Lecture by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

[Guest guest]

The following is a transcription of a lecture delivered by Bhaktisiddhanta

Sarasvati Thakura at Radha-kunda during Vraja-mandala parikrama in 1932. It

was first printed in Bengali in The Gaudiya (1934).

 

 

All these days we have spoken about lila. Why? Because this is our

most confidential asset. This is our only sadhya. But one should not make

the mistake of thinking that anartha-nivrtti is the prayojana. One thinking

like this will never enter into artha-pravrtti. For this reason, I will

begin speaking about asta-kaliya-lila.

I know that you are not ready to hear it. But we should know such a

transcendental idea exists within the realm of devotion. This is why

anartha-nivrtti is essential. After the realm of anartha-nivrtti is

artha-pravrtti, pure conjugal service to Radha and Krsna. This is

transcendental reality. If we do not know of this transcendental realm, then

all of our efforts may end in nirvisesa-vada. Do not let your days pass in

trying for anartha-nivrtti. Artha-pravrtti is also necessary.

Anartha-nivrtti is necessary until artha-pravrtti has started. When

artha-pravrtti is present, then anartha-nivrtti becomes unimportant -

artha-pravrtti becomes prominent.

Those who have chanted hari nama for fifteen or twenty years should

know such things. The beginners need not hear these topics or they will

misunderstand. These topics are for certain audiences, not for all. Also it

is said, apana bhajana-katha na kahibe jathatatha, "One should not reveal

one's bhajana to others." If we disregard this instruction of our previous

acaryas, then there may be a permanent fall from the realm of devotional

service.

By removing the clothes of the gopis, Krsna obtained happiness; this

is Krsna's sense gratification. We cannot ask, "Why is He a sense enjoyer?"

"Let us see Krsna display the behavior of controlling His senses." Krsna

will not become a slave to our desires. Krsna, by His own will, can show us

sense restraint - He did so in His form as Gaurasundara. By that example He

is informing us that no one exept Krsna has the right to remove the clothes

of the gopis. Our duty is to cultivate devotional service.

Do not think that astakaliya-lila smarana is the property of the

sahajiyas. Actually it is out affair. It has to be retrieved from the hands

of the sahajiyas. Our Sri Guru-pada Padma heard these things from Srila

Bhaktivinoda Thakura. That is why he used to tell us various confidential

things. We have heard the last instructions from our Sri Gurudeva. He said,

"Living in Radha-kunda would be pleasant if you can deliver it from the

hands of eleven immoral men." Now, perhaps, eleven has increased to one

hundred and eight.

 

 

Sri Guru-parampara (Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, Heir to the

Esoteric Life of Kedarnatha Bhaktivinoda) by Swami B.V. Tripurari, Harmonist

Publishers 1998.