-dharah sragvi
    candanakta-kalevarah

    Then the servants happily massaged Lord Krishna, bathed Him, dressed Him in clean garments, garlanded Him, and anointed His body with sandal paste.

    214
    dvi-phala-baddha-kesas ca
    griva-bhalopari sphuran
    candrakara-spurad-bhala-
    tilakalaka-ranjitah

    Then the servants gathered Lord Krishna's hair from His forehead to His neck and tied it in a topknot. They made the moon of the His forehead splendid with tilaka and curling locks of hair.

    215
    kankanangada-keyura-
    ratna-mudra-lasat-karah
    mukta-hara-sphurad-vaksha
    makarakriti-kundalah

    They decorated Lord Krishna with armlets and bracelets. They made His hands splendid with jewel rings. They placed a necklace of pearls across His chest and decorated His ears with shark-shaped earrings.

    216
    muhur akarito matra
    pravised bhojanalaye
    avalambya karam matur
    baladevam anuvratah

    Again and again called by His mother, Lord Krishna, holding His mother's hand, finally followed Balarama into the breakfast-room.

    217
    bhuktva ca vividhannani
    matra ca sakhibhir vritah
    hasayan vividhair vakyaih
    sakhims tair hasitah svayam

    Accompanied by His mother and His friends, Lord Krishna ate a breakfast-feast of many different kinds of foods. He told many jokes, laughing and making His friends laugh.

    218
    ittham bhuktva tathacamya
    divya-khattopari kshanat
    visramet sevakair dattam
    tambulam vibhajann adan

    Then the servants brought betelnuts. After sharing them with His friends and chewing some Himself, Lord Krishna rested for a moment on a splendid bed.

    219
    radhapi bhojananandam
    drishtva yasodaya huta
    lalitadi-sakhi-vrita
    bhunkte 'nnam lajjayanvita

    Radha watched as Lord Krishna enjoyed these pastimes of eating breakfast. When Yasoda called, Radha, accompanied by Lalita and many other gopi friends, shyly ate breakfast.

    Pastimes in the Late Morning

    220
    atha purvahna-seva

    gopa-vesa-dharah krishno
    dhenu-vrinda-purah-sarah
    vraja-vasi-janaih pritya
    sarvair anugatah pathi

    When, dressed as a cowherd boy, Lord Krishna followed the cows to the pasture, all the people of Vraja affectionately followed Him on the path.

    221
    pitaram mataram natva
    netrantena priya-ganan
    yatha-yogyam tatha canyan
    sannivartya vanam vrajet

    Bowing down before His father and mother, casting sidelong glances at His gopi-beloveds, and dealing appropriately with all the others, Lord Krishna sent them all back. Then He again proceeded to the forest.

    222
    vanam pravisya sakhibhih
    kriditva ca kshanam tatah
    vancayitva ca tan sarvan
    dvi-traih priya-sakhair yutah

    Lord Krishna entered the forest, played for a while with His friends, and then slipped away with two or three especially close friends.

    223
    sanketakam vrajed dharsat
    priya-sandarsanotsukah
    sapi krishne vanam yate
    drishtva tam griham agata

    Eager to see His beloved, Lord Krishna happily went to meet Her. When She saw that Lord Krishna had gone to the forest, Sri Radha returned to Her home.

    224
    suryadi-puja-vyajena
    kusumady-ahriti-cchalat
    vancayitva gurun yati
    priya-sangecchaya vanam

    Then, on the pretext of gathering flowers and other things for the worship of the sun-god and other purposes, Sri Radha tricks Her superiors and, yearning to meet Her beloved, goes to the forest.

    Pastimes of Midday

    225
    atha madhyahna-seva

    ittham tau bahu-yatnena
    militva sva-ganair vritah
    viharair vividhais tatra
    vane vikridito muda

    Finally meeting after a great effort, the divine couple enjoy many happy pastimes in the forest with Their associates.

    226
    andolika-sakharudhau
    sakhibhir dolitau kvacit
    kvacid venum kara-srastam
    priyaya coritam harih

    Sometimes Radha and Krishna enjoy pastimes on a swing hanging from a tree branch and pushed by the gopis. Sometimes Radha steals the flute from Lord Krishna's hand.

