#LORD CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU

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Kirtan By Divya Govida Das - Raag Darbari

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Darshan

[haribol-dasi]

Chaitanya Bhagavata

My dear teacher Jma sent me this link to this nectarian audio book on Gaura Purnima 2022 (Lord Chaitanya's appearance day). Couldn't resist distributing the nectar!

I thought posting it would be a transcendental first post AND a good way to archive it incase the link becomes difficult to find online otherwise...

Jaya Nimai, Jaya Nitai!

[talonabraxas]

Hare Krishna ॐ Talon Abraxas

The Hare Krishna mantra is a chant meant for enhancing consciousness to the greatest possible degree. Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra can give peace, happiness, God realization, freedom from repeated birth and death, and total self-fulfillment. Also known as the maha-mantra—great chant—it consists of three Sanskrit names of the Supreme Being; "Hare," "Krishna," and "Rama."

The mantra is most commonly translated as, "O Lord, O Energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your service." It was popularized in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and spread worldwide in the late twentieth century by Srila Prabhupada and his followers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

[krishnaart]

🌺 HAPPY GAURA PURNIMA 🌺

♥ Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ♥

“Lord Shri Krishna Chaitanya is the initiator of saṅkīrtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord]. One who worships Him through saṅkīrtana is fortunate indeed.”~Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita Adi-lila 3.77

[wheretheweirdthingsaree]

Statue of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & Swami Nithyananda at ISKCON, WV

At the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) community in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, there are notable statues of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swami Nithyananda. These figures are central to the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533) is revered as a saint and the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement. He is known for his teachings on the importance of chanting the holy names of God, particularly through the practice of Harinama Sankirtana.

His life and teachings have inspired countless followers around the world, and he is often depicted in devotional art and statues, including those at ISKCON temples.

Swami Nithyananda, also known as Nityananda Prabhu, was a close associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and played a crucial role in spreading his teachings. He is considered the original guru of all universes and is celebrated for his compassion and dedication to the practice of congregational chanting.

Nithyananda's relationship with Chaitanya is foundational to the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, and he is often depicted alongside Chaitanya in various forms of art and worship.

Significance of the Statues

The statues of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swami Nithyananda at ISKCON, WV, serve as a focal point for devotees and visitors, embodying the spiritual teachings and legacy of these two important figures. They are often part of worship ceremonies and festivals, drawing devotees who seek to connect with the divine through their teachings and example.

In summary, the statues of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swami Nithyananda at ISKCON in New Vrindaban are not only artistic representations but also serve as spiritual symbols that inspire devotion and community among followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

[santoschristos]

Chapter 11 of the Bhagavata Gita opens with Arjuna's request to see Krishna's divine form. Krishna responds by granting Arjuna divine sight with which he sees Krishna in the universal entirety of his countless celestial, mystic and earthly forms.

Krishna ॐ

The Hare Krishna mantra is a chant meant for enhancing consciousness to the greatest possible degree. Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra can give peace, happiness, God realization, freedom from repeated birth and death, and total self-fulfillment. Also known as the maha-mantra—great chant—it consists of three Sanskrit names of the Supreme Being; "Hare," "Krishna," and "Rama."

The mantra is most commonly translated as, "O Lord, O Energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your service." It was popularized in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and spread worldwide in the late twentieth century by Srila Prabhupada and his followers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Image: Vishvarupa-Krishna

Mahaboka

[atisundaridarshanparadise]

When Lord Krishna was within this Universe, Brahma played a trick on Him: in order to confirm that the cowherd boy in Vrindaban was actually Krishna. By his power he stole all the cows and calves, and the friends of Krishna, who were engaged in herding the animals. But when he returned from hiding them to see the result, he saw that Krishna was playing with the same cows and calves and cowherd boys; because by His Vaikuntha potency He had expanded all the stolen cows, calves and friends. He saw millions and billions of them, and· he also saw millions and billions of tons of cane and fruit, and lotus flowers and horns. And all the cowherd boys were decorated with different clothes and ornaments, and nobody could count their vast number. Brahma saw that each of the cowherd boys had become a fourhanded Narayan, like the predominating deity of each Brahmanda, and he saw that innumerable Brahmas also were engaged in offering obeisances to the Lord. He also saw that all of them were emanating from the body of Krishna, and after a second they were also entering into the body of Krishna. Brahma became struck with wonder by this extraordinary feat of Krishna, and in his prayer he admitted that anybody and everybody could say that he knows about Krishna—but so far as he was concerned, he did not know anything about Krishna. "My dear Lord," he said, "he potencies and opulences which You have exhibited just now are beyond the capacity of my mind and understanding."

