20220109 Maharashtriyan Brāhmaṇa Approaches Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to Extend Him an Invitation, Part 2

The following is a Caitanya lila Compilation given by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja on January 9th, 2022 in Śrī Dhāma Māyapur, India.

mūkaṁ karoti vācālaṁ paṅguṁ laṅghayate girim 
yat-kṛpā tam ahaṁ vande śrī-guruṁ dīna-tāraṇam 
paramānandaṁ mādhavaṁ śrī caitanya iśvaram

hariḥ oṁ tat sat

Hare Kṛṣṇa! Dear Devotees! Today we are reading from the Sri Kṛṣṇa Caitanya compilation class, todays chapter is entitled as:

Maharashtrian Brāhmaṇa Approaches Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to Extend Him an Invitation, Part 2

Under the section: How All the Residents of Vārāṇasī Became Vaiṣṇavas

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.48

tāṅre śikhāilā saba vaiṣṇavera dharma 
bhāgavata-ādi śāstrera yata gūḍha marma

Translation: On the basis of scriptures like Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which reveal these confidential directions, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu instructed Sanātana Gosvāmī regarding all the regular activities of a devotee.

Purport: In the paramparā system, the instructions taken from the bona fide spiritual master must also be based on revealed Vedic scriptures. One who is in the line of disciplic succession cannot manufacture his own way of behavior. There are many so-called followers of the Vaiṣṇava cult in the line of Caitanya Mahāprabhu who do not scrupulously follow the conclusions of the śāstras, and therefore they are considered to be apa-sampradāya, which means “outside of the sampradāya.” Some of these groups are known as āula, bāula, kartābhajā, neḍā, daraveśa, sāṅi, sahajiyā, sakhībhekī, smārta, jāta-gosāñi, ativāḍī, cūḍādhārī and gaurāṅga-nāgarī. In order to follow strictly the disciplic succession of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, one should not associate with these apasampradāya communities.

One who is not taught by a bona fide spiritual master cannot understand the Vedic literature. To emphasize this point, Lord Kṛṣṇa, while instructing Arjuna, clearly said that it was because Arjuna was His devotee and confidential friend that he could understand the mystery of the Bhagavad-gītā. It is to be concluded, therefore, that one who wants to understand the mystery of revealed scriptures must approach a bona fide spiritual master, hear from him very submissively and render service to him. Then the import of the scriptures will be revealed. It is stated in the Vedas (Śvetāśvatara Up. 6.23):

yasya deve parā bhaktir 
yathā deve tathā gurau 
tasyaite kathitā hy arthā 
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ

“The real import of the scriptures is revealed to one who has unflinching faith in both the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the spiritual master. ” Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura advises, sādhu-śāstra-guru-vākya, hṛdaye kariyā aikya. The meaning of this instruction is that one must consider the instructions of the sādhu, the revealed scriptures and the spiritual master in order to understand the real purpose of spiritual life. Neither a sādhu (saintly person or Vaiṣṇava) nor a bona fide spiritual master says anything that is beyond the scope of the sanction of the revealed scriptures. Thus the statements of the revealed scriptures correspond to those of the bona fide spiritual master and saintly persons. One must therefore act with reference to these three important sources of understanding.

Jayapatākā Swami: Some people comment that Śrīla Prabhupāda would adapt his discussions with non-devotees and with devotees, that in discussion with devotees was more relevant but this is a false idea. Śrīla Prabhupāda maintained his validity through the śāstras at all times. He always backed up what he said with reference to śāstra, sādhu and guru. So, one may not like whatever Śrīla Prabhupāda said at all times but whatever he said is according to guru, sādhu and sāstra.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.7

māyāvādī sannyāsigaṇera prabhunindā; mahārāṣṭrīya viprera manoduḥkhe tāṅhādera kalyāṇa-cintā :—

yāhāṅ tāhāṅ prabhura nindā kare sannyāsīra gaṇa 
śuni’ duḥkhe mahārāṣṭrīya vipra karaye cintana

Translation: When the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs were criticizing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu anywhere and everywhere in Vārāṇasī, the Maharashtriyan brāhmaṇa, hearing this blasphemy, began to think about this unhappily.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, this was the cause why the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs getting the mercy. The Maharastrian brāhmaṇa could not tolerate the criticism of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.8

“prabhura svabhāva,-yebā dekhe sannidhāne 
‘svarūpa’ anubhavi’ tāṅre ‘īśvara’ kari’ māne

Translation: The Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa thought, “Whoever closely sees the characteristics of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu immediately realizes His personality and accepts Him as the Supreme Lord.

