Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 5

In the Katha Upanisad (2.3.2-3) it is said:
"That Supreme Personality of Godhead is powerful like a thunderbolt. The entire world moves in fear of Him. They who know this become immortal.
"Out of fear of Him, fire burns. Out of fear of Him, the sun shines. Out of fear of Him, Indra, Vayu, and Yama act."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (3.25.42) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"It is because of My supremacy that the wind blows, out of fear of Me. The sun shines out of fear of Me, and the lord of clouds, Indra, sends forth showers out of fear of Me. Fire burns out of fear of Me, and death goes about taking its toll out of fear of Me."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (10.29.1) it is said:
"Sri Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, full of all opulences, yet upon seeing those autumn nights scented with blossoming jasmine flowers, He turned His mind toward loving affairs. To fulfil His purposes He employed His internal potencies."
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BRAHMA AND NARADA – BONAFIDE GURU, BONAFIDE DISCIPLE
A fake guru wants his followers to believe that he is God Himself—that's why he tries to impress them with his mystic powers. If the disciple of a phony guru were to express doubts about his guru's lordship, the guru would surely be angered. So how did Brahma react when Narada asked the questions, “Under whose protection are you standing? And under whom are you working? What is your real position?” And how did he react when Narada asked, “Yet we are moved to wonder about the existence of someone more powerful than you when we think of your great austerities in perfect discipline”? In response, Brahmaji was not angry. In fact, he was extremely pleased.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta it is said:
"The holy name of Lord Krsna is the sweetest of the sweet and the most auspicious. It is the ripened fruit of the vine of all the Vedas. It is conscious and spiritual. O best of the Bhrgu dynasty, chanted only once, either with faith or even with contempt and mockery, the holy name of Lord Krsna delivers the chanter."

Srila Sukadeva Gosvami tells Maharaja Pariksit (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.14):
"O mighty Pariksit, I have related to you the narrations of all these great kings, who spread their fame throughout the world and then departed. My real purpose was to teach transcendental knowledge and renunciation. Stories of kings lend power and opulence to these narrations but do not in themselves constitute the ultimate aspect of knowledge.”

In the Gopala-tapani Upanisad (2.95) it is said:
"Whether visible or invisible in this world, My form always stays in My abode. My form is also present as the Deity of ignorance, the Deity of passion and the Deity of goodness. My humanlike form, which is eternal and full of transcendental knowledge and bliss, is present when My devotees serve Me with devotion."

Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 4

Here someone may protest: If this is so, and the Supreme Lord is attained by devotional service, then the Supreme Lord must be a resident of the material world, (for devotional services are rendered in the material world). To refute this idea the author now speaks the fifth sutra.

Sutra 5
He is the eternal Supreme Truth, beginningless and endless, for He exists beyond the limits of space and time.

Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
In the Sruti-sastra it is said:
"The Supreme is the eternal reality, full of knowledge and bliss."
"The Supreme is eternal. He never dies."
"The Supreme Lord never dies."
"The Supreme Lord is present everywhere in the material world, but He is also beyond it."

In Bhagavad-gita it is said:
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead is all-pervading."

In Srimad Bhagavatam it is said:
"Matter has no power to prevail over the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the spiritual worlds."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (2.9.10) it is also said:
"In that personal abode of the Lord, the material modes of ignorance and passion do not prevail, nor is that any of their influence in goodness. There is no predominance of the influence of time, so what to speak of the illusory, external energy. It cannot enter that region. Without discrimination, both the demigods and demons worship the Lord as devotees."

In the Katha Upanisad (1.3.15) it is said:
"The Supreme is beyond material sound, touch, form, taste, or smell. He is eternal. He never dies. He has neither beginning nor end. He is beyond the material world. One who takes shelter of Him escapes the mouth of death."

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The chief historical proponent of such “I am God”ism philosophy was Sripad Shankaracharya. Shankaracharya lived and preached throughout India in the eighth century. The preaching of Shankaracharya and his followers was so strong that, practically speaking, it drove Buddhism out of India. Today, throughout India and the world, Shankaracharya's teachings (or slight variations of them) are still having a tremendous influence on people.
In Calcutta, India, for example, we can see the ridiculous sight of a starving, sore-infested man meditating on the side of the road: “I am God. I am God.” In America and Europe, you'll find many so-called yogis and gurus who are directly or indirectly in Shankaracharya's line of “I am God” ism teachers.


Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks

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Here someone may protest: If the Supreme Lord is beyond the material world, as you say, then why does He create the material universes in the first place?
To answer this protect, the author of the sutras speaks the following words:

Sutra 6
Although He is transcendental, the playful Lord creates the material universes filled with conscious beings and inert matter.

Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
In the Aitareya Upanisad (1.1.1.) it is said:
"With a glance the Supreme Personality of Godhead created the material worlds."

In the Chandogya Upanisad (6.2.3.) it is said:
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead thought: I am one. Let Me become many. I shall father many children."

In the Taittiriya Upanisad (3.1.1.) it is said:
"The Supreme Absolute Truth is that from which everything is born."

Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 3

The question may be asked, "O Lord, what are You like?" The verse explains, "O Lord, You are beyond the material modes of goodness, passion and ignorance." This means that the material modes, which cause happiness, misery and mixtures of the two, do not exist in the Lord. It is the potency of spiritual bliss that exists in the Lord. Thus it is said.
In the Markandeya Purana, Sakti-mahatmya, First Chapter, Candi declares:
"No one should be surprised that the Supreme Personality of Godhead enjoys pastimes of yoga-nidra (mystic sleep). After all, the Lord's illusory potency maya bewilders the entire material world.
"Entering even the sages' hearts, Goddess Maha-maya bewilders the conditioned souls.
"By her this entire material universe of moving and unmoving beings is created. When she is satisfied she gives the blessing of liberation to the conditioned souls.
"She is the eternal transcendental knowledge that brings liberation. She is also the potency that binds the conditioned souls in the world of birth and death. She is the goddess of all goddesses."

In the Bhagavad-gita (9.8-9), the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"The whole cosmic order is under Me. By My will it is manifested again and again, and by My will it is annihilated at the end.
"O Dhananjaya, all this work cannot bind Me. I am ever detached, seated as though neutral."

