03) Mukta Caritram

History of the Pearl
Srila Raghunath das Goswami

Madhumangal laughed, "Bayasya! This is indeed an excellent means of atonement. Especially since it contributes to the further increase and expansion of the sinful activity itself!"

I replied, "Murkha! (You fool!) Fie on you! (You can go to hell!) Don't you even know that the best medicine to counteract poison, is poison itself. For example: 'A boil burns with a pain produced of heat (fire), but it is again by fire that this pain is checked.' And also- 'Those who are intelligent know that the best remedy for a soft foot, pierced by a thorn, is to remove that thorn with another thorn.'

In pursuance of these proofs, the best means of righting the wrong of tasting someone's remnants, is to again taste someone else's remnants (ucchista bhojan)."

Madhumangal: "Since you are the only physician qualified to cure the disease of such sins as these, why then do you bother going after Lalita to seek her compliance?"

I replied, "Sakhe! Even though one may be extremely knowledgeable about a variety of subject matters, still, in matters pertaining to his own personal affairs he might have some uncertainty. Therefore, the medical treatment of a doctor is best effected by other doctors."

Lalita laughed, "He Deb! Alliance with a devi (demigoddess) is accomplished only by another deba (demigod) [like you]. We are only human beings. How will we even be able to perceive this devi?"

I replied, "Ayi! Lalite! Having accepted a human form, isn't she present somewhere very close by?"
At this their curiosity was greatly stimulated, yet they remained very apprehensive as they all began to whisper to each other, "Who is he talking about?"

Radha said to herself, "Does this crest jewel amongst the most cunning of all charlatans think that he'll really be able to get away with exhibiting his amusing activities in front of the eyes of all those assembled here?"

Visakha: "Deb! Please tell us. Where is this devi? Only if you tell us can we then, after properly praising Her by the recitation of various hymns and prayers, bring Her into the midst of this assembly, and then quickly see to the execution of your affairs (religious rites)."

I replied, "Visakhe! That devi is present within your assembly, resembling as she does a streak of lightning. Though you possess very beautiful eyes, like the expanded petals of a lotus, I think you must be blind."
Having heard these words of mine, filled with the deepest profundity and gravity, Lalita and the other sakhis were completely filled with apprehension. In other words, they were all thinking, "He is probably referring to me!"

While thus absorbed in the midst of various doubts and hesitations, all the while looking each other up and down, Visakha interjected, "He lampat! (You debauch!) Is that devi Campaklata?"

I replied, "Na. Na."

Visakha: "Then Jyestha?"

Me: "No, not Jyestha."

Subal spoke up, "Then it must be either Rangadevi or Sudevi."

Me: "Nope. Neither of them."

Visakha: "Then it must be the pardon officer herself, Lalita."

I replied, "Visakhe! It is not Lalita either."

Visakha: "Not this one. Not that one. Not so-and-so. Then what! Has she just vanished from here?"

I replied, "Dhurte! (You impostor!) You know who it is! Just think!"

Lalita said, "Hai, Hai! (Oh my!) Sakhi Visakhe! [You're simply helping this lecher by keeping us in this unnerved and distraught state. Hurry up and get it out of him!]  Hurry up! This poor lecher can't wait much longer. Let him get his business over with."

Visakha acted like she was thinking for awhile, and then said, "Lalite! The person whom I am thinking of is neither a devi (demigoddess) nor a human being."

Nandimukhi: "Then who is there within this assembly who is neither a devi nor a human being?"

Visakha: "A fairy!"

Lalita: "Who is that?"

Visakha smiled, "That scurrilous Padma (in the company of the snake goddess Manasa) has been engaged in some very unpleasant acts."

Tungavidya: "Sakhi Visakhe! Why do you defile her by saying, 'That sankhini!' [In addition to fairy, sankhini also means female ghost.] She is very devoted to Goddess Katyayini and has performed much service for her. By the mercy of Katyayini devi she has become non-different from the devi herself, though she remains concealed."

Hearing this Madhumangal and the others laughed. Then I said, "Visakhe! If, due to the excessive bashfulness of the party in question, you would like to appoint someone else, then in that case I can divulge another name."

Visakha: "Let's hear it!"

I said, "You are that carcika devi." (perfumed, anointed goddess).

Seeing that all the other gopis got quite a laugh out of this, Visakha's lips were trembling as she replied, "Aye! Cancal! (You're so fickle!) Bancak! (Cheat!) He gop nisthur! (Oh most cruel of all the cowherds!) Oh you who smeared turmeric all over the body of the wife of Gobardhan Malla, the servant of that demon Kungsa! When it comes to wisdom, you are just like a great mass of molasses! Because you are so devoid of finesse in the fine art of cleverness, and so greedy for [her] affection, you are reduced to wandering around in the groves of jujubes (berries), looking for someone to play with. Oh worthless husband of Padmasankhini (female ghost associate of the snake goddess Manasa). Oh best of the merchants, greatest of  the cheaters who like to deal in goods captured with the five arrows of Cupid! Though you think you are so clever, you are totally lacking in the necessary skills required for one to perform in this arena. Go and perform your impertinent activities in the chipped rice and molasses market, within the forest of Sakhot (Shyaora)! Go on! Get out of here right now!"

Sri Radha, in Her soft and gentle voice, began to praise Visakha, "Priyasakhi! Visakhe! May you be victorious! You have given me the greatest satisfaction by expressing externally, exactly what I was thinking within my mind!"

Rangadevi said, "Sakhi Visakhe! Why are you getting so angry? Sakhi Lalite! While he was supposed to be confessing all of his crimes before us, full of shame and remorse, he took the forest of Sakhot to be a bower of Madhavai creepers; the dry, salty land on the banks of Manas Ganga to be the Manda Gardens, on the banks of Mala Haron Kund; and the tasted remnants of the ghostly associate of the snake goddess, to be the nectar of the lips of Visakha. This clever cheat, while saying one thing, actually implies a different, hidden meaning. In this way he has ascribed the different qualities of other objects to you. Therefore, it still remains for you to prescribe his proper atonement."

