The Mercyof

Lord Chaitanya

(Damodara Class)

Hare Krishna Sitnday SchoolInternational Society for Krishna Consciousness

Founder-acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Name:------

Class: --'--_

The Mercyof

Lord Chaitanya

(Damodara Class)

Compiled by:Sangita devi dasi

Hare Krishna Sunday SchoolSponsored by: ISKCON Foundation

This book is dedicated toHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

who spread Lord Chaitanya 's sankirtana movement around the world.

Lesson

Introduction

Session Verse

Lesson One

Lesson Two

Lesson Three

Lesson Four

Lesson Five

Lesson Six

Table of Contents

-~'. ~---

.~

Page

1

4

5

15

28

39

55

73

Introduction

A BriefHistory:

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, known as the "golden

incarnation".of Lord Krishna, appeared in India over five hundred

years ago. Lord Chaitanya taught that the chanting of the Hare

Krishna mantra was the means for self-realization in this present age

of Kali (quarrel and disturbance). Long ago in other

ages, people had to perform great sacrifices and

austerities to become liberated from the material

world. Out of compassion for the fallen souls,

however, Lord Chaitanya taught that the chanting

of this sixteen word mantra was the means to g<" back to Godhead:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare

Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

What we will learn:

In this session, we will read about many of

the pastimes performed by Lord Chaitanya. These wonderful

activities are written in a series of books called, Sri Caitanya­

caritamrta.

1

The author of these books was Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami

who was born in India in 1507. He was a disciple of Raghunatha

dasa Goswami who was one of the six goswamis and a very dear

follower of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Raghunatha dasa heard

the transcendental pastimes of the Lord and later told them to

Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami.

Although Krsnadasa Kavira]a Goswami was an elderly

gentleman in his nineties, he wrote the Sri Caitanya-

caritamrta so that everyone for all time could hear the

wonderful activities of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Centuries later, Srila Prabhupada translated

this work into English and wrote purports explaining

this important time in our history.

All glories to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

2

~Follow the arrows for better understanding:

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the"golden incarnation" of Lord Krishna,

~

The pastimes of Lord Chaitanya were written inthe diaries of Murari Gupta and

Swarupa Damodara Goswami. Both were intimateassociates of Lord Chaitanya.

~

Swarupa Damodara Goswami told these pastimesto Raghunatha dasa Goswami.

~

Raghunatha dasa Goswami told these pastimes toKrsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami.

~

Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami wrote these pastimesin the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta.

~

Srila Prabhupada translated the Sri Caitanya­caritamrta into English and wrote purports

explaining these pastimes.~

3

Session Verse

paritranaya sadhunamvinasaya ca duskrtam

dharma-samsthapanarthayasambhavami yuge yuge

Translation

In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate themiscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of

religion, I advent Myself millennium after millennium.

(Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapter 4, Text 8)

4

Lesson One

~ ~

Lord Chaitanya and the Brahmana~ ~

o nee, when Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was traveling

through South India, He met a brahmana named Vasudeva. This

brahmana was a saintly person, but was very unfortunate because he

suffered from a disease called leprosy. His body was very deformed

and he had open sores on his skin that were filled with worms. He

was so spiritually advanced, however, that he did not want to

disturb any living being. In fact, when one of the worms would fall

from his body onto the ground, Vasudeva would pick it up and place

it in the same sore on his body.

One night, Vasudeva heard about the arrival of Lord Chaitanya

in his village. The next morning, the brahmana went to see the Lord

at the home of a devotee. When he arrived, he was told that Lord

Chaitanya had already left. This news made, ,

Vasudeva fall unconscious on the ground.

5

But, Lord Chaitanya, being Krishna Himself, knew the

heart of the brahmana. The Lord immediately returned to see

Vasudeva who was still crying on the ground because he could not

see the Lord. Even though Vasudeva was quite diseased, Lord

Chaitanya immediately hugged him out of love. When the

brahmana was touched by the Lord, his diseased body was instantly

healed and he became very beautiful. Vasudeva was struck with

wonder. He began to recite a verse from the Srimad-Bhagavatam as

follows:~.>. ..

"Who am I? A sinful, poor friend of a brahmana. And wh•.l::

,. is Krishna? The Supreme Personality of Godhead full inII ~

111six opulences. Nonetheless, He has embraced me with His

IIIItwo arms. 0 my merciful Lord, such mercy is not possible III11 for ordinary living entities. Such mercy can be found only 1

I. y U· inful .In au. pan seeIng me, even a sin person goes away

I I!due to my bad bodily odor. Yet You have touched me. I11I

1,IISuch is the independent behavior of the Supreme 1I11

~~ I IPersonality of Godhead." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.81.16)

"":::-- ..-

6

VaSUdeva was a humble devotee of the Lord. Since he

had received so much mercy from Lord Chaitanya, he was now

afraid that he would become proud. He knew that false pride would

destroy his spiritual life. The Lord then told Vausdeva to always

chant the Hare Krishna mantra. By chanting, the brahmana would

remember Krishna and would always remember that he was a

humble servant of the Lord. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also

advised the brahmana to preach to others about Lord Krishna, In

this way, he would help others to become devotees of the Lord, as

well.

Today, Lord Chaitanya's sankirtana movement continues.The Lord is still spreading His mercy and we can show ourappreciation by always chanting the Hare I<rishna mantra,serving the Lord and His devotees, and telling others aboutLord I<rishna.

(Color and cut out the picture below. Attach it toyour school notebook as areminder to tell others about Lord Krishna.)

I1IIIIII1I

rIIIIIII

Checl< for Understanding

Circle the correct answer:

1. Lord Chaitanya appeared __ years ago in India.505000500

2. The brahmana named received Lord Chaitanya'smercy. Vasughosa

VasudevaVishnu dasa

3. The brahmana recited prayers from _Bhagavad-gitaCaitanya-caritamrtaSrimad-Bhagavatam

Answer the following questions:

1. How can we go back to Godhead in this age of Kali?

2. Name three things you can do to spread Lord Chaitanya'smovement?

[ What does it mean to be diseased? ]

OR

In a way, we are all in a diseased condition of life simply

because we are in the material world. Because we wanted to enjoy

without Krishna we have gotten ourselves into quite a messy

situation. @

For a very long time we have taken one birth after another­

within this world. Being a spirit soul trapped within a material body

is not where we belong. We really belong in the spiritual world with

Krishna. But, here we are thinking, "I am a boy," or "I am a girl."

It's funny to think about, but we have also been in fish bodies, plant

bodies, insect bodies, and even animal bodies.

Imagine what you thought while inside this body -.

inside this body -.

OR

inside this body -.

9

In this world, there is a disease called, "amnesia." When

someone has this illness he sometimes forgets his name, where he

lives, or even who his parents are. You might say that everyone in

the material world has "spiritual amnesia." We forget that we are

spirit souls and think we are these material bodies.

HOW VERY, VERY SAD!

Lord Chaitanya appeared 500 years ago to cure us of this

disease. The medicine He gave us is the chanting of the maha­

mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare

Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

10

•

A Devotee isKind to Everyone!

Lord Chaitanya taught by His example how to show

compassion to everyone. & we have just read in the story of

Vasudeva, the brahmana, Lord Chaitanya gave His mercy to

everyone--including one whose material body was ridden with

disease. The Lord even hugged Vasudeva's worm-filled body and

transformed it into a healthy body! Then He gave him the greatest

mercy of all. The Lord instructed Vasudeva to chant Hare Krishna.

Something to Think About and Discusst-'='>. . ~

What do you do when you see someone who has a material

disease? Is there someone in your school who doesn't walk as'"

straight as you or who rides in a wheelchair?

• • •

Not everyone 100](s or acts the same.

11

There are many kinds of diseases in this world. Because of

good or bad activities in our past lives, we are born in a particular

type of body in this life. That is why someone may be born unable

to see, or unable to hear, or even without arms or legs. Sometimes,

someone may not be able to learn as much as you. A person may

look like a grown-up, but still think like a young child.

Not everyone is born with a disability. Sometimes, due to an

accident or some other unfortunate incident, a person may lose his

sight or hearing or ability to walk, for example. This is also due to

past activities, or karma.

What Can We Do?

Someone with mental or physical challenges wants to be

treated just like anyone else. Being devotees, we should always

remember to be kind to everyone, knowing that he or she is not

that material body, but is actually a spirit soul and is very dear

to Lord I<rishna. Not only can we treat them with kindness and

understanding, but we can also stop others from making fun of

them. A classmate in a wheelchair likes to play ball, too. Someone

who cannot hear can still jump rope at recess. Include

them in the fun and teach others by your example. And

always remember to teach them about Krishna!

12

Think About It...

Nobody likes to be stared at. Or pointed at. But whenyou have a disability, that's the kind of thing thathappens to you everyday. And the worst part is, afterawhile, you start believing that there is reallysomething wrong with you. It's time to change that .And start paying more attention to the person. Not thedisability.

The hardest part about having a disability is beingconstantly reminded that you have one. Sometimesthat happens when people stare at you . Or point atyou. Or don't even think of including you in every dayactivities. Maybe it's time to start treating people withdisabilities like people .

When you're mentally retarded, you get called allkinds on things. And that's not the worst of it.Because after awhile, you start believing that whatpeople say is true . And that there really is somethingwrong with you. Because no matter what anyone says,names really can hurt someone . Permanently.

Cn:at.fug .$oiutimts,ChlUlU(Hg Utx-'S. .

Helpful Hints When MeetingFriends With Disabilities

1. It's okay to offer your help to someone, but don't just go ahead. Ask first.Or wait for someone to ask you for your help.

2. It's okay to ask people about their disabilities and it's also okay for themnot to talk about it.

3. Remember, just because people use wheelchairs, it doesn't mean they aresick. Lots of people who use wheelchairs are healthy and strong.

4. When you're talking with people who use wheelchairs, sit down so theirnecks won't get sore looking up at you.

5. It's okay to use words like "see," "hear," "walk" and "run" when you'retalking with friends who have disabilities.

6. It's okay to ask people who have speech problems to repeat what they saidif you didn't understand the first time.

7. If an interpr eter is helping you speak with a deaf person, make sure youtalk to the deaf person, not the interpreter.

8. Don't speak loudly when talking to blind people. They hear as well as youdo.

9. Never pet or play with Seeing Eye dogs. They can't be distracted from thejob they are doing. .

10.Invite friends with disabilities to sleep over, come to your house to play, orto your birthday party. Think about ways to make sure that they can beincluded in the things that you do.

11.Don't let your parents park in places reserved for people with disabilities.12.When you go to restaurants and shopping malls, see if a disabled friend

could be there with you. If not, ask the manager to put in ramps, get raisednumbers for the elevators, or have braille menus printed.

Most schools have ramps and special doors, to help people get in and out easier. But when youhave a disability, you can still feel left out just because you're in a wheelchair. Or leg braces. Or

maybe because you wear special shoes. Maybe it's time you knew kids with disabilities want to fitin just as badly as you do.

Welcome IWhafs New I Services IHistory I Legislation &Public Policy I Giving IContact ES

Copyright © 1998 Easter Seals I Copyright. Privacy and Linking Policies

You don't need ears to figure out someone is talkingabout you. Or eyes to know someone is staring at you.Yes, when you have a disability, that's the kind ofthing that happens to you everyday . It's time to changethat. And start looking at the person, not the disability.

•~.": : : : : : : : : : : : " : ... .: ' _-_.. : : ..

~~ ~ .

Once upon a time, there lived an old merchant named

Kolavecha Sridhara. He was so poor that he lived in a hut in the

forest. The roof was filled with holes and an old iron pot, broken

around the top, sat outside the door. The merchant used this pot for

washing his feet.

