Sarva tyagi jivera kartavya kahan vasa
Vraja'bhumi Vmdavana yahan -rasa.
He beckons to us; do we respond ????
"Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked, 'Where should the living entity live abandoning all other places?' Ramananda Raya replied, 'The holy place known as Vmdavana or Vrajabhumi,where Lord Krishna performed His rasa dance' " (CC Madhva 8.254v.)."Materialists consider Vrindavana-dhama an unclean city because there are many monkeys and dogs there, and along the bank of the Yamuna there is refuse. Some time ago, a materialistic man asked me, 'Why are you living in Vmdavana? Why have you selected such a dirty place to live after retiring?' Such a person cannot understand that Vrindavana-dhama is always a representation of the original Vrindavana-dhama.
"ARADHYG BHAGAVAN VRAJESA-TANAYAS TAD-Dhaam VrindavanaM: According to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's philosophy, Lord Shri Krishna and His abode, Vmdavana, are equally worshipable. Since Krishna and Vmdavana are identical, Vmdavana is as worshipable as Lord Krishna. Although anyone living in Vmdavana somehow or other is benefited, the real Vmdavana is appreciated only by a pure devotee. As stated in the BRAHMA SAMHITA, PREMANJANA-CCHURITA-BHAKTI-VILOCANENA. When one has purified eyes, he can see that Shri Vmdavana, and the original Goloka Vmdavana planet in the spiritual sky arc identical" (CC Madhya 16.281p.).
"Because Mathura and Vmdavana are intimately connected with Krishna eternally, it is said that Lord Krishna never leaves Vmdavana. At present, the place known as Vmdavana, in the district of Mathura, continues its position as a transcendental place, and certainly anyone who goes there becomes transcenden-tally purified" (SB 10.1.28p.).
Shri Krishna, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Six Gosvamis, the Gaudiya Vaishnava Acaryas and Shrila Prabhupada have all proclaimed the tremendous value of performing devotional service while living in Vmdavana. Shrila Prabhupada once said that Mayapur is my place of worship, Bombay is my office and Vmdavana is my home.
A salesman may travel extensively to vend his wares, but he always remembers his home, and occasionally visits for brief or extended periods. Eventually, after distributing sufficient merchandise he retires to spend all his time at home enjoying with his intimate and dearest companions. S imi lar ly, for d istr ibuting Krishna-consciousness a devotee may temporarily reside far away from his eternal home, but he always remembers Shri Vrindavana-dhama in the core of his heart. And whenever possible he comes to Vmdavana, serves Radha and Krishna, purifies his heart and feels more and more at home with every visit.
The Soil of Surrendered Service
Ultimately, the devotee becomes so attracted and attached to Shri Vrindavana-dhama that he moves there eternally to lovingly serve Shri-Shri Radhika-Krishnacandra. The perfection of human life is to develop pure ecstatic love for Radha and Krishna in the mood of Their eternal associates in Vraja-dhama, and to go back home, back to Shri Vmdavana. Vmdavana is the gift of Shrila Rupa and Shrila Sanatana Gosvami that Shrila Prabhupada placed under every disciple's creeper of devotion. The bhakti-lata (creeper of devotion) grows and thrives in the Vmdavana soil of surrendered service. When a devotee nourishes his spiritual creeper with the crystal clear water of the pure chanting of Krishna's transcendental names, the wonderfully delicious fruits of love of Godhead manifest. Finally the devotee enters his eternal home, Goloka Vmdavana, to forever serve Radha and Krishna and relish the prema bhakti-rasa. Shrila Prabhupada gave many inspiring instructions about visiting, serving, living, retiring and dying in Vmdavana. According to the orders of his spiritual master, each disciple will individually apply Shrila Prabhupada's teachings in order to best develop his attraction, appreciation and attachment for the eternal spiritual home— Shri Vrindavana-dhama. For some devotees this will mean a yearly visit. Other devotees may spend several years serving in Vrindavana. Devotees reaching fifty-years of age will retire in Vrindavana as vanaprasthas, and the fatally diseased may live a few days before departing.
Vrindavana — The Ideal Place
"The ideal place to execute Krishna-conciousness is Vraja-bhumi, or Vrindavana, where the people are naturally inclined to love Krishna and Krishna is naturally inclined to love them" (CC Madhya 4-95v.). "When Krishna comes to the material world, His land also comes. Vrindavana is not considered to exist in the material world. Therefore, devotees take shelter of Vrindavana in India, for it is to be considered a replica of the original Vrindavana" (TLC Chap.20).Shrila Rupa Gosvami has described Vraja-mandala: 'I remember the Lord standing by the banks of the Yamuna River, so beautiful amid the kadamba tree, where many birds are chirping in the gardens. And these impressions are always giving me transcendental realizations of beauty and bliss. The places in the eighty-four-square-mile district of Vraja mandala are so beautifully situated on the banks of the River Yamuna that anyone who goes there will never want to return to this material world. All these qualities prove that Mathura and Vrindavana are situated transcendentally. Otherwise, there would be no possibility of invoking our transcendental sentiments in these places. Such transcendental feelings are aroused immediately and without fail after one arrives in Mathura or Vrindavana" (NOD Chap. 13).
"By the mercy of Shri Vishnu one attains residence in Mathura-Vrindavana. Without Vishnu's mercy one cannot stay for even one moment in Mathura-Vrindavana" (MM). "Holy places like Vrindavana, Hardwar, Prayag and Jagannatha Puri are especially meant for the execution of devotional service. Vrindavana specifically is the most exalted and preferred holy place for Vaishnava devotees of Lord Krishna who arc aspiring to return back to Godhead" (SB 5.8.31p.).
