252 VAISHNAVAS PART TWO

A GUJARI GIRL

The Gujari girl is a tamas bhakta. Her name in the lila is

Parmesuri. In her previous birth she lived in the Dwarka
lila. Once while Shri Krishna’s wife Shri Rukminiji was
talking about Shri Krishna’s Vrindavan lila, Parmesuri
reflected, “When will I have the fortune to experience that
lila?”
From that moment on, Parmesuri continuously
experienced the sweet pangs of separation from Shri
Krishna’s Vrindavan lilas. When she stopped eating and
could think of nothing else, Shri Krishna, the witness of
all hearts approached her, “Worship Shri Yamunaji, she
is the Goddess in charge of the Vrindavan lila. Through
her grace you will attain the fortunes of Vrindavan.”
She began to worship Shri Yamunaji and a few days
later, Shri Yamunaji appeared to her and the Gujari girl
made her request, “Bless me with acceptance into Shri
Krishna’s Vrindavan lila. This is my only desire.”
Shri Yamunaji was pleased with her devotion and
graced her. Thousands of years later, she was born in
Braja as a dairy maid. At the age of twelve she married a
Braja Vasi who lived in Anyor by the Govardhan Hill.

ONE

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After the Gujari girl became Shri Gusainji’s disciple,
she went for Shri Nathji’s darshan daily and would not
eat or drink anything until she saw Him. She was a
great bhakta.

TWO

Shortly after her marriage, when one of the family’s

buffalos disappeared, she overheard a neighbor
accusing her, “This new wife has brought your family
bad luck.”
The Gujari girl was distressed to hear those words
and prayed to Shri Nathji, “O good friend Gopal,
besides you I have no one else. Everyone here thinks I
am bad luck. If you help me find their buffalo, I
promise to give you some butter.”
Then she went out and with Shri Nathji’s help, she
quickly found the stray buffalo. When she brought the
buffalo home, everyone praised her, “This girl has
brought us great fortune.”

This account teaches us to take only Shri Nathji’s shelter

regardless of misfortune. He always protects His bhaktas.
Even when a bhakta loses composure, only Shri Nathji
should be resorted to. He accomplishes everything and is
the bhakta’s only support. He is the Lord of Gokul, and
Gokul is the abode of the bhaktas. He triumphs over all
other forces. Surdas sings…

The Lord of Gokul is Beloved Krishna.

He has lotus eyes-

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A lovely swarthy form
-And long arms.

(Shri Krishna explains to his father…)

Now quickly do what I say.
Go and cook some delicious food.
That sacrifice you use to make to Indra
Should now be offered to the Govardhan hill.
Fill the food with ghee.

If you give it all to the Govardhan hill-

Your cows and calves will increase.
Everyone will join in eating the offerings and
Gather together like cows.

Worship the Govardhan hill

Shri Gopal is the life of the bhaktas.
Sings Sur, “Even death and time
Are always in awe of Him.”

From that day on she secretly took some fresh

butter and saved it for Shri Nathji. After a week, she
decided to present the butter to Shri Nathji but was
afraid to go to Him. She feared that someone would ask
her where she was going with the butter. At that
moment, Shri Nathji appeared before her as a seven
year old boy holding a red cane.
“Give me your butter.” He said.
She reflected, “This is no ordinary boy, otherwise
how could He know about the butter. This boy is Shri

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Nathji and He has come here out of His affection for
me.”
After she gave Him the butter she told Him, “I can
not go to You, so please come to me whenever I churn
the curds. I will daily feed you fresh butter.”
Shri Nathji replied, “I will come, but if for some
reason I don’t make it, just put some aside for Me.”
From that day forward Shri Nathji would come
and sit next to her whenever she made butter. After
eating her offerings, He would go to the forest. The
Gujari girl had a pure and simple nature. Her focus was
totally on Shri Nathji and this is a sign of pure bhava.

Shri Nathji loves one-pointed bhava and falls under the

control of those who have it.

The Gujari girl was a great bhakta, a vessel of

grace. Her story cannot be fully told. (85)

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 THE SANDAL PASTE MAN

He is a rajas bhakta and in Shri Krishna’s Dwarka lila,

his name is Bhramita. In Dwarka, Shri Krishna once
mentioned to Shri Rukminiji how He played the flute and
called the Gopis out for the Rasa lila dance in the forest
of Vrindavan. Shri Rukmini remarked, “I would like to
experience that Rasa Lila.”
Shri Krishna laughed and mentioned, “How will you
make it to the forest at night? You will not be able to
renounce your worldly concerns like the Gopis of
Vrindavan did.”
“Just sound that flute and see.” Said Rukminiji.
Rukmini returned to the palace and told all the other
Dwarka Queens to adorn themselves and get ready for
Shri Krishna’s night-time forest lila. Later that evening,
Shri Krishna went to the Gopi lake and played His flute.
Hearing the call, Shri Rukminiji and the other Dwarka
Queens, along with their women associates and
attendants, headed out of their palaces all fully adorned,
but when they approached the main gates and saw their
in-laws and elder family members they hesitated, “What
will we say if they ask us where we are going? We better
stay home tonight.”
While the Queens retreated to their respectful
palaces, Shri Krishna, Who was ready for dance, knew
what had happened and called the Vrindavan Gopis there.
That night, only five of Rukmini’s associates managed to
get out of their Dwarka palaces and Bhramita was one of
them. That evening they all experienced Shri Krishna’s
delightful grace-filled form as well as His Vrindavan lila.

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Those five Dwarka ladies never returned home and left
their material forms there in the forest and attained Shri
Krishna’s Vrindavan lila.
Thousands of years later, Bhramita was born as a
son of a wealthy Kshatriya in Agra. After becoming Shri
Gusainji’s disciple, his family moved to Gokul where he
daily attended satsangs. As his attachment to Shri
Gusainji increased, he became increasingly intent on
performing his guru’s seva.

ONE

During the hot season, Shri Gusainji would have

different disciples prepare and apply sandal paste to his
body. One day, when the Kshatriya was offering his
guru some sandal paste, he thought, “Shri Gusainji
looks human, but people say he is Krishna. This is very
confusing.”
Shri Gusainji, knew of his doubt and as he was
about to take some rest asked him, “Please stay here
and fan me for a while.”
While Shri Gusainji was resting below a thin,
transparent cotton sheet, the Kshatriya suddenly saw
him turn into Shri Nathji. He thought to himself, “I
must be dreaming.” After rubbing his eyes he realized,
“I am not seeing things, this vision was given to me to
remove my doubts. What people say about Shri
Gusainji is true.”
Shri Gusainji suddenly sat up and said, “Now is it
clear?”

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 “Through your grace I have come to know your
true form.”

This account reveals that bhaktas do not see any

difference between Shri Gusainji and Shri Nathji.
Gopaldas sings…

Although one
For the sake of lila
They became two-
The essence of worship.

Shri Gusainji and Shri Nathji are the same form but
to reveal the true nature a follower Shri Nathji became
Shri Gusainji.

The sandal paste man was a vessel of grace, his

account has no end and can never be fully told. (86)

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 GOPALDAS

Gopaldas is a sattvika bhaka. His name in the lila is

Sahodari and she was connected with Shri Krishna’s
Dwarka lila until she joined Bhramita at the Gopi lake
and attained the Braja lila by dancing there with Shri
Krishna. Years later, Sahodari was born in Gujarat into a
Sanchora Brahmin family.
One day, while Shri Gusainji was on his way to
Dwarka he saw Gopaldas and called out to him,
“Gopaldas, when are you going to start making Shri
Nathji’s seva?”
Gopaldas was amazed to hear Shri Gusainji’s words
and knowing the greatness of his being, became his
disciple and prayed,
“Now let me serve you.”
“Better you make Shri Nathji’s seva.” Said Shri
Gusainji.
“Fine, but keep me close to your lotus feet.”

He accompanied Shri Gusainji to Dwarka and

washed his guru’s clothes and helped with the cooking
every day. Later they both returned to Shri Nathji’s
temple in Braja.

ONE

As Gopaldas was pure and simple, Shri Gusainji

allowed him to cook for Shri Nathji. His pure devotion
inspired Shri Nathji and the Blessed Lord started
speaking directly to him. Shri Gusainji knew that Shri

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Nathji had blessed Gopaldas and sometimes asked him
what Shri Nathji spoke about.
Once, after Shri Gusainji had taken his meals and
was chewing on a betal nut, Gopaldas came into the
room and mentioned, “I was just at the Apsara lake and
saw Shri Nathji there. He said, “I am hungry. Bring me
something cool to eat.”
Shri Gusainji immediately got up and prepared
some treats for Shri Nathji. He put the offerings in a
basket and headed out barefoot towards where Shri
Nathji was sighted. Along the way, he passed
Dharmadas, “I hear Shri Nathji is somewhere around
here.”
“Look over there, under that tree.”He said.
Shri Gusainji then found Shri Nathji and Shri
Dauji playing with all Their friends in a nearby forest.
He lovingly placed his offerings before Shri Nathji and
after everyone enjoyed the snack, Shri Nathji told Shri
Gusainji, “You were really troubled today to come out
here like this. From today onwards, don’t listen to
anyone. I will tell you whenever I need something.”
Shri Nathji was delighted with Shri Gusainji and
after the guru returned home, Shri Nathji and His
friends continued to play in the forest. Shri Gusainji
was always eager to please Shri Nathji.