Lalita laughed, "He Arja Madhumangal! Sakhe Subal! Come here and hear what we have in store for your friend."

Citra: "Sakhi Lalite! If the offender has any property, then the rule is that his penance should be levied at an increase of four times. Also, for the sons of kings it should be six times. Remembering these injunctions from the Smriti sastras, you should arrange for his penance."

Lalita: "Mugdhe! The law is that for the sons of kings it should be double six times (or twelve times). This, I know, is sanctioned in the Sunghita. How did you come up with six times?"

Citra: "You are the one who is most proficient in this sastra. Whatever you have understood is certainly the truth. But there have been a number of incidences when this young prince has saved our lives, for instance: when he picked up Gobardhan hill, when he saved us from the forest fire, and when he thrashed Sankha Cura. In light of this, maybe we should not be so quick to count all of his faults. We could be a little lenient by settling up at six times."

Lalita: "Fine! This is the provision I am recommending in accordance with your request. First off, in the matter of delivering him from his sins, he will have to take some ritual baths. This should be performed in ManasGanga for three days. Then, to undo the evil influences upon his mouth, for twenty-one days he shall have to take a dose of the five kinds of nectar (pancamrit) from the lips of Malli and Bhringi. Later on we can arrange his acquittance at the rate of twelve times."

Madhumangal pretended to be very angry at this, "Lalitike! The King of Braja and the Son of his Queen are the veritable bridge of true religion. He is the medicine which sustains not only the life of myself and His other friends, but of all the residents of Gokul. Yet you have now undertaken to destroy His caste by making him taste the remnants of these cetika (servant) and pulinda (mleccha) girls. Therefore I can see no other recourse but to go and immediately inform His mother and father. By bringing them here I will deliver Him from this dangerous dilemma. This will also serve to further increase our friendship."

Saying thusly, he muttered to himself as he prepared to run off, but Subal caught hold of him and dissuaded him from going.

Lalita: "Anarja bato! (What a low-born plebeian you really are!) You are simply ignorant of the glories of these two sakhis, our priyasakhi Radha's minister of loving affairs and the one named

Bhringi. Perhaps then, you should hear of their greatness from your Nandimukhi."

Nandimukhi: "Brother Madhumangal! There is a very beautiful mountain of the name, Gobardhan, where is to be found Radha Kund, very dear to Krsna. As Radhika is most dear to Sri Krsna, Her kund is similarly as dear to him. Far superior to Vaikuntha is Madhupuri (Mathura). In spite of that, Brindaban is even far more excellent as the scene of the Ras festival, a marketplace of ecstasy, the epitome of eternal enjoyment. There is situated the mountain, Gobardhan, whose existence is also fully dedicated to flooding the Lord of Gokul with oceans of the nectar of love. Radha Kund is situated there, by the slopes of Giri Gobardhan. Is there any conscientious soul, averse to worldly pursuits, who will not serve Radha Kund? In light of all this, plus the fact that the guru of Bhagavati, Sri Debarsi, along with many other great sages and eminent saints, has described the residents of the caves upon Sri Gobardhan, near the southern bank of Radha Kund, in very glorious and majestic terms; and as well, Sri Sukdeb himself has described the Purnnas, Pulindyas, Urugayas, and so forth, as being exceptionally fortunate. Therefore, will not the supremely sanctified pancamrit, liquefied by the lips of these two daughters of the king of the Pulindas, Malli and Bhringi, destroy the effects of sinful activities? I have more to say! Listen carefully-
Sometimes Visakha and her friends, though they are themselves pranayi-sakhis (loving friends, or lovers), behave towards the new, Youthful Couple of Braj just as if they were maidservants. Then sometimes, they feign shyness and thus obtain the highest ecstasy, by engaging Ranganmala and her friends in their most cherished services, that they might listen to the extremely funny conversations that take place between these gentle and soft-spoken gopis, unaware of the intricacies of conjugal affairs."

Taking this opportunity, Sri Gandharva summoned Tulasi by a gesture of Her eyes, and then, with the little finger of her right hand, more beautiful than the sweetest scented Campak flower (which is of course more beautiful than beauty itself), she took some sindur (red lead, vermilion) from the part in her hair, and with this began to compose a letter, according to her own feelings, so that the letters of the words themselves became a herald of the scent and loveliness of a bunch of golden Ketaki flowers. This letter she placed in Tulasi's hand, to be delivered to Lalita and the others. Thereupon, Lalita, after touching the letter to her head, went off to read it in secret with the other sakhis. She smiled as she handed it to Nandimukhi.

Nandimukhi reacted as though it was a matter of great exultation, and smiled as she began to read the letter, after first holding it to her heart, "Blessings and prosperity on you all. Sri Nandimukhi, Sri Lalita, Sri Visakha and all of my pran prestha sakhis, after first embracing you and exchanging hundreds and thousands of millions of jokes, a certain lady has something to announce.

He who achieves the highest happiness while wandering around Gobardhan Hill with His cows and friends, such as Sridama, Subal, Bhadrasen and others, and Who is the dearmost son of the King of Braja, more beloved by him than his own life, hundreds and thousands and millions of times; and Who attains the topmost pleasure, playfully lying on the soft mattress, scented with various flowers, which is actually the motherly affection that the Queen of Brajaraj feels for her son; on the bed inlaid with a great variety of valuable jewels, which are really the manifestation of her life force, multiplied hundreds and thousands of millions of times; within the vast temple, constructed from hundreds and thousands of millions of golden bricks, which are, in reality, nothing more than her body itself- to the image of the little toe of His left foot, I offer arati, taking ten million (arbud) of my pran pararddha (life force multiplied hundreds and thousands of millions of times) and then again, taking that pran pararddha arbud [arbud- hundred million] and multiplying it again by hundreds more pararddhas (hundreds and thousands of millions) just to fuel the wick of the ghee lamp. My heart is melting like fresh butter to hear that One whose tender and delicate body is so attractive, as though fashioned from a bouquet of blue lotuses, perfumed with fresh musk, the lustre of which is like cream, and Who is dhir lalit (that hero, devoid of anxiety, very polite and meek and who is expert at singing and dancing), will have to engage in such severe penances.

