Sunday, October 16, 2011
Author Nimbarka / Link
- Dasasloki (Vedanta-kama-dhenu) · Author: Nimbarka · Language: Sanskrit
- Mantra-rahasya-sodasi Author: Nimbarka · Language: Sanskrit
- Pratah-smarana-stotram Author: Nimbarka · Language: Sanskrit
- Radhastakam Author: Nimbarka · Language: Sanskrit
- Vedanta-parijata-saurabha ((Vedanta-sutra-bhashya)) · Author: Nimbarka · Language: Sanskrit
http://www.granthamandira.com/index.php?show=search&author=%22Nimbarka%22
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Kumaras tell Bhagavatham to Narada
It is found in the Padma Purana that Narada Muni (heavenly sage) once desired to know how many auspicious activities people on earth perform, so he proceeded towards earth to find out. When searching he did not find any place where people were engaged in heartfelt devotional service, but saw that everyone was engaged in sense gratification. Almost everyone was hankering for obtaining objects for sense gratification and practically everyone had given up the path for self realization. As confirmed in the Padma Purana:
napasyat kutracic charma manah santosa karakam
kalina dharma mitrena dhareyam badhita dhuna
"Narada Muni did not see any peace or lasting happiness anywhere. Rather he saw Kaliyuga, with the help of Adharma (Irreligion personified), having everyone under his control. Everyone is under Kaliyuga's grip. Seeing this situation, Naradaji became very morose."
For want of seeing devotees of Lord Krsna, Narada Muni also traveled to places of pilgrimage, but he could not find any real devotees of the Lord. At last he reached Vrindaban where he saw Bhaktidevi, (the personification of devotional service) despondent. Her misery was due to the sins of everyone on earth. Her two sons, Jnana (the personification of knowledge) and Vairajna (the personification of detachment) looked very old and were sitting near her. No one was following the path of transcendental knowledge and detachment, which is why Jnana and Vairajna were languished. Practically no one was interested in following the path of self-realization. Narada saw that everyone was engaged in social life, healthy living, endeavoring for prosperity and that practically no one was focusing on practicing spiritual life to obtain the Lord's blessings. No one seemingly cared about their relationship with the Supreme Lord. Hence Bhaktidevi was despondent.
Following the path of knowledge and detachment from material life make the soul peaceful and happy; and following Bhakti (path of devotion) makes one become very close to the Lord. But due to the influence of the age of Kaliyuga, people have ignored following these three auspicious paths, which is why Narada saw these three auspicious personalities in a miserable condition.
Upon seeing Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi became hopeful thinking a saint has come and will help her in some way. Using welcoming words, Bhaktidevi addressed Narada thus, "O sage, be pleased with me and help me in some way to obtain peace. Please give me a space at your lotus feet. I am at your shelter. Due to the transcendental potency of Vrindaban I am young and healthy, but due to the influence of time my sons have become old."
Narada asked her to introduce herself and she said, "I was born in Dravida (province of Andhra, in Southern India) and was raised in Karnataka (a state in Southern India). Later I reached Maharastra (another state in Southern India) where many saintly persons welcomed me and I begot two sons named Jnana and Vairajna. But when I reached Gujarat (a state in Western India) I became miserable because there I saw people worshipping demigods in the name of devotional service. The influence of such heretics caused me and my sons to become old. I tolerated this condition for a long time and while wandering I reached Vrindaban.
As soon as I touched Vraja land (Vrindaban) I returned to my original youthful state, but my sons remained old. You must be aware that my duty is to move around everywhere, but due to my sons being old my moving has been hampered. For the parent to be elderly and the children to be young is justified, but for the children to be older and the parent to be younger is unheard of. Therefore, O saint, why has such a situation occurred to me? Please tell me so my doubt is removed."
Narada Muni said, "O dear one, the land of Vrindaban is meant for Bhakti and is not meant for Jnana and Vairajna. That is why you are young and your sons are old. Furthermore, you are an associate of Lord Krsna and Vrindaban is the place of Lord Krsna, therefore Vrindaban is your playground. When Lord Krsna left this world you took your birth in the land of Dravida, but Vrindaban is your permanent place, therefore you please stay here. Your sons can go to holy places situated on the banks of Ganges, by whose influence they will also become rejuvenated. In holy places people search for transcendental knowledge, perform austerities and some follow the rules of detachment, hence your sons will receive respect in holy places like the Ganges etc. Jnana and Vairajna have no place in Vrindaban because Vrindaban is solely the place for Bhakti. The Supreme Lord Krsna Himself, before leaving this world, had ordered you that after His departure you should strengthen His devotees, for which you acquiesced His order by bowing your head. Being pleased with your acceptance, the Lord awarded you liberation personified (Muktidevi) as a maidservant to serve you. How surprising it is that Muktidevi, for which great sages hanker to receive, was given to you as a maidservant!" Which means whosoever has adopted Bhakti seriously has liberation on hand. Jnana and Vairajna are Bhakti's sons, therefore wherever their mother is, they reside subtly. Hence complete scriptural knowledge and material detachment is seen in serious devotees, which means that when devotees perform pure devotional service to Lord Krsna, they do not need separate help from Jnana and Vairajna to achieve liberation from this world. To perform Bhakti a devotee requires love for the Lord, and when Bhakti is performed with love, Jnana and Vairajna automatically come to that devotee.