To earn money, Sridhara made plates and cups out of banana

leaves. He lived in Navadvipa, however, which was called the

"garden of India" because many trees grew tall, including banana

trees. Unfortunately, selling goods made of banana

leaves did not make very much money_ The poor

merchant made only a few cents a day. He was gentle

and honest and never cheated anyone. All he wanted

to do was to make a little money so he could worship

Mother Ganges.

Having all good qualities, Sridhara never argued with anyone

even when he was severely criticized. His atheistic neighbors made

fun of him and called out, "Hey, holy worshiper, is your God as

poor as you are? Look at you, starving dog, you can barely cover

yourself with cloth."

15

What does it mean to be "atheistic"?

At night, Sridhara chanted the holy names of the Lord so

loudly that his neighbors could not sleep.

"Here, eat something.you poor bum," they yelled, as they

threw food at him. "Stop yelling and crying from your hunger

. "paIns.

Being pure at heart, Sridhara never became offended by the

behavior of his neighbors. He continued to chant the Hare Krishna .

mantra day and night. In the morning he would try to sell his cups

and plates made of banana leaves and in the afternoon he would

return home and wait for a very special visitor. A beautiful boy with

a golden complexion, named Nimai, would visit him every day.

Nimai would play tricks on the old merchant and call him names,

but Sridhara did not mind. He loved the boy so much that he

looked forward to his daily visits.

Many times, Nimai and His friends would run

through Sridhara's banana groves and steal fruits and

flowers. Other times, Nimai would approach him and

say, "My dear Sridhara, you chant the Holy Name of

Krishna. Why then do you suffer from this poverty?"

16

· ... · "Y 1 11 IdS· "S·dh~*f" ,if.p~\ .!.. ~ tf'l! ou spea ( very we , earne ir, n ara=:..",~", ··'I;.~.4l\\I~\I'";';, i» ~,~)\...... ~',C!

~:'~lllr,I~Rf\'l'~ would reply, "but, 1 eat whatever 1 desire.~~.~~ 1111" .,~-'ii~~~· I' !~~~;t'1j~~ti! The king lives in the palace of gems, eating

and dressing most richly. And the birds who inhabit the

treetops find all the food they want. They are all receiving

their food from the same person, the Supreme Personality of

Godhead, Sri Krishna."

"So, you are also a great Pandit," Nimai would say, and pick

up a bunch of banana flowers. "How much are these?"

"What!" Nimai would say when told the price. "So much! Why

are you cheating the poor brahmanas? 1will give you no more than

half of what you say they cost." Then He would start to walk away.

"Wait!" Sridhara would call after Him. "1 am not cheating.

That is the standard price. Please ask anyone."

Sridhara would then run after Nimai and plead with Him to

payor else return the flowers.

"Pandit, if you steal from me everyday, how will I worship

Mother Ganges?"

17

"I am surprised that you do not know who I am," Nimai said

one day.

Sridhara stared at Nimai who was so beautiful that He took his

breath away. The Lord stood before the old merchant and smiled.

His complexion was like molten gold and His lips were cherry red.

His mischievous face was surrounded by curls of blackish hair.

The Lord's eyes revealed pleasure upon seeing no trace of anger on

Sridhara's face. Sridhara simply loved the boy with all his heart.

"Do you not know that I am the source of your Mother

Ganges," Nimai said. "Therefore, you should simply worship Me."

"What?" Sridhara said, covering his ears. 'You are so naughty,

Nimai Pandit. Are you not afraid of offending Mother Ganges?"

This joking by the Lord went on for hours.

"Why do you pick on me like this?" Sridhara asked.

"Because you have the greatest treasure," Nimai replied.

"What do you mean? I am so poor that my house does not

even have a roof on it," Sridhara said. "I do not even have proper

clothes to wear or a nice seat to offer You. What wealth do I have?"

"One day I will reveal to the world that you have great wealth,"

Nimai said. "So what will you give Me today?"

Sridhara humbly gave Nimai fruit that grew in his garden.

18

Everyday, Nimai ate from the plates and cups made by the

poor brahmana. The fruit that was given to Him by Sridhara was

made in milk by Mother Sachi and enjoyed by the Lord. Nimai

returned every day to have more fun with Sridhara.

"So, who do you think I am?" Nimai asked one day.

"You are a young brahmana," Sridhara answered.

"No, I am a cowherd boy," Nimai explained.

Finally, Sridhara laughed at the boy. He could not

recognize Him as the Supreme Personality of

Godhead.

Time went by and the Lord continued to give His mercy to

His loving devotees in many ways. One night, the Lord told His

devotees to bring Sridhara to Him immediately. The devotees found

Sridhara chanting alone in his hut.

"Sridhara! Come quickly! The Lord wants you."

"The Lord wants me?" Sridhara said. Then he fainted.

The devotees carried him to see the Lord. Lord Caitanya was

very happy to see Sridhara.

"Get up, Sridhara! Come to Me!" the Lord said.

Sridhara awoke and saw the young Nimai Pandit manifesting

Himself as the Supreme Lord.

19

"For so long you have worshiped Me," the Lord said. "Many

lifetimes you have spent in My devotional service. Oh, Sridhara,

behold My beauty."

Sridhara lifted up his head and saw that Nimai had

wonderfully changed. His complexion had become as dark

as a Tamal tree. He was holding a flute in His hands. On

His right side stood Lord Balarama, at His feet were Lord

Brahma and Lord Shiva and Sri Ananta Sesa hovered

above Him like an umbrella. Around Him were great sages who had

come to offer their prayers and worship Lord Chaitanya

.•.. Mahaprabhu. The Lord dazzled like thousands of suns shining at

once.~ Sridhara saw this wonderous sight. Then the Lord's

complexion turned a molten gold and His lotus eyes gazed at

Sridhara with love and compassion. To the left, Sridhara saw horses

and chariots, swans and elephants, the carriers of the demigods. As

far as he could.see unlimited demigods offered prayers to the Lord.

The wives of the demigods had tears in their eyes. Then a beautiful

lady appeared. She was Mother Ganges herself. She bowed her head

to the Lord. This wonderous sight made Sridhara faint on the

ground. The Lord repeated his name and Sridhara again stood up.

Sridhara offered beautiful prayers to the Lord.

20

"You had once told me that Mother Ganges, whom 1worship,

emanated from Your lotus feet," Sridhara said. "Due to my sinful

heart 1 could not understand this. You are the same Supreme Person

who previously blessed Vrindavana with Your appearance. Now You

have appeared as the Lord of Navadvipa."

The Lord then asked Sridhara what he wanted from Him.

"1 do not want anything," Sridhara replied. "Simply by seeing

You all of my desires are fulfilled."

But, Lord Chaitanya insisted on giving Sridhara

something. The Lord told him He could give him any

amount of wealth he desired.

"1 just want to make banana leaf cups and plates

for Your devotees," Sridhara said. "1 simply request that wherever 1

take my birth, You continue to come see me every day in that

beautiful form of the mischievous Nimai Pandit of Navadvipa and

tease me and steal from me. This is all lwant, Nothing else."

Sridhara returned to his home and felt great joy. He continued

to chant Hare Krishna and sell his cups and plates.

One night, after Lord Chaitanya had been chanting and

dancing with His devotees, He felt thirsty. The chanting party had

entered the forest of Madhuvana, where Sridhara lived.

21

The Lord did not want to drink

from any of the ponds in the

forest. He went to the hut of

the poor brahmana, Sridhara,

who was so poor that he had

nothing to offer the Lord. Hi s

hut was barely standing. Before

Sridhara could stop Him, Lord

Chaitanya began to drink water

from the broken pot that sat

outside of the hut.

"Now I am finished," Sridhara thought. "The Lord is drinking

the water that I use to wash my feet. "

But, Lord Chaitanya, showing His love for His devotee, was

pleased to drink the water that washed the feet of His beloved

devotee.

"Whenever and wherever you take birth," the Lord said, "I will

have to come to you every day to enjoy pastimes with you, because I

am conquered by your love. I am your servant, birth after birth. "

22

By saying this, Lord Chaitanya revealed the secret of Sridhara's

wealth. That treasure was not anything material, but was Sridhara's

pure love. For the Lord, that love was contained within the water

which washed the feet of His devotee.

What was the treasure that Sridhara

possessed? _

23

Fill in the missing letters below:

Sri ha a's- -

grea _ est

t ea ure was- -

h s-

the

1 e for--

•----24

Something to Think About and Discuss

Who are the Homeless?

In the United States, children account for 150/0 of the homelesspopulation. The average age of a homeless person in the UnitedStates is 9. Many homeless teen-agers wander the streets alone andfrightened. About one-fourth of the homeless adults are mentally illand cannot take care of themselves. There are many homelessfamilies, as well.

The next time you see someone who is poor, or even homeless,what are some things you can do for that person? Here aresome ideas:

1. Form a club called, "Krishna's Kids Who Care," and ask anadult to help members of the club distribute prasadam at ahomeless shelter. You will not only be giving them a muchneeded meal, but will be helping them spiritually by givingthem Krishna's mercy!

2. Ask family, friends, and neighbors to donate used clothesand toys. Ask an adult to take you to a homeless shelter todistribute the items. Be sure to tell them you are members of"Krishna's IGds Who Care."

3. Have a bake sale at the Sunday feast at your temple. Withthe money you earn, purchase a box of Srila Prabhupada'sbooks. Have an adult help you to bring these books to ahomeless shelter for people to read.

What other things can.you do?

25

Check for Understanding

Mark True or False:

1. Sridhara worshiped Mother Yamuna.

2. Sridhara sold plates and cups made of banana leaves.

3. Young Nimai would tease Sridhara by stealing his fruits andflowers.

4. Sridhara always knew that Nimai was the Lord.

5. Sridhara's greatest treasure was his love of God.

Draw a picture of Sridhara chanting in his hut.

r

IIiiII

lfJ

1I

IIIIIIIi

~

Help the devotees find their wtry to Lord Chaitanya.

=11; "' "....:

~.

~ ."" • ••••H.

Lesson Three..........~ ,'".

I'H'.Jl·"~

In Lesson One, we read how Lord Chaitanya showed His

mercy to the leper brahmana by embracing him, transforming his

diseased body into a beautiful one, and then instructing the

brahmana to chant Hare Krishna.

In Lesson Two, we learned about the mercy given by the Lord

to a poor devotee merchant living in the forest.

Now, in Lesson Three we will read how the Lord showered His

causeless mercy on everyone He met, including the animals.

Once, while traveling to Vrindavana with His devotee,

Balabhadra, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu walked through the jungle

of Jharikhanda toward the Ganges River at Benares. As always, the

Lord was chanting the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama

Hare Hare.

There were many wild beasts living in the jungle including

lions, tigers , and elephants.

28

Krishna, traveled through the jungle chanting

the Hare Krishna mantra. Hearing His sweet

voice, all the deer came near Him. Five or six

tigers also gathered around the Lord.

While the Lord was walking through the jungle, packs of tigers,

elephants, rhinoceros, and even boars appeared, but Lord Chaitanya

walked right passed them. Balabhadra was afraid to see them so he

walked more cautiously. Because of being in the presence of the

Lord, all the animals stood to one side.

By the causeless mercy of Lord Chaitanya, the bodies of the

large elephants were splashed with water that had been touched by

the Lord. Suddenly, the elephants stood and danced around and

began to chant, "Krishna! Krishna!" Some of the elephants fell to

the ground, and some screamed in great happiness. Seeing this,

Balabhadra was completely astonished.

In this way, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu,

the most merciful incarnation of Lord

•: "Chant Krishna!" the Lord told the animals.

: The tigers and deer began to chant, "Krishna! I<rishna!"

•..29

All the animals were standing on their hind legs while they

were dancing and chanting. Balabhadra was struck with wonder at

this amazing sight. Then the tigers and deer began to hug one

another, and touching mouths, they began to kiss! When Lord

Chaitanya sawall this fun, He simply smiled.

Just For Fun!

