Obstacles Bhakti - Kunjeshwari Home

Obstacles in Bhakti
ye vrindâvana-vâsi-nindâna-ratâ ye va na vrindâvanang
shlâghante, tulayanti ye cha kudhiyo kenâpivrindâvanam,
ye vrindâvanam atra nitya sukha-chid-rupang sahante na va
taih pâpishtha nrâdhâmairna bhâvatu swapne’pi me sangatih.
Meaning – “The evil people who commit nindâ of the residents of Vrindâvan
and never glorify them, or compare Vrindâvan with other places, or say that
this earthly Vrindâvan is not eternal and not blissful, are sinners. May I never
associate nor see such lowly people.” - (Sri Vrindâvan-shatakam)
R
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If we cut the trees or kill the insects and worms in Vrindavan
thinking them to be like the trees, insects and worms of other
places, we will be committing aparâdh.
hâ-mâdhava-pâda-pankaja-rajah premonmâde tat-priya-
kridâ kânana-vâsisu sthira-chara-prâishu-api drohishu,
pradveshang parama-aparâdhâm-ahaho tyakte-tarairapyaghair-
yukto’py-âmaranânta labdha vasati vrindâvane syat kriti.”
Meaning – “Animals, birds, insects, worms, trees, creepers, moss and all
other living beings reside in the garden of Vrindâvan that is overwhelmed
with the divine love-sports of Sri Sri Râdhâ-Mâdhav. These creatures always
live in the dust of the lotus feet of the Divine Couple. Therefore, even if they
turn against us, we must never hurt them. If we do so, we commit great
aparâdh. If we obey this rule, then residing in Vrindavan destroys all our
sins.” - (Sri Vrindâvan-shatakam)
It is an aparâdh to consider Vrajavâsis as the people of any other place. We
must not consider them ordinary or show contempt towards them.
paraswa steyaika vâsanam-api nityang para-vadhu-
prasaktang vishweshâm-ahaha bahudhâ himsakamapi
durâchârang lobhâdy-upahatam-api bhrâta-rarunang
divândhastang vrindâvana-gata-janang nâvaganayeh.”
Meaning – “Even if a Vrajavâsi gets interested in another’s wife or steals, or
is violent towards mankind, is bereft of proper conduct, is greedy, do not
show contempt towards him. Think to yourself “I am as blind as an owl in
daylight, so am unable to see his good qualities.” Continue to think like this.”
(Sri Vrindâvan-shatakam)
Gour Kripa – Residing in Vrindavan means – to settle here permanently. I
am living in Vrindavan, yet traveling here and there on business purpose or
for some other convenience, then we cannot call it ‘Vraja-vâs’.
Srila Prabodhânanda Saraswatipâd has made it very clear –
milanti chintâmani kotikotayah
swaying bahir-drishtim-upaiti va harih,
tathâpi vrindâvana-dhuli-dhusarang
na deham-anyatra kadâpi yâtu me.
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