Tag: mercy

55th Kolkata Rath Yatra 2026 – Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu SB 1.15.8 (20th July 2026)

While speaking on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.15.8, HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu explained how all achievement becomes possible only by the grace of Krishna. Arjuna too acknowledges Krishna’s mercy in this verse. But prabhuji cautioned that depending on Krishna’s mercy does not mean that we should become lazy and stop endeavouring.

Below article is based on the class which he gave on 20 July 2026 at the Kolkata Rath Yatra Pandal.

Krishna’s Mercy Behind Every Achievement

Krishna, after accomplishing His mission, departed to Goloka Vrindavan.

Being separated from Krishna, Arjuna was morose. When he reached Hastinapur, Yudhisthira was surprised to see Arjuna. He could sense that something terrible had happened. So, he asked Arjuna, “Has Krishna completed His pastimes and left for the spiritual world?”

Arjuna, who could not control his tears, said, “I have just lost Him whose separation for a moment would render all the universes unfavourable and void, like bodies without life.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.15.6

Arjuna then remembers his accomplishments and says that whatever he achieved, it was only because of Krishna.

In today’s verse, SB 1.15.8, he is saying that it was only because of Krishna’s grace that he could conquer Indra and that Maya Danava’s life was also saved.

In our life, whatever we achieve, we receive only by Krishna’s mercy. We might have cracked the IIT JEE exam, learnt music, or cooked a nice feast. All this is because of the grace of Lord Krishna.

Today, sitting in front of Lord Jagannath in the Rath Yatra Pandal, we should reflect on our achievements and should loudly say in our mind,

“O Krishna, O Jagannath, whatever I have achieved, it is only because of Your mercy.”

Even the name that we remember is because of Krishna. If Krishna does not give permission, we cannot even raise our hand. If Krishna does not sanction it, then we cannot do anything; we cannot even blink our eyes.

So, again close your eyes and say in your heart,

“My dear Krishna, whatever I have achieved is because of Your mercy.”

Sometimes, in difficulty, we remember Krishna, but later, after help is provided, we forget Krishna. During an exam we remember Krishna, but if we get a good result, we forget to thank Krishna.

But here we see that Arjuna has not forgotten Krishna. He loves Krishna so much and is now feeling separation from Him. In separation, love intensifies. This is why, sometimes, to increase the devotees’ love for Him, Krishna disappears.

Human Effort & Krishna’s Mercy

For any success, two things are required—our effort and Krishna’s mercy. We learn this in the Damodar Lila.

Many people endeavour hard, but not all are successful. Only when one gets Krishna’s mercy does one get the result. But there are also people who do not put in any effort and think Krishna will give the result.

One is Karmavada: one only works and does not believe in Krishna’s mercy.

Another is Daivavada: one only depends on Krishna’s mercy and does not put in any effort.

But both are required—hard work and Krishna’s mercy.

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The Khandava Forest Pastime Begins

Here we see Arjuna defeated Indra, but he gives all the credit to Krishna. Indra is the king of heaven, and defeating him is not possible for any human being. Indra is so powerful that he can send rain and submerge the entire world. No human can stop him. But there are some foolish people who think they can counteract nature.

There are several demigods who oversee the functioning of this world, and these demigods are very powerful.

Arjuna knows that by his own effort, he cannot defeat Indra, so he thanks Krishna.

When Dhritarashtra gave Indraprastha to the Pandavas, one day Arjuna and Krishna were sitting near a dense forest called the Khandava Forest. All of a sudden, an effulgent and beautiful brahmana of golden complexion, having lotus-like eyes, appeared there. Both Krishna and Arjuna stood and offered him respect.

The brahmana said, “I know both of you. You are Nara-Narayana Rishi. I have come here to beg food from you so that I can be satisfied.”

Krishna and Arjuna agreed to give him food.

Aginidev reveals why he wants to consume Khandava Forest

The brahmana then said, “I am the fire-god, Agni, and I want fire as food. I want to devour this Khandava Forest. I have been trying to consume the forest, but Indra is not letting me do so. Since his friend Takshaka lives here, whenever I try to devour the forest, Indra sends rain and the fire gets extinguished. If you help me, then I can consume the forest.”

Surprised, Krishna and Arjuna asked, “Why do you want to consume the forest?”

Agnideva said, “Once, at a feast, I overate ghee, and because of that I developed a stomach problem. Brahma told me that in the Khandava Forest there are many herbs that can help cure my stomach. Since I was not able to consume the forest, Brahma asked me to approach you both because you are Nara-Narayana Rishi. Brahma also said that in this forest there are many sinful people and demons. They will be killed when I consume the forest. So, my desire is sanctioned by higher authority.”

Arjuna thought that these demons might create problems for Indraprastha in the future, so it would be better to destroy them.

But Arjuna had a problem. He said to Agnideva, “I have many celestial weapons, but I do not have an appropriate bow to hold those celestial arrows. If you can give me a bow and an inexhaustible quiver, I can help.”

Hearing Arjuna’s request, Agnideva began meditating on Varunadeva, and he appeared. Agnideva requested him to help Arjuna. Varunadeva gave the Gandiva bow, an inexhaustible quiver, and the chariot of Soma to Arjuna.

The chariot had a flag bearing Hanuman’s image. It could move at the speed of the wind and the mind and could go anywhere. In the celestial chariot there were divine weapons and armour.

Varunadeva also offered a club to Krishna. Agnideva too offered the Sudarshana Chakra to Krishna. Agnideva offering the Sudarshana Chakra to Krishna is like people taking water from the Ganges and offering it back to the Ganges.

The Battle with Indra and the Saving of Maya Danava

Once everything was in place, Agnideva began devouring the Khandava Forest. Krishna became Arjuna’s chariot driver, and He drove the chariot around the forest. Whoever tried to flee the forest was slain by Arjuna.

Those who were slain in front of Krishna, and that too by a devotee like Arjuna, attained the spiritual world.

As Agnideva was consuming the forest, the fire rose high into the sky, rocks began melting, rivers and oceans began boiling, and the crackling sound of the fire spread everywhere. Everyone, including the celestial beings, became fearful. They approached Indra, asking about the fire. Indra understood what was happening. He began sending rain; the raindrops were as thick as pillars. But before the rainwater could fall on the forest, it evaporated.

Seeing the rain, Arjuna shot several arrows into the sky and created an umbrella over the forest, preventing the rain from falling on it. Takshaka was not there, but his wife and son were. Takshaka’s wife was killed by Arjuna, but his son escaped with the help of Indra.

A fierce battle broke out between Indra and Arjuna. Riding on Airavata, Indra wanted to kill Arjuna. Yamaraja, Kuvera, Varuna, Kartikeya, Surya, the Maruts, and many other demigods charged toward Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna neutralized all their weapons and defeated the demigods single-handedly.

