Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Divine lessons based on the life and teachings of this great Saint from Bengal
Introduction
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1534 CE) is one of the most celebrated Saints of India, who hailed from the eastern state of Bengal. His life and teachings are a great inspiration for seekers of Truth, specially through the path of devotion. There are traditions in India that consider Sri Chaitanya as a reincarnation of Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself, who had come to experience and share the sweetness of devotion and Divine Love. In this article, we are fortunate to explore some known as well as rare insights from the life of this great Saint through the Divine words of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Note: This work presents the direct words of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Telugu in the form of audio-visual along with english sub-titles. The sub-title text can be accessed through the tab next to the video. A translation of the discourse clip is provided below the clip that retains all the non-translatable Sanskrit/Telugu words with an approximate contextual english translation in brackets. There is an ‘English only’ translation provided for those who are not comfortable with words in Indian Languages. Translations have been made by the volunteers and members of SSSCHV, Prasanthi Nilayam.
Divine Love
Loving God
“Impact of mother’s thoughts on children”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 33, November 19 2000, Prasanthi Nilayam
At one time, Sachidevi took Chaitanya to a holy place.
Then he saw - where did he go? He went to a temple.
He had the Darśan of Chaitanya Mūrti.
During Darśan, “Swami, I do not want anything.
You are the ruler of the universe,
You are the ruler of the world,
You are the master of life,
You are the master of all beings,
You are the master of the body.
You have the capacity to nurture all.
But, I do not have the desire for this body.
In spirituality, they keep desiring knowledge not of this world (Aihika), but of that which gives moksha (Āmuṣmikamulu).
I do not have such a desire.
I do not have any sort of desire.
But, I have just one desire; bless me with just that one”, he said.
“Chaitanya! (O Supreme Consciousness!) bless this Chaitanya with the strength to love you - that alone; I do not want anything else.
Because you are love
Love is our Life force.
Love is our Life.
Everything is within Love.
Having been born in love,
growing up in love, to be conferred with the grace of love is the greatness of love.
So, give me only that love with which I can love you, that’s enough.”
Sachidevi came, "What is this Child? You must live, right? You must eat, right? You must have a shelter, right? You are saying that you don’t want any of these, what is the reason?” she asked.
“Mother! Although you are this aged, you are not able to recognize the divine principle (Bhagavat tattvaṁ) even slightly.
If only we can receive God’s love, everything will merge into that (love).”
Love is the form of brahman (manifest creation), and (that brahman) is love itself.
All is God’s love alone.
This universe, entirely, is also love.
That's why, if we have that one love, whatever we need will be fulfilled.
Desiring for these petty things, do not waste our life.
Within everyone, there is the same love.
Because of that love alone, everyone is able to live in this world.
Every human being is formed into an individual of this universal family.
That day Chaitanya, having desired for that desire, was going around street-to-street thinking of God.
Holding the wooden clappers (Citikalu), as he was going around, doing devotional singing (bhajan) of Krishna, the wicked people would come and grab his wooden clappers (Citikalu).
Where there is good, there is also bad.
Where there is purity - impurity reaches there.
Where there is light, there comes a shadow as well.
For good people there are all difficulties.
Therefore, those difficulties will further develop the good in us.
With such faith and such strong will (sankalpa), he turned around and threw those away, and went on doing the devotional singing (bhajan) on his own.
Over time, as he was doing devotional singing (bhajans), going street-to-street,
a few children of his age also joined,
bringing Tāḷālu, wooden clappers(Citikalu) with them, they were doing the devotional singing (bhajan).
But, parents scolded their children.
But, those children did not leave the path of Chaitanya at all.
He used to make all those children sit, and he used to give good teachings.
Where there is good, there comes bad.
In this world, without good, bad cannot happen.
Without bad, good cannot happen.
Good and bad both exist together,
none can achieve to separate them.
Pleasure(sukhamu) cannot be seen exclusively.
Without bearing difficulties(Kaṣṭamu), one cannot have pleasure.
So all our pleasures lie within difficulties.
He went on preaching thus.
Like this, due to the influence (Prabhāvamu) of the mother, due to the Divine will (sankalpa) of the mother, the son transformed into a Divine Being.
Therefore, today in this world, Mothers should develop exalted ideals
They should align their will (sankalpas) to truth.
They should also have noble conduct.
Only then, they will beget exemplary sons.
Purport
Once mother Sachidevi took Chaitanya to a holy temple to behold an embodiment of consciousness. Seeing the consecrated idol there, Chaitanya prayed only for the knowledge/ability/strength to Love supreme consciousness itself. On hearing her son pray thus, Sachidevi asked as to why Chaitanya didn’t pray for material essentials like food and shelter. Chaitanya replied that everything in this universe is a manifestation of God’s love. He further said that if God’s love is received all needs will be fulfilled.