The Benefit of Visiting Shri Vrindavana
"Once Krishna disappeared from the gopis and upon reappearing, Shrimati Radharani begged three wishes from Him. 'O Shyama,' said Radhika, 'Please promise Me that You will always stay in Vraja, but remain invisible to the nondevotees. Please never disappoint the devotees who are residing in Vraja hoping to attain Your lotus feet, and sustaining their lives only by their love for You. With Shri Radha's third wish She asked Krishna to constantly shower the devotees with mercy and the shelter of His lotus feet. Shri Krishna granted Radharani these three wishes" (SVMP). "If one takes shelter of Vrindavana under Vrndavancsvari, Shrimati Radharani, certainly all problems of life are solved" (SB 4.8.24p.)."In the dhamas, there is no influence from Kali-yuga or any demon. If one takes shelter of such a dhama, worship of the Lord becomes very easy, and resultant spiritual advancement quickly takes place. In fact, in India one may still go to Vrindavana and similar places to achieve the results of spiritual activities very
quickly" (SB7.4.23p.). "The attainment of transcendental loving evotional service to the Lord is the goal of life, and it can be achieved very easily for one who lives in Vrindavana, even for a few seconds. In the Vedic literatures it is also stated, 'How wonderful it is that simply by residing in Vrindavana even for one day, one can achieve a transcendental loving attitude toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (NODChap.12). "Actually, ifsomeone goes to Vrindavana, he will immediately feel separation from Krishna, who performed such nice activities when He was present there" (NOD Chap. 18)." Liberation is the great result attained at other holy places, and devotional service to Lord Hari for which the liberated souls pray, is attained at Mathura. Living in Mathura for a single day creates genuine devotion to Lord Hari" (MM). Shrila Rupa Gosvami extols Vrindavana by saying. "Vrindavana is filled with transcendental bliss. It destroys the greatest sins and ends all sufferings. Simply living within it grants liberation" (MM).
"Acyutananda had heard Shrila Prabhupada say that one could become more Krishna-conscious in two days in Vrindavana than in ten years in America" (PL III). "Five kinds of devotional activities-— namely residing in Vrindavana, worshiping the Deity of the Lord, reciting SRI MAD BHAGAVATAM, serving a devotee and chanting the Hare Krishna mantra-— are so potent that a small attachment for any one of these five items can arouse devotional ecstasy even in a neophyte" (NODChap.13). "Sacred places are so situated that anyone who goes there automatically becomes purified. This is especially true in Vrindavana; any person may go there, and even if he is sinful he will at once contact an atmosphere of spiritual life, and will automatically chant the names of Krishna and Radha" (SB 3.20.4p.).
The Benefits of Residinc in Shri Vrindavana
"If one simply thinks, 'I will move to Vrindavana and reside there,' he will be freed from the cycle of birth and death" (MM). Shrila Prabhupada said, "Everyday of my childhood I used to think, 'how to go to Vrindavana?' At least at that time the train fare from Calcutta to Vrindavana was only four or five rupees" (PL I).Everything in Vrindavana reminds one of Radha and Krishna. Simply by residing in this transcendental abode, one can feel his attraction for the sweet Divine Couple increasing daily. "The effect of living in Vrindavana cannot be overestimated," said Shrila Prabhupada, "at every turn, you are reminded of Krishna here, and your spiritual strength increases due to that contact" (VD). "Even though one may be unable to travel to the field of Vrindavana due to forgetfulness of his relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he can get an adequate opportunity to stay in Vrindavana, and derive all spiritual benefits by the mercy of Sanatana Gosvami" (CC Adi 1.47p.)."A devotee asked, 'Does service done in Vrindavana have a special effect?' 'Yes,' replied Shrila Prabhupada, 'if you do one-percent service here it has the effect one-hundred times. And whatever offense you commit in Vrindavana also has its effect one-hundred times. The worst offense to Vrindavana is to commit illicit sex here." 'So it is very risky. Just like a gambler has the opportunity to profit a hundred times or lose. That is the special atmosphere of Vrindavana. And you cannot play hide and seek with Krishna. The sun and the moon are His eyes, and He is also in your heart. Krishna knows everything. Krishna even knows what you're planning and thinking in your heart. So you cannot play tricks with Krishna' (LSM).
"Cultivation of Krishna-consciousness in Vrindavana is tiie best means of being liberated from material bondage, for in Vrindavana one can automatically meditate upon Krishna. Vrindavana has many temples, and in one or more of these temples one may see the form of the Supreme Lord and Radha-Krishna or Krishna-Balarama and meditate upon this form. Krishna and His abode, Vrindavana, are not different. Therefore, if one somehow or other gets the opportunity to live in Vrindavana, and if one is not a pretender, but simply lives in Vrindavana and concentrates his mind upon Krishna, one is liberated from material bondage" (SB 9.19.19p.)."Shrila Rupa Gosvami states, A person who stays in Vrindavana becomes free from all sins. With every step he gets the results of going to all other holy places" (MM). "Vrindavana-dhama is a transcendental place because of Krishna's walking on this land frequently. The inhabitants of Vrindavana were fortunate to see these marks here and there. The marks (Krishna's lotus footprints) are visible to devotees who receive the causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (SB 10.2.38p.).
Short Visits to Shri Vrindavana Recommended
" Akrura's journey to Vrindavana is exemplary. One who intends to visit Vrindavana should follow the ideal footsteps of Akrura, and always think of the pastimes and activities of Lord Krishna. As soon as one reaches the boundary of Vrindavana, he should immediately smear the dust of Vrindavana over his body without thinking of his material position and prestige" (KB Chap.37).Five-hundred years ago, Lord Chaitanya ordered His disciple, Jagadananda Pandit, to stay briefly in Vrindavana and quickly return to Jagannatha Puri." In his Amrta-pravaha-bhasya, Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur advises that one avoid remaining in Vrindavana for a very long time. As the saying goes, 'Familiarity breeds contempt.' If one stays in Vrindavana for many days, he may fail to maintain proper respect for its inhabitants. Therefore, those who have not attained the stage of spontaneous love for Krishna should not live in Vrindavana very long. It is better for them to make short visits" (CC Antya 13.39p.)."Ordinary persons are advised to visit a holy place like Vrindavana for no more than three days; otherwise they would become slack and return to their sinful activities. Shrila Prabhupada said, 'Better tocome, become purified, and leave on the fourth day. And the worst offense to Vrindavana is to commit illicit sex here" (PL IV).
