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EDITORIAL  About the AuthorOther Stories by this Author Srila Narahari Sarkara Thakura Disappearance Day BY TRIDANDI SWAMI BHAKTIRATNA SADHU MAHARAJ  EDITORIAL, Nov 30 (VNN) — Srila Narahari Sarkara Thakura Disappearance Day - 30th Nov 2002NARAHARI SARKARA THAKURA: "Before meeting Mahaprabhu Narahari had written many Sanskrit and Bengali songs about the vraja rasa of Radha-Giridhari. Later, he and Gadadhara Pandit always stayed with Lord Caitanya. Narahari used to please the Lord by waving a camara of peacock fan. Thakura Bhaktivinoda's Gaura-aroti son, glorifies this, narahari adi kori camara dhulaya. Narahari Sarkara's family was the pride of the Vaisnavas. By their influence all the people in Sri Khanda became Vaisnavas. The entire village turned into a "branch of the desire tree of love of God." Since the time of Lord Gauracandra, Sri Khanda has been a preaching center for Gaudiya Vaisnavism. One day Sri Nityananda Prabhu came to Sri Khanda and asked Narahari, "All right, we know who you are. So where's the honey?" By his mystic power Narahari turned a pot of water into supersweet honey for the Lord's pleasure. Narahari serves Lord Syamasundara in Vraja lila as Madhumati, a prana-sakhi who supplies mouth-watering honey for Radha-Damodara and Their dear ones. "Sri Narahari Sarakara's very being was saturated with Radha-Krishna prema. No one can fathom the depth of his devotion and pure love for Radha and Krishna. In Vraja he is Radha's dear sakhi, Madhumati (a storehouse of sweetness). And in Gauranga lila he is Narahari, a storehouse of Radha-Krishna prema." (Sri Caitanya Mangala) Narahari Sarakara books Padakalpataru and Krishna-bhajanamrta include wonderful intimate songs praising Lord Gauranga and Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Narahari composed many ambrosial nectarean songs that overflow with the sweetest devotion." In Sri Krishna Bhajanamrta, Narahari teaches how to worship Sri Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. and the guru. Sri Locana Dasa Thakura and many others were disciples of Narahari Sarakara Thakura. It was by the instruction and mercy of Srila Narahari Sarkara Thakura that Srila Locana dasa composed the classic Chaitanya-Mangala. Though not accessible, his samadhi is in Radha-kunda. Srila Narahari Sarkara Thakura was born in Srikhanda, four miles west of Katwa in the district of Burdwan. He had two brothers, Sri Mukunda dasa and Sri Madhava dasa. Sri Raghunandana Thakura was the son of Sri Mukunda dasa. (CC. 1.10.78) Sri Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami described the devotees of Srikhanda as a big branch of the tree of Mahaprabhu. Sri Narahari Thakura participated in all the pastimes of Sri Caitanya. Sri Narahari Cakravarti has praised Narahari Sarkara in his Bhakti Ratnakara (9.513). Locana dasa was Narahari's disciple and has written about his guru in Caitanyamangala: "I offer my respects to my spiritual master, Narahari dasa Thakura, who had immense influence upon the Vaidya community. He is always absorbed in ecstatic love for Krsna, and is constantly preaching the glories of the Lord......Madhumati, the favorite sakhi of Sri Radha in Vrndavana, took birth in Kali yuga as Narahari, the associate of Sri Gaurahari." Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura mentioned Narahari in his description of the sankirtana lila of Sri Gaurasundara, "Narahari fans the Lord with a camara, as Sanjaya, Mukunda, and Vasu Ghosh sing the glories of the Lord." Sri Narahari Sarkara Thakura was a singer as well as a poet. He composed many songs about the activities of Sri Gaura and Nityananda. He wrote the Sanskrit book Sri Bhajanamrta. Many songs dealing with the pangs of separation written by Narahari can be found in Padakalpataru and other books. The songs about Gauranga's pastimes composed by Sri Narahari Sarkara Thakura and the songs of Sri Narahari Cakravarti are very similar, thus it is difficult to distinguish which songs were written by who. Before composing the songs about Sri Gauranga, Narahari Sarkara wrote many songs about the divine activities of Lord Krsna. Narahari Sarkara disappeared on the eleventh day of the dark fort-night in the month of Agrahayana (Nov.-Dec.). He composed the following works: 1.Bhakticandrika Patal 2.Sri Krsnabhajanamrta 3.Sri Caitanyasahasranama 4.Sri Sacinandanastaka 5.Sri Radhastaka Padavali's composed by him are uniquely beautiful. Buchanan Hamilton sates in the Purnea Report pg. 272, that the descendants of Sarkara Thakura had many disciples in the south-east region of Purnea district. SRI KRISHNA BHAJANAMRTA (extract) By Srila NARAHARI SARKARA THAKUR Translated by Sripada Bhanu Swami Sanskrit/Bengali Editing by: Sripada Subhaga Swami "Narahari was the fortieth (branch of the Caitanya tree)." PURPORT BY Srila Prabhupada "Narahari das Sarkara was a very famous devotee. Locan das Thakur, the elaborated author of Caitanya-mangala, was his disciple. In Caitanya-mangala it is stated that Sri Gadadhara das and Narahari Sarkara were extremely dear to Sri Caitanya Mahparabhu. SRI KRSNA BHAJANAMRTA by Srila Narahari Sarkara Thakur Verse 1 I offer my respectful obeisances to that incarnation of Godhead who has distributed more unlimited causeless mercy than any other Avatar. He is the total Lord of my life--Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Verse 2 I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Sukadeva Goswami who is like the ripened fruit of the trees of devotional service. He is eternally relishing in the transcendental mellows in devotional service. Verse 3 & 4 During this Kali Yuga, when the time of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Sri Nitayananda Prabhu's transcendental pastimes become