Ginger Use for Digestion

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna! Jaya Shri Guru Parampara! A small piece or a few splices of fresh ginger with rock salt (or normal salt) around five minutes before eating prasadam meals results in a great appetite, fast and proper digestion, absorption of nutrients and even better elimination of undigested wastes. Additionally one can also sprinkle some lime juice on the ginger or one can intake 5 ml ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of honey before meals. Shrila Prabhupada also used to prefer to take ginger before prasadam meals. It keeps the stomach so light even after you have eaten sumptuous prasadam as it faciliates effective digestion. Ginger supports healthy digestive function by promoting the flow of digestive juices and increasing stomach muscle tone, a normal process that keep the digestive tract ready to function. It has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite. It is also a digestive stimulant which is useful when appetite may be low. Performing Vajrasana for around 5-15 minutes after meals is also a great way to ensure full digestion and absorption and lethargy after meals. We will discuss Vajrasana in our next health post.



DISCLAIMER: The above information may or may not have been tested or confirmed medically or scientifically and the author of this post does not take any responsibility for any resultant effects of it's implementation. Do at your own risk.

One Can Hear Them Talking

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna! Jaya Shri Guru Parampara! Today, when I was chanting, I was wondering at the marvel of the Holy Names. When you chant the Holy Names deeply and regularly, one can gradually understand the language of the Lord's Associates in the spiritual world. As one chants the Holy Names, one can hear, see and understand with the inner eye of the soul what the Associates of the Lord are talking in the spiritual world. This is a miracle.

I was surprised to find that even though I was chanting the Holy Names and hearing nothing else from my material ears still I could understand with my soul's eye what the Associates were communicating with each other. It was as if I could hear Them, understand their language and also partially experience Their spiritual emotions. This proves that the language and communication in Goloka is fully transcendental and not of this mundane platform i.e. nothing to do with this material world. And these divine exchanges of Goloka in the deepest and most intricate form can be fully revealed to us inside the great powerhouses of the Holy Names which are accessible to one and all, simply by vibrating our tongues...golokera prema dhana, hari naam sankirtana.

It is the greatest causeless mercy of Lord Gauranga Krishna to have imparted absolutely everything about Him in His Holy Names. By absolutely, I really mean absolutely. There is nothing in Him which is not there in His Holy Names. The most unbelieveable and inconceivable truth in the whole of existence is that the Holy Names of Nityananda, Gauranga, and Hare Krishna contain even the most deepest secrets and pastimes of Goloka Vrindavana which are not revealed to even the Associates in Vaikuntha. Oh Lord, this is such unprecendented mercy coming from You and still I am so miserable and pitiable that I have not developed the desire to chant Your Names constantly!

Daaso'smi, Swami Gaurangapada.

We need your posts on NITAAI.com

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna! Jaya Shri Guru Parampara! We require more devotees to write and submit Bhakti Posts, Katha, Questions etc. on NITAAI.com and to comment on the posts and start discussions so that devotees can read and view fresh Bhakti nectar daily on the site as well as on email via the daily Newsletter. We have now made it is very easy for you to submit your posts or questions or katha or video etc. So we hope you will share and not hold back.

(1) You can use the new WYSIWYG Html Submit Post form at http://submit.nitaai.com which is recommended or send an email directly to with your full post in the body of the email and the post title as the title of the email. This new form has full html capabilities with buttons for font color, size, indenting, tables, undo, redo, insert hyperlinks, insert photos from external urls and directly uploading your photos and attachments. This will enable you to format your post in any manner you want and upload and insert photos and insert videos and audios too.

(2) It would be wonderful if you can kindly include at least one photo or video for each post though it is not mandatory. The width of the inserted photo or video should be 400px maximum.

(3) You can upload and insert photos for each post by using the photo upload button on the extreme right of the form toolbar. Please keep your photos under 150 kb in size. If you have large photos in megabytes, please resize them to under 150 kb by using the free Easy Thumbnails software. The best would be if you can kindly upload your photos first to an external free photo sharing site like Imageshack.us or Photobucket.com etc. and then insert them (urls) into the posts via using the insert photo button to the left of the upload photo button on the form toolbar. This would be good for permanent photo archival purposes and will simplify our service.

(4) Please try to avoid very long posts. You can copy, paste and post but try to avoid doing that all the time. Please write and share your unique realizations also. Please post about the basic philosophy of the Soul, Supersoul, Life, Karma and the Lord also and advanced topics also. You can also post relevant news or events which are related to spirituality and ask for comments and feedback.

(5) You can freely embed your videos, presentations, audios etc. in the body of the post form by posting the embed and object code from the video sharing website on which you have uploaded your videos. Please ensure the width of the video is not more than 400px and reduce the height accordingly.

(6) Kindly sign your name at the beginning or end of the post if you want it to be included.

(7) We will have atleast have two backups of the present NITAAI.com site so your posts will be permanently there on the internet for a long time to be read.

(8) If you insert a video or audio from a photo sharing site in your post, please add Video or Audio at the end of the post title so that it can be easily be identified. You can use DivShare.com etc. for uploading and inserting audios as it automatically inserts a flash audio player. For videos, you can use Google Video, YouTube or any other video sharing site.

(9) You can post to NITAAI.com on the move from your mobile phone by typing your message and if possible attaching a photo for the post and sending it as an email (from your phone) to our email posting address given in the first point above.

(10) Please post your comments to posts via the "POST A COMMENT" link below each post to discuss and share about the post to encourage the poster and increase active participation.