Having prayed thus, chaitanya let go of everything else and went street-to-street singing the praises of Lord Krishna. Some wicked people would come and grab his wooden clappers, but Chaitanya was not affected.
In relation to this incident (people hindering Chaitanya’s Sadhana) Bhagavan Baba highlighted that Good and bad, purity and impurity, light and shadow, all co-exist. Good people will face difficulties, but those difficulties will further develop the good in us. With this faith and strong will, Chaitanya continued his devotional singing.
Over time, a few children would join him as well, bringing cymbals and wooden clappers. Chaitanya would make them sit and impart to them the teachings of the coexistence of good and bad. In this world, without good, bad cannot happen. Similarly, without bad, good cannot happen. Both exist together, and none can achieve to separate them. Pleasure cannot be seen exclusively without bearing difficulties.
Bhagavan Baba further says that Chaitanya was an exemplary son. It was due to the influence and noble virtues of his mother Sachidevi, that he transformed into a Divine Being. Therefore, in today’s world, mothers should develop exalted ideals. They should have sublime thoughts and noble conduct. Only then will they beget exemplary sons.
Translation
Once, Sachidevi took Chaitanya to a holy temple to have the Darśan of Chaitanya Mūrti (consecrated idol). During Darśan, Chaitanya glorified the Lord as the ruler of the universe and the world, the master of life and all beings, as the one who has the capacity to nurture all. Chaitanya neither had the desire for the body nor did he have desire for the knowledge that confers mōkṣa sought by spiritual aspirants. Instead, Chaitanya prayed for nothing else but the strength to love Chaitanya (supreme consciousness) because consciousness is love. That love is verily our life, and everything is within love. Having been born in love and growing up in love, to be conferred with the grace of love is the greatness of love.
Hearing her son’s prayers, Sachidevi asked Chaitanya why he prayed thus and not for necessities like food and shelter. Chaitanya explained the divine principle that everything is within God’s love; love is the form of Brahman (manifest creation), and that Brahman is love itself. All, including the universe, are God’s love alone. Therefore, if we have that one love, everything else we need will be fulfilled. We should not waste our lives desiring petty things. Because that same love is in everyone, all are able to live in this world as part of this universal family. Having prayed thus, Chaitanya went street-to-street singing the praises of Lord Krishna. Some wicked people would come and grab his wooden clappers, but Chaitanya was not affected.
Good and bad, purity and impurity, light and shadow, all coexist. Good people will face difficulties, and those difficulties will further develop the good in us.
With this faith and strong will, Chaitanya continued doing bhajan (devotional singing). Over time, a few children would join him as well, bringing cymbals and wooden clappers. Despite their parents’ scolding, these children did not leave the path of Chaitanya. Chaitanya would make them sit and impart to them the teachings of the coexistence of good and bad. In this world, without good, bad cannot happen. Similarly, without bad, good cannot happen. Both exist together, and none can achieve to separate them. Pleasure cannot be seen exclusively without bearing difficulties. So, all our sukhamu (pleasures) lie within kaṣṭamu (difficulties). Chaitanya went on preaching thus.
Due to the influence and satsaṅkalpa (Divine will) of the mother, the son transformed into a satpuruṣuḍu (Divine Being). Therefore, in today’s world, mothers should develop exalted ideals. They should have satsaṅkalpa and noble conduct. Only then will they beget exemplary sons.
True education one must acquire (Ādhyātmika Vidya is the only Vidya)
“Unity in diversity – the fundamental Truth”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 35, November 4 2002, Prasanthi Nilayam
At one time
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu approached his mother and said, ''Mother! I'm going to pursue my studies”, having said this, he sought permission.
She gave him good advice and said, “Child! There are various types of studies (Caduvulu) in this world. All these studies will someday come to an end but are not subject to their further development (Abhivr̥d'dhi)
All these studies (vidyalu) have limited standards. Spiritual education (Ādhyātmika Vidya) is the only education (vidya ),” she said.
“It is deathless. It has no limits. It exists everywhere, in all periods of time. Son! Practise such vidya”, exhorted his mother.
Therefore, Chaitanya incessantly uttered “Krishna! Krishna! Krishna!”, contemplating Krishna's name and chanting Krishna's name; from village to village, street to street, he traversed singing Krishna’s name.
Whether,
in the forest,
in the sky,
in a village,
in a city,
on the hill,
in deep rivers,
he always chanted the name of Lord Krishna.
Ultimately, he gave a beautiful teaching to the common man, using transactional (Laukika), material (Bhautika), and natural (Prākr̥ta) words. His message to mankind was simple, yet profound.
Charity of food- Is there a greater charity?
Parents- Is there a greater God?
Living in the world as penance - Is there a greater Character?
Compassion- Is there a greater dharma?
Company of the good- Is there a greater gain?
Enmity- Is there a greater danger?
Therefore, the most fundamental of all is to distance enmity and develop friendship.
