Read Ebook: Chaitanya's Life And Teachings From his contemporary Begali biography the Chaitanya-charit-amrita by K Ad Sa Kavir Ja Gosv Mi Sarkar Jadunath Sir Translator

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The sight delighted Gopinath Acharya. The Master's disciples smiled at the dance of S?rvabhauma. Gopinath spoke to the Master, "You have so transformed that Bhatt?ch?rya!" The Master replied, "You are a devotee, your society has so wrought on him through the great grace of Jagann?th." Then He composed Bhatt?ch?rya, who thereafter praised Him long, saying, "It was a light work to Thee to save the world, in comparison with the wonderful power Thou hast manifested in converting me. Logic had made me hard like an ingot of iron. Thou hast, melted me. Oh Thy wondrous might!"

Healing the leper Vasudev

The Master renounced the world in the bright fortnight of M?gh, and came to reside at Puri in F?lgun. At the end of the latter month He witnessed the swinging ceremony of Jagann?th and danced and sang long in ecstasy. In Chaitra He liberated S?rvabhauma. Early in Baishakh He wished to travel to the South. He assembled His followers, embraced them, held them by the hand, and spoke humbly, "I know you to be dearer than life. Life I can part with, but not with you. You my friends have done me a good turn by bringing me here to see Jagann?th. Now I beg one favour from you all, give me leave to go to the South. I must set out to seek Vishwarup , and I will travel alone, taking none with me. Do you all stay at Puri till I return from Setubandha."

After a halt of five days at the Bhatt?ch?rya's place, the Master asked leave to start. His eagerness forced the Bhatt?ch?rya to consent. He went with him to the temple and sought the permission of Jagann?th. The serving priest presented the Master with the god's garland, which He joyously took as a symbol of permission.

The Lord Gaur started for the South in joy, after walking round Jagann?th in the company of His disciples and the Bhatt?ch?rya. He took the road of Al?ln?th, along the shore. S?rvabhauma sent Gopinath Acharya to bring from his house four loin-bands and wrappers and some pras?d, to the Vipradw?r gate. Then he begged the Master, "You must keep my request. On the bank of the Godavari dwells R?mananda R?y, governor of Vidya-nagar. Despise him not as a Shudra and worldling. See him for my sake. He is worthy of your society. The world has not another appreciative devotee like him. In him scholarship and faith have reached their extreme points. When you talk with him you will know his worth. I used to laugh at him as a Vaishnav, because I failed to understand his superhuman words. But Thy grace has now made me know his true merit. Conversation with him will disclose his greatness." The Master agreed, embraced him and bade him farewell saying, "Worship Krishna at home and bless me, so that through your favour I may return to Puri."

The stream of people thus passed and repassed till the evening. They all became Vaishnavs and danced and sang . He passed the night there with the faithful, in delightful discourses on Krishna. Next morning after the morning bath, He bade farewell to the faithful. They fainted, but He looked not at them. The Master wended His way grieving at separation from them, Krishna-das following Him with the gourd. The faithful passed the day there in a fast, and returned sorrowing to Puri the next day. Like a raging lion the Master walked forth, chanting God's name in a transport of love. His words were:

As the Lord Gaur walked on reciting the above verses He met a wayfarer and asked him to chant Hari's name. Mad with love that man cried 'Hari! Krishna!' and followed the Master out of longing to gaze at Him. After a long embrace the Master dismissed him, filled with spiritual power.

In this way the Master travelled to the shrine of the Tortoise , saluted and praised the god, dancing, singing, smiling and weeping in rapture, to the wonder of by-standers. Crowds gathered to see Him; the Very sight of His marvellous beauty and devotion made them Vaishnavs. They danced with uplifted arms chanting Krishna's name in deep emotion. These very men converted other villages. Thus did the nectar of Krishna's name overflow the country, Vaishnavism spreading from man to man.