So please pick up your pens and type submit.nitaai.com in your browser.

Thank you and hope to see your posts on NITAAI.com soon!

Daaso'smi, Swami Gaurangapada.

Consciousness and False Ego Video

Other Videos at YouTube by Gouranga dasa.

108 Names of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

1) namaskritya pravaksyami deva-devam jagad-gurum
namnam-ashtotara- shatam caitanyasya mahatmanaha

After offering my respectful obeisances unto the Lord of Lords, Who is
the spiritual master of the entire universe, I will now narrate 108 holy
names of Lord Chaitanya, the great soul.

2) vishvambharo jita-krodho maya-manusha- vigrahaha
amayi mayinam shreshto vara-desho dvijottamaha

Vishvambhara– He sustains the universe

Jita-krodha–He is victorious over the influence of mundane anger

Maya-manusha- vigraha–He assumes the illusory form of a human

Amayi–He is bereft of fraudulent behavior

Mayinam Shresta–He is the foremost of (transcendental) cheaters

Vara-desha–He appears in the best of lands

Dvijottama–He is the ultimate brahmana

3) jagannatha-priya- sutah pitri-bhakto maha-manaha
lakshmi-kantah shachi-putrah premado bhakta-vatsalah

Jagannatha-priya- suta–He is the dearest son of Jagannatha Mishra

Pitri-bhakta– He is the devotee of His father

Maha-mana–He has great mental power

Lakshmi-kanta– He is the beloved husband of the Goddess of Fortune

Shachi-putra– He is the son of mother Shachi

Premada-He is the bestower of ecstatic loving devotion

Bhakta-vatsala– He is very affectionate to His devotees

4) dvija-priyo dvija-varo vaishnava-prana- nayakaha
dvi-jati-pujakah shantah shrivasa-priya ishvaraha

Dvija-priya–He is dear to the twice-initiated brahmanas

Dvija-vara–He is the best amongst the brahmanas

Vaishnava-prana- nayaka–He is the hero of the devotees' life &
soul

Dvi-jati-pujaka– He is the worshiper of the brahmanas

Shanta-He is peaceful and saintly

Shrivasa-priya– He is very dear to Srivasa Pandita

Ishvara–He is the supreme controller

5) tapta-kanchana- gaurangah simha-grivo maha-bhujaha
pita-vasa rakta-pattah sad-bhujo `tha chatur-bhujaha

Tapta-kanchana- gauranga–His complexion is like molten gold

Simha-griva–His neck is like the lion's

Maha-bhuja–His arms are very muscular

Pita-vasa–He wears yellow cloth (when a householder)

Rakta-patta–He wears red cloth (when a sannyasi)

Sad-bhuja–He exhibits a six-armed form [atha–and furthermore]

Chatur-bhuja– He exhibits a four-armed form

6) dvi-bhujash cha gada-panih chakri padma-dharo `malaha
pancha-janya- dharah sharngi venu-panih surottamaha

Dvi-bhuja–He exhibits a two armed form [ca–and]

Gada-pani–He holds the mace

Chakri–He holds the discus

Padma-dhara–He holds the lotus

Amala–He is sinless

Pancha-janya- dhara–He holds the Panca-janya conchshell

Sharngi–He holds the bow

Venu-pani–He holds the flute

Surottama–He is the foremost of the demigods

7) kamalaksheshvara prito gopa-liladhara yuva
nila-ratna-dharo rupya-hari kaustubha-bhushanah a

Kamalaksheshvara– He is the Lord of the lotus-eyed Lakshmi

Prita–He is beloved to all living beings

Gopa-liladhara– He is the abode of cowherding pastimes

Yuva–He is supremely youthful

Nila-ratna-dhara– He likes to wear sapphires

Rupya-hari–He likes to wear silver necklaces

Kaustubha-bhushana– He is adorned with the Kaustubha gem

8) shrivatsa-lanchano bhasvan-mani- dhrik kanja-lochanaha
tatanka-nila- shrih rudra-lila-kari guru-priyaha

Shrivatsa-lanchana– He is decorated with the mark of Shrivatsa

Bhasvan-mani- dhrik–His form is embellished with many beautiful
jewels

Kanja-lochana– He has lotus petal-shaped eyes

Tatanka-nila- shri–His majesty is enhanced by sapphire earrings

Rudra-lila-kari– He sometimes enacts the pastimes of Lord Shiva

Guru-priya–He is very dear to His spiritual master

9) sva-nama-guna- vakta-cha namopadesha- dayakaha
achandala-priyah shuddhah sarva-prani- hite rataha

Sva-nama-guna- vakta–He is aware of the attributes of His own holy
name

Namopadesha- dayaka–He imparts teachings about the holy names

Achandala-priya– He is dear even to the lowest outcastes

Shuddha–His character is totally immaculate

Sarva-prani- hite-rata– He is engaged in the welfare of all living
beings

10) vishvarupanujah sandhyavatarah shitalashayaha
nihsima-karuno gupta atma-bhakti- pravartakaha

Vishvarupanuja– He is the younger brother of Vishvarupa

Sandhyavatara– He incarnated during the time of dusk

Shitalashaya– He is desirous of cooling the burning sufferings of
living beings

Nihsima-karuna– His compassion is limitless

Gupta–He is very secretive

Atma-bhakti- pravartaka– He preaches devotion unto the true Self

11) mahanando nato nritya-gita- nama-priyah kavihi
arti-priyah shuchih shuddho bhavado bhagavat-priyaha