After seeing the pitiful condition of Bhaktidevi, Narada Muni understood that most people have avoided following Bhakti. Thinking this, Narada Muni, while pacifying Bhaktidevi, spoke the following to her:
anya dharman tiraskrtya puraskrtya mahotsavan
tada naham harer daso loke tvam na pravartaye
"If I cannot establish you (Bhaktidevi) above all religious and spiritual practices I should not be called a servant of God. I hereby promise you that I shall make you known to everyone."
After saying this to Bhaktidevi, Narada Muni began pacifying Jnana and Vairajna and at that point an unseen voice came from the sky stating, "O Narada, search for true saints, they will tell you about Jnana and Vairajna." Hearing these words, Narada proceeded in search of saintly people. He came across many saintly persons, but none of them could tell him about how Bhakti, Jnana and Vairajna could become firmly established in one's heart.
At last, in his quest to find real saints, Naradaji reached Badrinath in the Himalayas where he met the four Kumaras (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumaras). When these four Kumaras heard about Narada's search they said, "O Narada, as long as people do not hear Lord Krsna's narrations Bhakti does not get established in their hearts. Without Bhakti no one can obtain real knowledge, nor can they understand the real meaning of true detachment. The only necessary thing to invite Bhakti, Jnana and Vairajna in one's heart is hearing Srimad Bhagavatam. If preaching Krsna's narrations is done the whole world will perform Bhakti; and Jnana and Vairajna will automatically manifest in their hearts. Therefore, O Narada, you must endeavor to preach Krsna's narrations."
Hearing this Narada Muni said, "I cannot perform this endeavor alone, you please speak Krsna Katha (Krsna's narration)." Following this request, the four Kumaras came down to Haridwar to speak Krsna Katha. Including Naradaji, many saints came in hope of listening to the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam which would emanate from the four Kumaras. The leading sages among all gathered were Bhrgu, Vasistha, Bharadvaja, Saradvan, Angira, Vyasa, Chyavana and Gautama. After first glorifying Lord Krsna, the four Kumaras began speaking Srimad Bhagavatam saying:
sada sevya sada sevya srimad bhagavatati katha
yasyah sravana matrena haris cittam samasrayet
"Srimad Bhagavatam must be read and heard at every step because just by hearing or reading it the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna Himself manifests in the heart."
Until Srimad Bhagavatam is heard, the tie to the cycle of rebirth and death is not severed and the illusion trapped in one's mind cannot be cleared. In other words only through Srimad Bhagavatam can liberation from this world be achieved. No other spiritual processes, such as performing fire sacrifices, giving charity, the search for knowledge, going to holy places, performance of austerities, worship of demigods, bathing in the Ganges, or any other spiritual process can sufficiently help one attain spiritual peace. Only through Krsna Katha can one obtain lasting peace.
While the four Kumaras were still speaking, both Jnana and Vairajna became youthful again and together with their mother, Bhaktidevi, began dancing while reciting the names of Lord Sri Krsna. Bhaktidevi then asked Narada Muni where their sitting place is. Witnessing this lady questioning Narada, the listeners of Bhagavatam asked, "Who is this female?" To this Narada Muni replied, "She is the result of listening to Krsna's narration with firm faith. This female is the wife of Lord Krsna and her name is Bhaktidevi. The two boys are her sons, named Jnana and Vairajna. These three personalities reward liberation to Srimad Bhagavatam listeners." After answering the listeners questions, Narada Muni turned to Bhaktidevi and her sons and said, "Your appropriate sitting place is in the heart of Srimad Bhagavatam listeners. Please be seated in the hearts of the listeners." Thus, following Narada Muni's advice, the three of them entered into the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners. When Lord Krsna found that His wife was sitting in the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners, He left His spiritual abode and manifested inside the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners as well, thus illustrating that wherever unalloyed Bhakti is being performed, Lord Krsna is surely found there.
napasyat kutracic charma manah santosa karakam
kalina dharma mitrena dhareyam badhita dhuna
"Narada Muni did not see any peace or lasting happiness anywhere. Rather he saw Kaliyuga, with the help of Adharma (Irreligion personified), having everyone under his control. Everyone is under Kaliyuga's grip. Seeing this situation, Naradaji became very morose."