Guidelines for Living in Vrindavana
Each of the famous six Gosvamis lived about forty years in Vrindavana, which they spent fully engaged the in pure devotional service of Shri-Shri Radha-Shyamasundara. Shrila Jiva Gosvami remained for sixty-five years, and Bhugarbha Gosvami, Lokanatha Gosvami and Gadadhara Gosvami spent most of their lives serving in Vrindavana. "Shrila Prabhupada said that especially his disciples living in Vrindavana should become actual gosvamis, which means detached from sex, eating and steeping. Whether grhasta (married) or sannyasis (renunciate), they should live simply and austerely, and engage twenty-four hours in the service ofKrishna"(PLV)."Vrindavana is for paramahamsas," said Shrila Prabhupada. "You cannot see Vrindavana with visaya (material spirit). The test is how much you have conquered over eating, sleeping and mating. Don't think you can just come to Vrindavana and become a gosvami. One who comes to Vrindavana with a material spirit will take birth as a dog or monkey in Vrindavana. That is his punishment" (PL IV).
"The six Gosvamis were big ministers but they came to Vrindavana to practice, NIDRAHARA VIHARA KADI VIJITAlLToconquer over sleeping, eating and mating. If coming to Vrindavana, we indulge in that way, then what is the use of coming to Vrindavana? So Vrindavana life is that. You have to practice NIDRAHARA VIHARA KADI. That is wanted" (SPT 126/75).While living most of their lives in Vrindavana, the six Gosvamis spent their time chanting, writing, preaching, reading, remembering, singing and searching everywhere for Radha and Krishna. Shrila Prabhupada repeatedly stresses that lifelong residence in Vrindavana is only for serious sense-controlled sadhakas (practitioner) following the mood of the six Gosvamis. Generally, Shrila Prabhupada emphasizes that a devotee's main business is to travel outside of Vrindavana and preach Krishna-consciousness. By dedicating everything for Krishna's pleasure the surrendered devotee will always live in Vrindavana consciousness, even if he performs service elsewhere. When Shrila Prabhupada was preaching in New York City in 1966, he used to say: "Although I am sitting in this big city of New York, 1 am not actually here, because I am always thinking of Krishna in Vrindavana, therefore, I am always in Vrindavana.""Being a bhakta doesn't simply mean wearing tilak and robes. One is not a bhakta if he has a taste for material sense enjoyment. A true bhakta wants not to satisfy his senses but the senses of Krishna. In the spiritual world, Vrindavana, everyone— Yasoda and Nanda, Shrimati Radharani, gopis, cowherd boys— Sudhama, Shridhama, the land, water, trees, birds— all are trying to satisfy Krishna. That is the meaning of Vrindavana. We can always reside in Vrindavana if we are mad after Krishna. This is the teaching of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and He illustrated this in His very life" (TLK).
Always Feel Unqualified and Don't Commit Offenses
By receiving the causeless mercy of one's guru, Lord Nityananda, Lord Chaitanya, the six Gosvamis, Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna, Vrnda-devi and the Queen of Vrindavana, Shrimati Radharani; a devotee can live in Vrindavana. One must always feel himself most fallen, unqualified and completely undeserving of the rare privilege of residence in Shri Vrindavana-dhama. One should try to constantly increase his service to Shri Guru, the Vaishnavas, Vraja-dhama and Radha-Krishna. He should show genuine respect to all the Vrajavasis, which means all the moving and non-moving fortunate living entities residing in Vraja. Appreciating the deep flow of real devotion that springs spontaneously from the hearts of the Vrajavasi Vaishnavas; a devotee should pray for the dust of their holy feet. The Vrajavasis are real devotees. They actually love Radha and Krishna.
"Don't commit an offense here. Take it as cintamani-dhama, Krishna. So we should take shelter of Gaura-Nitai, become cleansed of eating, sleeping and mating. Then you will see Vrindavana (PL IV). "At Radha-Damodara temple in 1972, Shrila Prabhupada spoke to his disciples about the special benefits of residing in Vrindavana; but he warned them not to commit any offenses. If, however, a Vrindavana resident commits an offense, he could still receive the special benefits—provided he remained sticking to the dust of Vrindavana" (PL V).
The Ten Offenses to the Holy Dhaam
There are offenses to avoid; in chanting the holy name of Krishna, serving the transcendental deity of Krishna and while visiting or residing in Krishna's holy abode of Vrindavana. There are ten offenses to Krishna's holy dhama listed in the ARCANA-PADDHATI, an authorized manual for Deity worship.
1.To show contempt or disrespect for the guru who reveals Vrindavana-dhama.
2.To think that Vrindavana-dhama is temporary.
3.To commit violence towards any of the Vrajavasis (residents) or pilgrims, or to think that they are ordinary people.
4.Perform mundane activities while living in Vrindavana-dhama.
5.Earn money by and making a business of Deity worship and Hari-nama.
6.To think Vrindavana-dhama belongs to a mundane country or province like Uttar Pradesh. To equate Vrindavana-dhama with a holy place of the demigods. To attempt to measure the area of Vraja.
7.To commit sinful acts while residing in Vrindavana-dhama.
8.To consider Vrindavana and Navadvipa to be different.
9.To blaspheme the sastras that glorify Vrindavana-dhama.
10.To be faithless and think the glories of Vrindavana-dhama are imaginary.
Leave Vrindavana— Don't Be a Monkey
" If one goes to Vrindavana for sense gratification or to make a livelihood, he commits an offense and is condemned. Whoever does so must be penalized in the next life be becoming a dog or a monkey in Vrindavana-dhama. After taking on such a body, the offender is liberated in the next life. Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur remarks that residing in Vrindavana with a view to enjoy sense gratification surely leads a so-called devotee to a lower species" (CC Madhya 22.132p.).While condemning the 'sahajiyas' who live in Vrindavana and indulge in illicit sex relations in the name of spiritual activities, Shrila Prabhupada glorifies the potency of Shri Vrindavana-dhama. "Vrindavana is the only place where all these sinful persons can be rectified by means of taking birth in the forms of dogs, hogs and monkeys. By living in Vrindavana as a dog, hog or monkey, the living entity can be elevated to the spiritual platform in the next life"(SB4.29.14p.).
