2015 March 23 Srila Bharati Maharaja Delhi Statement

In this class Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks on the 1st verse of Sri Siksastakam, explaining the 7 excellent results that can be attained gradually by performing Sri Krsna Sankirtanam: 1) ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ (2) bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ (3) śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁ (4) vidyā-vadhū-jīvanam (5) ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaṁ (6) prati-padaṁ pūrṇāmṛtāsvādanaṁ (7) sarvātma-snapanaṁ.

Srila Bharati Maharaja also speaks on the song "Pita varana", written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, which further explains the meaning of Sri Siksastakam verse 1. Srila Maharaja is mentioning the 4 kinds of anarthas, and describing sadhana bhakti, bhava bhakti, and prema bhakti. Finally Srila Maharaja speaks on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s lila kirtan "Dekhiya Arunodoya". For word for word translations of the 2 above songs, see the compilation on this page named "Sri Siksastakam - complementary songs by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura".

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 24th of October 2015. This class is the first of a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Oct 24 AM Start of Kartika: Siksastakam verse 1

In this class Srila Bharati Maharaja explains that our Guru Parampara has allowed us to sing the Lila Kirtans written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura during the month of Kartika. Srila Maharaja furthermore explains the meaning of the words "Asta Yama Kirtans", and he tells about the eternal nature of Goloka Vrindavana. 

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 29th of October 2015. This class is the second in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Caitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Oct 29 AM: Kartika Vrata & Lila Kirtans

Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks about the glorious teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, explaining how His teachings are transcendental and topmost. Srila Maharaja explains the great significance of sraddha. Furthermore Srila Maharaja speaks on the potency of chanting Hare Krsna, and explains that "Sri" in "Sri Krsna Sankirtanam" means Srimati Radharani.

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 30th of October 2015. This class is the 3rd in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during Kartika. This was recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Oct 30 AM: Choice of Guru Voluntary + Siksastakam verse 1 - Sraddha

Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks on the 1st verse of Sri Siksastakam, explaining the first 5 excellent results that can be attained by Sri Krsna Sankirtanam. 1: Ones consciousness will be cleansed, so that one can see properly who the Lord is, who others are, and who am I (ceto darpana marjanam). 2: In this world we are fighting with each other, even with our family members, due to false ego. This fighting tendency is likened to a huge forest fire, which can not be extinguished by any ordinary means. Only by Sri Krsna Sankirtanam, this fire can be extinguished (bhava maha davagni nirvapanam). 3: Sri Krsna Sankirtanam soothes and gives peace and coolness to the heart. Hare Krsna is Radha-Krsna. If one takes shelter of Harinama, Harinama gives these things. Vitaranam means to give, to distribute (sreyah kairava candrika vitaranam). 4: There are different kinds of knowledge (vidya). Sri Krsna Sankirtanam is the life and soul of pure transcendental knowledge (suddha vidya, para vidya). Completely offering oneself at the lotus feet of the Lord, is the result of attaining suddha vidya. Such knowledge can be attained, by performing Sri Krsna Sankirtan (vidya vadhu jivanam). 5: Ananda means bliss. Ambudhi means ocean. Vardhanam means increases. Sri Krsna Sankirtanam causes the ocean of transcendental bliss to increase more and more and more (anandambudhi vardhanam).

Srila Maharaja stresses the importance of Sadhu Sanga and sincerity, in order to achieve the results of Sri Krsna Sankirtanam. Furthermore he mentions the mercy of the Holy Name: Simply by coming in contact with a Sadhu who really follows the path and performs Sri Krsna Sankirtan, one will get benefitted. 

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 31st of October 2015. This class is the 4th in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Caitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada. 

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Oct 31 AM:  Siksastakam Verse 1, part 1-5

Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks on 3 verses by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, elaborating on the 1st verse of Sri Siksastakam (these verses can be found in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Antya lila 20.11, 20.13 and 20.14 - for example at http://prabhupadabooks.com, which features Srila Prabhupada´s original books for free). Srila Maharaja explains about the 4 kinds of anarthas, the difference between papa samsara (sinful activities) and samsara asrama (acting according to the recommendations of Shastra), and the different stages of sadhana bhakti, bhava bhakti, and prema bhakti. Srila Maharaja again mentions that, no matter what stage one is at, by performing Sri Krsna Sankirtan, one will be elevated and gradually make advancement in devotional service. 

Srila Maharaja is then mentioning that first comes the original verses by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Then comes the explanation by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami. And then comes the explanation by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, which he made especially easy for us, keeping in mind that the people in Kali Yuga are unfortunate/not very intelligent.

Srila Maharaja then moves on to explain the meaning of the first line of the first verse of the first asta-yama-kirtan written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, namely "Pita-varana kali-pavana gora". Srila Maharaja is revealing how Krsna got the desire to come as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and how He came with the bhava as well as with the complexion of Srimati Radharani (pita varana). 

Srila Maharaja ends the class by saying: "Even though the first line "Pita-varana kali-pavana gora" is only one line, in that first line Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura really wants to give this message of who Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is, why He has adopted this form, what kind of bhava He has, and why He is giving this process of Nama Sankirtan. One can really start Sri Krsna Nama Sankirtan when one aspires for this bhava, not before that."

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 2nd of November 2015. This class is the 6th in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Nov 2 AM: Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami´s explanation of Sri Siksastakam verse 1

Srila Bharati Maharaja continues elaborating on CC Antya-lila 20.17. Thereafter he explains CC Antya-lila 20.18 & 20.19. 

"Khaite suite yatha tatha nama laya - kala-desa-niyama nahi, sarva siddhi haya" (CC Antya-lila 20.18) -> Whether eating (khaite) or lying down (suite), one who chants the Holy Name (nama laya), attains all perfection (sarva siddhi haya). There are no regulations (niyama) concerning time (kala) or place (desa).

Srila Maharaja explains that the deeper meaning of sarva siddhi haya, is that one who chants the Holy Name, attains all perfection in Bhakti. Furthermore Srila Maharaja explains that it is not that one must be in Vrindavana, in order for one´s chanting to be effective. The Holy Name is conscious, and whenever somebody is wishing to come in contact with the Holy Name, the Holy Name can immediately manifest at that place.

