> # SRI CAITANYA BHAGAVATA

> ## Madhya Lila Chapter 23

> All glory to Lord Caitanya who is an ocean of all transcendental excellences. All glory to Him who is also known as Visvambhara, who is the law-giver of the entire material creation.

> You are very dear to Lord Nityananda and are the crest-jewel of brahminical society. All glory to Your dear most devotees.

> Lord Visvambhar continued His transcendental activities in Navadvipa but not all could see them. As Lord Visvambhar, the Supreme hero descended from Vaikuntha revealing His pastimes, the sublime joy of the devotees increased. His dear most associate and brother, Lord Nityananda accompanied Him everywhere and relished transcendental mellows with Him and His devotees.

> The Lord was always intoxicated from drinking the nectar of His own transcendental name. Every night He was submerged in the congregational chanting of the Lord's name with only His devotees; the non-devotees were not allowed at these kirtans. No one could fathom the Lord's potencies or activities. The envious persons, not being allowed at these kirtans, went around spreading bad rumors.

> Someone said, "Who can be a real Vaisnava in Kali Yuga? All those people are doing this simply for their food." Someone else said, "If we could tie their hands and feet, and throw them into the pond, then we might enjoy peace and quiet." Yet another said, "Friends, know one thing for certain: this Nimai Pandit will ruin this village."

> These miscreants tried various means to enter the kirtan hall while the kirtans were in progress. They even reverted to threatening the devotees, but because their hearts were dried up of any piety, they could not influence the devotees and thus could not participate in the kirtans. Lord Caitanya performed these nocturnal kirtans, and purified the entire material existence. Many townsfolk desired very much to see these kirtans, and lamented bitterly, ascribing the reason for their not being able to see the kirtans to their great misfortune. Some of them would approach one of the devotees and pray to them to first deliver them from their sins, and then secretly smuggle them inside the kirtan hall. But the devotees knew that the Lord is the Omniscient Supersoul; He would immediately detect an unauthorized person's presence. Therefore out of fear of inviting the Lord's wrath, the devotees refused to take anyone inside.

> Once a brahmacari, a celibate student who was very peaceful, honest and faultless, practicing penances and living only on milk and fruits, not eating anything else, wanted to see the kirtans of the Lord. But the Lord personally shut the doors so non-devotees could not enter. This brahmacari would visit Srivas Pandit every day and repeatedly request that he allow him inside the kirtan. He would say, "If you kindly take me inside your house during the kirtan, then I can feast my eyes on the Pandits chanting and dancing. I will be ever grateful to you for this."

> Finally one day Srivas Pandit replied, "I know you to be a good person who spent a sinless life eating only fruits and milk, maintaining strict celibacy. I think you are eligible to see the Lord's kirtan and dancing. But you have to remain hidden inside the house because the Lord's orders are that no one is allowed inside." He brought the brahmacari inside, who then carefully concealed himself.

> The kirtan started and the Lord of the fourteen worlds, Visvambhar began to dance. Lord Nityananda and Gadadhara Pandit danced around the Lord, while Advaita went dancing hither and thither floating on waves of joy. Everyone was drowning in an ocean of ecstasy becoming oblivious to the external world, as the Lord of Vaikuntha was lost in Himself, dancing to His devotees' singing. The only sounds that were heard were the Lord's names as He exhibited all the ecstatic symptoms in unlimited waves.

> The omniscient Supreme Lord Visvambhar was fully aware of the brahmacari's presence, even though he was well-concealed. After a short while the Lord commented, "Today I do not feel the usual ecstasy while dancing. Can any of you explain this? Maybe someone is hiding inside the house. Please tell me the truth." Srivas Pandit became very afraid and said, "My Lord, I assure you there are no atheists or non-believers in this house, only a brahmacari, a fully qualified brahman who is sinless and drinks only milk and eats only fruits. He had a strong desire to see You dancing. You were very right my Lord, he is here now in hiding."

> This information enraged the Lord, who said, "Right now, this very moment, take him out of this house. What spiritual sadhana does he possess to enable him to see My dancing. How can he develop devotion to Me by drinking milk?" The Lord dramatically raised His arms, and pointing His finger to make a point He continued, "Just by drinking milk, no one can attain Me. Even a low caste dog-eater can claim Me if he takes full shelter of Me; then I also accept him.

> "A person may be a renunciate, a sannyasi without worldly attachments, but if they do not surrender to Me, then I do not favor them. Tell me, how did Gajendra the elephant or Hanuman the monkey or the gopis, the simple milkmaids of Vraja attain Me? What great austerities did they perform. Even the demons perform severe penances and austerities, but they are slain because they do not surrender to Me. I will not have any milk-drinker here polluting everything; it will destroy everything."

> The brahmacari was by now trembling with fear. He came out of his concealment thinking, "It has been my great fortune to be able to see what I have seen, and I have also received the commensurate punishment for my misdeed. But what wonderful dancing and singing I saw!" A devotee thinks and feels in this way, because being the Lord's servitor they are always willing to accept all chastisement from the Lord. The brahmacari started to walk out of the house with these thoughts in his mind, which of course were already known to the Lord.

> The most merciful Lord then had the brahmacari brought back to the house. He placed His lotus feet on his head and blessed him. The blessed Lord said, "Do not try to gain strength by performing austerities and penances. Render loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord Visnu, Krishna, for it is the highest of all activities."

> The brahmacari began to weep in joy thinking constantly about the Lord's causeless mercy he had just received. The devotees became jubilant and offered their obeisances to the Lord. The Lord then continued to dance ecstatically. One who hears this wonderful narration will certainly unite with Lord Caitanya in devotional service. I offer my prostrated obeisances at the feet of the brahmacari who displayed such wonderful devotional understanding in accepting the Lord's chastisement.

> Time passed and the Lord continued His nocturnal kirtan sessions with His intimate devotees, barring everyone else from entry into the premises. The pious population of Navadvipa felt pained at not being allowed to attend these kirtan pastimes of the Lord; they blamed the atheists and miscreants for this. They complained, "We cannot see this wonderful kirtan which is like a grand celebration each evening because of these fault-finding non-devotees.

> They only know one activity and that is to criticize others, and so they are being deprived of seeing such an extraordinary kirtan pastime of the Lord. Therefore Nimai Pandit has thus shut the doors to keep out these mischief-mongers, but unfortunately even the good people are also kept away.