In this account a doubt arises. Why did Shri Nathji tell

Shri Gusainji not to listen to anyone?
Although Shri Nathji told Gopaldas that He was
hungry, he did not tell him to have Shri Gusainji bring
him the offerings. If Gopaldas brought the food, that

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would have been fine, but Shri Nathji could not stand to
trouble Shri Gusainji in any way. The lover can never
bear to cause the beloved any difficulty. For this reason
Shri Nathji told Shri Gusainji not to listen to anyone.
In this lila, Shri Gusainji showed the bhava of being
Shri Nathji’s follower.

Gopaldas was a great bhakta, his story is fathomless.

(87)

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 A KSHATRIYA FROM ORISSA

He is a satvika bhakta. In the lila he is called Krishna

Priya and resembles Shri Krishna. In this world, he lived
forty miles from the Jagannath temple in Orissa. He was
the son of a wealthy man and as a boy, he loved to listen
to sacred discourses. He served and honored all the saints
who visited his town. He fed the hungry, clothed the poor
and massaged the feet of bhaktas. He was well known for
his pure service. Many people visited him.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was going to Shri

Jagannathji’s temple, Shri Gusainji gave him the first
initiation and a plate of prasada. Many days later when
Kshatriya came to Gokul, he heard his guru speak
about total dedication.
“When the bhakta takes refuge, Shri
Vallabhacharya graces that soul and then their
dedication becomes quickly established. Then the gift of
the Blessed Path, the experience of Shri Krishna’s lila is
realized and the blessed soul receives divine eyes.”
Kshatriya reflected, “With Shri Gusainji’s grace, I
will dedicate my being.”
When Shri Gusainji had finished the afternoon
seva, Kshatriya approached him, “Allow me the gift of
lila insight. Please give me the dedication mantra.”
Shri Gusainji then called his oldest son, Shri
Girdharji and told him, “Tomorrow give Kshatriya
initiation in front of Shri Vallabhacharya’s wooden

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sandals and also give him the the experience of Shri
Krishna’s grace-filled lila.”

Why didn’t Shri Gusainji give him initiation himself and

why besides Shri Vallabhacharya’s wooden sandals and
not before Shri Krishna as it was normally done? Here it
is explained that Shri Gusainji established himself in his
sons and that is why he told his eldest son who had all
divine virtues to give him initiation. Since Shri Girdharji
shines with Shri Krishna’s constant remembrance, he was
also able to give Kshatriya the gift of Shri Krishna’s
inner realization as well as lila darshan. The initiation
was given next to Shri Vallabhacharya’s wooden sandals
because Shri Vallabhacharya is the very form of Shri
Svamini. Without Shri Svamini’s grace, it is not possible
to have a connection with the lila, and so his sandals
reside next to Shri Krishna.
Another example of amazing grace is when Shri
Mahaprabhuji Vallabhacharya’s mother took initiation
directly from her Child Krishna, Navanita Priyaji and
then placed the tulsi leaves given to her by the Divine
Child at the feet of another form of Krishna.

The next day Shri Girdharji, with great

compassion, initiated Kshatriya but when Kshatriya
came before Shri Gusainji, the guru mentioned, “He has
still not received lila connection.”
Shri Gusainji then told Shri Girdharji, “You did
not give him any divine gifts. He still lacks lila
connection. Have him fast again, then with his mind
purified, award him the divine gift.”

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 After Kshatriya fasted for a day and his mind was
purified, Shri Girdharji gave him initiation for a second
time. However,when Kshatriya came before Shri
Gusainji again, the guru looked at him and said, “His
dedication is still not pure.”
He then called Shri Girdharji and told him, “Now
both of you should fast for a day, for bodily
purification.”

In this way Shri Girdharji would experience the

divine rapture of separation.

The following day, after his third initiation, when

Kshatriya came before Shri Gusainji, the guru said,
“Kshatriya, today your heart was not pure, so you need
to fast again.”
Finally, right after the initiation was given for the
fourth time, both Shri Girdharji and the Kshatriya had
a major lila experience and both had the divine darshan
of the Gopis with Shri Krishna. The Kshatriya was so
filled with ecstasy that he immediately lost all bodily
consciousness. Only when Shri Gusainji spoke Shri
Krishna’s name in his ear did he return to this world.
From that day on, Kshatriya’s divine vision was precise
and he remained full of Shri Krishna’s nectar.
Kshatriya was a vessel of grace, a great bhakta. His
story has no end. To what extent can we praise him?
(88)

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 THE QUARRELSOME BRAHMIN

He is a rajas bhakta. His lila name is Krsodari. The

quarrelsome Brahmin was born in the Punjab area. His
mother died when he was five and his father sent him to
study with a pundit. He never married and was very
proud of his learning. People called him the quarrelsome
brahmin because he argued with everyone.

ONE

Many Vaishnavas lived in his town and privately

worshipped their Beloved Krishna. Once, on Shri
Gusainji’s birthday, all the bhaktas gathered together
for satsang. When the quarrelsome brahmin heard their
singing he barged in and arrogantly interjected, “Don’t
sing like that, listen to my songs about Devi and
Ganesh.”
The bhaktas were all annoyed, “Why are you
disturbing our satsang?”
“Is your path so special?”He replied.
“Listen , Ganesh, Devi, Shiva, are all parts of our
Krishna, so we don’t worship them separately.”
“Don’t you know everything is the same, it is all
one?”He asked.
“Why bother us? We don’t know anything besides
our Darling Krishna!”
The bhaktas showed him the door, but he quickly
returned with ten brahmins who threw stones at them.
The bhaktas then stopped their kirtan and returned to
their homes.

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 Late that night, after the quarrelsome brahmin
went to bed, four of God’s servants awoke him and
started to beat him. “Why did you harass those bhaktas
and interrupt their kirtan? They are Vaishnavas,
vessels of grace. Their guru, Shri Gusainji is Krishna
Himself. If you ever harass them again, we will really
punish you.”

In this account it is shown that Shri Krishna cannot stand

transgressions against His bhaktas. Shri Krishna says in
the Bhagavata.

“Narada! I don’t live in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of

yogis. I remain where My bhaktas sing My glories.”

Whenever bhaktas are disturbed, the Blessed Lord

appears and rectifies the situation.

The quarrelsome brahmin did not sleep for the rest

of the night. The following morning, he managed to get
himself before the bhaktas and bowed before them and
prayed, “I received the fruit of my actions. You are
blessed beings and I am very sinful. See my bruises.”
When he told them what had happened, the
bhaktas felt great compassion for him. They poured
sacred water over his wounds and in his mouth and
advised him to go home and rest.
“Now I have no place to go. Make me a
Vaishnava.”
“That is a question of Shri Gusainji’s grace. Go to
Gokul and there the guru will fulfill your desires.”

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 After many days the quarrelsome brahmin reached
Gokul and requested Shri Gusainji, “You are
affectionate to your bhaktas, please accept me.”
After the Brahmin fasted for a day, Shri Gusainji
gave him initiation. He stayed in Gokul for many days
and after receiving teachings from Shri Gusainji, the
Path of Grace became firmly situated in his heart. Then
Shri Gusainji took him to have Shri Nathji’s darshan on
the Govardhan hill. Standing before Shri Nathji, the
quarrelsome Brahmin felt, “I am truly blessed to be
here.”
After returning to Gokul he requested Shri
Gusainji. “I would like to walk around Braja.”
Shri Gusainji blessed his pilgrimage and after he
completed his sacred tour, with Shri Gusainji’s
permission, the quarrelsome Brahmin returned home.
When he told all the bhaktas back home about his
pilgrimage, one of the senior bhaktas bowed at his feet
and explained, “The sign of a divine soul is that he
receives the fruits of his bad actions immediately
because Hari always resides near him, while demonical
souls can do evil deeds and think they have benefited
from them.”
The quarrelsome Brahmin became a great bhakta.
He humbly welcomed the bhaktas into his home. He
also composed devotional poetry, all in accordance with
the teaching of the Shrimad Bhagavatam. If anyone
praised him, he would say, “Everything is due to your
blessings.”