Jayapatākā Swami: Last time, the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa came to the realization that Lord Caitanya was Kṛṣṇa Himself and that if the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs would see Him in close up, they would come to the same conclusion.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.9

kona prakāre pāroṅ yadi ekatra karite 
ihā dekhi’ sannyāsi-gaṇa habe iṅhāra bhakte

Translation: “If by some means I can assemble all the sannyāsīs together, they will certainly become His devotees after seeing His personal characteristics.

Purport: If one saw the personal characteristics and activities of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, one would certainly be convinced that He was the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One can ascertain this by following in the footsteps of the śāstric injunctions.

This sincere study and appreciation of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is also applicable to His authorized devotees, and it is clearly stated in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Antya-līlā 7.11):

kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana 
kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nāhe tāra pravartana

In this Age of Kali, real religious propaganda should induce people to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. This is possible for someone who is especially empowered by Kṛṣṇa. No one can do this without being especially favored by Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura comments in this regard in his Anubhāṣya, wherein he quotes a verse from the Nārāyaṇa-saṁhitā:

dvāparīyair janair viṣṇuḥ 
pañcarātrais tu kevalaiḥ 
kalau tu nāma-mātreṇa 
pūjyate bhagavān hariḥ

“In Dvāpara-yuga, devotees of Lord Viṣṇu and Kṛṣṇa rendered devotional service according to the principles of Pāñcarātra. In this Age of Kali, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is worshiped simply by the chanting of His holy names.” Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura then comments, “Without being empowered by the direct potency of Lord Kṛṣṇa to fulfill His desire and without being specifically favored by the Lord, no human being can become the spiritual master of the whole world. He certainly cannot succeed by mental concoction, which is not meant for devotees or religious people. Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Kṛṣṇa. By distributing the holy name of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people; therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Kṛṣṇa’s effulgence throughout the world. Such an ācārya, or spiritual master, should be considered nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa — that is, he should be considered the incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s potency. Such a personality is kṛṣṇāliṅgita-vigraha — that is, he is always embraced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. Such a person is above the considerations of the varṇāśrama institution. He is the guru, or spiritual master, for the entire world, a devotee on the topmost platform, the mahā-bhāgavata stage, and a paramahaṁsa-ṭhākura, a spiritual form only fit to be addressed as paramahaṁsa or ṭhākura.”

Nonetheless, there are many people who are just like owls and never open their eyes to see the sunshine. These owlish personalities, who are inferior even to the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs, cannot see the brilliance of Kṛṣṇa’s favor upon the mahā-bhāgavata devotee. They are prepared to criticize the person engaged in distributing the holy name all over the world and following in the footsteps of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who wanted Kṛṣṇa consciousness preached in every town and city.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, he was such a personality who preached the holy name all over the world and therefore we can understand that he was empowered by Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. But people who fail to recognize this are like the owls who never open their eyes to see the sunshine. So, Śrīla Prabhupāda by carrying out meticulously the orders of his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, he was able to achieve even unthought of results.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.10

vārāṇasī-vāsa āmāra haya sarva-kāle 
sarva-kāla duḥkha pāba, ihā nā karile”

Translation: “I shall have to reside at Vārāṇasī the rest of my life. If I do not try to carry out this plan, I shall certainly continue to suffer mental depression.”

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa decided that come what may, he would try to achieve this goal/results.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.11

māyāvādī sannyāsigaṇake nijālaye nimantraṇa :—

eta cinti’ nimantrila sannyāsīra gaṇe 
tabe sei vipra āila mahāprabhura sthāne

Translation: Thinking like this, the Maharashtriyan brāhmaṇa extended an invitation to all the sannyāsīs of Vārāṇasī. After doing this, he finally approached Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to extend Him an invitation.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa had arranged for all the Vārāṇasī Māyāvādī sannyāsīs to come to his house. Now to complete the effort he has to bring Lord Caitanya.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.12

candraśekhara evaṁ tapanamiśrerao yugapat prabhuke ekai nivedana :—

hena-kāle nindā śuni’ śekhara, tapana 
duḥkha pāñā prabhu-pade kailā nivedana

Translation: At this time, Candraśekhara and Tapana Miśra both heard blasphemous criticism against Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and felt very unhappy. They came to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s lotus feet to submit a request.

Jayapatākā Swami: The devotees were hearing these Māyāvādī sannyāsīs criticize Lord Caitanya, and they could not take it, they could not tolerate it. So, they approached Lord Caitanya to make this request.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.13

Translation: They submitted their request, and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, seeing His devotees’ unhappiness, decided to turn the minds of the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Lord Caitanya is bhakta-vatsala, He always tries to please His devotees. When He saw His devotees were unhappy, He decided to turn the minds of the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.49

itimadhye candraśekhara, miśra-tapana 
duḥkhī hañā prabhu-pāya kaila nivedana

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.50

kateka śuniba prabhu tomāra nindana 
nā pāri sahite, ebe chāḍiba jīvana

Translation: “How long can we tolerate the blasphemy by Your critics against Your conduct? We should give up our lives rather than hear such blasphemy.