    227
    anveshayann upalabdho
    vipralabdhah priya-ganaih
    hasito bahudha tabhir
    hrita-sva iva tishthati

    Sometimes the gopis hid and made Him search after them. Sometimes they teased and scolded Him. Sometimes they joked with Him and made Him laugh. In these ways they charmed Lord Krishna and stole His heart.

    228-229
    vasanta-rtuna jushtam
    vana-khandam kvacin muda
    pravisya candanambhobhih
    kunkumadi-jalair api

    visincato yantra-muktais
    tat-pankanapitau mithah
    sakhyo 'py evam visincanti
    tas ca tau sincatah punah

    Sometimes Lord Krishna happily enters the forest in the beautiful springtime and with a sprinkler sprinkles the gopis with water mixed with sandal, kunkuma, and other colorful scents. The gopis respond by sprinkling Him. Then Radha and Krishna sprinkle each other again and again.

    230
    tathanyartu-su-jushtasu
    kridito vana-rajisu
    tat-tat-kalocitair nana-
    viharaih sa-ganau dvija

    O brahmana, in the forest groves the divine couple enjoy many different pastimes with Their associates, pastimes appropriate to the different times and seasons.

    231
    sranto kvacid vrksha-mulam
    asadya muni-sattama
    upavisyasane divye
    madhu-panam pracakratuh

    O best of sages, sometimes They become tired. Then, sitting on a splendid throne under a tree, They drink nectar.

    232
    tato madhu-padonmatto
    nidraya militekshanau
    mithah panim samalambya
    kama-bana-vasam gatau

    Intoxicated by drinking nectar, their eyes become closed with sleepiness. Holding hands, They are attacked by Kamadeva's arrows.

    233
    riramsu visatah kunjam
    khalat-padabjakau pathi
    tato vikridatas tatra
    karini yuthapau yatha

    Desiring to enjoy, They place Their lotus feet in a forest grove. There They enjoy pastimes like two regal elephants.

    234
    sakhyo 'pi madhubhir matta
    nidraya pihitekshanah
    abhitah kunja-punjesu
    sarva eva vililyare

    Intoxicated by drinking nectar, and their eyes closed with sleepiness, the gopis entered the nearby forest groves.

    235
    prithag ekena vapusa
    krishno 'pi yugapad vibhuh
    sarvasam sannidhim gacchet
    priyanam parito muhuh

    Expanding into many forms, all-powerful Lord Krishna approached each gopi individually.

    236
    ramayitva ca tah sarvah
    karinir gaja-rad iva
    priyaya ca tatha tabhih
    sarovaram athavrajat

    As an elephant king enjoys with His many wives, so Lord Krishna enjoyed with the gopis. Then Lord Krishna, His beloved Radha, and all the gopis entered a lake.

    237
    sri-narada uvaca

    vrinde sri-nanda-putrasya
    madhurya-kridane katham
    aisvaryasya prakaso 'bhud
    iti me chindhi samsayam

    Sri Narada said: O Vrinda-devi, if His pastimes of sweetness are like this, then when does Lord Krishna manifest His pastimes of opulence? Please cut apart my doubt.

    238
    sri-vrindovaca

    mune madhurya-mayyasti
    lila-saktir harer drdha
    taya prithak kritah krided
    gopikabhih samam harih

    Sri Vrinda said: O sage, the powerful potency of the pastimes of sweetness is one of Lord Hari's potencies. With that potency Lord Hari enjoys pastimes with the gopis.

    239
    radhaya saha rupena
    nijena ramate svayam
    iti madhurya-lilayah
    saktir naisataya hareh

    When in His original form Lord Krishna enjoys pastimes with Sri Radha, He manifests the potency of His pastimes of sweetness. At that time He does not manifest the potency of His pastimes of opulence.

    240
    jala-sekair mithas tatra
    kriditva sa-ganau tatah
    vasah-srak-candanair divya-
    bhushanair api bhushitau

    Accompanied by Their gopi friends, the divine couple enjoy pastimes of splashing each other in the water. Then They are decorated with splendid garments, ornaments, garlands, and sandal paste.

