somethings about Devananda Pandita

[Guest guest]

http://www.vrindavan.org/English/VSaints/DevanandaPandita.html

 

http://devotees.krishna.org/Articles/2001/06/00318.html

 

DEVANANDA PANDITA was a professional reciter of Srimad- Bhagavatam who turned

to pure devotional service during the time of Lord Caitanya. Devananda

Pandita used to explain Srimad- Bhagavatam through impersonalistic

interpretations.

Because he had offended a devotee, he couldn't understand the essence of the

Bhagavatam -- love and devotion for Krsna. But when Devananda Pandita served an

 

advanced devotee, Lord Caitanya became pleased with him and revealed to him

the path of devotion to Krsna. (See Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 10.77.)

 

http://www.salagram.net/parishad10.htm

 

http://www.bvml.org/SBNM/JaivaDharma/26.html

 

 

 

Devananda Pandita was Bhaguri Muni in Krsna lila

adi lila 10

 

TEXT 77

TEXT

bhägavaté devänanda vakreçvara-kåpäte

bhägavatera bhakti-artha päila prabhu haite

SYNONYMS

bhägavaté devänanda—Devänanda, who used to recite Çrémad-Bhägavatam;

vakreçvara-kåpäte—by the mercy of Vakreçvara; bhägavatera—of Çrémad-Bhägavatam;

 

bhakti-artha—the bhakti interpretation; päila—got; prabhu haite—from the Lord.

TRANSLATION

Devänanda Paëòita was a professional reciter of Çrémad-Bhägavatam, but by the

mercy of Vakreçvara Paëòita and the grace of the Lord he understood the

devotional interpretation of the Bhägavatam.

PURPORT

In the Caitanya-bhägavata, Madhya-khaëòa, Chapter Twenty-one, it is stated

that Devänanda Paëòita and Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya’s father, Viçärada, lived in

 

the same village. Devänanda Paëòita was a professional reciter of

Çrémad-Bhägavatam, but Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu did not like his interpretation

of it. In

the present town of Navadvépa, which was formerly known as Kuliyä, Lord

Caitanya showed such mercy to him that he gave up the Mäyävädé interpretation

of

Çrémad-Bhägavatam and learned how to explain Çrémad-Bhägavatam in terms of

bhakti. Formerly, when Devänanda was expounding the Mäyävädé interpretation,

Çréväsa Öhäkura was once present in his meeting, and when he began to cry,

Devänanda’

s students drove him away. Some days later, Caitanya Mahäprabhu passed that

way, and when He met Devänanda He chastised him severely because of his

Mäyäväda interpretation of Çrémad-Bhägavatam. At that time Devänanda had little

faith

in Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu as an incarnation of Lord Kåñëa, but one night

some time later Vakreçvara Paëòita was a guest in his house, and when he

explained the science of Kåñëa, Devänanda was convinced about the identity of

Lord

Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Thus he was induced to explain Çrémad-Bhägavatam according

 

to the Vaiñëava understanding. In the Gaura-gaëoddeça-dépikä (106) it is

described that he was formerly Bhäguri Muni, the sabhä-paëòita who recited

Vedic

literatures in the house of Nanda Mahäräja.

 

 

(77)

devänanda-uddhäraka

Is the savior of Çréla Devänanda Panòita.

 

Caitanya Bhagavat chapter 21 is Mahaprabhu chastising Devananda Pandita

 

21. Mahäprabhu Chastises Devänanda Paëòita

All glory to Çré Viçvambhara, the life of Nityänanda, the master of Gadädhara

Paëòita and the Lord of Advaita Äcärya! He is the most charming object of

Çréväsa and Haridäsa Öhäkura’s love and the revered Lord of Gaìgädäsa Paëòita

and

Çré Väsudeva Datta.

May the Lord be glorified along with all His eternal servitors and

associates! One can easily attain pure devotion by properly hearing the

wonderful

pastimes of Lord Caitanya.

The residents of Navadvépa saw their Viçvambhara performing His infinite

pastimes with Gadädhara Paëòita, Nityänanda Prabhu and others.

One day, the Lord was out walking with His associates. He decided to visit

Viçärada Maheçvara, who lived near the dam on the Gaìgä. Right next to this

place was the residence of Devänanda Paëòita, an equipoised brähmaëa scholar,

who

was aspiring after liberation. He was learned, renounced, and from his birth

unattached to material life. He was also a teacher of Çrémad Bhägavatam, but

unfortunately devoid of any devotional fervour.

People praised him as being well versed in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, but

factually, he was not acquainted with the real essence of the Bhägavatam.

Within his

heart, the latent devotional feelings for the Lord had not stirred. He still

had not attained the eligibility to perceive the transcendental truth of the

Bhägavatam. Despite his study of the Bhägavatam, he was not situated in

devotional service. Only Kåñëa knows what offences had caused such a mishap.