"If one's mind is agitated by lusty desires one should not live in Vrindavana and commit offenses. For a life of offenses in Vrindavana is no better than the lives of the monkeys and hogs there. Many monkeys and hogs live in Vrindavana, and they are concerned with their sexual desires. Men who have gone to Vrindavana but still hanker for sex should immediately leave Vrindavana, and stop their grevious offense at the lotus feet of the Lord" (SB9.19.19p.).
In Vrindavana— Hear From the Pure Devotees
"The cultivation of Krishna consciousness is possible where great devotees live together and constantly engage in hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord. In a holy place like Vrindavana, there are many devotees constantly engaged in chanting and hearing the glories of the Lord. If one gets the chance to hear from the pure devotees in such a place, allowing the constant flow of nectar to come from the mouths of such pure devotees, then the cultivation of Krishna-consciousness becomes very easy" (SB 4.29.40p.); "At Vrindavana there are many big scholars and saintly persons living. So one should go to such holy places, not simply to take bath in the water. One must be intelligent to find some spiritually advanced man living there, and take instruction from him and be benefited by that" (PL III).
The Summit of Bhajan
"It is our duty, therefore, to always hear, chant and think about the Lord's lotus feet, as actually done by the Vaishnavas who have decided to live in Vrindavana always, and think of the Lord's lotus feet twenty-four hours a day" (SB10.2.38p.). "Weshould be determined not to come back to this material world again. It is very simple and not at all difficult. We only have to keep thinking of Krishna; then we will be assured that our next birth will be in the spiritual sky in Goloka Vrindavana, the kingdom of God" (POP Chap. 8).
"A pure devotee is never attached to any exalted position within this material world. He simply wants to associate with the Supreme Personality of Godhead like the inhabitants of Vrindavana -- Shrimati Radharani, the gopis, Nanda Maharaja and Yasoda, Krishna's friends, and Krishna's servants. He wants to associate with Krishna's atmosphere of Vrindavana's beauty. These are the highest ambitions of a devotee of Krishna; he wants to return to Goloka Vrindavana and associate with Lord Krishna in His eternal pastimes" (SB6.12.22p.).
"This is the bhajan of a Gaudiya Vaishnava, HE RADHE VRAJA-DEVIKE CA LALITE HE NANDA SUNO KUTAH: 'Where are You?1 Gaudiya Vaishnavas will never say that 'We have seen.' We have to follow the Gosvamis to understand Radha-Krishna tattva. Directly we cannot understand. So Rupa Gosvami and the other Gosvamis, they never said that 'In Vrindavana we have seen Radha-Krishna.' That is Gaudiya Vaishnava, vipralambha, feeling separation, 'Where is Krishna? Where is Krishna? Where is Krishna?' This is Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teaching. This is the summit of bhajan, when one will be crying and there will be torrents of tears; and one will see everything vacant for being separated from Govinda. That is the topmost summit of Krishna bhajan" (Shrila Prabhupada CN Vol.9).
You Must Be Eager To See Shri Krishna
"The gopis are another example of great eagerness to see Krishna. The gopis came to Krishna, being captivated by His beautiful features. They were young girls and Krishna was so beautiful. There is no comparison to the gopi's devotion, because they loved Krishna with heart and soul. They loved Krishna so much that they didn't care for fame or respect when they went out in the dead of night. Krishna's flute was sounding, and they were all fleeing their homes. Their fathers, their brothers, their husbands all said, 'Where are you going? Where are you going in the dead of night?' But the gopis didn't care. They neglected their children, their families, everything. Their only thought was, 'We must go to Krishna.'"This eagerness is required. We must be very, veryeager to see Krishna; then you can see God. Whether you are lusty or a thief or a murderer or whatever it may be— somehow or other you must develop this eagerness, this desire: 'I must see Krishna.' Then Krishna will be seen.
"The first thing Krishna is looking for is how eager you are to see Him. Krishna will respond. But you must desire Krishna only. Someone may say, 'Oh, eagerness? I have eagerness.' Ahh-h-h...but it is not so easy. JANMA-KOTI-SUKRTAIR NA LABH YATE: This eagerness cannot be achieved even by execut-ing pious activities for millions of births. This eagerness is a very important thing; but it can be awakened only by the association of devotees"-(JSD).
Acquiring the Desire to Serve Shri Krishna
Shrila Rupa Gosvami states, TISTHAN VRATE TAD-ANURAGI JANANUGAMI: 'In this way one should reside in Vraj a and serve Krishna under the guidance of devotees. One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord's beloved devotees, who are deeply attached to His devotional service.' Shrila Prabhupada quotes Shrila Rupa Gosvami's BHAKTI-RASAMRTA-SINDHU (1.2.294): "A devotee should always reside in the transcendental realm of Vraja and always engage in KRSNAM SMARAM J AN AM CASYA PRESTHAM, the remembrance of Shri Krishna and His beloved associates. By following in the footsteps of such associates and by entering under their eternal guidance, one can acquire an intense desire to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead.""Again Shrila Rupa Gosvami states in the BHAKTI-RASAMRTA-SINDHU (1.2.295), 'In the transcendental realm of Vraja-dhama one should serve the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, with a feeling similar to that of His associates, and one should place himself under the direct guidance of a particular associate of Krishna, and should follow in his footsteps. This method is applicable both in the stage of sadhana (vidhi marga), and in the stage of sadhya (God realization), when one is a siddha-purusa, a spiritually perfected soul.
"Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur has commented on this verse from the NECTAR OF INSTRUCTION: 'After developing a taste for sadhana bhakti (chanting and remembering Krishna's name, form, qualities, pastimes, etc.) one should try to live in Vrindavana and pass his time constantly in remembering Krishna's name, fame, pastimes and qualities under the direction and protection of an expert devotee. This is the sum and substance of all instructions regarding the cult of devotional ervice.' "Raganuga-bhakti, or spontaneous devotional service , can be executed in the santa rasa when one aspires to be like Krishna's cows, the stick or flute in Krishna's hand, or the flowers around His neck. In the dasya-rasa one follows the footsteps of servants like Citraka, Patraka or Raktaka. In the friendly sakhya rasa one can become a friend like Baladeva, Sudama or Shridhama. In the vatsalya rasa characterized by paternal affection, one can become like Nanda Maharaja and Yasoda. In the madhurya rasa characterized by conjugal love, one can become like Shrimati Radharani, or Her lady friends such as Lalita and her serving maids like Rupa-manjari and Rati-manjari. This is the essence of all instructions in the matter of devotional service" (NOI v.&p. #8).