For want of seeing devotees of Lord Krsna, Narada Muni also traveled to places of pilgrimage, but he could not find any real devotees of the Lord. At last he reached Vrindaban where he saw Bhaktidevi, (the personification of devotional service) despondent. Her misery was due to the sins of everyone on earth. Her two sons, Jnana (the personification of knowledge) and Vairajna (the personification of detachment) looked very old and were sitting near her. No one was following the path of transcendental knowledge and detachment, which is why Jnana and Vairajna were languished. Practically no one was interested in following the path of self-realization. Narada saw that everyone was engaged in social life, healthy living, endeavoring for prosperity and that practically no one was focusing on practicing spiritual life to obtain the Lord's blessings. No one seemingly cared about their relationship with the Supreme Lord. Hence Bhaktidevi was despondent.
Following the path of knowledge and detachment from material life make the soul peaceful and happy; and following Bhakti (path of devotion) makes one become very close to the Lord. But due to the influence of the age of Kaliyuga, people have ignored following these three auspicious paths, which is why Narada saw these three auspicious personalities in a miserable condition.
Upon seeing Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi became hopeful thinking a saint has come and will help her in some way. Using welcoming words, Bhaktidevi addressed Narada thus, "O sage, be pleased with me and help me in some way to obtain peace. Please give me a space at your lotus feet. I am at your shelter. Due to the transcendental potency of Vrindaban I am young and healthy, but due to the influence of time my sons have become old."
Narada asked her to introduce herself and she said, "I was born in Dravida (province of Andhra, in Southern India) and was raised in Karnataka (a state in Southern India). Later I reached Maharastra (another state in Southern India) where many saintly persons welcomed me and I begot two sons named Jnana and Vairajna. But when I reached Gujarat (a state in Western India) I became miserable because there I saw people worshipping demigods in the name of devotional service. The influence of such heretics caused me and my sons to become old. I tolerated this condition for a long time and while wandering I reached Vrindaban.
As soon as I touched Vraja land (Vrindaban) I returned to my original youthful state, but my sons remained old. You must be aware that my duty is to move around everywhere, but due to my sons being old my moving has been hampered. For the parent to be elderly and the children to be young is justified, but for the children to be older and the parent to be younger is unheard of. Therefore, O saint, why has such a situation occurred to me? Please tell me so my doubt is removed."
Narada Muni said, "O dear one, the land of Vrindaban is meant for Bhakti and is not meant for Jnana and Vairajna. That is why you are young and your sons are old. Furthermore, you are an associate of Lord Krsna and Vrindaban is the place of Lord Krsna, therefore Vrindaban is your playground. When Lord Krsna left this world you took your birth in the land of Dravida, but Vrindaban is your permanent place, therefore you please stay here. Your sons can go to holy places situated on the banks of Ganges, by whose influence they will also become rejuvenated. In holy places people search for transcendental knowledge, perform austerities and some follow the rules of detachment, hence your sons will receive respect in holy places like the Ganges etc. Jnana and Vairajna have no place in Vrindaban because Vrindaban is solely the place for Bhakti. The Supreme Lord Krsna Himself, before leaving this world, had ordered you that after His departure you should strengthen His devotees, for which you acquiesced His order by bowing your head. Being pleased with your acceptance, the Lord awarded you liberation personified (Muktidevi) as a maidservant to serve you. How surprising it is that Muktidevi, for which great sages hanker to receive, was given to you as a maidservant!" Which means whosoever has adopted Bhakti seriously has liberation on hand. Jnana and Vairajna are Bhakti's sons, therefore wherever their mother is, they reside subtly. Hence complete scriptural knowledge and material detachment is seen in serious devotees, which means that when devotees perform pure devotional service to Lord Krsna, they do not need separate help from Jnana and Vairajna to achieve liberation from this world. To perform Bhakti a devotee requires love for the Lord, and when Bhakti is performed with love, Jnana and Vairajna automatically come to that devotee.
After seeing the pitiful condition of Bhaktidevi, Narada Muni understood that most people have avoided following Bhakti. Thinking this, Narada Muni, while pacifying Bhaktidevi, spoke the following to her:
anya dharman tiraskrtya puraskrtya mahotsavan
tada naham harer daso loke tvam na pravartaye
"If I cannot establish you (Bhaktidevi) above all religious and spiritual practices I should not be called a servant of God. I hereby promise you that I shall make you known to everyone."