This vidya is of the highest priority.
Chaitanya went; he wanted to have darshan (1) of his Lord Narayana, so he went.
He went there and stood. “Narayana, You reside in all the worlds, you are not only the master of the world (Lōkanātha), you are the master of all beings (Jīvanātha), master of all life (Prāṇanātha). But, I do not need any of these. I do not want even your Vaikuṇṭha(2). I do not need your Kailāsa(3) either. I do not need even your liberation (Mōkṣa). I just want one thing, love. Give me that love, by which I can love you” he said.
When Chaitanya desired thus, “ Let it be so (tathāstu)", said a voice from somewhere.
“How many ever types of knowledge (vidyalu) one has, how many ever strengths one has, even with great achievements, all these are bound to slip away in the middle. Only love has life. Love is changeless; this change has no predictable pattern(4). Such truthful and eternal love principle is what I desire for, Krishna!” he said.
“In this world, how many ever things there are, they are all temporary. Everything is temporary (Anityam sarvam). But, grant me that love which is eternal and truthful.
What is -
your Mōkṣa (liberation)
your Svargaṁ (heaven)
your Kailāsa (Abode of Shiva)
your Vaikuṇṭha (Abode of Vishnu)
All these - Your branch addresses.
I don’t need all these. I got to know only one thing well--your address. Where is your address? My heart is your address. You reside in my heart in an unwavering (acan̄cala), imperceivable (apramāṇa), and steady (sthiraṁ) manner. Grant me that one thing!", he desired thus.
***Footnotes***
- Darshan - seeing a divine being
- Vaikuṇṭha - Abode of Lord Vishnu
- Kailāsa - Abode of Lord Shiva
- Love alone is changeless; adjective to changelessness--this change doesn’t have a predictable pattern, and it can envelop anything and can change anything. One thing alone that is beyond change is love.
Purport
Once, Chaitanya sought his mother’s permission to pursue his studies, but mother Sachidevi explained to her son that all education is limited and has no scope for further development. The only education worth striving for is spiritual education as it is deathless, limitless, and is all pervasive. From then on, Chaitanya immersed himself in chanting Lord Krishna’s name wherever he went. Ultimately, he gave a beautiful and simple, yet profound message to mankind. He proclaimed that there was no greater charity than charity of food; no greater God than parents; no greater character than living in the world as penance; no greater right conduct than compassion; no greater gain than the company of good; and no greater danger than enmity. Therefore, the most fundamental and highest priority of all is to distance enmity and develop friendship.
Chaitanya, while beholding the form of Lord Narayana, prayed for only that truthful and eternal love by which he can love the Lord himself. He was not concerned with attaining liberation or reaching heaven; he only knew that the Lord’s permanent address was his heart where He resides in an unwavering, imperceivable, and steady manner. That was all Chaitanya desired.
Translation
Once, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sought mother Sachidevi’s permission to pursue education.
Mother Sachidevi told Chaitanya that although there are various fields of study, all of them are limited and come to an end at some point. They are not subject to their further development. All these vidyalu (studies) have limited standards. Ādhyātmika Vidya (Spiritual education) is the only vidya (education) that is deathless, limitless, and exists everywhere in all periods of time. Sachidevi advised Chaitanya to pursue such Ādhyātmika Vidya.
Therefore, Chaitanya incessantly chanted Krishna’s name,
He traversed from village to village, street to street contemplating and chanting Krishna’s name;
Whether,
in the forest, in the sky,
in a village, in a city,
on the hill, in deep rivers,
he always chanted the name of Lord Krishna.
Ultimately, he gave beautiful teaching to the common man, using laukika (transactional), bhautika (material), and prākr̥ta (natural) words.
His message to mankind was simple, yet profound.
Charity of food- Is there a greater charity?
Parents- Is there a greater God?
Living in the world as penance – Is there a greater Character?
Compassion- Is there a greater dharma?
Company of the good- Is there a greater gain?
Enmity- Is there a greater danger?
Therefore, the most fundamental of all is to distance enmity and develop friendship.
This vidya is of the highest priority. Chaitanya went to his Lord Narayana for Darśan and praised that He resides in all the worlds, that he is not only Lōkanātha (master of the world) but also Jīvanātha (master of all beings) and Prāṇanātha (master of Life). Chaitanya was not at all interested in either Kailāsa (abode of Lord Shiva), Vaikuṇṭha (abode of Lord Vishnu) or even Mōkṣa (liberation). He wanted only one thing – Love, the kind of love by which he can love the Lord himself. When Chaitanya desired thus, an ethereal voice said tathāstu (let it be so).