By some unknown coincidence, the Lord with His associates was passing by

Devänanda’s house while Devänanda was lecturing upon the Çrémad Bhägavatam. Çré

 

Viçvambhara, the Supersoul in everyone’s heart and the Absolute omniscient

Supreme Lord, overheard his explanations, which were devoid of reference to the

 

process of devotional service. Enraged by this the Lord said, “What does this

foolish man say? He is completely ignorant about the essential teachings of

Çrémad Bhägavatam. What right does he have to speak upon the Bhägavatam?

“The Çrémad Bhägavatam is the literary incarnation of Çré Kåñëa and the

ultimate goal of the Çrémad Bhägavatam is devotional service to the Supreme

Lord.

The Vedic scriptures have declared that the Bhägavatam unequivocally

establishes the sublime importance of attaining a loving relationship with the

Supreme.

“The four Vedas are likened to a pot of yoghurt, which, when churned, is

converted to butter cream, which is the Çrémad Bhägavatam. This yoghurt was

churned and served by Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé and then relished by Parékñit

Mahäräja.

“Çukadeva Gosvämé is most dear to Me and fully conversant with the esoteric

truths revealed in the Çrémad Bhägavatam, which is replete with descriptions

about My absolute position and nature as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

“Whosoever makes any distinction between Me, My pure devotees, and the Çrémad

Bhägavatam is forever lost.”

Although the Lord spoke these words angrily, the assembled Vaiñëava devotees

were greatly pleased to hear them. The Lord continued speaking, “This fool

does not know anything about the Bhägavatam. He tirelessly toils explaining the

 

Bhägavatam without mentioning devotional service. Today, I will tear his book

to shreds.”

An irate Lord Viçvambhara was about to rush off and carry out His resolve

when the Vaiñëavas collected around Him and dissuaded Him.

The entire range of Vedic scriptures eulogize the Çrémad Bhägavatam as the

most elevated of theosophical literature; the esoteric truths contained in this

 

great literature are unfathomable by mundane scholars and materialistic men.

One who claims to ‘fully understand’ the Çrémad Bhägavatam completely misses

the truth expounded within this book. However, one who understands that the

Çrémad Bhägavatam speaks of the inconceivable Supreme Truth automatically

perceives its essence, which is devotional service to the Supreme Lord.

Devänanda Paëòita was a learned scholar whose erudition was equalled by only

a handful. However, the God of Death, Yamaräja, punishes all those who

acknowledge such mundane scholars who have no actual understanding of the

Çrémad

Bhägavatam.

Even though one is a professor of the Çrémad Bhägavatam, teaching many

others, one will be misled in spiritual understanding if one disrespects Çré

Nityänanda, who is the ultimate shelter for the entire creation.

The Lord was fond of going about in Navadvépa accompanied by His associates.

One day, He came to the outer precincts of the town and happened to pass by a

drinking place. As he smelled the wine, He was reminded of väruëé, a similar

intoxicating drink made from honey, which is a big favourite of Çré Balaräma.

Immediately, the Lord was overcome with the emotions of Balaräma. In a

trance, He loudly boomed to Çréväsa Paëòita, “Let’s go inside!” When the Lord

insisted, Çréväsa fell to His feet and begged Him not to go inside.

The Lord said, “Do I also have to be restricted by rules and regulations?”

Nevertheless, Çréväsa Paëòita continued to dissuade the Lord from His decision.

 

Çréväsa Paëòita explained, “You are the Universal Father and the perfect

example, if you transgress the social laws then who will be left to uphold

them?

“Those, who out of ignorance will criticize you, will certainly have to

suffer lifetimes of misery. You are the emblem of eternal religious principles,

who

will be able to divine the pastimes You are about to display? Considering

this, if You insist on going into the drinking house, then I shall drown myself

 

in the Gaìgä.”

The Lord never minimizes the vows of His devotees. Upon hearing Çréväsa’s

words, He smiled benignly and said, “I do not want to act against your wish, I

will not go inside.” Gradually, the Lord withdrew within Himself the mood of

Balaram and continued upon His way.

However, when the drunkards from inside the drinking house saw Nimäi, they

became excited and called out loudly after Him, “Hari! Hari!”

One of them said, “Yes! Nimäi Paëòita is a good and honourable person, I like

His behaviour and especially the way He sings and dances!”

A few of them stood up swaying unsteadily and, clapping their hands, started

to hop around making an attempt to dance. They tried to go out and meet Nimäi

in the street. The drunks were now well worked up and at full volume sang, “

Haribol! Haribol! Jai Näräyaëa!” and danced about in great joy.

The drinking place quickly became the scene of loud joyous chanting of Hari’s

name; such reactions are understandable in anyone who sees the Supreme Lord

Viñëu and His pure devotees, the Vaiñëavas.

The Lord was pleased by the intoxicated efforts of the drunkards in chanting

the Holy Name and Çréväsa Paëòita’s heart melted with tears of happiness upon

seeing the display of the Lord’s transcendental potency. The drunkards were

very happy to see Çré Caitanya, but the envious people found fault and

criticized the Lord.

Those offenders who become displeased when they hear the glories of the

Supreme Lord will never know any joy in any birth. Therefore, I offer my

obeisances

to the soul who beholds the Supreme Lord with faith, even if he be a

drunkard. The Lord blessed the drunks with His glance and went away.