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 He served the bhaktas and was a vessel of his
guru’s grace. His story can not be fully revealed. (89)

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 KUNABI PATEL

He is a tamas bhakta, his lila name is Satyavrata

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Gujarat, Kunabi

became his disciple. That day, after Shri Gusainji
prepared the offerings, he gave a plate of prasada to
Kunabi. As soon as he ate the prasada, Kunabi became
wise and the Blessed Path was firmly established in his
heart. Shri Gusainji stayed in his town and gave
teachings for several days before moving on towards
Dwarka.

TWO

Near Kunabi’s small town was a city where many

bhaktas lived. Every evening after finishing his
Krishna’s seva, Kunabi used to walk there to attend
satsang. He would stay there most of the night and then
walk home to begin his Krishna’s seva.
One dark evening, on the eleventh lunar day, while
walking to the city for satsang, he lost his way. It started
to rain and he came to a lake surrounded by a forest.
Suddenly a demon came down from one of the trees and
stood before him and said, “I have been hungry for
days, I will devour you now!”
Kunabi replied, “Tonight is the auspicious eleventh
evening and I was planning to stay up all night doing

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satsang and kirtan. Would you mind terribly if you ate
me in the morning? I promise I will return.”
“I don’t believe you. Why would you come back to
your own death?”
“I promise you I will. Now please devour me in the
morning.”
“Promise me you will return.”
Kunabi pledged to the demon that he would come
in the morning and then went to the satsang. That night
he listened carefully to the teachings and sang with
much inspiration. He knew that in the morning the
demon would devour him and he reflected. “Tonight I
should take as many sacred names as I can.”
His night passed in great bliss and as the sun rose,
he bid farewell to the bhaktas and returned to the lake
and called out to the demon five times, “I am here.
Come and eat me.”
The demon thought, “After escaping death he has
returned? He is some great soul who does not fear
death. I cannot kill him.”
Kunabi called out again, “Please, quickly come
here, otherwise I will be late for my Krishna’s seva.”
The demon then took on a huge form and appeared
before him, “I will not devour you, you are a bhakta,
fearless and one of Hari’s own people. But I do wish to
ask of you just one thing.” He then bowed as his feet.

Here it is shown that bhaktas who have firm faith, are

fearless and exalted. Everyone praises them. Surdas has
sung…

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Hari’s bhakta is really great!
Great kings, sages and yogis
Are humbled when they see one.

The bhakta is a king of devotion

And sits upon a throne of pure faith.
Hari’s pure praise in his umbrella
Beautiful beyond belief.

He rules his country free of desires-

His subjects are all inspired.
Lust, anger, pride, greed and infatuation
Reside there as thieves.

The doorguards are wisdom incarnate.

They never have a free moment for anything else.
Worldly wealth and false longings live far away-
Liberation and dharma both bow their heads there.

The eight powers of yoga

And the nine worldly treasures-
All stand at attention
With folded hands by their hearts.

The bhakta’s golden staff-bearer

Is a happy renunciate
Who instantly removes
whatever is unwanted.

The bhakta has great taste

For the love of Hari’s lotus feet

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Forever filled with His brilliance.

The bhakta’s minister is wisdom

And has no time for idle talk.
Maya and time can never appear in those
Who know the ways of that kingdom.

Sings Surdas,
“To find human birth
Is an indication
of the guru’s grace.”

From this song, understand the bhakta’s nature.

Kunabi then replied, “What is it that you want?”

“I would like the fruit of the kirtan you sang
tonight.”
“I can’t give you that. Now eat me if you will.”
“How about just half of the fruit of your kirtan
tonight?”
“I told you no.”
“Could I get the fruit of fifteen minutes or even
five?”
“No.”

Here a doubt arises that in the Path of Grace, there

is never any expectation of reward, so why did Kunabi
hold back the reward of his kirtan? Here it is revealed
that the fruit of Kunabi’s kirtan would be the appearance
of Shri Krishna and His lilas in the heart. Kunabi felt that

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he could not give that demon such a reward, for he was
not divine.

“How about just the fruit of five beats of your

kirtan tonight?”
At that moment, a voice sounded from the heavens,
“Kunabi, you are a bhakta, one of Hari’s people, be
kind and give him five beats, it will liberate him. By
meeting you, this demon will be awakened.”
Kunabi then took some water in his hand and
promised the demon, “I hearby give you the fruit of five
beats of tonight’s kirtan.”
At that moment, the demon took on a divine form
and walked around Kunabi, bowed at his feet, and then
headed off to heaven. Such is the force of a bhakta’s
presence! Kunabi then walked home.

This account shows that Kunabi walked very far to

have satsang. Satsang is priceless. When we keep the
association of other bhaktas, there can never be any loss
of dharma.

Kunabi was a blessed vessel. To what extent can we

praise him? (90)

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 SAHUKAR

Sahukar is a rajas bhakta from Mathura. His lila name is

Manorupa. He took birth as the son of a wealthy jeweller
and married when he was twelve. After his father died he
looked after the family shop. Being a divine soul he could
not focus on business but only on how to attain God.
He asked everyone who came to him, “Would you
happen to know how can I find Shri Krishna?”
One day a Chobe Brahmin from Mathura told him,
“If you want to find God, then leave your home and
worship in the forest or go to Gokul and approach Shri
Gusainji.”
The next day Sahukar went to Gokul and saw Shri
Gusainji performing his prayers on Thakurani Ghat by
the Yamuna river. Shri Gusainji was full of divine
radiance. Sahukar was spellbound and just stood and
watched him for half an hour. Suddenly, Shri Gusainji
looked his way and asked, “So what is it that you want to
know?”
At that moment Sahukar realized that he had met his
guru and approached him, “Accept me as your disciple.”
“First let’s address your question.” Said Shri
Gusainji.
“Please tell me how I can attain Shri Krishna. I have
asked many pundits but they usually tell me that I have to
leave this world and become a renunciate. This all seems
very difficult for me. How can I leave my wife and home
while I am still attached?”

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 Shri Gusainji smiled and explained, “What you say
is true; it is very difficult to leave bodily indentifications.
If you leave your home while you are still attached, you
will encounter many obstructions such as bad association
that will corrupt you. Know that Shri Krishna is never
attained by any practice but through grace alone.
Therefore our duty is to serve Shri Krishna and then He
becomes full of mercy.”
Sahukar was delighted, “Now please accept me and
establish Shri Krishna’s seva in my life.”
“First bathe in the Yamuna river.” Said Shri
Gusainji.

After Shri Gusainji initiated him, he took him to

have Shri Navanita Priyaji’s darshan and Sahukar had a
divine darshan of Child Krishna and became totally
entranced again. After the darshan, he accompanied Shri
Gusainji to his seat where he requested, “Now please
establish Shri Krishna’s seva in my life and teach me the
ways of divine service.”
Shri Gusainji graced him with a Child Krishna and
told him, “Keep your mind and heart in your Divine
Child. Make His seva with loving devotion and know your
Deity to be Krishna Himself. Just as you experience heat,
cold, hunger and discomfort, feel that your Krishna is
also sensitive to all those things and serve Him
accordingly. Eat and drink only those things you have
offered Him and know that your Child Krishna enjoys
fine things. Offer quality items and enjoy them as
Krishna’s prasada, His grace. In this way, you will free
yourselves from misleading connections and your shelter

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

will become firm. With a firm refuge, you will experience
His grace. Remain in your home and make seva
according to the Path of Grace. Also, in Mathura have
satsang with a poor bhakta couple. Learn the modes of
seva from them.”
As Shri Gusainji headed for his meals he added,
“Today, take your prasada here.”
Sahukar’s wife also became a disciple and together
they began to serve their Child Krishna and had satsang
with the poor bhakta couple. Their bhava increased and
Sahukar celebrated the seasons and often invited other
bhaktas for feasts. Sahukar and his wife served their
Child Krishna with great affection and after some time,
Shri Krishna appeared to them.

ONE

One day, Sahukar had a mango festival and invited the

bhaktas in town for prasada. Shri Gusainji’s disciples,
the poor couple, had the practice to only take what their
Krishna was offered, but when they were invited to
other bhakta’s feasts, they would first offer their
Krishna what was offered at the feast and then attend.

This is the dharma of the divine wife; to take what her

Svami enjoys. In the Path of Grace, to have devotion to
your divine husband, Shri Krishna, is the highest dharma.
Shri Gusainji has mentioned in his Sarvottam Stotra,
“Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya is the husband to
those who are devoted to the eternal Husband.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 If a bhakta performs Shri Krishna’s seva with the
bhava of being His devoted wife, he or she will attain the
fortune of the Gopis of Braja. In the lila, the poor bhakta
couple served Shri Krishna at Yashoda’s house by always
making new offerings. Yashoda daily presents them with
Krishna’s leftovers and they never eat anything else.

