The Reunion of the Vaishnavs
After the Master had set out for the South, King Pratap Rudra summoned
Sarvabhauma, seated him after due salutation, and asked him concerning
the Master, saying, "I hear that a very gracious person has come to your
house from Bengal. People say that he has shown you much kindness. Do
please help me to see him." The Bhatta replied, "True is what you have
heard. But you cannot see him; he is a _sannyasi_ withdrawn from the
world, living in seclusion, and not visiting kings even in dreams. I
could, however, have contrived somehow an interview between him and you:
but he has recently gone to the South." The king asked, "Why did he
leave Jagannath's shrine?" The Bhatta replied, "Such is one of the deeds
of saints. They visit holy places on the plea of making pilgrimages, but
they thereby bring salvation to worldly men. _Vide Bhagabat_, I. xiii. 8.
Such is the unalterable character of a Vaishnav: he is not a man but
rather a particle of God." The Raja rejoined, "Why did you let him
depart? You ought to have clasped his feet and importuned him to stay
here." Bhattacharya answered, "He is a god and a free being. He is
Krishna's self and not a dependent creature. Still I had tried to detain
him, but could not succeed as God is free."
The Raja said, "Bhatta! you are the chief of wise men. As you call him
Krishna, I must believe it. When he comes here again, may I see him once
and gratify my eyes?" The Bhatta replied, "He will soon return. We want
a suitable place for him to lodge in; it must be near the temple and yet
secluded. Choose such a lodging for him." The king said, "Kashi Mishra's
house is just that sort of place, close to Jagannath and yet very
retired." The king thereafter remained expectant. Bhattacharya informed
Kashi Mishra, who said, "Blessed am I that such a holy Master will lodge
under my roof."
Thus did all the people of Puri live in ever-growing expectation of
seeing the Master, when He returned from the South. All rejoiced at the
news, and they all begged Sarvabhauma thus, "Lead us to the Master, that
through thy mediation we may reach Chaitanya's feet." Bhattacharya
replied, "To-morrow the Master will go to Kashi Mishra's house, where I
shall introduce you to Him."
Next day the Master visited Jagannath in company with Bhattacharya, in
great delight. The servitors met Him with the god's food and He embraced
them all. After the visit Bhattacharya led Him to Kashi Mishra's house.
Kashi Mishra fell at His feet, and gave up to Him not his house only but
his soul also. The Master appeared to him in the four-armed shape, and
embraced him to make him one of His own followers.
Then the Master took His seat there. Around Him sat Nityananda and other
devotees, The Master was pleased with the arrangements of the house,
which satisfied all His needs. Then Sarvabhauma said, "Master, this
house is worthy of you. Accept it, as Kashi Mishra prays." The Master
replied, "My body is under your control. What you bid me, I must do, as
in duty bound." Then Sarvabhauma, seating himself at the right hand of
the Master, began to introduce one after another all the people of Puri,
saying, "All these men have been residing in the Nilachal in eager
longing to meet you. They have fared like the thirsty _chatak_ bird that
cries in anguish for water. All were determined [to see you]. This one
is Janardan, a constant attendant on the person of Jagannath. This other
is Krishna-das who holds the golden rod [in the temple]. Here is
Shikhi Mahanti, the officer in charge of the [temple] secretariate.
This, Pradyumna Mishra, is foremost among Vaishnavs, and he waits on
Jagannath during the god's sleep. Murari Mahanti, the brother of Shikhi
Mahanti, has no refuge save your feet. [These are] Chandaneshwar,
Singheshwar, Murari Brahman, and Vishnu-das, all of whom meditate on
your feet. Here are the high-minded Praharaj Mahapatra, and his kinsman
Paramananda Mahapatra. These Vaishnavs are the ornaments of this holy
place, and all devotedly intent on your feet." They all prostrated
themselves on the ground before the Master, who graciously held them to
His bosom.