Purport: One of the most important instructions by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu regarding regular Vaiṣṇava behavior is that a Vaiṣṇava should be tolerant like a tree and submissive like grass.

tṛṇād api su-nīcena 
taror iva sahiṣṇunā 
amāninā māna-dena 
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.” Nevertheless, the author of these instructions, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, did not tolerate the misbehavior of Jagāi and Mādhāi. When they harmed Lord Nityānanda Prabhu, He immediately became angry and wanted to kill them, and it was only by the mercy of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu that they were saved. One should be very meek and humble in his personal transactions, and if insulted a Vaiṣṇava should be tolerant and not angry. But if there is blasphemy against one’s guru or another Vaiṣṇava, one should be as angry as fire. This was exhibited by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. One should not tolerate blasphemy against a Vaiṣṇava but should immediately take one of three actions. If someone blasphemes a Vaiṣṇava, one should stop him with arguments and higher reason. If one is not expert enough to do this he should give up his life on the spot, and if he cannot do this, he must go away. While Caitanya Mahāprabhu was in Benares or Kāśī, the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs blasphemed Him in many ways because although He was a sannyāsī He was indulging in chanting and dancing. Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara heard this criticism, and it was intolerable for them because they were great devotees of Lord Caitanya. They could not stop it, however, and therefore they appealed to Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu because this blasphemy was so intolerable that they had decided to give up their lives.

Jayapatākā Swami: Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara has decided to take the second option, was to take their lives, then they appealed at Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.51

tomāre nindaye yata sannyāsīra gaṇa 
śunite nā pāri, phāṭe hṛdaya-śravaṇa

Translation: “The Māyāvādī sannyāsīs are all criticizing Your Holiness. We cannot tolerate hearing such criticism, for this blasphemy breaks our hearts.”

Purport: This is a manifestation of real love for Kṛṣṇa and Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. There are three categories of Vaiṣṇavas: kaniṣṭha-adhikārīs, madhyama-adhikārīs and uttama-adhikārīs. The kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, or the devotee in the lowest stage of Vaiṣṇava life, has firm faith but is not familiar with the conclusions of the śāstras. The devotee in the second stage, the madhyama-adhikārī, is completely aware of the śāstric conclusion and has firm faith in his guru and the Lord. He, therefore, avoiding nondevotees, preaches to the innocent. However, the mahā-bhāgavata or uttama-adhikārī, the devotee in the highest stage of devotional life, does not see anyone as being against the Vaiṣṇava principles, for he regards everyone as a Vaiṣṇava but himself. This is the essence of Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s instruction that one be more tolerant than a tree and think oneself lower than the straw in the street (tṛṇād api su-nīcena taror iva sahiṣṇunā). However, even if a devotee is in the uttama-bhāgavata status he must come down to the second status of life, madhyama-adhikārī, to be a preacher, for a preacher should not tolerate blasphemy against another Vaiṣṇava. Although a kaniṣṭha-adhikārī also cannot tolerate such blasphemy, he is not competent to stop it by citing śāstric evidences. Therefore, Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara are understood to be kaniṣṭha-adhikārīs because they could not refute the arguments of the sannyāsīs in Benares. They appealed to Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu to take action, for they felt that they could not tolerate such criticism although they also could not stop it.

Jayapatākā Swami: Tapan Miśra and Candraśekhara were not able to stop the criticism of Lord Caitanya, but they could not tolerate it either. So, being in this situation they revealed their mind to Lord Caitanya.

Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 25.14

Translation: While Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was seriously considering meeting with the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs, the Maharashtriyan brāhmaṇa approached Him and extended an invitation. The brāhmaṇa submitted his invitation with great humility, and he touched the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa came just at the right time. Lord Caitanya was thinking about delivering the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs and the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa came and extended Him an invitation.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.52

ihā śuni rahe prabhu īṣat hāsiyā 
sei kāle eka vipra milila āsiyā

Translation: While Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara were thus talking with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He only smiled slightly and remained silent. At that time a brāhmaṇa came there to meet the Lord.