When the poor bhakta couple went to the market

to purchase some mangoes, they realized that Sahukar
had purchased every mango in town and they were
distressed that they would not be able to offer their
Krishna any mangoes. At that moment, a woman
arrived with a basket of mangoes.

Here it is shown that if you have an intense divine

desire, it will be fulfilled in a moment.

They approached her, “We want a few mangoes.”

“I will only sell the entire basket for one rupee.”
“We don’t have a rupee today, but if you can wait
a few days we will get it to you.”
The fruit vendor agreed to the deal and the bhakta
couple took all the mangoes to the banks of the Yamuna
river and after washing them, they mentally offered all
of the mangoes to their Child Krishna and He came to
that very spot and enjoyed them.
Meanwhile, Sahukar used all of his mangoes to
make mango puree and sent someone to the market so
that he could offer some whole mangoes as well. When
the man saw the fruit vendor, she told him, “Those
bhaktas over there just purchased all of my mangoes.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The bhakta couple then told him, “Go ahead, take
them, just pay the vendor over there the one rupee we
owe her.”
Later when Sahukar tried to offer those mangoes,
his Krishna told him, “These mangoes have already
been offered to Me by the poor bhakta couple, how can
I partake of them again?”
Sahukar then called the couple and told them what
His Krishna told them. Afterwards, the bhakta couple
sat with the other guests and everyone was given one
mango. The prasada that day had a particularly divine
taste due to the mangoes the bhakta couple had so
lovingly offered.

When bhaktas offer something with pure devotion,

at that very moment, Shri Krishna arrives and with the
grace of Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji, He
enjoys the offerings. The teaching here is to always offer
things of the highest quality.

Sahukar and the bhakta couple were vessels of

grace, true bhaktas. To what extent can we praise
them? (91)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A BANIYA FROM GUJARAT

He is a tamas bhakta and his name in the lila is

Anandadayini. Anandadayini has a divine friend called
Sulochana, who has large beautiful eyes. Shri Krishna
loves to gaze into them. In this world, Anandadayini
became a Jain Baniya and Sulochana was later born as
his daughter.
When Baniya turned sixteen, he was blessed with the
the association of a Krishna bhakta. He was impressed
with the bhakti lifestyle and thought, “We Jains do not
bathe or even use much water, afraid as we are of
harming other beings. I prefer the devotional dharma of
the Vaishnavas. I want to become a bhakta.”
His bhakta friend told him, “In a few days Shri
Gusainji will come here. You will find perfection in his
refuge.”
After a few days, when Shri Gusainji visited their
town, the Baniya went to see Shri Gusainji and requested
initiation. Shri Gusainji saw his pure desire and gave him
Krishna mantra, but when the Baniya requested, “I would
like to perform Shri Krishna’s seva”, Shri Gusainji
advised, “Not now. After your parents pass away, come to
Adel and there I will present you with Shri Krishna’s
seva. For now, have satsang with the other bhaktas.”
The Baniya was married and after his parents passed
away, he took his wife to Adel and after she took initiation
from Shri Gusainji, he said, “Now I have no obstructions.
Please honor me with Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Shri Gusainji presented him with a Child Krishna
and after learning the modes of seva from his guru, he

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

returned home with his wife. They immersed themselves
in Shri Krishna’s seva with great affection. They also had
satsang with other bhaktas every day. The couple had one
daughter.

ONE

Baniya was a good bhakta. He tried to marry his

daughter to a bhakta, but when he could not find one,
he married her to a Jain boy. His daughter was not
happy in her husband’s home though. She did not like
their lifestyle and would eat only one meal a day. She
ate only the food that was put on her plate and would
always mix some sacred Krishna sands into her food
before eating. She was distressed and thought, “When
will Shri Krishna free me from this terrible situation? I
know He is kind to His bhaktas.”
Meanwhile, Shri Nathji could not bear to see her
situation and told Shri Gusainji, “I cannot stand her
distress.”
Some days later, while Shri Gusainji was on
pilgrimage, he made his camp in her town. Later that
day, she passed by his camp while fetching water and
saw some of Shri Gusainji’s men from Braja and
thought, “These sort of men used to visit my father’s
place.”
When she found out that they were with Shri
Gusainji, she told one of them, “My father is Shri
Gusainji’s disciple. Please take me to your guru.”
He took her before Shri Gusainji and announced,
“This girl’s father is your disciple.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 She bowed to Shri Gusainji and quietly returned
home thinking, “What should I do now?” She then
mentioned to her mother-in-law, “My father’s guru has
arrived today. Can I have a coconut to offer him?”
Her mother-in-law replied, “Sure, but I would also
like to see him.”
When they arrived before Shri Gusainji, the
Baniya’s daughter immediately asked Shri Gusainji for
initiation. At that moment, the mother-in-law felt Shri
Gusainji’s divine presence and also requested initiation.
Shri Gusainji initiated both of them and after they
returned home, they inspired their entire family to
become disciples of Shri Gusainji. Shri Gusainji then
presented them with a cloth Shri Navanita Priyaji had
worn for their seva. Many other people from town also
became disciples and Shri Gusainji visited their homes.
Shri Krishna arranged for all of this to happen
because He could not bear the girl’s anguish. The
Baniya’s daughter then cleaned their kitchen and
started to cook for her Krishna. The entire family
enjoyed Shri Krishna’s prasada. The Baniya’s daughter
inspired the entire family and they adapted to the
bhakta’s lifestyle. She was an accomplished soul.
Everyone knew that the grace of the guru and God
came to them through her and they truly honored her.

The essence of this story is that if you experience the

pangs of divine love, Shri Krishna becomes quickly
pleased with you. Bhaktas should always cultivate intense
inner devotion.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The Baniya’s daughter was a vessel of grace. There is
no way to tell her complete story. (92)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE THREE BAG MAN

The three bag man is a satvika bhakta. His lila name is

Jaya Shri and she is as beautiful as Shri Svaminiji. Shri
Krishna falls under her control. In this world, the three
bag man was born in Siddhapura in Gujarat. As soon as
he was born, he recited the sacred names of God. As an
infant he never cried. His parents were astonished. He
refused to drink his own mother’s milk and only lived on
cow’s milk until he was fifteen. He rarely spoke a word to
anyone. His parents knew he was not a worldly child.
When the boy was fifteen Shri Gusainji visited his
town and he had the darshan of Shri Gusainji as being
Lord Krishna Himself. He approached him, “I recognize
you. It has been a long time. Now please reunite me.”
The bhakti master replied, “You are a divine soul
and I have come here to find you.”

As soon as Shri Gusainji initiated him, the three bag

man had lila darshan and Shri Krishna became firmly
established in his heart. Shri Gusainji then advised him,
“You have attained nirodha; perfect Krishna focus. From
today onwards, maya will never obstruct you. Now
wander the world. Always cook and offer your own food.
Time or place will never obstruct you.”
Shri Gusainji then continued on to Dwarka while the
three bag man wandered about. His parents urged him to
return home, but he warned them, “Now I am a
renunciate. I no longer maintain any worldly
relationships. Please don’t be attached to me. It will just
create suffering.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 He left his home and always recited the mantra,
“Shri Krishna is my refuge.” He remained absorbed in
lila awareness.

ONE

The three bag man decided to pilgrimage to Shri

Nathji’s temple. He always carried three bags. In a
shoulder bag, he carried his seva items, on his back he
carried a few garments and in the bag by his waist he
stored other personal items like his eating plate. He
begged for his flour and cooked his own meals. Once
while he was en route it rained so heavily for three days
that he could not cook or move about. On the fourth
day he decided, “Today I will find the house of one of
Shri Gusainji’s disciples and will take my food and rest
there.”

Here one could doubt that if he was a perfected soul, then

why was he affected by hunger when he was beyond time
and place? The answer is that his real purpose to stay at
someone’s house was to bless a king. It was all Shri
Krishna’s play. Bhakta’s require nothing and see
everything that arises as God’s play. His situation arose
so blessings could be showered.

There was a large town nearby. The king there had

married several times but had never had a son. In his
old age, with the hope of securing a son, he gave a local
brahmin, who had come face to face with Lord Shiva,
five thousand rupees. The Shiva brahmin promised the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

ruler, “I have realized Shiva. Now I will ask him to give
you a son.”
The brahmin went off to worship Shiva, but when
despite all of his efforts, the king’s queens did not
conceive, the brahmin decided to kill himself and put
the blame on Shiva. Just as he was about to do the
gruesome act, Lord Shiva appeared before him and
said, “What are you doing? Don’t you know, this king is
not supposed to have any children.”
“Can’t you arrange for one? I have promised him.”
“Let me go and see what Lord Vishnu says.”said
Lord Shiva.
When Shiva approached Lord Vishnu, the mighty
Vishnu laughed and said, “O Mahadeva, that king will
never have a son, not even in a dream. What can I do?
If your brahmin wants to kill himself, let him.”
When the Shiva brahmin heard the news, he went
before the king and sadly explained, “Your case went
all the way to Vishnu. King, it is not your fate to have a
son and there is nothing I can do about it.”
The king sadly accepted the fact,“I always knew I
would be issueless.”
The king then gave him twenty rupees and told
him, “Don’ worry about it. Go home. No one can
change the course of destiny.”