Now if this lad of delicate limbs is agreeable, and is still in a penitent mood as regards his previously committed crimes, then the actual prescribed means of his deliverance is by tantra. Having forgotten this part of the Ujjval Sunghita, Lalita had made some separate arrangement for drinking pancamrit, only for the purification of his mouth. In any case, if He can now be made blameless through this system of tantra, by both purifying His mouth and destroying His various other sinful activities as well, then I will be beside myself with bliss. It would be superfluous to say more.

Please convey my loving embrace upon Malli and Bhringi, who are as dear to me as my own life.
I would just like to emphasize one point in closing: This young prince is supremely pure, and at the same time, addicted to luxury. Therefore, with His lotus feet he should tread on a flowering creeper taken from an Ashok tree, and the nectar that exudes from those flowers should be used, in the measurement of twenty-four gandushas [one gandusha is approximately equivalent to the amount contained in the spoon of an acaman cup], to wash His face. Then pancamrit should be administered to His smiling and camphor scented lips, very gently and lovingly causing him to drink it. In this way, the sins of this tender young child can be very quickly driven away, effecting His great happiness at one and the same time."

Having heard these words, like nectar to my ears, my mind was transported to the very outer reaches of ecstasy, as I looked towards the kunj wherein Sri Radha was seated. Lalita laughed to see this as she said, "Even though it is true that the sinful reactions of a wicked man are destroyed by his repentance, there still remains something further to be said. Namely, 'If there remain any properties, then the penance should be multiplied four times.' Moreover, 'Especially for the sons of kings it should be twelve times.' Then, 'In the case of minor injunctions and specific ones, the specific injunction is always more important.'

According to this logical proof,  the proper penance for him is calculated at two times six (or twelve) which I had again divided up into two separate penalties. Nevertheless, the order of one's elder (gurujon) is not to be questioned, even if it may be inconsistent. Thus, taking this order upon my head, I will cause his sins to be expiated by the process of tantra."

Then I said, "The learning of the sisya is superior to even that of the guru."

At this, Lalita made a face which perfectly revealed her thoughts, as she said, "Nandimukhi! He who has thoroughly satisfied the lotus eyes of the residents of Gokul with his liquid loveliness, who plays at the celebrated place known as Parasali, this foolish black deer; has abandoned this playful lovely doe (Goddess of Youth), the constant companion of paramarasatarangini rangini [She who spends Her time, playing in the waves of the topmost, divine mellows; or, the companion of the gopi named Rangavati, (Sri Radha)], to repeatedly run after that apparition [mirage / the word for mirage is: mrgatrsna- the thirst of a deer; very appropriate for this allegory], the resident of Sakhisthali and confidante of Saibya. This restless and senseless bumblebee, has forsaken the lovely jasmine flower, the friend of the Campak creeper (Campaklata), that has filled the four directions in and around the nikunj bhavan (bower residences) surrounding Radha Kund with the sweetest fragrance, to relentlessly and recklessly pursue the scentless kusmanda creeper that grows in one corner of the yard of Gobardhan Malla, by the side of it's friend the river (Padma), which flows in the dry, sandy and saline soil nearby. [Kusmanda means pumpkin, as well as false conception]. Because of this, the ineptness and tactlessness of this dim-witted dolt, the constant companion of Brindabaneshwari, namely Her naturally pleasant and agreeable repose, has superficially been saddened and made gloomy, so that the sentiments of conjugal love are not being nourished. Therefore, this ignorant and inexperienced bumblebee needs to be enlightened about the foolishness of his ways, so that he deserts that pumpkin creeper, devoid of the scents of fine sentiments, and instead becomes the devoted follower of the Goddess of Brindaban. Then Her dear friend (priyasakhi), in the form of Her amorous pleasure, radiant with contentment, will undoubtedly fulfil His most cherished desires."

In this way, having been made to drink such a variety of sweet and intoxicating beverages, all scented with the flavour of conjugal affairs, Satyabhama said, "Prananath! Though I am drowning in this ocean of nectar, I am not in the least bit feeling satiated!"

Krsna replied, "Priye! It is as if your question has caused the appearance of my dear friend, the King of the Season Springtime, who used to accompany me in my sublime pleasure pastimes within the forests of Gokul." Saying thusly, he heartily embraced Satyabhama.

Satyabhama joyfully replied, "Then! Then?!"

Krsna said, "Then Subal laughed as he spoke to me:

"Priyabayasya! Priyasakhi Indulekha, by various hints and gestures, sent me here to inform you that her life has been made explicitly uneasy by the constant ranting and raving of her husband Bhasshor. Therefore, I am requesting you to settle the price for her pearls, and then, after presenting them to her, send her swiftly home that she might properly perform her household duties."

I replied, "Sakhe Subal! You have spoken correctly. This Indurekha is so attached to me in loving affection, that even though she is very afraid of her husband, still, she is not able to give up my company. Therefore, please listen carefully to the following assessment of the price she must pay. The aptly named Indurekha (Impression of the Moon), unable to tolerate separation from me, should manifest two bodies. One of these can remain in the dark sky of my heart, being etched there with the sharpened nail of her finger. Then I, who am also incapable of enduring separation from her, will rise up, by the power of my mystic science, like two half-moons on the mountains of her chest. There she can keep me within the folds of her cloth, like a poor man keeps a valuable gem that he has found. Thus will she realise the topmost ecstasy, by occasionally stealing a glance at me, situated upon the hairs of her body, standing on end. Or, I could remain in the heart of Indulekha [who is without the sign of a deer], by remaining there as a lovely, dark deer."