"Sarva-sakti name dila kariya vibhaga" (CC Antya-lila 20.19, part 1) -> Srila Maharaja explains how "Krsna" is the original name (name), and from Him, hundreds and thousands of names have manifested. One meaning of sarva-sakti (complete energy) is, that the energy has been put into different names according to the different rasas. The favorite name of the sakhas is Kanhayia, the favorite name of the elderly gopis "Gopal", and the favorite name of those in madhurya rasa is "Syamasundara." That is because the Lord has infused the name Kanhayia with sakhya rasa, the name Syamasundara with madhurya rasa, and so forth. According to one´s capacity, one becomes inclined towards different names of the Lord. So in this way it has been mentioned by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, that the Lord has divided His energy (kariya vibhaga=making separation) into different names according to different rasas, so that everybody has a chance to come in contact with the Lord.  

"amara durdaiva - name nahi anuraga!" (CC Antya-lila 20.19, part 2) -> "But still, I am so unfortunate that I don´t have any attachment for any name of Yours."

Srila Maharaja answers a question about Sri Krsna Sankirtanam: Is it only the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, which is Sri Krsna Sankirtan? No. It is clearly stating (in Sri Siksastakam verse 2 and the above verses by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami), that the chanting of Gopal, Govinda, and so forth, is also Sri Krsna Sankirtan. Furthermore, speaking Hari Katha or hearing Hari Katha, is also included in Sri Krsna Sankirtanam. 

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 8th of November 2015. This class is the 11th in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Nov 8 AM: Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami´s explanation of Sri Siksastakam verse 2

Srila Bharati Maharaja explains Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s song "Tunhu doya-sagara", which elaborates on the meaning of the 2nd verse of Sri Siksastakam.

Verse 1: Tunhu doya-sagara tarayite prani - nama aneka tuwa sikhaoli ani -> To free the living beings (tarayite prani), first You brought (ani) all these names (nama aneka) to this world, and then You showed by Your own example (tuwa sikhaoli) how to take shelter of Sri Nama Sankirtan. For this reason You are considered an ocean of mercy (Tunhu doya-sagara). 

Verse 2: Sakala sakati dei´ name tohara -> You have invested all of Your energy into the name. Grahane rakholi nahi kala-vicara -> There are no restrictions of place, time or anything else.

Verse 3: Sri-nama-cintamani tohari samana -> The Holy Name is a wish-fullfilling jewel (Sri-nama-cintamani), it can award the highest thing, Krsna prema. Cintamani means that, as soon as you think about something and take shelter of that jewel, that jewel fulfills your desire. The Lord and His Name are non-different (tohari samana). If a person is coming in contact with Sri Sri Radha Krsna by chanting the Maha-mantra, then that is also considered to be direct close association with Them. Visve bilaoli karuna-nidana -> Out of Your great mercy, You distribute Sri Nama Sankirtan freely throughout the creation. 

Verse 4: Tuwa doya aichana parama-udara -> You are extremely liberal, wanting to bless everybody. You want to give Your mercy, so there is no fault in You. The fault is on me, because I am not accepting Your mercy -> Atisoya manda natha! Bhaga hamara.

Verse 5: Nahi janamalo name anuraga mora -> My attachment for Nama Sankirtan has not developped at all. Bhaktivinoda-citta duhkhe vibhora -> Thus the heart/mind of Bhaktivinoda Thakura is full of suffering. Pain is there that "I am unable to take shelter of Sri Nama Sankirtan."

Thereafter Srila Maharaja explains more about the glories of Nama Prabhu. Amongst others, Srila Maharaja mentions that it is not possible to take full shelter of Harinama Prabhu instantly. We have to practice. We should pray to Nama Prabhu: "I really want to take shelter. I am unable to take full shelter at this time. But I am trying my level best." We should try to give up material desires, duplicity and insincerity. Nama Prabhu is not cruel. He has a heart. If He sees that somebody really wants it, then He will definitely come forward and give us His mercy. 

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 9th of November 2015. This class is the 12th in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Nov 9 AM: Tunhu Doya Sagara (Siksastakam 2)

Srila Bharati Maharaja explains verse 4-6 of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s kirtan "Sri Krsna Kirtane Jadi", which elaborates on the 3rd verse of Sri Siksastakam.

Verse 4: One shouldn´t give any distress or pain to others, simply to get food, accomodation or clothes for oneself (Jivana-nirvahe ane udvega na dibe). If one is having the mentality that "They are having so many facilities, but I am having so little", then one can not focus one´s mind and think about Sri Hari. If one wants to do Bhajan, one has to develop tolerance. When we are lacking certain facilities, that is an opportunity to practice tolerance. For the benefit of others, one has to give up one´s own comforts (para-upakare nija-sukha pasaribe). Whenever there is an opportunity to serve, one should avail of it immediately, because the chance may not come again later.

Verse 5: Even if you have all good qualities in you (hoile-o sarva-gune guni mahasoya), never ever hanker for name, fame, position, and so on. From the core of one´s heart, one should give up the desire for these things (pratisthasa chari koro amani hrdoya). As long as the desire for these things are there in the heart, one can´t get admittance into Sri Harinama Sankirtan.

Verse 6: The Lord is present in the heart of every living entity (Krsna-adhisthana sarva-jive jani´ sada). Therefore one should respect all living entities (korobi sammana sabe adare sarvada), knowing for sure that every single one of them carries Sri Krsna in their heart. One should try not to harm other living entities in any way. Every living entity has a permanent relation with Sri Krsna.

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 14th of November 2015. This class is the 16th in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Nov 14 AM: Sri Krsna Kirtane Jadi, verse 4-6 (Siksastakam 3)

Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks on the 5th verse of Sri Siksastakam. Then he explains Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami´s commentary on the 5th verse of Sri Siksastakam (which can be found in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Antya-lila 20.33-34). In that context, Srila Maharaja also speaks on the famous verse "Krsna bhuli´sei jiva anadi-bahirmukha" (CC, Madhya-lila 20.117) and "Nija abhista krsna prestha" (CC Madhya-lila 22.159). 