Do you or someone you know have a pet at home,such as a dog, cat, bird, or hamster? On the linesbelow, write a short paragraph about that animal

chanting the Hare I<rishna mantra.

30

Write, "Krishna, Krishna" in the 0next to each animal.

31

By the mercy of

Lord Chaitanya,

all things are possible!

32

Something to Think Aboutand Discuss

We learn from the Vedas that only humans,and not animals, have the ability to chant HareKrishna. Only a human has the intelligence tounderstand that he or she is actually spirit soul, aservant of Lord Krishna, (The animals in the storywe just read received special mercy from the Lordso they were able to chant!)

????????????????????????????????????????. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What can we do to help the souls who are inanimal bodies? How can we be kind to them?Does it help them to hear chanting? How does ithelp them to eat prasadam? What about smellingincense or a flower that is first offered to Krishna?How will this help them in their next birth?

What else can you do?

33

Check for Understanding

Fill in the blan](s below:

Lord , along with His devotee, ,

traveled through the jungle of while

traveling to Vrindavana. The Lord chanted _

All the animals moved to the side to allow the Lord to walk by

them. The Lord told the animals to chant, " _

_____!" The animals stood up on their hind legs and

______ and . Even the tigers and

___ hugged and kissed eachother. The Lord smiled at this

wonderful sight.

34

Color the picture of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda

"',/-/

J

/( ,.-l "\ / : ..

The following skit isabout Lord Chaitanyaand how He gave His

mercy to a dog.This can be easilyperformed in the

classroom or in the templeroom for Sunday feast

guests. Have fun!, ,

LORD CHAITANYA LIBERATES THE DOG

from Sri Chaitanya-Charitamrita, Antya-lila, Chapter 1adapted by Dasarath Suta Das

SCENE ONE

CAST: Narrator, Shivananda Sena, Dog, Boatman, Devotees, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Narrator: When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu returned to Jagannath Puri after His tour ofVrindavan, Swarupa Damodara Goswami immediately sent news of the Lord'sarrival to the devotees in Navadvipa, West Bengal. Upon hearing this news,mother Shachi and all the other devotees of Navadvipa were very joyful, andthey departed together for the long trip on foot to Nilachala (Jagannath Puri).Thus all the devotees of Kulina-gram and Sri Khanda, as well as AdvaitaAcharya, came together to meet Shivananda Sena. Shivananda Sena arrangedfor the journey. He maintained everyone and provided residential quarters.While going to Jagannath Puri, Shivananda Sena allowed a dog to go alongwith them. He supplied it food to eat and maintained it. One day, when theyneeded to cross a river, an Orissan boatman would not allow the dog to getin the boat.

Boatman: Hey, wait a minute here! Your party is welcome to come in my boat, but thatstreet dog has to stay behind!

Shivananda: This dog is traveling along with us. He must come across the river in yourboat, for I cannot leave him behind.

Boatman: I'm sorry, sir, this is my boat and I'm not allowing any filthy dog on board!

Shivananda: I will gladly pay extra for the dog's passage. Here is one pana (80 pieces)of conchshells for you to let him come along.

Boatman: No, no, I cannot compromise on my principles. No dogs aboard my boat!

Shivananda: Then please take these ten pana (800 pieces) of conchshells to take thedog across the river.

Boatman: Oh well, maybe just this once I will be happy to oblige you! Thank you verymuch, sir - everyone watch your step as you come aboard! (all exit)

Narrator: One day while Shivananda was detained by a tollman, his servant forgot togive the dog its usual portion'of cooked rice. At night, when Shivananda Senareturned and was taking his meal, he inquired from the servant whether thedog had gotten its meal.

Shivananda: Ah, this Krishna-prasadam is very nice! Tell me, while I was gone did youfeed the dog as usual?

Devotee: Oh, the dog! I completely forgot about feeding him!

Shivananda: What?! How could you forget? That dog is a devotee, too, as well as ourfriend! Oh, this is terrible! Where is the dog right now?

Devotee: I don't know, I haven't seen him for quite a while.

Shivananda: Oh no, this is a grave offense we have committed unto a devotee! Thismakes me very unhappy. We've got to find the dog right away. Let'sorganize a search party. Everyone! Come over here! You ten men,immediately spread out and try to find the dog.

Devotee: (they search and then return) We're sorry, Shivananda Prabhu, we lookedeverywhere but could find no trace of the dog.

Shivananda: This makes me very unhappy. Now I shall fast for the night. If I could notfeed even the humblest member of our party, why then should I personallyenjoy eating a meal? Let us take rest now. (Devotees rest as lights fadeand Narrator speaks)

Narrator: Shivananda Sena's attachment to the dog was a great boon for that animal.The dog appears to have been a street dog. Since it naturally began to followShivananda Sena while he was going to Jagannath Puri with his party, heaccepted it into his party and maintained it the same way he was maintainingthe other devotees. It appears that although on one occasion the dog was notallowed aboard a boat, Shivananda did not leave the dog behind but paidmore money just to induce the boatman to take the dog across the river.Then when the servant forgot to feed the dog and the dog disappeared,Shivananda, being very anxious, sent ten men to find it. When they could notfind it, Shivananda observed a fast. Thus it appears that somehow or otherShivananda had become attached to the dog.

SCENE TWO

Narrator: In the morning everyone again looked for the dog, but it could not be foundanywhere. Thus in great anxiety they all walked onwards to Jagannath Puri,where Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu met them as usual. When all the devoteescame to the place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, they saw the same dog,sitting a little apart from the Lord. All the Vaishnavas were astonished.

Devotee: Shivananda, look! There's the dog sitting near the Lord! It appears that thedog went ahead of us and arrived in Puri first.

Shivananda: Behold Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, smiling in His own way and throwingremnants of green coconut pulp to the dog!

Lord Chaitanya: Chant the holy names Rama, Krishna, and Hari!

Dog: Rama! Krishna! Hari!

Lord Chaitanya: Chant Krishna! Krishna!

Dog: Krishna! Krishna!

Devotee: This is amazing! We've never seen anything like it! The dog is eating thecoconut pulp and chanting "Krishna, Krishna" again and again!

Shivananda: Seeing the dog sitting in that way and chanting the name of Krishna, Ishall immediately offer my obeisances to the dog just to counteract myoffenses to it. (he bows down. Dog suddenly vanishes)

Devotee: Where did the dog suddenly go? It was just here enjoying the prasadamremnants of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Did anybody see where it went?

Lord Chaitanya: That dog has obtained its spiritual body and departed for Vaikuntha,the spiritual kingdom. This is the result of sadhu-sanga, associationwith all of you great souls. By your mercy the dog was promoted backhome, back to Godhead. Therefore, everyone in the human form of lifeshould be induced to associate with devotees. By rendering a . littleservice, even by eating prasadam, not to speak of chanting anddancing, everyone could be promoted to Vaikuntha-Ioka. By yourmercy, all the people of the world will be transferred to Vaikuntha-Ioka,even without their knowledge. Everyone should be given a chance totake prasadam and thus be induced to chant the holy names HareKrishna and also dance in ecstasy. By these three processes, althoughperformed without knowledge or education, even an animal went backto Godhead. (everyone does soft kirtan)

Narrator:. Such are the transcendental pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the sonof mother Shachi. He even delivered a dog simply by inducing it to chant theHare Krishna maha-mantra. The dog got the mercy of Sri ChaitanyaMahaprabhu and was immediately promoted to Vaikuntha to become aneternal devotee. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has therefore sung in Sharanagati,song 19 - tumi to' Thakura, tomara kukkura, boliya janaha more - He thusoffers to become the dog of a Vaishnava. There are many other instances inwhich the pet animal of a devotee was delivered back home to Vaikuntha­loka, back to Godhead. Such is the benefit of somehow or other becomingthe favorite of a Vaishnava. We may conclude that even as dogs we musttake shelter of a devotee. The benefit will be the same as that which accruesto an advanced devotee under a Vaishnava's care.

The End

Lesson Four

: . ~ , ~ -. .- tI'\': _......What does it mean when we speak of someone as being i;· .::-}~·~·{ · <> .

"elderly?" In a way, anyone who is older than you are, perhaps anolder brother or sister, should be considered your "elder," or seniorto you. But, usually when we say that someone is "elderly" we meanhe or she is much older in years. Who do you know who is elderly?Perhaps your grandmother or grandfather can be considered"elderly" or an aunt or uncle or maybe your neighbor.

Whenever we are with someone who is an elder, or senior tous, we should treat that person with great respect. That person haslived longer than you and has experienced things that you have notexperienced in your young life. An elderly person is usually eager toshare his or her wisdom. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. Youmight be surprised at what you learn!

When Lord Krishna was on the planet over 5,000 years ago,

He taught by example how to respect His elders. As a young boy,

Krishna always honored His father and mother. When He brought

His father's shoes to him, Krishna did so by

placing them on top of His head as a sign of

respect. In Srila Prabhupada's Krsna Book we ,

can read many wonderful stories about

Krishna and His teacher, aunts, uncles, and

grandfather.

39

Being non-different from Krishna, Lord Chaitanya also taught

by His example how to honor and respect His elders.

If we read these sweet pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and

remember them always, we will automatically know how to treat

someone who is older, is more experienced, and is wiser.

+

ReverenceAdmirationConsiderationDeferenceRegardHonorValueAppreciation

IT ALL ADDS UP TORESPECTl

40

hile in Jagannatha Puri, Lord Chaitanya

Mahaprabhu performed his daily duties at the same time every day.

He also went to see Lord Jagannatha in the temple

daily.

One day, the Lord stood behind a pillar of Garuda

to view the Deities while hundreds of thousands of people were in

front of Him. Suddenly, an elderly woman from Orissa was eager to

see Lord Jagannatha, but was unable to do so because of the crowd.

In her enthusiasm, the woman climbed the pillar and placed her foot

on the shoulder of Lord Chaitanya. Govinda, the personal secretary

of Lord Chaitanya was furious and quickly instructed the woman to

get down from her position. Lord Chaitanya chastised His servant,

however.

"0 adi-vasya (uncivilized man), do not forbid this woman to

climb the Garuda-stambha (pillar)," the Lord said. "Let her see Lord

Jagannatha to her satisfaction."

Immediately, the woman realized her

offense. She climbed to the ground and begged

forgiveness at the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya.

41

"Lord Jagannatha has not bestowed so much eagerness upon

Me," the Lord said. "Alas! How fortunate this woman is! I pray at

her feet that she favor Me with her great eagerness to see Lord

Jagannatha."

All glories to the mercy of

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

42

I

Something to Think About and Discuss

What is humility?

Why did Govinda, the personal servant ofLord

Chaitanya, think the woman had committed an

offense to the Lord? How did Lord Chaitanya show

His transcendental humility? In what wtry can you

become more humble?

?????????????????????????????????????????. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

43

The Pilgrim Brahmana

One day, an elderly brahmana arrived at the home

of Jagannatha Misra and Sachimata, the parents of young Nimai.

The brahmana worshiped Lord Krishna in the form of Gopal­

Krishna, the beautiful cowherd boy of Vrindavana. He chanted the

Lord's names constantly and only ate food that was first offered to

Gopal-Krishna. Jagannatha Misra was so honored to

have such a special guest in his home that he

immediately offered the brahmana his obeisances.

Then Jagannatha Misra offered him a seat and

washed his feet out of respect.

Being pleased to have such a pure guest in his home,

Jagannatha Misra offered to make all the arrangements for the

brahmana to cook his offering to Gopal-Krishna. First, Jagannatha

Misra cleansed the cooking area of his home and then

brought pots, utensils, and bhoga (food that is not yet

offered to Krishna),

44

Ater cooking the meal, the

brahmana began to offer it to Gopal-Krishna.

But, as soon as he began his meditation, little

Nimai appeared before him, covered with dust

from playing outside. Just as the food was being offered to Krishna,

Nimai took it and, with a smile, began to eat it right in from of the

brahmana.