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There is enough in the world to fulfill everyone’s needs, but not enough to fulfill everyone’s greed. In some parts of the world, people are dying from severe undernourishment, while in other parts of the world people are dying from obesity.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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In the Hayasirsa-pancaratra it is said:
"The Supreme Lord's transcendental bliss is said to be of two kinds: 1. that of His form, and 2. that of His formless aspect. The form of the Lord is the shelter of His formless aspect. Therefore it is the bliss of the Lord's aspect with form that is really eternal and imperishable.
"The Lord's form and His formless aspect are both full of knowledge and beyond the touch of the material modes. These qualities are also present in the original forms of the individual spirit souls.
"In truth, there is no real difference between the Lord's form and His formless aspect. The difference is only an imagination of the Vedas. The two are like a jewel and its splendour."

In the Kapila-pancaratra it is said:
"The Supreme has two aspects: 1. His transcendental form, and 2. His formless aspect. Thus it should be known that all-powerful Lord Narayana has a form and is formless also."

In the Hayasirsa-pancaratra it is said:
"The Vedas say that the Supreme has no qualities. But they also say that He certainly does have qualities. By carefully considering all the statement of the Vedas, we have come to the conclusion that more weight should be given to the statements affirming the Lord's possession of transcendental qualities."

Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 2

Here someone may protest: You consider the Supreme both beyond the modes of material nature and the master of all potencies. How is it possible to ascribe these two mutually contradictory natures to the Lord? In the following words the author of the sutras refutes this protest:

Sutra 3
“No one should be surprised that the Supreme possesses mutually contradictory natures.”

Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
That the Supreme Personality of Godhead possesses mutually contradictory natures should not be a source of wonder. In the Svetasvatara Upanisad (3.19) it is said:
"Although the Supreme Lord is described as having no hands or legs, He nonetheless accepts all sacrificial offerings and moves very quickly. He has no material eyes, yet He sees everything. He has no material ears, yet He hears everything."

In Bhagavad-gita (4.39-40), the Lord declares:
"A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.
But ignorant and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God consciousness. They fall down. For the doubting soul there is happiness neither in this world nor in the next."

Here someone may ask: How can one understand the truth of this Supreme who has many mutually contradictory natures?
To answer this question the author of the sutras speaks the following words:

Sutra 4
He is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. He cannot be known by ordinary knowledge, for He is known only by devotional service.

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DISPOSABLE PLANET
Most people are not concerned about the problems we are creating on earth. Our whole attitude towards this planet is that it is disposable. Everyone thinks that they can take anything they want, exploit it, and then conveniently throw it away. So many things have become disposable, not only diapers, towels, plates and spoons, but babies, wives, husbands and old people too.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. He cannot be known by the material mind or described by material words. He is known only by devotional service. The Sruti-sastra declares:
"The material mind cannot understand the Supreme. Material words cannot describe Him."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.12.21), the Supreme Lord Himself declares:
"I am understood only by devotional service."

In the Sruti-sastra it is said:
"The Supreme is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss."

In the Brahma-samhita (5.1) it is said:
"Krsna, who is known as Govinda, is the supreme controller. He has an eternal, blissful, spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin, for He is the prime cause of all causes."

In the Visnu Purana is the following explanation of the word sac-cid-ananda:
"O Lord, You are the support of everything. The three attributes hladini, sandhini, and samvit exist in You as one spiritual energy. But the material modes, which cause happiness, misery, and mixtures of the two, do not exist in You, for You have no material qualities."

A commentary on this verse follows:
The verse means, "O Supreme Personality of Godhead, in You, who are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the supreme controller, and the shelter of all, exists one inconceivable potency, which is manifested in three as hladini, sandhini, and samvit." That is the meaning.

Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 1

Chapter One

Tattva-prakarana
The Truth

Therefore, without any introduction, the first sutra declares:

Sutra 1
“The Supreme is one. He has no rival.”

Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

The Sruti-sastra declares:
"There is one Supreme God. He has no rival. There are not many Gods."
Here someone may protest: If it were so that there is only one Supreme God and no other Gods, then that one God would have to perform by Himself all the many duties involved in creating, maintaining, and destroying the universes. He would have to perform them all without any help from anyone else.
To refute this protest, the author of the sutras speaks the following words:

Sutra 2
"Because He is limitless, He has all powers, even though He remains beyond the touch of the modes of material nature."

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If a person sees himself as the Supreme Enjoyer, he will automatically live a life of exploitation. He will not respect others or the environment, nor will he care for the well-being of others. He will lead a hedonistic life of unrestricted sense enjoyment, lording over everything and everyone. Although human in form, he will be no more than an animal who lives by the philosophy “might makes right.”

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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This sutra means that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is beyond the modes of nature and He has all powers. This is so because He is limitless, which is to say that He cannot be measured or understood by direct perception of the material senses or by any other material means. This is described in the following words of Svetasvatara Upanisad (3.19):
"His potencies are multifarious, and thus His deeds are automatically performed as a natural sequence."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (2.2.35) Srila Sukadeva Gosvami explains:
"The Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krsna is in every living being alone with the individual soul. And this fact is perceived and hypothesized in our acts of seeing and taking help from the intelligence."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (4.20.7) it is also said:
"The individual soul is one, pure, non material, and self effulgent. He is the reservoir of all good qualities, and He is all-pervading. He is without material covering, and He is the witness of all activities. He is completely distinguished from other living entities, and He is transcendental to all embodied souls."

In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.7.23) it is also said:
"Although I, the Supreme Lord, can never be captured by ordinary sense perception, those situated in human life may use their intelligence and other faculties of perception to directly search for Me through apparent and indirectly ascertained symptoms."

In the Narada-pancaratra it is said:
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is beyond the world of matter, who is the supreme object of worship, whose desires are all fulfilled, and whom all living entities yearn to attain, is described in the Pancaratras."

Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur | Introduction

Aphorisms of the Truth

Introduction by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

All glories to Madana-mohana, who is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. He is dear to the saintly devotees, and He is an ocean of mercy for the fallen souls.
I, who thirst to taste a drop of Lord Madana-mohana's mercy, shall now write these sutras describing the eternal truths of spiritual life. As far as I understand, so I shall write.
Bowing down before Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya, the eternal maintainer of all the worlds, I shall now write this Tattva-sutra and a commentary upon it.
In Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.11) Suta Gosvami explains:
"Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call the non-dual substance Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan."
In the Yajur Veda, Vajasaneya-samhita, seventh mantra, it is said:
"One who always sees all living entities as spiritual sparks, in quality one with the Lord, becomes a true knower of things. What, then can be illusion or anxiety for him?"
In the Bhagavad-gita (7.7.), the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself declares:
"O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests on Me, as pearls are strung on a thread."
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Unfortunately, a person who is materialistic, greedy, and self-worshiping wants to take the place of God. He sees himself as the center of the universe. He sees everything and everyone—the world, people, his family, animals, plants, the environment—as revolving around him. He sees everything and everyone as meant for his enjoyment. The world is full of such exploitative people, and they cause so many problems.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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In the mangalacarana of the Narada-pancaratra, the author of that book declares:
"One should meditate on the Supreme Truth, who is known as Brahman, Paramatma, and Isvara. His activities are never material. He is never touched by matter. He is never touched by the modes of material nature. He is beyond the world of matter. He is the master of all. He is everything. He is the cause of all causes. He is the eternal truth, the ancient and imperishable Supreme Person."
In the Markandeya Purana, Fourth Chapter, it is said:
"Nothing is smaller than He. Nothing is greater than He. He is the unborn creator of the universes. He is present everywhere."
Here someone may protest: Is it not so that Sri Vyasadeva and other authors of sutras must always begin their sutra books with the word "atha" (now)? The sutras "athato brahma-jijnasa" and "athato dharma-jijnasa" are examples of this. This must be done both to bring auspiciousness and to state the topic one wishes to understand. Thus when one writes a book about Brahman or about dharma one must begin with an introduction describing the topic to be discussed in the book. Why has the author of Tattva-sutra not done this?
If this protest is spoken, I give the following reply: This protest is not correct. because in the first sutra of this book the supremely auspicious Supreme Personality of Godhead is described, there is no need for a separate mangalacarana to invoke auspiciousness. Also, the subject matter of this book is self-evident, and so it needs no introduction.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 13

My dream broken, I shall weep and weep; and gazing on Sri Pulina, slowly cross the Ganga. Living at Isodyana at my private grove, I will worship Gauranga, who is non-different from Radha and Krishna. Then according to procedure, I will worship Radha and Govinda, and shall gaze upon Radha Kunda and Vrindavana. Remembering the feet of Ananga Manjari and the sakhis, I will drown in love of God, and in the bliss attained by a particular service to Their Lordships.
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In the same way that we do not befriend or reject somebody just on the basis of the type of clothing he is wearing, we should not feel prejudice nor bigotry towards others just because of the type of body that they are wearing. We should know that we aren't our bodies and thus not relate with others according to their temporary bodies.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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This Bhaktivinode, servant of the servant of Lord Caitanya, is begging for residence in Navadvipa Dham. I am eager for the feet of Rupa and Raghunatha Gosvamis (Rupa & Rati Manjaris), and from them I anxiously beg to achieve my perfect spiritual body and service. O residents of Navadvipa and Vrindavana, quickly establish me in the arena of the Lord. That is certainly within your power, for it is your place. As my position is but to be a servant, by somehow serving you in your service to Their Lordships, I will be able to obtain residence in the Dham. And Navadvip Dham, give me your mercy, for without your particular mercy, how can anyone attain to the Lord's Dhams?

Please do not consider whether I am fit or not, particularly in the service I have just done. I have simply extracted the essence of the instructions of Jahnava (Ananga Manjari) and Nityananda Prabhu, the holder of all energies. Thus whoever reads this Bhava Taranga with devotional faith will be able to experience the nectar of the pastimes of Gauranga. Svarupa Damodara (Lalita) will certainly give him mercy, give the shade of his feet, and accept him as an associate in the spiritual Dham.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 13

Near Sri Pulina is the rasa mandala, where the son of the king of the gopas, Sri Krishna, surrounded by billions of gopis, is dancing with Sri Radha. Such dalliance does not exist within the material world! Whoever can see, whoever can plunge into that pastime, whoever attains such transcendental trance, will never give up that astounding sight! That sight which I will see, I will not be able to describe.

I will lock it in my heart, and gaze upon it eternally. In my own grove, while cultivating that sight within my heart, I will serve constantly under the direction of the sakhis. West of the Rasa Mandala is Sri Dhira Samira, and further off, Vamsivat and the bank of the Yamuna. In this way, Ananga Manjari, the younger sister of Radharani, will mercifully show me the Dham.

Being questioned by Rupa Manjari, my mistress, Ananga Manjari, will reply: "This new servant will be engaged in Lalita's service. Her name is Lalita Manjari, very devoted to Sri Gauranga. Be merciful and give her direction and progress in cultivating devotion to Our Lordships."
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Nor is sense gratification considered “bad.” Sense gratification comes and goes as a natural occurrence of the senses. For example, one cannot eat without tasting. The point is that a life that is centered around sense enjoyment, that makes sense enjoyment the goal, is a wasted life. Economic development is necessary for the maintenance of the body; so therefore it cannot be neglected. But to seek economic development simply for the sake of endlessly increasing sensual pleasure is foolish. No amount of sensual pleasure will ever really satisfy a person, so no amount of economic development will ever be considered “enough.” This is why people in modern Western societies are still not satisfied, even though they are so economically advanced and thus have so much facility for sense enjoyment. They always want more.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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Hearing this, Rupa Manjari will touch my body with her hand of mercy, imparting to me sublime spiritual emotions and the intense desire to worship in her footsteps. Vishaka, whose complexion is like lighting, with ornament and dress sparkling like the midnight stars, will appear with the camphor tray in her hand. I shall fall at her feet, and beg for the shelter of Sri Radha's lotus Feet. They will take me to the private grove of Lalita, who is dwelling inside, meditating on service to Radharani. I shall pay my obeisances to her lotus feet, and Vishaka will explain to her my identity.
"This is one inhabitant of Navadvipa, who wants to serve you and thereby serve the feet of Radha and Krishna."
Lalita, very pleased, will say: "Give her a place beside yours, and there she will attentively perform her desired service. At the time of your service, take her with you, and gradually she will acheive the mercy of Sri Radha. Without the mercy of Radha, how can the service of Radha and Krishna be attained?"