Solitary Bhajan...Work Now, Samadhi Later
"Rupa Gosvami did not care for his comfortable position as minister; he was happy even beneath a tree in Vrindavana, favorably serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead" (SB 10.2.24p.).
The six Gosvamis of Vrindavana lived severely austere and exemplary lives of pure devotion to Radha and Krishna. Mentally, they were fully absorbed in the transcendental loving service of Radha-Krishna's intimate conjugal pastimes. Externally, they remained totally impoverished while roaming without fixed residence through Vraja's, at that time, thick, tiger-filled forests. Fearlessly sitting alone under Krishna's pastime trees, they wrote voluminously expounding upon the triad of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy: Sambandha, Abhideya and Prayojana. Filled with exacting Sanskrit verses and composed with perfectly poetic expression, the Gosvamis writings explained all facets of devotional life from sraddha (faith) to prcma (ecstatic pure love of Krishna). Sometimes they performed their bhajan together. And at other times they sat in solitude in serene and secluded caves fifteen-feet underground, where they would peacefully absorb themselves in the loving service of Radha and Krishna.Contemplative life and solitary bhajan are very much a part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Premature adoption of such rigorous practices, however, is forbidden. The illusory energy, Maya, is always waiting to capture the foolish, and to frustrate their imagined conceptions of perfection. A sincere devotee cautiously and carefully progresses in spiritual life by following the intelligent directions of the sastras, sadhus and his most merciful gurudeva. Shrila Prabhupada is not against a life of serious, solitary devotional service; rather he directly encourages it. He advises grhastas (married couples), for example, to retire from family life at age fifty, and move to Vrindavana in order to dive deeply into the ocean of dedicated and surrendered bhajan. But for other devotees, Shrila Prabhupada clearly states that they may adopt this spiritual lifestyle only after a long life of vigorous traveling and preaching. And even then, only after attaining a maturity in devotional service that is certified by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Shrila Prabhupada gives straightforward advice about soli-tary bhajan in the story of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's providing a bhajan kutir in Jagannatha Puri for the famous "Namacarya" — Shrila Haridasa Thakur. "The practice of chanting in seclusion is not possible for neophytes at all. The neophyte devotee must act and work very laboriously under direction of the spiritual master, and he must preach the cult of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. One must first become very mature in devotion and thus receive the approval of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu."The senses are very strong, and if a neophyte devotee imitates Haridasa Thakur, his enemies (lust, anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy), will disturb him and fatigue him. Instead of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, the neophyte devotee will simply sleep soundly. Preaching work is meant for the advanced devotee, and when an advanced devotee is further elevated on the devotional scale, he may retire to chant Hare Krishna in a solitary place" (CCMadhyall.l76p.).
"Shrila Prabhupada once said to his disciple, Govinda dasi, 'Preach while you are young. When you are old, retire to Vrindavana and chant Hare Krishna. But you cannot retire unless you have preached sufficiently. The mind will agitate. If you have preached, you can retire and chant Hare Krishna— so preach as much as possible" (PL V).
Subala, a disciple of Shrila Prabhupada, became frustrated with his service of preaching and managing the Krishna-Balarama temple construction. He wanted to go into seclusion in Vrindavana for the rest of his life and chant, instead of becoming a full-time preacher in ISKCON. Although Shrila Prabhupada rejected Subala's idea for solitary bhajan, he did accept that one could continue living in Vrindavana provided he preached vigorously. Shrila Prabhupada told Subala: "Better we spend our whole life and die just to make one person Krishna conscious. That is our line, to become so absorbed in preaching Krishna consciousness, whether in Vrindavana or anywhere" (PL V).
The Vraja Mandala Parikrama
There are three kinds of tirtha parikramas. 1) Circumambulating the temple; 2) Panca Kos- walking the ten mile path around Vrindavana; 3) Carausi Kos- Walking the one-hundred sixty-eight miles around Vraja Mandala. When Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu toured Vrindavana He bathed in twenty-four important bathing places along the Yamuna River. Greeting their old friend, the cows affectionately licked Lord Chaitanya when He visited the twelve forests of Vraja. Upon embracing the trees, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu fell unconscious in ecstasy, but the sound of Hari-Nama revived the Lord. Seeing the rasa-sthali, the site of Radha and Krishna's splendid rasa dance, Lord Chaitanya again swooned in spiritual rapture. In this way Lord Chaitanya carried on His Vraja Mandala parikrama."Madhavendra Puri, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and all the Gosvamis that visited Vrnda vana, came in the state of vipralambha, intense separation from Shri-Shri Radha-Krishna. In this mood feeling great ecstasy and love of Godhead, they visited all the holy places of pilgrimage within Vraja Mandala. Therefore, following in Their footsteps, the mood of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas is also to cry in intense separation. And that crying is nectar" (SVMP).
"The land of Vrindavana, the Lord's childhood playground, still remains today, and anyone who visits these places enjoys the same transcendental bliss, although Krishna is not physically visible to our imperfect eyes. Lord Chaitanya recognized this land of the Lord as identical with the Lord, and therefore worshipable by the devotee. This instruction is taken up by the followers of Lord Chaitanya known as the Gaudiya Vaishnavas. Thousands of devotees of Krishna are still wandering in these sacred places of Vrindavana, and all of them are preparing themselves to go back home, back to Godhead" (SB 3.2.27p.).