After a time the Master came back to His senses. The priest of the Tortoise did Him great reverence. This happened everywhere that He went. In that village a Vaidik Brahman named Kurma, very reverently invited the Master, brought Him home, washed His feet, and with his whole family drank the washing of His feet; then he lovingly fed the Master with many kinds of dishes, and they all partook of the leavings. He praised the Master thus: "Thy lotus-like feet, which Brahma himself adores, have come to my house. O my boundless good fortune! To-day my birth, race, and faith have been glorified. Lord, have mercy on me and take me with Thee! I cannot bear the sorrows of this worldly life." But the Master replied, "Say not so! Stay at home and recite Krishna's name ceaselessly. Teach Krishna's lore to whomsoever you meet with. At my bidding be thou an apostle and save this land! The world will never entangle you, but you will see me here again."

Every one at whose house He dined, made this request, and received this charge from the Master. Everywhere in His pilgrimage, till the return to Puri, it was exactly what He did at the Tortoise temple.

Long did he thank the Master, saying, "Listen, Gracious One! No man has your virtue. Even wretches fled from me at the stench of my body. But thou, Supreme Lord, hast touched me! Better for me my former state of misery, because henceforth my heart will swell with pride." The Master soothed him saying, "No, you will not be puffed up. Ever take Krishna's name and save men by teaching them about Krishna. Soon will Krishna accept you".

So saying the Master vanished. The two Brahmans wept with joy at His grace, clasping each other by the neck.

In Christian hagiology the same story is told about a saint of Europe, who addressed the maggots, "Eat, brothers, eat!"

The Meeting with R?m?nanda R?y

Thus did the Master wend His way. On reaching the temple of the Nrisingha Incarnation at Jiyad, He made His bow and rapturously sang and danced long in honour of the god, saying, "Glory to Nrisingha! Glory to Nrisingha! Prahlad's Lord! Glory to you, O Lotus-lipped, O Bee on the Lotus!" .

The Master remarked, "This is indeed the extreme point among the means of devotion. Kindly tell me if there is anything beyond it!" The Ray said, "I did not know before that the earth contained any man who would inquire beyond this point! Of all kinds of conjugal passion Radha's love is celebrated in all our Scriptures as the highest".

The Ray was a great devotee and adorer of Vishnu, and his mind was proof against Krishna's illusion. But he yielded to the Master's pressing, and his will was shaken. So he said, "I am a dancer and you are the manager of the theatre; I dance as you make me. My tongue is merely a harp, and you the musician who plays on it. I utter whatever you think of in your mind.

"He ravished the hearts of Incarnations like Lakshmi's husband, ; He drew to Himself women like Lakshmi

"His own beauty charmed His own heart, and He wished to embrace Himself

The Master spoke, "This is the limit of the thing adored. Through your grace I have learnt it of a verity. None can gain the Adorable without adoration. Tell me kindly the way to gain Him."

On hearing all this the Master embraced him, and the two wept holding each other by the neck. Thus did they pass the night in transports of devotion, and at dawn parted, each to his own work. When taking leave, R?m?nanda R?y clasped the Master's feet and begged him, "You have come here out of pity for me. Stay here therefore for some ten days to reform my sinful heart. None but you can deliver mankind; none else can impart love for Krishna."

The Master answered, "I came here on hearing of your merits, to purify my own mind by listening to your discourses on Krishna. You are indeed worthy of your reputation. You are the limit of human knowledge as regards the mystery of the love of Krishna and Radha. What of ten days? So long as I live, I cannot part with you. Let us two dwell together at Puri, passing our days happily in talk about Krishna." So they parted. In the evening the Ray came again. The two sat together in seclusion and held a delightful dialogue, the Master asking and R?m?nanda answering throughout the night.

Thus did the two while away the night in talking of Krishna, dancing, singing, and weeping. At dawn they returned, each to his own duties.

"Deep is your love for Radha and Krishna; hence you behold Them in everything." The Ray objected, "Master, leave thou thy tricks. Conceal not thy true form from me. Having taken on thyself the emotion and beauty of Radhik?, thou hast become incarnate in order to taste thy own delight. Thy secret object is the enjoyment of love; incidentally thou hast filled the universe with love. Thou hast come of thy own accord to deliver me. And now thou deludest me! What sort of conduct is this?"

Thus did the Master spend ten days happily in sweet discourse about Krishna with R?m?nanda Ray. Much did He discuss the secret pleasure-sport of Brind?ban, but could not come to the end of the subject. If a man discovers a mine with copper, bronze, silver, gold, gem, and the wishing stone deposited in successive layers, he comes upon richer and richer things as he goes on digging. Similarly did the Master question R?m? R?y and get his answer.