Finally Srila Maharaja reveals the deep meanings of the first and second verse of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s kirtan "Anadi Karama Phale", wherein Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura elaborates on the meaning of the 5th verse of Sri Siksastakam. In that connection, Srila Maharaja speaks on the very wonderful verses "Atmendriya priti vancha" (CC Adi-lila 4.165), "Ataeva kama-preme bahuta antara" (CC Adi-lila 4.171), "Kiba ba karite" & "Kama krsna-karmarpanekrodha" (Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, Prema Bhakti Candrika, song 2, text 11 and 10), "Kabe habe bolo se-dina amar" (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Saranagati, Vijnapti), "Kabe Gaura vane" (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Gita-mala, part 5, song 1), and "Dhyayato visayan pumsah" (BG 2.62-63).

Srila Bharati Maharaja explains that first one has to really understand the glories of Sri Harinama Sankirtana (sraddha). Then one has to understand very clearly that "I am unable to take shelter of that Name which is like Cintamani, because of committing so many offenses" (sadhu sanga, bhajana kriya, anartha nivrtti). Then one becomes more and more humble (nistha). Then one stops desiring all those things described in Siksastakam 4, such as wealth, family, and followers (ruci). Then and only then, one becomes eligible to truly say, with heartfelt feeling: "I am Your eternal servant" (asakti, Siksastakam verse 5). 

It is very nice to read along in the original texts, whilst listening to the explanation of Srila Maharaja. The verses from Sri Caitanya Caritamrta and Bhagavad-gita can be found at www.prabhupadabooks.com, which features Srila Prabhupada´s original books for free. The complete text of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s song "Anadi Karama Phale", including word for word translations, can be found here on the site, in the compilation named "Sri Siksastakam - complementary songs by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura". 

Srila Narottama dasa Thakura: http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/texts/prema-bhakti-candrika/ 

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s Saranagati: http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/texts/saranagati-gitavali/    & Gitamala: http://kksongs.org/songs/k/kabegauravane.html

This class was given in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Chandigarh by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 21st of November 2015. This class is the 22nd in a series of lectures that Srila Maharaja is giving on Sri Siksastakam and Bhajana Rahasya (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura) in the month of Kartika, as all devotees in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math sing Sri Siksastakam and songs from Bhajana Rahasya daily during the month of Kartika. This has been recommended by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

Recommeded reading, in order to enhance ones understanding of the topic: "Sri Siksastakam" (with commentary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja) and "Bhajana Rahasya" (by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura). Both books can be downloaded for free at www.purebhakti.com.

Ch2015 Nov 21 AM: Siksastakam verse 5 & Anadi Karama Phale verse 1 - 2

Sing along to the song "Dekhiya Arunodoya" written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and get the word for word translations below. In this song (which is from the book Bhajana Rahasya) Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains the pastimes which Sri Radha-Krsna perform in the 1st period of the day. The translations are from the book "Gaudiya Kirtan - Devotional Songs & Prayers", inspired by Srila Bhakti Vallabha Tirtha Maharaja, and published by Mandala. The recording is made by Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math & used with permission.

This file is complementary to the classes on Sri Siksastakam verse 1 and the song Dekhiya Arunodoya (Lila Kirtan 1), given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math during Kartika 2015.

dekhiyā aruṇodoya, vṛndā-devī vyasta hoy, 
kuñje nānā raba korāilo
śuka-śārī padya śuni, uṭhe rādhā-nīlamaṇi, 
sakhī-gaṇa dekhi hṛṣṭa hoilo

dekhiyā = seeing ; arunodoya = the rising of the sun ; vṛndā-devī = Vṛndā Devī ; vyasta hoy = became busy ; kuñje = in the grove ; raba korāilo = induced the birds and animals to make sounds ; nānā = (of) various kinds ; padya śuni = on hearing the recitation ; śuka-śārī = (of) the parrots and mynahs ; rādhā-nīlamaṇi = Śṛi Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, who resembles the blue sapphire ; uṭhe = rose ; dekhi = seeing this ; sakhī-gaṇa = the gopis ; hṛṣṭa hoilo = became joyful.

When Vṛndā Devī sees it begins to dawn, she becomes busy, causing various birds to fill the kuñja with sound. When Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa hear the verses recited by the parrot and mynah, They get up. Seeing Them, the sakhis feel thrilled.

kālocita sulalita, kakkhaṭīra rabe bhīta,
rādhā-kṛṣṇa sa-tṛṣṇa hoiyā
nija nija gṛhe gelā, nibhṛte śayana koilā,
duṅhe bhaji se līlā smariyā

kālocita = appropriate for that time ; sulalita = sublime ; rabe = by the sound of ; kakkhaṭīra = a she-monkey known as Kakkhaṭi ; rādhā-kṛṣṇa = Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa ; sa-tṛṣṇa hoiyā = (who are) desirous (for each other) ; bhīta = (became) afraid ; gelā = (and) went ; nija nija = (to Their) respective ; gṛhe = houses ; śayana koilā = (and) went to bed ; nibhṛte = in Their own rooms ; smariyā = remembering ; se līlā = this pastime ; bhaji = I worship ; duṅhe = both.

The female monkey Kakkhaṭi makes a sound, appropriate to the situation, which frightens Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Despite being eager for each other, They go back to Their own homes, where They go to bed. Remembering these pastimes, I worship the Divine Couple.

ei līlā smaro āra gāo kṛṣṇa-nāma
kṛṣṇa-līlā prema-dhana pābe kṛṣṇa-dhāma

smaro = remember ; ei līlā = this pastime ; āra = and ; gāo = sing ; kṛṣṇa nāma = the Holy Name of Kṛṣṇa ; kṛṣṇa-līlā = (and about) the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa ; pābe = you will receive ; prema-dhana = the treasury of love of God ; kṛṣṇa-dhāma = (and attain) the abode of Kṛṣṇa.

