Ashtakaliya lila of Sri Caitanya MAhaprabhu

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Dear Vaisnavas

PAMHO

AGTSP

There is a nice book translated by Dasarath Suta regarding Lord Caitanyas

ashtakaliya lila,the book was written by Visvanath Cakravati.

Ashtakaliya referes to the 8 parts of the day and lila is of course the

pastimes.These are the main activities of the Lord.Mainly there is asthakliya

lilas about Krsna,such as Govinda Lilamrita and Krsna Bhavanmrita.Sometimes

neophyte devotees think such books are only for

sahajiyas,but such book are written by the acaryas in our line,such as

Krsna das Kaviraja,who wrote Govinda Lilamrita.Or KrsnaBhavanamrita,that was

also written by Visvantha Cakravarti.However the noonpastimes at Radha

kunda,and the pastimes of Rasalila at night may bewilder someone that is not

free from lust or envy in the heart.

However these books are glorified as being the highest litteratures.

Narottama das Thakura has sung:

Rupa Raghunatha pade hoibe akuti,kabe hama bujhabo se jugala piriti

 

When shall I be very much eager to study the books left by the six

Goswamis,headed by Srila Rupa Goswami and Raghunatha dasa Goswami?By their

instruction I shall be abel to understand properly the loving affairs of Radha

and Krsna.

 

And in another song he has sung:

Among the devotees Krsna das Kaviraja is extremely expert at relishing the

transcendental nectar of the mellows of love of God.When the stones

hear his Caitanya Caritamrta,and Govinda Lilamrita,they begin to melt in

ecstasy .In spite of this ,I have no appriciation in my heart.

 

Srila Prabhupada has also glorified the Krsna Bhavanamrita in the Krsna

Book.That is in regard to the pastime of the bumblebee and Srimati Radharani.

 

However in the pastimes of Lord Caitanya we need not worry about hearing

something that may be disturbing to our neophyte mind.

 

Nishanta lila (Pastime at the end of night),from 3:36-6:00am sunrise

 

At the end of night Gaurasundara lies upon a nice bed under the spell of

sleep.There is no person alive who could behold such splendor and retain his

life breath.

 

Pratah lila (morning pastimes) 6:00-8:24 am

 

Waking up in the morning He sits in the courtyard surrounded by His intimate

associates.Effortlessly enchanting the minds of all beings in the universe He

penetrates into their hearts and remains there always

 

After brushing His teeth and so forth,He bathes in the celestial river Ganga

overcome with ecstatic bliss.Then back at His own home He takes breakfast with

His associates sporting novel prankish fun and afterwards rests.

 

Purvahna lila(forenoon pastimes) 8:24-10:48am

 

In the forenoon period He visits the homes of devotees like Shuklambara and

others and becomes totally overwhelmed immersed in ecstatic love as He sports

various pastimes.

 

Madhyahna lila Midday pastimes 10:48am to 3:36pm

In the midday period He goes to an extremely enchanting flowergarden and

becomes absorbed in riding the sportive waves of pastimes along with His

intimate associates.

 

Aparahna Lila afternoon pastimes 3:36 to 6:00 pm

In the afternoon He meets with His beloved friends and dresses in garments

that enchat all the worlds.Wandering throughout the town of Nadiya to each and

every house.He displays wonderous glory that has no end.

 

Sayam Lila 6 to 8:24pm Dusk pastimes

At dusk he retuns to His home in the most astonishing manner and endeavors

carefully to worship the deity which pleases His mother very much

 

Pradosha Lila evening pastimes 8:24 to 10:48PM

 

In the evening He goes to Srivasa's house while His heart blossoms in great

delight'There He performs amazing pastimes according to the wishes of His dear

friends.

 

Nisha Lila 10:48pm to 3:36am Night pastimes

 

At night he happily performs sankirtana along with His closest

associates.Later He goes to the home of His beloved wife.

 

 

This is of couse a summary,but it gives one some idea of the 8th fold daily

pastimes of lord Gauranga in Navadvipa

 

YS

Payonidhi das