After walking some distance, the Lord saw Devänanda Paëòita coming from the

opposite direction. Upon seeing him, the Lord felt rage rising within Him. It

came back to Gauracandra’s memory that sometime ago Devänanda Paëòita had

committed a grievous offence against Çréväsa Paëòita.

At the time when this incident had taken place, Viçvambhara had not yet

revealed His saìkértana pastimes. The world was then too engrossed in

materialistic

pursuits to cultivate the eternal loving relationship with the Supreme Lord

and, seeing this, all the devotees of the Lord felt despondent.

Some scholars were lecturing on the Çrémad Bhägavatam and the Bhagavad-gétä,

but neither the lecturers nor the audience accepted nor even perceived the

devotional essence of these texts. Devänanda Paëòita was also lecturing on the

Bhägavatam in those days. People respected him, as he was very erudite and

gentle. He lectured continuously on the Bhägavatam and maintained strict

celibacy

vows like a sannyäsé.

One day, while Devänanda was lecturing on the Bhägavatam to a group of

students, Çréväsa Paëòita, thirsting to hear the transcendental sound of the

Bhägavatam, came and sat in the audience.

All the syllables of the Bhägavatam are steeped in the nectar of love of

Kåñëa. When they entered Çréväsa Paëòita’s ears, his heart melted in loving

ecstasy and he began to cry, sighing deeply.

The students around him were mundane, agnostic logicians, who felt disturbed

by Çréväsa Paëòita, and they said, “This man is creating a nuisance, we cannot

study in this atmosphere, this is a waste of time for us.”

Çréväsa Paëòita is very dear to Gauracandra and a highly elevated Vaiñëava

who can deliver the entire world. He was unaware of the others’ comments and

unchecked tears streamed out in ecstatic love.

The students then plotted amongst themselves and dragged Çréväsa Paëòita out

of the house, but Devänanda Paëòita did not utter a word in protest. When the

teacher is bereft of devotional understanding, his students are expected to be

the same.

When Çréväsa Paëòita came out of his ecstatic trance, he returned home, his

feelings deeply hurt. The Supersoul, Çré Viçvambhara, in everyone’s heart, took

 

note of every thought and deed of everyone.

Now as Lord Viçvambhara saw Devänanda Paëòita approaching the entire episode

raced through His mind. The Lord accosted him with angry words, “You there!

Devänanda! I hear you give discourses to many on the Çrémad Bhägavatam.

“One day, one devotee by the name of Çréväsa Paëòita went to listen to your

lecture, but while he was engrossed in the pastimes of Kåñëa, your students

dragged him outside the premises. What was his offence?

“Should one who is moved to spiritual emotions and cries upon hearing the

Bhägavatam, appreciating the mellows of loving relationship with Kåñëa, be

dragged out and treated with such contempt? In such an offensive manner, you

and

your agnostic students maltreated this great devotee, who is so eagerly sought

after by Gaìgä devé herself.

“You may be a teacher of the Bhägavatam, but you do not possess even an iota

of the piety required to understand the real purport of the Çrémad Bhägavatam.

When a person has eaten to his full satisfaction only then does he feel

amicably disposed to the world around him. As for you, although you teach

others

about the Bhägavatam you yourself cannot relish its divine nectar, which can

give one unlimited pleasure.”

Devänanda Paëòita, who was indeed a learned brähmaëa, heard every word

feeling very ashamed, but did not speak. Çré Viçvambhara finished His

chastisement

and left. Devänanda Paëòita also left for his home feeling broken and dejected.

 

Although the Lord chastised Devänanda, still he is a very fortunate soul

because to be chastised by Çré Caitanya is a rare blessing. Even those demons

that

are killed by the Lord attain the spiritual world.

One who faithfully and sincerely accepts the Lord’s chastisement is soon

blessed with pure devotional service unto Him, while others who do not care for

 

the Lord’s wrath will perish to eternal damnation.

Çré Kåñëa manifests Himself in four special forms, as the Çrémad Bhägavatam,

Tulasé, Gaìgä, and the pure Bhägavata devotee. Kåñëa is directly perceived in

them in His original form, thus they do not require any installation. However,

the Deity form of the Lord in the temple has to be first installed with

mantras requesting the Lord to accept that form, only then do the deities

become

worshipable by the recommended rituals. The Vedas are clear on this point.

The pastimes of Çré Caitanya are causeless, without beginning or end. Somehow

or other, I am trying to put them in some orderly sequence. I offer my

obeisances to the feet of all the devotees of Lord Caitanya so that my offences

may

be forgiven.

All these pastimes of the Lord, as they manifest in the pages of the

Madhya-khaëòa, are showers of nectar that can sweeten the bitterness of

agnosticism

within the heart.

May Çré Nityänanda, who is so dear to Lord Caitanya, never take away the

shelter of His lotus feet.

Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya and Lord Nityänanda are my life and soul. I,

Våndävana däsa, humbly offer this song at Their lotus feet.