"This restless child has stolen my cooked rice!" the brahmana

cried.

Jagannatha Misra ran in and caught Nimai as He was about to

eat the rice. Jagannatha Misra was so angry that he ran after his son

to punish Him, just as if Nimai were an ordinary boy.

"This child has no knowledge of right or wrong," the brahmana

said. "He is not to blame. A wise man should never punish such a

child."

"If you actually accept me as your servant," Jagannatha Misra

said, "then please cook your meal once again. I will be very happy if

you will cook one more time."

45

Mother Sachi took little Nimai to a neighbor's house

so He could not cause any more trouble for the brahmana. The

ladies in the house chastised Him for what He had done.

"1 am a cowherd boy," Nimai replied. "1 eat rice cooked by the

brahmanas all the time."

Hearing His words and seeing His beautiful smile, the ladies

laughed and hugged Nimai with delight.

Meanwhile, the brahmana again cooked the meal and began to

offer it to Gopal-Krishna. As soon as he began to meditate, Nimai

appeared before him and ate a handful of the cooked rice. The

brahmana began to once again shout. Jagannatha Misra came

running in the room. Seeing his son eating the rice, he picked up a

stick and began running after Nimai.

"Dear sir," the brahmana said, "Krishna must not want cooked

rice from me today. Your son is not to blame."

Jagannatha Misra remained silent.

Just then, Nimai's older brother, Visvarupa, walked in the

room.

46

Visvarupa told the brahmana, "It is by great fortune that

such a self-satisfied brahmana has come to be a guest in our house.

I request you to please cook for a third time."

"I have already cooked two times," the brahmana said. "Now it

is almost midnight. It is clear that Lord Krishna does not want to eat

cooked rice on this day."

Visvarupa then fell at the feet of the brahmana and begged him

to cook one more time. Special arrangements were made to keep

Nimai away from the offering. Jagannatha Misra, himself, carefully

guarded the door of Nimai's room from the outside. He checked to

see that Nimai was sound asleep.

Finally, late at night, the brahmana finished cooking his

offering. By then, everyone in the house had also fallen asleep.

While the brahmana was once again meditating on offering the food

to Gopal-Krishna, Nimai again appeared. The brahmana shouted,

but no one was awake to hear him.

"My dear brahmana," Nimai said, "you are so generous. Is it

My fault you have asked Me to come? You are calling Me, so I have

come to you. You are always longing to see Me, so now I am .

showing Myself to you."

47

T he Lord then revealed His Divine Eight-armed

form to the brahmana. With four arms He held a conch,

disk, club, and lotus flower. In another hand He held

butter which He ate with the opposite hand, and with two hands

the Lord played on His flute. A necklace of jewels and the

kaustubha gem decorated His chest. Precious ornaments

decorated every part of the Lord's body. His reddish lips

enhanced the beauty of the Lord's moon-like face.

A beautiful, white surabhi cow appeared behind the Lord.

A wonderful Kadamba tree with yellow

flowers stood behind the cow. The tree was

alive with singing birds who glorified

Lord Chaitanya with their songs.

The brahmana then saw the spiritual abode of

Vrindavana. He saw the cowherd men and women with cows on all

sides. He saw the Yamuna River, peacocks, deer, and trees with

beautiful flowers. The brahmana fainted in great

happiness.

48

Check for Understanding

Fill in the blanks below: ~

1. Two words that mean "respect" are and

2. The pilgrim brahmana worshiped _

3. While he was offering his food to the Lord, _

ate the cooked rice.

4. The brahmana cooked the offering times.

5. Finally, Nimai revealed Himself in His -armed form.

Something to Think About and Discuss

Why did Nimai reveal Himself

to the brahmana?

50

What Can You do to Help the Elderly?

Many older adults live in nursing homes becausethey are ill or too weak. to care for themselves.Often, they feel alone and need friends. If you haveformed the "Krishna's Kids Who Care" club orwould just like to help by yourself or with one ortwo friends, ask your parents to help you visit anearby nursing home. Before your visit, bakecookies, offer them to Krishna, and place them in acovered container. Be sure to introduce yourselvesto the staff at the nursing home and to ask thenurse who is allowed to eat the cookies. (Somepeople are on special diets due to health problems.)Introduce yourselves to the patients and distributethe homemade cookies. You will bring a smile totheir faces and also distribute Lord Krishna'smercy!

Perhaps you andyourfriends can sing a bhajan forthe elderly patients at the nursing home. Be sure toget permission from the stafffirst. Explain thatyou

will be singing a songfrom your temple.Have someone play karatals and encourage the

patients to clap their hands whileyou sing.

51

§> Color the lotus feet of the Lord.~ Cut out the lotus feet and glue on colored paper.

b Decorate the colored paper by gluing sequins to make a frame.

Help Lord Chaitanya find His way to the temple.

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu traveled throughout India

preaching Krishna consciousness to everyone He met. Being the

Supreme Personality of Godhead, Himself, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

saw everyone equally. He never saw the material body as the true

identity of a living being. He taught that the soul within the material

body was the true self. He also taught that the chanting of the Hare

Krishna maha-mantra: Hare I<rishna Hare Krishna Krishna

Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare

Hare, was the means to awaken the soul.

Often, Lord Chaitanya met people who

believed differently, but being merciful to

everyone, the Lord instructed them to

chant Hare Krishna and become happy.

He never discriminated against anyone.

55

-What does it mean to discriminate?

When we discriminate against someone it means that weprejudge that person. It means that we think someone is a certainway simply because of where he lives, or the way he looks, or theway he dresses, or even the way he speaks. We can discriminateagainst a person for so many reasons.

-For example, if we see an elderly man walking with a cane, we

may assume, "He's old, so he must be mean." But, that gentleman

may actually be very kind. Similarly, if we meet someone from

another country who doesn't speak our language, we may think,

"That person is stupid." But, that person may be very learned and

educated.

Often, people discriminate against others

because of their religion and the way they worship

God. This world is made up of a variety of people,

but being Krishna's devotees we must learn to be respectful and

tolerant of others. We must also remember that a devotee is

kind to everyone just like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. If you show

your respect to others, then, most likely, they will have

respect for you. That means they will have respect for

the Krishna consciousness movement and that will

please Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna]

56

What if We Were All the Same?

How Sad That Would Be!

57

Differences make the

world go round!

58

I n the late fifteenth century, while Lord

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was preaching Krishna consciousness

throughout India, Nawab Hussain Shah ruled Bengal. He was a

cruel king, and those who did not follow his religion of Islam, were

kept under strict watch. It was at that time that Chand Kazi was the

governor of Navadvip. It was his job to enforce the laws of Nawab

Hussain Shah. Lord Chaitanya, however, continued to

lead chanters through the streets of Navadvip. He and

His followers were undisturbed by those who did not

like to hear the holy names of Krishna,

The Story ofJagai and Madhai

Nityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakur would often go door

to door, begging others to chant Hare Krishna. Once, while

preaching in this way, they noticed a large crowd gathered around

two drunkards who were acting foolishly in the street. The two

drunkards were brothers named Jagai and Madhai. Even though

they were the sons of a brahmana, they had become addicted to

drinking alcohol, harassing women, and eating meat.

N ityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakur approached

the two brothers and begged them to chant the Hare Krishna maha­

mantra. But, Jagai and Madai were so fallen that they threatened to

harm the two saintly men and chased them down the street.

The next day, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked Nityananda

Prabhu and Haridas Thakur to return to that street where they had

met the two brothers. This time, Jagai and Madhai did more than

just threaten. Madhai threw a piece of a clay pot at Nityananda

Prabhu. Nityananda Prabhu's forehead was bleeding.

When Lord Chaitanya heard what had happened, He

immediately went to chastise the two fallen

brothers. Being non-different than Lord Krishna,

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu called for His disc to kill

the brothers. The Lord could not tolerate the

offenses that were committed against His devotees.

Nityananda Prabhu stopped the Lord, though,

and pleaded that Jagai and Madhai be spared. He reminded Lord

Chaitanya that He was patita-pavan, the deliverer of the most fallen.

He asked the Lord to show His mercy to these two fallen men.

60

Seeing the compassion of Nityananda Prabhu, Jagai and

Madhai felt very sorry for their offenses. They fully surrendered to

Lord Chaitanya and received the spiritual names, Jagannatha and

Madhava. The Lord then hugged them and freed them of their sinful

activities. The two brothers agreed to chant the holy name 100,000

times a day. By chanting, they gradually became very exalted

devotees of the Lord. Several years later, they passed away and

returned to the spiritual world.

Did You Know?

The burial places of these two brothers can be found in the

village of Ghashahat, sometimes called Madhaitala-gram,

which is about one mile south of Katwa. Devotees of Lord

Krishnavisit this place on pilgramage.

All glories to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

61

THE DELIVERANCE OF JAGAI AND MADHAl

from Sri ChaitanY8-Bh8gav8°t8, Madhya-lila Chapter 13

.. .. .. .. ..CAST: Narrator, Haridas Thakura, Nityananda Prabhu, Householder, Jagai, Madhai, Lord

Chaitanya.

SCENE ONE

Nityananda and Haridas Go Preaching

(On the streets of Navadvipa)

Narrator: The Lord's activities are unlimited. If Ananta Shesha with His unlimited hoodscannot describe the wonderful pastimes of Gaurahari, then what qualificationsdo I, a simple narrator, with one limited mouth, have to describe the Lord'spastimes? If I omit some pastimes of Lord Gaurahari, then I apologize to you,my nectar-seekers. Forgive me, for we are limited here to only a short periodof time.

Once, on the instruction of the Lord, both Lord Nityananda and HaridasThakura went door to door on the streets of Navadvipa, giving the nectar ofthe Holy Name to whoever they met. (enter Lord Nityananda and HaridasThakura)

Haridas: My dear Lord Nityananda, Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has personallyordered us: "Whomever you meet, simply speak to him about Krishna. H

Surely there is no more fortunate position than to be preaching on the orderof Lord Chaitanya!

Nityananda: Yes, Haridas, you are right. We must give out Lord Chaitanya's mercy. Thefallen people of this age are all so tightly bound up in materialistic life. If wedo not give them an opportunity to hear and chant the Holy Name ofKrishna, they are destined for a hellish existence in their next life.

Haridas: Come! There is not a moment to waste! We must press on and visit a fewmore doors before nightfall! .

Nityananda: Here is a house. Let us °t ry this one. (they knock on the door and ahouseholder appears after some time.Lord Nityananda and Haridas both fallat his feet and begin to submit their plea to him) My dear sir, please give upyour sinful life, chant the Holy Names of Krishna and adhere yourself to thelotus feet of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

Householder: My dear friends, what you say may be right, but what can I do? All myhours are spent in maintaining family members ... I have no time forreligion!

Nityananda: You say you have no time - but death may come at any moment, and youcannot say you have no time then! Listen, you do not have to neglect yourfamily, but as a householder, it is your duty to free your family from thecycle of birth and death. Otherwise what is the use of simply filling theirbellies? Even the animals can do that!

Haridas: This valuable human life is meant only for reviving our eternal relationshipwith Krishna. If you do this, by chanting the Holy Names and living a purelife, do you think the Supreme Lord, who is maintaining all living entities inthe universe, will let your family starve?

Householder: I never thought about it like that before! You are quite right ... I must notwaste any more time! But how can I change my ways?

Nityananda: The first and foremost thing to do is to always remember Krishna bychanting His Holy Names. Now repeat after Me: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna,Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.If you always chant like this and live your life according to the principles ofthe Bhagavad-Gita, then you will very quickly develop your KrishnaConsciousness, and you along with your family will become very happy andfree from all anxieties!

Householder: Thank You! Thank You very much! I will certainly follow Your instructions,believe me!

Haridas: Jail We will visit you again when we come back this way.

Householder: Now please, You have been so kind to me. I must repay You in someway ... (at that moment a horrible shouting and disturbing sound is heardoffstage)

Haridas: What on earth was that?

