Friday, November 21, 2008

Prem Sudha Dhara: Rajeshwariji

(Page 93)

The Swing is Symbolic of The Love Play Between Radha & Krishna

Sri Hari

Sri Vrindavan Dham

12th August 1977

Dear Rajeshwari,


With love, Jai Sri Hari.


I received your letter woken from a deep slumber somewhat like King Muchukunda, rubbing his eyes. But Rajeshwari, when emperor Muchukunda awakened after years of deep sleep what he sighted was reduced to ashes initially. But soon after the glimpse of dark-hued Lord Krishna, ineffably attractive, resplendent in front got rid of his trance, fatigue and anxiety as if they had never existed.


Well, I got the letter and your loving concern reduced my illness to ashes as mentioned in the incidence above. Just pray that the next episode materializes and during the dark cloudy days of the rainy season; spirited youthful Krishna totally absorbs us in his loving tenderness. If our ardour is sufficient and understanding complete, the perennial quest of mankind for a divine and transcendental love can bear fruition by centering our devotion upon the handsome god. Rajeshwari, Lord Krishna, seen as the object of longing and of a love expressed in the cry of the enraptured soul for god, is attainable only by his grace.


Earlier you used to sing a jhoola pada (verse), Saghan Van Jhule Dau Sukumar. The supreme lover and his beloved swing in the dense kunjas and nikunjas (bowers) of the Braj forest even today; rocking each other as they hum melodies. But why has the pada been abandoned by you? You plan to sing it on teej (a festival held on the third day of a lunar fortnight, especially in the month of Savan) or dooj (second day of a lunar fortnight), which you haven't yet. Swinging never lets one forget but delights with joyous abandon. So you have God's compassion, but do not overlook this reality. Casting off work and worldly cares, move in a delicious anguish to his side as the Lord swings with sensual merriment.


I will write down a pada which you must memorize and sing. Listen:

Jhoolat sanvre sang gori.

Amit roop gun sahaj madhuri,shobha sindhu jhakori.

Ut sir mor mukut ki latkan it bendi chavi rori.

Kundal lol kapolan jhalkat ithi bani kach dori.

Nakbesar mukta ki jhain,chonp pari duhon auri.

'Rasik preetam' vallabh kataksh chavi haav bhaav chitchori.


Such a moving account of their beauteous forms. Ethereal, fair-complexioned and dark-hued Sri Radha-Krishna, repositories of sweetness, swing with thrusts of ecstasy and a terrifying rush of love. The diadem of peacock feathers fluttering on his head with ornate extensions swaying alongside the flying tresses...the dot of roli (red powder made from turmeric and lime used to make decorative marks on the forehead), flashes, glittering on her radiant forehead. The bright red bindi sparkles in different tones as they swing speedily with gleaming golden kundals (large earrings worn by Krishna) accentuating his soft cheeks.


And neatly gathering her scattered loose locks, the golden string entices us with its splendid glitter; the pearl adorning her nose ring exudes a magical inspiration. Competing with each other, Sri Radha-Krishna enrapture us with their winsome manners, flirtatious glances, loving coquetry and heart-stealing manoeuvres. Such a sweet outward expression of the love-play between Sri Radha-Krishna is this swing; a splendid metaphor for union between the Divine (Krishna) and the individuated soul (Radha). I wish our minds, hearts and eyes constantly steeped in this lovable portrayal are enchanted forever.


Okay then, Jai Sri Hari.


Yours Bobo.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Prem Sudha Dhara: Triptaji

(page 85)

The Romantic Dalliance of Sri Radha-Krishna in Vrindavan

Sri Hari

Sri Vrindavan Dhaam

3rd December 1967

Dear Tripta,


With love, Jai Sri Hari!


Tripta,the metaphorical search of the impassioned soul for union with the god is centered within earthly Vrindavana, its charming forests, picturesque nikunjas and down to the streams. As we enter upon our quest for Krishna the delights of Paradise are reflected as if by a cosmic mirror onto the plains. It is here that we find the spirited antics, fresh amorous frolics and charming romantic dalliances of the irresistably attractive Brajraj Sunder and his enchanting beloved, Kishori Radhika, resonating in the ethereal forests and groves.


The epitome of perfect beauty, Sri Radha is the paradigm of the seeker for ultimate reality.The play of Sri Radha-Krishna as they move into the mazes and mysteries of love does not pause at any time of all seasons in this celestial land. The terrifying rush of love enchanting us in the earthly streams and fields represents merely a mirrored illusion, a temporal reflection of the eternal Vrindavana where the god forever dwells.


Shri Bilavmangal Maharaj states that the supreme lover Krishna, dallies incessantly with the gopis, representing his hungering devotees. Seen as the object of longing with an attractiveness which is as mysterious as it is compelling, love-struck devotees would cast off their work and all their worldly cares,moving in a delicious anguish to Krishna's side on sensing his approach. Even the knowledge that the object of their desire was as capricious as the inconstant bee did not restrain the cowherdesses who were passionately drawn. He could be counted on to alight upon flower after flower, to savour its sweetness, intoxicated by sweetness itself.