In that king’s town lived a brahmin Krishna

bhakta, a disciple of Shri Gusainji. Everyday, after he
offered his Krishna lunch, he would sit by a lake and
recite Krishna’s names and wait for a bhakta to pass by
so that he could invite him for lunch. Only after his

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

guest took prasada would he eat anything himself. If a
bhakta did not appear by the lake, on that day he would
feed all the offerings to a cow and then fast.
One day, while he was sitting by the lake, the three
bag man walked by. The brahmin bhakta seeing his
tilak and tulsi necklace immediately knew he was a
renounced disciple of Shri Gusainji. He even
understood the meaning of his three bags. He greeted
him witht the words “Jai Shri Krishna.”
They joyfully met each other and the brahmin
bhakta immediately invited the three bag man over for
prasada. The three bag man took his meals and rested
for the afternoon. That evening they had satsang. The
following morning, when the three bag man was about
to leave, the brahmin bhakta insisted, “You must stay
for lunch.”
After he had the darshan of their seva and the arati
lights were waved around their Krishna, the three bag
man took lunch prasada and as he was leaving he
blessed the brahmin bhakta, “I have really enjoyed
myself here. Ask of me anything you want.”
The brahmin bhakta replied, “Through Shri
Gusainji’s grace, there is nothing I require. My wife
and children are all agreeable in Shri Krishna’seva.”
“Please, I can’t leave without giving you
something.”Said the renunciate.
When the brahmin bhakta mentioned this to his
wife, and added that bhaktas never ask for anything, his
wife added, “Why don’t you ask him to give our aging
king a son? After all, we have lived happily in his

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

kingdom and if he dies with no heir, who knows what
will happen.”
The brahmin bhakta then went to the three bag
man, “Could you arrange for our king to have a son?”
“Just one? He will have four.” Said the renunciate.
As soon as he left, the brahmin bhakta hurried to
the king, “Congratulations, you are about to have four
sons.”
The king laughed, “I will be dead soon. My teeth
have fallen out and now you say I will have four sons!”
“King, it is true, a great soul told me.”
“I will not refuse his blessings.”

A short while later, when four queens became

pregnant the king reflected, “That brahmin bhakta was
right.”
When four sons were born, the king was ecstatic
and trumpets sounded by his gates. As soon as the Shiva
bhakta heard the news, he brooded, “Shiva and Vishnu
both told me that this king would never have any sons
and now look what happened. I will kill myself while
reciting Lord Shiva’s name!”
Just as he was about to cut his throat, Lord Shiva
arrived on the spot and took hold of his hand, “What
are you doing?”
“You said that this king would have no children
and now look!”
Shiva was shocked. He went to Lord Vishnu to find
out what happened, “Yes, it is true that that king was
not supposed to have any children, but maybe he

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

received a blessing from a great soul, from a
Vaishnava.”
Shiva’s man then went before the king and the
ruler explained, “I myself don’t understand how it
happened. A brahmin bhakta told me I would have
four sons and his words proved to be true.”
The brahmin bhakta was then called to come
before the king, “Now tell me, how did you know I
would have four sons?”
“One day,” the brahmin explained, “a renounced
disciple of Shri Gusainji visited my home for a day and
was pleased with us. He blessed us and told us to ask for
something. We decided to request that you have a son
and he replied that you would have four! Shri
Gusainji’s disciples always speak the truth.”
The Shiva brahmin then returned to Shiva and told
him what happened. When Shiva questioned Lord
Vishnu about the divine events, Lord Vishnu explained,
“If that three bag bhakta said I would have to appear as
the king’s son, I would have to incarnate. Because of the
bhakta’s blessing, there is nothing amazing about this
king getting four sons.”

Here a doubt could arise that if Shiva is a great

Vaishnava, why wasn’t he able to give the king a son?
Here it is shown that Shiva follows lawful devotion and
must do things according to cannon and fate had written
that the king would have no sons. Although he went to
Vishnu, the incarnation of satvika guna, the mode of
purity, He also could not transgress the laws of karma.
Shri Krishna who is able to do, not do, or do what is

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

neither doing or not doing, lived in the heart of the three
bag man and so he had divine powers and could do
whatever he wanted. His blessings are always true.

The king called the brahmin bhakta and told him,

“I want to become Shri Gusainji’s disciple.”
The Brahmin bhakta then wrote Shri Gusainji a
letter and some days later the guru arrived and the
king, as well as the Shiva Brahmin and everyone else in
the kingdom became Shri Gusainji’s disciples.

Here it is shown that you should always believe what a

bhakta tells you. There is nothing higher than a bhakta
and with their grace everything is attainable.

The three bag man was a great vessel of Shri

Gusainji’s grace. To what extent could he ever be
properly praised? (93)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 PARAMANANDA SONI

Paramananda Soni is a rajas bhakta. His lila name is

Chandrika. Chandrika is lusterous like the moon.

ONE

Paramananda Soni lived in Adel and after he became

Shri Gusainji’s blessed disciple he developed a
profound interest in Shri Mahaprabhuji’s Subodhiniji
and other lineage wisdoms. He daily attended Shri
Gusainji’s teachings. He asked questions, listened
carefully to his guru’s answers and held the
understandings in his heart.
Paramananda Soni was a jeweller and worked on
Shri Gusainji’s jewellery. He never accepted money for
his efforts and also made sure that no gold was ever lost
while he worked on his guru’s jewels. When Shri
Gusainji tried to pay him for his work, Paramananda
Soni explained, “I have many paying clients in this
world. Your grace is the greatest wealth and with that
treasure I am blissful. The only thing I ask of you, is
that you always be happy with me.”
Shri Gusainji remained delighted with him and
empowered him with esoteric teachings. Whenever
other disciples could not understand Shri Gusainji’s
teachings, the guru would tell them to go to
Paramananda Soni. He always answered their questions
for he was a vessel of grace.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

In this account it is revealed that bhaktas should never
accept any wealth from either the guru or Shri Krishna.
Also, the guru’s work should always be done full of
devotion and free of desire for reward. When the guru is
pleased, the Path becomes established in the heart.

TWO

One time a pandit from Prayag came to debate with

Shri Gusainji but the guru was in Shri Krishna’s seva.
Paramananda Soni greeted him, “Maybe I can answer
your questions.”
The Pandit retorted, “It is not your line of work.
What do you know of the Vedas and other scriptures?”
Paramananda Soni then recited one passage from
the Shrimad Bhagavatam concerning Krishna’s dance
with the Gopis and asked the pandit, “Can you explain
it?”
After the pundit fumbled for an appropriate
answer, Paramananda Soni then calmly explained the
meaning of the passage and the pundit was amazed, “I
should ask you all of my questions. If Shri Gusainji’s
low caste disciple knows so much, just imagine what his
guru knows. I will never be able to defeat him.”
After Paramananda Soni answered all of his
questions concerning the Vedas and Puranas, the
pundit folded his hands and submitted, “Although you
are just a jeweller, you shine with the knowledge of the
goddess of wisdom. I can’t even concieve what insights
your guru has.” He then got up and left.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 An hour later, Shri Gusainji appeared and when a
bhakta told him what had happened with the pundit
from Prayag, Shri Gusainji explained, “Paramananda
Soni’s abilities are not unusual because he has firm
faith in both Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri Nathji.
Bhaktas need to cultivate that degree of trust and then
their refuge becomes firm and everything is attained.
Whatever they conceive of comes to be. Without refuge,
there is only discord.”
Bhaktas should emulate Paramananada Soni. He
was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace and a true bhakta.
His story cannot be fully explained. (94)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 RAMDAS

Ramdas is a satvika bhakta and his lila name is

Kamesuri. In this world he was born in Khambhicha. He
was a child renunciate. When he turned fifteen, he
pilgrimaged with some local bhaktas to Shri Nathji’s
temple. He begged for his food along the way and listened
to satsang every evening.