[Since mriganka: (lit.- drawing of a deer) means- moon; then, mrgalanchon: (lit.- sign or emblem of a deer) must also bear some connotation to the moon. There is obviously a relationship between deer and the moon, but the exact nature of that relationship is unknown to the translator. Unless it is just that they look very nice together. Imagine a deer, in the dead still of night, looking up at an autumn moon.]

Her lips trembling, Indurekha shot me a very crooked and tortuous glance, the sight of which made Tungavidya laugh as she said to me, "He Nagor! (Oh great gallant!) This Rangadevi is also very appropriately named! Therefore, let us hear the evaluation of the price she is to pay."

I replied, "Sakhi Rangadevi! Previously, during our Ras dance, I was especially delighted while continuously absorbed in watching your dexterity in dancing. Now, within the lonely and secluded compound of this nikunja mandir (bower temple), I am eager to experience that dancing once again. Therefore, please come here and make those two golden waterpots on your bosom dance on my chest, in the ways that you are so adept, so that I, having been highly pleased by you, may reward you with the nectar of my lips, the most coveted treasure of all the gopis, and thus bestow upon you too, the highest happiness."

"Ore bhandasekhor! (Oh summit of buffoonery!) Get out of here! Get out of here!" she said as she looked askance at me. Then she ran and hid behind Visakha

Sudevi laughed, "He Rasik Sekhor! (Oh summit of wit and merrymaking! {Who are so adept at relishing rasas- mellows of ecstatic love}) It is clearly felt that Rangadevi will quickly achieve perfection by relishing this mahaprasadam, that which is eternally enjoyed, emancipated and worshipped by the gopis. Thus it is hoped that she will bestow perfection on all of us also."

Subal said, "Bayasya! See how Sudevi remains eyeing you, longing to know what price for these pearls you have ascertained for her!"

I replied, "Sakhe Subal! Since Sudevi is celebrated as being very skilful at throwing dice, we will play a game together, but in order to avoid any cheating or embezzlement, no one amongst you will be able to support either side. The two of us will play by the power of our intuitive intelligence. Now if I am soundly defeated by her, then she can press my chest very tightly with her left breast and drink twice from my lips, which are the whole of my wealth. Or, in the case that I am able to defeat her, then her right breast, very firm to the touch, will be squeezed by my right hand, as much as I like, and she will have to cause me to drink the nectar of her lips twice."

Thereupon, Sudevi knitted her eyebrows into a terrible frown as she looked at me and spoke to Visakha, her words dripping with malice, "Ayi Visakhe! Does he know nothing more than engaging in mercantile affairs and joking on and on forever? Previously this great trader got so much amusement out of the gold business and nowadays he has begun to do the same by speculating in commerce in pearls, all calculated to achieve a handsome profit. Therefore all of you should set aside two pararddhas (pararddha- hundred, thousand billion) of golden coins in the form of the five arrows he is so much desirous of getting struck with. [Pancaban- fascination; excessive excitement; exploitation/extortion; inflammation/heat/affliction; and stupefaction] Let him have as much as he wants from this reserve and then collect all our pearls from him. Meanwhile, I'm going home."

As Ananga Manjari caught hold of her skirt to prevent her from going, Sudevi again turned towards me, accosting me with her anger as she challenged me, "Bho! Kelilampat! (You love-making libertine!) Ananga Manjari is expert at rolling the dice. Therefore, you should play dice with her, unless of course you're worried that she might crumble the mountain of your pride to pieces."

To these sweet words I replied, "Are you sure? This quiet, little Ananga Manjari!? A practised dice thrower? The dear sister of She Who is the personified form of my Kaustubha necklace and the mark of Srivatsa on my chest (Srimati Radhika), is very affectionate to me. The bumblebee of my mind is similarly so delighted with the sweetness of this Ananga Manjari, that it hovers near her constantly. I am prepared to give her some of the roundest and heaviest pearls for free. For her I won't charge anything. Then I will take her to a solitary kunj, and, placing her gentle form upon a dais within that kunj, I will arrange all fifty of the syllables [to be used in the mantrams], which are the various limbs and parts of her body, beginning with her heart. [There is a word used here which creates a wealth of beautiful, poetic imagery, the whole of which is very difficult to express in an English sentence. Smarapanjaraksaran- Smara refers to Cupid, or in this case AnangaManjari, since Ananga is also another name of Cupid; panjar means ribs or cage, as well as aviary; and aksaran means syllable, as well as sky, or atmosphere. So He is not only arranging her hair and clothes, but also her heart which is fluttering like the wings of a bird, by saying so many sweet things to her, etc.] I will embrace her and then perform a complete anga-nyas (applying mantras to the various parts of the body through touch and sound) while reciting all of the appropriate mantras. Then I will bestow upon her a most perfected mantra. By reciting this mantra only once, she will be able to enjoy direct association with Cupid himself. After the conclusion of her dalliance with Cupid, she will naturally be so satisfied, so pleased, that she will humbly present the jewels of her wanton coquetry, the whole of her worldly possessions, to her mantraguru as dakkina. Thereupon, I will be so delighted with her that I will bestow my graciousness as hundreds and hundreds of benedictions upon her, by awarding her the title, BisomsorBilasacarja (Bisomsor: lit.- deadly arrow. Here however, this can most nearly be rendered as- The Most Extraordinary Acarja of Pleasure Pastimes). Having received this degree, she will in turn worship me with two times more devotion than she did before."