Krishna, their elusive paramour, teasing sakhis and at times involved in an intimate passionate frolic with some beauty in a nikunja or bower, is celebrated as the quintessential romantic hero. Steadfast and fickle at the same time; he empties the filled water jar of one sakhi and loads the empty one of another. Giving sidelong glances, he glides ahead with the rhythm of his supple limbs, putting a fawn to shame. Enchanting all in the process, Krishna encompasses the masculine power of the cosmos arrayed in fresh passionate dalliances.


Once Sri Radha-Krishna were engrossed in an intoxicating playful dalliance in such a nikunja...For how long?...Who knows? The two celebrated and realized their love-play to lofty aesthetic heights, sparing no pleasurable effort, loving overtures and fresh nuances. Impassioned Krishna, delighting in its cascading sweetness; 'Vatim madhur-shamit madhur' or succeeding episodes of the pathos of longing and joy of belonging. (Revered Sakhaji has given a beautiful portrayal; confirming that the interdependence of separation and union is the distinguishing attribute of Shri Radha-Krishna's love play.)


Breaking out of their reverie, Sri Radha-Krishna smiled and proceeded to their respective dwellings. Meanwhile some sakhis had found out about this romantic escapade and saw the impassioned pair strolling along. They hid themselves momentarily and later confronted Sri Radha still enraptured by the amorous frolic. Entering the bhavan, Sri Radha had a bath and got dressed. After the entire exercise her mind was still hovering around the delightful incidence.


The loving tenderness of Sri Krishna, sensual but not lustful was embedded in her eyes. His ardent longing, humble entreaties and winsome manners assuring her that not only is there truth in love but that love is truth. She stood in front of a mirror probably to comb her hair but was immersed in the joyous abandon of that special moment once again. Soon after, becoming conscious she smiled. Precisely then the spirited herd of sakhis arrived.

One of them teased,"Admiring yourself in the mirror you are amused! I very well know, you are thrilled on beholding the enchanting form of your supreme lover in your attractive eyes. Reflecting intensely at his madhurya or sweetness delights you; while I am joyous on sighting your charming demeanour and excitingly frenzied state. Kishori, you are not in your senses at the moment! I am well aware of your condition. Just imagine we have caught you red-handed and now you can not conceal anything from us! Absorbed as you are in this fascinating infatuation, we will not pass any comment."

Okay then, Jai Sri Hari.


With Love,

Yours Bobo.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Prem Sudha Dhara: Omiji

(Page 83)

Chanting His Name Pleases Lord Krishna

Sri Hari

JangalKatti Sri Vrindavan Dhaam

8th May 1960

Dear Omi,


With love, Jai Sri Hari.


You stopped me a thousand times from writing but I simply did not abide by your wishes and reverted back. So what is the news at your end? Hopefully you are not on a hunger strike as of now. My attention is repeatedly drawn towards you. May the Lord enable you to patiently bear these adverse circumstances with good sense prevailing. Bhaiya, at times I am deeply concerned for all of you which you can not fathom! But helpless, I have no choice.


Karam kathin kuch dosh na moho!


All this is inevitable and thus God lets it occur. Undoubtedly actions ordained by him are perfectly auspicious and everyone's salvation is underpinned in this implicit belief. I am fond of you and therefore take a tough stand.


Revered mamaji dropped in today. He affirmed that there is nothing greater to chanting the Lord's name. The metaphorical search of the impassioned soul for union with God is centred within that region in the heart, where God is ultimately found. By smarana or a concentrated internal practice of God's name the devotee is given the supreme fruition of reading scriptures, doing satsang (songs of a devotional nature) and all other virtuous acts. Truly Omi, reciting his name is immensely comforting. Shunning other thoughts, concentratedly focus on the Lord's name. In case this is not feasible ask the divine and saintly to impart its essence to you.


Crossing the threshold of awareness, urge one another into complete absorption in the joy of Krishna that does not require his human presence. Ardently call out to him; Krishna exists intensely in our hearts when we sing his praise and dwells in our longing for him. Endorsing this Vaishnava doctrine, mamaji related a devotee's experience. You must listen to the tale.


Once a devotee was passing by Nandgaon when he came across a friendly ghost who was virtuous. The spirit revealed that Shyam Sunder comes to graze cows in the deserted forest nearby and to have his darshan. Now the bhakta was intensely desirous to sight the Divine Incarnate. Hearing this revelation who would not move in delicious anguish for a glimpse of the Lord? The devotee went to the forest and frantically peeped in the bushes as if God was hidden within. Several days passed by but Shyam Sunder was nowhere to be found.


Deeply dejected, he became weak with the passage of time. One day the devotee's condition deteriorated considerably. Meanwhile, a lad about ten-eleven years old, clad in tattered old clothes came to him and asked,"Baba, why do you weep, making yourself miserable. Are you certain to sight God by starving? He is whimsical and can not be attained by being stubborn. Only when he wants, he can be contacted. Listen to me and eat this khichdi ( a dish of rice and pulse boiled together with ghee and spices); constantly chanting the Lord's name which inevitably pleases him".