> Everyone knows that Nimai Pandit is a very exalted devotee of Krishna; His heart is pure and faultless. If we have full faith and devotion in Him, then we will indeed see His kirtan and dancing. One of the pious souls commented, "Let us just go and sit there, and then we can feast our eyes on Nimai's dancing. Nimai Pandit has appeared in Navadvipa to deliver the entire universe. I tell you that He will propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of God in every house and in every town." In this way all the pious people increased their good fortune, but the impious ones multiplied their sufferings by criticizing the Lord.

> With the approach of dawn all these devotees went to meet Nimai Pandit. Everyone brought some gifts for the Lord like new articles, bananas, fruits, yogurt, clarified butter, flower garlands, etc. As soon as they saw the Lord they fell to the ground in prostrated obeisances. The Lord blessed them saying, "May you be blessed by developing love for Krishna. Do not waste time with gossip - just chant Krishna's Holy Name."

> The Lord then instructed them about the Holy Name, "Now hear from Me about the Maha Mantra: 'Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.' Go and repeatedly chant this mantra a prescribed number of times each day. One can achieve all perfections from this chanting, so go on repeating these names, for this chanting is not restricted by any rules. You can sit around together, five or ten of you in your house, and chant or sing this mantra accompanied by cymbals or the clapping of hands. When you are singing together then sing this, 'Haraye namah Krishna Yadavaya namah Gopal Govinda Ram Sri Madhusudana'. This congregational chanting should be joined by one and all: father, brother, wife, son - all together."

> Now that the devotees had directly received the mantra and the instructions to chant from the Lord, they went back to their homes happily after offering their obeisances to the Lord. They followed strictly the Lord's instructions and all the time chanted Krishna's name, meditating on the Lord's lotus feet. Then at the end of the day they assembled in their houses and loudly sang the holy names, cheerfully clapping their hands and ringing their cymbals in rhythm.

> In this manner Lord Caitanya began inspiring everyone to take up the congregational chanting of the Holy Name. He went about embracing the devotees encouraging their devotional zeal, placing His own garlands around them. In a most humble manner He requested everyone, "My dear brothers, please serve Krishna."

> Seeing the Lord in this mood, an emblem of humility, the devotees became surcharged with spiritual sentiments, and they began to weep and intensify their chanting. The whole town now became involved in congregational chanting. The devotees brought out their drums, conchshells and cymbals that were generally used to celebrate the worship of goddess Durga during a big festival, and they began to accompany the kirtan with joyous sounds. The whole town was enveloped by the transcendental sound of the Lord's name.

> Sridhara, the leaf-plate seller, happened to be walking down that way loudly singing Krishna's name. When he heard that loud kirtan he began to dance in ecstasy. When the other devotees saw this dear devotee of Lord Caitanya dancing, they surrounded him and began to sing. Sridhara was overwhelmed with spiritual emotions; he fell to the ground and rolled about while continuing to chant Krishna's name. When the non-devotees saw this they started ridiculing him and laughing at him. They said, "Just see him! That fellow also has become a Vaisnava. He can't afford clothes nor does he have money to eat - suddenly he is exhibiting all these ecstatic symptoms. This is all for show. They all live by begging, but now they have started an untimely festival." The atheists continued to hurl such insulting remarks at the devotees, but the pious devotees went on chanting Krishna's name undeterred.

> One day the Muslim magistrate, the Kazi was passing that way. He heard the tumult of singing of the Lord's name accompanied by drums, cymbals and conchshells. He tried to remember the instruction in his own scripture about the practices of other religions. The Kazi cried out, "Catch all of them! Let us see what their teacher, Nimai Pandit does to stop me." All the devotees fled in fear of the Muslim fanatics. The Kazi's men went about breaking the drums and beating up the devotees, spreading terror. He said, "It seems that there is a sudden explosion of Hindu religious activities these days in Nadia. I will punish the culprits severely.

> "Since it is already late and getting dark I am letting you off, but if I see this again I will convert you all to Islam." The evil Kazi would send his men everyday to patrol the town looking for any kirtan. The devotees became despondent and they went into hiding, fearing violent retaliation from the Kazi and his men.

> The envious atheists were siding with the Kazi. They commented, "God's name should be chanted in the mind. Which scripture enjoins one to make such a production of chanting God's name? This is a proper punishment for transgressing the Vedic injunctions. They have no fear of flouting the social norms. That Nimai Pandit who acts so proud will now cower under the Kazi. And that Nityananda who roams about everywhere will soon see the end of all the fun. They call us atheists for speaking out with the truth, but now at long last Nadia will be rid of these charlatans."

> Out of fear, the devotees did not protest against the Kazi ban. They went to the Lord and reported to Him, "We have stopped our kirtan out of fear of the Kazi, whose men in hundreds search the streets and houses. We will have to leave Navadvipa and settle elsewhere. We have come to tell You this." When Lord Caitanya heard that someone was trying to stop the sankirtan movement, He became infuriated. He looked awe-inspiring, almost like Lord Siva at the time of the cosmic annihilation.

> He roared loudly like the rumbling of thunder, and the devotees, afraid of this sudden change in the Lord, held their ears as if begging forgiveness from the Lord for a mistake they had not committed. The Lord said, "Nityananda, be prepared. Go immediately to all the Vaisnavas, and assemble them on the streets. I shall take a kirtan party and lead it all over Navadvipa. I will see what anyone can do to Me. You will see how I burn the Kazi's house down. Today I shall shower incessant rains of love of Godhead on everyone. Today the atheist's will face the final hour. So do not waste a moment, My brothers, go and deliver this message to everyone.

> "Tell them that if they are desirous of seeing Krishna's mystic potency in action, then let them bring a flaming torch with them. I will smash the Kazi's palace, and I will do kirtan all along. The entire creation is full of My devotees, and when I am there present, then what is there to fear? Go and put a stop to your anguish. Come and assemble in the afternoon after lunch."

> The devotees dispersed right away, each going their own way in great anticipation, not caring about eating or anything else. Excited talks filled every home that, "Nimai Pandit will take out a sankirtan party and dance in the streets of Navadvipa." For the many thousands who were lamenting for so long that they could not see Nimai Pandit's dancing, this news was cause for great rejoicing. So everyone prepared their own torch. Even if the father had made a torch, the son made his own.

> They competed with each other to make the biggest torch. Huge barrels of oil were kept in readiness. Navadvipa in those days was very populated. A constant flow of people with torches poured out of houses into the streets. Who could count the millions of torches? The women, children, and old men were excited with great anticipation. Slowly the clusters of devotees moved towards Nimai Pandit's house.