unmanifest. Their lordships become the object of transcendental research and discussion. At that time all level of devotees including uttama adhikary, madhhyama adhikary, and kanistha adhikary shall always be in anxiety and it will be at all times. They shall almost feel uncertainty in their hearts regarding the correct understanding of the eternal truths of devotional service. Verse 5 & 6 I offer my respectful obeisances in full surrender to the thousands and thousands of previous Vaisnavas and particularly to those paramahamsas, perfect souls, who meditate constantly in pure loving devotion on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and by His mercy are studying all of the Vedic literature in regard to devotional service. Following in the footsteps of these great spiritual authorities I shall explain the clear transparent conclusions of the scriptures in their concise, condensed form, with some detailed explanations. Verse 7 I, Narahari Das, consider myself to be a fool. Therefore, how will I be able to explain this most difficult subject matter on the absolute conclusions of the sastra? Will the learned Vaisnavas bless my deliberations that they may not be false or deviate from the authorized conclusions of the sastra in any respect. Verse 8 In any case, whether someone has all good qualities or whether one has no good qualities, whether one is a fool or whether one is a great pandit; who is there in this material world who is able to completely understand pure devotional service to Krsna. Verse 9 In my sleep while dreaming I said the above words. While dreaming I was meditating upon the words of previous authorities and great Vaisnava acaryas and their conclusions on the authorized sastra in regard to pure devotional service. While thus engaged in my dream suddenly my heart became filled with spiritual bliss as if I had entered and taken shelter of an ocean of transcendental nectar. Verse 10 & 11 Just at that time Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared holding the hand of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. Lord Caitanya said, "sadhu, sadhu." As lord Caitanya said these words he was laughing and he came and stood before me saying, "What you have said is certainly true. Now awaken and arise." Saying these words again and again Lord Caitanya disappeared from my vision. Verse 12 Thereafter, meditating on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu who is known as Gaurahari, I got up from my bed and I was feeling great separation being deprived of his transcendental association, I considered my unqualified self blessed by Lord Caitanya's causeless mercy upon me. Verse 13 Feeling myself blessed by the mercy of lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and remembering His merciful words, while being absorbed in the remembrance if His transcendental glories I was immersed in an ocean of transcendental bliss. At that time I could not understand my actual condition. Verse 14 On the strength of the mercy of Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu I have decided to write something. Using my intelligence I have considered the truth of devotional service and although considering myself a fool I have written in my own hand, sometimes in verse and sometimes in prose, this supremely auspicious "Bhajanamrta." Verse 15 In this Kali Yuga the great paramahamsa perfect devotees who have descended to this universe in order to purify it have blessed me with their remnants which I have accepted. As I am strictly following in the footsteps of these liberated souls this work is completely purified with their blessings. Verse 16 At the outset of this work my humble prayer is that all pure, non-envious devotees of Lord Sri Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead may listen to these authorized words as I have heard them from the great Vaisnava authorities of the disciplic succession. Verse 17 It is well known from the authorized Vedic literatures that in this Kali Yuga, through the power of the holy name of Lord Sri Krishna, all Vaisnavas are equal and qualitatively noon-different from Lord Krsna. However, it is seen that amongst the Vaisnavas that sometimes in some places some Vaisnavas appear greater or lesser. In such cases how is it to be understood? Verse 18 Amongst all of the assembled Vaisnavas there is the initiating guru and the instructing guru. In regard to them what type of behavior is authorized.? Verse 19-27 not included Verse 28 Now listen to the authorized conclusions of the previous authorities. Verse 29 It is certainly true that all Vaisnavas are on the same transcendental platform. However, although amongst Vaisnavas there may be a difference in spiritual strength, how will the less intelligent materially attached sense-gratifiers, who become afraid justly seeing the horrifying appearance of beggar mendicants, ascertain the actual strength of a saintly person? Since they cannot distinguish between a lesser spiritual force and a greater spiritual force, they do not know how to deal appropriately with different saintly persons. Therefore they treat every one the same. Since they don't know how to distinguish the specific character of greater spiritual personalities from lesser spiritual personalities rather than risk their destruction for neglecting a potentially spiritual personality they treat everyone on the same level. Verse 30 However all those practicing Vaisnavas progressing on the path of devotional service, who have heard and understood the conclusion of the revealed sastras and are therefore endowed with special intelligence are able to recognize who is more spiritually powerful and who is less spiritually powerful. Those who are expert in the science of devotional service can understand in