Accepting these words of mine like a hymn of flowers, she decorated her ears with those flowers as she glanced at me very quickly, while making a hasty retreat behind Tulasi and Ranganmalika, her lips trembling all the time. The full-faced, fortunate gopis laughed with full-blown eyes, full with affection, to see her disappear behind the backs of her friends, while her elder sister, Sri Radha, watched with sympathetic and smiling eyes.

Satyabhama laughed, "Prananath! Then! Then?!"

Sri Krsna replied, "At that time Malli and Bhringi appeared with two letters and presented them before the assembly. With elated minds, they all gathered around Lalita to read them, as she handed one of the letters to Subal."

I said, "Lalite! Who wrote these letters?"

Lalita smiled, "The letters will say!"

Then Subal opened the letter and began to read in a quiet voice.

Nandimukhi: "Subal! We can't hear!"

Subal laughed, "Sakhe! Please hear this remarkable letter!"

I replied, "Go on! I'm on the edge of my seat!"

Subal: "Swastisamastamukhah! (Denoting benediction or prosperity)
Before the right honourable; worthy of comparison (in writing) to the best of the saintly persons; surrounded and served by a host of good qualities, our dearest friend, the highly magnanimous Subal- Please know the following, by this letter, like a sweet cake served to you on a golden plate, come from the village called Jabat, and composed of syllables which are nothing less than the condensed form of the nectar of my love.

Though the lotus feet of your dear friend, and of the other residents of Braja Mandal as well, like your good self, are always graced with all auspiciousness, may this always continue to be so. There is one other matter which you should please be attentive to:

It is common knowledge that the exacting of revenue from one's dear friends is unbecoming, and so, though on many occasions we have had to part with considerable sums, we have up till now, remained silent. Now however, due to the squandering of all the pearls that we had planted, our elders are awfully upset and complain all the time. Only due to this fact, that we are unable to attain a moment's peace since the dreadful day of our big blunder, I have had to say something about this. Please don't count this as a fault against me.

In this village of ours, Brindaban, your dear friend (Pranbondhu Krsna) has taken up pearl farming nowadays, in the fields near the Jamuna, as His means of livelihood. After you have all settled on an adequate amount, through written correspondence with Lalita, then I will expect prompt payment. Here of course I am referring to the taxes due to us for the use of our land. With this revenue we will then go to bring a sufficient quantity of pearls from Mathura. Having presented these to our elders, we will have thus crossed over this ocean of anguish.

Or, if you are unable to come up with the considerable amount required, since of course you understand that it takes very expensive land to produce valuable pearls, then in that case, five representative members should meet together, and, after settling the rate, a quantity of pearls equal to that amount should be made over to Lalita.

You are yourself recognised as the best amongst learned and experienced persons. Therefore what need is there for me to say anything further? Sincerely yours,"

Completely transported into the realms of rapture at having heard these lucid remarks, I revealed my inner thoughts, "Ayi Malli! Ayi Bhringi! Your mistress is well I hope!?"

They replied, "Absorbed in meditation on the feet of Lord Master, she is quite content."
Then, glancing out of the corners of my eyes towards that kunj, I inquired, "Where is she just now?"

They replied, "In the village of the name Jabat."

I inquired further, "What is she doing just now?"

They replied, "She is sitting, watching the path, waiting for the arrival of Lalita and the other sakhis, while anxiously praying for the auspicious welfare of the kingdom of Brindaban."

I said, "Sakhe Subal! I suspect that our double-dealing friend here (Lalita) has signalled to someone to write this letter and then produced it as if it had come from Jabat."

Subal: "Na. Na. This is definitely Radha's handwriting."

Then I said, "Sakhe! Let me see the letter!"

Taking the letter from Subal I marvelled at it as I said to myself, "Aha! These rows of words illuminate my eyes with a brilliance like a flood of nectar. However, I will have to disguise the appearance of these ecstatic symptoms, such as the standing up of the hairs on my body, by attributing to them a cause other than the real one. Thus I laughed as I said, "How astonishing! I can't believe it! These sly foxes have pulled this rabbit out of the hat like a flower from the sky, by unexpectedly raising a completely new issue."

Madhumangal spoke up, "Bayasya! This over-indulged and pampered Lalita, the personification of the most grotesque and shrewd trickery (kuti-nati), the first preceptor of all deceitful dancing girls who cavort around on the dramatic stage, and who is herself a first-class actress, is non-different from Radha. Thus, by her beguiling words she very easily subjugates Sri Radha, and having thus overpowered her, enacts her own will through the personality of Radha. Know this to be a desperate and futile attempt. I know also, that as long as one of your enemies remains, then for that long you should relinquish all your hopes for happiness. Remembering this and all other pertinent information, you should recommend to the well-wisher of our kingdom of Brindaban, that all of these charlatans be run out of Brindaban at once. Then only, in this kingdom freed from all thorns, will you be able to enjoy all of the sweet flowers and juicy fruits. Immersed in the happiness of that moment, I will myself become a dancer as I continue to live here free from any further affliction."

I said, "Lalite! How has our Brindaban become the kingdom of your sakhi?"

Lalita: "Bho! Paramkapatin! (Oh consummate fraud!) You were present at the coronation festival of

Sri Radharani. Why are you trying to conceal this fact?!"

I replied, "What to speak of seeing such a festival I don't remember even having heard of it!"

Visakha: "Lalite! It's not his fault. Through the transgression of the codes of religion by hundreds and hundreds of the chaste young cowherd women, the darkness of ignorance has descended upon this place. By association with them his intelligence has also become covered, and through his association, his two friends appear to be losing their's also. Now the question is, how to bring about their remembrance?

This can best be accomplished by causing the nectar of the words spoken by Radharani to enter into the holes of their ears. This will bring about the appearance of Her mercy within their consciousness and in this way their memories will be revived."

Just then Brindadevi arrived. This brought unlimited joy to all the gopis as they embraced her along with Lalita, who said, "Brinde! You have come at a very good time. Please describe the great fun we had at the coronation festival of Sri Radharani."

