Gita Govinda -Jayadeva 6

Gita Govinda -Shri Jayadeva Gosvami

INTRODUCTION

Even amongst these great compositions, the excellence of Jayadeva Gosvämé’s Shri Géta-govinda is unsurpassed. Herein lies a profound sentiment worthy of our special attention. Shri Caitanya Mahäprabhu descended to this world to teach devotional service by his own personal example. Why did he study and taste the transcendental mellows of all these literatures in a secluded place with only one or two of his confidential associates? The issue of eligibility is relevant even in this extreme case. Furthermore, the environment in which to study esoteric scriptures has also been revealed. The glorification Shriman Mahäprabhu performed in public places amongst the common people of societywas only näma-saìkértana, the congregational chanting of the Holy Name. His performance of rasa-saìkértana took place in his private dwelling, Shri Gambhérä, exclusively in the company of Shri Svarüpa Dämodara and Räya Rämänanda. Similarly, saìkértana was also performed behind closed doors at night in the house of Shriväsa Öhäkura in Shridhäma Navadvépa. This is the highest instruction of Shri Gauräìgadeva, the spiritual master of the entire universe: “If you want to attain the highest auspiciousness, first become qualified and then study this literature secretly. Then you will be a candidate for prema-bhakti. Otherwise you will commit offences to Bhagavän and his devotees and you will fall down.”Bhagavän Shri Kṛṣṇa is çaktimän, the supreme potent entity, and Shrimaté Rädhikä is his supreme potency. As stated by Shrila Kṛṣṇadäsa Kaviräja: Shri Kṛṣṇa’s body is the complete manifestation of eternal existence, consciousness and pleasure. His one spiritual potency manifests in three ways. Hlädiné is his aspect of bliss; sandhiné, of eternal existence; and saàvit, of cognition, which is also considered to be knowledge. The essence of hlädiné is prema, unconditional love for Shri Kṛṣṇa. The essence of prema is bhäva, spiritual emotion, and the ultimate development of bhäva is called mahäbhäva. Shri Rädhä is the embodiment of mahäbhäva. She is likened to a deep mine of all precious qualities and she is the crest-jewel amongst Shri Kṛṣṇa’s beloved gopés. (Shri Caitanya-caritämåta, Ädi-lélä 4.61–62, 68–69)