Next day He took leave of the Ray and ordered him, "Give up your earthly concerns and go to Puri, where I shall soon return after finishing my pilgrimage. There we shall live together passing our days happily in talking about Krishna."

So saying He sent R?m?nanda home with an embrace, and then lay down to sleep. At dawn the Master saw a Hanuman , bowed to it, and set out. All classes of people at Vidya-pur, on meeting with the Master, quitted their own faiths and turned Vaishnav. R?m?nanda was distracted by the absence of the Master and ever meditated on Him, utterly disregarding all his own affairs.

Chaitanya's character is by nature like thickened milk, R?m?nanda's character is sugar added to it, and the dalliance of Radha and Krishna is like camphor thrown into this compound, which only the fortunate can taste. He who once drinks it in through his ears, can never leave it for its deliciousness. All spiritual truths are learnt if you hear it; it creates faith and love in Radha-Krishna's feet.

Know the hidden truth of Chaitanya from this episode. Attend to it with faith; do not reason. This supernatural deed is deeply mysterious. You can realize it if you believe, but reasoning will only set it afar off. This precious thing is for them only whose sole riches are the feet of Shri Chaitanya, Nity?nanda, and Adwaita! I have celebrated the Meeting with R?m?nanda on the basis of Damodar Swarup's Diary .

The Pilgrimage to the South

The Master journeyed on, reciting the verse:

He arrived at Tirupati Tirumal, where He beheld the four-armed idol, and then advanced to Venk?t?r. At Tirupati He beheld the image of Ram, to which He bowed and sang hymns. The people marvelled at His powers. Then He came to the Man-Lion of P?n?, which He saluted and extolled in a transport of love. At Shiva K?nchi he visited Shiva; His power turned the worshippers of Shakti and Shiva into Vaishnavs. At Vishnu Kanchi he beheld Lakshmi and N?r?yan, to whom He bowed and prayed long, danced and sang in fervour. His stay of two days bowed the hearts of men to Krishna. Thence by way of Tirunal He went to Tri-k?l-hasti, and bowed to the image of Mahadev there. And so on to the Paksha-tirtha, the Shiva, the Vriddhak?l-tirtha , Pitambar , the Shiy?li Bhairabi Devi, the bank of the Kaveri, Gosam?j and Bed?wan, . Everywhere the worshippers at Shiva's shrines were turned into Vaishnavs. Thence He reached Devasthan, a Vaishnav shrine, and there kept constant company with the Shri-Vaishnavs. Proceeding further He visited the lake formed by Kumbhakarna's skull, the Shiva-kshetra, P?pa-n?shan , and Shri-rangam, where He bathed in the Kaveri and then adored Ranganath, bowing and hymning to the god to His heart's satisfaction, and dancing and singing in rapture, to the marvel of all beholders.

Here a Shri-Vaishnav named Venkata Bhatta invited the Master to his house, reverently washed His feet and with his family drank of the water. After feeding he besought the Master thus: "Master, the four months of asceticism are at hand. I pray thee pass them in my house, and of thy grace save me by discoursing on Krishna." At his house the Master stayed for four months, passing the time happily in talking about Krishna with the Bhatta. Daily He bathed in the Kaveri, visited Shri Ranga, and danced in ecstasy. All men flocked to gaze on His beauty and rapture of devotion, and at the sight they forgot sorrow and misery. From all quarters flocked hundreds of thousands, and as they beheld the Master they chanted Krishna's name and no other term. All became worshippers of Krishna, to the marvel of mankind. The Brahmans resident at Shri Ranga invited Him on successive days; but when the four months were over there were some Brahmans left who had had no opportunity to entertain Him.

The Bhatta spoke, "I am a miserable creature, while thou art that Krishna, the Incarnate God. I know nothing of the unfathomable ways of God, but I hold as truth whatever you tell me. Fully have I been blessed by Lakshmi-N?r?yan, as His grace has enabled me to see thy feet. Thou hast graciously spoken to me of the glory of Krishna, whose beauty, qualities and powers are beyond human calculation. Now have I learnt that devotion to Krishna passes all else. You have blest me by unfolding this truth." So saying the Bhatta clasped the Master's feet, who graciously hugged him to His bosom.

