20220612 Rāmānanda Rāya Questions Rūpa Gosvāmī About Vidagdha-mādhava, Part 2

The following is a Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Book Compilation given by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja on June 12th, 2022 in Chennai, India.

The compilation of Lord Caitanya book Today's chapter entitled is:

Rāmānanda Rāya Questions Rūpa Gosvāmī About Vidagdha-mādhava, Part 2
Under the section: Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Second Meeting with the Lord

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.137

rāya kahe,—“prarocanādi kaha dekhi, śuni?”
rūpa kahe,—“mahāprabhura śravaṇecchā jāni”

Translation: Rāmānanda Rāya said, “Please recite the prarocanā portion so that I may hear and examine it.”

Śrī Rūpa replied, “I think that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s desire to hear is prarocanā.

Purport: By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupāda! The method of inducing the audience to become more and more eager to hear by praising the time and place, the hero and the audience is called prarocanā. This is the statement regarding prarocanā in the Nāṭaka-candrikā:

deśa-kāla-kathā-vastu-sabhyādīnāṁ praśaṁsayā
śrotṝṇām unmukhī-kāraḥ kathiteyaṁ prarocanā

Similarly, the Sāhitya-darpaṇa (6.286) says:

Any literature presented in Sanskrit must follow the rules and regulations mentioned in the authoritative reference books. The technical inquiries by Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya and the replies of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī indicate that both of them were expert and fully conversant with the techniques of writing drama.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the Sanskrit dramas are dictated by specific rules and regulations and one has to follow all the system. So Rūpa and Rāmānanda Rāya were both expert in this

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.138

vidagdha-mādhave (1/8) sūtradhārera prati pāripārśvikokti—

Translation: “The devotees now present are constantly thinking of the Supreme Lord and are therefore highly advanced. This work named Vidagdha-mādhava depicts the characteristic pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa with decorations of poetic ornaments. And the inner grounds of the forest of Vṛndāvana provide a suitable platform for the dancing of Kṛṣṇa with the gopīs. Therefore I think that the pious activities of persons like us, who have tried to advance in devotional service, have now attained maturity.”

Purport:By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda! This is verse 8 of the first act of the Vidagdha-mādhava.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, some of the phrases offered this would inspire the readers.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.139

vidagdha-mādhave (1/6) pāripārśvikera prati sūtradhārokti—

Translation: “‘O learned devotees, I am by nature ignorant and low, yet even though it is from me that the Vidagdha-mādhava has come, it is filled with descriptions of the transcendental attributes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Haribol! Therefore, will not such a literature bring about the attainment of the highest goal of life? Although its wood may be ignited by a low-class man, fire can nevertheless purify gold. Similarly, although I am very low by nature, this book may help cleanse the dirt from within the hearts of the golden devotees.”

Purport: By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 1.6.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda presents Himself as a very low devotee but he is comparing this literature drama as wood, which he would ignite and which would dissipate the darkness, that’s interesting.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.140

rāya kahe,—“kaha dekhi premotpatti-kāraṇa?
pūrva-rāga, vikāra, ceṣṭā, kāma-likhana?”

Translation: Then Rāmānanda Rāya inquired from Rūpa Gosvāmī about the causes of the loving affairs between Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs, such as previous attachment, transformations of love, endeavors for love, and exchanges of letters disclosing the gopīs’ awakening love for Kṛṣṇa.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Rāmānanda Rāya he started writing into the various points to reveal the inner pastimes in Vṛndāvana.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.141

krame śrī-rūpa-gosāñi sakali kahila
śuni’ prabhura bhakta-gaṇera camatkāra haila

Translation: Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī gradually informed Rāmānanda Rāya about everything he asked. Hearing his explanations, all the devotees of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu were struck with wonder.

Purport:By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupāda! Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has explained kāma-likhana in his book Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi (Vipralambha-prakaraṇa 26):

“Exchanges of letters between a young boy and young girl concerning their awakening of attachment for each other are called kāma-lekha.”