    241
    tatraiva sarasas-tire
    divya-ratna-maye grihe
    asnitah phala-mulani
    kalpitani mayaiva hi

    Then, in a jewel cottage by the lakeshore, the divine couple eat a snack of delicious fruits and roots carefully prepared by me.

    242
    haris tu prathamam bhuktva
    kantaya parivesitam
    dvi-trabhih sevito gacchec
    chayyam pushpa-vinirmitam

    After Their snack, Lord Hari and His beloved recline on a couch of flowers. There two or three gopis serve Them.

    243
    tambula-vyajanais tatra
    pada-samvahanadibhih
    sevyamano bhrisam tabhih
    moditah presayim smaran

    Served by the gopis who offer Him betelnuts, fan Him, and massage His feet, Lord Krishna, His thoughts fixed on His beloved, becomes filled with happiness.

    244
    sri-radhapi harau supte
    sa-gana muditantara
    kanta-dattam prita-mana
    ucchishtam bubhuje tatah

    As Lord Krishna slept, Sri Radha and Her associates happily ate the remnants of His meal.

    245
    kincid eva tato bhuktva
    vrajec chayya-niketanam
    drastum kanta-mukhambhojam
    cakori-van nisakaram

    After eating, Sri Radha went to the bed to gaze on Her beloved's lotus face as a cakori bird gazes at the moon.

    246
    tambula-carcitam tasya
    tatratyabhir niveditam
    tambulany api casnati
    vibhajanti priyalisu

    The gopis there gave Her the remnants of betelnuts chewed by Lord Krishna. Some She chewed and some She gave to Her friends.

    247
    krishno 'pi tasam susrusuh
    svacchanda-bhasitam mithah
    prapta-nidra ivabhati
    vinidro 'pi patavritah

    Eager to hear what the gopis said, Lord Krishna only pretended to be asleep as He lay under the covers.

    248
    tas ca kshvelim kshanam kritva
    mithah kanta-kathasrayah
    vyaja-nidram harer jnatva
    kutascid anumanatah

    As they playfully joked about their beloved Hari they could gradually understand that He was only pretending to sleep.

    249
    vimrisya vadanam drgbhih
    pasyantyo 'nyonyam ananam
    lina iva lajjaya syuh
    kshanam ucur na kincana

    Seeing the signs of wakefulness on Lord Krishna's face, they looked at each other and suddenly became silent out of embarrassment.

    250
    kshanad eva tato vastram
    duri-kritya tad-angatah
    sadhu-nidram gato 'siti
    hasayantyo hasanti tam

    Suddenly pulling the blanket from His limbs and exclaiming, "My, You must have had a pleasant sleep!", they laughed and make Lord Krishna laugh also.

    251
    evam tau vividhair hasai
    ramamanau ganaih saha
    anubhuya kshanam nidra-
    sukham ca muni-sattama

    O best of sages, in this way the divine couple enjoyed a pleant nap and a host of happy joking words.

    252
    upavisyasane divye
    sa-ganau vishtrte muda
    pani-kritya mitho hara-
    cumbaslesha-paricchadan

    Sitting on a splendid throne and surrounded by Their associates, the divine couple gamble at dice, with garlands, kisses, and embraces as the winner's prize.

    • 253
      akshair vikridatah premna
      narmalapah purah-saram
      parajito 'pi priyaya
      jitam ity avadan mrisa

      Joking with words of love, Radha and Krishna gamble with dice. Defeated by His beloved, Lord Krishna slowly pronounces, "I have lost."

      254
      haradi-grahane tasyah
      pravrittastayate taya
      tathaivam taditah krishnah
      karnotpala-saroruhaih

      Taking the necklace and other prizes, Sri Radha struck Lord Krishna with a lotus flower.

      255
      visanna-vadano bhutva
      gata-sva iva narada
      jito 'smi ca tvaya devi
      grihyatam yat pani-kritam

      O Narada, His unhappiness showing on His face, Lord Krishna felt as if He had lost a great treasure. "O goddess, You have defeated Me", He said. "Please take the winner's prize."