Please meditate on this pastime and sing about the Holy Names and pastimes of Kṛṣṇa. Then you will attain the treasury of love of God and will go back to the abode of Kṛṣṇa.

1st Yama Lila Kirtan: Dekhiya Arunodoya

Sing along to the song "Pita Varana" written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and get the word for word translations below. In this song Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains the meaning of the 1st verse of Sri Siksastakam. The translations are from the book "Gaudiya Kirtan - Devotional Songs & Prayers", inspired by Srila Bhakti Vallabha Tirtha Maharaja, and published by Mandala. The recording is made by Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math & used with permission.

This file is complementary to the classes about the 1st verse of Sri Siksastakam and the song Pita Varana, given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja in Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math during Kartika 2015.

pīta-varaṇa kali-pāvana gorā
gāoāi aichana bhāva-vibhorā (1)

pīta-varaṇa = golden complexion ; kali-pāvana = fallen souls of Kali Yuga ; gorā = Lord Gaurāṅga ; gāoāi = sings ; aichana = as follows ; bhāva-vibhorā = overwhelmed with spiritual ecstasy.

Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu appeared in His golden form to purify the age of Kali. Absorbed in divine ecstasy, He sang the following song:

citta-darpaṇa-parimārjana-kārī
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya citta bihārī (2)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; citta-bihārī = which enters the heart ; parimārjana kārī = which thoroughly cleanses ; citta-darpaṇa = the mirror of the heart.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, which enters our hearts and minds and cleanses them like a mirror.

helā-bhava-dāva-nirvāpaṇa-vṛtti
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya kleśa-nivṛtti (3)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; vṛtti = (which has) the capacity to ; helā = easily ; nirvāpaṇa = extinguish ; dāva = the forest fire ; bhava = of the material world ; kleśa-nivṛtti = it ends all troubles.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, which extinguishes our sufferings and the forest fire of material existence with great ease.

śreyaḥ-kumuda-vidhu-jyotsnā-prakāśa
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya bhakti-vilāsa (4)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; prakāśa = which reveals ; vidhu-jyotsnā = the light of the moon (that causes to bloom) ; kumuda = the white lotus ; śreyaḥ = of all good fortune ; bhakti-vilāsa = (it is the) most joyful act of devotion.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, the most joyful act of devotion and the moonlight that makes the night-lotus of auspiciousness blossom.

viśuddha-vidyā-vadhū-jīvana-rūpa
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya siddha-svarūpa (5)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; viśuddha = completely pure ; vidyā-vadhū = divine knowledge bright as a young bride ; jīvana-rūpa = (has taken) the form of a husband ; siddha-svarūpa = the Lord´s eternally perfect form.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, the eternally perfect form of the Lord. It is the life of pure transcendental knowledge.

ānanda-payo-nidhi-vardhana-kīrti
kṛṣṇā-kīrtana jaya plāvana-mūrti (6)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; kīrti = famous for ; vardhana = increasing ; payo-nidhi = the ocean ; ānanda = of divine bliss ; plāvana-mūrti = acting like a flood, submerging me.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, which is famed for expanding the ocean of ecstasy and which immerses me in that ocean.

pade pade pīyūṣa-svāda-pradātā
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya prema-vidhātā (7)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; pade pade = at every step ; pīyūṣa-svāda-pradātā = giving the taste of divine nectar ; prema-vidhātā = bestower of divine love.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, which at every step gives us a taste for the divine nectar and bestows love for Kṛṣṇa.

bhaktivinoda-svātma-snapana-vidhāna
kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya prema-nidāna (8)

kṛṣṇa-kīrtana jaya = all victory to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan ; snapana-vidhāna = (which) causes to bathe ; bhaktivinoda-svātma = the soul of Bhaktivinoda ; prema-nidāna = (in this) storehouse of divine love.

All glories to Śṛi Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtan, the storehouse of love for Kṛṣṇa, which bathes Bhaktivinoda´s entire soul.

1st Yama Kirtan: Pita Varana

Without Vaisnava Seva, no one can get Hari Bhakti. Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has written: "Chadiya vaisnava-sevanistara payeche keba - unless one becomes a servant of a pure devotee, one cannot be delivered from the material condition of life." (http://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/10/10/25 )

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says: "Bhakata-seva, parama-siddhi, prema-latikara mula - service to the Vaisnavas is the highest perfection and the very root of the tender creeper of divine love." (Suddha Bhakata, purebhakti.com) 

We have read about Vaisnava Seva. But we are not paying attention to it. Srila Sridhara Maharaja gave me this teaching: "You should associate with higher devotees only. Not with the very new devotees inside the Math." Then I asked: "They are all Prabhupada disciples, they are my Guru-varga, how can I stay with them?" Sridhara Maharaja told me: "When you will serve them, then you can stay with them easily."

When we stay with the Vaisnavas, we get to see their conduct. The characters of Vaisnavas are very deep. At every step of the Vaisnavas, they give us teachings.

Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja was serving a lot. Whenever devotees were going through the area of the Math by train, Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja would send Prasad for them. Still, after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada went into samadhi, someone told him: "Go out from the Math." But he never gave up this moral of serving the Vaisnavas, and again he got a place in that area also. I was present in Mayapur, when he got sannyasa from Giri Maharaja. In Puri also, I went to meet Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja. One time he wasn´t eating anything, and his servant came and got me. I asked Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja: "Why are you not eating?" And with great difficulty he answered: "Burning pain." So I told to give him water mixed with sugar candy and salt. He could drink that, and slowly slowly after drinking this, he became able to eat. After some time he went abroad for preaching.  

In 1956, my Gurudeva (Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhava Maharaja) started Vraja Mandala Parikrama. Once during Parikrama, a Prabhupada disciple told me: "If we have the ability to give money, but still we will be miserly, then that will be a fault." Although there was nothing at his home, but still he wanted to give a donation for the Parikrama, and in that way he showed that we should serve the devotees. 