ONE

After Ramdas went to Shri Nathji’s temple, he quickly

became Shri Gusainji’s disciple and told his guru, “I
want to live here. I will do whatever you tell me.”
“Good. For the next six months sit by the
Govardhan Hill at the Dandavati Rock and recite the
mantra, ‘Shri Krishna is my refuge’. After you
complete this practice return for further instructions.”
For six months Ramdas blissfully recited the
mantra by the sacred hill and then returned to Shri
Gusainji, “Now what should I do?”
“Come to the temple.”
That afternoon, when Ramdas entered the temple,
he was so overwhelmed with Shri Nathji’s darshan that
he fell to the ground unconscious. When Shri Gusainji
heard what had happened to him from one of the cooks,
he came out from the seva and asked Ramdas, “How
are you doing?”
“By your grace I have truly seen Shri Nathji. He
has captured my heart.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “Ramdas, you are very blessed to receive Shri
Nathji’s darshan.”
Later that evening, Ramdas bowed to the bhakti
master and then returned to the Dandavati Rock where
he experienced Shri Nathji’s divine presence for the
entire night. Early the following morning, Shri
Gusainji told him, “Today I will initiate you. Now go to
the temple and wait for me.”
After Shri Gusainji completed Shri Nathji’s
ornamentation, he initiated Ramdas in front of Shri
Nathji and told him, “Now sit by the Dandavati Rock
for six more months and recite the mantra, “Krishna I
am Yours.”
After six months of recitation, Shri Gusainji
blessed him, “Now your mind and heart are pure. Your
devotion will never waver.”
“Please allow me to assist in Shri Nathji’s
seva.”asked Ramdas.
“Prepare Shri Nathji’s fruits and
vegetables.”replied Shri Gusainji.

That afternoon, on Ramdas’ very first day of seva,

Shri Nathji appeared before him, “Hi Ramdas, I am
going to the Gulal lake. Bring some fruits and meet Me
there.”
Ramdas quickly prepared a basket of fruits and
met the Mountain Holder at the Gulal lake just outside
of Jatipura.
Shri Nathji greeted him, “Did you bring the
fruits?”
“Here they are.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Nathji enjoyed the offerings with all of His
friends and Ramdas felt honored to behold the lila.
That afternoon, when Shri Gusainji entered Shri
Nathji’s temple and noticed that Ramdas was not there,
he prepared the fruit offering himself and then entered
the temple. Meanwhile, Ramdas reflected. “Oh no!
Today is my first day in Shri Nathji’s seva and I am not
in the temple. Shri Gusainji will surely be displeased
with me.”
Ramdas then hurried back to the temple. Later
that afternoon, as Shri Gusainji was undressing Shri
Nathji, the Blessed Lord mentioned, “Today I played
with Ramdas by the Gulal lake so don’t get upset with
him because he got to the temple late.”
That evening, Shri Gusainji called Ramdas, “You
are really fortunate. Shri Nathji blessed you on your
first day in His seva!”
“All with your grace.” said Ramdas.
“Always do whatever Shri Nathji tells you. Go
wherever He says and don’t worry, I will appoint
another person to cover your temple seva. If you find
time, then come to the temple for His seva.
“Your command is the dharma of my soul.”
From that day, Ramdas happily served Shri Nathji.
After seva he would recite Krishna mantra as well as
the writings of Shri Vallabhacharya.

This account teaches us that reciting the mantra, “Shri

Krishna is my refuge” purifies the heart while reciting the
second mantra, “Krishna I am Yours” intensifies the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

bhakta’s devotion. Then Shri Nathji gives lila experience.
Bhaktas should recite these two mantras.
Shri Gusainji told Ramdas to sit by the Govardhan
Hill at the Dandavati Rock because the Govardhan Hill is
the best of Hari’s followers. Krishna nectar is
immediately tasted when you take refuge and recite
Krishna mantra while sitting next to the great bhakta
Govardhan. Of this there is no doubt.

Ramdas performed Shri Nathji’s seva with great

devotion. Everyday he took prasada from the temple as
well as his guru’s leftovers. In the evening he listened to
Shri Gusainji’s teachings and then returned home to
sing Shri Krishna’s glories with a few other bhaktas.
After eating some chick peas, he would retire for the
night and wake up two hours before sunrise to prepare
himself for Shri Nathji’s seva. After completing that
seva, he visited the bhakta Govinda Svami in the
Kadamb grove. There he would see Shri Nathji dance to
Govinda Svami’s songs. Shri Krishna truly blessed
Ramdas.
When Shri Gusainji headed for Gokul, Ramdas
asked him, “When are you returning?”
“Very soon. Serve Shri Nathji carefully.”
Ramdas was a vessel of grace. There is no way to
fully reveal his life story. (95)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 RENDA THE BRAHMIN

Renda the Brahmin is a tamas bhakta. His name in the

lila is Sangini.

ONE

From his childhood days Renda had lived a detached

life and was never married. Once when Shri Gusainji
passed through Gurajat, he initiated Renda and told
him, “Cook and offer the food you eat. Remain in your
natural blissful state.”
Renda then requested, “Please present me with a
Krishna Deity to Whom I can make my offerings.”
After giving him the Brahma Sambandha mantra,
Shri Gusainji established a Child Krishna with him and
explained, “Know this Child to be dearer than life.
Offer all your food to Him.”

Many days later when Renda visited his guru in

Gokul, Shri Gusainji welcomed him, “It has been quite
a while.”
“I have come here with the hope of becoming your
personal attendant.”
He served Shri Gusainji for three days and ate his
guru’s leftovers. On the fourth day, Shri Gusainji told
him, “Renda, it’s better that you cook and offer your
own food. Do you have any money?”
“I have twelve coins.”Renda said.
“Good. There is an old Brahmin woman in town.
She is a bhakta. Make your seva with her.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Here it is shown that without a bhakta’s association, one
can not receive the fruit of the Path of Grace. For this
reason Shri Gusainji told him to make seva with the
elderly Brahmin. She is also a divine associate of Shri
Gusainji. In the lila she is Shyama and she explains the
intricacies of Krishna lila. For this reason, Shri Gusainji
told Renda to take her association.

The following morning Renda went to the elderly

bhakta and was immediately welcomed, “Consider this
house as your home.”
“I have twelve coins and I will beg for my flour.
May I make my Krishna’s seva here with you while I
reside in Gokul?” Renda asked.
“Of course, leave your Child Krishna here with me
and happily serve Shri Gusainji. I will call you for your
meals.”
Renda later told Shri Gusainji, “My Child Krishna
now stays with that elderly Brahmin bhakta and I beg
flour from the local Braja Vasis as well as from your
relatives and disciples who work in the temple.”
Shri Gusainji advised him, “Don’t beg from my
relatives, temple assistants or from anyone who takes
money from me.”

TWO

Late one night, Shri Gusainji asked Renda, “So how do

you like Gokul?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “My entire wealth is here. With your grace my
heart is attached to Shri Krishna’s lila, but do you think
I will ever actually see Him?”
“Tomorrow morning, go to Raman Reti. There you
will behold something amazing.”
Renda was so excited that for the entire night he
could not sleep. The following morning, Renda bowed
to Shri Gusainji and after visiting Navanita Priyaji’s
temple he bathed at the Gopa well and after he sat
down at Raman Reti to recite his Krishna mantras,
Renda heard Shri Krishna’s flute. He was overwhelmed
but when Shri Krishna and Balaram appeared before
him, Renda fell to the ground unconscious. Shri
Krishna then placed a flower garland over Renda’s
head and vanished.
When Renda did not return for lunch, Shri
Gusainji told the old bhakta woman, “You will find
Renda at Raman Reti.”
Arriving there, she saw Renda lying on the sands
with Krishna’s beautiful garland gracing his neck. She
knew he had received God’s grace and took half of the
garland and tied it in her sari before awakening him.
“What can I hide from you? By Shri Gusainji’s
grace, I have come face to face with Shri Krishna, but
not for very long.”
“Renda, you are blessed. Now let’s go. I hope you
don’t mind, I took half of Krishna’s garland.”

Later that day, Shri Gusainji called out to Renda,

“So, what is new?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “I saw Shri Krishna but then immediately fell
unconscious. He left me His garland. Now please
explain to me how the loving dharma can be firmly set
in my heart.”
Later that evening, when Shri Gusainji was alone
with Renda, he told him, “Renda, get married!”
“What are you saying? I have been a renunciate all
my life. Now I am fifty years old. Who will give me their
daughter and besides your lotus feet I have no where to
go.”
“I told you, get married! Return to your homeland
and find your wife.” said Shri Gusainji.

Why did Shri Gusainji tell him to get married when

Renda was already fifty years old? After all, Renda had
finally experienced Shri Krishna’s lila. It does not seem
proper that he now enter worldly life. Here it is revealed
that because Renda had no worldly experience, his
renunciation was not firm and without that he was not
able to contain God’s nectar. That is why he fell
unconscious as soon as he had Shri Krishna’s darshan.
He could not contain Shri Krishna’s divine form. For this
reason, Shri Gusainji told him to marry. The second
reason is that his wife is a divine soul and through
Renda’s association, she too would become spiritually
accomplished.