> When Lord Caitanya heard that at His behest all the Vaisnavas had assembled at His doorstep, He went to meet them and began to organize them in groups. Advaita Acarya was to lead one group as the chief dancer, backed by a kirtan party. In another group, Haridas was the dancer and he also was supported by a kirtan party. Yet another group was to be led by the main dancer, Srivas Pandit. The Lord's eyes fell on Nityananda who immediately said, "I will not leave Your side My Lord. My only duty is to always be near You. I can never leave Your lotus feet embedded in My heart. What power do I possess to dance independently away from You? My devotional service to You is that I am always with You." When Lord Caitanya saw the streams of ecstatic tears flowing from Nityananda's eyes He embraced Him and kept Him near Him. In this way each had his desire fulfilled. Some went off with their group, while others stayed close to the Lord, dancing and singing.

> Now please listen attentively to the description of this "nagar-kirtan" for this will cut asunder the bonds of karmic reactions. Here is a list of just some of the main devotees who were there:

> > Gadadhara Pandita,
> > Vakresvara,
> > Murari,
> > Srivasa Pandit,
> > Gopinatha,
> > Jagadisa,
> > Vipra,
> > Gangadas,
> > Ramai,
> > Govindanandana,
> > Chandrasekhara,
> > Vasudeva,
> > Srigarbha,
> > Mukunda,
> > Sridhara,
> > Govinda,
> > Jagadananda,
> > Nandana Acarya, and
> > Suklambara.

> The devotees of Lord Caitanya are innumerable and I do not know all their names; Vedavyasa will reveal all their names in the future in the Puranas. It is not humanly possible to describe how the Lord danced along with the varieties of His associates.

> The sankirtan pastimes of the Lord are unique; never were such pastimes ever revealed before in any other incarnation. As the kirtan picked up gusto the Lord's joy also increased. The devotees were carried in waves of sublime joy. The Lord and husband of the Goddess of Fortune was dancing on Navadvipa streets, and anyone who saw Him became free from all sorrows. Soon it was dusk, but the devotees were totally engrossed in the kirtan oblivious to the material realm.

> Millions of men, women, and children lined the streets, standing in doorways, seeing the moving mass of people and their tumultuous singing of the Lord's holy name echoing and filling the cosmos. Above all this tumult, rang out loud and clear the Lord's own thunderous voice. The devotees replied with equal vigor, chanting Lord Hari's name. Then as if by previous arrangement, all the torches were lit at the same time like magic.

> Millions of flaming torches lit up the darkened sky, matched by the millions of hearts kindled by the magic of sublime bliss. Words fail to describe the marvelous sight. One could be easily confused - whether it was a full moon night or it was broad daylight or Krishna, Himself had descended in the form of His Brahmajyoti.

> The Lord again called out loudly the name of Lord Hari, and the devotees became attentive. They surrounded the Lord with the kirtan. All the devotees were decorated with flower garlands around their necks, and their bodies were smeared with sandalwood paste and scented vermilion powder. Each one had some musical instrument in their hands, looking more powerful than thousands of lions. The Lord looked around Him to see His devoted servitors eagerly waiting to render Him any service. He began to dance, lifting the devotees in soaring heights of ecstasy as everyone began chanting loudly. Whoever saw the Lord's moon-like beautiful face was released from the searing pain of material existence.

> The Lord's charming appearance overshadowed the attractiveness of millions of cupids combined. I am at a loss to find the appropriate similes to describe the Lord's beauty. Yet I venture to do so, only by His mercy alone. Otherwise, who could dare to attempt such an impossible task? He glowed like a mountain of gold. His body, smeared with sandalwood paste sometimes looked like the rising full moon. His curly dark tresses were decorated with fragrant Malati garlands. A sweet smile clung intimately to His lips, a smile that could win the hearts of all the muses. The clear markings of sandalwood tilak with a red dot of vermillion adorned His beautiful broad forehead.

> He raised His arms up in the sky as He chanted the name of Hari and danced. The knee-long flower garland around His neck swayed with each movement. His upraised arms glistened like fine tapering pillars of gold. His body became drenched with the incessant flow of ecstatic tears from His lotus-petal eyes. As the ecstatic feelings increased, the hairs of His body stood on end like the ever-fresh Kadamba flower.

> His moist reddish lips, so exquisite, when parted revealed a symmetrical set of pearl-like white teeth. His long arched eyebrows languished almost all the way up to the beginning of His ears. His strong shoulders shamed the king of the elephants, and His chest was broad and full. His brahman thread hung loosely across His chest. Laksmi-devi and Tulasi-devi are constantly praying for the shelter of His lotus feet.

> That Supreme Lord wore His fine immaculate clothes very artistically. His uptilted nose was aristocratic, and the sinewy tendons of His neck gave the impression of being the neck of the king of the forest, strong and powerful. He towered over the others, His tall body well-formed and proportionate, winding like a mountain of gold. Everyone who saw Him commented on His divine and beautiful presence.

> The millions who milled around for this momentous occasion were very fortunate. In spite of their large number, they all received the Lord's benedictions by seeing the Lord's exquisite transcendental face. They simply stared at Him, irresistibly drawn to His beauty. They exclaimed out loud the Lord's name each time uncontrollable emotions welled-up within their hearts.

> The citizens had nicely decorated their doorways with banana trees, water pots, mango leaves, and green coconuts. A ghee lamp flickered in every house and an offering plate sat on the altars with yogurt, grains, and Dhruva grass.

> All this happened as if at the command of some unseen voice. Out on the street, men, women, and children joined the congregation, all intoxicated with sublime joy, oblivious to every other care. Seeing the carefree citizens leaving their houses unguarded, a thief thought to himself, "This is a good opportunity for me to clean out these people's belongings."

> But as time passed, and the chanting entering his ears took effect, the thief lost his stealing tendencies, and also joined with the others joyously chanting Lord Hari's sweet transcendental name.

> The streets were strewn with puffed rice and coins thrown by the citizens as they watched the chanting procession pass. Then later they themselves joined the procession, and thus the marchers swelled in numbers. One should not consider these descriptions as exaggerations. Such happenings are commonplace when the Supreme Lord is present. It is described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that when Lord Krishna was in Dvaraka, He made nine hundred thousand palaces appear in the twinkle of an eye, every one bedecked with jewels and marble.