After saying this to Bhaktidevi, Narada Muni began pacifying Jnana and Vairajna and at that point an unseen voice came from the sky stating, "O Narada, search for true saints, they will tell you about Jnana and Vairajna." Hearing these words, Narada proceeded in search of saintly people. He came across many saintly persons, but none of them could tell him about how Bhakti, Jnana and Vairajna could become firmly established in one's heart.
At last, in his quest to find real saints, Naradaji reached Badrinath in the Himalayas where he met the four Kumaras (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumaras). When these four Kumaras heard about Narada's search they said, "O Narada, as long as people do not hear Lord Krsna's narrations Bhakti does not get established in their hearts. Without Bhakti no one can obtain real knowledge, nor can they understand the real meaning of true detachment. The only necessary thing to invite Bhakti, Jnana and Vairajna in one's heart is hearing Srimad Bhagavatam. If preaching Krsna's narrations is done the whole world will perform Bhakti; and Jnana and Vairajna will automatically manifest in their hearts. Therefore, O Narada, you must endeavor to preach Krsna's narrations."
Hearing this Narada Muni said, "I cannot perform this endeavor alone, you please speak Krsna Katha (Krsna's narration)." Following this request, the four Kumaras came down to Haridwar to speak Krsna Katha. Including Naradaji, many saints came in hope of listening to the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam which would emanate from the four Kumaras. The leading sages among all gathered were Bhrgu, Vasistha, Bharadvaja, Saradvan, Angira, Vyasa, Chyavana and Gautama. After first glorifying Lord Krsna, the four Kumaras began speaking Srimad Bhagavatam saying:
sada sevya sada sevya srimad bhagavatati katha
yasyah sravana matrena haris cittam samasrayet
"Srimad Bhagavatam must be read and heard at every step because just by hearing or reading it the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna Himself manifests in the heart."
Until Srimad Bhagavatam is heard, the tie to the cycle of rebirth and death is not severed and the illusion trapped in one's mind cannot be cleared. In other words only through Srimad Bhagavatam can liberation from this world be achieved. No other spiritual processes, such as performing fire sacrifices, giving charity, the search for knowledge, going to holy places, performance of austerities, worship of demigods, bathing in the Ganges, or any other spiritual process can sufficiently help one attain spiritual peace. Only through Krsna Katha can one obtain lasting peace.
While the four Kumaras were still speaking, both Jnana and Vairajna became youthful again and together with their mother, Bhaktidevi, began dancing while reciting the names of Lord Sri Krsna. Bhaktidevi then asked Narada Muni where their sitting place is. Witnessing this lady questioning Narada, the listeners of Bhagavatam asked, "Who is this female?" To this Narada Muni replied, "She is the result of listening to Krsna's narration with firm faith. This female is the wife of Lord Krsna and her name is Bhaktidevi. The two boys are her sons, named Jnana and Vairajna. These three personalities reward liberation to Srimad Bhagavatam listeners." After answering the listeners questions, Narada Muni turned to Bhaktidevi and her sons and said, "Your appropriate sitting place is in the heart of Srimad Bhagavatam listeners. Please be seated in the hearts of the listeners." Thus, following Narada Muni's advice, the three of them entered into the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners. When Lord Krsna found that His wife was sitting in the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners, He left His spiritual abode and manifested inside the hearts of the Bhagavatam listeners as well, thus illustrating that wherever unalloyed Bhakti is being performed, Lord Krsna is surely found there.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Durvasa Muni took 'sannyasa' from Sanaka Kumara
Once a quarrel arose between Brahma and Siva which was so violent the other demigods became afraid, so much so that they ran off, frightened to see Lord Siva seething in rage.
Lord Siva's consort said to Siva: "durvasam bhavati me." "Because of this, it has become impossible for me to live happily with you."
Knowing that it was his anger which had caused this, Lord Siva decided to deposit his anger which had caused so much unhappiness for his consort Parvati into the body of Anasurya, the wife of Atri Muni. From this a child was born out of the same fiery, angry aspect, and was called Durvasa, due to his nature of making life miserable for Lord Siva's consort. (Brahmananda Purana, Chapter 44.)
There are many incidents in the Puranas and Mahabharat involving the anger of Durvasa some are with Ambarisha Maharaja, Kunti and Indra, to name a few. Even though Durvasa had this fiery nature, still he had his part to play.
He is also in the 'guru parampara' that the Madhwa line lists, and he lived his life very austerely, travelling the three worlds as a sannyasi. Everywhere that he travelled his 10,000 disciples travelled with him, so there was always 10,001.