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Gouranga Prabhupan

[blessed1neha]

Doesn't devotees in Golok Vrindavana feel possessive about Krishna? Generally when we love someone we feel possessive about them and do not want to share their love with others then why Vaishnavas try to attract more people for loving Krishna?

Yes, devotees in Goloka Vrindavana are extremely possessive of Krishna. This is an expression of their pure love for Krishna. But their possessiveness is not based on the desire to gratify their own senses, as in the material world, but to please the senses of Krishna. Their love is completely selfless in nature.

They feel possessive about Krishna because they want to take care of their beloved Krishna, they want to see that Krishna is happy in all circumstances. And the thing with Krishna is that He likes variety, as it is said, ‘’Variety is the mother of enjoyment’’. Thus, Krishna always likes to meet new friends and associate with them. All the confidential associates of Lord Krishna know this fact. Thus, all the devotees try their best to induce others to meet with Krishna and please Him. Whenever a new devotee enters the spiritual world, all the associates of Goloka Vrindavana become greatly delighted. They think, ‘’Oh, a new devotee has come, Krishna will be very pleased to see this devotee’’.

Thus, their possessive feelings for Krishna cause them to share Krishna with others. Krishna also infinitely expands to associate with each one of His devotees. Srimati Radharani is the chief among all the Gopis. But still, She desires that all the other gopi friends meet with Krishna. In fact, Radharani experiences more happiness in bringing other devotees to Krishna than the happiness She experiences in Her own personal meeting with Krishna.

Actually, it is the inner desire of Radharani that Krishna meets with Her other friends, although externally sometimes, She may feign anger. Srimati Radharani feels greatly indebted to the service rendered by Her friends. Thus, as a matter of expressing Her gratitude, She wishes to reciprocate by inducing others to meet with Krishna. It is only for this reason, Radharani inspires Krishna to begin the Rasa Lila, wherein millions of Gopis individually meet with Krishna. The chief architect of the Rasa Lila is Radharani Herself. She only desires that Rasa Lila take place.

In the spiritual world, every action is selfless to the highest limit possible. Just as devotees are selfless, Krishna is also selfless. Just as devotees want to please Krishna, He also wants to please His devotees. Such selfless exchanges define the eternal affairs of Goloka Vrindavana.

In this age of Kali-yuga, it is Srimati Radharani Herself who descended in the form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, accepting the body of Krishna. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, along with His personal associates, inaugurated the sankirtana movement just to induce other fallen souls to meet with Krishna. This is also an expression of their selfless love.

So, when devotees, are performing Nama Sankirtana, they induce others to chant and dance so that others can also join the eternal dancing party of Radha Krishna and Their associates. This is an expression of their selfless love for Krishna. Similarly, when devotees preach Krishna consciousness, they induce others to come closer to Krishna. This is also an expression of their selfless love. Krishna is very much pleased when He sees that devotees are cooperating for My pleasure. Thus, such a devotee gets the special mercy of Krishna.

tava kathāmṛtaṁ tapta-jīvanaṁ kavibhir īḍitaṁ kalmaṣāpaham śravaṇa-maṅgalaṁ śrīmad ātataṁ bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūri-dā janāḥ

[Gopīs speak] The nectar of Your (Kṛṣṇa’s) words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly, those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent.

[prabhupadanugas]

Nityananda Trayodashi: Shri Nityananda appearance day Lord Nityananda’s Appearance Day lecture by HDG Shrila A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: Some nectar about Lord Nityananda in brief: Lord Nityananda is the eternal associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Rarely is the name Nimai (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) taken without that of Nitai (Lord Nityananda). Mahaprabhu cannot be approached or understood without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu, who is the cardinal guru of all the universes and serves as an intermediary between Mahaprabhu and His devotees. He is the Lord’s active principle in both creation and lila. He is the second body of the Lord, manifesting as Balaram to Shri Krishna, Lakshman to Shri Ram and Nityananda Prabhu to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. All other forms and expansions of the Lord emanate from this second body. Nityananda Prabhu is thus the source of Sankarshan, all the Vishu’s, and Ananta Sesa. As Vishnu tattva He and Advaita Acharya are worshipped in the same category as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the manifested earthly lila, Nityananda Prabhu is senior to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by more than a decade. He is statuesque, like His Master, with the whitish complexion of Lord Balarama. His garments resemble a cluster of blue lotus flowers and His effulgence is said to surpass the grandeur of a rising moon at sunset. He has a deep melodious voice, constant singing the glories of Shri Krishna and carries a red stick with benedictions for the devotees, but feared by the demoniac. He has the carefree mood of a wild avadhuta, so absorbed is He in the love of Godhead, and no one knows what He will do next. Nityananda Prabhu was born in Ekacakra, a small village in present West Bengal, around the year 1474. His birthsite is commemorated by a temple named Garbhasva and is visited by throngs of pilgrims today. His father, Hadai Ojha and mother Padmavati, were pious Brahmans originally from Mithila. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Maga. As a child, Nitai (as Nityananda Prabhu was called), loved to enact the pastimes of Shri Krishna or Lord Rama. https://www.instagram.com/p/CoMJvrmoJh_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[iskconchd]