> Again, in the Harivamsa it is described that when Lord Krishna was having water sports with the Yadus in the salt water ocean that surrounds Dvaraka, the entire ocean in a moment turned nectarean sweet. And now that very same Supreme Lord was almost unconscious with sublime bliss, dancing and chanting; thus naturally all-auspicious happenings were occurring.

> The ocean of people now surged forward in slow fluid motion like the Ganga's current that flowed beside them. They all danced and chanted surrounding the dancing golden form of the Lord. Advaita Acarya, Haridas Thakura, Srivas Pandita and other senior associates of the Lord led huge groups of dancing and chanting devotees, everyone exulting in the bliss of the Lord's presence. Those who could not sing were now singing with sweet melodious voices.

> The Lord was surrounded by the best singers like Murari, Mukunda Datta, Ramai, Govinda, Vakreswar, Vasudeva and others. Lord Nityananda and Gadadhara Pandit danced on either side of the Lord submerged in divine bliss. Always the dancing and prancing form of the Lord brought wonderment and exhilaration to the hearts of all those who beheld His golden form.

> This was a magnificent sight: the dancers moved forward in rhythmic motions, while the millions of burning torches were also in motion, their licking flames animated in a passionate dance. It was night, but the dancing figure of the Lord was clearly visible as though bathed in autumn's full moon light. Sometimes His body was covered with shining dust particles, and at other times He bathed His transcendental form in cascading tears of ecstasy.

> Different ecstatic symptoms appeared in His body, sometimes shivering, sometimes profuse perspiration, again at times horripilation - changing like the seasons. The sound of the Lord's name reverberated throughout the universe, "Hari Haraya nama Krishna Yadavaya namah, Gopal Govinda Ram Sri Madhusudana," "Hari Rama, Rama Hari." Some devotees danced on their own, but there were many large groups of devotees dancing together keeping time by clapping their hands. Another wonderful sight was the devotees carrying torches and oil containers together.

> Navadvipa was ringing with sounds of sublime jubilation, as if the Lord's spiritual abode, Vaikuntha had descended, and residents of Navadvipa acquired the same characteristics as the residents of Vaikuntha. They all manifested four-arms, but because they were so engrossed in the ecstasy of chanting and dancing, they did not even notice this divine transformation on their persons. The ever-increasing bliss of Vaikuntha was now here.

> As they passed by the bank of the Ganga, Lord Caitanya dancing in the midst looked like Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaj, a flute in His hand, and a garland of wild flowers swaying around His neck.

> The devotees had never experienced the ecstasy of such massive congregational chanting. They forgot their bodily identity, their tribulation; they sang and danced and rolled on the ground. Many persons became emboldened, and made their views heard to the public. One said, "Where did that rascal Kazi go? Now if I just find him, I will sever his head."

> Others shouted out the names of certain atheistic persons and beat the ground, as if sealing their fate with that pounding stroke. Some of them even ran every which way trying to locate them. There was no counting the number of people singing, or how many were playing on mrdanga drums. Navadvipa was flooded with the nectarean showers of love of Godhead, so much so that even the eternal residents of Vaikuntha were hankering for this bliss. Even Lord Ananta, Lord Siva and Lord Brahma desire to experience this kind of joy.

> Sublime bliss had descended over the entire planet as the Lord danced with His associates and devotees. There was no place for anything inauspicious or impure. This was the Lord's first major nagar sankirtana.

> The procession moved on but no one knew where it was going. There was just one resounding thunder of the Lord's name, all-pervading, piercing the coverings of the material world. The demigods accompanied by their associates came to see the Lord. When they saw Him they, like the humans, also became overwhelmed with transcendental joy. They mingled with the crowd dressed as humans to avoid detection, and joined in with great zeal, singing and dancing.

> All the demigods were present: Brahma, Siva, Varuna, Kuvera, Indra, Yamaraja, the moon demigod Soma, etc. They became aware that everyone present was experiencing transcendental ecstasy, so they accompanied the devotees, wanting more of the Lord's association. Thus the humans and the demigods were chanting the Lord's Holy Name together.

> As the procession passed the uncountable houses all nicely decorated, the market places, the large squares, one could understand that Navadvipa was a very well-populated and opulent town. It was impossible to count the people that lived there. It seemed that because the Supreme Lord was to advent here, He had arranged for so many people to live here and participate in His sankirtana movement. Just the chanting ladies were so numerous that trying to count them would be futile.

> Everyone who saw the Lord dancing and chanting like a golden flash was unable to contain their heart or emotions. Even those with hearts of stone were moved to tears falling to the ground, seeing how the Lord showered His causeless mercy, and hearing the sighs and sobs of sublime ecstasy of the devotees. As the Lord danced repeating over and over again Lord Hari's name, His garland of flowers swayed wildly.

> His beauty was breath-taking: His brahman thread hung carelessly over His shoulders, His dhoti nicely pleated and tucked in place neatly, His golden frame covered with fine glimmering dust, while tears flowed unrestrained from His lotus eyes like the languid flow of the Mandakini Ganga of the heavenly planets. Who would want to see the moon after having seen the blooming-lotus face of the Lord? As some of the teardrops clung to the cleft of His fine nose, they shone like a string of white pearls. His glossy black locks, entwined with the garlands around His head made such a fine sight.

> The devotees prayed, "O Lord, please grant us this one desire: that we may hold within our hearts this pastime, birth after birth." The devotees were asking in this manner for benedictions from the Lord as the Lord continued His extraordinary dancing pastime surrounded by His intimate associates. The Lord knew how to inspire devotees to come and join, and He danced always reciprocating the mood and movement of the devotees. The Lord of Vaikuntha danced as the devotees sang, "Come and sing: 'Hari, Hari' all of you. Fear not, for the Holy name, even though not chanted purely, will deliver you from death."

> This author humbly presents in poetry the description of Lord Caitanya as He danced. Lord Visvambhar, the Lord of the Universe danced along the bank of the Ganga. The devotees eagerly covered themselves with the earth graced by the impressions of His lotus feet. Wonderful ecstatic symptoms manifested on His person, and tears like nectar cascaded from His eyes. With a voice like the rumble of thunder He chanted Lord Hari's name. Smiling sweetly, He raised His arms and sang.

> His golden form was much more enchanting than Cupid. Charmingly dressed, His black curly hair was decorated with fresh and fragrant flower garlands; such beauty sent the mind reeling as though a person was afflicted by the five amorous arrows of Cupid. In complete bliss, Visvambhara moved about in a restless dance; He was intoxicated with the Holy Name. His body and limbs were perfectly shaped and so beautiful, nicely smeared with sandalwood paste.