The following preaching of Durvasa Muni's is the essence of Sripad Madhwacarya's Dwaita philosophy which is transcendentally echoed in the Aitareya Upanishad, Sripad Madhwacarya's favourite Upanishad. Surely Durvasa Muni is a transcendentally unusual person.
This incident is taken from the Gopal Tapani Upanishad: "In his eating habits Durvasa Muni completely fasted from everything except he ate only Durva grass. Once he was asked by Srimati Radharani (Gandharvi): 'How is it that you eat only sacred Durva grass?'
"Durvasa Muni replied:
"Your beloved Krsna is the original creator of the two kinds of bodies. On the tree of the body are two birds. One is an expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is a witness. The other is an enjoyer. They are an enjoyer and a non-enjoyer. The first enjoys and the second is Krsna (Paramatma), the witness in the heart. In Him we do not find material so-called knowledge and ignorance. This ignorance and real knowledge are different. How can Krsna who is full of real knowledge, become a material enjoyer. He who lusts after pleasure is lusty. He who does not lust after pleasures is not lusty. Krsna, Who is free from birth and death, Who is unchanging, Who cannot be cut, Who stays by the Yamuna, Who stays among the surabhi cows, Who stays among the cowherd boys, Who stays in all the Vedas, Who is glorified by all the Vedas, Who has entered all living entities and Who controls all living entities, is Your consort."
"Gandharvi (Sri Radha) said: "Why has the Supreme Personality of Godhead taken birth among us as a cowherd boy? O sage, how do you know this about Krsna? What is His mantra? What is His abode? Why has He taken birth in Devaki's womb. Who is His elder brother Balarama? How is He worshipped? Why has the Supreme Personality of Godhead Who is far above this world of matter descended to this earth?" etc, etc.
"Durvasa said: "In the beginning only Lord Narayana existed. In Him the material worlds are woven as thread on a loom. From His lotus navel the demigod Brahma was born. When Brahma performed severe austerities, Lord Narayana granted him a boon. Brahma chose a question. Lord Narayana granted his request. Brahma asked about incarnations and why Krsna, Govinda was best. Lord Narayana then describes His creation and His holy dhamas, etc."(Gopal Tapani Upanishad)
There is more but to include it here would make this chapter even more lengthy. One should read Gopal Tapani Upanishad for the complete reply of Durvasa but here we can at least see that he was of our parampara's conclusion. Srimati Radharani received a boon from Durvasa Muni that whatever she cooked would be better than nectar. (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 2:6:116.).
The full story of Durvasa Muni's blessing Srimati Radharani is told in a wonderful book by H.H. Narayana Maharaja entitled "Sri Vraja Mandala Parikrama." The incident happened at Jawat.
Some Gaudiya Vaisnavas do not accept that the incident with Srimati Radharani was with the same Durvasa, they see all the arguments and anger he displayed in other situations, consequently and unfortunately they do not see where he fits in, always and only stressing his angry attributes.
In "Sri Vrndavana Dhama Ki Jaya" the author also substantiates that the Durvasa Muni who is the plenary incarnation of Lord Siva is the same who met with Srimati Radharani (Gandhavika). He also states that Durvasa used to perform austerities on the bank of the Yamuna opposite the Visrama Ghat.(Dhruva Maharaja dasa. 1988., page 2.).
Sripad Durvasas is one of the much miss understood characters of the Vedic literary library. There are many examples of how Durvasas was used by the Lord to emphasise a particular attribute of this unlimitedly faceted philosophy. We see the same situation arising with Sri Narad Muni also, sometimes he is seen as a trouble maker, and sometimes as spiritual master of the universe. This is the difference between a pure soul and one who is very much self interested, for one who has his own prestige, or cool in mind, to be seen as rude or offencive harms one's profile, and so is not paletable for the false ego. However for the great sage Durvasa Muni he simply did as he was requested to do, so sometimes he is famous, and sometimes infamous, he didn't mind being used as an example by the Lord, so long that points could be made.
Practically there are unlimited stories - the pastimes of Durvasa Muni and his being made an example, and little tests of tolerance and humility that he had to undergo. Even once he came to test Lord Sri Krsna and Rukmini Devi in Dwaraka. This kind of drama can only be performed by one who is very close to the Lord.