Chaitanya continued praying to Lord Krishna that how many ever types of vidya (knowledge), strengths, and great achievements one has, all are bound to slip away in the middle. Only love has life; it is changeless. In this world, everything is temporary – anityaṁ sarvaṁ, but Chaitanya desired that truthful and eternal love principle from Krishna. He continued that the Lord’s Mōkṣa (liberation), Svarga (heaven), Kailāsa (abode of Lord Shiva), and Vaikuṇṭha (abode of Lord Vishnu) are all the Lord’s branch addresses. Chaitanya did not want all these. He knew very well that the Lord’s permanent address was his heart where He resides in an unwavering – acan̄cala, imperceivable – apramāṇa, and steady – sthiraṁ – manner. That was the only thing Chaitanya desired.
Sādhana
Transform everything into Love through Sādhana
“Chant the divine name always”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 32, July 28, 1999
Like Prahalada, you should incessantly do meditative remembrance of God’s name (Nāmasmaraṇā).
Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, these great ones who practiced spiritual discipline (Sādhuvu) and who were contented (Santuṣṭulu), always kept desiring for God’s love.
Therefore, like Sakkubai and Meerabai, unable to bear the separation, (you should) wail and cry.
Because of that agony (of separation), God manifested (Sākṣātkaram) and conferred His grace on them.
But, due to the effect of this Kali age, not doing any spiritual practice (Sādhana), without stepping foot outside the threshold, without spending a penny, they (people) are desiring that God’s grace should simply fall into their laps.
Today, because the expression of love in man is diminishing, wherever you look there are evil ways, violences, griefs, wreaking havoc.
Even if anger arises in you, transform that too into love.
Even if jealousy arises, transform that too into love. Whatever happens in the world (Jagat) - be convinced (Viśvasin̄cu) that it is Love.
Purport
If you want God, then incessantly be in meditative remembrance of God. Like Prahlada ,always chant the divine Name; Like Radha and Meera, constantly sing the Glory of the Lord; Like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and Tukaram, pray continuously to God; like Ramakrishna ceaselessly wail and cry for a vision of the Lord. Then, God will manifest in that very instant.
But, during the prevailing Era, people want God’s grace to simply fall into their laps without doing any spiritual practice. Today, because the expression of love in man is diminishing, we find evil, violence, and griefs wreaking havoc everywhere. Even if anger or jealousy arises we must transform that into love. Be convinced that whatever happens in the world is love.
Translation
Like Prahalada, you should incessantly do Nāmasmaraṇa (meditative remembrance of God’s name). Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who practiced spiritual disciplines and were content, always desired for God’s love. Like Sakkubai and Meerabai, unable to bear the separation from the Lord, you must wail and cry. Because of that agony of separation, God manifested and conferred His grace on them.
But, due to the effect of this Kali age, people want God’s grace to simply fall into their laps without doing any sādhana (spiritual practice), stepping foot outside the threshold, or spending a penny. Today, because the expression of love in man is diminishing, wherever you look, the evil ways, violence, and griefs are wreaking havoc. Even if anger or jealousy arise in you, transform that into love. Be convinced that whatever happens in the jagat (world) is love.
Incessant sādhana manifests God
“Investment in devotion”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 29, November 23, 1996
If you want god, then like Prahalada, you incessantly do Smaraṇa (meditative remembrance) -‘Om Namo Narayana! Om Namo Narayana! Om Namo Narayana!’
Radha, Meera, just like them you constantly sing.
Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram- just like them, you constantly keep praying to God.
Like Ramakrishna, ceaselessly wail and cry for that Darshan. That very instant, God will manifest.
Purport
If you want God, then incessantly be in meditative remembrance of God. Like Prahlada ,always chant the divine Name; Like Radha and Meera, constantly sing the Glory of the Lord; Like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and Tukaram, pray continuously to God; like Ramakrishna ceaselessly wail and cry for a vision of the Lord. Then, God will manifest in that very instant.
But, during the prevailing Era, people want God’s grace to simply fall into their laps without doing any spiritual practice. Today, because the expression of love in man is diminishing, we find evil, violence, and griefs wreaking havoc everywhere. Even if anger or jealousy arises we must transform that into love. Be convinced that whatever happens in the world is love.
Translation
If you want God, then incessantly do smaraṇa (meditative remembrance) like Prahlada who always chanted “Ōṁ Namō Nārāyaṇa!”; constantly sing like Radha and Meera; continuously pray to God like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and Tukaram; ceaselessly wail and cry for the Lord’s Darśan like Ramakrishna. Then, God will manifest in that very instant.
In union with the Self while still in society
“Detachment is possible for one and all”, Summer Showers in Brindavan, May 30 1973
Sri Adi Shankaracharya's disciple Nithyananda composed this shloka (verse):
Yōgaratōva bhōgaratōva
saṅgaratōva saṅgavihīnaḥ
yasya brāhmaṇi ramatē cittaṁ
nandati nandati nandatyēva
Translation:
Whether one is given to yogic way of life or one is given to a luxurious way of life, whether one has renounced the world or is still in it, one whose Citta (awareness) revels in the Brahman (supreme consciousness) will only be in bliss at all times.