Shrila Prabhupada's Parikrama Program
To perform kirtan while walking on parikrama in Vrindavana is very effective for many reasons. The transcendental vibration of Krishna's holy names drives out distracting thoughts and persons from the internal and external environment. The ether remains pure, and in such a sanctified setting a devotee can drink deeply the nectarean descriptions of Radha and Krishna's splendidly sweet and satisfying sporting pastimes. Sankirtan pleases the Vrajavasis, maintains the unity of the parikrama party, and besides, it delivers tasty nectar for all participants. Parikrama with kirtan is traditional for all Vaishnava sampradayas, but is especially emblematic of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas. As in all devotional practices, Shrila Prabhupada taught the correct way to perform Vraja Mandala parikrama. By surrendering to Shrila Prabhupada's perfect example, a devotee will achieve the highest result from his circumambulation of Shri Vrindavana-dhama.
" In November 1971 Shrila Prabhupada took his disciples on a pilgrimage to many of the important holy places of Vrindavana: Varsana, Radha-kunda and Govardhana Hill. By his perfect example Shrila Prabhupada showed the proper behavior while on parikrama. In each holy place Shrila Prabhupada would sit down, lold a kirtan, come before the Deity and offer obeisances. Then le would briefly describe the pastimes of Krishna related with that particular place" (PL V). Beginning in 1987, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has organized a yearly Vraja Mandala parikrama during the holy month of Kartik. Exactly following Shrila Prabhupada's guidelines, the ISKCON parikrama party provides a golden opportunity for any Krishna bhakta to experience transcendental ecstasy by circumambulating Shri Vrindavana-dhama.
Visiting the Temples of Vrindavana
One of the sixty-four limbs of devotional service is visiting the temples of Radha and Krishna. "A devotee must visit a Vishnu temple at least once or twice every day: morning and evening. 'In Vrindavana this system is followed very strictly. All the devotees in town go every morning and evening to visit different temples. There are about five-thousand temples in the Vrindavana city. Of course it is not possible to visit all the temples, but there are at least one dozen very big and important temples which were started by the Gosvamis, and which should be visited.' One should also circumambulate the whole Vrindavana area."One should circumambulate the temple building at least three times. One must recite notable prayers and drink the Deity's caranamrta. One should see the Deity with great devotion and pray to the Deity for His mercy. One should meditate upon and remember the Deity. One should render some voluntary service and offer some flowers, a garland, foodstuffs or money" (NOD Chap.6).
According toVcdic scriptures, all circumambulating should be done barefoot. Shrila Sana tana Gosvami describes how Vrindavana Shri Krishna never wore shoes. "Lord Krishna blessed the earth by walking on her surface with His lotus feet. The Lord wore no shoes or other footwear but walked barefoot in the forest, giving great anxiety to the girls of Vrindavana, who feared His soft lotus feet would be injured" (SB 10.15.1 p.). "Shrila Sanatana Gosvami comments as follows, 'Since Lord Krishna is actually the wealth of all living beings, all the inhabitants of the forest of Vraja would carefully preserve His footprints as great treasures, the very ornaments of the earth. Thus no creature within Vmdavana would ever walk upon Lord Krishna's footprints" (SB 10.16.18p.). Shrila Prabhupada concurs, "There are shoes in Krishna's lila, but no shoes in His Vrindavana pastimes" (SPL 98/9/76).
Bathing in the Yamuna River
During his nine year stay in Vrindavana Shrila Prabhupada often bathed in the Yamuna River. "I was regularly taking bath in the Yamuna River when I was in Vmdavana" (CN Vol. 13). "There are many devotees who regularly bathe in Yamuna, and this cleanses all the contamination of the material world" (SB 5.18.31p.).When Shri Krishna left this world to return to Goloka Vrindavana, He took all the visible transcendental beauty and opulence of Bhauma Vrindavana back to the spiritual world. Out of His causeless mercy, however, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Shyamasundara, left behind three powerfully puri-fying associates to bless the faithful with prema-bhakti: Shri Giriraja (Govardhana Hill); Yamuna River and Vraja-raja (the dust of Vrindavana). Intelligent devotees eager for spiritual advancement will constantly associate with, and serve these three most munificent personalities.
The BHAVISYA PUR AN A predicts that the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers will disappear before 25,000 years of Kali-yuga have elapsed. Out of intense separation from Shri-Shri Radhika-Krishnacandi , Shri Giriraja Govardhana is sinking into oblivion. Every year the great mountain of Vrindavana, Shri Giri-Govardhana, settles into the earth another twelve inches. Dear Devotees, please don't delay, but immediately roll in the dust of Vrindavana, bathe in Yamunaji, and walk barefoot around Shri Giri-Govardhana ji.
Kartika: The Month of Radha-Damodara
Shrimati Radharani is sometimes called Karttika after Her mother Kirttika or Kirtida. In the BHAGAVAD-GITA Lord Shri Krishna says, "Of all months, I am Margasirsa (November-December). Since the Kartika month (October-November) precedes the Krishna month, Margasirsa, it is considered to represent Shrimati Radharani.
In BHAKTI-RASAMRTA-SINDHU, Shrila Rupa Gosvami refers to the austerities undertaken during Kartika as "Urja-vrata." Urja is the name of Shri Krishna's internal potency for performing pastimes. And Urjesvari, which means the controller or the Queen of all saktis or pastime potencies, is another name for Shrimati Radharani. Therefore, by performing the Kartika vrata, or the "Urja-vrata," the Gaudiya Vaishnavas try to please the Queen of Bhakti, Shrimati Radharani, in order to attain Her service and the service of Krishna.
All twelve months of the year are actually named after Shri Krishna. December through March, for example, are called the months of Kesava, Narayana, Madhava and Govinda. The Kartika month is popularly known as the month of "Damodara." Because at this time of the year, Mother Yasoda punished her butter-stealing baby by binding His belly with a rope. During the Kartika month millions of Vaishnavas worship Damodara Krishna with ghee lamps and devotional bhajans, glorifying His playful childhood pastime of stealing yogurt. The Gaudiya Vaishnavas also perform intensive worship of Damodara during Kartika, but they think of this month as the "Radha-Damodara month." Once Shri Krishna arrived late for a romantic rendezvous with Radharani. Playfully pretending to punish Her Priyaji, Shri Radha took some flowering vines and tied up Her beloved Krishna to a tree within the forest kunja. In this way a devotee can remember and love the Divine Couple, Shri-Shri Radha-Damodara.