The four months came to an end. The Master took leave of the Bhatta and from Shri-rangam set out for the South. The Bhatta wanted to leave his home and follow Him, but with great effort the Master turned him back. When He left, the Bhatta fainted away . Thus did Shachi's Son disport Himself.

To the Rishava peak He went and there prayed to the deity N?r?yan, and visited Paramananda Puri, who was spending his "four months" there. The Master bowed at the feet of the Puri, who embraced Him. For three days they lived together in that Brahman's house, lovingly talking on Krishna's delightful lore. The Puri said, "I am going to Jagann?th, whence I shall proceed to Bengal to bathe in the Ganges." The Master answered, "Go to the Nil?chal, where I shall shortly join you on my return from Setubandha. I long to keep company with you. Do kindly visit the Nil?chal." So He parted from the Puri and joyfully proceeded further south. The Puri went to the Nil?chal, while the Master visited Shri-Shaila, where lived a Brahman named Shiva-Durga. Rejoicing to see the Master, he feasted Him for three days, and the two dis coursed of mysteries in secret. After friendly association with him, the Master left him and went to the city of K?makoshti, and thence to the Southern Mathura , where He was invited by a Brahman, noble-minded, detached from the world, and a worshipper of Ram. After bathing in the Kritamala, the Master went to his house; but as the Brahman never cooked, he could place no food before the guest. The Master asked, "Hark you, Sir, it is noon and yet you are not cooking? Why is it?" The Brahman replied, "Master, I live in the forest, where at present nothing can be had for cooking. But Lakshman will bring some wild herbs, fruits, and roots, and then will Sita cook them." The Master was pleased with the Brahman's devotion. The host now hurriedly began cooking and the Master was fed in the third quarter of the day. But the Brahman himself fasted, at which the Master asked, "Why do you fast? What grieves you? Why mourn you?" The Brahman replied, "I have no need to live; I shall destroy myself by jumping into fire or water. The divine Sita, the mother of the world and the emblem of Supreme Goodness, was touched by a demon, as I hear. So I ought not to live. This sorrow consumes me, though my spirit does not leave the body." To him the Master thus: "Think not so any longer. You are learned and yet you do not judge the matter in your mind! Sita, the beloved of God, is the embodiment of spirituality and bliss . Physical senses cannot see her, not to speak of touching her. Ravan abducted only an illusive image of Sita, while the true Sita had disappeared. The Vedas and the Purans constantly teach this truth that the Material cannot take cognisance of what is non-Material. Believe my words, and never harbour such sad thoughts again." Reassured by the Master's words the Brahman dined and took delight in life.

So saying the Brahman cooked deliciously and feasted the Master nicely. After passing the night under his roof, the Master went to the T?mraparni in the Pandya land, where He bathed in the river and wandered on the bank gazing at the Nine Tirupadis in wonder.

Thence He visited Chiyart?l? , Til K?nchi , Gajendra-Mokshan , P?n?-garhi , Ch?mt?pur , Shri Vaikuntha , the Malay Mountain , Kany? Kum?ri , Amlital? , the Mallar land , and then after seeing Tamal K?rtik, He reached Bet?p?ni , where He passed the night.

After thus humbling the pride of that sect the Master went to the Falgu shrine, then to Tritakup , Panch?ps?ra, Gokarna , Dwaip?yani, Sup?rak, Kolh?pur , N?nga-Ganesh, Chor P?rvati, and P?ndupur . Here before Vitha's image He sang and danced long.

Then the Master bathed in the lake of Pamp?, and rested in the Panchavati wood. From N?sik and Trimbak He passed on to Brahma-giri, to Kush?varta , the seven Godavari, and many other shrines, and finally returned to Vidy?-nagar.

S?rvabhauma took the Master to dinner at his own house, and fed Him and His party at noon on sumptuous dishes from the temple. Thereafter he made the Master lie down and rubbed His feet; but the Master bade him go and dine; and He passed the night also in S?rvabhauma's house to please him, narrating the story of His pilgrimage all night to His followers and host, and saying, "In all the holy places I have visited I did not meet with a single Vaishnav who can equal you. Only R?m?nanda R?y gave me intense delight." The Bhatta replied, "It was just for that reason that I had asked you to see him."