> The garland around His neck matched His love-agitated movements. The arch of His eyebrows was like Cupid's bow shooting arrows of enchantment. His teeth were white and glistening like pearls. His pleasant face was an ocean of mercy. How can I describe the many hundreds of ecstatic emotions that manifested in Him: sometimes tears, sometimes shivering, or perspiration, etc. At times He bent His body in three places just like Krishna, and played flute on His finger.

> He moved about like a maddened elephant - He was the fascination of every eye. His brahman thread decorated His broad chest as if Ananta Sesa had taken that thin form to serve His Lord. Lord Nityananda and Gadadhara and all the other intimate devotees danced by His side, and each time they looked at the Lord they saw the Lord smiling back at them.

> Lord Siva by chanting the name of this Lord becomes mad and goes about naked. That same Lord is now dancing on the streets of Navadvipa performing congregational chanting. Laksmidevi, the Goddess of Fortune is always hankering to touch and dress this Supreme Lord's black curly locks, so attracted by His dress. That self-same Supreme Lord is so engrossed in singing and dancing that He rolls in the dust in ecstasy. Following Him are His devotees carrying millions of flaming torches, lighting up the world like the full moon. Not a soul could refrain from chanting the Lord's Holy Name. This was such a marvel - something Navadvipa had never witnessed. The residents looked at each other, and chanted "Hari, Hari".

> Lord Nityananda was always by the Lord's side knowing Visvambhara's every mood. So whenever the Lord swooned in ecstasy, He held out His hands to hold Him. As He held Him this time, Visvambhar slowly sat down in a meditative pose, and clapping His hands gleefully, began to loudly chant "Hari, Hari". Then He began to speak with child-like innocence, "I am the Supreme Lord Narayana; I killed that demon Kamsa, and I deceived Bali Maharaj.

> "I constructed that bridge over the ocean to Sri Lanka, and killed that demon Ravana; I am Lord Ramachandra." In this manner He revealed His real Supreme identity. Not everyone could understand this esoteric truth, for it is inconceivable to the human mind. In the next moment, to increase their confusion, the Lord changed His mood completely. He said with utmost humility and meekness, "O Lord, please grant Me devotion at Your lotus feet."

> Every way the Lord acted was so mind-boggling - even when He put His toe to His mouth. The Lord of Vaikuntha, Lord Visvambhar was dancing all over Navadvipa town. This town is actually the Svetadvipa of the spiritual world, which will be later explained in the Vedas. Amidst the countless numbers of mrdanga drums, conchshells, and cymbals accompanying the chanting of the Holy Name, danced the Lord like the crest-jewel in the crown.

> All glory to the congregational chanting. All glory to Lord Visvambhara. All glory to the devotees of the Lord.

> Whichever way I looked, I saw Lord Visvambhar drowning everyone in the nectarean ocean of love of Godhead.

> The procession sometimes moved fast or sometimes much slower, depending on how long the Lord danced in one place. The chanting was jubilant and echoed in the spiritual abode of Vaikuntha. The Lord, the cynosure of everyone, moved about like a mad lion intoxicated with the Holy Name. The procession passed many bathing places and proceeded towards Srimulia. No one was tired, millions were singing and dancing; a million flaming torches made it difficult to discern whether it was midday or night.

> People welcomed the procession with flowers and doorway decorations. As they passed each house; the demigods rained a confetti of fragrant flowers. Mother Earth was thrilled with ecstasy as the Lord walked and danced. She wanted to offer the Lord a soft surface to walk on, so she had collected and strewn flowers making the pathway look like her delicate tongue.

> Srivas, Advaita, and Haridas were dancing in groups of their own, ahead of Lord Visvambhara. As the procession entered each new locality, people left their homes and ran to see the Lord. They forgot all other duties and relatives; they were all eager to see that beatific moon-like face of the Supreme soul of the entire creation. Without consciously realizing it, they were all being drawn into this congregational chanting.

> Without being aware they were all becoming intoxicated with the Holy Name of Krishna. They began manifesting symptoms of supramundane joy. Some rolled on the ground, some made sounds with their mouths as though playing a musical instrument. Others were embracing everyone they met. They had become so inebriated by the chanting and dancing that many were seen just offering prostrated obeisances, falling to the ground like a rod. Others were catching the devotees' feet or simply crying in ecstasy.

> One could hear many comments from different people. Someone said, "I am this Nimai Pandit. I have been assigned to deliver the world." Another commented, "I am a Vaisnava from Svetadvipa." Yet another remarked, "I am an eternal resident of Vaikuntha." Again someone said, "Where is that rascal, Kazi. I would crush his head if I could lay my hands on him." Incited by such comments, some ran to try to capture an atheist, and climbed up a tree and then jumped down angrily shouting, "I am death to twelve atheists."

> Another said, "Can you hear me, O demigod of Death? Tell me where is your son, the Sun demigod?" The Lord of Vaikuntha appearing as Saci's son was now here, chanting and dancing. He had flung open the floodgates of the Holy Name.

> The Holy Name which gave the demigod of death, Yamaraja the name Dharmaraja or the upholder of religious principles, and that Holy Name that saved the worst of sinners, Ajamila from the jaws of doom was now being freely distributed by the Lord Himself. Those who could not chant the name could at least hear it chanted, and thereby reap transcendental benefits.

> Chitragupta, the compiler of man's good and evil deeds during life has to be immediately informed that his records of evil deeds have to be thrown away. I cannot be blamed if I take stern action against him if he disobeys, since now every living entity has been delivered.

> That Holy Name has converted Varanasi into one of the most important places of pilgrimage because Lord Siva is constantly chanting the Holy Name of Krishna.

> This Holy Name is always chanted by the purest of devotees who are eternal residents of the spiritual abode. Lord Siva has become worshipable by all the demigods and humans because every moment he relishes the sweet nectar of the Holy Name.

> This very name was now being heard by every living entity. The devotees warned all the atheists: if they did not discard their evil ways, and take up the chanting of the Holy Name and the worship of Lord Visvambhara, then they would destroy them. The devotees loudly challenged the atheists to come forward and assist in their chanting of Krishna's name. They pounded their fists on the ground with great force as though beating a demonic atheist to a pulp. The effects of chanting the Holy Name had so divinely enmaddened them, that they were not aware of what they did or said.