Hearing Lalita's words, Ananga Manjari will take me to her grove and at the time of service, being very affectionate, she will graciously allow me to accompany her. Performing my task, I shall catch a glimpse of Radha and Krishna in the distance. And then, perhaps, Sri Radha will give me an order, give me the shade of her lotus Feet, give me her direct mercy. Executing that service I will gradually become expert. Thus I shall please Radha and Krishna. In that way I shall reach the heights of ecstasy.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 12

When will I wander in the forest and come to the Siva linga? Sitting there I will meditate on Gauranga, and then I will sight Parvati not far off. When she notices me, I will pay my respects, and ask: "What is your name, Mother?"
With tears in her eyes, she will reply: "Listen, son, my sorrow is impossible to tell. There are five steps of realization, and I have been given the name of Sayujya or Nirvana. My four sisters, Salokya, Sarupya, Samipya and Sarsti, have gone to Vaikunthapura, leaving me here bewildered. By the mercy of Siva, Dattatreya and others were giving me attention for some time, but finally they gave me up and took up residence in Rudradvipa. Uselessly I am now looking for them. Gauranga has liberated everyone, but is merciless to me. Therefore I will find a place to give up my life. That place will be called Nirdaya or Merciless."
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You are your body, right? You are chemical in essence ... right? At least, that’s what one of America’s most influential scientists claims:
I am a collection of water, calcium and organic molecules called Carl Sagan. You are a collection of almost identical molecules with a different collective label.*
Like Sagan, most people believe that they are their body. So if you ask them who they are, they think and respond in terms of bodily labels.
“I’m Susan. I’m blond, 29 years old, a mother, and still 36-24-36!”
“I’m Henry. I’m a white American male and proud of it!”
“I’m John. I’m a lawyer. I’m 40 years old and getting older every day.”
“I’m Alice. I’m a female student. I’m fat and I’m a Methodist.”
Name, race, age, sex, religion, nationality, occupation, height, weight, and so on—all these are bodily labels. Therefore if you consider your body to be yourself, you automatically identify yourself with such labels. If your body is fat and ugly, you think, “Woe is me! I am fat and ugly.” If your body is 60 years old and female, you think, ”I am a 60-year-old female.” If your body is black and beautiful, you think, “I am black and beautiful.”
But is the body really the self? Are you really your body?

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
*Carl Sagan, Cosmos (New York: Random House, 1980), p. 127.

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Just on hearing the name of Sayujya, My heart will tremble as if in fear of the witch Putana. In great fear I will close my eyes and seat tight on that place. Then someone will touch me. I will rise and see before me the figure of Siva, dancing and singing out: "O merciful son of Saci, give mercy to all living entities. Drive away all fear!"

I will fall at Mahadeva's feet, requesting purification. Being merciful, he will place his feet on my head and give instruction:
"Listen, devotion to Krishna is the essence, and jnana, karma, mukti, yoga, are all useless. by my mercy you will conquer maya, and quickly attain the shade of the Lotus Feet of Gaura. To the south see Pulina, so attractive; that is Vrindavana within Navadvipa. Go there to witness Krishna's pastimes. Soon you will attain Radha's lotus Feet."

Siva will disappear, and bowing down I will move on crying all the while. Viewing Sri Pulina for some time, I will fall unconscious to the earth, my voice choked and throat gurgling. In that state of samadhi, in a divine vision, a wondrous figure will appear performing her constitutional service. I will recognize that it is I, Kamala Manjari, the eternal assistant of Ananga Manjari, the goddess of my heart. She will introduce me to all her companions, and will give me the service of preparing camphor for Their Lordships, and will reveal to me the pastimes of the Divine Pair.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 11

At that place, Balarama & Krishna, on the pretext of herding cows, performed many pastimes. In the same way, Gauranga performed pastimes here in Modadruma, becoming drunk with the sound of kirtana in the company of His friends.

Then slowly I shall go to Vaikunthapura, to the forest called Nihsreyasa, abundant with all grandeur. There resides the Lord of the spiritual sky, worshipable by all the demigods, in the company of His three energies: Lila, Bhu and Sri. As much as my Krishna is endowed with utmost sweetness, so the Lord of Vaikuntha is endowed with all opulence and grandeur. Krishna is not without the same opulences, but He makes these invisible to His devotees. "Lord of Vaikuntha, You were merciful to Narada, and hiding Your opulences, You satisfied Narada by transforming Yourself into Gauranga's form." Seeing that form of Gauranga, I will dance, floundering in the ocean of bliss and cry in a loud voice. Crossing over Viraja River and leaving Brahmani Nagar, I will climb to the top of Arka Tila, sit there and worship Gaurahari. I will become drunk by singing the nectar of the Name. O Arkadeva, Surya, let me see you, red-hued, long-armed, clothed in the dawn, with tulasi mala, sandalwood smeared on your body, on your lips the Name of Gaurahari, tears in your eyes. You will speak: "My son, I have appeared before you, because you are a devotee of Gauranga. We demigods, directors of material affairs, are also servants of Gauranga's lotus Feet. I simply aspire to be the servant of the servant of Gauranga. By my blessings you will get Krishna bhakti, and you will strength to live in the Dham and chant the Holly Name. But come here always, singing the sweet Name of the Lord, just to please me."
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You can eat so much food that your belly aches—yet you still want more! Even though your belly is filled to the point of physical pain, you, the self, are not full; you still desire to consume more. The fact that the body can be full or satisfied while you still feel empty is evidence that the body is not you.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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Paying obeisances to Suryadeva's feet, I will proceed to Mahatpur. This Mahatpur is non-different from Kamyavan of Krishna lila. Here, Yudhistira and his brothers resided with Draupadi for some time, here they brought Vyasadeva in order to hear Gauranga Purana, and here they performed intense worship of Gauranga. Even now, the devotees can see the assembly of Yudhistira and the Rishis - Bhauma, Devala, Cavan, Gargamuni - sitting at a base of a tree, weeping as they here the stories of Gauranga. When will I come to that assembly, pay my dandavats from far off, hear from the mouth of Vyasadeva the story of Gauranga delivering the atheist? In love and ecstasy, I shall fall unconscious. After a period of time, seeing the assembly gone, shouting the Name of Gauranga, I shall fall flat on the earth and cry. Feeling hunger during the end of the first quarter of the day, I shall pick fruits from that forest, but just then Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, will approach, carrying rice and cooked greens.