Just then came there Bhabananda Ray, with his four sons; and they all
fell at the Master's feet. Sarvabhauma introduced them, "This is
Bhabananda Ray whose eldest son is Ramananda Ray." The Master embraced
him and spoke in praise of Ramananda adding, "One cannot adequately
describe to the world the greatness of him whose son is a jewel like
Ramananda. Truly, you are Pandu, your wife is Kunti, and your five
high-souled sons are the five Pandav brothers." The Ray replied, "I am a
Shudra, a worldling and a wretch. That you have touched me is the only
holy thing [about me]. I lay down at your feet myself with my house,
belongings, servants, and five sons. This youth Vaninath will constantly
wait on you, to do whatever you bid him. Know me as your own, feel no
delicacy, but order whatever you desire." The Master answered, "What
delicacy can there be? You are not a stranger to me. In birth after
birth you with your family have been my servants. In some five days
Ramananda will arrive here. His society will complete my bliss." So
saying He embraced the father, while the four sons laid their heads at
His feet. They were all sent home, only Vaninath Patta Nayak was
retained by the Master.
Bhattacharya sent away the other people. Thereafter the Master called
for deaf Krishna-das, and said "Listen, Bhattacharya, to the story of
this man. He had accompanied me to the South, but left me to join the
tribe of Bhattamari. But I rescued him from their hands. Having brought
him back here I give him his discharge. Let him go wherever he likes; I
have no longer any concern with him." At this Krishna-das set up a
lamentation. When the Master went away for His noonday worship,
Nityananda, Jagadananda, Mukunda, and Damodar laid their heads together,
saying, "We have to send a messenger to Bengal to report the Master's
arrival to His mother. Adwaita, Shribas and others of the faithful will
all flock hither on hearing of His return. Let us send Krishna-das (for
the purpose)." With this they consoled Krishna-das.
Next day they prayed to the Master, "Allow us to send a man to Bengal,
as mother Shachi, Adwaita and other devotees have all been plunged in
concern since they heard of your setting out for the South. Let a man go
and give them the glad tidings (of your safe return)." The Master
assented, "Do as you like." So they sent Krishna-das to Bengal, with a
present of the _maha-prasad_ for the Vaishnavs there.
Deaf Krishna-das reached Bengal, saw mother Shachi at Navadwip, bowed,
and gave her the _maha-prasad_ and the news of the Master's return from the
South. The mother rejoiced at the news, and so did the faithful led by
Shribas. Then Krishna-das went to the house of Adwaita Acharya, gave him
the _prasad_, bowed, and told him all about the Master. The Acharya in
rapture danced, sang, and shouted for a long time. How shall I name all
the flock who exulted at the news,--Haridas Thakur, Vasudev Datta, Murari
Gupta, Shivananda, Acharya Ratna, Pandit Vakreshwar, Acharya Nidhi, the
Pandits Gadadhar, Shriram, Damodar, Shriman, and Raghav, Vijay,
Shridhar, and Acharya Nandan. They all went in a body to Adwaita, bowed
at his feet, and were clasped to his bosom. Two or three days were spent
by the Acharya in great rejoicing (with them), and then he confirmed the
desire to make a pilgrimage to the Nilachal. Gathering together at
Navadwip, they set off for Jagannath with mother Shachi's leave. At the
report about the Master, Satyaraj and Ramananda from the Kulin village
joined them, and so did Mukunda and Narahari from Raghunandan Khand.
Just then Paramananda Puri arrived at Nadia from the South, travelling
along the banks of the Ganges. He lodged in comfort in the temple of
mother Shachi, who honourably fed him. On hearing there of the Master's
return, the Puri too wished to hasten to the Nilachal. He set off
thither with the Master's devotee, the Brahman Kamalakanta, and soon
arrived in the Master's presence, who rejoiced at the meeting and
lovingly saluted his feet, while the Puri embraced Him.
The Master said, "I long to live in thy company. Make the Nilachal thy
abode, as thou lovest me." The Puri replied, "It is because I desire
your society that I came hither from Bengal. The news of your return
from the South has gladdened the heart of Shachi. The other devotees are
coming to see you, but as they made delay I had started quickly (before
them)." The Master assigned to the Puri a retired room in Kashi Mishra's
house and an attendant.