My Gurudeva told us about his room in Mayapur "If any of my Godbrothers will come here, he will stay in my room.This room is not for my comfort. This is a room for service." My Gurudeva also once wrote to me "Any Vaisnava will come to you, no need to ask me if you should keep him in the temple or not, the chance of service, immediately you should accept that chance of service to Vaisnava."

And Srila Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Goswami told me "We did not come to Math, to see this temple. We came here, by seeing the moral of Prabhupada. That is why, we will fight for siddhantas and morals only. We are not fighting for Math and construction." 

This kind of thought they have, this kind of moral.

When we are glorifying, speaking about the qualities of Gurudeva and Vaisnavas, this will give us so much benefit in Hari Bhajan. Because of my Gurudeva´s mercy, I got the chance to serve all these Vaisnavas. Without Vaisnava Seva, no one can get Hari Bhakti. For this reason I am feeling that I am very fortunate.

Note: The beginning of the translation is missing, due to a problem with the transmitter. 

This class was given on the 29th of January 2016, and is the 11th in a series of lectures given in Jagannatha Puri by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja. Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above sound file is a live translation, and as the above synopsis is based on that translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly do not mind. 

PURI 2016 Jan 29 PM: The Necessity of Vaisnava Seva & App Day of Srila Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaja

How can we win over maya? This is today´s topic. In Bhagavad-gita Krsna has told, how we can win over maya: "You should surrender at My feet. Then you can get free from maya." 

Bhagavan is omni-potent. That is why the person who is surrendered to Bhagavan, he can win over maya. There are 6 limbs of saranagati. When we are surrendered at the feet of Bhagavan and we serve Him, then and only then can we win over maya. This has been spoken by Mahaprabhu.

sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-sravana
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana

"One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and veneration." (CC Madhya-lila 22.128)

sakala-sadhana-srestha ei panca anga
krsna-prema janmaya ei pancera alpa sanga

"These five limbs of devotional service are the best of all. Even a slight performance of these five awakens love for Krsna." (CC Madhya-lila 22.129)

If you associate a little bit with these 5 limbs of Bhakti, then you will get Krsna prema in your heart. It is very difficult to understand Krsna. Only when we associate with Krsna, when we read scriptures, then we can understand the subject, Krsna. 

Mahaprabhu did not speak "murtira sevana". He told "sraddhaya sri murtira sevana". What is the meaning of sraddha here? 

’sraddha’-sabde—visvasa kahe sudrdha niscaya
krsne bhakti kaile sarva-karma krta haya

"Sraddha is confident, firm faith that by rendering transcendental loving service to Krsna one automatically performs all subsidiary activities. Such faith is favorable to the discharge of devotional service." (CC Madhya-lila 22.62)

The meaning of sraddha is, firm faith in Krsna that, by doing Krsna Bhakti, everything will be done. 

You should think that "Bhagavan is my topmost shelter", and you have to make yourself free from all kinds of material titles, and you have to serve with your senses the owner of our senses (sarvopadhi vinirmuktam, CC Madhya-lila 19.170). Then and only then is it called Bhakti. That is why when we are offering, serving Deities, unless and until you purify yourself, even if you purify everything, asana, plate, but if you will not purify yourself, then you can not offer anything to Bhagavan. 

What is topmost Bhakti? Anukulyena krsnanusilanam (Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.1.11).  We have to do Krsna Bhakti under the guidance of Srimati Radharani. Anukulyena means, Bhagavan´s anukula potency, is Radharani. Anukula potency means, who is serving Krsna. Under Her guidance only. When we do Bhakti under the guidance of Srimati Radharani, then and only then can we get this topmost Bhakti. If we do the Bhakti under the guidance of Laksmi or under the guidance of Rukmini, you can not get this topmost Bhakti.

What is the evidence of this? When Radharani left the rasa-lila, although hundred crores of gopis were there, Krsna also left and followed Her. In the first verse of Srimad Bhagavatam, what has been spoken there? If we explain properly the first verse, what is the meaning? Janmady asya yato 'nvayad itaratas carthesv abhijnah svarat (SB 1.1.1). Janma-adi asya - from Radha and Krsna, all kinds of mellows are coming. Adi-rasa means that the topmost mellow is Radha-Krsna. And "anvaya" ('nvayad) means, that personality who follows somebody. Anvaya, a person who is following somebody, going behind. So Krsna is anvaya. Because when Radharani left the rasa-sthali, Krsna followed Her. And Radharani is itaratah. Itaratah" means "a personality who is beyond compare, who can not be replaced by anyone else" (this last sentence is a cross-reference, from a class given by Srila Bharati Maharaja on the 20th of November 2015).

If anybody speaks "I am topclass, listen from me", then this is the line a devotee should not speak. That is why, the topmost remedy to get free from maya, is when we surrender at the feet of Krsna, who is omni-potent. Then and only then we can get free from maya. 



PURI 2016 Jan 31 PM: How to win over maya

The word Parikrama has a special meaning. Pari means sarvato bhavena, meaning with one´s body, mind, and words. And krama means sequence. So Parikrama means that one has to perform seva of the Lord and the Dham in sequence, with one´s body, mind, and words.

So the sequence is that first one has to go to Antardvipa Sri Mayapur. Sri Prahlada Maharaja has said:

sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada-sevanam
arcanam vandanam dasyam sakhyam atma-nivedanam

iti pumsarpita visnau bhaktis cen nava-laksana
kriyeta bhagavaty addha tan manye 'dhitam uttamam 
(SB 7.5.23-24)

Sri Prahlada Maharaja mentions 9 limbs of Bhakti. Navadvipa Dham represents these 9 limbs of Bhakti (nava=9, dvipa=islands). In the above verse, Prahlada Maharaja mentions 2 things: Atma-nivedana and arpita. Atma-nivedana is the 9th limb of Bhakti and means, complete surrender. Whereas arpita means, pre-liminary surrender. 

If one does not surrender to the Lord, through His devotees, before performing sravanam, kirtanam etc, then one´s performance of the limbs of Bhakti, will become limbs of karma only. 

