Hare Kṛṣṇa,
I offer my sincere gratitude to our respected teachers for sharing supplementary materials on the rāsa dance pastimes.
As I mentioned in my previous forum post, the notion that one lacks adhikāra (eligibility) to study certain books of our ācāryas is another phenomenon often seen in our movement—much like the commonly cited “prohibition” against studying the five chapters describing the rāsa-pañcādhyāya. My humble reflection is this: our ācāryas and Gosvāmīs have bestowed these sacred literatures upon us as a priceless inheritance. If we consider ourselves perpetually unqualified to approach them while we are living and practicing devotional service, then at what point will such works ever be properly studied?
Why should our sincere daily chanting of the prescribed sixteen rounds, adherence to the four regulative principles, and study conducted under the guidance and association of advanced Vaiṣṇavas not serve as a genuine foundation of qualification?
Kṛṣṇa Bhāvanāmṛta (by by Viśvanātha Cakravarti Ṭhākura) is one such text about which we often hear cautionary reminders not to approach lightly. Certainly, these works describe the most confidential and exalted pastimes of the Divine Couple. Yet, with proper guidance, reverence, and Vaiṣṇava association, I feel that we may carefully and responsibly study them, always maintaining a mood of humility and service.
I do not have any realization or understanding of Kṛṣṇa Bhāvanāmṛta. But I would like to quote Srila Prabhupada referring to it in Krsna book (Ch. 46: Uddhava Visits Vṛndāvana). He writes, “Those in the most exalted position of devotional service and ecstasy can live with Kṛṣṇa always by remembering His pastimes. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura has given us a transcendental literature entitled Kṛṣṇa-bhāvanāmṛta, which is full with Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. Exalted devotees can remain absorbed in Kṛṣṇa-thought by reading such books. Any book of kṛṣṇa-līlā, even this book, Kṛṣṇa, or our Teachings of Lord Caitanya, is actually solace for devotees feeling separation from Kṛṣṇa.”
In another place, Srila Prabhupada writes something very encouraging:
“A devotee is always transcendentally situated. paraṁ dṛṣṭvā nivartate: (BG 2.59) one who has seen the Supreme Personality of Godhead is no longer interested in material sense enjoyment. Even such an exalted devotee as Dhruva Mahārāja went to the forest for the sake of material benefit, but when he actually saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he refused to accept any material benediction. He said, svāmin kṛtārtho ‘smi varaṁ na yāce: (CC Madhya 22.42) “My dear Lord, I am fully satisfied with whatever You have given me or not given me. I have nothing to ask from You, for I am fully satisfied to be engaged in Your service.” This is the mentality of a pure devotee, who does not want anything, material or spiritual, from the Personality of Godhead. Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is therefore called kṛṣṇa-bhāvanāmṛta-saṅgha, the association of persons who are simply satisfied in thoughts of Kṛṣṇa. Being absorbed in thoughts of Kṛṣṇa is neither expensive nor troublesome. Kṛṣṇa says, man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru: (BG 18.65) “Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, offer obeisances and worship Me.” (BG 9.34) Anyone can always think of Kṛṣṇa, without difficulties or obstacles. This is called kṛṣṇa-bhāvanāmṛta. One who is absorbed in kṛṣṇa-bhāvanāmṛta has no material benefits to ask from Kṛṣṇa. Instead, such a person prays to the Lord for the benediction of being able to spread His glories all over the world. Mama janmani janmanīśvare bhavatād bhaktir ahaitukī tvayi (CC Antya 20.29, Śikṣāṣṭaka 4). A Kṛṣṇa conscious person does not even want to stop his cycle of birth and death. He simply prays, “I may take birth as You like, but my only prayer is that I may be engaged in Your service.” (SB 9.9.45 Purport)
From the actual content posted from Kṛṣṇa Bhāvanāmṛta, the last two verses caught my attention. I find it very inspirational.
Text 19.81-82 — How can recent people taste or describe the rāsa dance with their tongues? Even those who witnessed the pastime with their eyes cannot describe it. Even if prema inspires a skillful person who possesses prema to describe it, he will not able to describe it, since his external consciousness will be destroyed by its sweetness.
But the unequalled śakti of mercy of the couple which brightly illuminates the world through the mouth of Śukadeva has given some indications. By this, an intelligent person can attain the essence of the rāsa dance.
This unequalled śakti of mercy of the Divine Couple has descended to us through Śrīla Vyāsadeva, Śrī Nārada, Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, His intimate associates and followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda, and his devoted disciples—many of whom are present in this august assembly of sādhu-saṅga study group. With utmost gratitude, I offer my prostrated obeisances unto them all. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 