> When the atheists saw that the citizens of Navadvipa had all become mad with ecstasy, they were bathed inside with hate and envy. They grouped together and began conspiring. They said, "If the Kazi was to come right now, I would like to see where that Nimai Pandit would run to. What would happen to all their fanfare dancing and singing? Where will they hide their banana trees, mango leaves and the rest of the decorations? As soon as the Kazi hears their great commotion and sees their lit torches, he will immediately come. They will have to jump into the Ganges to escape his wrath."

> One of them said, "Then I will place myself near a group, and in the stampede I will tie their necks together." Another said, "Let us go and inform the Kazi." Someone objected to this saying, "I see no logic in doing that." Another made his point strongly, "I can see only one logical thing to do: that is let us all go together to those sentimentalists, and then loudly shout that 'The Kazi and his men are here!' Then they will quickly disperse." In this way the atheists were eating their jealous hearts out, while the devotees floated on clouds of ecstatic chanting and dancing.

> The devotees were looking so effulgent. They were decorated with sandalwood paste and flower garlands. They were so fully engrossed in the Holy Name that they became oblivious to everything. The sankirtana proceeded towards Srimulia.

> As the devotees chanted and danced, the Lord also chanted and danced right in their midst. The activities of the devotees increased the Lord's ecstasy. No one could imagine how much water was contained in the Lord's lotus eyes.

> Incessant tears cascaded in rivulets of pure nectarean water. Sometimes shivering overcame Him, so He lay on the ground. Even Nityananda Prabhu was lamenting because He could not hold Him still. Then, at the pinnacle of ecstasy, He fell unconscious; no life force could be found in Him for a long time. This was the wonder of wonders.

> Excited talks circulated amongst the citizens. They said, "This person must be the Supreme Lord Narayan Himself." Another said, "He is so much like Narada or Prahlad or even Sukadeva Goswami." "Whoever He may be, He is certainly not an ordinary human being." The more critical and calculating ones said, "He is indeed a great devotee." Each one commented according to the level of their understanding.

> Lord Nimai was oblivious to everything. He was engrossed in the ecstasy of the Holy Name, and as He lifted His arms chanting "Hari, Hari!" everyone around, by hearing the Lord, felt irresistibly drawn to Him. They all echoed the Lord's name loudly after Him. Whichever direction the Lord chose, the entire congregation moved that way. The Lord was now heading towards the Kazi's house. The sound of chanting and revelry became clearly audible to the inhabitants of the Kazi's palace.

> When the Kazi heard the loud clamor of chanting he enquired, "Can you hear that sound of music, that singing? Is that a marriage party or is it some weird incarnation of strange beings. Have they disobeyed my orders and again started their Hindu practices out in the streets? Go quickly and find out all the details. After you return with the information, I shall personally go." The Kazi's spies left immediately and arrived at the scene of the massive congregational kirtan. They were overawed at the sight of the huge mass of people shouting, "Kill the Kazi!" Murmuring verses from the Koran for protection, they fled in terror.

> They came running to the Kazi and spoke rapidly in gulps, "What are we doing here? Let us escape quickly. That Nimai Acarya is coming with thousands and thousands of men. They are carrying thousands and thousands of flaming torches, all singing their Hindu God's name. The citizens have decorated their houses and doorways welcoming this immense and incredible procession. The roads are covered with flower petals and puffed rice. The sound of their singing is so loud that I felt that my eardrums would burst.

> "I have never seen such a sight. Even the coming of our royal monarch never draws such incredible crowds. Nimai is their leader, dancing in the middle, and everyone is simply following Him. The singers we had attacked the other day are also there. They are all shouting, 'Kill the Kazi!' And Nimai is the gang leader who is stirring them up. I wonder why this brahmana fellow Nimai weeps so much. The tears spout out like two rivers." The other spy replied, "I think He may have some relative somewhere. So He is crying because He is missing him." The other replied, "I am afraid to even look at Him; He looks like He is coming to gobble you up." The Kazi said, "Is that really Nimai Pandit? Maybe He is getting married? I cannot imagine that anyone will try to disregard my orders. If they do, then I will convert them to Muslims." As they were discussing, the sound of the kirtan came closer, and closer.

> The huge congregational mass arrived in the locality of the Kazi's palace. The crest-jewel amongst them all, dancing Lord Visvambhara led them. The sound of their chanting boomed throughout the entire universe echoing in the vaults of heaven, earth and hell. The chanting became unbearably loud for the Kazi and his men. Fearing the worst, they made haste to escape, like mice running for their lives from the snake's mouth. But in the commotion and bustle they became confused, and lost their way.

> Many of the Kazi's men spread open their rolled-up head cloth, and hung them over their heads so as not to be recognized, and then joined in with the dancing - but with thumping hearts racing. The bearded compatriots of the Kazi hung their heads down, so that their give-away beards remained unexposed. There were so many people that it would be impossible for one to know everyone by face, and besides, the people were so excited that they were not aware of even their own persons. Everyone was lost in dancing and singing.

> Lord Visvambhar stood before the Kazi's palace doors. His rising anger visible, with a voice like thunder He said, "Where is that mischief-monger, Kazi? Bring him to Me right this minute, and cut off his head. I will obliterate the entire Yavana race from the face of this earth, like I have done previously. Break open and smash everything. Break it! Break it!" These were the orders of the Supreme Lord. Who could disobey? The congregation was already exuberant and inebriated with the association of Lord Caitanya and the Holy Name, so such a command from the Lord was immediately put into action with great enthusiasm.

> They ransacked the entire property, going through the palace and indiscriminantly breaking anything in their way. The garden lay limp and ravaged like after a hurricane. Banana trees lay uprooted, broken branches hung from mango trees, and the flower garden was trampled to the ground. Lakhs and lakhs of people overran the palace rooms and grounds. Throughout the entire operation, the congregation was chanting, "Hari! Hari!" The Holy Name was their constant companion. They punctuated every move with Lord Hari's name.

> Lord Visvambhar then said, "Now burn down everything, set fire to the palace. Let the Kazi and all his men burn to death. I want to see what his king will do to Me. I also want to see who has the audacity to try to check Me. The demigod of death, time and death, all are servants of My devoted servitors. They are created by My glance over the material nature. I have advented mainly to propagate the congregational chanting of the Holy Name. If anyone so much as tries to cause any obstruction, then I will annihilate them.

> "Even if the most lowly sinner participates in the chanting of the Lord's name, then they shall be remembered by Me and saved. On the other hand, even if persons perform austerity, renunciation, Vedic studies, or yoga, yet do not join the sankirtan movement, they will certainly perish. So now do not fear, set fire to the palace - I will bring about the total devastation of the entire race of Yavanas."