“A fellow Brahmin will give you his daughter.” The

guru then presented Renda with a betal, “Share this
with your wife.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Renda’s eyes fill with tears. “Will I ever see Gokul
again?”
“Don’t worry, you will return.” Shri Gusainji
assured him.
Renda did not sleep the entire night and the
following day, after lunch he asked Shri Gusainji,
“Shall I bring my wife here for initiation?”
“You first give her mantra. Then I will initiate
her.” Shri Gusainji replied.
After Renda told the elderly lady everything, he
took his Child Krishna and half of Shri Krishna’s
garland and headed back to Gujarat. When he was
eight miles from his home town, in the town of Sanjai,
he decided to rest for the evening outside of town by a
beautiful lake. It was during the hot season and fate had
it that a Brahmin who lived there had a daughter who
had been bitten by a dog. When she became very sick
the Brahmin vowed, “If she lives. I will marry her to a
poor Brahmin.”
Just after the girl recovered, her father passed by
the lake and saw Renda. When he heard that Renda
was an unmarried Brahmin from his own caste, he
offered him his daughter’s hand.
Renda agreed and pondered, “Shri Gusainji’s
words are always true.”
The Brahmin invited Renda into his home and
offered him a place to cook his food and make seva.
Renda married the Brahmin’s daughter and lived there
for three years and then returned with his wife to his
home town. The Brahmin gave Renda one hundred
rupees, a wagon full of grain and some cloth for his

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

daughter. Upon arriving home, Renda heard of his
parents’ passing and found some other Brahmins living
in his home. Renda told them he would live somewhere
else but they all agreed to share the house.

One day, Renda remembered the betal Shri

Gusainji gave him and approached his wife, “Your
father has given us many things, but now I have
something precious to give you. Shri Gusainji gave us
this betal.”
“Why have you hidden it from me?” she asked.
When he opened up the betal and found a coin
inside, Renda vowed, “Now I will have to go to Gokul to
return this coin to Shri Gusainji.”
They shared the betal and from that moment on,
his wife’s bhakti developed and nine months later she
bore a son. Years later, the day after Renda performed
his son’s sacred thread ceremony, Shri Gusainji’s
fourth son, Shri Gokulnathji visited their town. He
came to Renda’s house and touched his eyes with the
garland Shri Krishna had given Renda in Raman Reti.
He then initiated Renda’s son and wife as well as many
other local Brahmins before heading on to Dwarka. As
soon as he left, Renda told his wife, “I am returning to
Gokul.”
“May I join you?”she asked.
“You stay here with our son and make Child
Krishna’s seva. I wish to pass my final days with Shri
Gusainji. Our son will continue the lineage. Now focus
your mind on the seva.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Renda took the coin he found in the betal and
headed out for Gokul. He was so excited that he
remained unaware of whether it was day or night. After
arriving in Gokul, Shri Gusainji greeted him, “Renda!
Did you ever get married?”
“Yes I did and I have a son. Now here is your coin.
I could never use your money for anything.”
“Bhaktas never use their guru’s money. I put that
coin in the betal so you would always remember to
return to Gokul. Wherever there is intense divine
desire, bhakti increases.”
“I take only your refuge. Please don’t send me
anywhere, keep me close to your feet.”
“Now you are old. Stay here and do whatever seva
you can. Take your prasada from my kitchen.”
“But before you told me to cook my own food.”
“That was when you were younger. Now take
prasada here.”

Here it is revealed that when he was younger and able, it

would have obstructed him to take all of his meals from
his guru’s home. Now that Renda has grown old, he
could blissfully take prasada from his guru’s home
without hindrance.

From that day forward, Renda cleaned grains in

the temple or sometimes did the seva of vegetables and
flowers.

THREE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

One day, Cha Chaji asked Shri Gusainji to explained
the inner meaning of his Sanskirt cradle poem that he
sang for his Child Krishna, Shri Navanita Priyaji. Shri
Gusainji then clarified for him his own poem…

While Shri Krishna rests

In his swinging cradle
He removes with his lovely glance
The Gopis’ long-term standing
Pangs of separation
And becomes their abode of love.

The Svaminis who sing Krishna’s praises

Behold His smiling face with its
Lovely rows of tiny teeth.
Krishna is their final aspiration-
They live only for Him.

Although Krishna appears as an infant

With a mere glance He quells
The intoxicated Gopis’
Annoyance in love.

Now imagine when He gets older

How much more desirable Krishna will become!
He is the foundation of the
Gopis’ love and devotion.

While sitting in the Gopis’ laps

Krishna tries to climb
With His two feet upon

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Their golden breasts.
Then the infant Lord
Repeatedly tries to kick up
His very delicate feet.

Krishna has a lotus tilak

Made with Gorochan paste-
He is embellished with
Different types of jewels and pearls
All strung together into a necklace.

Guileless Krishna’s moon-like face

Is full of nectar.
Mother Yashoda adorns His forehead
With a lovely black dot
To ward off the evil eye.

Krishna’s eyebrows are love’s bows

And appear like they are formed
By lines of nectar-drinking king black bees.
They afford his beloveds joy.

Krishna’s words are compassionate

His laugh and natural grin
Are all a mass of bliss and
Remove the intense pangs
Of the Gopis’ separation.

Sings Shri Vitthalnathji,

Keep me as your intimate follower.
Always nourish those

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Who are your own.

At that time, only Renda and Cha Chaji heard Shri

Gusainji’s explanation of the cradle poem’s inner
meaning. Renda became so transported with bhava that
for three days he did not return to bodily consciousness.
Only when Shri Gusainji gave him some sacred sands
did he awake. He immediately requested, “This would
be a wonderful time to leave this body.”
The bhakti master blessed him, “So be it.”
Renda bowed to Shri Gusainji and left his material
form. Shri Gusainji praised him, for he was a vessel of
grace. His story can never be fully told. (96)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A COUPLE FROM GUJARAT

They are satvika bhaktas. The man is Ramabala in the

lila while his wife is Syamabala. They are Shri
Chandravali’s lila associates.
In this world they were born in Gujarat into
Kshatriya families and married when they were eight and
ten years old. Many years later, when Shri Gusainji
visited their town, the couple joined many other bhaktas
for his darshan. They immediatley recognized Shri
Gusainji’s divine form and became his disciples. Shri
Gusainji presented them with a Radha-Krishna svarupa
and taught them the ways of seva. The bhakti master
instructed them, “Worship with tender affection and serve
the other bhaktas.”

ONE

They served their Radha and Krishna with devotion.

The husband gathered wood for their sustenance and
daily saved half a cent. The wife cooked while the
husband adorned the Divine Couple. They fed other
bhaktas before taking their prasada. After the husband
saved one rupee, he bought his wife a new sari. On the
following day eight bhaktas visited them. The
unexpected guests were greeted with great regard but
when the husband discovered there was no food in the
house, the wife said, “Sell this new sari and buy the food
items you need.”
The husband sold her only sari and after
purchasing the food, his wife, who now had not a single

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

garment to wear, prepared the offerings. When it was
time to serve the bhaktas lunch, they asked the
husband, “Please have your wife come out and greet
us.”
“She is a bit shy.”he responded.
“We are all bhaktas. We will only take prasada
when she comes out.”
The husband approached his wife, “What to do,
they won’t eat unless you come out.”
“I see no difference between the Blessed Lord and
His bhaktas. Krishna sees me naked, so these bhaktas
can as well. A bhakta has no shame. I will come out,
even though I have nothing to wear.”
At that moment, Shri Svamini left Her divine
abode to give the bhakta a sari and Shri Krishna asked
Her, “Where are You going?”
“I am going to protect a bhakta’s dignity.”
Shri Krishna decided to join Her and the Divine
Couple appeared before the wife and Shri Svaminiji
placed a sari around her. After Shri Krishna presented
her His own yellow shawl, she came out and greeted the
bhaktas. That evening after they all sat for satsang and
kirtan the couple massaged the bhakta’s feet. The
following morning their guests left for Gokul.

In this account it is shown how important it is to have a

sacred view towards other bhaktas. It pleases Shri
Krishna. Know that Shri Krishna will never allow His
bhakta to be shamed. When bhaktas are true to Shri
Krishna, He graces them and sustains their dharma.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The man and wife were vessels of grace. Their story can
not be fully told. (97)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 AJABA KUNVARI

Ajaba Kunvari is a rajas bhakta. Her lila name is Adhini.

She is so attached to Shri Krishna that she cannot bear to
be apart from Him for even a moment.

ONE

Ajaba Kunvari was a child widow and lived with

Mirabai in the town of Sinhad in Rajasthan. Once when
Shri Gusainji visited their place, Mirabai and Ajaba
Kunvari went to see him. Ajaba Kunvari immediately
recognized Shri Gusainji’s divine form and said to
Mirabai, “I want to become his disciple.”
Mirabai dissuaded her after her offering was not
accepted. She was told that Shri Gusainji accepted only
gifts from his disciples. After they returned home,
Ajaba Kunvari suddenly became overwhelmed with
profound spiritual separation from Shri Gusainji and
broke out in a fever. Mirabai exclaimed, “What has
happened to you?”
“I want to become Shri Gusainji’s disciple. I had
the darshan of him as Shri Krishna.”