"Here, child, take this offering of mine, rice and a few sweets, which have been offered to Gauranga."

Paying full obeisances, I will extent my hand and receive the rice and greens. Taking the wonderful prasada, all my desires will be satisfied. Whoever gets the mercy of the prasada of the Lord, procures pure Krishna bhakti. May that mercy be eternally mine, so that I will easily be able to give up this material world.

Having taken that prasada, when will I come to Rudradvipa, Kailasa, the abode of Siva, shining throughout the three worlds, where the eleven Rudras dance and become paralyzed with love of God? Here Durvasa took shelter, gave up the practice of yoga and began worshipping Gauranga's lotus Feet. Astavakra, Dattatreya and the other yogis, along with Siva, gave up the monistic philosophy and instead engaged themselves in meditation on the lotus Feet of Gauranga. No longer do they desire to merge into the white light.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 10

"Listen now, newcomer to Navadvipa, now I am singing the glories of Gauranga. Previously, while dying on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, I was able to see Sri Krishna. The Lord told me: "Previously, you had a darsan of Navadvipa, and for that pious activity, you have gained Gauranga's mercy. So you have become eternal inhabitant of Navadvipa. Therefore, give up all other desires and aspirations, live in Navadvipa and worship Gaurahari. You have no longer to fear the bondage of material objects, for it is certain that you will attain Gauranga's feet--By the mercy of the Lord, the liberated souls can see at all times Krishna & Gaura's pastimes in this Dham. Lamentation, fear, death, all causes of disturbance, all material desires, all the afflictions of the conditioned soul, cannot exist here. The pure devotees, by the portion of servitude to Krishna, have all sunk into the ocean of happiness. They do not know the pains of this world, they do not experience the difficulty of any wants, because they are situated in their pure bodies with pure desires.

"The Supreme Lord, who has unlimited devotee followers (eternally liberated or coming from the material world) performs His pastimes with each according to his respective emotional constitution, in these woods. This place is unlimited with no aspect of dull matter, for here the spiritual energy is under control. The Lord's followers, place, time, the senses, the body, all are situated beyond the illusory energy, in a state of pure goodness.
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What is your essence? Is it matter—a mere collection of material atoms and molecules? Or is it something else?

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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"As long as you don’t give up the body in material existence, and as long as your intelligence sticks to material designations, the actual Dham will not be visible in its complete form. That is by the Lord's desire. However, by the Lord's mercy you will receive a spiritual body, for at this place progress is unobstructed. The illusion of material energy will retreat, and you will receive unlimited bliss in this eternal spiritual realm.

"But as long as you have this material body, hold on to the principles of bhakti carefully. Service to the devotees, chanting the name of Krishna, and worship of Radha and Krishna should be per-formed diligently at all times. With the help of the devotees you will attain residence in the eternal Dham, and there pure service to Radha and Krishna will manifest."

Hearing the instructions of Bhismadeva, I will pay my obeisances at his feet. Giving his blessings he will disappear, and I, weeping, will proceed to Modadrumadvipa forest. This forest is non-different from Sri Bhandiravan of Vraja, where the birds and beasts are all spiritual entities. In the branches of the trees live cuckoos who sing the glories of Gauranga & Sita & Rama continuously. The countless banyan trees spread their branches out to block the sun. When will this place where Krishna and Balarama displayed their pastimes, be visible to my eyes? When will I wander about, observing the splendor of the forest, and suddenly spy the cottage of Rama, and then sight Rama, the color of new green grass, wearing the clothes of a brahmacari, accompanied by Lakshman and Sita. Seeing Ramacandra's form, I will fall unconscious in the forest, my body shaking with love, speechless as I drink the beauty of the form with my two eyes. Being merciful, Lakshman will come forward slowly with fruit in His hands, placing His feet upon my head.
"My son, here, eat this fruit. Living in the forest, this is all we have to offer to our guests."

Just as He says this, the vision will dissolve and weeping and weeping, I will begin to eat the fruit. In my heart, I am thinking of that inconceivable form."Will I ever see that green form of Rama again?" O land of transcendental gems, Bhandiravan, my heart weeps without end to leave you!

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 9

Whoever lives at Vidyanagar and sings the glories of Gauranga becomes a fortunate teacher and will never know grief. Whoever takes to the worship of Gauranga and receives the vision of His transcendental form, will be freed from all ignorance. Will I ever see that Gaurasundara, as he goes to Vidyanagar with the intention of gaining knowledge?

Here also, Devananda Pandit, opposing the devotees, committed offense to Srivasa Pandit and was punished by the Lord. Even Sesa does not fully understand the pastimes of the Lord: when he will become excited by a certain action, what will be the object of His thoughts, why He gives up chanting to punish the students who criticize Him, what type of happiness He gains from defeating His teacher. But whatever the Lord does is a cause of bliss. The Lord is independent, and I am simply His servant. My very limited intelligence has no power to judge Him.
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INNER PEACE, SELF-REALIZATION, SOCIAL HARMONY
The yogi’s interest is inner peace and self-realization and social harmony.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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All the inhabitants of Navadvipa, who were His teachers, who were nourishers of Lord's eternal pastimes, and worthy of my respects, please give to me, destitute and penniless, the qualification for nama-sankirtan. For the tirtha of Vidyanagar I make the request that the ignorance which hides Gauranga's identity may never cover my mind. May my mind transcend this maya.