It is not possible for us to surrender completely, in the beginning. But to whatever extent we are able to surrender ourselves, in accordance with the words of Sri Hari, Guru, and Vaisnavas, first we should do that. Then and only then, our performance of sravanam, kirtanam etc. will become the limbs of Bhakti. 

That is why one has to go to Sri Antardvipa Mayapur first, before anything else. This is the sequence, which was followed by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, as well as by Srila Jiva Gosvami and Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Antardvipa represents, the place of atma-nivedana. It means that at this place, at least one can start pre-liminary surrender. And after that, according to the sequence, then one can come to sravanam, hearing properly. 

If we go on Parikrama independently, we will only be deceived. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says:

Gaura amara, ye-saba sthane
karalo bhramana range
se-saba sthana,  heribo ami
pranayi-bhakata-sange

"In the company of praṇayi-bhaktas, I will visit and behold all the places where my Gaura joyfully visited."

(From the song Suddha Bhakata Carana Renu, found in Saranagati - Svikara - acceptance of activities favourable to pure devotion, song 3)

If one does not perform Parikrama according to the words of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, under the guidance of pranayi bhaktas, those devotees who are having attachment/relationship with these places, with the Lord, and with the Dham - if one does not follow their footsteps, and independently performs Parikrama or reads scriptures, then one will not get the real benefit of performing Parikrama.   

Why do we have to go from place to place? Because we have to engage all of our senses in the service of the Lord, the Vaisnavas, and the Dham. If we will not use our senses for these purposes, then we will definitely be attracted to the material world instead. But once we engage all our senses in the Dham, for kirtana, sravana etc, then what will happen? Our attachment to the Lord will come. The previous samskaras, the previous impressions from so many lifetimes, or in this lifetime, so many impressions are there in the heart - all those impressions will slowly slowly fade, and then the real impression, our relationship with the Lord, with the devotees, will awaken. 

This is the 1st class given by Srila Bhakti VIjnana Bharati Maharaja in Mayapur 2016, on the topic of Sri Navadvipa Dham Parikrama.


Mayapur 2016 March 16 AM: Sri Antardvipa Mayapur + The Importance of Surrender

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Gosvami Maharaja, during a morning Darshan in Delhi, on the 26th of March 2016.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, the above sound file is a live translation, so there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly do not mind.

Delhi 2016 March 26 AM: Morning Darshan

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Gosvami Maharaja, during a morning Darshan in Delhi, on the 27th of March 2016.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, the above sound file is a live translation, so there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly do not mind.

Delhi 2016 March 27 AM: Morning Darshan

This is the 24th class in a series of lectures given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja in Jagannatha Puri June-July 2016.

Puri 2016 July 9 (Hindi)

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on Sayana Ekadasi, which is also the Appearance Day of Srila Bharati Maharaja. Srila Maharaja starts speaking at 11.36 minutes on the above music player.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above file is a live translation, there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly do not mind.

Puri 2016: Vyasa Puja (English)

Rama Ekadasi. This is the 12th class given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja during Kartika in Sri Vrindavan Dham, on the 26th of October 2016 at Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math. Translation by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above file is a live translation, there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly do not mind.

P.s: There was no Hari Katha the previous 3 days.

Vrindavan 2016: Kartika Class 12 (English)

Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja first speaks on the pastimes performed by Sri Sri Radha Krsna in the 6th period of the day, as described by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. 

Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami's Govinda Lilamrta 20.1:

sayam radham sva-sakhya nija-ramana-krte presitaneka-bhojyam
sakhyanitesa-sesasana mudita hrdam tam ca tam ca vrajendum
susnatam ramya-vesam grham anu-janani lalitam prapta-gostham
nirvyudho 'sralidoham svagrham anu punar bhuktavantam smarami


Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s lila kirtan 6:

sri-radhika sayam-kale, krsna lagi pathaile
sakhi-haste vividha mistanna
krsna-bhukta-sesa ani, sakhi dilo sukha mani
pana radha hoilo prasanna

snata ramya-vesa dhori, yasoda lalita hari
sakha-saha go-dohana kore
nana-vidha pakva anna, pana hoilo parasanna
smari ami parama adare

Then Srila Bharati Maharaja speaks on Sri Siksastakam verse 7, the corresponding verses by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami from CC Antya-lila 20.40-41, and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura´s kirtan "Siksastaka song 7". These texts can all be found on page 100 & 125-128 at http://www.purebhakti.com/resources/ebooks-a-magazines-mainmenu-63/bhakti-books/english/69-siksastaka.html.

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja during Kartika in Sri Vrindavan Dham, on the 28th of October 2016 at Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math. Translation by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above file is a live translation, there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly do not mind.

Vrindavan 2016: Kartika Class 14 (English)

Question: Nowadays it is very difficult to find food which is pure. One feels reluctant to offer it to the Lord, and take it oneself. In such a situation, what should one do?

Ahara-suddhau sattva-suddhih
sattva-suddhau dhruva smrtih
smrti-lambhe sarvagranthinam vipramoksah

"It is by the purity of food that one’s mind becomes purified and sattvika. When the mind is purified, one attains a stable memory. When the memory is stable, all the knots of the heart are untied." (Chandogya Upanisad 7.26.2. Quoted in Srimad Bhagavad-gita 3.8, Sarartha-Varsini Prakasika-vrtti) 

Lord Krsna Himself took the cows out to graze. What was the purpose? To get pure things.

It is not only the tongue that must be given clean food. The eyes, ears and other senses must also be given clean food. Ajamila ate impure food through his eyes - he was a brahmin, but in the forest he saw a male and female meeting together, and fell down. Unless and until the food of all the senses is pure, it is not possible that one´s consciousness can get pure. 

All things must be pure. They can only get pure through Bhakti. Through Harinama. 

harer nama harer nama
harer namaiva kevalam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva
nasty eva gatir anyatha

"In this Age of Kali there is no other means, no other means, no other means for self-realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of Lord Hari." (CC Adi-lila 17.22)

In this material world, especially in kali yuga, it is not possible to find anything pure. Everything is impure. Only the name of the Lord is pure. If one takes that, then all other things can get nullified. Otherwise it is not possible.