whose body what quantity of Krsna's spiritual potency is present. Being able to understand who has less spiritual potency and who has more spiritual potency, they offer special treatment considering the scriptural injunctions in this regard. Verse 31 If one can distinguish between the greater or lesser spiritual strength of a person but does not accordingly offer respect, then that person shall be held guilty for that offense. Verse 32 For the reason mentioned before, if two Vaisnavas come at the same time, one of greater strength, one of lesser spiritual strength, first one has to offer respect to the Vaisnava of greater strength then offer to the Vaisnava of lesser strength. Verse 33 Should the respect due to a Vaisnava of greater strength or to a Vaisnava of lesser strength be offered at the same level if they come at a different time? Equal respect should not be offered to both even if they are not present at the same time. Verse 34 If a volcano type of fire is burning, the wise man will not first put out.......first one has to be able to extinguish the volcano fire then a candle of deep light can easily be extinguished. Similarly if one is able to appropriately receive and respect Vaisnavas possessed of great spiritual force to their satisfaction, then on shall easily be able to satisfy those Vaisnavas of lesser potency. Verse 35 If a person of small spiritual advancement sees a great devotee endowed with considerable spiritual potency being worshipped and given respect, should the less advanced person become angry upon seeing this? For this offence against the more advanced person's spiritual position the foolish offender will ruin whatever spiritual potency he possesses. Subsequently, in the future, such angry persons simply plan how they can punish those who have participated in such worship. Verse 36 Those who are well-versed in all of these matters, having heard properly from authorities, those Vaisnavas who are enthusiastically engaged in worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead and all those transcendentalists who are practicing the spiritual path, know the truths in regard to these matters. However, in spite of knowing these truths, if they do not appropriately offer worship, then they will be spiritually ruined. However, if they consider the respective spiritual strength or lack of strength and accordingly offers respect then they will certainly advance in Krsna Consciousness. Verse 37 For those who take shelter of the great Sumeru mountain what can others do to harm them? Others should offer them worship as devotees with respect and service. Verse 38 One should never engage in criticizing a Vaisnava or neglecting a Vaisnava even in joking. For Vaisnavas are so glorious that there is nothing to regret even if one sacrifices ones life for their benefit. Verse 39 No one should find fault with a Vaisnava for his activities or behavior. What person is free from the influence of Kali Yuga or has perfect pure behavior and action? Verse 40 Because the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord are always meditating on Lord Sri Krsna the contamination of sinful activities cannot come upon them. Because a Vaisnava's body has the fire of Krsna Consciousness within it, even if they are fallen, this fire of Krsna Consciousness will burn up to ashes any material contamination. Verse 41 However, those who are not able to understand the respective levels of spiritual potency may take shelter of this example. As in the Ganges there are many waves, and some of these waves are larger then other waves but all of the waves are considered to be sacred, one wave being not considered more holy than another wave, similarly, all types of Vaisnavas, those who are spiritually strong and those who are not so strong, can be offered equal worship. Considering this perspective in such circumstances that can be accepted as perfect worship. Verse 42 All Vaisnavas are considered as guru or spiritual master. Verse 43 Amongst all of the Vaisnavas the initiating guru (diksa-guru) and instructing guru (siksa-guru) are special. Verse 44 It is proper to offer these two special respect. Verse 45 Amongst all of the other spiritual masters these two (diksa-guru and siksa-guru) spiritual masters' orders are to be followed. Verse 46 If one's initiating spiritual master and instructing spiritual master are of small spiritual potency, or in other words, if they do not posses a special power to give spiritual instruction on worship for devotional service, then one may listen from the mouth of other great advanced Vaisnavas and understand the special instructions. However, thereafter, the disciple must go to his spiritual master for his confirmation or instructions. Verse 47 One should not disobey the order of the spiritual master. Verse 48 Just as a faithful son may go out for earning money and subsequently brings to his father the wealth gained, later the son may ask for some allowance from the father and whatever he receives form the father he is entitled to spend of his own enjoyment. Similarly, a disciple may hear some instructions from another advanced Vaisnava but after gaining that good instruction he must bring it and present it to his own spiritual master. After presenting them, he should hear the same teachings from his spiritual master with appropriate instructions. Verse 49 If the son earns money but does not give it to the father and instead, directly enjoys the wealth, he is considered to be a fallen son and a sinful person. Similarly a disciple who listens to the words of other Vaisnavas, even if their instructions are proper and true, but does not reconfirm these teachings with his own spiritual master and instead directly personally accepts these instructions, is considered a bad