Lord Krsna, showing Himself to be the perfect householder, invited the great muni in, sat him down, and washed his feet. However, the unpredictable guest had a plan, and "accidentally on purpose" broke precious and beautiful objects around his palace to see how far Krsna would go with his elevated brahmin guest. "Oh, such a nice vase, oops." Smash! "Oh, such an opulent couch. Rip! Oops, sorry." Like that, then he made many demands for food, I want this and that like this with that, and Rukmini Devi personally served their respected guest. Finally Durvasa called for some payasam, sweet pudding, but when it arrived he said he was now full. Still Krsna and Rukmini tolerated everything and continued their mood of treating Durvasa as a welcomed guest. Durvasa then said to Krsna, "Here You take this, and instead of me eating it, You take this 'payasam' and smear it all over Your body, everywhere. Now do the same to Rukmini, starting with the face." Krsna did like this in all humility. Now Durvasa said, "Give me one chariot." The chariot came. "Now give me Your beautiful wife Rukmini." Lord Krsna ascended another chariot and came up close behind Durvasa. Durvasa stopped his chariot and enquired as to what Krsna was doing there, following him. Krsna, still not wanting to offend his guest said, "I was just accompanying you to see if you needed any assistance." Durvasa Muni then relented saying, "You, Krsna and Rukmini, are the perfect householders. I give you all benedictions. Rukmini, you will always be known as the principal Queen of Krsna. I offer my respectful obeisances unto you both."
There is a similar story, "Sometimes the gopis would go to the great sage Durvasa Muni and ask for his blessings to always have the association of Lord Krsna. On one such journey to reach his ashram, the 'gopis' approached Yamuna devi, and on the banks of her pure flowing waters, they addressed her, "On the strength of Krsna being a strict 'brahmacari', kindly allow us to cross." Upon hearing their words, Yamuna parted her waters and allowed the 'gopis' to cross. Upon reaching Durvasa Muni's 'ashram', the 'gopis' presented him with all the sumptuous foodstuffs they had brought with them after offering due respects. Durvasa was very pleased with them and blessed them all, but especially he gave his special blessings to Srimati Radharani, saying that whatever she would cook would taste just like nectar. Not only that, but anyone who had the great good fortune of tasting that cooking would achieve a long and healthy life, free from all disease. To again gain Yamuna Devi's mercy to cross her wide waters, Durvasa Muni advised the 'gopis' to tell Yamuna devi that as true as Krsna is a 'brahmacari', Durvasa is always fasting, living only on sacred Durva grass, and thus on the strength of this she will give all the 'gopis' safe passage again. On Radharani's return from Durvasa Muni's 'ashram' with all the other 'gopis', Mother Yasoda (Krsna's mother) invited Radharani to come and cook for Krsna daily, hearing of the boon she had received there from Durvasa."(Padmalocana Prabhu, 1985. "Yamuna the Personification of Prema Bhakti", Page 20.).
What an example, what devotion, that he would go along with the Lord's plan even if his life was threatened, and his reputation destroyed.
Due to the incident mentioned earlier, with Ambarish Maharaj, Durvasa has practically become infamous throughout the Vedic literatures as the fiery mendicant, who cursed many and also gave many boons.
But above all things, he was a great Vaisnava follower of the Lord. Because of his ill rupute in the Gaudiya line he is not included. Although tracing back some of the firey mendicants life it is interesting to see that Durvasa Muni took 'sannyasa' from Sanaka Kumara and received many transcendental instructions from him. These same four Kumaras are considered the originators of 'sannyasa' in the Madhwa line, though they themselves are the heads of another Sampradaya named the Kumara or Sanaka Adi Sampradaya which later became known as the Nimbarka Sampradaya. Nimbarka was a Vaisnavacarya in the line of Sanaka Kumara. Actually all the Vaisnava Sampradayas are directly the family of the Lord, His descendants, and as stressed before, and which cannot be stressed enough, one can only approach Krsna through the 'guru'. 'Guru' means 'guru parampara'.
Lord Siva's consort said to Siva: "durvasam bhavati me." "Because of this, it has become impossible for me to live happily with you."
Knowing that it was his anger which had caused this, Lord Siva decided to deposit his anger which had caused so much unhappiness for his consort Parvati into the body of Anasurya, the wife of Atri Muni. From this a child was born out of the same fiery, angry aspect, and was called Durvasa, due to his nature of making life miserable for Lord Siva's consort. (Brahmananda Purana, Chapter 44.)
There are many incidents in the Puranas and Mahabharat involving the anger of Durvasa some are with Ambarisha Maharaja, Kunti and Indra, to name a few. Even though Durvasa had this fiery nature, still he had his part to play.
He is also in the 'guru parampara' that the Madhwa line lists, and he lived his life very austerely, travelling the three worlds as a sannyasi. Everywhere that he travelled his 10,000 disciples travelled with him, so there was always 10,001.
The following preaching of Durvasa Muni's is the essence of Sripad Madhwacarya's Dwaita philosophy which is transcendentally echoed in the Aitareya Upanishad, Sripad Madhwacarya's favourite Upanishad. Surely Durvasa Muni is a transcendentally unusual person.