’dvaite’ bhadrabhadra-jnana, saba—‘manodharma’
’ei bhala, ei manda’,—ei saba ‘bhrama’

“In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying ‘This is good’ and ‘This is bad’ is all a mistake." (CC Antya-lila 4.176)

If something is not connected with Lord, and still one is having the understanding that "this is pure", that is only one´s illusion, nothing else.

Our duty is to remember the Lord all the time. 

smartavyah satatam visnur
vismartavyo na jatucit
sarve vidhi-nisedhah syer
etayor eva kinkarah

"Krsna is the origin of Lord Visnu. He should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All the rules and prohibitions mentioned in the sastras should be the servants of these two principles." (CC Madhya 22.113)

The main rule is to somehow or other remember the Lord, and never forget Him. "Dvaite’ bhadrabhadra-jnana" means that anything which is not making us remember the Lord, should be rejected - and anything which connects us with the Lord should be accepted.

Practically speaking, it is impossible to always get products which are organic, without sugar, and so on. The main point to note is that when Krsna visited Duryodhana´s house, even though the ingredients were good, the Lord did not take anything, because love was not there. On the other hand, when Vidurani gave a thing which people mostly don´t take, namely the peel of bananas, the Lord accepted it, because she was having love in her heart.

One can understand all these subtleties only when one is associating with the Vaisnavas. When one gets proper understanding, then and only then one can understand, where is the demarcation line; what should be done, and what should not be done; what is the real approach to each and every thing.

The main point is to focus on Harinama, and associate with Vaisnavas. The association of Sadhus and Harinama is such a nectar, that even though other things are having some side effects, Harinama and Sadhu Sanga nullify the reactions.

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja in Delhi, on the 30th of November 2016. Translation by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Delhi 2016: Class 5 (English)

Without Nityananda Prabhu no one can attain Vraja.

Nitaiyera karuna habe, vraje radha-krsna pabe
dhara nitaiyera carana du’khani 

"Receiving the mercy of Nitai, one can attain Sri Radha and Krsna in Vraja. Firmly catch hold of the lotus feet of Nitai." (Narottama dasa Thakura, Sri Nityanande Nistha, verse 3)

Akrodha paramananda nityananda raya
abhimana sunya nitai nagare bedaya

"The noble Nityananda Prabhu is never angry, for He is the personification of supreme transcendental bliss. Devoid of all false ego, Nitai wanders about the town."
 
Adhama patita jivera dvare dvare giya
harinama maha-mantra dicchena bilaiya

"Going from door to door to the houses of the most fallen and wretched souls, He freely distributes the gift of the harinama maha-mantra." (Srila Locana dasa Thakura, Akrodha Paramananda, verses 1+2)

Locana dasa Thakura has spoken that Nityananda Prabhu has no anger (a-krodha); He is ecstatic (parama ananda); He has no pride (abhimana sunya). And He is going door to door (dvare dvare giya) to all the fallen jivas (adhama patita jivera).

He is giving them Krsna prema. Why can Brahma not get Krsna prema? Because Brahma is a karmi. If anyone follows karma sannyasa for 100 lifetimes, he can get the post of Brahma. With karma khanda, we can get positions in the material world. But we can´t get Krsna prema.

In the Kirtan it is written that Nityananda Prabhu has no anger. Then why did Nityananda Prabhu once kick Sivananda Sena? The lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu can free someone from the threefold miseries. So by kicking Sivananda Sena, Nityananda Prabhu in an indirect way gave His mercy to Sivananda Sena. If Nityananda Prabhu would have taken dust from His feet and put on the head of Sivananda Sena, then people who are not eligible for that footdust would have come and said: "Oh, I also want this dust. Please give me." That is why Nityananda Prabhu gave His footdust to Sivananda Sena by kicking him.

Anger (krodha) is coming from lust. What is the actual meaning of lust? 

Atmendriya-priti-vancha—tare bali ‘kama’
krsnendriya-priti-iccha dhare ‘prema’ nama

"The desire to gratify one’s own senses is kama [lust], but the desire to please the senses of Lord Krsna is prema [love]." (CC Adi 4.165)

Ataeva kama-preme bahuta antara
kama—andha-tamah, prema—nirmala bhaskara

"Therefore lust and love are quite different. Lust is like dense darkness (andha-tamah), but love is like the bright sun (nirmala bhaskara)." (CC Adi 4.172)

The brother of Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami had no faith in Nityananda Prabhu. But he had firm faith in Mahaprabhu. Still Srila Kaviraja Goswami cut the relationship with his brother, telling him:

kimva, donha na manina hao ta’ pasanda
eke mani’ are na mani,—ei-mata bhanda

“It would be better to be an atheist by slighting both brothers than a hypocrite by believing in one and slighting the other.”(CC Adi 5.178)

Srila Kaviraja Goswami says: "The person who accepts Nityananda Prabhu but not Mahaprabhu, or accepts Mahaprabhu but not Nityananda Prabhu, that kind of person can not get any benefit. With that kind of person I can never stay." So he left the house of his brother. 

Nityananda Prabhu ordered Srila Kaviraja Goswami in a dream: "You should go to Vrindavan." Srila Kaviraja Goswami says: "I am feeling hesitant to speak the glories of Nityananda Prabhu. Externally it could appear as if I want to show that I have received so much mercy from Nityananda Prabhu. But it is due to Nityananda Prabhu, that I was able to see so many devotees in Vrindavan. And to see Radha-Govinda, Madana Mohana, Gopinatha. If I will not speak the glories of Nityananda Prabhu, then I will get the fault of being ungrateful." (see CC Adi 5.161-234 for a word by word translation)

"Jagai madhai haite muni se papistha … eka nityananda vinu jagat bhitare - I am more sinful than Jagai and Madhai … who in this world but Nityananda could show His mercy to such an abominable person as me?" (CC Adi 5.205-207)

Puri Dec 2016: Class 9 (English)

Japa of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja, on the 15th of January 2017, in Sri Jagannatha Puri Dham.