Two Lords, Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, They have appeared just to reclaim the fallen souls of this age. They are more kind than Krishna. Krishna, He is also very kind. He comes to deliver. But Krishna demands that first of all surrender. He is so kind. (voice choking) So take shelter of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and be happy. Thank you very much. (weeping) Atlanta, February 28, 1975

[mathuravrindavantours]

Mysteries About Radha Raman Temple

Radha Raman Temple is located in Vrindavan. It is one of the ancient and most worshipped temples in Vrindavan. This temple is dedicated to the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. According to stories, Gopal Bhatta Goswami, who was the student of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, wanted to worship a unique form of Lord Krishna. For worship, he brings stones called shaligrams and it is believed that one of his Shaligram stones turned into Lord Krishna by seeing the pure devotion of his devotee and the other shaligram transformed into the deity of Radha. Then, a temple was built on the same places, and it was named Radha Ramana Temple. Raman means the one who gives pleasure to Goddess Radha. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna comes every day to this temple to accept the food and garments offered to him by his devotees with full devotion. It is one of the few temples that still practices the old method of pooja and performs other sacred rituals.

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Sikshashtakam

[sankirtan]

(via ISKCON Chowpatty Kartik Yatra 2024 | Sri Mayapur Dham | Day 01 - YouTube)

This video covers the first day of ISKCON Chowpatty's Kartik Yatra 2024, held in the holy land of Sri Mayapur Dham. The event is filled with ecstatic kirtans, dancing, and the spiritual teachings of HH Radhanath Swami, who reflects on the life and mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the vision of ISKCON’s founder, Srila Prabhupada. HH Radhanath Swami begins by recounting Srila Prabhupada’s dedication to spreading the message of Krishna Consciousness worldwide. When Srila Prabhupada was establishing ISKCON, he envisioned people from across the globe gathering in places like Mayapur to chant and celebrate the Holy Names of the Lord. Despite facing material challenges and limited resources, he was deeply committed to realizing the prophecy of Lord Nityananda and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who had proclaimed that Krishna’s Holy Names would be sung in every town and village around the world. HH Radhanath Swami elaborates on the unparalleled mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Unlike past avatars, who vanquished demons through physical power, Mahaprabhu purified people by eradicating their inner negativity with the Holy Names, filling them with divine love and liberation. In Kali Yuga, spiritual practices often become diluted by quarrel and hypocrisy, yet chanting Krishna’s Holy Names grants a profound connection to Him, allowing devotees to transcend worldly struggles. The spiritual potency of Mayapur Dham is emphasized as HH Radhanath Swami describes the sacredness of this land. He speaks of the austerities and dedication of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, who chanted a billion names of Krishna here, invoking blessings for the success of the Krishna Consciousness movement. HH Radhanath Swami also reflects on the early struggles and joyous beginnings in Mayapur, where the first devotees stayed in simple huts and shared a humble existence with profound spiritual joy. He further shares insights on how modern conveniences have replaced simpler ways of life, contrasting this with the spiritual simplicity and happiness experienced in past times when people naturally connected with God in rural settings. However, he encourages the audience to find spiritual contentment and purpose even amidst the distractions and advancements of today’s world. After addressing some technical sound issues, HH Radhanath Swami continues with the program, encouraging devotees to chant loudly and with heart. He explains that chanting even once in Mayapur can yield thousands of times the benefit compared to other places, underscoring the immense grace of chanting in such a holy land. The video captures moments of joyful singing, clapping, and dancing, as devotees unite in kirtan, collectively chanting the Maha Mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. HH Radhanath Swami closes with blessings for all, urging devotees to remember and spread the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through the simple yet profound act of chanting Krishna’s Holy Names.

[talonabraxas]

Hare Krishna ॐ Talon Abraxas

The Hare Krishna mantra is a chant meant for enhancing consciousness to the greatest possible degree. Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra can give peace, happiness, God realization, freedom from repeated birth and death, and total self-fulfillment. Also known as the maha-mantra—great chant—it consists of three Sanskrit names of the Supreme Being; "Hare," "Krishna," and "Rama."

