Obstacles Bhakti - Kunjeshwari Home

Obstacles in Bhakti
Therefore if any Bâbâji in the renounced order says –“I will enjoy within the
regulative principles (for devotional purpose) forsaking worldly attachments”
– it will be a big blunder. Those of us, who have renounced their homes to
join the line of our Goswamis, must be extremely careful about the rules
pertaining to renunciation.
mahâprabhur bhaktaganer boirâgya pradhân,
jâhâ dekhi preeto hon gour bhagabân
Meaning – “Mahâprabhu’s devotees follow the rules of renunciation very
strictly. When the Lord sees this, it pleases Him.”
The Goswamis such as Sri Rup and Sanâtan are the eternal companions of
Sriman-Mahâprabhu. What was the need for them to practice renunciation?
Yet they became renouncers to teach us how to conduct ourselves in the
renounced order. Sriman-Mahâprabhu told Srila Sanâtan Goswâmi –
“Your body is my principle instrument. I shall perform many necessary
actions with your body. You will establish the Truth regarding the qualities of
a devotee, bhakti, Krishna-prem, the duties and conduct of a Vaishnav, how
to perform Krishna-bhakti, Krishna-prem and Krishna-sevâ. You will reestablish
the glory of the lost Holy Places and be a model for renunciation.” –
(C.C.)
Sriman-Mahâprabhu’s statement is making it clear that these Goswâmis
accepted the renounced order to teach us the rules of renunciation. What are
these rules?
“Both of them (Sri Rup and Sanâtan) were homeless. They lived under the
trees. They spent only one night under one tree. Sometimes they accepted a
full meal in the house of a Brahmin and at other times, they did mâdhukari.
Sometimes they only chewed dry bread or chickpeas. They did not indulge in
any material enjoyment whatsoever. They carried only a begging bowl and
covered themselves with rags and loincloth. All day and night they sang and
spoke the glory of Sri Krishna.” – (C.C.)
“Sanâtan said –‘I will do mâdhukari. Why should I accept a full meal from a
Brahmin?’ Sanâtan’s renunciation brought immense joy to the Lord.”
If some devotee came to Neelâchal from Vrindavan, Mahâprabhu’s associates
would enquire about Sri Rup-Sanâtan’s renunciation –
“If some devotee returned to Neelachal after visiting Vrindavan, the Lord’s
associates would ask him, “Tell us how do Rup and Sanâtan live? What sort
of renunciation do they observe? What do they eat?” – (C.C.)
Sri Raghunâthdâs Goswâmi observed renunciation in the following manner –
“Govinda told the Lord, “Raghu does not take prasâdam. In stead he begs at
night at the Lion-gate 1 . When the Lord heard this he was pleased and said,
‘It is good that he is practicing what is good for a vairâgi 2 .’ – (C.C.)
1 Main gate of Sri Jagannâth Mandir
2 Renouncer, but NOT a ‘sannyâsi’.
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