Next day arrived Swarup Damodar, who had touched the inmost recess of
the Master's spirit. His name in the world was Purushottam Acharya, and
he waited on the Master at Navadwip. Wild at the Master's renunciation
of the world, he went to Benares and turned monk there. His _guru_,
Chaitanyananda, bade him study the _Vedanta_ and expound it to the people.
He was totally withdrawn from the world and a deep scholar, having taken
refuge in Krishna with all his body and soul. He had turned _sannyasi_, in
a wild longing to worship Krishna in freedom from every (earthly)
thought and care. As a _sannyasi_ he cast off his sacred thread and took
the tonsure, but did not put on the yogi's dress. Swarup was the new
name given to him. With his _guru's_ permission he came to the Nilachal,
being day and night out of his senses in the bliss of loving Krishna. He
was a perfect scholar, holding converse with none, and living in
seclusion unknown to the world, He had known the mystery of the love of
Krishna; his very body was a picture of love; he seemed the exact second
self of the Master. Every book, verse, or song brought to the Master had
to be first examined by Swarup before He would hear it. The Master took
no delight in compositions that clashed with the theory of _bhakti_ and
lacked the spirit of delight (_ras_). So, Swarup Goswami tasted books and
read to the Master only such as were correct. Vidyapati, Chandidas and
_Git-Govinda_ were the poetry that delighted the Master. Damodar surpassed
others, as he was a veritable gandharva in musical skill and a
Vrihaspati in Shastric lore. He was a darling to Adwaita and Nityananda,
and the very life of Shribas and other faithful ones.
Such was Damodar who came and prostrating him self clasped the Master's
feet while he recited stanza 20 of Act VIII. of the drama
_Chaitanya-chandrodaya_.
The Master raised and embraced him. The two swooned away in ecstasy.
After a while regaining composure the Master began thus: "I have dreamt
that you would come to-day. It is good (that you have come); I am like a
blind man who has got back his two eyes." Swarup answered, "Pardon my
sin, Master I erred grievously when I left you and sought another
(_guru_). I had not a particle of faith in your feet, but, sinner that I
was, I had left you to go to another country! I had no doubt left you,
but _you_ did not forsake me. Thy grace has been a chain round my neck,
dragging me to thy feet."
Then Swarup bowed at Nityananda's feet, who lovingly embraced him. He
also did due courtesy as he met Jagadananda, Mukunda, Shankar,
Sarvabhauma, and Paramananda Puri. The Master gave him a quiet room with
a servant to draw water and do other services.
One day the Master sat surrounded by Sarvabhauma and other faithful
ones, holding sweet discourse on Krishna, when Govinda arrived,
prostrated himself, and said, "I am Govinda, a servant of Ishwar Puri,
at whose bidding I have come to you. The Puri, when attaining to _siddhi_
(death) told me to go and serve Krishna-Chaitanya. Kashishwar will come
(here) after visiting holy places. At my Master's bidding I have
hastened to your feet." To this the Master replied, "Ishwar Puri loved
me like a son, and has sent you to me as a favour." At this Sarvabhauma
asked, "How could the Puri retain a Shudra attendant?" The Master
answered, "God is supremely independent. His mercy is not bound by (the
rules of) the Vedas. God's grace defies caste and family distinctions."
Witness how Krishna dined at the house of Bidur. Love and service are
mere instruments of Krishna's mercy. When actuated by mercy He acts
independently [of the conventions of religion]. Loving treatment is a
million times more blissful than dignity. The very hearing of it gives
intense delight."
So saying the Master embraced Govinda, who then bowed at the feet of
all. The Master spoke, "Bhattacharya, solve this problem: the very
servant of my _guru_ is honourable to me, and it is not seemly that he
should serve me. And yet the _guru_ has commanded it. What should I do?"