Mahananda–He is absorbed in the greatest bliss

Nata–He behaves as a dramatic actor

Nritya-gita- nama-priya– He is fond of dancing, singing & chanting the
holy names

Kavi–He is a learned scholar and poet

Arti-priya–He is dear to those who are suffering

Shuchi–He is meticulously clean

Shuddha–He is spotlessly pure

Bhavada–He confers ecstatic loving emotions

Bhagavat-priya– He is intimate with the great devotees

12) indradi-sarva- lokesha-vandita- shri-padambujaha
nyasi-chudamanih krishnah sannyasashrama- pavanaha

Indradi-sarva- lokesha-vandita- shri-padambuja– His divine lotus feet
are worshiped by Lord Indra and all the rulers of various heavenly
planets

Nyasi-chudamani– He is the crest jewel of renunciates

Krishna–He is the all attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead

Sannyasashrama- pavana–He is the purifier of the renounced order

13) chaitanya krishna-chaitanya danda-dhrig nyasta-dandakaha
avadhuta-priyo nityananda-shad- bhuja-darshakaha

Chaitanya–He is the living force of all creation

Krishna-Chaitanya– He is the all-attractive living force

Danda-dhrik–He carries the staff of the renounced order

Nyasta-dandaka– He abandons the staff of the renounced order

Avadhuta-priya– He is dear to the divine madman (Srila Nityananda
Prabhu)

Nityananda-sad- bhuja-darshaka– He shows His six-armed form to
Nityananda

14) mukunda-siddhi- do dino vasudevamrita- pradaha
gadadhara-prana- natha arti-ha sharana-pradaha

Mukunda-siddhi- da–He gives perfection to His devotee Mukunda

Dina–He behaves with meek and humble mannerisms

Vasudevamrita- prada–He gives nectar to this devotee Vasudeva (the
leper)

Gadadhara-prana- natha–He is the Lord of the life of Gadadhara
Pandita

Arti-ha–He removes the distress of His devotees

Sharana-prada– He bestows ultimate shelter to His devotees

15) akinchana-priyah prano guna-grahi jitendriyaha
adosha-darshi sumukho madhurah priya-darshanaha

Akinchana-priya– He is dear to those who possess nothing

Prana–He is the life and soul of all creation

Guna-grahi–He accepts only the good qualities of others

Jitendriya–He is victorious over the influence of the material
senses

Adosha-darshi– He is blind to the faults of others

Sumukha–He has a pleasant face

Madhura–He is supremely sweet

Priya-darshana– He is very precious to behold

16) pratapa-rudra- samtrata ramananda-priyo guruhu
ananta-guna- sampannah sarva-tirthaika- pavanaha

Pratapa-rudra- samtrata–He delivers Maharaja Pratapa Rudra from
obstacles

Ramananda-priya– He is the beloved of Ramananda Raya

Guru–He is the spiritual master of every living being

Ananta-guna- sampannah– He is endowed with limitless good qualities

Sarva-tirthaika- pavana–He is the sole purifier of all places of
pilgrimage

17) vaikuntha-natho lokesho bhaktabhimata- rupa-dhrik
narayano maha-yogi jnana-bhakti- pradah prabhuhu

Vaikuntha-natha– He is the Lord of the spiritual world of no anxiety

Lokesha–He is the Lord of all the material planets

Bhaktabhimata- rupa-dhrik– He assumes different forms according to the
desires of His devotees

Narayana–He is the supreme shelter for all living beings

Maha-yogi–He is the greatest performer of yoga

Jnana-bhakti- pradah–He imparts intellectual knowledge of devotion

Prabhu–He is the Lord and Master of all

18) piyusha-vachanah prithvi-pavanah satya-vak sahaha
oda-desha-jananandi sandohamrita- rupa-dhrik

Piyusha-vachana– His words emit showers of pure nectar

Prithvi-pavana– He is the savior of the earth

Satya-vak–He speaks truthfully

Saha–He can endure all forms of misery

Oda-desha-jananandi– He delights the people of Orissa

Sandohamrita- rupa-dhrik– He embodies the form of all universal nectar

19) yah pathed pratar utthaya chaitanyasya mahatmanaha
shraddhaya parayopetah stotram sarvagha-nashanam

prema-bhaktir harau tasya jayate natra samshayaha

It is recommended that upon rising in the morning, one faithfully
approach and recite this transcendental sin-destroying prayer to Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great soul. One who does will feel the
awakening of ecstatic loving devotion unto Lord Hari; of this there is
no doubt.

20) asadhya-roga- yukto `pi muchyate roga-sankatat
sarvaparadha- yukto `pi so `paradhat pramucyate

Even if one is afflicted with an incurable disease, one becomes freed
from all danger of the ailment. Even if one has committed all types of
offenses, one becomes freed from their effects.

21) phalguni-paurnamasy an tu chaitanya-janma- vasare
shraddhaya paraya bhaktya maha-stotram japan purch

yad yat prakurute kamam tat tad evachiral labhet

If one chants this great prayer with faith and transcendental devotion
on Lord Chaitanya's appearance day (the full moon day in the month
of Phalguna), then one perpetually attains the fulfillment of their each
and every pure desire.