The mantra is most commonly translated as, "O Lord, O Energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your service." It was popularized in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and spread worldwide in the late twentieth century by Srila Prabhupada and his followers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

[krishnaart]

♥ Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ♥

“May the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of Lord Sri Chaitanya bestow His causeless mercy upon us. His smiling glance at once drives away all the bereavements of the world, and His very words enliven the auspicious creepers of devotion by expanding their leaves. Taking shelter of His lotus feet invokes transcendental love of God at once.”~Chaitanya Charitamrita

[fopeez]

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Apostle of Divine Love and Bhakti

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) is revered as one of the most important saints in the history of Hinduism. His life and teachings gave rise to the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna. Recognized as an incarnation of Krishna, Chaitanya’s message of unconditional love, humility, and the power of chanting God’s name transformed the spiritual landscape of India and inspired millions of followers, making him a central figure in the Bhakti movement.

Birth and Early Life

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born as Vishvambhara Mishra on February 18, 1486, in the holy town of Navadvipa (in present-day West Bengal). His father, Jagannath Mishra, and mother, Sachi Devi, were devout Brahmins. From an early age, Chaitanya displayed extraordinary intelligence and a deep spiritual inclination.

In his youth, he was affectionately called Nimai due to his birth near a neem tree, and as he grew older, he became known as Nimai Pandit for his scholarly expertise. However, Nimai’s true transformation came in his early twenties, when he experienced profound spiritual awakening after a pilgrimage to Gaya. This experience marked the beginning of his deep devotion to Krishna.

Buy Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Books Visit Here

Renunciation and the Path of Bhakti

At the age of 24, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu renounced his family life and took sannyasa (vows of renunciation). He adopted the name Krishna Chaitanya and dedicated himself entirely to spreading the message of bhakti—pure, unconditional devotion to God. Unlike traditional religious paths that emphasized knowledge (jnana) or ritualistic worship (karma), Chaitanya’s path was simple and accessible to all. He taught that chanting the holy names of Krishna was the most effective way to attain liberation in the present age (Kali Yuga).

His movement was based on the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Chaitanya believed that through this chanting, anyone could experience the presence of God and achieve spiritual bliss. His followers spread this practice throughout India, particularly in Bengal, Odisha, and the holy land of Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, and where many of his divine pastimes took place.

The Doctrine of Achintya Bheda Abheda

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophical contribution is the doctrine of Achintya Bheda Abheda, which means “inconceivable simultaneous oneness and difference.” This philosophy teaches that while the soul and God are one in essence, they are also eternally distinct. It provides a balanced view between pure monism (Advaita Vedanta) and strict dualism (Dvaita Vedanta), recognizing the eternal bond between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Lord (Krishna), while also preserving their individuality.

This unique philosophy forms the foundation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and emphasizes that devotion to Krishna, coupled with an understanding of the soul’s relationship with Him, leads to liberation. Chaitanya’s teachings, therefore, did not require esoteric knowledge or complex rituals, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of caste, gender, or background.

The Spread of Devotion

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu traveled extensively throughout India, from Bengal to Puri, from Vrindavan to South India. His travels were marked by his tireless efforts to spread the message of Harinama Sankirtana—the congregational chanting of God’s holy names. Thousands of people were drawn to his ecstatic devotion, humility, and divine love. His influence was not limited to any particular group; his followers came from all walks of life, including scholars, kings, and ordinary villagers.

One of his most important contributions was reviving the sacred sites associated with Krishna in Vrindavan. He inspired his disciples, known as the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, to document his teachings, compose devotional texts, and establish temples dedicated to Krishna. These efforts laid the foundation for the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which continues to flourish today.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s legacy endures in the hearts of millions of devotees across the world. His teachings continue to inspire Vaishnavas, who follow his path of loving devotion to Krishna. The devotional literature produced by his followers, such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita by Krishna Das Kaviraj and the Chaitanya Bhagavata by Vrindavana Dasa Thakura, provide a detailed account of his life, teachings, and miracles. These texts are revered by devotees and serve as spiritual guides for those seeking to understand Chaitanya’s message.

In the modern era, his teachings have been spread globally through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. ISKCON, popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, has carried Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s message of chanting the holy names to people worldwide, fulfilling his vision of global spiritual awakening.

Conclusion

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s life is a testament to the transformative power of divine love. Through his teachings, he showed that the path to God is simple and accessible to all, requiring only sincere devotion and the constant remembrance of the Lord’s holy names. His philosophy of Achintya Bheda Abheda bridges the gap between unity and diversity, offering a profound understanding of the relationship between the individual soul and God. Chaitanya’s movement has transcended time and geography, continuing to inspire and uplift countless souls on their spiritual journey toward Krishna.