North of Vidyanagar shines Jahnudvipa, where the hermitage of Jahnu Muni is visible to all. Here Jahnu Muni drank the Ganga, who then appeared as his daughter, Jahnavi. Here also, Bhisma, Krishna's devotee, learned Bhagavat Dharma in the Muni's asrama, and Jahnu himself, being sincere, took to worshipping the Lord, and attained the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya. This Jahnudvipa is non-different from Bhadravana of Vraja. When will that forest be visible to my eyes? On the top of Bhisma Tila in that forest, I shall perform my worhip. In the evening, Bhisma will appear before me in his pure body, black like Krisna, wearing Tulsi-mala and marked with twelve tilak marks, constantly chanting the holy name in bliss.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 8

In the north part of Koladvipa is Campahatta, a great tirtha where Jayadeva worshipped Gauranga, and where Baninath had his house. In that house the Lord performed a great festival of nama-sankirtan, and showed the great extent of His prema. At this village is also a campaka forest, from which the gopi Campalata gathers flowers for garlands for Radha and Krishna. This is non-different from Khadiravana of Vraja, where Krishna and Balarama take rest.

At Rtudvipa, abode of transcendental bliss, covered with attractive forests, the seasons perform eternal service to the Lord. In one part of this area exist Radha Kundha of Vraja. Sometimes Gauranga, singing the glories of Krishna and remembering the pastimes of Krishna as a cowherd, would call out the names of cows repeatedly: "Syamali! Dhubali!" Weeping, He would call out for Subala and Sridama. When will I wander in Rtudvipa, seeing the beauty of the forest and remembering the pastimes, becoming stunned on seeing the pastimes at Radha Kunda directly before my eyes?
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Many people practice tai chi, chi gong, and so on with the aim of keeping their bodies fit for a long time. There is certainly nothing wrong with keeping one’s body fit—indeed, it is one of the aims of yoga—but unfortunately, many such people are trying to run away from the inevitable death of the body. Some mystic yogis strive to keep their bodies alive forever—but that is not possible. Even if one was the greatest yogi and could keep his body alive for thousands of years, that still is not forever.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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Here, on the bank of the Manasa Ganga, near Radha Kunda, Krishna and Balarama, with Dama, Bala and Mahabala, would go off to solitary woods with countless cows and calves, playing tricks and singing the glories of Krishna. Gossiping as they go, they move together to distant woods. Losing sight of the calves, they become alarmed, but at the sound of Krishna's flute, the calves all come running back. Just as I am able to see this pastime, it all vanishes. I will fall to the ground unconscious, and then, regaining my senses, I shall rise up and wander slowly through the forests.

"O Gauranga, O Krisnacandra, ocean of mercy! You are the wealth for the wretched and poor, and I am the lowest rascal!" Saying this and weeping continuously, I will move onwards, till suddenly I come to Vidyanagar. This Vidyanagar is abode of the four Vedas and the sixty-four branches of knowledge, and it is known as Sarasvati Pitha. At this pitha, Brahma, Siva and the rsis revealed all types of knowledge to the material world. Knowing that the Lord would perform His educational pastimes here Brihaspati gave up His abode in Svarga, and taking the form of Vasudeva Sarvabhauma, he taught all types of knowledge according to various processes at Vidyanagar.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 7

Near Uccahatta is Pancaveni, the holy place where the demigods come to relax. At this place the three streams of the Ganga (Bhagarathi, Bhogavati & Alakananda) and the Yamuna and Sarasvati all come together, desiring to perform service to Gauranga. Here Gauranga and His men, by taking bath, purified the tirtha of the sins of the people of Kali-yuga. Vyasadeva and the rsis recognize that in all the fourteen worlds, there is nothing to compare with Pancaveni. When, by bathing in the waters of the Pancaveni, will I be able to remember the lotus feet of Sri Gauranga? Filling my hands with water from the feet of Gauranga and and drinking my fill, drunken with the association of Gauranga--when will I be so blessed?

Across the Ganga from Pancaveni, is Koladvipa where the Lord in the form of a boar appeared to His devotees. In the scriptures this place is called Baraha-Ksetra. It is a spiritual realm rarely attained by the demigods. Known as Kuliya Pahora, it is the topmost place of Gaura-lila. Sri Caitanya after taking sannyas, attempted a journey to Vrndavan, but was tricked, and came to this town instead. Here is the school of Vidyavacaspati, the brother of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. By the power of his pure devotion, he attracted the Lord by taking bath in the Ganga. When will I stand on this bank of the Ganga and by the mercy of Vidyavacaspati view the opulences of the spiritual kingdom?
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Sometimes a person is still addicted to cigarette smoking or meat-eating. If he follows the process of bhakti yoga, then gradually he will be able to give up such habits. It is a question of tasting a higher taste. If a person engages in the process of bhakti yoga, he will gradually begin to taste the higher spiritual happiness, and he will be able to give up all vices naturally. After he gives up such bad habits, then his progress will be very rapid.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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When will the Lord, king of the sannyasis, be visible at the top of the palace? Seeing the effulgence of that sannyasi, I will fall to the earth in great separation. Just as the gopis, seeing Krishna in Dvaraka dressed as the king, began to weep, remembering His pastimes on the bank of the Yamuna, So I will long to take the Lord back to Mayapur, where in the dress of a young boy with hair long and curled, dhoti folded thrice, He performed pastimes with His young friends in Isodyana. But still, this sannyasi is also my Lord, and I am His servant. These different appearances that the Lord assumes are but some of His unlimited pastimes. But, oh, my heart desires to take the Lord back to the bank of Prthu Kunda, to the temple of Srivasa Prabhu!

Further on from here lies Samudragara, purifier of the whole universe, where formerly king Samudra Sen fought with Bhima, and received darsan of the Lord, who acknowledges His pure devotee. Here also the ocean, taking shelter of the Ganga, overcome with divine love, came to see the pastimes of Navadvip Dham. In this way, witnessed by the demigods and demons, Ganga Sagara resides in Navadvipa.