Brindadevi very humbly replied, yet with great delight, "Sakhi Lalite! Actually I have come here just to drink the flower nectar description of that festival from your lotus mouth. Therefore, please distribute this nectar to us yourself."

Lalita cheerfully replied, "So be it. Everyone please listen very carefully-

During the reign of the King of Seasons (Springtime), at the time of Paurnamasi tithi (full-moon) and during the Visakha nakshatra (constellation called Visakha), all of the rivers such as Kalindi and Manas Ganga, met together with the demigoddesses headed by Krsna's younger sister, Savitri, the resident of the Vindhya hills, having been ordered to do so by a voice from the sky, that of Hiranyagarbha (Lord Brahma), and another instruction received through their dreams from a resident of Brindaban, Lord Gopeshwar. Then all of them, together with Bhagavati Paurnamasi, attracted various Kinnaris and Gandharvis there, by making a tumultuous uproar produced from various musical instruments like flutes, vinas, gongs, mridungas and other kinds of drums. While the Kinnaris and Gandharvis sang, the Apsaras and Vidyadharis began to dance, as Saci and the other heavenly nymphs let loose with triumphant outcries, accompanied by showers of flowers, like the parijata. The approach of Visakha and all the other sahacaris (confidantes) was proclaimed by the melodious songs that went before them, resounding in all directions, as they appeared on the scene exquisitely decorated with sweetly scented silken cloths fastened with multi-coloured cords, and carrying in their hands freshly ground sandalwood paste, mind-enchanting musk, delicious kunkum (saffron), sandalwood oil and a variety of heavenly scented flowers. The wives of the brahmanas uttered hundreds and hundreds of benedictions as the sakhis carried in 108 brilliantly decorated golden pots, filled with water scented with kunkum, aguru, karpur (camphor), candan (sandalwood), and various fragrant flowers. To these were then added various gems decorated with auspicious markings. As the Ratnabhishek began, all to the accompaniment of triumphant cries of joy, thousands of streams flowed from the lotus feet of priyasakhi Gandharva, who was seated on an altar encrusted with rubies, atop a brightly coloured dais."

Brindadevi joyfully inquired, "Then? Then?!"

Lalita replied, "Then I gently rubbed Her with a very fine, soft cloth to dry her body before, dressing her in a red skirt, with a dark blue veil (the colour of clouds) scented with Ketaki flowers. After comfortably seating Her on a small golden seat, I began to braid her luxurious hair, which defeats the beauty of peacock feathers, intertwining the braids with garlands of fresh flowers, pearls and jewels, finally fixing a colourful bouquet of flowers at the end of her braid. Meanwhile the other attendants (sakhis) present, each began to perform the respective service that they were particularly expert at, decorating Her transcendental body with various unguents, ornaments and garlands, whatever was suitable for the particular part or limb that they were diligently decorating..."

Suddenly, while in the middle of this sentence, Lalita became overwhelmed by the remembrance of her Priyasakhi, as the ecstatic symptoms of trembling, horripilation and faltering of the voice transported her into a state of divine unconsciousness. Visakha then sat down behind her and filled her ears with the nectarean vibrations of "Radhe Krsna Radhe Krsna", thus arousing her from her faint. Lalita patiently remained silent for a few moments and then prepared to resume the narration.
In the meantime, when Sri Radha saw that Lalita had become unconsciousness, She exclaimed, "Oh light of my life, whose character shines like a burning ghee lamp, encircling and dissipating the darkness, Oh priyasakhi Lalite! Have you left this already unfortunate soul in a state of complete hopelessness? Ha Bhagavan! Ha Bhaktabatsal Bhaskordeb! (Oh Lord! Oh You Who are affectionate to Your devotees. Oh most merciful Sun God!) Please save us! Please protect us! Ha Gokul Sudhanidhe (Oh Nectar Reservoir of Gokul)! Oh You Who have unconditionally resolved to protect the residents of Gokul, up to and including the Pulindas. Quickly therefore, bring the life back into this succulent young creeper by sprinkling her with the nectar touch of your hands, this girl named Lalita, who is the means of existence for people like me, whose hearts are like a cuckoo's. I will bear the expenses, whatever the cost! Better yet! As your remuneration, you can purchase this ascetic, Radhika, and make her your maidservant."

Lamenting in this way, with Her face streaming with tears, Radharani rushed forward to embrace
Lalita, but before she could advance She was Herself embraced (and thus protected) by her companions in the form of the ecstatic symptoms headed by paralysis (stambha). In other words, She also fainted in a swoon of ecstatic love.

Seeing this, Ranganballi and Tulasi became frightened and ran to Radharani with their hearts pounding. Ranganballi put her left arm around Sri Radha's back, and then, with her right hand, began to gently rub Her body. Tulasi was crying profusely as she called out in a faltering voice, "Ha Nath! Raksha! Raksha! (Oh Lord! Protect us! Save us!) She ran and brought some fresh new leaves from a Tamal tree, and after having fashioned a fan from them, began to fan Radharani very briskly. Then Sri Radha regained her consciousness and was delighted to see Lalita fit and well.

Meanwhile Lalita continued, "Yes. Then, all of those assembled there, decorated as they were with the ornaments of ecstatic symptoms, surged forth like a swell in the ocean of happiness, and, with Bhagavati Paurnamasi at their head, seated Sri Radha on a very ornate, jewelled throne. Then, after collecting tilok and musk from the chest of the dark-blue demigod (Shyamal debata) of the name Kam, the brother of Jogmaya, She was anointed with this tilok as the Queen of Brindaban, all to the accompaniment of the blowing of conchshells, ringing of bells and beating of gongs and drums."
Having heard this wonderful description of Sri Radha's coronation festival, a great din and bustle of laughter was produced amongst all those present. I was also so much taken up by the intense rapture of that moment, that a variety of ecstatic symptoms sprung up in my physical person, which I was able to constrain and contain only by sheer effort.

