Venu-gita (6): SB 10.21.16-17, Glories of Clouds, Q&A about Mohini Avatara, Associates of Krsna, The Love of Srimati Radhika & Classification of Devotees

This audio is included in the following series of lectures:

Topics

• In this lecture, Srila Gurudeva discussed Srimad Bhagavatam verses 15 and 16 from the Venu-gita, followed by answers to a devotee's (probably Sriman Navadvipa Prabhu) questions.
• The Venu-gita verse 15, "nadyas tada tad upadharya mukunda-gitam," is very important because it shows how the gopis, who had up until this point been striving to hide their true sentiments for Krsna, were unable to control their emotions and imposed their mood on the rivers of Vraja.
• Gopis are overwhelmed by conjugal love for Krsna, but since they are in the stage of purva-raga (the beginning stage of love), they are also trying to conceal their feelings from each other, and thus gopis started speaking verse 16: ‘drstvatape vraja-pasun saha rama-gopaih’ and glorifying clouds who are serving Krsna in sakhya rasa. They are trying to cover their madhura rasa through sakhya rasa.
• Clouds are like friends of Krsna. The scorching heat of the autumn sunshine was sometimes intolerable, and therefore the clouds in the sky appeared in sympathy above Krsna and Balarama and their boyfriends while they engaged in blowing their flutes. The clouds served as a soothing umbrella over their heads, just to make friends with Krsna.
• A devotee raised a question regarding what type of incarnation Mohini is. Srila Gurudeva said that Mohini is a casual avatara.
• Then Srila Gurudeva talked about saktyavesa-avataras (empowered incarnation of Krsna) like Narada, Kapiladeva, and Prthu Maharaja. They have no eternal place in Vaikuntha. Krsna can take power from them anytime, just like Lord Rama took it from Parasurama.
• The accurate translation of 'nitya-baddha' (eternally conditioned) is 'anadi-baddha' (conditioned from time immemorial). If we use the term 'nitya-baddha,' it indicates jivas will never be liberated.
• Just like Krsna is the root of all incarnations, his Vraja associates are also the root of their other expansions. Example: Arjuna sakha of Vraja is the root of Dvaraka Arjuna, and Madhumangala is the root of Narada Rsi.
• Nanda and Yasoda are the eternal father and mother of Krsna; they need not perform austerities like Drona and Dhara.
• Drona and Dhara entered into Sri Nanda Yasoda to relish vatsalya rasa (parental affection).
• Chanting harinama is the topmost atonement, so we need not perform any other kind of atonement if we commit any sin.
• Explanation of Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 2.45: ‘na prema-gandho'sti darapi me harau’. Mahaprabhu, in the mood of Srimati Radhika, is saying, ‘My dear friends, I have not the slightest tinge of love for Krsna. When you see me crying in separation, I am just falsely exhibiting a demonstration of my great fortune. Indeed, not seeing the beautiful face of Krsna playing his flute, I continue to live my life like an insect, without purpose.’
• Srimati Radhika’s mood is expressed in Sri Sikastakam verse 8, ‘ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam’. Srimati Radhika says that ‘I know no one but Krsna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.
• Uttama Vaisnavas (advanced devotees) always think that they do not have bhakti; intermediate Vaisnavas hesitate to say, but Kanistha (a beginner) says, ‘I am a Vaisnava’.
• We can understand these topics according to our eligibility.
• Devotees asked the question: Is it advisable for us to classify devotees according to the stage of bhakti?
• Srila Gurudeva said that Madhyama Adhikari devotees can do this classification and respect it accordingly. Uttama Adhikari considers everyone elevated. Kanistha Adhikari doesn’t have knowledge and is unable to give proper respect.
• We should do sadhana and bhajana, and then we will be able to classify devotees according to their level.
• Srila Gurudeva explained Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.03: ‘jnane prayasam udapasya namanta eva’ and mentioned that we should not solely endeavour for tattva-jnana; we should listen to the pastimes of Krsna from rasika, bahuka, and tattva-jnani bhakta, and then only prema-bhakti will arise in our hearts.