Although Indra was defeated, he was still pleased because he knew that Arjuna was his son and Krishna was his master.

No one can defeat a person who is supported by Krishna.

Brahma said to Indra:

“Your friend Takshaka is not in the forest, so do not worry. Also, it is impossible to defeat Arjuna because Krishna is with him. They are Nara-Narayana Rishi and worthy of worship. The burning of the forest has been ordained by fate.”

Indra understood and left along with all the demigods.

For fifteen days, Agni burned the forest, and many demons and rakshasas were killed.

Maya Danava Saved

While the forest was being burned, Maya Danava, who was staying underground, came out to escape. Agni charged towards him, and Krishna released His Sudarshana Chakra. Maya Danava immediately surrendered to Arjuna, and Arjuna begged Krishna to spare him.

After fifteen days, Indra returned and, along with Agnideva, glorified Krishna and Arjuna. They requested Krishna and Arjuna to ask for any benediction.

Arjuna asked Indra for all the celestial weapons. Indra replied, “After Lord Shiva gives you the Pashupata weapon, I will give you the celestial weapons.”

When Indra asked Krishna, “How can I serve You?” Krishna replied:

“Let My friendship with Arjuna always remain.”

Agnideva then blessed Arjuna:

“Just as I pervade the universe, similarly you can go anywhere in the universe.”

Maya Danava builds assembly hall for Pandavas

Later, Maya Danava approached Arjuna and said, “Tell me how I can serve you.” Arjuna replied, “Better ask Krishna.”

Knowing that Maya Danava was a great architect, Krishna asked him to build an assembly hall for Yudhisthira. Maya Danava travelled to the Himalayas to bring precious gems such as gold and diamonds, which he used in constructing the hall. He also gave a mighty club to Bhima, one hundred thousand times stronger than an ordinary club, and presented the conch shell Devadatta to Arjuna.

He then built the magnificent Maya Sabha. Later, when Duryodhana entered the palace, he became bewildered by its mystical architecture, and Draupadi laughed on seeing his confusion.

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The Ultimate Goal Is Krishna-prema

After Krishna departed from this world, Arjuna remembered all these pastimes. His extraordinary power also departed along with Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada explains:

“Since the powers are not needed to go back to Godhead, his powers were taken away by Krishna.”

Nothing material is required to go back to Godhead. We see that Kolaveca Sridhara possessed practically nothing materially, yet he had immense love for the Lord.

Simply by hearing, chanting, and serving, we can attain Krishna-prema.

Lord Chaitanya explains that the nine processes of devotional service are the means to attain love of Godhead. Pure devotees do not even desire to return to Godhead if there is no opportunity to serve Krishna there. They simply want to serve Krishna—even if that service is in hell.

The ultimate goal of life is Krishna-prema, and it is awakened through hearing and chanting.

Using Technology in Krishna’s Service

Today, atheistic scientists create destructive inventions such as atomic bombs, which are harmful to humanity.

Maya Danava wanted to offer Arjuna technical and material knowledge, but Krishna indicated that such knowledge is meant for the people of Kali-yuga.

Today, AI is trying to do everything, which can be harmful if misused. AI can write, create pictures, and perform many other tasks. If people become excessively dependent on AI, they may gradually forget how to write, paint, and think logically.

We should not misuse technology but use it intelligently in Krishna’s service.

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These were some of the important points from the Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu on 20th July 2026 at Kolkata Rath Yatra Pandal.

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55th Kolkata Rath Yātrā 2026 – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Class Series

• Day 1 – HG Atul Krishna Prabhu (17 July 2026)

• Day 2 – HH Subhag Swami Maharaja (18th July 2026)

• Day 3 – HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaja (19th July 2026)

• Day 4 – HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu (20th July 2026)

• Day 5 – HG Vallabh Chaitanya Prabhu (21st July 2026)

Praying to Srila Prabhupada for his mercy on his 129th Vyasa Puja

Today we are celebrating 129^th Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada. On this auspicious day, let us pray to Srila Prabhupada for his mercy so that we get strength to resist the temptation of this material world and get determination to consistently practice devotion to Krishna.

If we do not become serious in our spiritual life, then we will remain stuck in this material world. Material world means suffering and we have suffered enough here. Now we should try our best to free ourselves from this never-ending suffering.

For this to become a reality, we need grace of Srila Prabhupada. Without his mercy getting the mercy of Krishna is not possible.

Material nature is extremely powerful. She is not going to leave us easily. On our own we won’t be able to free ourselves from its grip. Krishna himself says this. Only those who take shelter of Krishna can become free from the control of this material world.

“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” Bhagavad Gita 7.14

Our condition is akin to Gajendra who was helpless when he entered into water and got caught by a crocodile. Gajendra tried his best to get out of its grip but failed.

We have been also trying to free ourselves from the clutches of maya, but we are seeing that it is very difficult. Only Krishna and his pure devotees have the power to save us. Krishna saved Gajendra and Srila Prabhupada too saved millions of people by helping them to get connected to Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada came to give us Krishna

It is amazing that how so many people were able to surrender their life to Krishna at the call of Srila Prabhupada. They were able to shun material life so easily and were able to quickly take to spiritual life.  

Not just that those who sincere followed Srila Prabhupada’s guidelines were able to give up all bad habits. They were able to free their heart from the evils of lust, anger, greed, pride, envy, illusion and false ego.

Srila Prabhupada was chosen by Krishna to give Krishna to the suffering masses. He came to this world to teach us how to take shelter of Krishna. He convinced you and me to give up this abominable material attachment which causes us always pain. Srila Prabhupada always asked us to become serious in our spiritual life and enjoy a life of peace, bliss and prosperity.

On this auspicious day of his 129^th Vyasa Puja, I pray at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada to give me intelligence to understand his divine message.

I beg him to give me determination so that I give up material desires and material attachments and develop spiritual desires and attachment to Krishna.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, please bless me so that I always serve you, your followers and Sri Sri Radha Govinda & Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga for eternity.  

Three Reflections

• Without the mercy of Srila Prabhupada getting the mercy of Krishna is not possible.
• He was chosen by Krishna to give Krishna to the suffering masses.
• Srila Prabhupada always asked us to become serious in our spiritual life and enjoy a life of peace, bliss and prosperity.

Ask Yourself

• Have you prayed and thanked Srila Prabhupada for the gift of Krishna Consciousness on his 129^th Vyasa Puja?

Action Item

Reflect on Srila Prabhupada’s contribution in your life and write a personal prayer of about 300 words to him.

Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 129th appearance day

Dear Srila Prabhupada, this year, 2025, we are celebrating your 129th Vyasa Puja. It is because of your tireless efforts that today Krishna Consciousness has spread all over the world.