The fortunate living entities can see Bahulavan within Koladvipa. Gauranga and his associates, absorbed in kirtan, came and danced there many times. O Koladvipa be merciful to this worthless person, give me the right to live in Navadvipa among the devotees, and give me the right to the wealth of the pastimes of Gauranga, who is my Lord in life and death.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 6

South of Godruma lies attractive Madhyadvipa, filled with a string of beautiful forests. There, at midday, Gauranga and the devotees came and gave seven rsis their darsan, and there also on the banks of the Gomati in Naimisa forest, the rsis are listening to the Gaura-Bhagavat. To hear this narrative about Gauranga, Siva and the demigods mount Brahma's swan and make haste to come. When will I wander through this forest and see the assembly listening to the Gaura Purana? On the bank of the Gomati, when will I hear stories about Sri Caitanya on ekadasi day and during the holy month of Kartik? When will the audience of Saunaka and the rsis give me mercy, and put their foot-dust on my head? I will raise my two hands and say: "O residents of Navadvipa, attentively drink the nectar of Gauranga-lila in this forest!"
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If a person engages in the process of bhakti yoga and yet continues to engage in activities that are detrimental to spiritual progress, his spiritual progress will be very slow. This does not mean that a person must be completely free of all bad habits before he can even begin the process of bhakti yoga. For example, in the Philippines, one teacher saved many young people who were addicted to heroin and other drugs by teaching them the process of bhakti yoga. It took some time before they could completely give up all drugs; but eventually they did.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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South lies Brahmana Puskara, non different from Puskara, where the brahmin Divadas worshipped Gauranga and was consoled by seeing His golden form. Further south, is Uccahatta, non-different from Kuruksetra or Brahmavarta. Here all demigods reside performing Gaura kirtan. Sometimes the residents can hear that music. At midday, Gauranga and His associates would stroll in these forests, overcome with transcendental love. When the devotees would give just the hint of Krishna's pastimes, Gauranga, tasting the emotions of Radha, would begin to sing and dance. When will I, alone, or in the company of devotees, drown in the waves of the ocean of love of Lord Caitanya? When will I wander at noon in the forest of Madhyadvipa, understanding that emotional state of the Lord? When will the inhabitants of Madhyadvipa be merciful and reveal to this destitute wretch my goal: "See, here is Gauranga, dancing with His associates in a grand kirtan in Brahmanagar on the bank of the Brahma Kunda."

When will I see that astounding golden form of Gaura, with two long arms, wearing a garland of forest flowers and booming loudly: "Chant the Holly Names, one and all!" At that moment, Srivasa and all the devotees, shouting: "Hari! Hari!"will begin sankirtan, and some will shout: "Say the name of Gaura Hari, brother, for without Gauranga we cannot attain the service of Radha and Krishna!"

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 5

West of this is Gandhaka river, past the Alakananda river and Kasi Ksetra. Then, in Godruma, I shall see the place where Indra's Surabhi cow worshipped the Lord. In the three worlds there is no such place. Just as Isodyana and Radha Kunda lie close to the bank of the Ganga, so Godruma, where Markandeya received mercy from the Lord, lies close to the bank of the Sarasvati. O Mind, worship the groves or Godruma, for by this, very soon you will see the full wealth of Gauranga's pastimes. Seeing these pastimes, you will easily attain the pastimes of Radha-Krishna, fulfilling your desires.

Godruma is the city of Nanda, the residence of the gopas, where Gauranga performed many pastimes. Having taken milk products for the lunch at a cowherd's house in the afternoon, with His gopa-friends, Nimai would go and herd the cows. The cowherd boys would say: "O brother, you are a gopal. Your form as a brahmin boy does not suit You. Come, I will carry you on my shoulders and we will go herd the cows. We will head towards Your mother's place in Mayapur."
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A person who tries to be a goswami is careful not to engage in those activities that are harmful to his spiritual development. For example, he refrains from taking intoxicants (including all sorts of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and so on); from having illicit sex; from gambling; and from eating meat, fish, and eggs.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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One gopa would affectionately give cheese with condensed milk, and another gopa would become unsteady just on seeing the wonderful form of the Lord. Another gopa would give fruits and flowers saying: "Come to my house every day. You are worshipped by the brahmins but are also the Lord of us gopas. We cannot give you up. You are the object of our knowledge and meditation. Look, even the cows, on sighting you, begin lowing and give up their calves and the grass. Since it is late now, go home to your father's house, and tomorrow we shall meet again here. I will keep yoghurt cheese and condensed milk for you, but if You are late, I will be upset."

In this way, daily in Godruma forest, Gaura and Nitai would play with cowherd boys. If not too late, Gauranga would bathe in the Ganga before proceeding home. Will such a day ever be mine? When will I see pure love-laden pastimes of Govinda? Aspiring to serve the Lord, in company of the gopas, with the sentiments of a gopa, I will reside in cottage in Godruma with a fixed mind.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 4

In the southern portion of Mayapur, on the bank of the Ganga, near its junction with Sarasvati, is the grave called Isodyana. May that forest be the place of my eternal devotions. At this place, my Lord, Sri Sacinandana, along with His associates, performed His midday pastimes. Seeing the brilliance of the grove, I shall remember Radha Kunda. May all this be eternally visible for my eyes. Amid the huge trees and dense vines, various types of birds are singing the glories of Gauranga; there is a large lake and a golden temple covered with diamonds and blue & yellow sapphires. The materialists, their eyes sunk in material sense-gratification, cannot see these groves however. They see only a small piece of land covered with thorns, periodically thrown topsy-turvy by the flooding of the Ganga.

In the middle of Madhuvan is Visrama Sthana, the place of Sridara's cottage, and a clean pond. After rectifying the Kazi, Gauranga came here with His followers and took rest. When will I shout Gauranga at this place, with throat choked up? When will I cry here in solitude? When will I see, in emotion of divine love, Sri Gaurasundara drinking water from Sridara's old iron pot? And when will I see, by great fortune, the young son of Saci in the midst of kirtan along with Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara & Srivasa, dancing and begging love of God at the house of Sridhara?

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So a person's entire lifestyle can be dovetailed with his deep purpose in life. Such a person is the controller of his body, not a slave of his senses. Most people are servants of their senses and minds—they are godas (go means “senses”; das means “servant”). A bhakti yogi, however, strives to be a goswami (swami means “master,” and so goswami means “master of the senses”). A goswami is not dragged around by his senses, but instead uses his senses for his own desired purposes. Although goswami is also a title, in fact the real meaning of goswami is controller of the senses, whether one is externally with the title goswami, brahmachari, householder, or whatever.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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After that I shall see Suvarnabihar, the place of Suvarna Sen's incomparable castle, where Gauranga, in attractive golden form, danced with His retinue. When will I wander throughout Suvarnibihar, alone or with devotees, weeping in love, my voice wavering? There, at the lotus feet of Gauranga, I will beg for a speck of service to Their Lordships Radha & Krishna, and offer my very life to the shelter of Sri Radharani's lotus feet.