22) aputro vaishnavam putram labhate natra-samshayaha
ante chaitanya-devasya smritir bhavati shashvati

If a devotee couple wishes to have a child but are unable, then they
will obtain a Vaishnava child without a doubt. And at the time of death,
they will attain remembrance of Sri Chaitanya-deva and enter His eternal
pastimes.
__._,_.___


Written by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya

1) namaskritya pravaksyami deva-devam jagad-gurum
namnam-ashtotara- shatam caitanyasya mahatmanaha
2) vishvambharo jita-krodho maya-manusha- vigrahaha
amayi mayinam shreshto vara-desho dvijottamaha
3) jagannatha-priya- sutah pitri-bhakto maha-manaha
lakshmi-kantah shachi-putrah premado bhakta-vatsalah
4) dvija-priyo dvija-varo vaishnava-prana- nayakaha
dvi-jati-pujakah shantah shrivasa-priya ishvaraha
5) tapta-kanchana- gaurangah simha-grivo maha-bhujaha
pita-vasa rakta-pattah sad-bhujo `tha chatur-bhujaha
6) dvi-bhujash cha gada-panih chakri padma-dharo `malaha
pancha-janya- dharah sharngi venu-panih surottamaha
7) kamalaksheshvara prito gopa-liladhara yuva
nila-ratna-dharo rupya-hari kaustubha-bhushanah a
8) shrivatsa-lanchano bhasvan-mani- dhrik kanja-lochanaha
tatanka-nila- shrih rudra-lila-kari guru-priyaha
9) sva-nama-guna- vakta-cha namopadesha- dayakaha
achandala-priyah shuddhah sarva-prani- hite rataha
10) vishvarupanujah sandhyavatarah shitalashayaha
nihsima-karuno gupta atma-bhakti- pravartakaha
11) mahanando nato nritya-gita- nama-priyah kavihi
arti-priyah shuchih shuddho bhavado bhagavat-priyaha
12) indradi-sarva- lokesha-vandita- shri-padambujaha
nyasi-chudamanih krishnah sannyasashrama- pavanaha
13) chaitanya krishna-chaitanya danda-dhrig nyasta-dandakaha
avadhuta-priyo nityananda-shad- bhuja-darshakaha
14) mukunda-siddhi- do dino vasudevamrita- pradaha
gadadhara-prana- natha arti-ha sharana-pradaha
15) akinchana-priyah prano guna-grahi jitendriyaha
adosha-darshi sumukho madhurah priya-darshanaha
16) pratapa-rudra- samtrata ramananda-priyo guruhu
ananta-guna- sampannah sarva-tirthaika- pavanaha
17) vaikuntha-natho lokesho bhaktabhimata- rupa-dhrik
narayano maha-yogi jnana-bhakti- pradah prabhuhu
18) piyusha-vachanah prithvi-pavanah satya-vak sahaha
oda-desha-jananandi sandohamrita- rupa-dhrik
19) yah pathed pratar utthaya chaitanyasya mahatmanaha
shraddhaya parayopetah stotram sarvagha-nashanam
prema-bhaktir harau tasya jayate natra samshayaha
20) asadhya-roga- yukto `pi muchyate roga-sankatat
sarvaparadha- yukto `pi so `paradhat pramucyate
21) phalguni-paurnamasy an tu chaitanya-janma- vasare
shraddhaya paraya bhaktya maha-stotram japan purch
yad yat prakurute kamam tat tad evachiral labhet
22) aputro vaishnavam putram labhate natra-samshayaha
ante chaitanya-devasya smritir bhavati shashvati

We Are Not This Body

From the Bhagavat Gita As It Is, Shrila AC Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada's introduction;

The effect of chanting Hare Krsna is stated by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu: ceto-darpana-majanam. "It will cleanse your heart." If we go on chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, gradually the dirty things accumulated within our heart will be cleansed away. This is Lord Caitanya's promise. The dirtiest thing within our heart is the bodily concept of life. Actually, the whole modern world is suffering from this misconception. If one is in the bodily concept of life, thinking "I am my body," then the basic principle of his life is false. So this bodily identification is the dirtiest thing within our heart. Now, if we chant the Hare Krsna mantra, gradually we shall understand, "I am not my body; I am a spirit soul (aham brahmasmi)." And if we come to the point of understanding that we are not the body but a spirit soul, then other things will follow. As the Bhagavad-gita states, brahma bhutah prasanstmana socati na kanksati: "When a person becomes Brahman realized, when he understands he is a spirit soul, the first benefit is that he becomes free from all kinds of hankering and lamentation." In this material world two things are going on: hankering and lamentation. Things we do not possess we hanker after, and things we do possess and somehow or other lose, we lament over. Actually. the whole situation is full of lamentation. Because we are constantly losing. Take,for example, our body, which we have received from our father and mother on a certain date. Gradually we are losing it. Suppose you are twenty years old. That means you have already lost twenty years of your life. I am now seventy-six years old. That means I have lost seventy-six years of my life. So, the duration of our life is limited, and its end is already destined. According to our past activities, we have received a body whose duration of life is already fixed. And the standard of our happiness and distress is also fixed. You cannot change it. You are all students here . Is there any science being taught here that can increase the duration of life or stop death? No. That is not possible. Birth, old age, disease, and death- these are the main problems of life. Nobody wants to die, but death is sure. We must die. Nobody wants to take birth, but there is birth. Now there are so many contraceptive methods for checking birth, but the population of the world is still increasing. Nobody wants to become old; everyone wants to remain young and fresh. But old age overcomes everyone. Similarly, disease is inevitable. There have been many advances in scientific knowledge, but there is no science to stop disease or to stop death.