This incident is taken from the Gopal Tapani Upanishad: "In his eating habits Durvasa Muni completely fasted from everything except he ate only Durva grass. Once he was asked by Srimati Radharani (Gandharvi): 'How is it that you eat only sacred Durva grass?'
"Durvasa Muni replied:
- As sound is contained in the element of ether, and although sound and ether are different, this ether does not know I am spirit; How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
- Touch is contained within the element of air, although touch and air are different. Touch is contained within the air. This air does not know I am spirit. How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
- Form is contained within the element of fire. Although form and fire are different, form is contained in fire. This fire does not know I am spirit. How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
- Taste is contained within the element of water, although taste and water are different. Taste is contained within water. This water does not know I am spirit. How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
- Aroma is contained within the element of earth, although aroma and earth are different. Aroma is contained within earth. This earth does not know I am spirit. How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
- It is the mind that remains among the senses and accepts them. When spirit is everything, how does one think? Where does one go?
- I am spirit. How can I be a materialistic sense enjoyer?
"Your beloved Krsna is the original creator of the two kinds of bodies. On the tree of the body are two birds. One is an expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is a witness. The other is an enjoyer. They are an enjoyer and a non-enjoyer. The first enjoys and the second is Krsna (Paramatma), the witness in the heart. In Him we do not find material so-called knowledge and ignorance. This ignorance and real knowledge are different. How can Krsna who is full of real knowledge, become a material enjoyer. He who lusts after pleasure is lusty. He who does not lust after pleasures is not lusty. Krsna, Who is free from birth and death, Who is unchanging, Who cannot be cut, Who stays by the Yamuna, Who stays among the surabhi cows, Who stays among the cowherd boys, Who stays in all the Vedas, Who is glorified by all the Vedas, Who has entered all living entities and Who controls all living entities, is Your consort."
"Gandharvi (Sri Radha) said: "Why has the Supreme Personality of Godhead taken birth among us as a cowherd boy? O sage, how do you know this about Krsna? What is His mantra? What is His abode? Why has He taken birth in Devaki's womb. Who is His elder brother Balarama? How is He worshipped? Why has the Supreme Personality of Godhead Who is far above this world of matter descended to this earth?" etc, etc.
"Durvasa said: "In the beginning only Lord Narayana existed. In Him the material worlds are woven as thread on a loom. From His lotus navel the demigod Brahma was born. When Brahma performed severe austerities, Lord Narayana granted him a boon. Brahma chose a question. Lord Narayana granted his request. Brahma asked about incarnations and why Krsna, Govinda was best. Lord Narayana then describes His creation and His holy dhamas, etc."(Gopal Tapani Upanishad)
There is more but to include it here would make this chapter even more lengthy. One should read Gopal Tapani Upanishad for the complete reply of Durvasa but here we can at least see that he was of our parampara's conclusion. Srimati Radharani received a boon from Durvasa Muni that whatever she cooked would be better than nectar. (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 2:6:116.).
The full story of Durvasa Muni's blessing Srimati Radharani is told in a wonderful book by H.H. Narayana Maharaja entitled "Sri Vraja Mandala Parikrama." The incident happened at Jawat.
Some Gaudiya Vaisnavas do not accept that the incident with Srimati Radharani was with the same Durvasa, they see all the arguments and anger he displayed in other situations, consequently and unfortunately they do not see where he fits in, always and only stressing his angry attributes.
In "Sri Vrndavana Dhama Ki Jaya" the author also substantiates that the Durvasa Muni who is the plenary incarnation of Lord Siva is the same who met with Srimati Radharani (Gandhavika). He also states that Durvasa used to perform austerities on the bank of the Yamuna opposite the Visrama Ghat.(Dhruva Maharaja dasa. 1988., page 2.).
Sripad Durvasas is one of the much miss understood characters of the Vedic literary library. There are many examples of how Durvasas was used by the Lord to emphasise a particular attribute of this unlimitedly faceted philosophy. We see the same situation arising with Sri Narad Muni also, sometimes he is seen as a trouble maker, and sometimes as spiritual master of the universe. This is the difference between a pure soul and one who is very much self interested, for one who has his own prestige, or cool in mind, to be seen as rude or offencive harms one's profile, and so is not paletable for the false ego. However for the great sage Durvasa Muni he simply did as he was requested to do, so sometimes he is famous, and sometimes infamous, he didn't mind being used as an example by the Lord, so long that points could be made.