> When they saw the Lord's wrath, the devotees fell on their knees, and raising their arms prayed to Him, "One of Your principle expansions is Lord Sankarsana, and He never manifests His anger untimely. Only when the time is ready for the destruction of the material world, does Rudra appear as Lord Sankarsana's incarnation and expansion. Then after Rudra completes the work of annihilation or 'pralaya', he again returns into Your transcendental body.

> "The work of annihilation is carried out by the expansion of Your expansion. If You are angry, then who can check Your wrath? But the Vedas glorify You as 'angerless and eternally blissful'. Our hearts cannot see You as less than the Vedic injunction. Even Lord Brahma never attracts Your fury - creation, maintenance and annihilation of the material world are simply Your transcendental pastimes. Today You have sufficiently chastised that Kazi, and should he do anything like this again, then You can destroy him. All glory to Lord Visvambhara, the Supreme Lord of all lords. All glory to Lord Gaurasundara, the Lord of the Universe, the Lord of Lakshmidevi who rests on Lord Ananta Sesa."

> Lord Caitanya smiled after listening to their choice prayers, then He began to dance and chant with everyone. The Kazi was justly dealt with; the Lord was pacified that congregational chanting in public would continue. He now led the procession back towards the town. Chanting and dancing began again with the previous jubilance and exuberance; joy once more filled the atmosphere. The devotees were now free from any fear or inhibition. They could chant their beloved Lord Krishna's name anytime.

> The atheists were subdued their spirit broken, and the devotees victorious and jubilant. They again became submerged in the ecstasy of chanting and dancing. This time all the devotees went ahead dancing and chanting, and the Lord followed behind. Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Lord Ananta and all the other demigods enjoyed themselves as they participated in the congregational chanting.

> The procession entered the district of the traders who dealt with conchshells and other related items. All the residents came out in their best, and welcomed the congregation with the necessary Vedic rituals known as "purnakumbha". The roads were strewn with flowers, and lamps were lit in the houses. Then they went through the weavers' neighborhood. A great sound of jubilation and chanting of the Lord's name greeted the approaching congregation. Everywhere they went people were mad with joy. They were relishing their well-earned victory over despotism. Lord Caitanya was very happy to see that all were chanting the Lord's Holy Name.

> Lord Caitanya, dancing in mad ecstasy went to Sridhara's house. Sridhara lived in a small broken hut. He had practically no possessions. A metal pot stood outside his door. The pot was dented and old. It was repaired so many times that a thief would not even think of stealing it. The Lord was dancing in front of Sridhara's house when He saw that the only visible metal pot was filled with water. The Supreme Lord, Visvambhar wanting to teach human society how much He loved and cared for His devotees, picked up Sridhara's worn-out water pot and proceeded to drink water from it with great pleasure. Even if someone wanted to stop Him, who could do that? When Sridhara saw what Visvambhara was doing he came running, shouting, "O death, I am finished! I know You have come to my house to destroy me!" Saying this, Sridhara, the most saintly personality, fainted on the ground out of great spiritual anxiety.

> Lord Visvambhar with utmost satisfaction said, "My whole being has now become purified. Today, finally, I have attained devotion to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna simply by drinking water from Sridhara's pot." Saying this, the Lord shed tears of divine ecstasy.

> The lesson the Lord taught everyone through this pastime is that by drinking water from a pure devotee's water pot, one immediately develops attachment to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna.

> In the Padma Purana Adi-khanda 31/112 it is stated, "The wise devotee desiring to purify themself completely of all sinful reactions should specifically approach a pure Vaisnava and beg from them for their food remnants. If all this is not available, then at least they should beg some water remnants, or drink the water that has washed the Vaisnava's feet."

> The devotees began to cry in great joy seeing the Supreme Lord manifest such mercy and special affection for His devotee. Nityananda, Gadadhara, Advaita, and Srivas fell down to the ground and began to roll and cry. Haridas, Vakreswar, Chandrasekhara, Jagadananda, and the numerous other close associates of the Lord were unable to contain their spiritual emotions. They burst into tears of exultation. They cried out Krishna's sweet name. Sridhara's house became the blessed exhibition site for the highest form of spiritual ecstasy in love of Godhead. The whole universe exulted with the chanting of Krishna's Holy Name! Lord Gauracandra smiled graciously - His mission was accomplished.

> Just behold the glory of this devotee's devotion, the Supreme Lord reciprocated Sridhara's devotion with His full mercy. The Lord drank water with infinite pleasure from Sridhar's water pot made of a base metal. The pot was full of repairs and dents, a pot that was used for many purposes.

> The Lord enjoyed drinking from this pot because He was drinking Sridhara's transcendental devotion to Him; therefore the common liquid water was immediately transformed into divine ambrosia. Thus the Lord taught that everything in relation to a pure devotee is transcendental.

> The Supreme Lord, on the other hand, ignores the valuable gem-studded water pot of insolent materialists. He accepts any offering from His surrendered devotees, irrespective of any rules or regulations for offering. If His devotee has little or ordinary food, then He forcibly takes it from them, as He did in Dvaraka with Sudam Vipra. It has been seen that the Lord sells Himself to His devotees.

> When the Pandavas were banished to the forest, Lord Krishna relished a simple offering of leafy vegetables from Yudhisthira Maharaja. The pure devotees are Krishna's father, mother, wife, and brother. Lord Krishna sees His surrendered devotees as His own kith and kin, but not otherwise. Lord Krishna manifests Himself to His devotee according to the desire and mellow of the devotee. Lord Krishna allows Himself to be sold or purchased by His unalloyed devotees.

> All the scriptures have described this wonderful quality of Lord Krishna, that He especially favors His pure devotees and is always protecting them personally from all calamities.

> One should see the magnanimous position of a pure devotee, and thus be inspired to develop spiritual attachment for Krishna. The position of Lord Krishna's servant is never to be minimized; Lord Krishna, the Supreme Godhead never accepts as His servant a person of meager spiritual caliber.

> After having performed his prescribed duties for many millions of lifetimes, leading a pious life of non-violence and humility, and praying constantly and sincerely to the Supreme Lord, a person is awarded opportunity at their time of death such as drinking Ganga water or chanting of Lord Narayana's holy name.

> This will certainly afford them liberation from all material bondage. Only then can they be blessed to become a servant of Lord Krishna. All the commentators of the Bhagavatam have clearly indicated that the liberated souls can render full devotional service to the Supreme Lord, the performer of transcendental pastimes. Therefore the devotee's position is almost equal to the Lord Himself; in fact, the Lord always sees His devotees as even more exalted than Himself.