      256
      cumbanadi maya dattam
      ity uktva ca tathacaret
      kautilya-tad-bhruvo drastum
      srotum tad-bhartsanam vacah

      To see Radha's crooked raised eyebrows and hear Her words of rebuke, Lord Krishna declared, "Now I will give You the kiss and the other prizes." Then He gave Her all the prizes.

      257
      tatah sari-sukanam ca
      srutva vag-ahavam mithah
      nirgacchatas tatah snanad
      gantu-kamau griham prati

      Then, hearing the parrots calling, Radha and Krishna bathed and decided to return to Their homes.

      258
      krishnah kantam anujnapya
      gavam abhimukham vrajet
      sa tu surya-griham gacchet
      sakhi-mandala-samyuta

      Taking leave of His beloved, Lord Krishna returns to the cows. Accomopanied by Her friends, Sri Radha goes to the temple of the sun-god.

      259
      kiyad duram tato gatva
      paravritya harih punah
      vipra-vesham samasthapya
      yati surya-griham prati

      Lord goes a short distance, disguises Himself as a brahmana, and then goes to the temple of the sun-god.

      260
      suryam ca pujayet tatra
      prarthitas tat-sakhi-janaih
      tadaiva kalpitair vedaih
      parihasyavagarbhitaih

      Requested by the gopis, the disguised Krishna worships the sun-god. Lord Krishna then recites a host of imaginary Vedic prayers, prayers made up on the spot and filled with a host of errors.

      261
      tatas ta api tam kantam
      parijnaya vicakshanah
      ananda-sagare lina
      na viduh svam na caparam

      Finally understanding that this person was their beloved Krishna, the intelligent gopis became plunged in an ocean of bliss. Intoxicated with bliss they did not know who they were or who anyone else was.

      262
      viharair vividhair evam
      sardham yama-dvayam mune
      nitva griham vrajeyus tah
      sa ca krishno gavam vrajet

      O sage, in this way the divine couple and Their associates passed six hours enjoying many pastimes. Finally the gopis returned to their homes and Lord Krishna returned to the cows.

      Pastimes in the Afternoon

      263
      athaparahna-seva

      sangamya tu sakhin krishno
      grihitva gah samantatah
      agacchati vrajam karsan
      tan murali-ravaih

      Meeting with His gopa friends, taking the cows with Him, and attracting everyone with the music of His flute, Lord Krishna returned to Vraja Village.

      264-265
      tato nandadayah sarve
      srutva venu-ravam hareh
      go-dhuli-patalair vyaptam
      drishtva capi nabha-sthalam

      visrijya sarva-karmani
      striyo baladayo 'pi ca
      krishnasyabhimukham yanti
      tad-darsana-samutsukah

      Hearing the sound of Krishna's flute and seeing the sky filled with the dust raised by the cows, King Nanda and all the men, women, and children of Vraja stopped all they were doing and ran to see Krishna.

      266
      raja-marge vraja-dvari
      yatra sarve vrajaukasah
      krishno 'py etan samagamya
      yathavad anupurvasah

      On the royal road at the entrance to Vraja Village Lord Krishna met all the people of Vraja one after another.

      267
      darsanaih sparsanair vapi
      smita-purva-vilokanaih
      gopa-vriddhan namaskaraih
      kayikair vacikair api

      He met them with embraces, glances, and smiling glances. He bowed before the elder gopas and He honored them with His words.

      268
      sastanga-pataih pitarau
      rohinim api narada
      sutranta-sucitenaiva
      vinayena priyas tatha

      O Sri Narada, Lord Krishna prostrated His entire body to show respect to His parents and to Rohini-devi. From the corner of His eye He shyly glanced at His gopi beloveds.

      269
      evam tais ca yatha yogyam
      vrajaukobhih prapujitah
      gavalayam tatha gas ca
      sampravesya samantatah

      Then, in the ways proper for each, all the people of Vraja worshiped Lord Krishna. Then Lord Krishna took the cows into the barn.

      270
      pitribhyam arthito yati
      matra saha nijalayam
      snatva pitva tatha kincid
      bhuktva matranumoditah

      Requested by His parents, Lord Krishna went home with mother Yasoda. Requested by her, He bathed and then He ate and drank.