The Bhatta answered, "A _guru's_ command is most strong, and the Shastras
direct us not to violate it. Witness the _Raghuvamsa_, xiv. 53, and
Valmiki's _Ramayan_, Ayodhya-kanda, xxii. 9."
Then the Master consented and permitted Govinda to serve His body. All
honoured him as the Master's favourite attendant, while Govinda made
arrangements for all the Vaishnavs. He was accompanied by the two
Haridases (who were surnamed the greater and lesser chanters), Ramai and
Nandai, in tending the Master. Govinda's good fortune baffles
description.
One day Mukunda Datta said to the Master, "Brahmananda Bharati has come
to see you. Permit me to bring him hither." But He replied, "The Bharati
is my guru. It is I who should go to him." So saying, He went to
Brahmananda, with all His followers. At the sight of Brahmananda clad in
deer skin, the Master grieved at heart, pretended not to have observed
him, and asked Mukunda where the Bharati was. Mukunda replied, "Here,
before you!" But the Master objected, "You do not know. It is not he,
but somebody else whom you are ignorantly pointing out. Why should the
Bharati Goswami wear a skin?" At this Brahmananda inly reflected, "He
likes not my robe of deer skin. He has spoken well. A skin is worn as a
mark of pride (of asceticism). The wearing of it cannot give me
salvation from the World. Henceforth I shall renounce this garment." The
Master learnt of his thought, and had a cloth brought, which Brahmananda
put on after discarding the skin. Then the Master bowed at his feet, but
the Bharati objected saying, "These your acts are for instructing the
people. Never bow down to me again, it frightens me. Here are now two
gods, _viz._, Jagannath the stationary, and you the moving god. You are
the fair god, while Jagannath is the dark deity. These two (between
them) have redeemed the world." The Master demurred, "The truth is that
your coming has revealed two Brahmas at Purushottam: your name is
Brahmananda, and (you are) the fair-coloured moving Brahma, while
Jagannath is the dark and motionless one." The Bharati cried out, "Be
thou the judge between us, Sarvabhauma, and attend to my logical dispute
with Him. The Shastras tell us that creation is _vyapya_, while Brahma is
_vyapak_.
He has reformed me by taking away my skin robe. This shows that one is
_vyapya_ and the other is _vyapak_. _Vide Mahabharat_, Dan-parva, ch. 149,
stanza 1091. To the Master truly belong those (divine) epithets,
sandal-pasted _prasad_, _dor_, two-armed _Angad_." Bhattacharya replied, "O
Bharati, the victory is thine, as I see." The Master said, "Whatever you
say must be true. In a logical disputation, the disciple must always
yield to the _guru_." But the Bharati objected, "No, no, the reason (of my
victory) is otherwise. It is thy nature to admit defeat at the hands of
thy _bhaktas_. Listen to another feat of thine. All my life I had
worshipped the formless Deity, but when I saw thee, Krishna became
manifest before my eyes. Krishna's name broke forth from my lips,
Krishna's image was stamped on my heart and eye. My soul thirsts for
thee as thou resemblest Krishna. My condition is truly like that of
Billamangal, as described in the _Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu_."
The Master rejoined, "Deep is your love of Krishna, so that whatever
your eye glances on, you see a Krishna there." Bhattacharya replied,
"Yes, but only after Krishna had first revealed himself in the flesh.
Love alone can enable us to see him. His favour is the (only) means of
seeing him." The Master cried out, "Holy God! Holy God! what art thou
saying, Sarvabhauma? Your praise in hyperbole is satire in disguise." So
saying He led the Bharati to His own house and lodged him there. Ram
Bhattacharya and Bhagaban Acharya waited on the Master, leaving all
other works.
Another day Kashishwar Goswami arrived and was honourably lodged by the
Master with Himself. He used to escort the Master to the temple of
Jagannath, removing the crowd from before Him. As all rivers and brooks
unite in the ocean, so did the Master's worshippers, wherever they might
have been, all come together at His feet. He graciously kept them at His
house. Thus have I described the Master's assembling of Vaishnavs.
[Text, canto 10.]