Householder: Oh, no! It's those two rogues, Jagai and Madhai againl

Nityananda: Who are they?

Householder: They are the meanest pair of dacoits who ever walked the land of Bengal!Nothing and no one is safe when they are on the loose! I'm going insideand bolting the door... I wouldn't wait around here if I were You!

Haridas: Perhaps we should avoid these two fellows. We do not want to cause anytrouble.

Nityananda: Haridas, surely we must be merciful to these two fallen souls. For if they aredelivered from their sinful ways, then the good name of Lord Chaitanya willbe still more glorified! (Jagai and Madhai appear, stumbling and fallingaround in a drunken condition. Shouting and swearing, they see an old manpassing by)

Madhai:

Jagai:

Madhai:

Here, Jagai! Look at this old man!

Come on, Madhai, let's do him in!

Yeah, I'll break his neck! (they move in and begin to harass the old man. Atthat time, Lord Nityananda and Haridas fall at their feet and loudly implorethe two rogues)

Nityananda: My dear friends, please chant the Holy Name of Krishna and give up yoursinful life! (Jagai and Madhai are taken aback and the old man uses thisopportunity to limp off stage)

Jagai:

Madhai:

Jagai:

Madhai:

What? Vaishnavas? Ugh! (spits)

You're the scum of the earth!

Come on, Madhai! Let's teach these fools a lesson!

Yeah! Come here, you two! (they give chase to Lord Nityananda andHaridas, who run for their lives)

SCENE TWO

Lord Chaitanya Hears the Sankirtan Report

(In Srivasa Thakura's house, Lord Chaitanya is surrounded by His devotees)

Chaitanya: The essence of all Vedic knowledge is included in the eight syllables HareKrishna, Hare Rama. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of theHoly Names is the only way to cross the ocean of nescience, and is thechief means of attaining love of Godhead. By humility and meekness oneattracts the attention of Krishna. Therefore, if one becomes very humbleand meek, he can easily attain the lotus feet of Krishna in this age of Kali.In this way, whatever one does in executing devotional service must beaccompanied with the chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord. (LordNityananda and Haridas Thakura enter) Nityananda Prabhu! Haridas! Whatis the news of today's preaching work?

Nityananda: My dear Lord, by Your unlimited mercy, many fallen souls were delivered!(Lord Chaitanya and other devotees all shout: N Jail Haribolfj But there weretwo sinful rogues who would not listen to us. Somehow or other theyavoided Your mercy, My Lord.

Haridas: Yes, dear Lord. These men were two demonic brothers named Jagai andMadhai. When we asked them to chant, they simply attacked us with filthylanguage and then chased us for miles. By Krishna's grace we narrowlyescaped, but they would have killed us had we been caught!

Nityananda: It is a great misfortune that they could not be given the mercy.

Chaitanya: My dear devotees! I am very pleased that you tried to deliver such adegraded pair of fellows. Actually, I know of these two brothers, Jagai andMadhai. Formerly they were good young boys named .Jaqannath andMadhava, born in a respectable brahmana family, but due to bad associationthey have become meat-eaters, woman-hunters and sinners of the worstkind. But do not be down-hearted! If at first you don't succeed, then tryagain ... somehow or other, they may be delivered, for everything is possibleby the grace of Krishna.

Nityananda: Yes! We will go to them again tomorrow and preach to them! By Yourmercy, they w ill be delivered!

Devotees: Jail Haribol! Gaura Haribol!

SCENE THREE

The Deliverance of Jagai and Madhai

(On the streets of Navadvipa. Jagai and Madhai are on stage arguing. Enter LordNityananda and Haridas)

Jagai:

Madhai:

Hey look! It's those nonsense God-mongers again!

What? Come back for more, have you? Well, take this! (Madhai throws apiece of clay pot at Lord Nityananda, which appears to draw blood)

Nityananda: It does not matter that you have done this; I still request you to chant t heHoly Name of Lord Krishna!

Jagai: How astonishing! I have never seen such tolerance, Madhai! He must be asaintly person! (to Lord Nityananda) My dear sir, I am very sorry! Pleaseforgive me and please pardon my brother!

Madhai: Hey, what's wrong with you, Jagai? You lost your brain? Out of my w ay,you fool, I'm going to teach this Vaishnava not to mess with me!

Jagai: (trying to stop Madhai) No, Madhai, don't do it!

Haridas: Nrisimhadeva! Nrisimhadeva! (suddenly Lord Chaitanya appears in a fierceand angry mood)

Chaitanya: How dare you hurt Lord Nityananda! I will destroy you for this! (He raisesHis chakrs weapon)

Nityananda: (stopping the Lord) Wait, My Lord! Your mission is not to kill, but to deliversuch rascals as this! If You kill these two rogues, then You may as well killall the people of this age, for they are all practically as fallen as these two!Please be merciful to them, I beg You!

Chaitanya: All right, I will spare you, but on one condition only: you must solemnlypromise that from this moment onwards, you will give up all your sinfulhabits and take up the chanting of Krishna's Holy Names as your onlyshelter! (the two brothers are both on their knees by now and they begin tobeg the lord)

Jagai: Oh yes, my Lord, I'll do anything You ask! Anything!

Madhai: I'll turn over a new leaf, I promise!

Chaitanya: Come now, my dear friends, do not fear! Although you were most fallen, bythe mercy of Lord Nityananda you have now become the most fortunate!

Jagai & Madhai: Oh thank You, My Lord! Thank You! (lord Chaitanya raises them upand embraces them)

Nityananda: Dear Lord Gauranga, You are so kind to the Kali-yuga living entities, foralthough everyone is so sinful in this age, You are freely giving the highestbenediction - pure loving service to Krishna - to anyone who simply takesshelter of Your lotus feet. Let's chant the Holy Names right now! (kirtan) SriChaitanya Mahaprabhu ki jail

The End

Lord Chaitanva and the Chand ](aziv

Awe previously read, the Chand Kazi was the governor

of Navadvip. If any of the Muslim residents had any complaints

about the chanting of Lord Chaitanya and His followers, they would

usually go to the Kazi. On one occasion, the Kazi had his men storm

into Shrivas Thakur's home and stop the kirtan. The Kazi threatened

the devotees that if they did not stop chanting the Hare Krishna

mantra, he would take away their property and force

them to convert to Islam. To show how serious he was,

the Chand Kazi had his men break the devotee's mrdanga

drum on the floor.

"Go perform sankirtan," Lord Chaitanya said, when He heard

about this incident. "Do not be afraid."~ '\V'>~I,/~\\ ~~~ The Lord then organized 100,000 devotees to march

~ if)"~ to the house of the Kazi. They chanted Hare Krishna all

;'~ <0 over Navadvip. Many devotees carried torches. Some

~ played karatals and some played mrdanga drums. By the

time they reached the Kazi's house, the sound of the chanting was

very loud. Lord Chaitanya kindly asked the Kazi to come out of his

house. The Lord offered him a seat and then began a discussion.

67

"You drink cow's milk," the Lord said.

"Therefore, the cow is vour mother. And theJ

bull produces grains for your maintenance.

Therefore, he is your father. Since the cow and bull are your mother

and father, how can you kill and eat them? What kind of religious

principle is this? On what strength are you so daring that you could

commit such sinful activities?"

The Kazi tried to argue philosophy with the Lord, but every

point he made was refuted by Lord Chaitanya. The Kazi also

admitted to the Lord that the Nawab Hussain Shah actually feared

the power of the chanting of the maha-mantra. That is why the

Shah demanded that Lord Chaitanya and His followers be driven

out of town. Then the Kazi told Chaitanya Mahaprabhu about a

dream he had the night he broke the devotee's mrdanga drum.

In his dream, the Chand Kazi saw a half-man, half-lion figure

who was very ferocious. (This was actually Lord N rsimhadeva, an

incarnation of Lord Krishna who protects the devotees.)

"Although I shall not take your life on this occasion," Lord

Nrsimhadeva told the Kazi, "if you again try to stop the chanting of

My name, I shall not be tolerant. I shall kill you, your entire family,

and all the meat-eaters."

68

T hen, Lord Chaitanya touched the body of the Kazi. The

Kazi realized that Lord Chaitanya was the Supreme Personality of

Godhead and he began to shed tears of happiness. He realized that

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was not just the Lord of the Hindus, but

was the Lord of all. Some people call Him "Allah," some call Him

"Jehovah," and some call Him "Krishna."

"To as many descendants as take birth in my family in the

future," the Kazi announced, "1 give this order--No one should

interfere with the sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya

Mahaprabhu. "

The Lord began to chant and dance along with His devotees,

including the Chand Kazi.

Did You Know?

The burial tomb of the Chand Kazi can be found in the village

of Bamanpukur, where both Hindus and Muslims show

respect to his memory.

-69

Chec]< for Understanding

Fill in the blanks below:

1. A devotee is always kind to _

2. Chand Kazi was the governor of _

3. The two brothers named and------ -----

chased Nityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakur through the streets.

4. Lord Chaitanya called for His to kill the two brothers.

5. The Lord did not tolerate offenses to His ------

6. Lord appeared in the Chand Kazi's dream.

Answer the question below:

What does "patita-pavan" mean?

70

Decorate a frame around the picture of Lord Chaitanyaspeaking with the Chand Kazi.

Use markers, glue, glitter, sequins, etc.

71

Fill in the missing letters to form a sentence:

- ord Ch t_ny_

M h _ prabh was

the 01 en

•In ar- -•atio of

-------

72

•

Lesson Six

The Panca-tattva

Jaya Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita,

Gadadhara, Srivasadi Gaura Bhakta Vrinda.

In this lesson, we will read about Lord Chaitanya and His

foremost associates: Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, Sri

Gadadhara, and Shrivasa Thakur. They are glorified, along with

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, as the Panca-tattva. Panca means

"five" and tattva means "truth."

73

Before we begin chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, we should

first offer our respects to Lord Chaitanya and His associates by

chanting, Sri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, [aya

Advaita Gadadhara Srivasadi Gaura Bhakta Vrinda. This is called

the Panca-tattva Maha-mantra. Lord Chaitanya is known as the

most merciful incarnation of Lord Krishna because He does not

consider the offenses of the fallen souls. Therefore, before we chant

the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, we must first pray to Lord

Chaitanya and His associates that we can chant Hare Krishna-x:,.

without offense. /. '

Write the Panca-tattva Maha-mantra on the lines below:

74

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Awe have learned in this session, Lord Chaitanya is

non-different than Lord Krishna Himself. He appeared as a devotee

of the Lord to teach that the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha­

mantra is the way to attain love of God in this age of Kali,

Lord Chaitanya appeared in Navadvip, West Bengal, in 1486.

His father's name was Jagannatha Misra and His mother's name was

Sachi devi. As a boy, He was called Nimai.

When Lord Krishna appears in the material world, He does so

with His intimate devotees who take part in the Lord's pastimes.

Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, Gadadhara, and Srivas Thakur

all appeared to take part in Lord Chaitanya's transcendental

pastimes.

75

Nityananda Prabhu

Nityananda Prabhu is the incarnation of Lord Krishna's

brother, Balarama. He appeared in the village of Ekacakra in 1473.

His father was Hadai Pandita and His mother was Padmavati.

Nityananda Prabhu stayed with His parents until He was 12

years old. Then, one day, a brahmana in the renounced order

(sannyasa) came to the home of Hadai Pandita. Being an ideal

householder, Hadai Pandita offered the sannyasi some prasadam.

"I will eat the prasadam," the sannyasi told Hadai Pandit, "if

you accept one request from me."

Hadai Pandita agreed. After he ate prasadam, the sannyasi

requested that Nityananda Prabhu leave home and travel with him.

Being obliged to grant the sannyasi's request, Hadai Pandita allowed

his son to leave home.