So birth, old age, disease, and death are our actual problems. But these problems pertain to the body. The soul is different from the body. I am a soul, you are a soul, but somehow or other we have become entrapped in these material bodies and are experiencing the changes of the body. You can all understand that your body is changing while you, the soul, remain unchanged. Once you had the body of a baby, then you had the body of a child, and now you have a youthful body. And some days from now you will have a body like mine, an old body. So the body is changing, but I, the soul, am remaining the same. Therefore our real identity is that we are eternal souls in changing bodies. Lord Krsna explains this in Bhagavad-gita [2.131:] dehino 'smin yatha dehe kauma-ram yauvanam jara tatha- dehantara-praptir dharas tatra na muhyati. In this verse of Bhagavad-gita, Krsna explains how the soul transmigrates from one body to another. If we simply study this one verse, our life will become different. We will understand that the soul is eternal, and that it is transmigrating from one type of body to another. There are 8,400,000 species, or types of bodies, and we have been transmigrating from one to another of them since time immemorial, entrapped in the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death. This is our real problem. But in the universities and other educational institutions there is no department to find out what that thing is, which is entrapped within the body. To get this information we must turn to the Bhagavad gita: dehino 'smin yatha Dehe means "in the body" and dehinah, "the possessor of the body." The body is just like a shirt and coat.You are the possessor of the shirt and coat,but the shirt and coat are not you. YOU are different from the shirt and coat. Similarly,we have two kinds of bodies; The gross body and the subtle body. The gross body is made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. And the subtle body is made of mind, intelligence, and ego. So when we quit the gross body, the subtle body carries us to another gross body. This is the process of transmigration of the soul. Transmigration is not a question of belief. It is a fact. If we neglect to study this scientific knowledge, we will miss a great opportunity, because only in this human form of life do we have the developed intelligence to be able to understand what is within the body that is so important. So the Krsna consciousness movement is teaching the importance of the soul. What is the soul? What are the needs of the soul? Is the soul entrapped within the material body? How can the soul be liberated? And after liberation, what is the function of the soul? These are the questions we are dealing with. And they are very nicely answered in the preliminary spiritual study, Bhagavad-gita. For higher study, graduate study, we have the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Our only request is that you do not neglect this subject matter,this science. Try to understand the soul. At the present moment no science professor can explain that thing which is present in a living body but missing from a dead body. Actually, according to the Vedic literature, the body is always dead. But as long as the soul is in the body, the body appears to be living. As long as you are wearing your coat, it apppears to be alive,it moves. The coat has no life, but because your body moves, the coat also moves and seems alive. Similarly, the body itself is moving because the soul within it is moving. As soon as the soul goes out of the body, the body does not move, and we call it "dead". But actually the body is always dead.

So, the science of Krsna consciousness is very important, and its basic principle is to understand the soul. One may believe in the existence of the soul, or one may not believe . But fact is fact. Two plus two equals four, whether we believe it or not. If somebody does not believe it and says two plus two equals five or three, that does not change the fact. Similarly, we may not believe in the existence of the soul, but the existence of the soul is nevertheless a fact. And if we study the subject matter very seriously and scientifically, it will be possible for us to understand the soul. The simple method for understanding the soul, the one recommended in the Vedic literature, is to chant the Hare Krsna mantra. Then gradually your intelligence, or consciousness, will be cleansed, and you will be able to understand that you are not the body but a spirit soul. And if you understand that you are a spirit soul, that you are brahman [spirit], you will become free from the blazing fire of material existence.

Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc. www.krishna.com.

Lord Nityananda's Meeting With Lord Gauranga

All glories to Shri Krishna Chaitanya and all glories to Shri Nityananda! All glories to Shri Advaita Acarya and all glories to all the devotees of Shri Gauranga! All glories to the Lord, who is the life and soul of Narahari and Gadadhara! O Lord, please glance mercifully towards me. All glories to Shri Gauranga along with His devotees! If one hears the topics of Lord Nityananda, he will certainly achieve pure devotional service.

The topics of Madhya-khanda are just like nectar. Hearing them destroys one’s atheistic mentality. Please behold the beautiful Lord Nityananda to your eyes full satisfaction. He is personified love and affection for Lord Gauranga. Lord Nityananda’s limbs are filled with transcendental mellows for Lord Gauranga.

Speaking in a faltering voice and unable to walk properly, Lord Nityananda resided in Vrindavana. Meanwhile, Shri Gaurachandra revealed Himself in Navadvipa. Lord Gauranga constantly did sankirtana in great ecstasy. He felt distressed, however, not seeing Lord Nityananda. Lord Nityananda could understand the manifestation of Lord Gaurachandra. He lived in Vrindavana waiting for this auspicious moment. Understanding that His Lord had revealed Himself, Lord Nityananda immediately went to Navadvipa and stayed at the house of Nandana Acarya.

Nandana Acarya was a maha-bhagavata, a pure devotee of the Lord. He saw Lord Nityananda as effulgent as the sun. Lord Nityananda was dressed as an avadhuta, or mendicant. He possessed an attractive body. He was always in deep sober mood. Lord Nityananda chanted the holy names of Krishna day and night. He was the abode of Lord Gauranga’s mercy within the three worlds. He often shouted loudly out of His own ecstasy, maddened with love of God. He was an incarnation of Lord Balarama.

The enchanting beauty of His face defeated millions of moons. His sweet smile enlivened all the people of the world. His beautiful brilliant teeth were just like pearls, and His two broad lotus eyes increased the beauty of His face. His hands stretched to His knees and His chest was very wide. His lotus feet were expert in walking. Lord Nityananda spoke with everyone with burning compassion. Hearing the words from His lotus mouth completely destroyed one’s bondage to fruitive activities.