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Rūpa Gosvāmī is replied to each of his inquires of Rāmānanda Rāya All devotees hearing this ecstatic drama were struck with wonder, how Rūpa Gosvāmī has written such an incredible drama on the pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.142

tatra ratyutpattiheturyathāḥ—
vidagdha-mādhave (2/9) lalitā o viśākhāra prati śrī-rādhāra ukti—

Translation: “[Experiencing previous attachment to Kṛṣṇa (pūrva-rāga), Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī thought:] ‘Since I have heard the name of a person called Kṛṣṇa, I have practically lost My good sense. Then, there is another person who plays His flute in such a way that after I hear the vibration, intense madness arises in My heart. And again there is still another person to whom My mind becomes attached when I see His beautiful lightninglike effulgence in His picture. Therefore, I think that I am greatly condemned, for I have become simultaneously attached to three persons. It would be better for Me to die because of this.”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 2.9.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, we understand all the three persons are different aspects of Kṛṣṇa, How is Rādhārānī is discussing with Lalītā and Viśākha is overwhelming.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.143

tatra vikāro yathāḥ— vidagdha-mādhave (2/8) lalitā o viśākhāra prati śrī-rādhāra ukti—

Translation: “My dear friend, these palpitations of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī’s heart are extremely difficult to cure. Even if one applied some medical treatment, it would only end in defamation.”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse (Vidagdha-mādhava 2.8) is spoken by Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the fact of having love for Kṛṣṇa cannot be cured by any medical treatment so this is very interesting.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.144

tatra prākṛta bhāṣāyāṁ kandarpalekho yathāḥ—

vidagdha-mādhave (2/33) kṛṣṇasamīpe madhumaṅgala-kartṛka lalitānīta śrī-rādhikālikhita patra-paṭhana–

Translation: “O dearly beautiful one, the artistic loveliness of Your picture is now impressed within My mind. Since You are now living within My mind, wherever I wish to run because I am agitated by impressions of You, I find that You, O My friend, are blocking My way.” ”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse (Vidagdha-mādhava 2.33) is written in the Prakrit language, not in Sanskrit. When transformed into Sanskrit, it reads as follows:

The meaning is the same, but the native language is different. It was spoken to Kṛṣṇa by Madhumaṅgala as he read Him a letter from Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, Rādhārānī was writing to Kṛṣṇa and Madhumaṅgala is reading that letter to Kṛṣṇa, it reveals the ways of pure love.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.145

tatra ceṣṭā yathāḥ—

Translation: “Upon seeing peacock feathers in front of Her, this girl suddenly begins trembling. When She sometimes sees a necklace of guñjā [small conchshells], She sheds tears and cries loudly. I do not know what kind of new ecstatic influence has entered the heart of this poor girl. It has imbued Her with the dancing attitude of a player creating wonderful, unprecedented dances on a stage.”

Purport: By Srila Prabhupada! This verse (Vidagdha-mādhava 2.15) is spoken by Mukharā, a friend of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s grandmother, in a conversation with Paurṇamāsī, the grandmother of Madhumaṅgala.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, grandmothers sometimes have great intimate talks with grand children but this discussion between Mukhāra and Paurṇamāsī reveal the ecstatic symptoms of Śrīmatī Rādhārānī, that is something which is very special.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.146

tatra vyavasāyo yathā : —
vidagdha-mādhave (2/47) viśākhāra prati śrī-rādhāra ukti—

Translation: “[Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī said to Her constant companion Viśākhā:] ‘ My dear friend, if Kṛṣṇa is unkind to Me, there will be no need for you to cry, for it will not be due to any fault of yours. I shall then have to die, but afterwards please do one thing for Me: to observe My funeral ceremony, place My body with its arms embracing a tamāla tree like creepers so that I may remain forever in Vṛndāvana undisturbed. That is My last request.”