      Pastimes at Sunset

      271
      atha sayam seva

      tas ca dugdhva dohayitva
      payayitva ca kascana
      pitra sardham griham yati
      yayau bharisatanugah

      After milking some of the cows, having the other gopas milk the other cows, and allowing the calves to also drink some of the milk, Lord Krishna, accompanied by His father and by servants carrying the milk, returned home.

      272
      tatrapi matri-vrindais ca
      tat-putrais ca balaih saha
      sambhunkte vividhannani
      carvya-cusyadikani ca

      Then, accompanied by Lord Balarama, the gopa boys, and the boys' mothers, Lord Krishna ate a feast of many different kinds of foods, foods to be chewed, licked, or consumed in other ways.

      Pastimes of the Evening

      273
      atha pradosa-seva tan matuh prarthanat purvam
      radhayapi tadaiva hi
      prasthapyante sakhi-dvara
      pakvannani tad-alayam

      On Mother Yasoda's request, Sri Radha and Her friends had cooked this feast.

      274
      slaghayams ca haris tani
      bhuktva pitradibhih saha
      sabha-griham vrajet tais ca
      jushtam vandi-janadibhih

      After enjoying the feast in the company of His father and the others, Lord Krishna praises in with many words. Then, accompanied by the poets ansd reciters, Lord Krishna goes to the assembly-house.

      275
      pakvannani grihitva ya
      sakhyas tatra samagatah
      bahuni ca punas tani
      pradattani yasodaya

      Then mother Yasoda gave abundant remnants from the feast to the gopis who had brought it in the first place.

      276
      sakhya tatra taya dattam
      krishnocchishtam tatha rahah
      sarvam tabhih samaniya
      radhikayai nivedyate

      Mother Yasoda gives them the remnants from Lord Krishna's plate. The gopis take it and in a secluded place present it before Sri Radha.

      277
      sapi bhuktva sakhi-varga-
      yuta tad-anupurvasah
      sakhibhir mandita tishthed
      abhisartum mudanvita

      Then Sri Radha and Her friends honor Lord Krishna's remnants. Then, to prepare for Her meeting with Lord Krishna, the gopis decorate joyful Radha.

      278
      prasthapyate 'naya kacid
      ita eva tatah sakhi
      tasyabhisarita satha
      yamunayah samipatah

      One of the gopis has already made arrangements for Sri Radha's secret meeting with Lord Krishna by the Yamuna's shore.

      279
      kalpa-vrksha-nikunje 'smin
      divya-ratna-maye grihe
      sita-krishna-nisa-yogya-
      vesa yati sakhi-yuta

      Accompanied by Her friends and dressed in garments suitable for a bright or a dark night, Sri Radha goes to a jewel palace in a kalpa-vrksa grove.

      280
      krishno 'pi vividham tatra
      drishtva kautuhalam tatah
      kavitvani manojnani
      srutva ca gitakany api

      Meanwhile Lord Krishna saw many festive ceremonies and heard many beautiful poems and songs.

      281
      dhana-dhanyadis tams ca
      prinayitva vidhanatah
      janair akarito matra
      yati sayya-niketanam

      Then Lord Krishna pleases the artists and performers with many valuable gifts and then, called by His mother, He goes to bed.

      282
      matari prasthitayam tu
      bhojayitva tato grihan
      sanketakam kantayatra
      samagacched alakshitah

      When, after giving Him a nightime snack, mother Yasoda left the bedroom, unseen by anyone, Lord Krishna left His home and went to meet His beloved.

      Pastimes at Night

      283
      ratri-seva militva tav ubhav atra
      kriditau vanarajisu
      viharair vividhair vesaih
      lasya-gita-purah-saraih

      Meeting in the forest groves, Sri Sri Radha and Krishna enjoy singing, dancing, and many other pastimes.

      284
      sardha-yama-dvayam nitva
      ratrer evam viharatah
      susupsur viset kunjam
      pancasabhir alakshitaih

      After enjoying pastimes for seven and a half hours of the night, Lord Krishna becomes sleepy. Accompanied by five or six gopis and unseen by the others, He enters another forest.