As Lord Nityananda arrived in Nadia, all the residents began to chant “Jaya Jaya!” Who is so expert to describe His glories? It is Lord Nityananda who broke the sannyasa danda of Lord Gaurasundara. It is He who enlivened all the fallen foolish traders of Bengal. If anyone even chants His holy names, he will certainly be purified. Seeing Lord Nityananda, Nandana Acarya became very happy. He offered Him lunch and kept Him at his house. Whoever hears about Lord Nityananda’s arrival at Navadvipa will certainly obtain the treasure of love and devotion.

Aware of Lord Nityananda’s arrival in Navadvipa, Shri Visvambhara became extremely happy within His heart. The Lord had, on some pretext or other, already disclosed the arrival of Lord Nityananda to the Vaishnavas. But none of them could understand the meaning of His words. Lord Visvambhara had said, “Within a day or two, an exalted personality will come here.”

By providence, Lord Nityananda arrived in Navadvipa the same day. Lord Visvambhara, after completing His worship of Vishnu, came and sat with the Vaishnavas. The Lord said to everyone, “Today I had a wonderful dream. I saw a beautiful chariot, with a flag on top, that came and stopped near my door. Within that chariot there was a remarkable personality. He carried a large pillar on His shoulder and appeared restless. He had a stick tucked into His clothes and carried a pitcher in His left hand. He dressed in blue garments with a blue cadara on his chest. A wonderful earring hung on His left ear. By His features, I assume He is none other than Haladhara Balarama.” He repeatedly asked, “Is this the house of Nimai Pandita?”

Lord Chaitanya continued, “I have never seen such a noble and powerful personality. He was effulgent and dressed as an avadhuta, or mendicant. I was severely stunned by seeing Him. I asked Him, nWho are you?’ He smilingly replied, nI am Your brother. We will meet and know each other tomorrow.’ Hearing His words, My happiness increased. I consider Myself as similar to that personality.”

Speaking like this, Lord Gauranga fell into ecstatic trance and began to roar loudly in the mood of Haladhara Balarama. The Lord demanded, “Bring wine!” His loud voice almost shattered the ears of everyone present. Then Shrivasa Pandita* said, “Please listen, O Gosai! The wine that you are asking for is right here in front of You. Only those You give it to can relish it.”

All the devotees remained shivering at a distant place. They all thought there must be some reason behind this. The lotus eyed Lord loudly talked aimlessly. He smiled and moved His body to and fro in the mood of Sankarshana. After a short while, the Lord returned to His normal condition. Explaining the meaning of His dream, He became absorbed in the mood of Balarama.

The Lord said, “I have a feeling in my heart that some holy personality has arrived in Navadvipa. I already told all of you that we would meet Him soon. O Haridasa*, O Shrivasa Pandita, go and find out who has come and where has He come from?”

By the order of the Lord, both pure devotees (Haridasa Thakura and Shrivasa Pandita) happily wandered and searched all over Navadvipa for Lord Nityananda. While wandering, both of them talked to each other. They thought Lord Sankarshana might have come here. They happily wandered the streets of Navadvipa, but were unable to get any news. After searching the entire Navadvipa for nine hours, they returned to the Lord without success. They humbly reported to the Lord, “We did not find the stranger in Navadvipa. We looked in the houses of sannyasis, Vaishnavas, jnanis, and atheists. We saw the entire Navadvipa, but did not go to villages outside Navadvipa.”

Hearing them, Shri Gaurasundara began to smile. By the pretext of ordering the search, He showed that Lord Nityananda is most confidential. Some people glorify Lord Gaurachandra, but as soon as they hear the name of Nityananda, they get up and leave. Just like if one worships Govinda, but does not respect Lord Siva. For that offense, he will surely go to the abode of Yamaraja. Similarly, this incarnation of Lord Nityananda is most confidential. Without the inspiration of Lord Gauranga, no one can even see Him. If anyone criticizes Lord Nityananda’s unfathomable qualities, though he possesses devotion to Lord Krishna, such devotion will be checked.

Devotees headed by Shrivasa Pandita are fully conversant with the science of Lord Nityananda. But for some fun, they could not find Him. After a while, Lord Gauranga said with a smile, “Come with Me. Let us go see Him.” All the devotees then joyfully went with the Lord while chanting, “All glories to Lord Krishna!”

On the way, Lord Gauranga called, “Murari, Murari! Have you not seen Avadhuta Nityananda?” Saying this, He began to smile. “He’s now staying at Nandana Acarya’s house. Come with Me, we’re going there. I’m telling you the truth.” While walking, the Lord repeatedly chanted, “Hari Hari!” His whole body shivered and His voice choked. Five or seven lines of tears flowed from His eyes. The lustrous golden Lord was unable to walk. Sometimes, He leaped up to five steps ahead like a powerful lion, and sometimes looked behind like a mad elephant. Out of ecstasy, the Lord would make a loud noise again and again, which was as grave as the noise of the cloud. In this way, Shri Gaurasundara, along with His associates, finally reached the house of Nandana Acarya.

Everyone saw a jewel-like personality sitting in the house of Nandana Acarya. His effulgence was equal to that of millions of suns. He was sitting in His own mood, deeply absorbed in ecstatic meditation. He was smiling all the time.