Purport: Because the blasphemy was cast against Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself, He did not feel sorry, and therefore He was smiling. This is ideal Vaiṣṇava behavior. One should not become angry upon hearing criticism of himself, but if other Vaiṣṇavas are criticized one must be prepared to act as previously suggested. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was very compassionate for His pure devotees Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara; therefore by His grace this brāhmaṇa immediately came to Him. By His omnipotency the Lord created this situation for the happiness of His devotees.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Candraśekhara and Tapana Miśra were eager to have Lord Caitanya take action against this criticism and Lord Caitanya was being very tolerant because the criticism was to Him. But being the omnipotent Lord, He had the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa come at that time, to invite Him to meet the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.53

āsi’ nivedana kare caraṇe dhariyā 
eka vastu māgoṅ, deha prasanna ha-iyā

Translation: The brāhmaṇa immediately fell at the lotus feet of Caitanya Mahāprabhu and requested Him to accept his proposal in a joyful mood.

Purport: The Vedic injunctions state, tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā: one must approach a superior authority in humbleness (Bg. 4.34). One cannot challenge a superior authority, but with great submission one can submit his proposal for acceptance by the spiritual master or spiritual authorities. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is an ideal teacher by His personal behavior, and so also are all His disciples. Thus this brāhmaṇa, being purified in association with Caitanya Mahāprabhu, followed these principles in submitting his request to the higher authority. He fell down at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and then spoke as follows.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.54

sakala sannyāsī muñi kainu nimantraṇa 
tumi yadi āisa, pūrṇa haya mora mana

Translation: “My dear Lord, I have invited all the sannyāsīs of Benares to my home. My desires will be fulfilled if You also accept my invitation.

Purport: This brāhmaṇa knew that Caitanya Mahāprabhu was the only Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī in Benares at that time and all the others were Māyāvādīs. It is the duty of a gṛhastha to sometimes invite sannyāsīs to take food at his home. This gṛhastha-brāhmaṇa wanted to invite all the sannyāsīs to his house, but he also knew that it would be very difficult to induce Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu to accept such an invitation because the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs would be present. Therefore he fell down at His feet and fervently appealed to the Lord to be compassionate and grant his request. Thus he humbly submitted his desire.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the Maharastrian brāhmaṇa very humbly gave his appeal and he wanted actually that the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs to get purified by the association of Lord Caitanya. But he knew that normally Lord Caitanya would not go to such programs, therefore he explained and humbly stated his request.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.55

nā yāha sannyāsi-goṣṭhī, ihā āmi jāni 
more anugraha kara nimantraṇa māni’

Translation: “My dear Lord, I know that You never mix with other sannyāsīs, but please be merciful unto me and accept my invitation.”

Purport: An ācārya, or great personality of the Vaiṣṇava school, is very strict in his principles, but although he is as hard as a thunderbolt, sometimes he is as soft as a rose. Thus actually he is independent. He follows all the rules and regulations strictly, but sometimes he slackens this policy. It was known that Lord Caitanya never mixed with the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs, yet He conceded to the request of the brāhmaṇa, as stated in the next verse.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Lord Caitanya was completely independent. Normally He was very strict, but on being requested by His devotees and the brāhmaṇa, He became soft and He was willing to extend and cooperate with this request as stated in the next verse.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.56

prabhu hāsi’ nimantraṇa kaila aṅgīkāra 
sannyāsīre kṛpā lāgi’ e bhaṅgī tāṅhāra

Translation: Lord Caitanya smiled and accepted the invitation of the brāhmaṇa. He made this gesture to show His mercy to the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs.

Purport: Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara appealed to the lotus feet of the Lord regarding their grief at the criticism of Him by the sannyāsīs in Benares. Caitanya Mahāprabhu merely smiled, yet He wanted to fulfill the desires of His devotees, and the opportunity came when the brāhmaṇa came to request Him to accept his invitation to be present in the midst of the other sannyāsīs. This coincidence was made possible by the omnipotency of the Lord.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, normally Kṛṣṇa Caitanya would avoid associating with the Māyāvādī sannyāsīs, but to please His devotees He accepted this invitation.

Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.57

se vipra jānena prabhu nā yā’na kā’ra ghare 
tāṅhāra preraṇāya tāṅre atyāgraha kare

Translation: The brāhmaṇa knew that Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu never went to anyone else’s house, yet due to inspiration from the Lord he earnestly requested Him to accept this invitation.

Jayapatākā Swami: Lord Kṛṣṇa is present in everyone’s heart as the Supersoul, Lord Caitanya wanting to please His devotees, inspired this brāhmaṇa within his heart to come and invite Him. So, thus the Maharashtrian brāhmaṇa came and invite the Lord and somehow He accepted it being independent.

Thus ends the chapter entitled, Maharashtrian Brāhmaṇa Approaches Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to Extend Him an Invitation, Part 2

Under the section: How All the Residents of Vārāṇasī Became Vaiṣṇavas