SRI KRSNA
BHAJANAMRTA
by Srila
Narahari Sarkara Thakur
Translated by:Sri Jayapataka
Swami
Sanskrit/Bengali editing by:
Sri Subhag swami
“Narahari was
the fortieth (branch of the Caitanya tree).”
Purport by
Srila Prabhupada
“Narahari dasa
Sarkara was a very famous devotee. Locan das Thakur, the celebrated author of
Caitanya-mangal, was his disciple. In Caitanya-mangala it is stated that Sri
Gadadhara das and narahari Sarkara were extremely dear to Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu...”
Sri Caitanya
Caritamrta Adi-Lila Chapter 10
INTRODUCTION
The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta is the original work of
Sri Narahari Sarakara Thakur, the famous devotee who offered Lord Caitanya the
personal service of fanning with camara. The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam is possibly
the only known book which deals with practical aspects of dealings between the
disciple and guru including when the guru falls down. Therefore Sri Krsna
Bhajanamrtam is very timely for better understanding the authorized manner in
which to deal with sensitive issues regarding initiating gurus and siksa gurus.
HH Bhakti Caru Swami informed me of the existence of this book and without his
encouragement we would not have endeavored to locate it.
The Bhaktivedanta Charity Trust, which Srila
Prabhupada founded for preserving the Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya culture and
heritage, in addition to promoting it’s unity and mutual cooperation, has been
researching lost shrines and holy places for nearly a decade. The newest
project is to locate lost or out of literatures in original language and to
publish reference copies for use of sadhus and scholars around the world. The
Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam is the first book located in this new project..
The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam was only printed once as
far as is known, in the Bengali year 1309, which brings it to the late 19th
century. Only 95 copies were printed and has therefore been out of print and
unavailable for quite some time, but with research the last known copy was
located at Sri Khanda, the birthplace of Sri Narahari Thakur, in torn and
blackened condition; even the threads in the binding had turned to dust. By
Lord Caitanya’s mercy the book was loaned to the B.S.C.T. for re-publishing and
translation.
The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam is 64 pages long, but
only the first 16 pages deal with guru-tattva. The remaining part of the book
deals with Sambandha-tattva in regard to Lord Krishna’s expansions, energies,
demigods, etc. Since ISKCON, at present, specifically needs sastric direction
in regard to some aspects of guru-tattva the verses 27-67, which deal
specifically with the subject matter of guru-tattva and Vaisnava relationships,
are being presented.
Although the first 19 verses simply form the
introduction to the book, they are also included, since they help the reader to
get a clearer understanding of the background to it and Sri Narahari Thakur’s
purpose in writing Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam. Verses 19-26 give the explanation of
topics which the book covers, other than guru-tattva, so they are not included.
SRI KRSNA
BHAJANAMRTA
by Srila
Narahari Sarkara Thakur
Verse 1
I offer my respectful obeisances to that incarnation
of Godhead who has distributed more unlimited causeless mercy than any other
Avatar. He is the total Lord of my life-Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Verse 2
I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Sukadeva
Goswami who is like the ripened fruit of the tree of devotional service.
Verses 3&4
During this Kali Yuga, when the time of Lord Sri
Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu’s transcendental pastimes
had become unmanifest, Their Lordships became the object of transcendental
research and discussion. At that time all level of devotees including utttama
adhikari, madhyamam adhikary and kanistha adhikari shall always be in anxiety
and it will be at all times. They shall almost feel uncertainty in their hearts regarding the
correct understanding of the eternal truths of devotional service.
Verses 5&6
I offer my humble obeisances in full surrender to
the thousands and thousands of previous Vaisnavas and particularly to those
paramahamsas, perfect souls, who meditate constantly in pure loving devotion on
the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and by His mercy are studying
all of the Vedic literature in regard to devotional service. Following in the
footsteps of these great spiritual authorities I shall explain the clear, transparent conclusions of the
scriptures in their concise, condensed form, with some detailed explanation.
Verse 7
I, Narahari das, consider myself to be a fool.
Therefore, how will I be able to explain this most difficult subject matter on
the absolute conclusions of the sastra? Will the learned Vaisnavas bless my
deliberations that they may not be false or deviate from the authorized
conclusions of the sastra in any respect.
Verse 8
In any case, whether someone has all good qualities
or whether one has no good qualities, whether on is a fool or whether one is a
great pandit; who is there in this material world who is able to completely
understand pure devotional service to Krishna?