Observing the Kartika Vrata
"Just as there is no yuga equal to Satya-yuga, no scripture equal to the Vedas, and no place of pilgrimage equal to the Ganges, so there is no month equal to Kartika. Therefore, Kartika is very dear to the Vaishnavas, and they follow all its rules with proper devotion" (SKP). Kartika is also called Damodara, the month of Lord Hari. "All the holy places, rivers, streams and lakes reside within Mathura circle during Kartika. Worshiping Krishna in Vrindavana during Kartika places one the same planet as Shri Krishna. By once serving Lord Damodara in Mathura (Vrindavana) during Kartika, one can easily attain pure devotional service to Lord Hari. To they who properly bathe and worship Lord Damodara there, the Lord gives them their original spiritual forms. The perfect atonement to purify the sins of a lifetime is to worship Lord Damodara in Mathura during Kartika" (MM)."It is said that just as Lord Krishna is very dear to His devotees, so the month known as Damodara or Karttika is also very dear to them. Many devotees go to Mathura or Vrindavana and stay there during the month of Karttika, specifically to perform devotional service during this period. Even unserious persons who execute devotional service according to the regulative principles during the month of Karttika, and within the jurisdiction of Mathura (or Vrindavana) in India, are very easily awarded the Lord's personal service" (NOD Chap. 12).
The Vedas and Vaishnava acaryas agree that a devotee should observe his Kartika vow in Vrindavana to receive the maximum benefit. To please Shri Krishna and purify his existence one should adopt the following austerities for the entire month of Kartika. Abstain from eating all food grains (rice, wheat, beans, dahl.etc), or at least give up your favorite food articles. Everyday rise during the Brahma-muhurta period, attend Mangala arotik and bathe in Yamuna. Continuously chant the holy names of Krishna and read about His wonderful transcendental pastimes. Daily offer a ghee lamp and sing the Damodarastaka prayers for the pleasure of Radha and Krishna in the temple. Worship Shrimati Tulasi-devi with arotik and prayers, daily circumambulate Krishna's temple and Shri Vrindavana-dhama, and give charity to worthy Vaishnavas.What day in the Kartika month did Shri Krishna break the clay pot and steal Mother Yasoda's butter and yogurt? "According to Shrila Sanatana Gosvami's VAISNAVA-TOSANI, the incident of Krishna breaking the pot of yogurt, and being bound by mother Yasoda took place on Dipavali Day or Dipa-malika. This festival is celebrated very gorgeously in the month of Kartika by fireworks and lights" (SB 10.9.2p.).
The Bhisma Pancaka Fast
Bhisma Pancaka is a special five day period for performing austerities. It begins on the last ekadashi in the Kartika month (Haribodhini Ekadashi), and ends on Purnima. Lord Krishna personally gave these five days to Bhismadcva and told him: "Pure devotional service to Me is easily attained by following this vow in Mathura-Vrindavana during Kartika." Begin the fast on Haribodhini Ekadashi by remembering Shri Bhismadeva. Fast from all grains and beans, eat only one meal a day (after sunset) of fruits and vegetables. If one can fast completely for the five days that is a great austerity. Throughout the fasting period a devotee should constantly chant the holy names of Krishna, worship Radha and Krishna and the Vaishnavas, and give charity to temples and worthy Vaishnavas.
Observing Janmastami in Mathura (Vrindavana)
"For one who sees Krishna in Mathura during Janmastami, the sins of millions of births perish in a single moment. Krishna said, 'A person who worships Me during My Janmastami becomes free from all sins, and goes to My abode. All austerities are automatically performed and all charity automatically given by one who goes to Mathura during Janmastami, bathes in the Yamuna River at Visrama ghat, worships Me and sees My Deity form'" (MM).
Retiring In Shri Vrindavana-dhama
"After fifty years of age, one should voluntarily give up family life and go to the forest. The best forest is Vrindavana, where one need not live with the animals, but one can associate with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who never leaves Vrindavana" (SB 9.19.19p.) "In our Krishna consciousness movement we invite all elderly persons of the world to come to Vrindavana and stay there in retired life, making advancement in spiritual consciousness, Krishna consciousness" (SB 7.5.5p.).
Dying in Vrindavana
Being an expansion of Lord Balarama or Lord N ityananda, Shri Vrindavana-dhama is very compassionate and kind to all living entities. Humans, animals, insects and all living entities are blessed, purified and spiritually elevated by contacting the merciful transcendental dust of Shri Vrindavana-dhama. As Lord Balarama is the source and bestower of infinite spiritual strength, similarly, the spiritual potency of Shri Vrindavana-dhama liberates all the fortunate living entities who die within its boundaries. Shrila Rupa Gosvami explains the destiny of those dying in Mathura and Vrindavana. "They who die in the area of Mathura and Vrindavana become perfect and attain the supreme destina-tion. The deaf, dumb, blind, foolish and they who have no austerity or sense control, who die in Mathura, go to Lord Vishnu's palace. A human, worm, insect, moth or bird that dies in Mathura, is reborn as a four-armed resident of the spiritual world. Lord Shri Krishna said, 'Beautiful Vrindavana is My transcendental abode. The beasts, birds, trees,insects, worms, humans and demigods who stay here with Me will all go, when they die, to My own abode.' (MM).
Vrindavana is Always Helping Us
"Vmdavana-dhama--- Dhaam means where Krishna resides. So Vrindavana is not polluted. Vrindavana is always helping us. Anyone who comes to Vrindavana, he is helped immediately, even though he is criminal number one. But if we remain in criminal mentality in Vrindavana then we have to accept another birth and suffer. Then it will be all right, he will get liberated because the Vrindavana influence will act. Sastras state that karma is reduced for a devotee: KARMANINIDHATIKINTU. If in another place we commit sin, we have to accept a body and evolution takes place; again gradually we get a human body. And if he is intelligent enough, he will use that body to get liberated.
"But in Vrindavana if you are sinful, you become a dog or a hog and then liberated in the next life. The karmic cycle is reduced, but why waste time accepting another body as a dog or a hog? We should be very careful" (SPT 32/72).