The lad's voice was ethereal and the feeble devotee listening to his advice, ate the khichdi. But the lad vanished as soon as he ate. Soon after, it dawned upon the bhakta that it was the Supreme Being himself whom he had failed to identify. He had descended to reveal the glory of the Lord's name and its underlying loving tenderness.


Ever since, the devotee did japa religiously (reciting incantations). Later on, how God delighted his devotee by interacting with an all-consuming intimacy who knows! The Lord endorses the japa of his name even on giving darshan. Hence brother, the glory of the Lord's name is eternal. Taking refuge in it invariably frees one of all sorrows.


With Love,

Yours Bobo.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Prem Sudha Dhara: Malkaji

(Page 80)

Shri Radha-Krishna Swinging to the Melodious Malhar

Sri Hari

Sri Vrindavan Dham

21st July 1978

Dear Malka,


With love, Jai Sri Hari.


You must be astonished to receive my inland letter following you right away. Yesterday you were late for sweet Lord Krishna's divine play which then could not be attained. Obviously it must be distressing. This delicious anguish is imperative for singing the Lord's glories. You were motivated to write about Lord Krishna's playful frolic because of his innate compassion which blesses us any time. Constantly longing for the Supreme Being's lovable divine play, let us be intensely desirous on the spiritual plane.


How can Lord Krishna not give in to freedom, spontaneity and intense passion in such pleasant weather? Restless, he was hungry for Sri Radha, his blissful energy or hladini shakti. It is said that she controls Krishna with her love and perfect spiritual life is unattainable without her grace. Sri Radha-Krishna stepped out of their respective bhavans with surges of ardent desire. Guess what! They had journeyed a short distance when rain lashed down. Attractive Krishna, (supreme purusha) evocatively dressed, fastened his pace and stood beneath a dense kadamba tree in the hilly forest.


Priyaji had just left her house. She was in a dilemma; whether to return back home or proceed. The focused mind triumphed over bodily helplessness and she walked ahead speedily. The pouring rain seemed to emulate her speed. Soon after, she slowed down not knowing how to go further. Fatigue and anguish apparent on her face. She also stopped beneath a dense tree. No sakhi accompanied her and she had no inkling of Priyatam's whereabouts today. Her big eyes roved around frantically...Krishna could be coming this way. The fury of the downpour reduced a bit for the wait to bear fruition.


Lightning seemed to have struck youthful Krishna standing beneath the kadamba tree. The forlorn image of bewildered Sri Radha waiting for him, flashed forth. He left hurriedly and reached the forest path where Priyaji stood exquisitely desirous for her beloved in this charming weather. Her dejected heart throbbed longingly again and awareness arose in her pining self but she was in no condition to run herself. Before long, Lord Krishna reached her side and held Sri Radha,(Prakriti) the supreme symbol of his passionate love. Ah, the ecstatic moment of their joyful union! Both stood still silently for some time.


The frenzied passion of this unexpected tryst; though Sri Radha-Krishna's romantic dalliance is a daily affair it showers joyous abandon each time round. The rain slowed a bit and now vigilant, the duo headed towards some nikunja nearby for shelter. Such an ethereal sight! Holding hands and exchanging loving glances Sri Radha-Krishna walked ahead. A faintly gentle smile spread across their lips.


They stumble over and over again as mazes of love cloud their shapely eyes but recovering fast they stride ahead. Peals of laughter ring forth and are soon intimidated like a scared doe in their red-hued lips. The rain stopped but gathering dense clouds tugged at the waves of enthused exultation. Soon after they came to the courtyard of the nikunja hut with drenched clothes, dripping bodies and their minds and hearts steeped in love. A brilliantly moving sight.


The group of sakhis were restless.(The sakhis' sole concern is to see Sri Radha-Krishna united and joyous in love and to this end she not only carries messages but comforts and even admonishes them.) All of a sudden eagerly desirous, they came upon the same forest where Priya-Priyatam stood embracing and fondly adulating each other with love-talk. Glimpsing them from a distance, the lot was enchanted by their ineffable beauty and stood stupefied for a few seconds.


Dou jan lagat hain ati neeke

Bheeje ang-ang laptane ambar rang suhi ke

Gar bahiyan diye bhare umangni aangan kunj kuti ke

Sri HariPriya kahan laun barnon jo gun pyari piya ke


Sakhi, hey Sakhi! Sri Radha-Krishna look so adorable; picture-perfect, with fragrant limbs, loving tenderness and serene sensuality. Draped in dark green garments their enchanting beauty is unprecedented. Who can possibly describe their cosmic splendour, trove of virtues and amorous play as they stand embracing each other in the nikunja kuti?


There is no greater symbol to denote the longing of the soul in its quest for the divine than the longing of Sri Radha for her lover.The group surged ahead in delicious anguish to his side; merrily delighting in passionate love talk for a while. Soon after the sakhis arranged for a swing; the environs resonated with the rocking glorious swing and songs of malhar (name of a ragini sung in the rains). Melodies of the love-laden songs splashed around, captivating all. Who can possibly narrate the celebration of their ecstatic delight?


With Love,

Yours Bobo.