Raya Ramananda Samvada (6): Expl. of Different Types of Servants, CC Madhya 8.70-71

This audio is included in the following series of lectures:

Topics

• Note: The lecture starts abruptly.
• Explanation of adhikrta-dasa (appointed servants) and asrita-dasa (surrendered servants).
• In adhikrta-dasa, the mood of awe and reverence is prominent. Brahma, Sankara, Indra, and others are called adhikrta (appointed) dasas. They perform duties delegated by Krsna.
• To explain the concept of adhikrta-dasa, Srila Gurudeva gave an example of the conversation between Kalindi and Jambhavati, who observed demigods circumambulating, praising, and offering respect to Krsna at Dvaraka.
• There are four types of asrita-dasa: 1) saranya (those who have surrendered to the Lord as their protector); 2) jnani-cara (those who were previously jnanis but later understood the superiority of the form and qualities of the Lord); 3) seva-nistha (those who are fixed in service, appreciating the Lord’s sweetness); 4) parisadas (followers or members of the Lord).
• An example of 'saranya’ is Sudama mali (florist). When Krsna went to Mathura, Sudama Mali, who offered flower garland to Krsna, received prema bhakti.
• The sages headed by Saunaka who gave up the desire for liberation and surrendered to the Lord are called jnani-caras.
• Examples of seva-nistha are King Candradhvaja and King Bahulasva.
• In Dvaraka, devotees like Uddhava, Daruka, and Bhadra are known as parisadas.
• The servants of Ayodhya are superior to those in Vaikuntha. Superior to them are the servants in Mathura and Dvaraka, and among all servants in Vraja are the topmost.
• The service of the dasya-bhaktas, Jaya and Vijaya, in Vaikuntha is composed of feelings of pure awe and reverence.
• Superior to Jaya Vijaya are associates of Ayodhya. Amongst all of the servants there, Sri Hanumana is the topmost. Hanumana serves his Lord, Sri Rama, with his full life force.
• Srila Gurudeva explained the service mood of Hanumana through one pastime.
• Hanumana cannot live without seva, but on the contrary, we feel burdened when seva is assigned to us.
• We should utilise this body in seva; this will keep us blissful, and we will gradually progress in bhakti.