Verse 9
In my sleep while dreaming I said the above words.
While dreaming I was Meditating on the words of the previous authorities and
great Vaisnava acaryas and their conclusions on the authorized sastra in regard
to pure devotional service. While thus engaged in my dream suddenly my heart
became filled with spiritual bliss as if I had entered and taken shelter of an
ocean of transcendental nectar.
Verses 10&11
Just at that time Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya
Mahaprabhu appeared holding the hand of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. Lord Caitanya
said “sadhu, sadhu.” As Lord Caitanya said those words He was laughing and He
came and stood before me saying, “What you have said is certainly true. Now
awaken and rise.” Saying these words again and again Lord Caitanya disappeared
from my vision.
Verse 12
Thereafter, meditating on the lotus feet of Lord Sri
Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu who is known as Gaurahari, I got up from my bed and I
was feeling great separation being deprived of His transcendental association,
I considered my unqualified self blessed by Lord Caitanya’s causeless mercy
upon me.
Verse 13
Feeling myself blessed by the mercy of Lord Krsna
Caitanya Mahaprabhu and remembering His merciful words, while being absorbed in
the remembrance of His transcendental
glories I was immersed in am ocean of transcendental bliss. At that time I
could not understand my actual position.
Verse 14
On the strength of the mercy of Lord Sri Krsna
Caitanya Mahaprabhu I have decided to write something. Using my intelligence I
have considered the truth of devotional service and although considering myself
a fool I have written in my own hand, sometimes in verse and sometimes in
prose, this supremely auspicious “Bhajanamrta.”
Verse 15
In this Kali Yuga the great paramahamsa perfect
devotees who have descended to this universe in order to purify it have blessed
me with the remnants which I have accepted. As I am strictly following in the
footsteps of these liberated souls this work is completely purified with their
blessings.
Verse16
At the outset of this work my humble prayer is that
all pure, nonenvious devotees of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, may listen to these authorized words as I have described them from the
great Vaisnava authorities of the disciplic succession.
Verse 17
It is well known from the authorized Vedic
literatures that in this Kali Yuga, through the power of the holy name of Lord
Krishna, all Vaisnavas are equal and quantitatively non-different from Lord
Krishna. However it is seen that amongst the Vaisnavas that sometimes in some
places some Vaisnavas appear greater or lesser. In such cases how is it to be
understood?
Verse 18
Amongst all of the assembled Vaisnavas there is the
initiating guru and the instructing guru. In regard to them what behavior is
authorized?
Verses 19-27
not included (see introduction)
Verse 28
Now listen to the authorized conclusion of the
previous authorities.
Verse 29
It is certainly true that all Vaisnavas are on the
same transcendental platform. However, although amongst Vaisnavas there may be
a difference in spiritual strength, how will the less intelligent materially
attached sense-gratifiers, who become afraid justly by seeing the horrifying
appearance of beggar mendicants, ascertain the actual strength of a saintly
person? Since they cannot distinguish between a lesser spiritual force and a
greater spiritual force, they do not know how to deal appropriately with
different saintly persons. Therefore, they treat everyone the same. Since they
don’t know how to distinguish the specific character of greater spiritual
personalities from lesser spiritual personalities, rather than risk their
destruction for neglecting a potentially spiritual personality, they treat
everyone on the same level.
Verse 30
However all those practicing Vaisnavas progressing
on the path of devotional service, who have heard and understood the conclusion
of the revealed sastras and are therefore endowed with special intelligence,
are able to recognize who is more spiritually powerful and who is less
spiritually powerful. Those who are expert in the science of devotional service
can understand in whose body what quantity of Krsna’s spiritual potency is
present. Being able to understand who has less spiritual potency and who has
more spiritual potency, they offer special treatment considering the scriptural
injunctions in this regard.
Verse 31
If one can distinguish between the greater or lesser
spiritual strength of a person but does not accordingly offer respect, then
that person shall be held guilty for that offense.
Verse 32
For the reason mentioned before, if two Vaisnavas
come at the same time, one of greater strength, one of less spiritual strength,
first one has to offer respect to the Vaisnava of greater strength then offer
to the Vaisnava of lesser strength.
Verse33
Should the respect due to a Vaisnava of greater
strength or to a Vaisnava of lesser strength be offered at the same level if
they come at a different time? Equal respect should not be offered to both even
if they are not present at the same time.
