Teachings to Rupa Goswami
[Madhya 19]
During the ten-day discourse, Sri Caitanya taugh Rupa Goswami the most confidential truths about bhakti-yoga:
The rarity of devotional service – innumerable living entities are transmigrating between different species of life, and only a rare soul becomes a devotee of Krishna.
The seed of devotion – a greatly fortunate soul attains the seed of devotion (bhakti-lata-bija) through the divine mercy of guru and Krishna (guru-krishna prasada). Sri Caitanya explains how, if carefully cultivated and protected, this seed sprouts and fructifies over time.
Pure devotional service – the definition, practice and characteristics of pure devotion for Krishna are extensively described. This divine love (prema) manifests in different stages, and Sri Caitanya further describes the different components of it.
Relationship with Krishna – Sri Caitanya discusses the five primary relationships with Krishna, offers examples, and outlines the unique nature of vraja-bhakti (the loving devotion of Vrindavana’s residents) which is free from awe and reverence.
Although he desired to stay longer, Rupa Goswami was instructed by Sri Caitanya to leave for Vrindavana, so he could begin laying foundations for the sankirtan movement. Meanwhile, Sri Caitanya travelled onwards to Varanasi to meet Sanatana Goswami.
Last updated