When the entire world had wilfully chosen the path of annihilation, you were the only one desperately trying to save the humanity from gliding towards the path of darkness and ignorance.

People had turned away from Krishna but wanted to be like Krishna, the Supreme Lord, the creator, maintainer and destroyer of the cosmic world. Lesser mortals of this world were working hard and making many plans with a desire to enjoy unlimitedly here. They had forgotten their real identity and their real need.  

Seeing the plight of the world, your spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, asked you to spread the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya all over the world. As soon as you got this instruction in 1922, you decided to dedicate your life in making the whole world Krishna Conscious.  

A glorious journey

Your journey wasn’t smooth. You did not get immediate success. But you never gave up. You persisted. You got help from none and you never blamed anyone for this. We never see that you ever saying to Krishna that I am doing so much for you but still you are not giving me the desired result. You just wanted to serve Krishna and in return you wanted nothing.

The only desire you carried in your heart was to spread the glories of Krishna in every part of the world. Just like the sun rises from the eastern sky to illuminate the entire world, you too travelled from the east from the glorious land of Vrindavan, carrying the transcendental teachings of Krishna, to enlighten the entire humanity.  

Nothing can stop the sun from disseminating its rays, similarly no one could stop you from sharing the pure teachings of Krishna.

Through your life’s example you are teaching us that nothing should demotivate us in practicing devotion to Krishna and in serving the mission of Krishna Consciousness. And also, our service should be without any ulterior motive. 

Srila Prabhupada’s teachings & books brought us closer to Krishna

You brought us closer to Krishna, you connected us to Krishna, and you showed us how happiness will become our constant companion if we decide to never leave the company of Krishna.  Dear Srila Prabhupada, you gave us everything which is required for us to grow in Krishna Consciousness.

You taught us how to chant, how to worship Krishna and how to always be conscious of Krishna. You gifted us transcendental literatures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita and many more books.

Day and night without caring for your own comfort, compromising with your food and sleep, you wrote these books. When we read these books, we feel that Krishna is personally talking to us and calling us back to him.  

Because of your books and teachings millions of souls all over the world have got addicted to Krishna. They chant the names of Krishna, sing the glories of Krishna, dance while singing beautiful songs which talks about Krishna, worship the beautiful deity of Krishna, read the wonderful pastimes of Krishna and enjoy the prasadam which is lovingly offered to Krishna.

While doing so they experience great joy which they love to share with all.  Your books are full of wisdom and talks about pure devotion to the Supreme Lord. When we read it, we feel connected to Krishna.

Mahavatar Narsimha movie inspired by your teachings

Recently an animation movie Mahavatar Narsimha which was based on your teachings was released in India and it got phenomenal success. People with their family members are thronging to theatres to see the movie. The movie is now being released globally too. It was your teachings which inspired, the director, Ashwin Kumar, to make such a wonderful movie.

He says, “Srila Prabhupada has said that art is a window to the spirit world. We have to become mediums. When I embarked on this project, I decided to depend more on the shastras than mere concoctions. Srila Prabhupada, the Lord, and Srimati Radharani blessed me with visions, which I sketched and gave to my studio artists for production. This entire process—of cleansing, meditating, and creating—transformed me.” 

Your books and teachings are now inspiring creative people to present your teachings globally in the form of movie.  And people are loving it too.  Movies are one of the best ways to connect people especially children and younger generation to spirituality.

It shows how purity is the force. You have given us scriptures as it is and when we read it or see it in the form of movie, we feel connected to the Supreme Lord. We also understand the necessity of leading a God centred life.

Whatever you have given to the world, in recent times, no one has given. It is important that the world comes to know your glories for their own good.

Regular Bhagavad Gita Classes in Schools

Few months back I had gone to a school in Kolkata to conduct quiz on scriptures like Ramayana and Mahabharata. I saw that faculty members of the school were asking questions to students about different spiritual leaders of India but sadly there were no questions related to you.

It is high time that we make people aware about your contribution to the world especially to the people of Kolkata as this is your birthplace.  When people will come to know you, they will connect with you and when they connect with you, they will automatically get connected to Krishna and their life will be successful.  

Although devotees are trying their best but obviously much more needs to be done.

Now we have started Bhagavad Gita classes in different schools in Kolkata, which is based on your book, Bhagavad Gita As It. In one of the schools, they are now using this book in their course curriculum.

School purchased the book and distributed it to the students. We are having regular Gita class for students. They are memorizing the verses, understanding its meanings and also appearing for exams. During the class, they also chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Begging for Prabhupada’s mercy

I pray at your lotus feet to bless us so that we can start Bhagavad Gita classes in many more schools in Kolkata.  You brought us closer to Krishna, you connected us to Krishna, and you showed us how happiness will become our constant companion if we decide to never leave the company of Krishna.

When you had nothing, you served Krishna and a time came when you had everything, name, fame, success, still you continued serving Krishna.  You taught us how to dedicate our life to Krishna and how to selflessly serve him without expecting anything from him.  

You are the spiritual master of the entire universe because you are taking us towards Krishna, the Supreme Lord, the Supreme master and our eternal father.

Dear Srila Prabhupada on your 129^th Vyasa Puja, I pray at your lotus feet for your mercy and guidance so that I become sincere in practicing devotion to Krishna.  Please show mercy upon me and free my heart of lust, anger, greed, pride, envy, illusion and false ego.  

Please shower your mercy upon me so that I never leave your lotus feet and continue serving you and Krishna in any situations and circumstances and without any wrong motive.

Your eternal insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

Three Reflections

• Srila Prabhupada’s life teaches us that nothing should demotivate us in practicing devotion to Krishna and in serving the mission of Krishna Consciousness.
• Immensely successful Mahavatar Narsimha movie is based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
• Srila Prabhupada brought us closer to Krishna, connected us to Krishna, and showed us how happiness will become our constant companion if we decide to never leave the company of Krishna.

Ask Yourself

• Have I written Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 129th birth anniversary?

Action Item

• If not, then please write Vyasa Offering to Srila Prabhupada and share your heart’s feeling with him.

Krishna can deliver us from all the sufferings. Are we ready for it?

Suffering is inevitable in this world, but merciful Krishna is ready to deliver us from all the sufferings. We just have to be ready to accept his grace.

Sin causes suffering. So, if we are suffering now, it implies that we committed sins in past either in this life or in past lives.  We have taken many births and so we do not know how many sins we have committed.

Now if we are going to be subjected for suffering for each sin then we can easily understand how difficult our future will be. In fact, living entities are forced to take animal body because of the kind of sin he/she committed.

But the Lord, our father, does not want us to suffer. So, while concluding the teachings of Bhagavad Gita, Krishna, the Supreme Lord, says to Arjuna and through Arjuna to all of us that we should give up everything and take his shelter. And he further says that if we do so then he is going to free us from all the sins.