Sangarathova means staying in the society, (or) leaving the society (saṅgavihīnaḥ), a few people do sadhana.
Staying in the society, Thyagaraja, Pothana, like these great (people), Vemana, all those men, Jayadeva, Gaurangada, Tukaram, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Kabir, Ramadas, like these sacred individuals too--staying in society, through Nāmasmaraṇa, giving pure bliss (ananda) to all, they immersed themselves in atma tatwa
Purport
Spiritual discipline is practiced by some in seclusion and some others while still being active in the society. Even while staying in society, great saints and sacred individuals like Tyāgarāja, Pōtana, Vēmana, Jayadēva, Gauraṅgā, Tukārāṁ, Rāmakr̥ṣṇa Paramahansa, Kabīr, aṇḍ Rāmdās were immersed in the Self through the meditative remembrance of the Divine name and shared their bliss with all.
Translation
Yōgaratōva bhōgaratōva
saṅgaratōva saṅgavihīnaḥ
yasya brāhmaṇi ramatē cittaṁ
nandati nandati nandatyēva
Translation of shloka: Whether one is given to yogic way of life or one is given to a luxurious way of life, whether one has renounced the world or is still in it, one whose Citta (awareness) revels in the Brahman (supreme consciousness) will only be in bliss at all times.
Shankara’s disciple, Nithyananda, wrote this Ślōka (verse).
Few people do sadhana by staying in society – saṅgaratōva – and few others by leaving the society – saṅgavihīnaḥ.
Even while staying in society, great and sacred individuals like Thyagaraja, Pothana, Vemana, Jayadeva, Gauranga, Tukaram, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Kabir, and Ramdas immersed themselves in Ātma tatva (identification with the Ātma ) through nāmasmaraṇa (meditative remembrance of God’s name) and gave Ānanda (pure bliss) to all.
Nāmasmaraṇā
Everything is God’s Līlā
“Chanting divine names gives eternal bliss”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 29, July 19, 1996
And then singing His Līla (1) (Līlagānaṁ).
Jayadeva, Gauranga, and the likes, in myriad ways, had been singing the Līlas of the Lord.
Even that was just their delusion (bhrama). Developing this delusion further, they achieved satisfaction merely through these leelas.
But, finally, they recognized the truth, and transcended (the delusion).
Likewise, so was Mira..
Mira, Sakkubai and the likes, in the same manner, who were singing the Līla (of God), finally realized that- “this (Līlagānaṁ) is of no use (to me, when), the world (Jagat) itself is His Līla, the entire creation (Sr̥ṣṭi) is also His leela. In this (creation), are there any exclusive Līlas of God?”
She recognized thus and thereafter continued the meditative remembrance of the true nature of divinity (Smaraṇa).
1-Līla-divine play of the Lord
Purport
Jayadeva, Gauranga, Mira, Sakkubai, among others expressed their devotion to the Lord through singing about God’s divine plays when He incarnates. Though they derived great satisfaction through this form of devotion, they ultimately realized the truth that the whole world and the entire creation is the God’s divine play, therefore there can be no attribution of just the plays of an incarnation as a divine play. Having realized this truth, they engaged themselves in the meditative remembrance of the true divine nature.
Translation
Many saints like Jayadeva, Gauranga, and others have expressed their devotion to the Lord in myriad ways, through līlāgānaṁ (singing the glories of the divine play; Līlā– divine play ; gānaṁ-singing). Though they derived great satisfaction through this form of devotion, even that was just their bhrama (delusion). They ultimately realized the truth and transcended this delusion. Mira, Sakkubai and the likes, in the same manner, were doing līlagānaṁ. Mira finally realized that this līlāgānaṁ is of no use to her. When the jagat (world) itself is His Līlā and the entire sr̥ṣṭi (creation) is also His Līlā, can there be any differentiation of one experience being God’s Līlā and the other not? She recognized thus and thereafter continued the smaraṇa (meditative remembrance of the true nature of divinity).
Nāmasmaraṇa : The pathway to realize God
“Purify the world by sankeerthana”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V 25, March 3 1992
Bhagawan explains about different kinds of Sankeertana, namely Guna Saṅkīrtana(1), Līla saṅkīrtana(2), Bhāva saṅkīrtana(3), Nāma saṅkīrtana(4).
The devotional singing of names (of God) (Nāma Saṅkīrtana), Chaitanya was foremost in doing this.
“All names are Yours.”
“Either a world (jagat) without Your name (nāma) or a world without Your form, cannot be seen in this universe (viśvamu).”
"Sarvaroopa Dharam Shaantham Sarvanaama-dharam Shivam Satchidaananda roopam Advaitham Sathyam Shivam Sundaram" (Swami sang this sloka).