Aware that Lord Nityananda was in a deep trance of pure devotion, Lord Visvambhara and His associates offered obeisances. Everyone stood aside with awe and reverence. No one said a word; they simply stared at Him. Then Mahaprabhu Visvambhara came before Lord Nityananda, who at once understood His beloved and worshipable Lord was present. The form of Visvambhara was as beautiful as that of a cupid. He wore an attractive dress and a flower garland. Sandalwood paste was smeared on His forehead. The luster of gold appeared most insignificant before the body of the Lord. Even the moon-god hankers to see His enchanting face. The Lord’s teeth resembled a set of pearls and seeing His attractive hair, one becomes unconscious. Seeing His two broad pink eyes, one wonders, “Are there any more lotus flowers?” His two long hands stretched down to His knees. A fine thin brahmin thread beautified His broad chest. His forehead was wonderfully decorated with marks of tilaka and His body looked enchanting even without any ornaments. His fingernails defeat the beauty of millions of jewels. His attractive smile is nectar. Lord Visvambhara stood in front of Lord Nityananda, who at once recognized the Lord of His heart.

Lord Nityananda, out of joy, was stunned. He stared at Lord Visvambhara without blinking His eyes. He desired to lick Visvambhara with His tongue and drink His beauty through His eyes. Nityananda desired to embrace Visvambhara with His hands and smell Him with His nose. Lord Nityananda simply became stunned. Everyone was so astonished that he did not speak or move. Lord Gauranga, the life and soul of everyone, beheld the situation and began to invent ways to reveal Lord Nityananda.

With a gesture, the Lord instructed Shrivasa to recite a verse from Shrimad-Bhagavatam. Understanding the Lord’s intention, Shrivasa Pandita at once recited a verse from Shrimad Bhagavatam glorifying Krishna’s attractive form.

barhapidam nata-vara-vapuh karnayoh karnikaram
bibhrad vasah kanaka-kapisam vaijayantim ca malam
randhran venor adhara-sudhayapurayan gopa-vrindair
vrindaranyam sva-pada-ramanam pravisad gita-kirtih

“Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, blue karnikara flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayanti garland, Lord Krishna exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Vrindavana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 10.21.5)

Hearing this verse, Lord Nityananda fell to the ground unconscious. Out of great ecstasy, Lord Nityananda remained inert as Lord Gauranga told Shrivasa to continue. Awaking after a short while, Lord Nityananda began to cry. Repeatedly hearing the verses from Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Lord Nityananda became maddened. He roared like a lion and the sound shook the universe. He jumped in the air so forcefully that everyone thought all His bones would break to pieces. What to speak of others, even the Vaishnavas became afraid. They all prayed, “O Krishna, please save Him! O Krishna, please save Him!” Lord Nityananda rolled on the ground and His whole body became wet with tears. Seeing the attractive form of Lord Visvambhara, Lord Nityananda breathed heavily. Sometimes He would laugh loudly and sometimes He felt great happiness within His heart. Sometimes He danced, sometimes He clapped His hands, and sometimes He jumped forcefully.

A golden effulgence shown from the beautiful body of Lord Nityananda. Brightly shining ornaments decorated His charming bodily limbs. Yellow cloth adorned His waist and He wore a turban decorated with campaka flowers on His head. Tinkling ankle-bells sounded as He walked. Tears filled His deer-like eyes. His enchanting smile appeared as if the lightening had fallen down on earth. His captivating smile disturbed the chastity of women. His grave voice resembled the sound of a cloud. His roaring sound subdued the mad elephant in the form of Kali. He walked like an intoxicated elephant. Tears of love constantly flowed from His smiling face.

Overflooded with love of God, Lord Nityananda’s body showed symptoms of ecstatic love such as shivering, standing of the hair on end, and perspiration. He held a golden stick in His hand as He defeated the pride of Kali. His lotus-like palms were simply wonderful. He was decorated with armlets, bangles, necklace, bracelets, and ankle-bells. His two earrings were as bright as the sun. He rolled on the ground. Sometimes He stood up saying, “Please hold Me.” Then He would ask everyone, “Where is that cowherd boy Kanai (Krishna).” Sometimes He uttered strange words and sometimes He cried or laughed. Sometimes He asked for honey and sometimes He praised His consort Revati. Sometimes He hopped. Sometimes He said one thing, the next moment something else. No one could understand what He said. The fragrance of His bodily limbs caused all the young girls and the married women to leave their houses without hesitation. Lord Nityananda fell on the ground to offer obeisances to Lord Visvambhara and humbly offered prayers with sweet words.

Lord Nityananda fell at the lotus feet of His Lord. Both of Them tried to catch hold of each other’s feet. Both the Lords embraced each other and cried. Lord Nityananda looked at Visvambhara’s face and smilingly said, “Where were You? I have searched the entire world but could not get any news of You. Finally, I heard that the son of Nanda Maharaja is living at Navadvipa in Gauda-desa hiding His real identity. I have come here to catch this thief. Today, I have caught You. How will You escape?”

Saying this, Lord Nityananda began to laugh, cry, and dance. Lord Gauranga also danced with Nityananda. Seeing Lord Nityananda’s ecstatic madness for Krishna, Gaurachandra cried along with all the Vaishnavas. The happiness of Nityananda increased without limit. Although everyone tried to pacify Him, they were unable. When all the devotees failed to calm Him, Visvambhara personally embraced Him. As soon as Visvambhara embraced Him, Lord Nityananda surrendered His life to Lord Visvambhara and became still. Lord Nityananda offered His life to Him to whom it belongs, and thus remained inert on the lap of Lord Gauranga.