Krishna said this about 5000 years ago but unfortunately, we the suffering souls did not show much inclination to take Krishna’s shelter. So, Krishna came again about 500 years ago as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to tell us the necessity of giving up sinful life and taking shelter of Krishna. By his personal example, he taught us how to take became devotees of Krishna.

Chanting is the medicine for all the sufferings

Mahaprabhu propagated chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra because this great chant will deliver us from all miseries. Extolling the glories of the mahamantra, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that this mantra has the potency to cleanse our heart of all impurities and liberate us from the repeated cycles of birth and death. 

As we have been committing sins life after life, so the sins are so deep rooted in our heart that it appears that it is almost impossible to give it up. We are so much habituated by sinful life, that we keep committing sins even though we know that sins are dragging us to hellish life.

For such fallen souls Lord Chaitanya has come. He has given us great hope that if we chant the names of Krishna sincerely and attentively then our heart will get cleansed of all impurities which forces us to commit sins.  The holy name of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra can deliver us from all the sufferings. This is the best medicine for all the fallen souls like you and me.

Examples of Mahaprabhu’s mercy

If we study the life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu then we find that he delivered so many sinful people by helping them to connect to Krishna and to himself too because he is none other than Krishna with the mood of Srimati Radharani. People were mesmerised seeing him chant and dance.

In fact, anyone who saw him got purified. There was a Muslim tailor who once saw Mahaprabhu singing, dancing and chanting.  Mahaprabhu showed his mercy upon him by showing him his original form. The tailor became maddened with joy seeing the beautiful form of the Lord and became his devotee.

“Saying “I have seen! I have seen!” and dancing in ecstatic love as though mad, he became a first-class Vaiṣṇava.” CC Ādi 17.232

What to talk of human beings, the merciful Lord even delivered animals. Once a dog accompanied Srila Sivananda Sen when he was going to see Lord Chaitanya in Jagannath Puri.  The fortunate dog got to see Mahaprabhu and the dog got delivered and attained Vaikuntah.  

“Let me repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances unto the beelike devotees who always taste the honey of the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. If even a doggish non devotee somehow takes shelter of such devotees, he enjoys the aroma of the lotus flower.” CC Ādi 10.1

In this fallen age of Kaliyuga we are all fallen. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is none other than Krishna has come here to deliver us from sinful life which is the cause of all the sufferings and take us back to the spiritual world.  Indeed, he is the friend of the fallen souls. Are we ready to become his friend?

Three Reflections

• If we are suffering now, it implies that we committed sins in past either in this life or in past lives.
• A tailor became maddened with joy seeing the beautiful form of Lord Chaitanya and became his devotee.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is none other than Krishna has come here to deliver us from sinful life.

Ask Yourself?

• Do I believe in the mercy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

Action Item

• To know the mercy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu read “The Pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu in His Youth” given in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

Mercy of the guru can only give us Krishna | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.32

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.32
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Monday,26^th May 2025
• Speaker: HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu

In today’s Srimad Bhagavatam class, HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu spoke about the necessity of seeking mercy of the guru and said that “only mercy of the guru can help us attain Krishna.” Prabhuji spoke on the verse SB 11.3.32.

SB 11.3.32

kvacid rudanty acyuta-cintayā kvacid
dhasanti nandanti vadanty alaukikāḥ
nṛtyanti gāyanty anuśīlayanty ajaṁ
bhavanti tūṣṇīṁ param etya nirvṛtāḥ

Translation

“Having achieved love of Godhead, the devotees sometimes weep loudly, absorbed in thought of the infallible Lord. Sometimes they laugh, feel great pleasure, speak out loud to the Lord, dance or sing. Such devotees, having transcended material, conditioned life, sometimes imitate the unborn Supreme by acting out His pastimes. And sometimes, achieving His personal audience, they remain peaceful and silent.”

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.32

1. When all of the devotee’s senses are absorbed in Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the devotee has successfully transcended the material condition of life. 
2. “One who engages in full devotional service, who does not fall down in any circumstance, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.” Bhagavad-gītā (14.26):
3. One should give up the mentality of envy and false prestige and humbly take shelter of the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
4. There is absolutely no doubt that a sincere soul who serves a bona fide spiritual master will achieve the highest perfection of life (śreya uttamam).
5. He will enjoy eternal bliss and knowledge in the personal abode of the Lord.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu

Devotees faith in Prabhupada gave them Krishna

A disciple should have full faith in the words of his guru. And if he does so, then it does not matter whether he is qualified or not, the conclusion of the scriptures will manifest in his heart.

Srila Prabhupada gave examples of his disciples. These disciples from the west had no knowledge about bhakti, they had not even heard the name of Krishna before. So, Srila Prabhupada would explain them in simple way who Krishna is.

Prabhupada would say that Krishna is the Supreme Lord who would steal butter from the house of the gopis.

But eventually these disciples developed devotion for Krishna and began practicing devotion in a dedicated way.  So, what guru says we should have faith.

When Srila Prabhupada went to USA then from external perspective he did not have anything. He was on a historical journey. The movement which Prabhupada started transformed the lives of millions. It has changed the history of the world.

When we embark on any journey, then we want people to accompany us, but Prabhupada went alone. When devotees travel then many times they suffer because of motion sickness.

Prabhupada’s faith in his guru

Prabhupada went to west to preach at an advanced age. And during the journey he had sea sickness. When he reached there, he did not even know whether he has to go left or right.

For a year he had to struggle a lot in USA. In USA, when a person sitting beside him asked him what his movement is all about then Prabhupada said that he has many centres, many temples, many disciples and so on. And at that time, he did not have anything. But Prabhupada had faith in the words of his guru.

He knew that these all things are going to manifest. And this desire was coming directly from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu had predicted that in all the towns and villages of the earth, Krishna’s name will be chanted. Some people thought that earth means only India.

Srila Prabhupada’s God brothers said that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had given same instructions to other disciples also. Some of them went to west to preach but seeing the lifestyle of the westerners they thought that they should also change their way of living so that they will be accepted by the western audience.

But Prabhupada did not change anything. Many people were there but Prabhupada was successful because he had faith in the holy name. He had faith in the words of his guru.

Bhakti is path of grace. Just by studying scriptures, we won’t get realisation. We need mercy of the guru.

Can we get the mercy of Chaitanya without Nityananda?

When we read the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya, we find that only because of the mercy of Lord Nityananda devotees got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya.

Lord Chaitanya who is lovingly called as Nimai and Lord Nityananda who is affectionately called as Nitai are always together.

As fragrance from flower and sweetness from sugar is inseparable so is Nitai inseparable from Nimai. They enjoy each other’s company, appear on earth together and together they perform many pastimes to attract the heart of those who left the beauty of the spiritual world and got caught in this not so happy place.