South east from here is Nrsimha Puri. When will I see its beauty, and when will I become choked in ecstasy on receiving pure Krisna-prema? Since in my heart resides lust and the six enemies, duplicity, longing for fame & insincerity, I will pray to Nrisimha to purify my heart and to give me desire to serve Krishna. Oh, when will I, weeping, beg at the lotus feet of Nrisimha for the ability to worship Radha & Krishna in Navadvipa, free from all difficulties? When will the Lord in this fearful form-Who is fearful to the demons but exceedingly merciful to Prahlad and the devotees-become pleased to give me some mercy? When will He be pleased to speak to me, a worthless fool, and remove all my fears?

"Dear child, stay here happily in Gaura Dham, worship Radha and Krishna and develop attraction for the holy Name. By the mercy of My devotees, all the obstacles are transcended. Just worship with a purified heart the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, which are a flow of sweet nectar."

Saying this, when will the Lord gleefully place His feet on my head, at which moment I shall fall on the ground, showing symptoms of ecstasy, experiencing love for Radha and Krishna, by the mercy of Sri Nrisimha?

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 3

Why should the rascals of Kali-yuga, bound up tight by material illusion, have the privilege to see all this treasures of the spiritual realm? Maya has thus hidden the Dham, taking advantage of the erosive nature of the Ganga. Thus the eyes of the materialist can see only the shadow of the real Mayapur. By the mercy of Sri Nityananda, holder of all spiritual powers, may that Mayapur be revealed to my eyes, imbued with proper reverence. O Nityananda, please bless this hopeless fool with a vision of the household pastimes of the Lord which took place in this land. O Mayapur, centre of the eight-petalled lotus, golden, glowing, yellow, effulgent and pure, please shine before my eyes.

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Masochism can never lead to spiritual perfection. The body is actually a most precious property of the self; it enables the self to engage in various devotional activities that can bring about a change in consciousness. A person's external activities affect his consciousness, and his consciousness affects his external activities. Knowing this, a bhakti yogi consciously chooses to engage in particular external activities in order to bring about the desired spiritual happiness and wisdom.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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Here and there are groves, the lake of Prthu, and many pastures for the cows. How beautiful they are to see! There are many water canals, grain fields, and wide roads lined with kadamba, bakul and other kinds of trees. To the west of this, on the bank of the Ganga, stands Ganga Nagar, where in Ganga Das' house, the Lord and His brahmin friends carried out their studies. There also, one can see Bharadvaja Tila, where the great muni Bharadvaj, by worshiping Gauranga, attained prema, and then wrote sutras in order to bestow this devotional service upon materialistic men.

North of Prthu Kunda is the village of the Chand Kazi(Mathura in Krishna-lila), and there also is Sasthi Tirth and the exquisite Madhuvan, an extensive area scattered with many residences. O eyes please become purified by seeing this scene. Further north is attractive Saradanga, where the sabara race, out of fear of the demon Bahurakta, reside secretly with Lord Jagannath. May I always keep sight of this place.

North west of Mathura, I shall see the splendor of Srimanta Dvipa, whose border is the bank of the Ganga. There Parvati, in great distress, took the dust of the lotus feet of Gauranga upon her head. In the distance, I shall see Vilvapaksa forest, where the four Kumara brothers are in meditation on Gauranga. Further in the distance, I shall see the land where Nityananda Prabhu had His pastimes, known as Sankarsana Ksetra.

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Some of the recent spiritual masters in Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition:

Bhaktivedanta Swami

Bhaktivinode Thakur

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati

Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - part 2

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga
by Bhaktivinode Thakur

In the middle of the eight islands, which are the eight petals of the lotus, is the supreme island called Antardvipa, and in the centre of that dvipa rests Mayapur, appearance place of the Lord on earth. Upon seeing that, I shall achieve overwhelming bliss. The Vedas sing of the transcendental place called Brahmapura. When my eyes are free from illusion, I shall see that place as identical with Sree Mayapura. It is in this place the supreme Gokula or Mahavana of Vraja, that the son of Saci performed His eternal pastimes.

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Only one who can learn the process of nescience and that of transcendental knowledge side by side can transcend the influence of repeated birth and death and enjoy the full blessing of immortality.

~Sri Ishopanishad, Mantra Eleven

Some neophytes on the spiritual path may fall into the illusion that taking care of the body is somehow evil, or a sign of spiritual backwardness. Not only may they neglect the needs of the body, but they may go out of their way to actually damage the body. Such people actually hate the body. They see it as a source of misery, and thus they take out their anger on it. This is certainly a mistake.

Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda

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What was the abode of Gopas & Gopis(vaisyas)in Vraja has become the abode of brahmin families in Navadvipa Dham. In the centre of Mayapur exist eternally the dwelling of brahmin Jagannath Misra, the supreme purifying agent. "Though eyes affected by material illusion will see there only a small house, some earth, water and a few articles, if maya becomes merciful and lifts her covering, one will see the vast spiritual dwelling where Sri Gauranga is served by His eternal mother, father and countless servants, all incessantly mad with love. There Laksmipriya and Visnupriya , eternally serve the Lord`s lotus feet, Sri Gauranga, embodying the whole Panca Tattva in His wonderful body. Sri Nityananda & Sri Advaita, Gadadhara & Srivasa, and innumerable devotees have their individual places in Mayapura. Everywhere are the houses of the Vaisnavas. O Mayapur, please be merciful to me.

To the south west, the Ganga or Yamuna, twisting like serpent, for her own benefit comes to serve Gaura, the jewel of twice-born. Upon her banks are many ghats, temples, the images of Praudha Maya & Vrddha Siva, and multitude of groves. Throughout Mayapur are scattered countless houses of brahmins, wide roadways, courtyards woods and temples. In the south-east, on the bank of the Sarasvati river is the eternal area known as Isodyana, the garden of the Lord.

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga - part 1

Sri Sri Navadvip Bhava Taranga
by Bhaktivinode Thakur