> The innumerable eulogies that have been compiled since time immemorial about the divine excellences of a pure devotee are inadequate to describe them perfectly. Lord Siva, and Lord Brahma are very happy to be called Lord Krishna's servants, and Ananta Sesa is always hankering to serve Him. Although the pure devotees are almost equal to the Lord Himself, they are constantly wanting to serve Him in loving attachment.

> Advaita Acarya is such an elevated devotee that many persons do not know His real mood and position. Thus they are discounted when Advaita Acarya is glorified as a devotee of Lord Caitanya. Lord Krishna is greatly pleased when anyone calls Him a 'devotee' because who besides Lord Krishna knows perfectly well what a pure devotee is. The most abominable sinners proclaim themselves as 'God' only to ensure a full belly regularly.

> Gathering around him a crowd of asinine disciples, the impostor poses himself as the Lord of the Universe. Although the body of such a cheater is only fit for the dogs' meals, he still becomes deluded by the external energy of Lord Visnu thinking that he is the Supreme Controller. But now just behold the opulence of the Lord of all lords, Lord Gauracandra. Simply by His desire, millions of people converged with millions of burning torches to begin an historic march against oppression; all the way they were greeted with decorated doorways and showers of floral confetti from the heavenly denizens.

> It was difficult to understand the transformation that took place in the Lord after He drank water from Sridhara's water pot. All the devotees began to shed tears of joy seeing the special mercy that the Supreme Lord showered upon His pure devotee. Sridhara was thunderstruck, and with tears brimming over in his eyes, holding straw in the teeth, in utter humility he knelt before the Lord chanting His Holy Name and asked, "What have you done, my Lord? What water did You drink?" But Lord Visvambhara's bliss was uncheckable after having relished water from His devotee's water vessel, as He danced in ecstasy surrounded by all His associates who sang and danced along with Him. Nityananda Prabhu and Gadadhara Pandit were always like two jewels decorating either side of the Lord.

> Kholareca Sridhara's fortune was indeed so great that even Lord Siva and Lord Brahma were moved to tears of joy and appreciation. The Supreme Lord Caitanya is unattainable by wealth, fame or erudition, but is captivated by unalloyed devotion. After the water-drinking incident the Lord moved on from Sridhar's place towards the town. Navadvipa became the most hallowed place in the entire creation as Lord Caitanya and His associates danced and sang the Lord's Holy Name in ecstasy. Only the sound of the Lord's name echoed in the concave extremities of the universe.

> The divine exultation that is experienced by Sukadeva Goswami, Narada Muni, Lord Siva, and others upon hearing the Holy Name was now being experienced by the residents of Navadvipa as they passed through the different neighborhoods of the town. Although the kirtan continued for a whole night, one should not think that this was just one night - in actuality, many kalpas (billions of years) had passed during that time, unknown to anyone. Nothing is impossible for Lord Caitanya, the Supreme Lord to accomplish; a mere raising of His eyebrow annihilates the entire universe. Only the most fortunate and pious souls can comprehend such esoteric truths about the Absolute. A dry mental speculator is not eligible for such revelations.

> The townspeople were enraptured beyond comprehension by Lord Caitanya's beautiful dancing, His loud thunderous shouts of joy, and the profuse flowing of divine nectar in the form of the chanting of the Holy Name. People thanked Mother Saci for carrying in her womb such a child as Lord Visvambhara. They blessed Jagannatha Misra for being a good father to the Lord. They were grateful for the good fortune that had descended upon the residents of Navadvipa. They all wished that this night would never end as the Lord performed His pastimes for many yugas. These pastimes of the Lord have no beginning, nor end. They appear and then after a certain time they disappear. The Lord manifests Himself to the devotee according to the desire and mood of the devotee.

> In the Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.9.11 it says, "O Supreme Lord who is glorified in choice verses, out of compassion and love for Your dear devotees, You present Yourself to them in whatever form they meditate upon in their spiritual bodies."

> Lord Caitanya is even to this day performing His eternal pastimes; those who are pure in heart can see them. The Lord descends only to please His devotees. One may perform austerities and sacrifices for millions of lifetimes but, without devotional service all their performances are simply futile. Devotional service means to serve the pure devotee of the Lord. This is the verdict of all scriptures.

> I offer my obeisances to Lord Nityananda. All glory to Him, for only with His mercy can one glorify Lord Caitanya. Many persons see Lord Nityananda differently. Some say He is Balarama, or that He is very dear to Lord Caitanya, or that He is the expansion of the omnipotent Lord. Many say they do not know who He really is. Each one sees Him according to their realization. Whoever He may be, He is very special to Lord Caitanya. May His lotus feet be the only treasure of my heart. Let all the atheists who criticize Lord Nityananda be very careful, lest they be kicked in the head. I offer my obeisances at the feet of this dear most devotee of Lord Caitanya; may He be my Lord and master.

> I can know Lord Nityananda only by Lord Caitanya's mercy, and I can know Lord Caitanya only if Lord Nityananda shows me.

> Lord Caitanya is Lord Rama and Nityananda is Laksmana. Lord Caitanya is Krishna and Nityananda is Sankarsana.

> Lord Nityananda possesses the power to fully satisfy Lord Caitanya with His transcendental service. The intimate associates of Lord Caitanya are in full knowledge of Lord Nityananda's extraordinary position. But at times one may see a certain elevated devotee quarreling with other devotees. This is all transcendental, and is happening by the desire of Lord Krishna.

> No one should side with any party, because they are all most-elevated Vaisnavas; to do so one would certainly make offenses against the Vaisnava. One can become a true Vaisnava by serving Lord Krishna, and by not finding fault in others.

> Now I offer my obeisances at the lotus feet of Advaita Acarya. May I remain attached to His dear servitors. All glory to Lord Caitanya along with all His associates. These narrations about His pastimes reward one with the highest devotional mood. If one sides with Advaita against Gadadhara Pandita then due to this imbecilic act that person is never allowed shelter by Advaita Acarya as his devotee.

> The transcendental pastimes of Lord Caitanya are the purest form of divine ambrosia. I pray that these unlimited pastimes increasingly appear in the minds of all living beings. One who desires joy from hearing these narrations will surely see the beautiful face of Lord Caitanya directly.

> Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya and Lord Nityananda are my life and soul.

> I, Vrndavana dasa, offer this song at Their lotus feet.

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