Following instructions – Raghunath Bhatta Goswami

[Antya 13]

[13.89-13.138]

Raghunath Bhatta, the son of Tapan Mishra, journeyed to meet Sri Caitanya in the hope of renouncing the world. They stayed together for eight months, during which time Raghunath would cook for the Lord. After assessing the situation, Sri Caitanya offered the young boy a series of instructions:

• Care for your elderly parents, but remain unmarried. • Study Srimad-Bhagavatam from a pure Vaishnava. • After fulfilling all family duties, return to Jagannatha Puri and become a fully dedicated renunciant.

Raghunath unflinchingly followed these orders. His parents eventually left the world, and Raghunath immediately returned to Jagannatha Puri. Pleased to see him, Sri Caitanya spent another eight months with him and then instructed further:

• Go to Vrindavana and assist Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis. • Continuously chant Hare Krishna and recite Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Raghunath immediately departed for the holy land. In Vrindavana, he became renowned for his devotional recitations of Shrimad-Bhagavatam, during which he would experience spiritual ecstasy due to his deep love and devotion. This was all possible by the mercy of Sri Caitanya, and reveals the power of following the instructions of spiritual authorities.

In most endeavours we have a goal, process and culture. For example, an athlete may have the goal to win gold in the Olympics. They subsequently commence a rigorous training regime to exercise the body; this is the process. Simultaneously, however, they make strict lifestyle choices in diet, sleep and abstinence from intoxication; this is culture. Regardless of how rigorously the athlete trains, if they neglect the proper lifestyle, their efforts and endeavour will likely be unsuccessful. In the same way, although one may diligently engage in spiritual practices, without strict adherence to such culture, one’s spiritual growth is surely stunted.

Sri Caitanya’s interactions in Jagannatha Puri remind us that a Vaishnava is not simply characterised by what he does, but also by who he is. By nurturing proper character, qualities and saintly disposition, the heart becomes a fertile place for the creeper of devotion to grow. Vaishnava qualities are not simply a by-product of pure devotion, but must be consciously developed by a practitioner devotee.