Nityananda Prabhu spent the next twenty years

traveling to holy places. He traveled throughout

South India, Mathura, Gokula, Vrindavana, and

other places in Braja. Eventually, Nityananda Prabhu

went to Navadvipa where He met Lord Chaitanya.

76

i-"'"''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''"""'''''''''''''''''''''''::-:

1::

Advaita Acary« Ii:III

:_""""""""""",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,""""""""",J-ll

Advaita Acarya is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the

four-armed form of Krishna. He appeared in the town of Nava­

grama, in Bengal, in 1434. His father was Kuvera Pandita and his

mother was Nabha devi. When Advaita was about four years old his

family moved to Shantipur, which is next to the Ganges River.

After Advaita's parents passed away, he went to Gaya. He also

visited many holy places during this time. He received spiritual

initiation from Madhavendra Puri who then became Advaita's diksha

guru. Advaita also visited Mathura and Vrindavana.

Advaita Acarya then moved to Navadvipa. There, he taught

Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Seeing the fallen souls in such

a degraded state, Advaita Acarya sat on the banks of the Ganges and

prayed to Lord Krishna to appear on Earth to save the conditioned

souls. Some time later, Lord Chaitanya revealed that He appeared to

perform His pastimes due to the sincere prayers of Advaita

Acarya.

77

Sri Gadadhara Pandit

Sri Gadadhara Pandit was the incarnation of Srirnati

Radharani who appeared to take part in Lord Chaitanya's pastimes.

He was a very close associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Gadadhara Pandit appeared a year after Lord Chaitanya. They

played together as children and were students together at the tola

(Sanskrit school) of Ganga Dasa Pandit. Gadadhara was the only

son of Madhava Mishra.

Years later, Gadadhara took spiritual initiation from Pundarik

Vidyanidhi, an incarnation of IGng Brishabhanu. IGng Brishabhanu

is the eternal father of Srimati Radharani. Since the guru is like the

father of the disciple, Pundarik Vidyanidhi acted as the spiritual

father of Gadadhara Pandit.

In the Caitanya-caritamrita, Srila Prabhupada

writes, "No one can describe the characteristics and

ecstatic love of Gadadhara Pandit. Therefore, another

name for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Gadadhara

Prananatha, "the life and soul of Gadadhara Pandit."

78

Shrivasa Thal~ur

Shrivasa Thakur was considered the incarnation of the great

sage, Narada Muni. Shrivasa was older in years at the time of Lord

Chaitanya's appearance. He and in wife, Malini, were present at

Nimai's birth ceremony.

He was a brahmana who traveled to Navadvipa from Sylhet

with Advaita Acarya. Shrivasa Thakur was known as a wonderful

singer and glorified the Lord through bhajan.

Who is Narada Muni? Where and how does he travel?

What musical instrument does Narada Muni play?

79

Check for Understanding

Match by drawing lines: f6J

Nityananda Prabhu

Shrivas Thakur

Sri Gadadhara Pandit

Lord Chaitanya

Advaita Acarya

Fill in the answers below:

1. Panca means ------

2 Tattva means ------

Krishna

Balarama

Narada Muni

Vishnu

Radharani

3. We should chant the Panca-tattva mantra we------chant the Hare Krishna mantra.

80

Thefollowing are skits about Lord Chaitanya's pastimes.

We have read about some of them in this session.

They can be performed informallyyour classroom whilereading the scripts, or a more dramatic production can be

practiced and performed in front ofan audience.All, or just some of the skits may be used.

Either way, a devotee never tires of glorifyingthe most merciful incarnation of the Lord,

Sri Chaitnya Mahaprabhu.

81

THE GOLDEN AVATAR

• • • • •

CAST: Narrator, Advaita Acharya, Lord Krishna, Jagannath Mishra, Shachi Devi, Sita Devi,Nilambara Chakravarti, Servant, little Nimai, 2 thieves: Mahesh and Ashok, TeenageNimai, 2 Brahmanas, 2 Students, Nityananda Prabhu, Haridas Thakura, Householder,Jagai, Madhai, sannyasi Lord Chaitanya, Swarupa Damodara, Govinda.

INVOCATION

Narrator: My dear assembled devotees, before I begin to tell my amazing tale to you, inorder that we may have an auspicious start I would like to ask the permission ofLord Nityananda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to let us begin to give youa glimpse, and only a glimpse, into the wonderful pastimes of Lord ChaitanyaMahaprabhu. We pray on this auspicious day that we can offer our respects to SriNityananda Prabhu, who can bless us, and by whose grace we can attain themercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's lotus feet.

May we remind all the assembled devotees that there may be many flaws in ourpresentation, but we are simply neophyte devotees. Our efforts are like trying tooffer candlelight to the effulgent sun. So we hope that everyone is sittingcomfortably, eager to drink in the nectar of Lord Chaitanya's pastimes, so that wemay begin to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri ChaitanyaMahaprabhu.

* * * * *

Narrator: Five hundred years ago, most of the world's population were only interested in thematerialistic way of life. Lord Krishna appeared five thousand years ago to give usvaluable instructions, which are contained in essence in the Bhagavad-Gita. But fora long time throughout history no one could really follow them or even understandthem. Seeing this pitiful situation, a great devotee of the Lord named AdvaitaAcharya prayed to Lord Krishna to descend to the Earth planet to deliver everyonefrom the clutches of illusion.

* * * * *

SCENE ONE

Advaita Acharya's Lamentation.'

(Open curtains - a person walks onstage and gets beaten up)

Advaita: Oh, what a calamity! What is to be done? There are so many sinful activities goingon, but no one wants to serve Krishna. No one knows how to serve Krishna. Noone really has any understanding of the Bhagavad-Gita. Kali-yuga is sweeping infast, and soon everyone will be plunged into complete madness - a society devoidof God. I must pray for these people. I must pray to Krishna to descend andpersonally take up this task of saving all the conditioned souls. (he starts toworship his shalagram-shila aloud. Lord Krishna appears with Srimati Radharani)My dear Lord Krishna, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You again and again.

You are the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is confirmed by LordBrahma in his prayers to You - Govindam adi purusam tam aham bhajami. My

Lord, You are the well-wisher of everyone. Therefore, I request You, I plead toYou, I beg You, please descend and propagate Your glories so that even a commonman can follow You. Please save them from the dense, dark age of Kali. My Lord,everyone here is under the deep illusion that their so-called lives will last forever.Apart from You, my Lord, no one really cares about these people. So please comeand save them, for they do not know what is good for them.

Krishna: My dear Advaita Prabhu, I am very pleased with your prayers and concern aboutthese living entities. Therefore, I will come down very soon as Sri ChaitanyaMahaprabhu. This time I will make a very special appearance. I will come down asa devotee of Krishna and teach everyone by example how to serve Me. Myappearance will be as a gupta-avatar (concealed incarnation), as few will come toknow Me as the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. I will appear in acombined form along with My beloved consort, Srimati Radharani, so that I will beable to feel and actually experience the intense love She has for Me.

Advaita: Jai, Haribol! (the Lord leaves)

SCENE TWO

The Birth of Baby Vishvambhar

(The home of Jagannath Mishra)

Narrator: In the district of Nadiya, in a town called Navadvipa lived a poor brahmana,whose name was Jagannath Mishra. His devoted wife was called Shachi Devi.They lived very peacefully serving their Deity of Adhokshaja Krishna. They hadeight daughters, all of whom unfortunately died after birth. The ninth child wasa boy and was named Vishvarupa. But when the tenth child was to appear therewas some cause of alarm.

Jagannath: I have seen wonderful things! Your body is effulgent, and it appears as if theGoddess of fortune was now personally present in my house. Everywhere I go,people offer me respects.

Shachi: Yes, I have seen wonderfully brilliant beings appearing in the sky as if offeringrespects and prayers.

Jagannath: In a dream, I saw the Lord entering my heart and then yours. I can thereforeunderstand that a great personality will soon appear. But what worries me is thatthis is the tenth month of your pregnancy. I wonder why it is taking so long.

Shachi: Yes, this is very strange, indeed. Should we not consult an astrologer to find outthe reason for this?

Jagannath: Yes, I have asked your father to come and make a chart for the child. NilambaraChakravarti is a very respected astrologer. He will compose a horoscope.

Nilambara: (walks in) Ah, Jagannathji, how are you today?

Jagannath: Very well, thank you. By the grace of Lord Hari all is well. Now please be seated.Can I offer you some water or prasadam?

Nilambara: A little water will be fine.

Jagannath: Devi, bring some fresh, cool water.

Shachi: Yes.

Nilambara: Yes, indeed, what you were telling me yesterday is very strange.

Jagannath: Today my wife tells me she is again seeing celestial people coming to offerprayers.

Nilambara: Now, let me look through these books. Ah, where has that page gone? I'm sureit was here. Ah, here it is. Let me just read this. (reads) Hmmm... veryinteresting, I must say. Jagannath, I find his signs to be quite extraordinary! Well,my son, there you have it. All the signs indicate a very auspicious time for yourchild's appearance, so I think there is nothing to worry about at all.

Jagannath: Thank you so much.

Nilambara: It is my pleasure. But I have to go now. If ever you need me in the future, please,you won't hesitate to come and see me, will you?

Jagannath: No, I won't.

Nilambara: Good.

Shachi: o Pitaji, you are leaving so soon? But I wanted to make prasadam for you heretoday.

Nilambara: Never mind, my child, maybe tomorrow. Take care now.

Shachi: Yes, Pitaji. (Nilambara leaves)

Narrator: In the year 1486, in the month of Phalguna on the evening of the full moon, theauspicious moment of Sri Chaitanya's birth took place. Everyone was chanting"Herit Had!" because of the lunar eclipse that was in progress. The atmospherein all directions became extremely jubilant. At that time, Advaita Acharya Prabhuwas dancing in a pleasing mood in his house at Shantipur. All the devotees andeven the demigods became very ecstatic as the Supreme Personality of Godhead,Lord Sri Krishna, in the wonderful form of Gauranga Mahaprabhu, adventedHimself on this Earth. Advaita Acharya's wife, Sita Devi, went to the house ofJagannath Mishra to present some valuable gifts for the newborn child.

Shachi: Sita, please come in.

Sita: Let me hold Him.

Shachi: Here ... oh, He's so beautiful.

Sita: Does He not look exceptionally good?

Shachi: My Pitaji was right about his calculations.

Sita: I have brought some nice gifts for your child.

Shachi: What? You shouldn't have!

Sita: Bring the gifts.

Servant: Yes, right away. (scene with gifts)

Sita: Ah, you are so fortunate!

Shachi: What can I say? The Lord is so kind to us.

Jagannath: Ah, Nilambara, please come in.

Nilambara: Congratulations, Jagannath Mishra. Your child is very beautiful!

Jagannath: It is exactly as you had predicted.

Nilambara: Yes, according to the calculations I made, your son will deliver the entire threeworlds. He is the maintainer of the universe. So it is quite appropriate to call HimVishvambhar.

Jagannath: Yes, that's a very nice name.

Shachi: I, too, like that name ... Vishvambhar...

Nilambara: Because He was born under the neem tree we shall also call Him Nimai.

Jagannath: These are wonderful names you are' giving Him. (carries on talking, lights fadeout)

SCENE THREE

Nimai Kidnapped by the Two Thieves

(Outside in the courtyard)

Narrator: The child grew up, giving much joy to His parents and neighbors. Everyone wasfilled with great delight at the sight of little Nimai. Sometimes He would cry, andall the ladies of the village would chant Hare Krishna - and only then would Hestop crying. In this way, even in His childhood He had already started Hisworldwide sankirtan mission. (lights come on)

Sita: Shachidevi, He always stops crying when we chant.

Shachi: I know, Sita. Sometimes I think He's just trying to trick us into chanting! Anyway,He seems happy now. Let's go'and finish rnakinq His lunch. (as they exit, they kissbaby Nimai and pat His head. Then the two thieves stealthily enter)

Mahesh: This must be the place.