Purport: By Srila Prabhupada! This verse is Vidagdha-mādhava 2.47.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, this expression of Rādhārānī is heart breaking for her devotees and it shows the intense mood of Rādhārānī in relation to Kṛṣṇa.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.147

rāya kahe,—“kaha dekhi bhāvera svabhāva?”
rūpa kahe,—“aiche haya kṛṣṇa-viṣayaka ‘bhāva’”

Translation: Rāmānanda Rāya inquired, “What are the characteristics of emotional love?”

Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “This is the nature of emotional love for Kṛṣṇa:

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.148

vidagdha-mādhave (2/18) nāndīmukhīra prati paurṇamāsīra ukti—

Translation: “My dear beautiful friend, if one develops love of Godhead, love of Kṛṣṇa, the son of Nanda Mahārāja, all the bitter and sweet influences of this love will manifest in one’s heart. Such love of Godhead acts in two ways. The poisonous effects of love of Godhead defeat the severe and fresh poison of the serpent. Yet there is simultaneously transcendental bliss, which pours down and defeats the poisonous effects of a snake, as well as the happiness derived from pouring nectar on one’s head. It is perceived as doubly effective, simultaneously poisonous and nectarean.”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse is from the Vidagdha-mādhava (2.18). It also appears in the Madhya-līlā (chapter two, verse 52). It is spoken by Paurṇamāsī.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, this reveals how love of Kṛṣṇa is transcendental, how devotee feels separation for Kṛṣṇa and also feel the ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. It is something which is not comparable to anything in this material world.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.149

rāya kahe,—“kaha sahaja-premera lakṣaṇa”
rūpa-gosāñi kahe,—“sāhajika prema-dharma”

Translation: Rāmānanda Rāya further inquired, “What are the natural characteristics of awakening love of Godhead?”

Purport: Rūpa Gosvāmī replied, “These are the natural characteristics of love of God:

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.150

vidagdha-mādhave (5/4) madhumaṅgalera prati paurṇamāsīra ukti—

Translation: “When one hears praise from his beloved, he outwardly remains neutral but feels pain within his heart. When he hears his beloved making accusations about him, he takes them to be jokes and enjoys pleasure. When he finds faults in his beloved, they do not diminish his love, nor do the beloved’s good qualities increase his spontaneous affection. Thus spontaneous love continues under all circumstances. That is how spontaneous love of Godhead acts within the heart.”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! This verse from the Vidagdha-mādhava (5.4) is spoken by Paurṇamāsī, the grandmother of Madhumaṅgala and mother of Sāndīpani Muni.

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the analytical study of the characteristics of pure love or spontaneous love and these are something that when a devotee advanced, they touch the hearts. So Rāmānanda Rāya he is asking all these questions to Rūpa Gosvāmī to churn the ocean of nectar.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 1.151

rāgaparīkṣānantaraṁ śrī-kṛṣṇasya paścāttāpo yathāḥ—
vidagdha-mādhave (2/40) madhumaṅgalasamakṣe śrī-kṛṣṇokti—

Translation: “Upon hearing of My cruelty, moon-faced Rādhārāṇī may establish some kind of tolerance in Her aggrieved heart. But then She might turn against Me. Or, indeed, being fearful of the lusty desires invoked by the bow of formidable Cupid, She might even give up Her life. Alas! I have foolishly uprooted the soft creeper of Her desire just when it was ready to bear fruit.”

Purport: By Śrīla Prabhupāda! Having been very cruel to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, Kṛṣṇa is repenting in this way (Vidagdha-mādhava 2.40).

Jayapatākā Swami: So, the emotional aspects of Kṛṣṇa's attachment to Śrīmatī Rādhārānī and His repentance orders some cruel aspects reveals the intricacies of loving affairs between Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

Thus ends the chapter entitled,

Rāmānanda Rāya Questions Rūpa Gosvāmī About Vidagdha-mādhava
Under the section: Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Second Meeting with the Lord