Translation for shloka:
The one who-
embodies all forms,
(is) peace*;
Bears all names,
(is) auspiciousness;
is in the form of existence-awareness-bliss,
(is) non-duality.
Truth, auspiciousness, beauty.
“All the beauty of this world (jagat) is only Your name and form, O God!.” He said.
Convinced that each material, each atom, each cell is God’s very form and nature - Chaitanya realized (God) through the means of nāma.
***Footnotes***
1-Guna Saṅkīrtana- Guna- attributes/qualities of the Divine; Saṅkīrtana- “the kind of bhajan (devotional singing) in which the devotee recites the auspicious qualities of the Divine, experiences oneness with the Divine, and acquires the Godly qualities.(a)”
2-Līla saṅkīrtana- Līla- sacred sport; “the enjoyment by the devotee of the sacred sport of the Divine in ecstatic dancing and singing and being totally absorbed in it. (a)”
3-Bhāva saṅkīrtana- where the devotee expresses their feelings towards God and identifies themselves with the Divine in every mood of devotion such as: friendship, love, and peace (a).
4-Nāma saṅkīrtana- reciting or singing the name of the Divine (a).
Purport
Chaitanya was foremost in doing devotional singing of God’s name.
“All names are Yours. A world without your name or your form cannot be seen in this universe”, He prayed .
“The one –
embodies all forms, is peace,
bears all names, is auspiciousness,
in the form of existence-awareness-bliss, is non-duality,
(manifest as) truth, auspiciousness and beauty”
Chaitanya praised that all the beauty of this world is only the Lord’s name and form. Convinced that each material, each atom, and each cell is God’s very form and nature, Chaitanya attained realization through the means of divine name.
Translation
Chaitanya was foremost in doing nāma sankirtana (devotional singing of God’s name).
All names are Yours. A jagat (world) without your nāma (name) or your form, cannot be seen in this Viśvamu (universe), Chaitanya prayed thus.
“Sarvarūpa Dharam Śāntaṁ (the one who embodies all forms is peace) Sarvanāma-dharam Śivam (the one who bears all names is auspiciousness) Saccidānanda Rūpaṁ Advaitaṁ (the one who is in the form of existence-awareness-bliss is non-duality) Satyaṁ Śivam Sundaraṁ (truth, auspiciousness, beauty).”
Chaitanya praised that all the beauty of this jagat (world) is only the Lord’s name and form. Convinced that each material, each atom, and each cell is God’s very form and nature, Chaitanya attained realization through the means of nāma (name).
The sweetness of nāmasmaraṇa
“Experience oneness with God”, Sathya Sai Speaks, V29, September 5 1996
The physical element (Dēha tatva) of the human system (Mānavatvamu) cannot at all comprehend this
Even the senses (Indriyamulu) present in the human system cannot comprehend this (Ātma tattva).
Even the element of intellect (Bud'dhi tattva), in the human system, cannot comprehend this (Ātma tattva)
Therefore, Bud'dhigrahyamatīndriyaṁ, only when this (the realm of senses and intellect (Bud'dhi)) is transcended, then this (Ātma tattva) can be understood.
Here is a tumbler.
In this tumbler, assume there is fruit juice.
I am not accustomed to fruit juice.
This is just water. But we will assume it to be fruit juice.
This fruit juice is in this tumbler.
But the tumbler does not know the taste of the fruit juice.
Tumbler is full of fruit juice.
But the tumbler does not know the taste.
Put a straw in this.
After putting the straw, you sip the juice inside with your mouth.
The fruit juice is fully flowing through the straw.
But, even the straw does not know its (fruit juice) taste.
Once it reaches the tongue, only there it knows if it (fruit juice) is sour or sweet.
Likewise, our body is the tumbler.
In this (body) there is a nectarine juice, which is divinity. God is in the form of (this) essence.
But the body does not know.
We use senses, which are like straws, through which we experience divinity.
But even the straw (the senses) does not know.
Intellect (Buddhi) that is (compared to) tongue (jihva) - proclaimed this devotee, Chaitanya.
Jihve Rasagne Madhura Priyetvam
Sathyam Hitam Tvaam Avarnayetha Madhuraatchyaraani
Translation for the shloka:
My tongue! You are fond of sweet things and are of discriminating taste; I tell you the highest truth, which is also the most beneficial. Please just recite these sweet syllables.
What are those sweet letters?
O tongue! Knower of the taste! O sacred tongue!
O tongue, the experiencer of that sweetness !
You are taking in the rasa(taste) that is external(worldly).
That rasa(taste) will not satisfy you.
It is showing you the taste but it is going back inside.
But, there is one rasa (taste) that is sweetest of all, Listen!
Govinda Damodara Maadhavethi
Please just recite these sweet syllables: Govinda, Damodara, Madhava.
This is not the one that wears out, not the one that melts, not the one that moves, not the one that is intimidated.