I managed a slight smile as I said, "Lalite! How is it I never came to know about any of this? Anyway, simply by this have you all acquired the kingdom? Especially since you certainly must have assented that it would also be my kingdom, along with yours."
Nandimukhi: "How is that?"

I replied, "Since it was by my suggestion that Bhagavati Paurnamasi crowned Radha as my queen, the Queen of the Inner Sanctum [Purandor] of Brindaban."

Visakha laughed, "He asangata bhashin! (Oh you of inconsistent speech!) The queen of Purandor is a demigoddess, the wife of Indra, famous by the name of Saci, and she lives in heaven. [Here Purandor, which literally means: andor- the interior, or female quarters (harem), of a pur- city; has been taken as a name of Indra, {though it is also a name of Krsna}.] However, my sakhi Radharani wanders upon this Earth as a human being, the wife of the fortunate Abhimanyu."

I said, "Oh most esteemed preceptor, crest jewel amongst the professors of the science of polemics! Visakhe! You are endowed with the most decrepit intelligence (You imbecile)! Though you have repeatedly studied the section of dialectics dealing with direct perception, have you forgotten it all?"
Visakha replied, "And just exactly what is it that I have forgotten?"

I said, "I will tell you. Just listen carefully-

If your priyasakhi Radha is not my mistress, then why did Bhagavati Paurnamasi anoint Her with tilok and musk from my chest, during her coronation ceremony? Why did she place my necklace and my flower garland around Her neck?"

Lalita: "Bho shashashringa dhanurdhar! (Oh wielder of the bow made from the horns of a hare!) [Dhanurdhar also indicates a bold or clever person, and, shashashringa, the horns of a hare, is another way of denoting an impossibility or absurdity.] He alik purandor! (Oh you false Indra!) She [Parbati devi- Jogmaya], whose lotus feet are adorned with the most excellent lines of auspiciousness; whose wealth of glories are sung by the Gandharvas and Vidyadharas; whose character is praised in hymns recited by Prajapati Brahma; the bestower of the fruits of manifold desires; the consort of the Lord of Nandi, Sri Mahadeb, the resident of Kailash and Vindhyacal; has a brother (Shyamal debata) named Kamakhya, whose mahaprasad (musk and flower garlands) was used by Paurnamasi to anoint Radharani during Her coronation festival. I am not aware of your relationship with him?!"

Tungavidya: "Sakhi Lalite! This title, Alik Purandor, that you have used to address him, is so fitting since in fact he is nothing more than a false Indra!"

Visakha: "How is that?"
Tungavidya: "In the same way that a beggar brahmana who has some knowledge of music may accept a post as music teacher in a small village, simply to receive the twenty-five kauri (conchshell) salary, and, when falsely addressed by the simple village folk as, "He Deb! Oh He
Maharaj!", he feels so delighted and cheerful; similarly, certain inebriated (intoxicated from taking bhang {marijuana}) and dissembling scholars (court jesters) of low character, simply greedy for the pay of one pol (four tolas) of fresh butter, respectfully refer to themselves with the title Brindaban Purandor, even a semblance of which remains far from the reality that they are nothing more than ambitious farmers, thus revealing their true identity as foolish idiots. Yet they remain so enthusiastic to establish themselves as the gods of celestial abodes."

Biting her bottom lip to hold back her laughter, Tungavidya now began to describe my abhishek (coronation ceremony), "Sakhigon! He is comfortably seated on a throne made from golden mud from the banks of Pabon Sarobar, produced from the moss growing there. [There is a kind of gold called, Jambunad, produced from mud on the banks of the Jambu River, moistened by the flowing juice of that river, which when dried by the sun is transformed into gold. However, what transformation occurs with the mud on the banks of Pabon Sarobar is unknown. Still, this mud is being referred to here as gold, though in actuality it is probably nothing more than mud]. This throne is also encrusted with tasty pearl fruits and other jewels. He wears a crooked crown, roughly fashioned from flowers from the sky (akash kushum- day dreams), the scent of which has attracted a swarm of intoxicated yellow bumble-bees eager to collect some pollen, as they busily buzz about. Subal is happily holding an umbrella above his head. Aha! I can't even describe the elegance of that umbrella, made from the shells of tortoises, from which is falling a shower of the most fragrant nectar. [There is another kind of nectar(?) associated with tortoise shells, which anyone who has ever picked up a (live) tortoise will have experienced.] His two friends, Ujjwal and Catur, appear very delighted as they stand by his two sides, fanning him with camaras made from bunches of hair produced from the soft palms of the hands. [Since everyone knows that no hair grows in the palms of the hands, this might be the joke in itself; otherwise, another possibility is that the camaras were made from bunches of hair from the soft underside of an elephants trunk. This also presents a pretty funny picture of camaras with stubbly little hairs sticking out.] Some of the greatest and noblest saints, born from the wombs of the most celebrated, barren women, are performing his abhishek, anointing him as Chief Sovereign (Mahendra) of Brindaban, by bathing him in a shower of the delicious milk of Padmagandha and some of the other bulls. His hare-horn bow, that he holds in his left hand, shines with a splendour like a gift from the mighty Kubera himself.

In this and so many other ways the Rajyabhishek was performed throughout the day. Thus his fame was proclaimed throughout the universe, carried by the tidal wave of his majesty. Though all of you are aware of this, it seems a great impropriety to me that none of you are falling at his feet while addressing him as Mahendra incarnate."

The fair-limbed gopis laughed with delight as they shyly glanced towards me from the corners of their eyes. Then they all smiled at one another as Citra said, "Bho! Why are you two (Visakha and Tungavidya) joking about him so? He really is the Lord of the Gods (Debendra) you know! There is no doubt about it."