Nityananda always serves Krishna in different forms

Nitai is none other than Lord Balaram and he enjoys serving Krishna anywhere and everywhere.  

Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī explains, “In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Kṛṣṇa. That same Balarāma is Lord Nityānanda, the companion of Lord Gaurasundara.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 5.11

These are the different ways in which Lord Balarama serves Lord Krishna

• As Ananta-Shesha he is the bed of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha.
• As Ananga manjari he assists Srimati Radharani in her amorous pastimes with Krishna.
• As Lakshmana he is ready to do anything and everything for Lord Rama.  
• And in Kaliyuga he accompanies Lord Chaitanya to introduce sankirtan movement to distribute mercy of Krishna to all the living entities without caring and bothering about the recipients’ qualification.

We cannot get the mercy of Radha and Krishna without getting the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, and we cannot get the mercy of Lord Chaitanya without getting the mercy of Lord Nityananda.

Examples of devotees who got mercy of Lord Nityananda

Rupa Goswami (the abhidheya acharya), Sanatana Goswami (the sambandha acharya), Raghunath Das Goswami (the prayojana acharya) who played a very vital role in spearheading bhakti movement got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya through Lord Nityananda.

Chaitanya Bhagavata and Chaitanya-charitamrta, the two most authoritative and authentic biographies of Lord Chaitanya were written by the inspiration of Lord Nityananda.

Nityananda Prabhu ordered his disciple Vrindavana Dasa Thakura to write Sri Caitanya Bhagavata and he appeared in the dream of Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami inspiring him to author Chaitanya-charitamrta.

Upon the instruction of Lord Chaitanya, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakura were approaching each person beseeching them to chant the names of Krishna.

Mercy of Nityananda on Jagai & Madhai

While distributing the sublime love of Krishna freely they encountered Jagai and Madhai, the two wicked personalities. They were so sinful that pious residents upon seeing them used to bathe in Ganges to get purified from contamination.

But Nityananda Prabhu decided to deliver them too but in return Madhai assaulted him with an earthen pot. Lord Chaitanya upon getting this news became so angry that he called his sudarsan chakra to kill Madhai but Nityananda prabhu begged the Lord to forgive the offender.

In this age of Kaliyuga the Lord is not supposed to kill the sinner but is to kill their sins using the weapon of the holy name.

Seeing the magnanimity of Nityananda Prabhu, Jagai and Madhai surrendered to them giving up all ungodly behaviour and decided to chant the name of Krishna and serve all the Vaisnavas.

Lord Chaitanya is always present at these 4 places:

• At mother Sachi’s house
• At the kirtan of Srivas Pandit
• At the house of Raghav Pandit
• At the place where Lord Nityananda is dancing while performing kirtan.

Taking shelter of Lord Nityananda

And Lord Nityananda is always present where Lord Chaitanya is glorified. So, the best way to please Nityananda Prabhu is by distributing Lord Chaitanya’s message profusely.

Nitai and Nimai freely distributed one way ticket to the spiritual world to everyone. We too can get that ticket if we take shelter of Nityananda prabhu’s lotus feet.

He is so magnanimous that he will surely take us back to the kingdom of Krishna if we are sincere and carry desire to serve the Lord. 

Nityananda Trayodasi celebration at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata

Nityananda Trayodasi i.e. the appearance day of Lord Nityananda was celebrated with fanfare at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 22nd Feb 2024. Program included special darshan of the Lord, grand abhishek, Nityananda katha, kirtan, arati and delicious prasadam. 

Devotees throng to temple to take darshan of Lord Nityananda

The presiding deity of the temple, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga were beautifully and gorgeously dressed. 

Lord Nityananda in blue colour on his appearance day looked beautiful. Several devotees since morning started visiting the temple to take darshan of the Lord and seek his blessings.

Acharyas explain that Lord Nityananda is the most merciful incarnation of the Supreme Lord. He showers his mercy even upon most fallen person. In this age of Kaliyuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, everyone is most fallen. And because of our impure consciousness we commit many sins. And this is why we are always miserable.

Lord Nityananda appeared in this world for people like you and me who are most fallen. In spite of our degraded consciousness, even if we show little sincerity and plead Nityananda Prabhu for his mercy then he will immediately give his shelter to us.

He will free us from all the sins. He will free us from material bondage. And most importantly, he will give us Krishna prema.

“Simply by talking of Nityānanda Prabhu one awakens his love for Kṛṣṇa. Thus all his bodily limbs are agitated by ecstasy, and tears flow from his eyes like the waters of the Ganges.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā, 8.23

As it was Nityananda Trayodasi, so, it was the best day for all the devotees to pray for the mercy of Lord Nityananda. 

On this auspicious occasion, devotees were fortunate to get the association of HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj.

Nitai Mora (My Nitai) Song

In the morning, Srimad Bhagavatam class was given by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj. Maharaj began his class with a heart touching Vaisnav song (Nitai Mora (My Nitai) Song) which extolls the glories of Lord Nityananda. 

“He (Lord Nityananda) does not consider who is poor, or fallen or troubled. Who is not like that? To every person He gives the gift of ecstatic spiritual love”

Lord Nityananda appeared in 1474 almost 550 years ago in Ekachakra dham. He appeared about 12 years before Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

In the class Maharaj elaborately discussed the reason for the appearance of Lord Nityananda and the different inconceivable pastimes of the Lord.

HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj speaks about the glories of Lord Nityananda

This is what Maharaj said:

During the incident when Lord Chaitanya was about to kill Jagai and Madhai, Lord Nityananda said give them to me. Lord Chaitanya said if you really want to forgive Madhai then embrace him. And then your forgiveness will be fruitful.

Lord Nityananda tightly embraced Madhai & in this way Madhai became free from material bondage. And by the touch of Lord Nityananda, Madhai attained all spiritual potency.

Lord Chaitanya is patitpavan i.e. deliverer of fallen. This is his identify. We often ask people, what do you do? Some say, I am doctor or engineer or lawyer.  Similarly, Lord Chaitanya’s occupation is that “he is patitpavan.“

Lord Nityananda is even more merciful than Lord Chaitanya

One of the six symptoms of surrender is to accept the mission of Lord as your mission. This is what Lord Nityananda did. Lord Chaitanya was about to kill Jagai and Madhai. They would have been cut to pieces by the Lord’s Sudarshan chakra. But Lord Nityananda saved them.

So, Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura makes the point that Lord Nityananda has accepted the identity of patitpavan even more than Lord Chaitanya has because Lord Chaitanya was prepared to kill Jagai and Madhai but Lord Nityananda saved them.

Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura further says that Lord Nityananda is more one with Lord Chaitanya than Lord Chaitanya is one with himself. As a devotee of Lord Chaitanya, he has accepted the mission of the Lord.

It is said that demon who Lord Rama might kill, Lord Krishna might spare his life. That demon who Lord Krishna might kill, Lord Chaitanya may spare his life kill. And that demon who Lord Chaitanya might kill, Lord Nityananda will not just spare his life but also give him Krishna prema.

Lord Nityananda is an incredible person in so many ways. He is extremely merciful and it is inconceivable.”

Nityananda Prabhu’s instructions of Madhai

Maharaj further quoting Chaitanya Bhagavat said that although Madhai was forgiven but he felt bad because he had hit Lord Nityananda Prabhu with a pot. And because of this blood had started coming out from the forehead of Lord Nityananda.  So, he was feeling miserable from inside.

One day he approached Lord Nityananda and prayed to the Lord saying that how degraded he is and how merciful the Lord is. He said to the Lord that “Your body is so soft that Lord Chaitanya takes rest on it. By remembering your transcendental body, one attains salvation. But I am so sinful that I attacked you.”

Saying these words, tears started coming out from the eyes of Madhai. Lord Nityananda immediately consoled him and said that you are like a child to me. Sometimes a small child hits his father but father does not become offended. So, I am not at all offended.

And then Lord Nityananda said that you should always chant the names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, never commit any sins again and to serve the devotees you build a ghat. Madhai followed all the instructions of Lord Nityananda. He built a ghat and that ghat came to be known as Madhai Ghat.

Lord Nityananda is our only hope. He transformed the heart of Madhai. So, if we take his shelter then he will transform our heart too.

On the auspicious occasion of Nityananda Trayodasi devotees were again and again praying to the lord for his mercy.  

Abhishek of Lord Nityananda

In the evening the program began at 5 pm with the abhishek of Nitai Gauranga deity.

Throughout the day devotees kept on thronging the temple. Hundreds of devotees came to attend the evening program which started at 5 pm. For the evening program a beautiful pandal was built. Evening program started with the abhishek of the Lord.

For the abhishek, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga deities were taken on palki from temple to the pandal where abhishek was to be held. Palki procession was accompanied with dancing kirtan. Throughout the procession devotees were showering flower petals on the Lord, fanning the deities with chamar and were blowing conch shells.

Abhishek started with the arati of the Lord with nine pista lamps. First sandalwood oil was applied to the Lord which was followed by til paste. After that the two deities were bathed with sacred items like milk, curd,ghee, gomoy, gomutra, honey, sugar candy water, kusa grass water, fruit juices like green grapes, black grapes, watermelon and pomegranate, sugar cane juice, kesar water, rose water, coconut water, sarvausadhi, mahausadhi, pancapuspa jal and flower petals.

Devotees’ experience mercy of Lord Nityananda

After the abhishek, there was Nityananda katha by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj Devotees were also blessed to have the association of HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj on Nityananda Trayodasi. Maharaj beautifully spoke about the glories of Lord Nityananda.

After the katha there was Gaur Arati in which everyone enthusiastically participated. Devotees joyfully sang and danced for the pleasure of the Lord.  

Program concluded with delicious prasadam for all the devotees who came for the program.

Everyone felt blessed and happy and experienced mercy of Lord Nityananda on this auspicious day of Nityananda Trayodasi.

Prayer to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on the auspicious occasion of Gaur Purnima

Dear Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Please forgive my audacity that I am daring to write a prayer in your glorification on the auspicious occasion of Gaur Purnima. But I know that you are extremely merciful that you will forgive me for my temerity.

A person becomes qualified to worship the deity of Krishna after second initiation, similarly a person free from all material impurities are qualified to say words in your glorification. Great devotees like Prahlad glorified you with beautiful prayers when you appeared as Lord Narasimhadeva to annihilate Hiranyakasipu. His glorious words were sung by another of your greater devotee, Sukhadeva Goswami, while narrating Srimad Bhagavatam to Parikshit Maharaj when he had just 7 days to live.  

Hope

But in spite of all my short comings and my ignorance and my inability to use right words in your praise, I have firm believe that you will hear my cry at your mystical feet. If you will not hear my prayers, then who will hear my prayers. If a father abandons his son, then what is the hope for the son. But we see a father never abandons his son, no matter how mischievous or how foolish he is.

So, please do not abandon me. I am so mischievous that I left you to enjoy in this mortal world where miseries are at every step. I am foolish because in spite of knowing that miseries are everywhere around me, still I have a hope that I will be happy in this world without you.

Saviour of the helpless soul

It is not that I have not tried to be happy in this world by giving up your warm shelter. It is also a proven fact that I have always failed in my attempt of sense enjoyment. But unfortunately, I have never learnt my lessons. Sometimes I do try my best to not enjoy my senses, but my senses are so powerful that they drag me away from your lotus feet. What can I do? I am so helpless without you.

All the great saintly personalities say again and again that you are the saviour of the helpless and hapless souls. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura in his wonderful prayer say that there is no one as merciful as you are. The acclaimed bhakti poet says that you have come in this world to reclaim the fallen souls and to take them back to the spiritual world.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu doyā koro more
tomā binā ke doyālu jagat-saḿsāre

“My dear Lord Caitanya, please be merciful to me, because who can be more merciful than Your Lordship within these three worlds?” Narottama Dasa Thakura

Transcendental touch

Although I am the most fallen, but I am ashamed to admit that I do not consider myself as fallen. My ego, my pride is not allowing me to accept that I have failed to be happy without you, away from you.

Dear Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, my prayer at your lotus feet is to crush my ego, my pride. Through your transcendental touch please burn all the vices from my heart. I beseech you to purify my heart and fill it with transcendental mellow.

My confession

I want to confess to you that I do not like to be in this world anymore. I know somehow my mind tries to convince me to be here and gives me a hope that I can enjoy here. But when I contemplate and when I reflect on the past and when I try to see the future, I do not find any hope for me in this material world.

I know that I am not qualified to return to the spiritual world. Because in the spiritual kingdom only pure devotees reside. An impure soul like me will not get an entry to your kingdom.  I am doomed to suffer here because of my impure desires.  With my own effort I feel unable to purify my wrong desires.

So, dear Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, can you please hear my prayer and purify my desires?

The free will

I know the reason for my impure desire is the misuse of my free will. I know the scriptures say that the Supreme Lord does not interfere with anyone’s free will. Although you gave me free will so that I will use it for my own benefit. But unfortunately, I have terribly misused my free will.

Please take away my free will. Please hold my hand tightly, so that I do not go astray. Just like a father does not leave the hand of a child in the middle of the road lest he meets with an accident. Similarly, please do not leave my hand in this material world where there is danger at every step.