NOTES ON THE PLACES VISITED BY CHAITANYA IN THE SOUTH

The Reunion of the Vaishnavs

The Raja said, "Bhatta! you are the chief of wise men. As you call him Krishna, I must believe it. When he comes here again, may I see him once and gratify my eyes?" The Bhatta replied, "He will soon return. We want a suitable place for him to lodge in; it must be near the temple and yet secluded. Choose such a lodging for him." The king said, "Kashi Mishra's house is just that sort of place, close to Jagannath and yet very retired." The king thereafter remained expectant. Bhatt?ch?rya informed Kashi Mishra, who said, "Blessed am I that such a holy Master will lodge under my roof."

Thus did all the people of Puri live in ever-growing expectation of seeing the Master, when He returned from the South. All rejoiced at the news, and they all begged S?rvabhauma thus, "Lead us to the Master, that through thy mediation we may reach Chaitanya's feet." Bhatt?ch?rya replied, "To-morrow the Master will go to Kashi Mishra's house, where I shall introduce you to Him."

Next day the Master visited Jagann?th in company with Bhatt?ch?rya, in great delight. The servitors met Him with the god's food and He embraced them all. After the visit Bhatt?ch?rya led Him to Kashi Mishra's house. Kashi Mishra fell at His feet, and gave up to Him not his house only but his soul also. The Master appeared to him in the four-armed shape, and embraced him to make him one of His own followers.

Just then came there Bhab?nanda Ray, with his four sons; and they all fell at the Master's feet. S?rvabhauma introduced them, "This is Bhab?nanda Ray whose eldest son is R?m?nanda Ray." The Master embraced him and spoke in praise of R?m?nanda adding, "One cannot adequately describe to the world the greatness of him whose son is a jewel like R?m?nanda. Truly, you are Pandu, your wife is Kunti, and your five high-souled sons are the five Pandav brothers." The Ray replied, "I am a Shudra, a worldling and a wretch. That you have touched me is the only holy thing . I lay down at your feet myself with my house, belongings, servants, and five sons. This youth V?nin?th will constantly wait on you, to do whatever you bid him. Know me as your own, feel no delicacy, but order whatever you desire." The Master answered, "What delicacy can there be? You are not a stranger to me. In birth after birth you with your family have been my servants. In some five days R?m?nanda will arrive here. His society will complete my bliss." So saying He embraced the father, while the four sons laid their heads at His feet. They were all sent home, only V?nin?th Patta Nayak was retained by the Master.

Bhatt?ch?rya sent away the other people. Thereafter the Master called for deaf Krishna-d?s, and said "Listen, Bhatt?ch?rya, to the story of this man. He had accompanied me to the South, but left me to join the tribe of Bhattam?ri. But I rescued him from their hands. Having brought him back here I give him his discharge. Let him go wherever he likes; I have no longer any concern with him." At this Krishna-d?s set up a lamentation. When the Master went away for His noonday worship, Nity?nanda, Jagad?nanda, Mukunda, and D?modar laid their heads together, saying, "We have to send a messenger to Bengal to report the Master's arrival to His mother. Adwaita, Shribas and others of the faithful will all flock hither on hearing of His return. Let us send Krishna-d?s ." With this they consoled Krishna-d?s.

The Master said, "I long to live in thy company. Make the Nil?chal thy abode, as thou lovest me." The Puri replied, "It is because I desire your society that I came hither from Bengal. The news of your return from the South has gladdened the heart of Shachi. The other devotees are coming to see you, but as they made delay I had started quickly ." The Master assigned to the Puri a retired room in K?shi Mishra's house and an attendant.

Then Swarup bowed at Nity?nanda's feet, who lovingly embraced him. He also did due courtesy as he met Jagad?nanda, Mukunda, Shankar, S?rvabhauma, and Paramananda Puri. The Master gave him a quiet room with a servant to draw water and do other services.

Then the Master consented and permitted Govinda to serve His body. All honoured him as the Master's favourite attendant, while Govinda made arrangements for all the Vaishnavs. He was accompanied by the two Haridases , R?m?i and Nand?i, in tending the Master. Govinda's good fortune baffles description.

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