Lord Nityananda floated in the water of Lord Gauranga’s love just as Lakshmana lay on the lap of Lord Ramacandra being hit by the sakti weapon of Ravana. Lord Nityananda swooned pierced by the arrows of love and devotion. Gaurachandra cried with Nityananda on His lap. Both Lords felt an indescribable happiness. Their love and affection for each other is like that of Shri Rama and Lakshmana. There is no other example of the affection seen between Gaurachandra and Nityananda except this.

After a while, Lord Nityananda revived. All the devotees began to chant “Hari! Hari!” Seeing Lord Nityananda on the lap of Visvambhara, Gadadhara smiled and thought, “This is contradictory! Lord Ananta always carries Visvambhara on His lap. Today His pride has been smashed in the lap of the Lord.” Gadadhara Pandita* knows the influence of Lord Nityananda and Nityananda knows the heart of Gadadhara. Seeing Lord Nityananda, the hearts of all the devotees filled with ecstasy.

Nityananda and Gaurachandra simply stared at one another without uttering a word. Tears incessantly flowed down from Their eyes. Seeing each other stunned both of Them. The tears from Their eyes flooded the earth. Lord Visvambhara said, “Today is a very auspicious day for me. I have seen with My own eyes pure devotional symptoms that are the essence of the four Vedas. This shivering, flowing of tears, and loud shouting are not possible for anyone except one who is empowered by the Lord. If one personally sees this pure devotional service, Krishna will never reject him. I am firmly convinced that You are the full manifestation of the Lord’s energy. By worshipping You, a living entity achieves devotion to Lord Krishna. You can purify the fourteen worlds. Your qualities are inconceivable, unfathomable, and confidential. There is no one existing who can defy you. You are the form of love of Krishna, the treasury of devotional service. If anyone meets You even for a moment, he will be delivered, even if he committed millions of sins. I think Krishna has a desire to deliver me. That is why He brought You to Me. By huge fortune, I have seen Your lotus feet. By worshipping You, I will most surely get the treasure of love of Krishna.”

Fully absorbed, the most enchanting Lord Gauranga relentlessly offered prayers to Lord Nityananda. There were so many talks between Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga, but most of them were done with gestures. Lord Gauranga said, “I am afraid to ask You. Where are You from?” The mentality of Nityananda was very childish and He was overwhelmed with intense ecstasy. He spoke like a restless boy. Lord Nityananda knew the cause for the appearance of His Lord. He thus folded His hands and spoke very humbly. Hearing the words of Lord Gauranga, Lord Nityananda felt shy. Therefore, He began to reveal His real identity. Lord Nityananda said, “I have traveled to many holy places. I have also seen all the holy places where Krishna did His pastimes. I saw only the holy places, but could not find Krishna there. I asked some exalted personality, nWhy do I see only thorns; the places of pastimes are all empty and covered? Can you tell Me where Krishna went?’ He told Me that Krishna has gone to Bengal. Recently, He was at Gaya, but now has returned to Navadvipa. I have heard that joyous sankirtana of the holy names is being done in Nadia. Some people say that Lord Narayana has appeared here. I have also heard that Nadia is famous for the deliverance of the fallen souls. So, being most sinful as I am, I have come here.”

Lord Gauranga said, “We are all immensely fortunate to see a pure devotee like Yourself. Today we are most satisfied having seen the flow of Your tears of ecstasy.”

Then Murari smilingly said, “O Lord, we are confused hearing words such as nYour’ and nOur’ spoken by You.” Shrivasa Pandita said, “How can we understand Their dealings? Just as it is hard to understand how Krishna and Siva worship each other.” Gadadhara Pandita said, “O Shrivasa Pandita, what you say is right. Their qualities resemble that of Rama and Lakshmana.” Someone else said, “Both of them are just like two cupids.” Others said, “Both of Them are just like Krishna and Balarama.” Someone said, “I don’t know much about Them, but I have a feeling that Ananta Sesha has taken shelter of the lap of Krishna.” Yet others said, “They are just like the two friends Krishna and Arjuna, as They exchanged such affection.” Another person said, “It appears that They are closely related to each other. Whatever They speak is through gestures only.” In this way, all the devotees happily described the glories of Lord Nityananda and Lord Gaurachandra.

Anyone who hears about the meeting of Nitaicanda with Gaurachandra will no doubt be released from material bondage.

No one except Lord Nityananda served the Lord as a companion, a friend, a brother, an umbrella, a bed, and a carrier. Lord Nityananda by His own will serves the Lord in various ways. If Lord Nityananda bestows mercy and qualification on anyone, then he can serve the Lord. Lord Nityananda is the expansion of the original Personality of Godhead. He is at once a great yogi, a supreme controller, and the topmost Vaishnava. Who can understand His unlimited glories? Without understanding His unfathomable glories, if anyone criticizes Him, then even after receiving devotional service to Lord Krishna, his advancement will be checked.

This is my only desire. May Lord Nityananda Rama, Who is a manifestation of and very dear to Lord Gauranga, become my life and soul. By His mercy, I am inclined towards Lord Gauranga and, by His mercy, I am writing about the glories of Lord Gauranga. As Raghunatha and Yadunatha refer to the same personality, similarly Nityananda and Baladeva are different names of one personality. Anyone who wants to cross the ocean of material existence and merge into the ocean of devotional service should worship Nitaicanda. All glories to the most enchanting Lord of lords, Shri Gauranga! All glories to the Supreme Controller, Shri Nityananda, who is non-different from Shri Ananta!

Accepting Shri Gauranga and Nityananda Prabhu as my life and soul, I, Vrindavana dasa, sing the glories of Their pastimes.