Your Shelter

A child does not know what is right for him and what is dangerous for him. Similarly, I do not know what is good for me and what is not good for me. Being the Supreme Lord and the father of all the souls you know what is good for me.

So, please keep on guiding me in my life. Please give me shelter of your lotus feet. Please give me shelter of your sincere devotees so that in their association and guidance I purify my heart and march towards the spiritual sky.

You came for us

You appeared on the day of full moon to spread the transcendental ray of Krishna Consciousness. You appeared in this dark age of Kaliyuga to remove darkness of ignorance from our heart. You gave us to chant the Hare Krishna mahamantra – the mantra of deliverance from all miseries.

You came for us and gave us everything required to perfect our life. But unfortunately, unfortunate soul like me fail to take up your mercy seriously.

Most Merciful Lord

My dear most merciful Lord, please forgive me for my foolishness and stupidity. Again and again, I beg you to purify my heart of all nasty desires and give me intelligence so that I can understand the great value of practicing devotion to you. Please give me determination so that I can practice the process which you gave to us. And please grant me benediction so that I chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra continuously and happily.

I, Purushottam Nitai Das, again beg forgiveness for my incoherent prayer at your lotus feet. Please give me your shelter.

O most merciful Lord, if you won’t accept a fallen soul like me then who will accept me in the entire universe.

Your insignificant aspiring servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

How to apply teachings of Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita in personal life?

The four verses of Bhagavad Gita – BG 10.8, BG 10.9, BG 10.10, BG 10.11 – are called catuh – sloki – Bhagavad Gita.  Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita is called the essence of Bhagavad Gita. Because in these four verses Krishna shares the topmost knowledge and also reveals his heart.

Krishna through these verses establishes that:

1. He is the Supreme Lord
2. His pure devotees are always absorbed in his meditation.
3. He shows special mercy to his pure devotees.
4. His pure devotees attain him by his mercy.

Taking shelter of Krishna always

In the first verse ofCatuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita Krishna says,

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.” Bhagavad Gita 10.8.

Here Krishna is clearly saying “ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo,” i.e. “I am the source of all material and spiritual worlds.” This verse makes it clear that Krishna is the Supreme Lord, no one is superior to him. It implies that all the demigods including Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma derive their power from Krishna.  

So, in all situations and circumstances we should take shelter of Krishna and not the shelter of demigods.  We should have firm faith that if Krishna is pleased then automatically all the demigods will be pleased. So, there is no need for me to separately worship any demigods.

Focusing on śravaṇaṁ, kīrtanaṁ and smaraṇam

In the second verse ofCatuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita Krishna says,

“The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.9

Here Krishna is glorifying his devotees. The Lord says that his devotees mind (mat–cittāḥ) are always engaged in him. And their lives (mat–gata–prāṇāḥ) are devoted to him.  His devotees derive great pleasure and satisfaction in talking (kathayantaḥ) about him and preaching (bodhayantaḥ) about him.  

Everyone wants to be happy in this world. But unfortunately, we look for pleasure in the outside material world. The so-called pleasure which we experience in this world is never going to satiate our hearts. In fact, it always results in frustration. In this verse Krishna is telling us how we can experience unlimited happiness and satisfaction in our life. 

So, we should not waste time and energy in searching for happiness in this mortal material world. But we should utilize each and every moment of our life in practicing devotion to Krishna. This is the elixir for all our miseries.

For bliss in our life,

• We should completely absorb ourselves in hearing (śravaṇaṁ) about Krishna
• Chanting (kīrtanaṁ) his holy names and glories
• And should always try to remember (smaraṇam) his wonderful pastimes.

Applying teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.9

To apply the teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.9, we should take following practical steps:

• Hearing at least one hour of Krishna conscious lecture daily. We can hear lectures of either Srila Prabhupada, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj or other senior sannyasis and devotees of Iskcon
• Reading one hour of Srila Prabhupada’s books daily like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
• Memorizing slokas and vaisnava songs so that we can keep on reciting it whenever possible.
• Hearing kirtan or Vaisnav songs while doing office work or household work if the work is not too mentally engaging.
• Preaching the message of Krishna proactively. We should try our best to spread Krishna Conscious movement.
• If possible, writing Krishna Conscious articles regularly. We can try to publish the articles in Iskcon’s official magazine – Back to Godhead. Or we can try to publish it on Iskcon authorized websites like Iskcon News and Dandavats. We can also have our personal blogs where we can post the articles. We can allocate sometime to write the articles. It can be 15 minutes or 30 minutes daily.

Whatever we hear or read or speak, we mostly contemplate upon those subject matters. So if we are properly engaged in śravaṇaṁ and kīrtanaṁ then smaraṇam i.e. remembrance of Krishna will also be taken care.

Our focus should be to deepen our relationship with Krishna by constantly engaging in devotional service.

Endeavoring to attain Krishna’s special mercy

Krishna is our supreme father and more than us, he is eager that we return back to him.

So, in BG 10.10, Krishna says that if someone is constantly devoted (satata–yuktānām) in serving Him then he gives them understanding (buddhi–yogam) to come to him.

“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.10.

And in the next verse, BG 10.11, Krishna says that he shows special mercy (anukampā–artham) to his devotees by completely destroying (dispel) devotees’ ignorance with the shining lamp of knowledge (jnana) which is the cause of suffering.

“To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” Bhagavad Gita 10.11

We suffer in this world because of ignorance.  And in ignorance we take decisions which becomes the cause of more suffering. Lust, greed and anger contaminates our intelligence and knowledge. And under the influence of these anarthas(vices) we take decisions. Such decisions instead of bringing bliss in our life makes us more miserable.

Suffice to say in our conditioned state we do not know what is right and what is wrong for us.

But if we are devoted to Krishna then the Supreme Lord who is our supreme father guides us towards the right path. That path is the path of peace and joy. This helps us to live happily in this world. And Krishna even gives us intelligence by which we can ultimately attain him. This is Krishna’s special mercy.

Applying teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.10 & 10.11

If we want to attain Krishna’s mercy, then we should apply the teachings of BG 10.10 and BG 10.11 in our personal lives in following ways:

• We should be more sincere in our devotional life and get actively engaged in Krishna conscious activities.
• We should understand that our knowledge & intelligence is currently impure. So before taking any decision we should pray to Krishna for right guidance.
• Along with that we should also see that the decisions which we are taking is in line with guru, sadhu and sastra.
• Also before taking any decision, we should discuss with senior devotees. This will always help us to make right decisions which will be pleasing to Krishna.

These are the practical ways to apply the teachings of Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita. If we succeed in doing so, we will attain the mercy of Krishna.

Who is most merciful – Lord Rama or Lord Krishna or Lord Chaitanya?