Ashok: Yeah. Is that Him?

Mahesh: It must be - look at all them jewels!

Ashok: Yeah!

Mahesh: Have you got the candy?

Ashok: Yeah, it's here somewhere. Where did it go? Oh, here it is!

Mahesh: What happened to the rest of it? You... you ate it!

Ashok: Well, I. .. I was hungry...

Mahesh: You fool! Well, anyway, I hope there's enough left. Anyone coming?

Ashok: Nope.

Mahesh: Okay, let's go. (they approach Nimai)

Both: Coochee, coochee, coochee coo!

Ashok: Coochee, coochee,coochee!

Mahesh: Come here and have some candy, you sweet little boy!

Ashok: Coochee, coochee,coochee!

Mahesh: Stop! That's enough with that coochee coochee stuff!

Ashok: Well, He is pretty cute.

Mahesh: Don't get attached. Remember what we came for?

Ashok: Okay.

Mahesh: Come here, baby. Come to uncle Mahesh.

Ashok: You're not His uncle.

Mahesh: You idiot! I'm just saying that so He won't be scared. Come here and have somenice sweets... Ashok, it's not working - you do something.

Ashok: Like what?

Mahesh: Make a funny face. (Ashok makes a face, Nimai cries) I said funny! Come on - actlike a clown! (Ashok does, Nimai laughs)

Mahesh: Okay, grab Him and let's go! .(t hey carry Nimai off. Shachi calls and enters)

Shachi: Nimai! Nimai! Lunch is ready. Nimai? Sita, Sita! He's gone!

Sita: (entering) Oh, no! Where can He be? Where did He go?

Shachi: May Krishna protect us! You look around that side and I'll look over here. (theyleave as thieves re-enter, exhausted)

Jagannath: Please feel comfortable here. Consider this to be your home. If you needanything, just let me know. (Jagannath Mishra, Shachi and Nimai exit)

Brahmana: Thank you. Hmmm, let's see... I will make an altar over here. Then, I will preparesome sweet-rice. (he mixes, etc., and sings "Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala JayaJaya, Radha Ramana Han, Govinda Jaya Jaya. j Now, it is ready to offer. (hebows down and begins to offer "namo brahmana-devaya... " when Nimaiapproaches and eats the bhoga. Brahmana looks up) What are you doing? You arespoiling my offering! Jagannath Mishra! Jagannath Mishra!

Jagannath: Nimai! You shouldn't have done that. Come on, let's go.

Brahmana: Oh well, children are innocent. (the Brahmana prepares again, as before. Whenhe begins to offer, Nimai again eats the bhoga. The Brahmana looks up,astonished) What are you doing? You've spoiled my offering again! JagannathMishral Your son has spoiled my offering again!

Jagannath: Nimai, You naughty boy! This time I will put You to bed!

Brahmana: I'll prepare it again. (he repeats the same procedure. Nimai comes in and eats thebhoga) What has been done? What has been done? I guess Lord Vishnu does notwant to eat!

Nimai: My dear Brahmana, formerly I was the son of Mother Yashoda. At that time, youwere a guest in the house of Nanda Maharaja, and I disturbed you in exactly thesame way. I am very much pleased with your devotion.

Brahmana: Thank you, Lord. You are very kind.

Nimai: Do not disclose this incident to anyone. Go on in your worship of Me in the formof Gopa!.

Brahmana: Thank you, Lord. (they exit)

SCENE FIVE

Little Nimai Eats Dirt

(Outside in the courtyard)

Narrator: One day, when the Lord was enjoying playful sports with the other children,Mother 5hachi brought a dish filled with fused rice and sweetmeats, and askedNimai to sit down and eat them.

Shachi:

Nimai:

It's time for You to eat! I must go and do my household chores now, but I will beback soon. (she leaves. Nimai rejects the food, picks up dirt and eats it instead.Then she returns) Nimai! What is this? What is this? Why have you been eatingdirt?

Why are you so angry, Mother? You have already given me dirt to eat. This is dirt,and the sweetmeats are just a transformation of dirt. This is dirt. That is dirt. 50,what is the difference, Mother?

Mahesh: Whew! I think we've gone far enough now.

Ashok: That's good, 'cuz this kid's pretty heavy.. . for a baby.

Mahesh: Maybe it's the jewels - which are now going to be all ours.

Ashok: What about the kid?

Mahesh: Who cares?

Ashok: Hey Mahesh, something's funny here.

Mahesh: What do you mean?

Ashok: This house looks awfully familiar.

Mahesh: What? You're right! How did we get back here? (Sita, Shachi and others enter)

Ashok: Watch out, here comes the family looking for Him!

Mahesh: It's all your fault, you numbskull! Let's get out of here . (they run out)

Shachi: Nimai! Where have You been?

Sita: We've been looking all over for You!

Jagannath: Thank Krishna, He's safely home again! (everyone chants and Nimai smiles)

SCENE FOUR

The Brahmana's Offering is Spoiled

(Jagannath Mishra's house)

Narrator: One day, a brahmana was touring all over the country. He reached Navadvipa,and Jagannath Mishra received him as his guest.

Jagannath: 0 great mahatma, please come in. What can I do fer you? Would you like to stayat our house before you travel on? It would give us much joy if you could spendthe night here. We can arrange for nice prasadam for you.

Brahmana: Thank you very much for your kind hospitality. 1have heard about your generousnature. I would like to cook something for my Gopal Deity. Is it possible to makethe necessary arrangements? I would be very grateful to you.

Jagannath: Please, be my guest. It will be my pleasure to serve you.

Brahmana: Not me, but my Gopal Deity.

Jagannath: Devi, please make all the necessary arrangements for our guest to cook forGopalji. Bring the finest rice. Bring all the fresh grains and vegetables.

Shachi: Yes, Prabhu. (she brings foodstuffs. Brahmana begins to cook)

Shachi: Who has taught you this philosophical nonsense that justifies eating dirt? If we eatdirt transformed into grains, our bodies become nourished and strong. But if weeat this plain dirt off the ground, our bodies become diseased and will bedestroyed!

Nimai: Why didn't you teach Me th is before, Mother? From now on, when I'm hungry, Iwill not eat dirt.

Shachi: Jail

SCENE SIX

Youthful Nimai Challenged by His Students

(In Nimai's Sanskrit grammar school)

Narrator: Nimai is in His teens now. Once the Lord had gone to Gaya to perform pinda forHis departed father. There He took initiation from Ishvara PurL When He returnedhome, He was a changed person. No longer was He Nimai Pandit, a big scholar,defeater of Keshava Kashmiri , but now He was a performer of sankirtan. Oneday, as He was conducting a class on Sanskrit grammar...

Nimai: Class, please take a break now while I speak with this learned astrologer, whohas so kindly agreed to visit us. (students leave)

Nimai: Please come, my dear Brahmana, please be seated. Now, with your calculations,please ascertain what my previous birth was.

..Brahmana: Yes, now let me see... This calculation is very strange. Are You sure about Yoursigns?

Nimai: Yes, positive. Tell Me - what do you see?

Brahmana: Just a minute, let me double-check.

Nimai: Well, then, who was I in My previous birth?

Brahmana: My dear sir, in Your previous birth You were the shelter of all creation, theSupreme Personality of Godhead. Your identity is inconceivable by mycalculations. .

Nimai: My dear sir, I think you do not know very clearly who I was, for I know that inMy previous birth I was a cowherd boy. I was born in the family of cowherd men,and I gave protection to cows and calves. And because of My pious activities, Ihave now become the son of. a brahmana.

Brahmana: What I saw in my meditation was full of opulences, so I was very muchconfused. I am certain that Your form and the form I saw in the meditation areone and the same. Whoever You are, I offer my humble obeisances unto You!

Nimai: I am very happy with you. (Brahmana goes off. Students come back) Alright,boys, today we will practice our grammar by glorifying Krishna, then we will havemore kirtan.

Student 1: My dear teacher, how is it that now Your teaching is very different?

Student 2: Yes, it is always about Krishna.

Student 1: We are always chanting, not studying like we used to.

Student 2: Maybe we can massage Your head with coconut oil, which will sooth Your head.(laughs)

Nimai: Gopi, gopi, gopi!

Student 1: Why are You chanting the name "gop/~ gopi," instead of the Holy Name ofKrishna? I think You definitely need oil on Your head. What will You gain bychanting "gopi, qopi?"

Nimai: How dare you speak like that?! Today I shall beat you with My stick!

Student 1: What? Our teacher intends to beat us, the brahmanasl What an insult! I will tellmy father to come here at once! (the students leave and come back with anangry father)

Brahmana: Do You have no shame? How dare You lift a stick to strike the body of abrahmana boy? You have no fear that You are going to break the religiousprinciples. If You ever dare to raise Your voice or a stick to these boys again, wewill all get together and strike You! (leaves)

Nimai: These smarta brahmanas are very proud of their so-called birth and knowledge.They have no respect for Me, even though I am a great scholar and a teacher.Because of these offenses, no one will be able to attain Krishna. I have to deliverthese fallen souls. Only if they offer Me respects will their offense be nullified.Therefore, I will have to accept the sannyasa order of life. Thus the people willnaturally offer Me respects. Then, by My grace, I will give them bhakti. Yes, thisis the best solution; but I am sure this will be a shock for My mother. Nitai willhave to break the news to her.

SCENE SEVEN

Nityananda and Haridas Go Preaching

(On the streets of Navadvipa)

Narrator: The Lord's activities are unlimited. If Ananta Shesha with His unlimited hoodscannot describe the wonderful pastimes of Gaurahari, then what qualificationsdo I, a simple narrator, with one limited mouth, have to describe the Lord'spastimes? If I omit some pastimes of Lord Gaurahari, then I apologize to you,my nectar-seekers. Forgive me, for we are limited here to only a short periodof time .

Once, on the instruction of the Lord, both Lord Nityananda and HaridasThakura went door-to-door on the streets of Navadvipa, giving the nectar of theHoly Name to whoever they met. (enter Lord Nityananda and Haridas Thakura)

Haridas: My dear Lord Nityananda, Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has personally orderedus: uWhoever you meet, simply speak to him about Krishna." Surely there is nomore fortunate position than to be preaching on the order of Lord Chaitanya.

Nityananda: Yes, Haridas, you are right. We must give out Lord Chaitanya's mercy. Thefallen people of this age are all so tightly bound up in materialistic life. If we donot give them an opportunity to hear and chant the Holy Name of Krishna, theyare destined for a hellish existence in their next life.

Haridas: Come! There is not a moment to waste! We must press on and visit a few moredoors before nightfall!

Nityananda: Here is a house. Let us try this one. (they knock on the door and a householderappears after some time. Lord Nityananda and Haridas both fall at his feet andbegin to submit their plea to him)

Nityananda: My dear sir, please give up your sinful life, chant the Holy Names of Krishnaand adhere yourself to the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

Householder: My dear friends, what you say may be right, but what can I do? All my hoursare spent in maintaining family members... I have no time for religion!

Nityananda: You say you have no time - but death may come at any moment, and youcannot say you have no time then! Listen, you do not have to neglect yourfamily, but as a householder, it is your duty to free your family from the cycleof birth and death. Otherwise, what is the use of simply filling their bellies?Even the animals can do thatI

Haridas: This valuable human life is meant only for reviving our eternal relationship withKrishna. If you do this, by chanting the Holy Names and living a pure life, do youthink the Supreme Lord, who is maintaining all living entities in the universe, willlet your family starve?

Householder: I never thought about it like that before! You are quite right... I must not wasteany more time! But how can I change my ways?

Nityananda: The first and foremost thing to do is to always remember Krishna by chantingHis Holy Names. Now repeat after Me: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. If youalways chant like this and live your life according to the principles of theBhagavad-Gita, then you will very quickly develop your Krishna Consciousness,and you along with your family will become very happy and free from allanxieties!