Verse34
If a volcano type of fire is burning , the wise man
will not first put out....first one has to be able to extinguish the volcano
fire then a candle of deep light can easily be extinguished. Similarly if one
is able to appropriately receive and respect
Vaisnavas possessed of great spiritual force to their satisfaction, then
one shall easily be able to satisfy those Vaisnavas of lesser potency.
Verse 35
If a person of small spiritual advancement sees a
great devotee endowed with considerable spiritual potency being worshipped and
given respect, should the less advanced devotee become angry upon seeing this?
For this offense against the more advanced person’s spiritual position the
foolish offender will ruin whatever spiritual potency he possesses.
Subsequently, in the future, such angry persons simply plan how they can punish
those who have participated in the worship.
Verse 36
Those who are well-versed in all of these matters,
having heard properly from authorities, those Vaisnavas who are
enthusiastically engaged in worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead and
all those transcendentalists who are practicing the spiritual path, know the
truths in regard to these matters. However, in spite of knowing these truths, if they do not
appropriately offer worship to a greater or lesser degree, according to the
person’s spiritual potency, then they will be spiritually ruined. However, if
they consider the respective spiritual strength or lack of strength and
accordingly offer respect then they will certainly advance in Krsna
Consciousness.
Verse 37
For those who take shelter of the great Sumeru
Mountain what can others do to harm them? Others should offer them worship as
devotees with respect and service.
Verse 38
One should never engage in criticizing a Vaisnava or
neglecting a Vaisnava even in joking. For Vaisnava are so glorious that there
is nothing to regret even if one sacrifices one’s life for their benefit.
Verse 39
No one should find fault with a Vaisnava for his
activities or behavior. What person is free from the influence of Kali Yuga or
has pure behavior and action?
Verse 40
Because the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord are always
meditating on Lord Sri Krishna the contamination of sinful activities cannot
come upon them. Because a Vaisnava’s body has the fire of Krishna Consciousness
within it, even if they are fallen, the fire of Krishna Consciousness will burn
up to ashes any material contamination.
Verse 41
However, those who are not able to understand the
respective levels of spiritual potency may take shelter of this example. As in
the Ganges there are many waves, and some of these waves are larger than the
other waves but all of the waves are considered to be sacred, one wave not
considered more holy than another wave, similarly, all types of Vaisnavas,
those who are spiritually strong and those who are not so strong, can be
offered equal worship. Considering this perspective in such circumstances that
can be accepted as perfect worship.
Here completes the conclusion in this regard.
Verse 42
All Vaisnavas are considered as guru or spiritual
master.
Verse 43
Amongst all the Vaisnavas the initiating guru
(diksa-guru) and instructing guru (siksa-guru) are special.
Verse 44
It is proper to offer these two special respect.
Verse 45
Amongst all of the other spiritual masters these two
(diksa-guru and siksa-guru) spiritual masters’ orders are to be followed.
Verse 46
If one’s initiating spiritual master and instructing
spiritual master are of small spiritual potency, or in other words, if they do
not posses a special power to give spiritual instruction on worship for
devotional service, then one may listen from the mouth of other great advanced
Vaisnavas and understand the special instructions. However, thereafter, the disciple
must go to his spiritual master for his confirmation or instructions.
Verse 47
One should not disobey the order of the spiritual
master.
Verse 48
Just as a faithful son may go out for earning money
and subsequently brings to his father the wealth gained, later the son may ask
for some allowance from the father and whatever he receives from the father he
is entitled to spend for his own enjoyment. Similarly, a disciple may hear some
instructions from another advanced Vaisnava but after gaining that good
instruction he must bring it and present it to his own spiritual master. After
presenting them he should hear the same teachings again from his spiritual
master with appropriate instructions.
Verse 49
If the son earns money but does not give it to the
father and instead, directly enjoys the wealth, he is considered to be a fallen
son and a sinful person. Similarly, a disciple who listens to the words of
other Vaisnavas, even if their instructions are proper and true, but does not
reconfirm these teachings with his own spiritual master and instead directly
personally accepts these instructions, is considered a bad disciple and a
sinner.
Verse 50
For this reason, in all circumstances all Vaisnavas
are offered respect like one offers respect to one’s spiritual master. However
with body, mind and words one serves one’s own spiritual master.
Verse 51
Even if in the performance of one’s devotional
activities one has disobeyed the spiritual master, still one should not give
him up, but should remain faithfully with him, because all authorities say that
the shelter of one’s own spiritual master is best and perfect (even if another
spiritual master is more powerful).