Practically there are unlimited stories - the pastimes of Durvasa Muni and his being made an example, and little tests of tolerance and humility that he had to undergo. Even once he came to test Lord Sri Krsna and Rukmini Devi in Dwaraka. This kind of drama can only be performed by one who is very close to the Lord.
Lord Krsna, showing Himself to be the perfect householder, invited the great muni in, sat him down, and washed his feet. However, the unpredictable guest had a plan, and "accidentally on purpose" broke precious and beautiful objects around his palace to see how far Krsna would go with his elevated brahmin guest. "Oh, such a nice vase, oops." Smash! "Oh, such an opulent couch. Rip! Oops, sorry." Like that, then he made many demands for food, I want this and that like this with that, and Rukmini Devi personally served their respected guest. Finally Durvasa called for some payasam, sweet pudding, but when it arrived he said he was now full. Still Krsna and Rukmini tolerated everything and continued their mood of treating Durvasa as a welcomed guest. Durvasa then said to Krsna, "Here You take this, and instead of me eating it, You take this 'payasam' and smear it all over Your body, everywhere. Now do the same to Rukmini, starting with the face." Krsna did like this in all humility. Now Durvasa said, "Give me one chariot." The chariot came. "Now give me Your beautiful wife Rukmini." Lord Krsna ascended another chariot and came up close behind Durvasa. Durvasa stopped his chariot and enquired as to what Krsna was doing there, following him. Krsna, still not wanting to offend his guest said, "I was just accompanying you to see if you needed any assistance." Durvasa Muni then relented saying, "You, Krsna and Rukmini, are the perfect householders. I give you all benedictions. Rukmini, you will always be known as the principal Queen of Krsna. I offer my respectful obeisances unto you both."
There is a similar story, "Sometimes the gopis would go to the great sage Durvasa Muni and ask for his blessings to always have the association of Lord Krsna. On one such journey to reach his ashram, the 'gopis' approached Yamuna devi, and on the banks of her pure flowing waters, they addressed her, "On the strength of Krsna being a strict 'brahmacari', kindly allow us to cross." Upon hearing their words, Yamuna parted her waters and allowed the 'gopis' to cross. Upon reaching Durvasa Muni's 'ashram', the 'gopis' presented him with all the sumptuous foodstuffs they had brought with them after offering due respects. Durvasa was very pleased with them and blessed them all, but especially he gave his special blessings to Srimati Radharani, saying that whatever she would cook would taste just like nectar. Not only that, but anyone who had the great good fortune of tasting that cooking would achieve a long and healthy life, free from all disease. To again gain Yamuna Devi's mercy to cross her wide waters, Durvasa Muni advised the 'gopis' to tell Yamuna devi that as true as Krsna is a 'brahmacari', Durvasa is always fasting, living only on sacred Durva grass, and thus on the strength of this she will give all the 'gopis' safe passage again. On Radharani's return from Durvasa Muni's 'ashram' with all the other 'gopis', Mother Yasoda (Krsna's mother) invited Radharani to come and cook for Krsna daily, hearing of the boon she had received there from Durvasa."(Padmalocana Prabhu, 1985. "Yamuna the Personification of Prema Bhakti", Page 20.).
In the story of Durvasa Muni and Ambarisha Maharaja, Durvasa Muni was chased by the Sudarsana Disc of Lord Visnu after offending the Lord's pure devotee Ambarisha. Throughout the universe Durvasa was chased. He tried, out of fear for his life, to approach various demigods and finally Lord Visnu Himself, but due to the cause being that he had offended the Lord's devotee, everyone told Durvasa that the only one who could help him was the devotee he offended. After this, Durvasa approached Ambarisha Maharaja and begged forgiveness, and only then did the Sudarsana Disc stop following Durvasa Muni.
Due to the incident mentioned earlier, with Ambarish Maharaj, Durvasa has practically become infamous throughout the Vedic literatures as the fiery mendicant, who cursed many and also gave many boons.
But above all things, he was a great Vaisnava follower of the Lord. Because of his ill rupute in the Gaudiya line he is not included. Although tracing back some of the firey mendicants life it is interesting to see that Durvasa Muni took 'sannyasa' from Sanaka Kumara and received many transcendental instructions from him. These same four Kumaras are considered the originators of 'sannyasa' in the Madhwa line, though they themselves are the heads of another Sampradaya named the Kumara or Sanaka Adi Sampradaya which later became known as the Nimbarka Sampradaya. Nimbarka was a Vaisnavacarya in the line of Sanaka Kumara. Actually all the Vaisnava Sampradayas are directly the family of the Lord, His descendants, and as stressed before, and which cannot be stressed enough, one can only approach Krsna through the 'guru'. 'Guru' means 'guru parampara'.
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