Householder: Thank You! Thank You very much! I will certainly follow Your instructions,believe me!

Haridas: Jail We will visit you again when we come back this way.

Householder: Now please, You have been so kind to me. I must repay You in some way... (atthat moment a horrible shouting and disturbing sound is heard offstage)

Haridas: What on earth was that?

Householder: Oh, no! It's those two rogues again - Jagai and Madhai!

Nityananda: Who are they?

Householder: They are the meanest pair of dacoits who ever walked the land of Bengal!Nothing and no one is safe when they are on the loose! I'm going inside andbolting the door... I wouldn't wait around here if I were You!

Haridas: Perhaps we should avoid these two fellows. We do not want to cause anytrouble.

Nityananda: Haridas, surely we must be merciful to these two fallen souls. For if they aredelivered from their sinful ways, then the good name of Lord Chaitanya will bestill more glorified! (Jagai and Madhai appear, stumbling and falling around ina drunken condition. Shouting and swearing, they see an old man passing by)

Madhai: Here, Jagai! Look at this old man!

Jagai: Come on, Madhai, let's do him in!

Madhai: Yeah, I'll break his neck! (they move in and begin to harass the old man. At thattime, Lord Nityananda and Haridas fall at their feet and loudly implore the tworogues)

Nityananda: My dear friends, please chant the Holy Name of Krishna and give up your sinfullife! (Jagai and Madhai are taken aback and the old man uses this opportunityto limp off stage)

Jagai:

Madhai:

Jagai:

Madhai:

What? Vaishnavas? Ugh! (spits)

You're the scum of the earth!

Come on, Madhai! Let's teach these fools a lesson!

Yeah! Come here, you two! (they give chase to Lord Nityananda and Haridas,who run for their lives)

SCENE EIGHT

Lord Chaitanya Hears the Sankirtan Report

(In Srivasa Thakura's house, Lord Chaitanya is surrounded by His devotees)

Chaitanya: The essence of all Vedic knowledge is included in the eight syllables, HareKrishna, Hare Rama. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the HolyNames is the only way to cross the ocean of nescience, and is the chief meansof attaining love of Godhead. By humility and meekness one attracts the attentionof Krishna. Therefore, if one becomes very humble and meek, he can easily attainthe lotus feet of Krishna in this age of Kali. In this way, whatever one does inexecuting devotional service must be accompanied with the chanting of the HolyName of the Lord. (enter Lord Nityananda and Haridas Thakura) NityanandaPrabhu! Haridas! What is the news of today's preaching work?

Nityananda: My dear Lord, by Your unlimited mercy, many fallen souls were delivered! (LordChaitanya and other devotees all shout: IIJail Hariboll'1 But there were twosinful rogues who would not listen to us. Somehow or other they avoided Yourmercy, My Lord.

Haridas: Yes, dear Lord. These men were two demonic brothers named Jagai and Madhai.When we asked them to chant, they simply attacked us with filthy language andthen chased us for miles. By Krishna's grace we narrowly escaped, but theywould have killed us had we been caught!

Nityananda: It is a great misfortune that they could not be given the mercy.

Chaitanya: My dear devotees! I am very pleased that you tried to deliver such a degradedpair of fellows. Actually, I know of these two brothers, Jagai and Madhai.Formerly they were good young boys, Jagannath and Madhava, born in arespectable brahmana family, but due to bad association they have become meat­eaters, woman-hunters and sinners of the worst kind. But do not be down­hearted! If at first you don't succeed, then try again ... somehow or other, theymay be delivered, for everything is possible by the grace of Krishna.

Nityananda: Yes! We will go to them tomorrow and preach to them againl By Your mercy,they will be delivered!

Devotees: Jail Haribol! Gaura Haribo/I

SCENE NINE

The Deliverance of Jagai and Madhai

."(On the streets of Navadvipa. Jagai and Madhai are on stage arguing. Enter Lord Nityanandaand Haridas)

Jagai:

Madhai:

Hey look! It's those nonsense God-mongers again!

What? Come back for more, have you? Well, take this! (Madhai throws a pieceof clay pot at Lord Nityananda, which appears to draw blood)

Nityananda: It does not matter that you have done this; I still request you to chant the HolyName of Lord Krishna!

Jagai:

Madhai:

Jagai:

Haridas:

How astonishing! I have never seen such tolerance, Madhai! He must be a saintlyperson! (to Lord Nityananda) My dear sir, I am very sorry! Please forgive me andplease pardon my brother!

Hey, what's wrong with you, Jagai? You lost your brain? Out of my way, youfool, I'm going to teach this Vaishnava not to mess with me!

(trying to stop Madhai) No, Madhai, don't do it!

Nrisimhadeva! Nrisimhadeva! (suddenly Lord Chaitanya appears in a fierce andangry mood)

Chaitanya: How dare you hurt Lord Nityananda! I will destroy you for this! (He raises Hischakra weapon)

Nityananda: (stopping the Lord) Wait, My Lord! Your mission is not to kill, but to deliversuch rascals as this! If You kill these two rogues, then You may as well kill allthe people of this age, for they are all practically as fallen as these two! Pleasebe merciful to them, I beg You!

Chaitanya: All right, I will spare you, but on one condition only: you must solemnly promisethat from this moment onwards, you will give up all your sinful habits and takeup the chanting of Krishna's Holy Names as your only shelter! (the two brothersare both on their knees by now and they begin to beg the Lord)

Jagai: Oh yes, my Lord, I'll do anything You ask! Anything!

Madhai: I'll turn over a new leaf, I promise!

Chaitanya: Come now, my dear friends, do not fear! Although you were most fallen, by themercy of Lord Nityananda you have now become the most fortunate!

Jagai & Madhai: Oh thank You, My Lord! Thank You! (Lord Chaitanya raises them up andembraces them)

Nityananda: Dear Lord Gauranga, You are so kind to the unfortunate living entities in Kali­yuga, for although everyone is so sinful in this age, You are freely giving thehighest benediction - pure loving service to Krishna - to anyone who simplytakes shelter of Your lotus feet. Let's chant the Holy Names right now! (kirten)Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ki jail

SCENE TEN

The Lord Disappears from His Room

(Later, in Jagannath Puri)

Narrator: After the conversion of Jagai and Madhai, the Lord performed many other pastimesin Navadvipa, and then He went on a tour of Jagannath Puri and South India. Afterthe Lord completed His tour of South India, He returned to Jagannath Purl. (kirtan)Everyone in Jagannath Puri was filled with ecstasy to have the Lord back in town.The Lord spent six years instructing Ramananda Raya, and sharing wonderfulpastimes with His devotees like Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, RaghunathDas and many others. Every year the Lord would observe the festival of Ratha­yatra, and all the devotees from Kulina-grama would come to see the Lord. Theywould stay for four months and then go back, travelling to Vrindavan, Bengal,Prayag, Umasi and many other places, preaching about the Holy Names of Krishna.Then for the last eighteen years of His manifest lila, Lord Chaitanya spent His timein Jagannath Purl. In the daytime He would associate with His beloved devotees,taking prasad, having kirtan and discussing topics of Krishna. At night He wouldgo practically insane, feeling intense separation from Krishna. Swarupa Damodarand Ramananda Raya would spend these nights with the Lord, consoling Him. Whocan describe the love Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was feeling for Krishna? I certainlyam not qualified to do so.

Swarupa: So, Govinda, make sure everything is alright with the Lord. Stay outside His door.Do not leave here. If you need anything, call out and we shall come. The Lord isfeeling much separation from Krishna; there is no telling what He will do next. Heis already rubbing His lotus-like face against the wall, thus causing Himself tobleed.

Govinda: Yes, Prabhu, I will lock the door so He cannot leave. Haribol. (the devotees leave.The Lord is chanting but soon stops)

Swarupa: So, Govinda, everything is fine with the Lord?

Govinda: Yes, Prabhuji. The Lord is safely locked in His room. I am staying to see to Hisneeds.

Swarupa: But I don't hear the usual groaning sound the Lord makes.

Govinda: That is strange. Why don't you check to see if everything is alright.

Swarupa: Yes, I will. (looks in room) Govinda! Govindal The Lord has gone! He is not here!

Govinda: What? This cannot be! I just saw Him in there half an hour ago. I am personallyguarding His door. There is no possibility of the Lord leaving His room without myknowledge. Besides, the room was locked.

Swarupa: But I tell you, the Lord has disappeared. Go and look for yourself.

Govinda: Alas, where is the Lord?

Swarupa: He has gone! Call all the devotees. We must go and look for Him. The Lord couldbe in some danger. Have the king send out a search party. Come on, let's go lookby the seashore.

SCENE ELEVEN

Rescuing the Lord from the Sea

(the devotees all assemble on the beach)

Haridas: Mahaprabhu! Mahaprabhu! Where are You? My Lord, please hear our prayers! Pleaseshow us Your face and put us out of our misery! Oh, this is no use. There is no signof the Lord anywhere!

Swarupa: Haridas, do not lament like this. The Lord will be found.

Haridas: It is nearly daybreak. We have been looking for the Lord all night, yet no one can finda trace of Him. I am sure the Lord has disappeared and left us here once and for all.

Swarupa: Do not talk like this. What you say makes no sense. (Fisherman enters, babblingmadly)

Fisherman: Hari! Hari! Hari! Oh Nrisimhadeva, please protect me. Help me! Hari! Hari! Get thisghost out of me! Hari! Oh goodness me, what shall I do?

Swarupa: My dear fisherman, why are you behaving like this? Have you seen anyone here?What is the reason for your strange behavior?

Fisherman: I have not seen a single person, but while fishing I captured a dead body! Seeingthe corpse, I was full of fear! When I tried to release Him from my net Iaccidentally touched Him. As soon as I touched Him, a~ entered my body!Thus, I am behaving like this! Hari! Hari! Oh Nrisimhadeva, help me! I am goingcrazy! Oh my wife, my poor children, who will take care of them? I have gonecrazy. Hari! Hari! You must protect me! Drive this ghost from me! I have seenthat host, that ghost is now haunting me! Oh what will happen if I die? Oh mywife! Oh my children I I must go and see an exorcistl I forbid you to go near HimlIf you do the ghost will haunt you, too!!!

Swarupa: I am a famous exorcist. I will get rid of the ghost! (places hand on the fisherman'shead, chants mantra and slaps him) My dear fisherman, the person who you thinkto be a ghost is actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Because of ecstaticlove He must have fallen into the sea, and you then caught Him in your net.

Fisherman: I will show you where the Lord is. Come.

Swarupa: Help me revive Him, everyone! He's in a deep ecstatic trance! (they loudly chanta kitten, The Lord gradually and reluctantly awakens)

Lord Chaitanya: Seeing the Yamuna river, I went to Vrindavan. There I saw the son ofMaharaja Nanda enjoying pastimes in the water with the gopis. Thensuddenly all of you made this tumultuous sound and brought Me back here.Where is Vrindavan? Where is Krishna? Why did you break My happydream?

Swarupa: In Your dream, You mistook the sea to be the river Yamuna and You jumped intoit. This fisherman caught You in his net. My Lord, come with us back to Yourroom.

Narrator: In this way, at night the Lord was feeling intense separation from Krishna and Hewould disappear from the company of the devotees, thus causing great anxiety toeveryone. In the daytime, He would again regain external consciousness andinstruct His devotees about Krishna.

SCENE TWELVE

The Lord Recites the Siksastakam Prayers

(klnen with devotees in Gambhira. The Lord sits with His devotees)

Lord Chaitanya: In this age of Kali-yuga. the process of worshiping Krishna is by chantingthe Holy Names of Krishna: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna HareHare / Hare Rama Hare' Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. One who does thiswill soon attain Krishna. Here are some instructions on how one shouldchant the Holy Names: (Siksastakam Prayers are dramatically recited byLord Chaitanya)

The End