Then Tungavidya said, "Citre! If that be true, that he is the Lord of the Gods (Debaraj), then why would he come here before all of us ordinary folk?"

Citra replied, "Though it is common knowledge that he gets enamoured by other women, devi was so angered by this that she kicked him and rebuked him severely. Thus he left that heavenly home of his and came here to the forest. Accepting the dress of a cowherd boy he then began the performance of purash caran [lit.-repetition of the name of a Deity attended with burnt offerings]. By this process (purash caran) he has attracted the favour of Brindabaneshwari and is now happily passing his time here. Therefore, instead of teasing him by making him an object of ridicule, we should affectionately welcome this guest who has come to our home."

The glowing faces of the graceful young gopis lit up with smiles as they listened to this explanation of Citra's. Then Nandimukhi addressed her, "Sakhi Citre! He who eternally sports in the forest of Braj, namely the Son of the King of Braja, Brajendra Nandan, appears to be seriously contemplating the inner, hidden meaning of the words you have used to describe Him. Please therefore, after due consideration, bring delight to all of our hearts by explaining this secret before us."

Citra laughed but remained silent. When Sri Brindadevi saw that she appeared like a saint who has taken a vow of maunam (silence), Brinda blissfully began, "Nandimukhi! I have clearly understood the esoteric meaning of clever Citra's statements. Please listen carefully as I reveal this to you."
Nandimukhi: "Tell us how he has become the King of the Gods, Debendra."

Brindadevi replied, "Those who are very playful, who engage in a variety of captivating pleasure pastimes, are deba; or, those who are very effulgent, whose brilliant bodily lustre shines like the waves of a river of nectar on a moonlit night, can also be called as the Sovereign Chief of all the debas, Debendra Raja. His above mentioned qualities far outshine the other debas. This is the meaning of Debendra."

Nandimukhi smiled, "Brinde! You have sufficiently explained the meaning of Debendra. Now tell us the meaning of par ramana rata."

Brinda replied, "Para means other, or opposing. It can also indicate paramotkrista ramani, a very eminent lady. That is, Sri Radha. And of course, rata means deep and fond attachment, so, par-ramani rata means, one who is passionately devoted to Sri Radha."

Campaklata laughed, "Brinde! Then who is that devi?"

Brindadevi replied, "Unless one is a god himself, he has no right to worship the gods. In accordance with this injunction, she who is very diligently engaged in the service of Candika devi, is also called devi, just to lend some auspiciousness to an otherwise inauspicious situation; like calling a blind child, Padmalocan. Otherwise, devi means the wife of a deba."

Nandimukhi inquired, "Who is that?"

Visakha: "Well, that's obvious. The person that fits this description; who has all of these qualities, is Candrabali."

Brindadevi smiled to hear this but then fell silent, as all the other bright-eyed gopis laughed together.

Nandimukhi: "Yes, the fact that she rebuked him by kicking him clearly indicates her lower propensities and shameless impudence. But what then is the meaning of, parama sukhada tan nija bhavanam?"
Brindadevi replied, "That place that is not very deep or dense, without flowers or the buzzing of bumble-bees, only (param- exclusively) affords unhappiness, uneasiness and the lack of contentment (asukhad); or, that place which ruins real happiness, the place which gives pain, our devi's residence, SakhiSthali. Quitting that place, he has come to this forest."

Nandimukhi: "How wonderful it is that you have so cleverly recognised the esoteric meaning of Citra's statements. Please therefore, divulge the hidden meanings of the other words which still remain incomprehensible to us."

Brindadevi replied, "The phrase beginning with navin gopatwa indicates someone who carries a flute, a buffalo horn, a cane, and a rope for tying cows; who is painted with red mineral dyes, decorated with new peacock feathers and necklaces made of gunja berries; an enchanting cowherd boy bedecked with forest flowers and leaves. Navin especially refers to his ever fresh, eternally youthful quality. Purash caran vidhan is understood in this way. Purah means, before. In other words, underneath the sweetly scented Bakul trees ornamented with a multitude of bumblebees. Caran means self-willed, wanton or noble; or, like the king of the elephants, Gajendra, maddened by Cupid's shafts, who wanders about, engaged in a variety of pleasure pastimes. His precepts (vidhan) consist of such things as kissing the lotuses (kissing the lotus of his pastimes), biting the tender leaves of the Ashok creeper, playing with round pomegranate fruits, embracing golden jasmine creepers and causing others to drink the intoxicating honey of his camphor-sweet smile and the side-long glances from his lotus eyes. On this account, He forcibly attracts the playful coquette of this capital of Brindaban, who has come here to share some of her ecstatic feelings with the Mallika, Bakul, Campak, Madhavai and golden Jasmine flowers that grow here, collecting them that they may render service as various fragrant flower garlands. After making Her completely mad with excitement, He pulls Her to Himself.

The inner meaning of, sukhena samoyan gamayan, or, happily passing the time, is as follows: sukhena- the topmost ecstasy produced by tasting the most commendable and indescribably sweet mellows. This ecstasy has the ability to endow samoy, or time, that is, the time of soporific Spring, with the most unique and incomparably good fortune, as though the Goddess of Fortune herself was eternally present, by means of a mystical myriad of pleasure pastimes. Having attained Her association, He is incessantly and intently absorbed in inventing even more inexpressible and unspeakable ways to divert the attention of His Playmate, through the artistry of delicious, wanton dalliance."
 

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Re: I beg for your forgiveness

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna!

Respected Swamiji and devotees,

Please accept my obeisances,

Thank you so much, Hadai prabhu for such a post. I too take this opportunity to beg forgiveness from all the devotees present here.

Please forgive me for any offences committed knowingly or unknowingly and please bestow your mercy upon me. For without the mercy of the Vaishnavas, the Lord is unattainable.

Aspiring to be a pure servant of the Vaishnavas,

Venkat

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krishna!

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