      285>BR? nirvrnta-kusumaih kl pte
      keli-talpe manohare
      suptavatishtham tatra
      sevyamanau priyalibhih

      Served by Their dear gopi friends, the divine couple sleeps there on a beautiful pastime-bed made of unstemmed flowers.

      286
      sri-narada uvaca

      srotum icchami bho deva
      vraja-raja-sutasya ca
      vrindavane rasam divyam
      radhayaikantikam saha

      Sri Narada said: O master, I wish to hear of the transcendental mellows of Lord Krishna's final pastimes with Sri Radha in Vrindavana forest.

      287
      sri-sadasiva uvaca

      srinu narada vakshyami
      radha-krishna-rasam sucim
      su-gopyam paramodaram
      na vaktavyam hi kasyacit

      Lord Sadasiva said: O Sri Narada, please hear and I will describe the pure nectar mellows of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna's pastimes. These sublime pastimes are very confidential. They should not be spoken to anyone.

      288
      aikantika-rasasvadam
      kartum vrindavane bhumau
      vraja-raja-kumara uce
      bahu-kale mamavyayam

      After a long time Lord Krishna described to me His last nectar pastimes with Sri Radha.

      289
      mayi prasannah sri-krishno
      mantra-yugmam anuttamam
      yugalakhyam dadau mahyam
      sviyojjvala-rasaplutam

      Please with me, Lord Krishna gave me two peerless mantras plunged in the nectar of His glorious pastimes.

      290
      samabravit tada krishnah
      sva-sisyam mam svakam rasam
      bravimi tvam srinusvadya
      brahmadinam agocaram

      Then Lord Krishna described His nectar pastimes to me, his disciple. O Sri Narada, now you may happily hear what even Brahma and all the demigods do not know. I will tell it to you.

      291
      vraja-raja-suto vrinda-
      vane purnatamo vasan
      sampurna-sodasa-kalo
      viharam kurute sada

      Nanda's son, who is the prince of Vraja, who stays in Vrindavana forest and enjoys pastimes there eternally, and who is like a perfectly full moon, is the most-perfect form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

      292
      vasudevah purnataro
      mathurayam vasan puri
      kalabhih pancadasabhir
      yutah kridati sarvada

      Vasudeva's son, who stays in Mathura City and enjoys pastimes there eternally, and who is like a moon one day before being perfectly full, is the more-perfect form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

      293
      dvarakadhipatir dvara-
      vatyam purnas tv asau vasan
      caturdasa-kala-yukto
      viharaty eva sarvada

      The king of Dvaraka, who stays in Dvaraka, and enjoys pastimes there eternally, and who is like a moon two days before being perfectly full, is the perfect form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

      294
      ekaya kalaya dvabhyam
      mathura-dvarikadhipau
      vrindavana-pate rupau
      purnau sve sve pade rase

      As the king of Dvaraka, Lord Krishna is like a moon two days before its fullness. As the king of Mathura, Lord Krishna is like a moon one day before its fullness. As the master of Vrindavana, Lord Krishna is like a moon on the day of its perfect fullness.

      294 (b)
      The form and pastimes of the king of Mathura are like a full moon. Still, compared to the master of Vrindavana, the form and pastimes of the king of Mathura are like a moon one day before its fullness. The form and pastimes of the king of Dvaraka are like a full moon. Still, compared to the master of Vrindavana, the form and pastimes of the king of Dvaraka are like a moon two days before its fullness.

      295
      sri-bhu-lila-yogamaya
      cintyacintya tathaiva ca
      mohini kausality astau
      bahirangas ca saktayah

      Sri, Bhu, Lila, Yogamaya, Cintya, Acintya, Mohini, and Kasali are Lord Krishna's eight external potencies.

      296
      lila prema svarupa ca
      sthapany akarshini tatha
      samyogini viyoginy a-
      hladinity antarangika

      Lila, Prema-svarupa, Sthapani, Akarshini, Samyogini, Viyogini, and Ahladini are Lord Krishna's internal potencies.