Hare Krishna maha-mantra

Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja speaks about Ekadasi and glorifies Srila Bhakti Vallabha Tirtha Maharaja.

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the 22nd of April 2017 in Jalandhar. Simultaneous translation by Narottama Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always explains things perfectly. However, as the above English translation was made live, there may be some mistakes. Kindly do not mind.

Jalandhar 22nd of April 2017 (English) Ekadasi & Srila BV Tirtha Maharaja

Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja speaks on Sri Cauragraganya Purusastakam.

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the 3rd of May 2017 in Jalandhar. No English translation available.

Jalandhar 3rd of May 2017 (Hindi only) Sri Cauragraganya Purusastakam

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the auspicious occasion of Gundica Marjana, in Sri Jagannatha Puri Dham, on the 17th of July 2015 AM. 

This Hari Katha was given at the Appearance Place of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. First Srila Maharaja mentions how this place was acquired by the great efforts of his Gurudeva, Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhava Maharaja. 

Thereafter Srila Maharaja speaks on the deeper meaning of Gundica Marjana (the cleaning of the Gundica temple), as it has been given by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada: It means that the sadhaka has to clean the heart, which has so many anarthas. This can only be done through Bhakti, through seva. For those who weren´t able to clean so much during Gundica Marjana, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave them the "punishment" that they had to serve the Vaisnavas. This is how to clean the heart. 

Devotees come to Jagannatha Puri to take Krsna to Vrindavana. Not for any other thing.

Towards the end Srila Maharaja speaks about the Bhakti lata bija, explaining that the seed is already there within the soul, and at the same time Sri Guru reminds the soul that the seed is there and inspires the soul to cultivate that seed. 

At the very end Srila Maharaja speaks on the verse:
 
Anarpita-carim cirat karunayavatirnah kalau
samarpayitum unnatojjvala-rasam sva-bhakti-sriyam
harih purata-sundara-dyuti-kadamba-sandipitah
sada hrdaya-kandare sphuratu vah saci-nandanah

["May the Supreme Lord who is known as the son of Srimati Saci-devi be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the Age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation has ever offered before: the most sublime and radiant mellow of devotional service, the mellow of conjugal love." CC Adi-lila 1.4]

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to give that particular thing, which is the property of Srimati Radhika and the Vraja gopis. That particular thing, is very very high. So that is why, Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as maha-vadanyaya, most merciful.

Namo maha-vadanyaya
krsna-prema-pradaya te
krsnaya krsna-caitanya-
namne gaura-tvise namah

[“O most munificent incarnation! You are Krsna Himself appearing as Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krsna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You." CC Madhya-lila 19.53]   

In Srimad Bhagavatam, Krsna is known as vadanya. But Srila Rupa Goswami mentions that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is maha-vadanya. Why? Because He is the combined form of Krsna as well as Srimati Radhika, who is hladini sakti. Krsna has taken the mood as well as the complexion of Srimati Radhika, and manifested Himself as Mahaprabhu. That is why He is known as maha-vadanya. Because Krsna can not be maha-vadanya, unless and until hladini-sakti Srimati Radhika, is with Him. That is why Rupa Goswami mentioned: "You are maha-vadanya."

English translation starts at 17.11. Translation by Madhava Priya Prabhu. Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above audio translation was made live, there may be some mistakes by the translator. Kindly don´t mind.

Gundica Marjana 2015 AM (Hindi & English)

Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja glorifies Srila Rupa Goswami and elaborates on his teachings.

This Hari Katha was given on the 5th of August 2017, where devotees from Murwillumbah had Darshan with Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja through Skype. Translation by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert, and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above is a live translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Srila Rupa Goswami (Hindi & English)

Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Gosvami Maharaja chants the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. Download available by clicking on the "download" arrow.

Maha Mantra 1,5 hours

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the 26th of August 2015 in Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Kolkata, on the auspicious occasion of Pavitropana Ekadasi and Jhulana Yatra.

Translation by Sundar Gopal Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as this audio file was made as a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Pavitropana Ekadasi + Jhulana Yatra 2015

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the 27th of August 2015 in Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Kolkata, on the disappearance day of Srila Rupa Goswami.

Translation by Sundar Gopal Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as this audio file was made as a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Disappearance Day of Srila Rupa Goswami 2015 (English)

This Hari Katha was given by Srila Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Maharaja on the 29th of August 2015 in Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Kolkata, on the auspicious occasion of Baladeva Purnima.

Translation by Sundar Gopal Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as this audio file was made as a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Baladeva Purnima 2015 (English)

This Hari Katha was given by Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Gosvami Maharaja on the auspicious occasion of Sri Krsna Janmastami, on the 6th of September 2015 at Sri Caitanya Gaudiya Math in Kolkata.

Unfortunately the beginning of the Hari Katha is missing.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as the above is a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Sri Krsna Janmastami (English)

This Hari Katha was given by Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Goswami Maharaja on the 20th of September 2015 at Govardhana, the day before Sri Radhastami.

Translation by Sundar Gopal Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as the audio file is a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

The day before Radhastami 2015 (English)

This is a summary of the Hari Katha given by Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Goswami Maharaja on the 20th of September 2015 at Govardhana, the day before Sri Radhastami.

Summary by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as the summary was made spontaneously, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

The day before Radhastami 2015 (summary 1)

The day before Radhastami 2015 (summary 2)

This Hari Katha was given by Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Goswami Maharaja on the 21st of September 2015 at Govardhana on Sri Radhastami.

Translation by Sundar Gopal Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as the audio file is a simultaneous translation, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

Sri Radhastami 2015 (English)

This is a summary of the Hari Katha given by Sri Srimad Bhakti Vijnana Bharati Goswami Maharaja on the 21st of September 2015 at Govardhana on Sri Radhastami.

Summary by Madhava Priya Prabhu.

Srila Maharaja is very expert and always presents things perfectly. However, as the summary was made spontaneously, there may be some mistakes. Kindly don´t mind.

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