Verse 52
Kindly understand this example:
Just as one respects one’s father as guru, his (the
father’s) older and younger brothers are also respected, but nonetheless, the
father is worthy of the most respect. Not withstanding the above, if the
father’s guru, even if he is family related, comes, one should double the
respect, as he is the spiritual father of the father, or the guru of the guru.
He is offered twice the puja or respect.
This behavior is recognized as appropriate by all
authorities.
Verse53
Just as if, during daily life, the brothers (older
or younger) of the father criticize him, still one takes shelter of one’s
father, similarly, one remains under the shelter of one’s own spiritual master,
even if he is criticized by his older or younger Godbrothers. Just as one
depends upon one’s father for one’s livelihood, one must depend upon the
strength and shelter of the spiritual master for advancing in devotional
service.
Verse 54
If a father or spiritual master or husband are not
possessed of outstanding qualities even then they are always worshipable.
Verse 55
Taking shelter of the above-mentioned persons one
may even disagree with those senior to oneself.
Verse 56
In this world, what kind of person is there who can
remain alive at the expense of his father’s or guru’s defamation or disgrace?
Verse 57
Everyone considers that if their spiritual master is
very powerful then he himself is powerful but that if his spiritual master is
less powerful, then he is, therefore, weaker, and according to the attitude of
the spiritual master the disciple gains the same attributes. Those disciples who
are intelligent can understand the desires the spiritual master directly
through their intelligence. Other disciples, who are less intelligent,
understand by directly hearing instructions from the spiritual master. These
activities are being practiced since time immemorial.
Verse 58
Learned Vaisnavas say that these instructions are
the perfection of religiosity.
Verse 59
If the spiritual master commits a wrongful act
breaking Vaisnava regulative principles then in that case one should, in a
solitary place, confront him for his rectification using logic and appropriate
conclusions from sadhu, shastra and guru references, but one is not to give him
up.
Verse 60
One should not be hesitant or fearful because one is
confronting or challenging a spiritual master.
“For it has been prescribed that one must
appropriately discipline even a spiritual master who is:
-bewildered about what he should or shouldn’t do;
-who is inexperienced or ignorant;
-who has deviated from the Krsna conscious path;
-or if he is bewildered by false pride.”
Verse61
This statement of the revealed scriptures is
applicable at a all times and under all circumstances.
Verse 62
The natural behavior of the Vaisnava devotees is to
take complete refuge of Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
accepting Him as their principle and real shelter. The very life of the
Vaisnava devotees of the Lord is singing the glories of Lord Sri Krishna,
describing and expending the fame of Lord Sri Krishna, and discussing the
nectar of His transcendental pastimes.
Verse 63
The authorized course of action is to continue, as
before, with one’s prescribed devotional service. One may take guidance through
instructions from the Vaisnavas, as all Vaisnavas are consider guru or
“spiritual master”, or one may use one’s own intelligence, duly considering the
relevant instructions from sadhu, shastra and guru. In all cases one should
continue in one’s devotional service.
Verse 64
However if the spiritual master:
-acts enviously towards ‘isvarebrantah’, that which
is connected with the Supreme;
-is bewildered regarding the Supreme Personality of
Godhead;
-is averse to expanding the fame of Lord Krsna;
-personally refuses to accept hearing or chanting
about the glorious pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna;
-has become totally bewildered, listening to the
false praise of ignorant persons and day by day is more materially contaminated
and fallen,
then the spiritual master must be renounced.
Verse 65
Under those circumstances one should not doubt, “How
can I give up my spiritual master?” With a strong desire for achieving
spontaneous devotional service and attaining the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee accepts the shelter of a spiritual
master as the via media to Lord Sri Krishna. However, after accepting the
responsibility of serving the spiritual master, if that spiritual master takes
on “asuric” qualities or demoniac mentality then it is one’s duty to reject
such a demon “asura” guru and in his place accept a Krsna conscious spiritual
master and worship him.
Verse 66
By taking shelter of the strength of the Krsna
conscious spiritual master’s devotional service the ill effects or
contamination of the demoniac previous spiritual master is counteracted and
destroyed. These activities are recommended by all Vaisnava authorities as the
authorized conclusion of the sastra.
Verse 67
During the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya
Mahaprabhu there have been many practical examples of the above.
This concludes the deliberation and final
conclusions of sadhu, shastra and guru on the spiritual master and related
matters.