      297
      vraje sri-krishnacandrasya
      santi sodasa saktayah
      posika madhurasyaiva
      tasyaita vai sanatanah

      In Vraja these sixteen eternal potencies expand the sweetness of Lord Krishnacandra.

      298
      hladini ya maha-saktih
      sarva-sakti-variyasi
      tat-sara-bhava-rupa sri-
      radhika parikirtita

      The Hladini potency is the best of all potencies is. That potency is the personification of ecstatic love. That potency is called Sri Radha.

      299
      taya sri-krishnacandrasya
      krida yah samaye mune
      tadavishtam vasudevam
      saha kshirabdhi-nayakam

      O sage, Lord Vasudeva and Lord Kshirodakasayi Visnu are also present in the pastimes that Lord Krishnacandra enjoys with His Hladini potency.

      300
      antariksha-gatam kuryac
      chaktir akarshini hareh
      kridante sthapayet tam tu
      sthapini krishna-dehatah

      The potency Akarsini manifests the Lord's pastimes from the spiritual sky. The potency Sthapini manifests the Lord's pastimes from Lord Krishna's body.

      301
      sampurna-sodasa-kalah
      kevalo nanda-nandanah
      vikridan radhaya sardham
      labhate paramam sukham

      Nanda's son, who enjoys supreme bliss in His pastimes with Sri Radha, is the only most perfect form of the Lord.

      302
      sri-narada uvaca gate madhu-purim krishne
      vipralambha-rasah katham
      vasudeve radhikayah
      samsayam chindhi me prabho

      Sri Narada said: If when Lord Krishna goes to Mathura He manifests His more-perfect form of Vasudeva's son (which is different from the most-perfect form of Nanda's son), then how is it possible for Sri Radha to feel the pangs of separation from this form (a form different from the Vrindavana-Krishna)? O master, please cut apart this doubt.

      303
      sri-sadasiva uvaca

      saktih samyogini kama
      vama saktir viyogini
      hladini kirtida-putri
      caivam radha trayam vraje

      Lord Sadasiva said: The Samyogini potency arranges the amorous pastimes of the divine couple, and the Viyogini potency arranges that the divine couple be separated. The Hladini potency is the Lord's pleasure potency. In Vraja Sri Radha is the manifestation of these three potencies.

      304
      mama pranesvarah krishnas
      tyaktva vrindavanam kvacit
      kadacin naiva yatiti
      janite kirtida-suta

      Sri Radha, the daughter of Kirtida, thinks, "Sri Krishna, the master of My life, never leaves Vrindavana to go to any other place."

      305
      kama-vame na janita
      iti ca brahma-nandana
      rasarambhha ivantardhim
      gatavan nanda-nandanah

      O son of Brahma, Radha does not see any difference in Lord Krishna appearance or dissapearance. This was also so when Lord Krishna disappeared in the beginning of the rasa-dance.

      306
      mathuram mathura-natho
      vasudevo jagama ha
      antarhite nanda-sute
      srimad-vrindavane mune

      O sage, it is the Lord's feature as the son of Vasudeva and the king of Mathura who goes to Mathura. The son of Nanda does not go. He merely hides in beautiful Vrindavana.

      307
      pravasakhyam rasam lebhe
      radha vai kirtida-suta
      tato vadanti munayah
      pravasam sanga-vicyutim

      In this way Sri Radha, the duaghter of Kirtida experiences the mellow of thinking Her beloved has gone away on a journey. In this way the sages described that mellow, where Sri Radha is bereft of Her beloved's company.

      308
      mama jivanam neta ca
      tyaktva mam mathuram gatah
      iti vihvalita vama
      radhaya virahad abhut

      Sri Radha thinks, "He who is My hero and My life has left Me and gone to Mathura!" In this way unhappy Radha is agitated in separation from Her beloved.

      309
      yamunayam nimagna sa
      prakasam gokulasya ca
      golokam prapya tatrabhut
      samyoga-rasa-pesala

      She gave up Her life by drowning in the Yamuna. Thus She returned to Goloka in the spiritual world where again She enjoyed the nectar of Lord Krishna's company.

