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Vyāsa-pūjā 2023

Nanda Kumāra Kṛṣṇa Dāsa (Mayapur - India)

10 verse 136 where Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya asked Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “Why did Īśvara Purī keep a servant who comes from a śūdra family?”


This question was asked in regard to Govinda who though belonged to a Śūdra family was accepted by Isvara Puri Mahārāja and in his absence Govinda came to Mahāprabhu’s shelter. Śrīla Prabhupāda very beautifully explains in the purport:
 
According to the smṛti-śāstra, which gives directions for the management of the varṇāśrama institution, a brāhmaṇa cannot accept a disciple from the lower castes. In other words, a kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra cannot be accepted as a servant. If a spiritual master accepts such a person, he is contaminated. Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya therefore asked why Īśvara Purī accepted a servant or disciple born of a śūdra family.

In answer to this question, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied that His spiritual master, Īśvara Purī, was so empowered that he was as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As such, Īśvara Purī was the spiritual master of the whole world. He was not a servant of any mundane rule or regulation. An empowered spiritual master like Īśvara Purī can bestow his mercy upon anyone, irrespective of caste or creed. The conclusion is that an empowered spiritual master is authorized by Kṛṣṇa and his own guru and should therefore be considered as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the verdict of Viśvanātha Cakravartī: sākṣād-dharitvena. An authorized spiritual master empowered by Kṛṣṇa can spread the glories of the holy name of the Lord, for he has power of attorney from the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”
 
After reading this verse and purport the only person I could think of is your Divine Grace. As Śrīla Prabhupāda says everyone is a Śūdra in this Kali-yuga and your divine grace has accepted someone like us. The way you have bestowed Your causeless mercy upon us, we can't thank you enough for your blessings. So we pray unto the Lotus Feet of the Lord to help us render service unto you in whatever capacity He thinks we are capable.

 

Your mercy is like an ocean so deep and vast
Which has made our good fortune to forever last
Without considering anyone’s past
Be it any race, breed or caste
You have bestowed your causeless mercy so fast
That we all are enjoying the divine spiritual blast!


 
Dear Gurudeva, in this world of uncertainties the only thing I am certain of is the shelter under your Lotus Feet!

 

And on the auspicious day of your Vyāsa Pūjā we pray to Śrī Śrī Prahlāda Nṛsiṁhadeva, Śrī Śrī Pañcatattva and Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava and Jagannātha, Baldeva, Subhadrā Māi and Sudarśana cakra for your good health and well-being.
 
Thank you for everything,

In gratitude,

 

Your insignificant servants,

Nanda Kumāra Kṛṣṇa Dāsa and Nayana Mañjarī Devī Dasī