In the heart, it (nama) will stay determined, serene, selfless, and constantly shares the sweetness (of God).
Purport
The body, senses, and intellect are limited in their ability to comprehend the principle of the true Self. Only when the realm of the senses and intellect is transcended, then this true Self can be understood. For example, imagine there is a glass with fruit juice. The glass only holds the juice but cannot taste it. If we put a straw inside and drink, the juice flows through the straw, but the straw cannot taste the juice either. Once the juice reaches the tongue, the tongue can distinguish the taste, but even then, the tongue itself is not experiencing the sweetness.
Similarly, the body is like the glass and the Divinity within is like the fruit juice. Like the glass, the body cannot experience the Divinity within. The senses – which can be compared to the straw – can be used to experience Divinity, but even they are not able to comprehend the true essence. The intellect is like the tongue. It can discriminate between various things but even then, the intellect is only a medium.
What is this true essence? God is the form of the divine essence – the sweetness of the juice. His name is the sweetest of all and never wears out or changes. It stays in the heart and constantly exudes with serenity and selflessness. Therefore, chanting the Lord’s name gives true satisfaction and shares the sweetness of God.
Translation
The Dēha tatva (physical element), indriyamulu (senses), or Bud’dhi tatva (element of intellect) present in the human system cannot comprehend this Ātma tatva (identification with the Ātma). Therefore, Bud’dhigrāhyamatīndriyaṁ; only when the realm of senses and intellect is transcended, then this Ātma tatva can be understood.
For example, assume there is fruit juice in the tumbler. Swami is not accustomed to fruit juice but let us assume it to be fruit juice. The tumbler is full of juice, but the tumbler does not know the taste of the juice. If you put a straw in this and sip the juice inside with your mouth, the juice will flow fully through the straw. But even the straw does not know its taste. Once it reaches the tongue, only there can you determine if the juice is sour or sweet.
Likewise, our body is the tumbler. Divinity or God is the nectarine juice present in this body; God is in the form of the essence of the juice, but the body does not know. We use our senses, which are like straws, to experience divinity, but even the straw – or senses – does not know. The Bud’dhi (intellect) is like the jihva (tongue).
It was the devotee Chaitanya who proclaimed this.
Jihvē Rasajñe Madhura Priyētvaṁ
Satyaṁ Hitaṁ Tvāṁ Āvarṇayethā Madhurākṣarāṇi
[Translation for the shloka: My tongue! You are fond of sweet things and can discriminate taste; I tell you the highest truth, which is also the most beneficial. Please just recite these sweet syllables.]
What are those sweet letters? The tongue, the knower of taste and experiencer of sweetness, is taking in the rasa (taste) that is external. This rasa will not give satisfaction; it only shows the taste, but there is one rasa that is sweetest of all – Gōvindā Dāmōdara Mādhavēti. Think about this nāma (name). This name is not the one that wears out, melts, moves, nor is intimidated. In the heart, the name will stay determined, serene, selfless, and constantly share the sweetness of God.
Chaitanya transforms a thief
Purport
Once, Krishna Chaitanya was going around singing ecstatically, immersed in the contemplation of the Lord. He entered the town of Navadhveep where the leaders of the town also joined him. A thief happened to be part of the group, but for different reasons. Seeing the large group of rich men, the thief found it the perfect opportunity to pick their pockets. However, the thief ended up forgetting himself and began dancing and singing with the same fervour as the group. Once everyone had left, he set apart, watching and listening to Chaitanya give discourse to a group of small children.
After some time, the thief ran towards Chaitanya and asked him to impart the holy name to him. Chaitanya first asked the thief who he was and what his life story was. The thief confessed that his name was Rama and that he was a thief. Chaitanya showed pity on him and decided to give him a message. He asked the thief what he would offer to the teacher. The thief replied that he would share his booty from stealing. Chaitanya explained he had no need for any such things but made Rama promise not to steal in the future. Rama was prepared to offer anything else but that. Chaitanya decided to impart the sacred name to Rama but on the condition that before he broke into any place to steal, he would have to recite the sacred name 108 times. Rama agreed.
Chaitanya drew him close, held his head, and whispered the sacred chant in his ear. The touch, conversation, and sight of Chaitanya dropped all the fear and sins committed by Rama. He went back with a purified heart.
As he was leaving, he saw a group of people going towards Chaitanya and saw this as a great opportunity for him to break into the richest man’s house. He broke into the house and entered the room where all the valuables were kept. However, as per the condition set by Chaitanya, he sat down and started chanting the name of the Lord. While he was chanting, the owner of the house arrived. When the wife saw a stranger sitting in deep meditation, she thought he was a great sage who was meditating on God. She called her husband and both began to offer worship to him. After completing his chanting, the thief opened his and was surprised to find a large group of people standing reverentially before him. The owner of the house paid his respects to Rama, offered him food, and took his blessings.