disciple and a sinner. Verse 50 For this reason, in all circumstances all Vaisnavas are offered respect like one offers respect to one's spiritual master. However, with body, mind and words one serves one's own spiritual master. Verse 51 Even if the performance of ones's devotional activities one has disobeyed the spiritual master, still one should not give him up, but should remain faithfully with him, because all authorities say that the shelter of one's own spiritual master is best and perfect (even if another spiritual master is more powerful). Verse 52 Kindly understand this example: Just as one respects one's father as a guru, his (the father's) older and younger brothers are also similarly respected, but nonetheless, the father is worthy of the most respect. Not withstanding the above, if the father's guru, even if he is family related, comes, one should double the respect, as he is the spiritual father of the father, or the guru of the guru. He is offered twice the puja or respect. This behavior is recognized as appropriate by all authorities. Verse 53 Just as if, during daily life, the brothers (older or younger) of the father criticize him, still one takes shelter of one's father, similarly, one remains under the shelter of one's own spiritual master, even if he is criticized by his older or younger god brothers. Just as one depends upon one's father for one's livelihood, one must depend upon the strength of the spiritual master for advancing in devotional service. Verse 54 If a father or spiritual master or husband are not possessed of outstanding qualities even then they are always worshipable. Verse 55 Taking shelter of the above-mentioned persons one may even disagree with those senior to oneself. Verse 56 In this world, what kind of person is there who can remain alive at the expense of his father's or guru's defamation or disgrace? Verse 57 Everyone considers that if their spiritual master is very powerful then he himself is powerful but that if his spiritual master is less powerful, then he is, therefore weaker, and according to the attitude of the spiritual master the disciple gains the same attributes. Those disciples who are intelligent can understand the desires of the spiritual master directly through their intelligence. Other disciples, who are less intelligent understand by directly hearing instructions from the spiritual master. These activities are being practiced since time immemorial. Verse 58 Learned Vaisnava authorities say that these instructions are the perfection of religiosity. Verse 59 If the spiritual master commits a wrongful act breaking Vaisnava relative principles then in that case one should in a solitary place, confront him for his rectification using logic and appropriate conclusions from sadhu, sastra and guru references, but one is not to give him up. Verse 60 One should not be hesitant or fearful because one is confronting or challenging a spiritual master. "For it has been prescribed that one must appropriately discipline even a spiritual master who is: *bewildered about what he should or shouldn't do; *who is inexperienced or ignorant: *who has deviated from the Krsna conscious path; *or if he is bewildered by false pride." Verse 61 This statement of the revealed scriptures is applicable at all times and under all circumstances. Verse 62 The natural behavior of the Vaisnava devotees is to take complete refuge of Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, accepting Him as their principal and real shelter. The very life of the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord is singing the glories or Lord Sri Krsna, describing and expanding the fame of Lord Sri Krsna, and discussing the nectar of His transcendental pastimes. Verse 63 The authorized course of action is to continue, as before, with one's prescribed devotional service. One may take guidance through or instructions from the Vaisnavas, as all Vaisnavas are considered guru or "spiritual master," or one may use one's own intelligence, duly considering the relevant instructions from sadhu, sastra and guru. In all cases one should continue in one's devotional service. Verse 64 However, if the spiritual master: *acts envious towards 'isvarebrantah', that which is connected with the Supreme; *is bewildered regarding the Supreme Personality of Godhead; *is averse to expanding the fame of Lord Krsna; *personally refuses to accept hearing or chanting about the glorious pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna; *has become totally bewildered, listening to the false praise of ignorant persons and day by day is more materially contaminated and fallen ___then the spiritual master must be renounced. Verse 65 Under those circumstances one should not doubt, "How can I give up my spiritual master?" With a strong desire for achieving spontaneous devotional service and attaining the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee accepts the shelter of a spiritual master, if that spiritual master takes on "asuric" qualities or a demoniac mentality then it is one's duty to reject such a demon "asura" guru and in his place accept a Krsna conscious spiritual master and worship him. Verse 66 By taking shelter of the strength of the Krsna conscious spiritual master's devotional service the ill effects or contamination of the demoniac previous spiritual master is counteracted and destroyed. These activities are recommended by all Vaisnava authorities as the authorized conclusions of the sastra. Verse 67 During the pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu there have been many practical examples of the above. About the Author Other Stories by this AuthorContact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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