Monday, December 10, 2007

Siddha Praṇālī for sannyāsīs and selfless giving

Rādhākund, December 8, 2007 -
Sakhīcaran, my backdoor neighbor, tells me that in the Nitāi-Gaur Rādhe-Śyām Sampradāya, Ekādaśa Bhāva is only given after bhekh (to sannyāsīs only) - they are strict like the IGM and Haridās Śāstrījī. I tell him that revelation is an alternative (especially since their Guru passed away right after their dīkṣā).

Advaitadas II also comes and gives me expensive medicines, but does not want any money (he's not rich). He says that Rūpa Goswāmī's dadāti pratighṛṇati does not refer to a precisely calculated exchange of gifts, but to spontaneous loving gestures. When I argue that Bhīṣma-deva lay on his bed of arrows until all accounts were settled and everyone was satisfied, he says that those were the general populace, not his near and dear ones. Take Kṛṣṇa Himself - He is really nasty - urinating on mother Yaśodā's floor, stealing butter, seducing other mens wives and then leaving Vraja never to return - still we tend to give everything to Him. Yet, Uddhava says (SB 11.29.6) that Kṛṣṇa cannot be repaid because He comes as the Guru. Speaking of Guru, the Guru and one's mother come on the other side of the scale - however much you may mistreat them, they will always love you. Perhaps this is why in India the word dhanyavāda (thanks) is not really used?

4 comments:

  1. It's great having you as a neighbor, Advaitadas Ji. We have really enjoyed your visits and Hari katha.

    Yes, the general rule in our tradition is that ekadas bhav is given only after one has received bhek and it is not given automatically at the time of bhek either. It is at the discretion of the guru as to whom receives it. I requested it at the time of diksha and gurudev told me that exceptions can be made. I was also told that he later wanted me to receive it, but as you said he has now passed on...

    Revelation is certainly an alternative. After discussing this issue with some gurubhais, the consensus was not to fret, your gurudev will reveal it to you when the time is ripe.

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  2. Jay Nitai,

    Just to clarify in our Gon ( We should not use the term Sampradaya as Sampradaya is one that Mahaprabhu's Sampradaya and we all belong to the same. Gon /Gosthi/ Parampara would be right word ) what Sakhi ji told is a general thumb rule for giving Sidhdha Pranali, which is very common with other parampara in Bengal. But in our Gon also Guru can give the Sidhdha Pranali in specific situation when he sees the disciple is in correct position/stage to receive and practice .

    Subrata

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  3. "...in the Nitai-Gaur Radhe-Syam Sampradaya Ekadash Bhava is only given after bhekh (to sannyasis only) - they are strict like the IGM and Haridas Shastriji."

    Bhrigu writes in his thesis on Guru-tattva ("As Good As God"):

    "The time when this initiation is given depends upon how the guru views rāgānugā-sādhana. Generally speaking, there are three views prevalent in modern Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism. The first is that rāgānugā-sādhana is the primary mode of sādhana in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism, and the best and easiest way to advance spiritually. For properly engaging in this kind of practice, and thus advancing spiritually, the disciple must have knowledge about his siddha form. For this reason, Siddha-initiation should be given immediately, together with ordinary initiation, or a short time afterwards. This view is held by the bābājīs of Rādhākuṇḍa, the members of the Rāmadāsa parivāra, and most other ascetic Gauḍīya gurus. For example Ananta Dāsa Bābajī gives his disciples first and second initiation almost immediately, and Siddha-initiation one or one and a half month afterward, when they have learned the basics, such as performing altar worship. (IF mgt 2000/66) Dīna Hari Dāsa Bābajī, a granddisciple of Rāmadāsa Bābajī, gives Siddha-initiation at the same time as ordinary initiation (IF mgt 2000/69)."

    This raises a question on how far there is a uniform standard in the NGRS line.

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  4. "...in the Nitai-Gaur Radhe-Syam Sampradaya Ekadash Bhava is only given after bhekh (to sannyasis only) - they are strict like the IGM and Haridas Shastriji..."

    What about female disciples?

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