On the Way To Krishna
Shrila Prabhupada discusses rebirth in India and joining Krishna's traveling transcendental roadshow. "Those who don't maintain the Krishna consciousness principle, then they may have to go to India next lifetime. Those devotees who become completely liberated take their next birth in that universe where Krishna isenjoying. Then one goes to the original Vrindavana. Ineachand every universe there is a Vrindavana" (CN Vol.13)."Anyone who executes devotional service in Mathura, Vrindavana or Navadvipa-dhama certainly goes back home, back to Godhead, after giving up his body' (SB 10.1.28p.) In 1967 in San Francisco, Shrila Prabhupada stated: "If a Vaishnava dies in Vrindavana, he is assured of joining Krishna in the spiritual world" (PL III). "If we remain here in Vrindavana, we should know that we are living with Krishna. How much we should be cautious, how much we should be careful, if we actually understands what is dhama. The dhama is also Krishna. If you actually live in Vrindavana carefully without committing any offense or sinful life, then in this life you are going to Krishna" (SPT 48/72).
Navadvipa and Vrindavana are Non-different
"Shrila Narottama das Thakur says, 'Shri-Gauda mandala bhumi yeba jane cintamani tara haya Vrajabhume vasa.' Vrajabhumi refers to Mathura-Vrindavana, and Gauda mandala-bhumi includes Navadvipa. These two places are non-different. Therefore, anyone living in Navadvipa-dhama, knowing Krishna and Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to be the same personality, lives in Vrajabhumi, Mathura-Vrindavana" (SB 10.1.28p.).During one morning walk a devotee, expressing his preference for living in Vrindavana, asked Shrila Prabhupada, "If a devotee thinks he likes Vrindavana more than Mayapur (Navadvipa) is that a wrong way of thinking?" Shrila Prabhupada replied, "There is no difference between Mayapur and Vrindavana" (SPT 17/3/76).
Vrindavana Consciousness
As Advaita Acarya had said of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, "Wherever You are is Vrindavana," Shrila Prabhupada taught by his life and words that a devotee should always remain in Vrindavana within his consciousness, even if physically separated from the holy dhama. Wherever Shrila Prabhupada preached around the world, he would reveal the all-attractive features of Shri Vrindavana-dhama by the transcendental power of his purity and prema. Shrila Rupa Gosvami explains in BHAKTI-RASAMRTA-SINDHU that one should mentally live in Vrindavana and render devotional service, if he cannot live there physically.As an eternal resident of Shri Vrindavana, Shrila Prabhupada once stated, "Although I am presently living in America, my residence is in Vrindavana because I am always thinking of Krishna. Although I may be in a New York City apartment, my consciousness is there, and this is as good as being there" (POP).Fearing death beyond the transcendental influence of the holy dhama, many Vaishnavas take a vow to never leave Shri Vrindavana. This attachment for Vrindavana is exemplary, but forone absorbed in remembrance of Krishna; return to Krishna is guaran' teed no matter where he dies. Eternal residence in Shri Vrindavana-dhama is a fact for the devotee that constantly engages his thoughts, feelings, desires, words and all actions in pure devotional service of Shri-Shri Radha and Krishna.
Shrila Narottama das Thakur succinctly states the way to attain Vrindavana, ANANDE BOLO HARI BHAJA Vrindavana, SRI-GURU-VAISNAVA-PADE MAJAIYA MAN; "Chant the names of Lord Hari in ecstasy, worship the transcendental realm of Vrindavana and always humbly serve the lotus feet of Shri Guru and all the Vaishnavas."
The goal of human life is to offer pure, ecstatic, loving devotional service for the pleasure of Shrimati Radharani and Shri Krishna in Goloka Vrindavana. Love begins with appreciating the beauty and sweetness of Radha and Krishna and Their blissful transcendental abode of Shri Vrindavana-dhama.
A Petition For Service
Shrila Bhaktivinode Thakur offers this humble yet extremely exalted prayer for the intimate service of Shri-Shri Radhika-Krishnacandra in Vrindavana."Oh mind, tell me how I can possibly attain the ultimate refuge at the lotus feet of Shri-Shri Radha-Krishna? This most fallen servant has been living for a very long time being desirous of Those lotus feet. Oh, Radhe, Oh Krishnacandra, the very life of Your devotee! Please give charity to this fallen sinner by making me devoted unto You. Please don't neglect me because 1 am devoid of devotion. Kindly instruct this fool. Your servant is very much diseased with the thirst for material sense gratification. So he's asking You to kindly give him the capacity to assist in Your divine conjugal pastimes.
"This flickering life is drifting away, flowing onward in the ocean of time. Many, many days have gone by and no more will come. Now I am wondering how I can get back to You, my dear Lord Krishna! Oh Lord! I know that You are the dcarmost friend of the fallen souls. Indeed, You are a veritable ocean of compassion."I am most unfortunate, backward and inexperienced. I don't Understand even a tiny fraction of devotion. But by virtue of Your own good qualities; Oh my Lord, make me Your very own beloved, and thus put an end to all my worldly afflictions."Giving me a spiritual body within the transcendental realm of Shri Vrindavana, please bestow upon me the nectar of Your service. Thus, I will become madly intoxicated with pure love by drinking such ambrosial seva. Just hear this song about Your own divine qualities! Please engage me in rendering confidential services within the circle of the divine rasa-mandala. Thus Bhaktivinode, the unworthy maidservant of Shri Lalita-sakhi, is catching hold of Your feet under her guidance" (KKT).
Prayers to Shri Vrindavana-Dhaam
"And what is the use of all the Vaikuntha opulences; although extremely divine, if Shri Radha is not there? Rather, may the ever-sweet hope be mine to attain residence in Shri Vrindavana, even after millions of births."That which is fully perceived by those who have transformed their hearts into the mood of Shri Radha's maidservants. That which can never be thought of, or contemplated within one's heart without being touched by Shri Radha's direct mercy. That which bestows the essential rasa of the vast ocean of ambrosial prema, even unto the greatest sinners... May that uniquely astonishing rare glory of Shri Vrindavana-dhama burst forth blooming in my heart! (RRS).
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