      310
      kama radha ca mathura-
      virahena nipidita
      kurukshetram gata tirtha-
      yatra parama-lalasa

      When Lord Krishna went to Mathura, Sri Radha became very unhappy in His absence. Yearning to meet Him again, She went on pilgirmage to Kurukshetra.

      311
      nanda-nandana-bhava-jna
      uddhavo vrajam agatah
      santvayisyan kirtidayah
      sutam masa-dvaye gate

      Learned in the science of love for Krishna, Uddhava goes to Vrindavana for two months and there he consoles Sri Radha, the daughter of Kirtida.

      312
      radham asvadayam asa
      srimad-bhagavatarthakam
      kathayam bhagavatyam tu
      jatayam muni-pungava
      vrajendra-nandanah srimams
      tada pratyakshatam gatah

      O best of sages, Uddhava made Sri Radha taste the nectar of the descriptions of Lord Krishna. In this way he made glorious and handsome Lord Krishna appear before Her eyes.

      313
      In the Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda, it is said that the king of Dvaraka visited Vrindavana and that the king of Dvaraka entered Lord Kshirodakasayi Visnu, who then gave a boon to Drona and Dhara. He did this to arrange for the return to the spiritual world. This is also confirmed by the words of Srimad-Bhagavatam. In the Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda, in the verse beginning with the words "kalindi-puline ramye" it is said that, eager to see the sweet pastimes of Nanda's son, the king of Dvaraka traveled by airplane to Vrindavana and stayed there for two months.

      313(b)
      iti te sarvam akhyatam
      naityikam caritam hareh
      papino 'pi vimucyante
      smaranad yasya narada

      O Sri Narada, thus I have told you all about Lord Krishna's daily activities. By remembering these pastimes even sinners become liberated.

      314
      sri-narada uvaca

      dhanyo 'smy anugrihito 'smi
      tvaya devi na samsayah
      harer me nityaki lila
      yato me 'dya prakasita

      Sri Narada said: I am very fortunate. O goddess, you have been very kind to me. Of this there is no doubt. Today you have revealed to me Lord Krishna's daily pastimes.

      315
      sri-sanatkumara uvaca

      ity uktva tam parikramya
      taya capi prapujitah
      antardhanam gato rajan
      narado muni-sattamah

      Sri Sanatkumara said: After speaking these words, Sri Narada circumambulated Goddess Vrinda. Then Vrinda gave all honor to Sri Narada. O king, then Sri Narada, the best of the sages, disappeared from sight.

      316
      mayapy etad anupurvam
      sarvam tat parikirtitam
      japan nityam prayatnena
      mantra-yugmam anuttamam

      Thus I have told you everything. Every day I carefully chant those two peerless mantras.

      317
      krishna-vaktrad imam labdham
      pura rudrena yatnatah
      tenoktam naradayatha
      naradena mayoditam

      In ancient times Lord Sadasiva attained this from Lord Krishna's mouth. Lord Sadasiva spoke this to Sri Narada. I heard it from Sri Narada and now I have repeated it to you.

      318
      samsaragni-vinasaya
      mayapy etat tavoditam
      tvaya ca tad gopaniya-
      rahasyam paramadbhutam

      These words I have spoken have the power to extinguish the fire of repeated birth and death. Please protect these very confidential and wonderful words very carefully.

      319
      sri-ambarisa uvaca

      krita-krityo 'bhavam sakshat
      tvat-prasadad aham guro
      rahasyati-rahasyam yat
      tvaya mahyam prakasitam

      Sri Ambarisa said: O spiritual master, by your mercy my life is now a great success. You have revealed to me the most secret of secrets.

      320
      sri-sanatkumara uvaca

      dharman etan upadishto
      japan mantram ahar-nisam
      acirad eva tad-dasyam
      avapsyasi na samsayah

      Sri Sanatkumara said: Following these religious principles and chanting this mantra day and night, you will quickly attain direct service to Lord Krishna. Of this there is no doubt.

      321
      mayapi gamyate rajan
      guror ayatanam mama
      vrindavane yatra nityam
      gurur me 'sti sadasivah

      O king, this I attained from my spiritual master, Lord Sadasiva, who always stays in Vrindavana.

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