Who is the most merciful Lord – Lord Rama or Lord Krishna or Lord Chaitanya. Scriptures tell us that they are one and the same. They are the Supreme Lord. They appear in different ages (yuga) to enact different pastimes. But their mission is same – to destroy the demons and to deliver the saintly people.

This is confirmed in Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna.

Bhagavad Gita 4.8

परित्राणाय साधुनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।
धर्मसंस्थानार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ ८ ॥

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

“To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.”

When we study their activities on our earthly planet, we find they exhibited great compassion towards all the living entities. In all the three incarnations they bestowed mercy upon all.

But are all the three equally merciful?  Or one of them is more merciful than other?  Difficult to answer.

Before you and I arrive at any conclusion let us reflect on the below conversations which the Lord had with Sita and Radharani.

Lord Rama’s promise to Sita

When Lord Rama was in the forest with mother Sita, he always carried bow and arrow. Using it he killed many demons. Animals and birds would run away in fear seeing bow and arrow. So, mother Sita was not happy.

Once she said, “Why do you carry your bow and arrow all the time? And why you have to kill the demons? Is there no other way to deliver them?”

Lord Rama said, “Well, in this pastime this is what I am supposed to do. I am a kshatriya and my dharma is to protect the innocents and kill the miscreants.”

Sita did not like the word “kill.” Rama understood her heart.

He said, “Ok. In my next incarnation as Lord Krishna in Vrindavan, I will not carry bow and arrow.”

Mother Sita looked at him with suspicious eyes. “If not bow and arrow then what will you carry.” 

Rama said, “Not just bow and arrow, I won’t carry any weapon.”

Sita was happy. Rama was relieved. Finally, he was able to please her.

Radharani says to Krishna, “You broke your promise”

When the Supreme Lord appeared as Lord Krishna then he killed the demoness Putana when he was only 7 days old. He was in his pram only. And one after the other he killed so many demons –  Trnavarta. Vatsasura, Bakasura, Aghasura and many more It is said that everyday kamsa would send a demon and Krishna would kill him/her.

Radharani was unhappy. Radharani and Sita are same. Radharani expands as Sita when Krishna expands as Rama.

Radha was upset. “You broke your promise, Krishna.”

“Which promise?” Krishna asked.

“As Rama you had said that you won’t kill demons.”

“Wait a minute. You had asked me to not carry bow and arrow. I had agreed. Later you said – no weapon. I agreed for that too. And as per my promise I am not carrying any weapon. Tell me with what weapon did I kill these miscreants. I killed Putana by drinking her poisonous milk. I killed all the demons with my hands and legs only. Since, I did not have any weapon, so I danced on the hoods of kaliya to remove all poison from his body. So much hard work I had to do because you took away all my weapons.“

Radha said, “When I said no weapons, it meant you won’t kill anyone. I never knew that you would use your hands and legs to kill them. It is word jugglery. I know these are extremely sinful beings but still I don’t like you killing them.”

“But you should have clarified with me then and there.”

Radharani understood no use in any further discussion.

Radharani – our eternal mother

Radharani is mother of all the living beings in the entire creation. She is Krishna’s eternal consort. A mother loves her child more than the father. She knew demons are so evil that they need to be punished but still she did not like them to be punished. She wanted Krishna to reform them without killing them. A mother’s heart cries when her child suffers. A child may be mischievous or a hardcore criminal, but a mother will bestow unconditional love upon him/her.  Radharani our eternal mother always wants good for us. Although our hearts are flooded with sinful desires and tendencies, but she still loves us.

Krishna says, “In Kaliyuga I will appear as Chaitanya.”

Now mother Radha wanted to know Krishna’s next move. With eyes full of compassion, she looked towards Krishna and asked, “So, what next. When are you going to appear again?”

“In Kaliyuga as Chaitanya”, Krishna said

Our eternal mother became very worried. “Kaliyuga means ocean of faults. A civilization based on quarrel and hypocrisy. Almost everyone commits sins and justifies it. What Krishna will do in Kaliyuga? Is he going to punish everyone? Let me ask his plan and make him promise that he won’t kill or punish anyone. He will forgive even the worst of the sinful person.”

But she was suspicious. Krishna will give his words. But again, he will find a loophole in the agreement and continue killing the miscreants. So, this time I will have to do something different. I will change his heart. For that I will enter his heart.

So, Radharani entered the heart of Lord Krishna. And that Krishna is called Lord Chaitanya.

The Supreme Lord with the heart of Srimati Radharani is Lord Chaitanya.

Lord Chaitanya kills the sin of the sinner with the holy names

As Lord Chaitanya he did not kill anyone.

As Rama and Krishna, the Supreme Lord established dharma by killing the miscreants. But as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the Supreme Lord established dharma by propagating the chanting of the holy names of Krishna – the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  This is the most potent and lethal weapon. The holy name does not kill the people, but it completely burns the sin of the sinner. And the sinner gets totally purified. This pleases Lord Chaitanya the most. Radharani becomes ecstatic.

In this age of Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has made it so easy to attain perfection.  You and I have to just chant the holy names. And for chanting no qualification is required. Anyone can chant – men, women, children, Hindus, non- Hindus, Indians, non-Indians.

Chanting not only benefits us, but it benefits even the non-human beings like plants, trees, animals, birds etc. These lower species have almost no chance of deliverance but if they somehow hear the holy names then they also get purified.

Lord Chaitanya did not use any weapon to kill anyone. Only once he took his Sudarshan chakra to kill Jagai and Madhai because these two brothers had attacked Nityananda Prabhu. But Nityananda Prabhu immediately reminded him that in this incarnation he is not supposed to use any weapon and kill anyone. The Supreme Lord remembered his words. He got pacified, forgave the two brothers, and transformed their hearts.

Lord Chaitanya – the most merciful Lord

When Lord Chaitanya was present on earth, people were so demoniac. Vedic culture was almost forgotten. Muslims were eating cow flesh. Brahmanas were misinterpreting the scriptures.  He was completely justified to punish them.

But the Supreme Lord having a heart of Radharani, decided to kill the demons of the heart and not the demons. Lord Rama or Lord Krishna would have punished us for our sins and bad habits. But Lord Chaitanya is so tolerant. He has given us the medicine of the holy names which will help us to burn our sins and evil proclivities which is the root cause of all sufferings and evil tendencies.

Once our heart is free of all vices, we develop godly qualities. We become qualified to become Lord’s eternal associate in the spiritual world. So much mercy Lord Chaitanya is bestowing upon you and me.  

He is the most merciful Lord among the three incarnations.

Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta Madhya 19.53

namo mahā-vadānyāya
kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāya te
kṛṣṇāya kṛṣṇa-caitanya-
nāmne gaura-tviṣe namaḥ

“O most munificent incarnation! You are Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and You are widely distributing pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.”