31. Qualifying to Taste Mādhurya Rasa

31. Qualifying to Taste Mādhurya Rasa:

Mādhurya-rasa is wonderfully expressed only in Kṛṣṇa-līlā, whereas hankering for that rasa is manifested fully in Gaura-līlā. 

“Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī asked Lord Nityānanda, ‘If Navadvīpa and Vṛndāvana are non-different then why should one make the effort to go to Vṛndāvana at all?’ 

“Lord Nityānanda replied, ‘Navadvīpa and Vṛndāvana are one principle, neither one is less nor greater than the other. Vṛndāvana is the receptacle of rasa, the goal of the living entity, but one who is not qualified cannot receive that nectar. Therefore, by adding the quality of mercy that same Vṛndāvana Dhāma has become Navadvīpa, where the living entity can easily attain the qualification for receiving that nectar.

In other words, the pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa within mādhurya-rasa provide the highest possible pleasure for the living entity, but without the proper qualification one cannot taste that rasa.’ 

“Only after many lifetimes of austerity does one reach the stage of knowledge, and when this knowledge matures, one inquires about this mādhurya-rasa. At all times there are many obstacles, and to obtain the treasure of this nectar is very rare. Therefore, not everyone who goes to Vṛndāvana will get that sweet taste of mādhurya-rasa. Rather, because of offenses that sweet taste turns sour. Furthermore, due to the terrible influence of Kali-yuga, people live short lives full of troubles, and they are continually plagued by offenses. Even if one desires the Vṛndāvana-rasa, it is not attainable. 

“The only method of tasting that rasa, therefore, is to receive the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are freely giving that mercy by appearing along with Vṛndāvana in a single form as Gaurahari in Navadvīpa. In that form, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya has given the process for everyone to qualify for mādhurya-rasa. By worshiping Śrī Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu anyone can quickly attain the goal of Kṛṣṇa-prema, even if in the beginning he is full of offenses.” 

“By residing in Navadvīpa and taking shelter of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, offenses will cease, and one will receive the qualification for mādhurya-rasa. Love of Kṛṣṇa will shine in your heart, and you will become absorbed in discussing the pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. There is absolutely no difference between Navadvīpa and Vṛndāvana. In a strict sense, there is no need to go to Vraja Dhāma. because when one is qualified that same Vraja Dhāma appears directly in Navadvīpa Dhāma. 

“It is always necessary for the living entity to take shelter of Navadvīpa to obtain the qualification for Vraja-rasa. Only when one attains that appreciation of the Vraja-rasa should one go and reside in Vṛndāvana. By receiving the mercy of Navadvīpa one can easily attain Vṛndāvana.” (Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya) 

“The chanting of the name in association with pure devotees is identical with the performance of the amorous service of the gopīs. The amorous service becomes relishable as the transcendental word to the spiritual ear of the soul. There is no way of having such access to the gopīs’ love as long as Kṛṣṇa does not relieve us from our perverse conditioning. We will understand the actual meaning of the gopīs’ love for Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa by hearing about the pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya from realized souls.” (Sri Caitanya’s Teachings)