A great change came over Rama. He thought that if merely chanting the Lord’s name could bring about such respect, then how much more will the result be if he genuinely recited the Lord’s name for its own sake. From that moment, Rama decided to give up his old ways. He prostrated before the owner and told him the truth. The elders were moved by his words and arranged a palanquin to leave him in the forest as per his request. Rama went to Chaitanya to seek his blessings so that he may become a real sage worthy of respect.
Text from Discourse (Sathya Sai Speaks Volume 20 discourse 12; no audio available)
Krishna Chaitanya was once moving about, dancing and singing ecstatically, oblivious to everything, being immersed in the contemplation of the Lord. He entered Navadhveep, where the leaders of the town joined him in his Bhajan with equal ecstasy. A thief also joined this group. He had been a thief all his life and an arrant liar. He joined in their dance and thought that as there were many rich men in the group, who were wholly lost in their singing and dancing, he could easily pick their pockets. While this was his intention, what happened was entirely different. The moment he joined the devout group, he forgot himself and began to sing and dance with the same fervour as others. After the others had left, he sat apart for a while, watching Chaitanya. A small group of children were listening to Chaitanya’s discourse.
The thief ran towards Chaitanya and said: “Swami! You are giving advice to so many persons. Please impart some holy name to me.” Chaitanya replied, “Tell me first of all who you are and what is your life story? I shall then give you a message.” The man confessed: “Swami! I am a thief. I have been leading the life of a thief and a liar. My name is Rama. People call me as Rama the Thief.” Chaitanya said: “What a pity! I shall, however, give you a message. What will you give me as Guru dakṣiṇa (offering to the teacher)?” The thief replied: “I shall give you a share in the booty I get from stealing.” Chaitanya said: “I have no need for any such thing. Give me as an offering a promise that you will not commit theft in future.” He replied: “Swami! I am prepared to offer you anything, but I cannot agree to give up stealing.” Chaitanya then said: “If that is so, I shall impart the sacred name to you on one condition. Whichever place you may choose for thieving you must recite the sacred name 108 times before you break into the place.”
Chaitanya then drew the thief near to him. The thief’s heart had considerably softened after listening to Chaitanya’s words. Sambhāṣaṇaṁ (conversation with a holy person) saṅkaṭa nāśanaṁ (removes distress). The thief was getting rid of the fear. He neared Chaitanya. Sparśanaṁ (the touch of a holy person) Karma Vimōcanaṁ (redeems one from the effects of past deeds). Chaitanya held the thief’s head and whispered in his ear three times the mantra: “Ōṁ namō bhagavatē vāsudēvāya“. The Darśan of Chaitanya destroyed the sins committed by the thief. His words dispelled the worry felt by the thief. The touch of the saint freed him from the bonds of past deeds. The thief went back with a purified heart. As he was leaving, he saw large numbers of people going to Chaitanya. Many rich persons were amongst them. The thief thought that this was a good opportunity for him to break into their houses. The richest man in the building had taken his wife and children to meet Chaitanya, leaving his house unguarded. The thief broke into the house and entered the safe-room in which all the valuables were kept. He saw gems of all kinds. He was resolved not to touch any of the valuables till he had completed recitation of the mantra given to him by Chaitanya. But before he completed the mantra japa (recitation of holy formula), the master of the house and others arrived there.
The lady of the house, who had gone with all her jewels, wanted to replace them in the safe. She saw a stranger in the room engaged in deep meditation. She thought it must be some great sage who had come into the house in their absence and was meditating on God. She called her husband. The stranger continued to be immersed in meditation. He did not appear like a thief. They thought he must be some saintly person who had honoured their home by his visit. All of them began to offer worship to him and prostrate before him. They thought that in the wake of the saint Chaitanya other saintly persons were also visiting their village. Meanwhile, on the completion of the recitation of the mantra, the thief opened his eyes and to his astonishment found a large group of people standing reverently before him. The master of the house asked him: “Oh sir! Who are you? Where from have you come? We have been sanctified by your visit. Please take your food in our home and redeem our lives by doing us this honour.” A great change came over the thief. He thought: “If the mere recitation of the Lord’s name can bring me so much honour and respect, although I had come here only to steal, how many greater things may be in store for me if I genuinely recite the Lord’s name for its own sake? I may hope for the highest position by the grace of the Lord.” That very moment he decided to give up stealing. He prostrated before the master of the house and his wife and said: “Mother! Let me tell you the truth. I am a thief. Let me go to a forest. I shall spend the rest of my days contemplating on God and leading my life of a true ascetic.” Listening to his words of truth, the elders present were deeply moved and they arranged to carry him in a palanquin in procession round the village and to leave him in a forest as desired by him. Later, the man went to Chaitanya and reverently requested him to bless him so that he may become a real sage worthy of respect from the people.