Ajaba Kunvari then returned to Shri Gusainji and

received initiation from him. He later visited her home
and after preparing the offerings, as soon as Ajaba
Kunvari tasted the prasada, she attained pure
devotional insight. Later that afternoon, when Shri
Gusainji spoke about the path of self-surrender, Ajaba
Kunvari requested the second initiation, the Brahma

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Sambandha mantra and thus completed her devotional
dedication. Shri Gusainji taught her about seva and the
Path of Grace and she insisted that he stay a bit longer.
The bhakti master resided there for four days and
Ajaba Kunvari daily served him many different
offerings. After Shri Gusainji left, Ajaba fell into an
extreme state of separation. When her life force was
about to depart her body, one of her hand maids ran to
Shri Gusainji, “Ajaba Kunvari is dying in your
separation.”
Shri Gusainji returned to her house and she
regained composure after touching his feet, “I cannot
remain without seeing you.”
Shri Gusainji then presented her with a pair of his
wooden sandals, “Whenever you experience my
separation, have the sight of these wooden sandals and I
will appear to you. Serve them as you have served me.”
Shri Gusainji then left and from that day on, Ajaba
Kunvari worshipped his wooden sandals with great
affection. Her loving seva was grace-inspired and Shri
Gusainji appeared to her and awarded her all sorts of
divine experiences. If for some reason Shri Gusainji did
not appear, Ajaba Kunvari’s separation intensified but
when she opened the temple, once again she would find
Shri Gusainji sitting there. He gave her many inner
teachings.
Ajaba then began having Shri Nathji’s darshan. He
would talk, laugh and play dice with her. Shri Nathji
appeared to her every day but if for some reason He
didn’t, she would not eat or drink anything that day

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

until He manifested before her. Then she would make
something new and special for her Shri Nathji.

This story shows that a divine view of the guru brings

Shri Krishna very close to the bhakta and puts Him under
her control.

TWO

One day Shri Nathji was detained at some other

bhakta’s house and did not make it to Ajaba’s. On the
following day, by the time He arrived after lunch, Ajaba
Kunvari was totally distraught. Shri Nathji laughed and
played with her and later that afternoon as He was
about to go, Ajaba Kunvari told Him, “I will not let You
go.”
“But I must. As long as Shri Gusainji is here, I
have to go back to My temple on top of the Govardhan
Hill every day. Don’t worry, I will visit you daily. After
Shri Gusainji leaves this world, I will come and stay in
your town, in your room for a very long time. I will not
go anywhere else. I will become very famous and will
give everyone darshan.”
“How can I trust You?”
“My words are true. Don’t worry, I will come to
you every day.”
From then on, Shri Nathji daily visited Ajaba
Kunvari after His temple on the Govardhana Hill closed
after lunch and then also at night after His evening
worship was concluded.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

This account show us that Shri Nathji cannot stand to see
His bhaktas suffer His separation. He falls under the
control of those bhaktas who worship Him with intense
devotion. Shri Nathji always lives close to those who tread
the firey path of rapture. Shri Nathji left His temple to
visit Ajaba Kunvari in Rajasthan because of the strength
of her devotion. As long as her divine form remains in
Rajasthan, Shri Nathji will live in her town.

Ajaba Kunvari was Shri Gusainji’s blessed bhakta.

Her story cannot ever be fully told.

(Translator’s note: Ajaba Kunvari was one of the

reasons for Shri Nathji’s shifting from Braja to
Nathdwara Rajasthan where He resides today.) (98)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A GUJARATI BRAHMIN

The Gujarati Brahmin is a tamas bhakta. His name in the

lila is Aturi and she is always eager to perform Shri
Krishna’s seva. She cannot remain without it.
In this world, as a young man, the Gujarati Brahmin
had the association of a Brahmin who followed the paths
of karma and ritual. The Gujarati Brahmin studied many
texts. His parents died when he was twenty-five and he
never married and lived alone. One day, Shri Gusainji
made his camp in his town. The Gujarati Brahmin
thought Shri Gusainji was just a pundit and came before
him and asked, “What is better, the path of knowledge or
the path of action?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “The path you prefer and
believe in is always better, but the best pratice is loving-
devotion. It brings perfection in this age of struggle when
it is very difficult to follow the paths of knowledge and
karma.”
“Then tell me, is there karma in devotion?”
“Bhakti yoga contains both karma and knowledge.
They are connected to the Blessed Lord and are an
important part of bhakti. They foster devotion and are
both connected to Hari. Devotional karmas are always
motiveless actions and they increase the loving mood.
Actions in the path of karma are motivated by
expectations of heavenly rewards. They are conditional
and very difficult to practice these days. People who tread
those paths are generally unhappy and experience
hardship.
“But how do you practice this devotion?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “With single-minded refuge in Shri Krishna. It is the
essential ingredient. Krishna explained the greatness of
refuge to Arjuna in the Gita. When a person becomes
inclined towards devotion, their bodily connections as
well as their worldly and Vedic practices and concerns are
all handed over to Shri Krishna, free of any condition.
Only then can seva be truly performed. When you offer
Shri Krishna everything, your actions become the forms
of God and then the bhakta attains perfection.”
The Brahmin continued, “Master, I have been dying
in the path of karma. I have attained nothing so now
please bless me and accept me into the path of devotion.”
After he fasted for one day Shri Gusainji initiated the
Gujarati Brahmin and then presented him with a Child
Krishna for his seva before he returned home.

ONE

The Gujarati Brahmin would beg for his flour every

day and then return home for his Krishna’s seva. Once,
after he went out to beg, he was late for his Krishna
seva and rushed home. He quickly bathed, entered the
temple and started to sweep the floor. Suddenly the
string that held the broom together broke. The Gujarati
Brahmin took his sacred thread off of his body, tied the
broom back together with it and finished sweeping. He
was so absorbed in the seva that he did not realize what
he had done.
Later, when he noticed that Shri Krishna seemed
extra pleased with him that evening, the Blessed Lord
told him, “You took off your sacred thread just to tie a

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

broken broom! You did it all for My seva. You were
very eager to wake Me and start the seva. Your bhava
pleases Me.”

From that day on Shri Krishna appeared before

him every day and gave him many divine experiences.
The Gujarati Brahmin was always eager to please Shri
Krishna.

In this account it is shown that in the Path of Grace, seva

is performed with enthusiasm. Without intensity, there is
no experience. When you are very eager to serve Shri
Krishna, one not only forgets the world and scriptures but
one’s own body as well. Then Shri Krishna possesses the
heart and every nectar is tasted.

The Gujarati Brahmin was a blessed soul. His story

remains largely untold. (99)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A POOR PATEL

Poor Patel is a satvika bhakta. His lila name is Satya. He

was born in Gujarat and after he became Shri Gusainji’s
disciple he joined seven other wealthy pilgrims and
traveled to Gokul. The only thing he owned was a bit of
rice and he brought it and thought, “I will offer it to Shri
Gusainji.”

ONE

As soon as he reached Gokul, Shri Gusainji asked him

for the rice. The bhakti master then used it in both Shri
Navanita Priyaji’s and Shri Nathji’s seva.

Here it is shown that the Blessed Lord accepts what is

brought with humility.

TWO

Another day, when Shri Gusainji sat down to give

teachings, he said to everyone present, “I will begin
when my listener arrives.”
Everyone wondered, “Who is he talking about?”
As soon as Poor Patel arrived, Shri Gusainji began.
Later someone asked, “Why did you wait for that poor
Patel to arrive before you began your teachings?”
“He understands the intentions of my heart
because he has no pride of wealth and no false ego.”
Upon hearing the guru’s words, that pilgrim was
ashamed and said nothing more.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Here it is shown that ego obstructs Dharma.

THREE

When Poor Patel first arrived in Jatipura, the other

seven pilgrims he had traveled with were all well taken
care of but no one looked after Poor Patel. He remained
homeless, hungry and thirsty. He was thin and that
night when he shivered with cold, Shri Nathji could not
bear his discomfort and came to Poor Patel and gave
him some prasada, water, and then covered him with
His own blanket before returning to His temple. Shri
Nathji mentioned the incident to Shri Gusainji, “That
Poor Patel has great devotion for Me. Those seven
pilgrims he came with left him alone without any food
or shelter so I went to him and gave him prasada and
My blanket. Instruct those pilgrims to never disrespect
a bhakta and call Poor Patel over here.”

Later Shri Gusainji scolded the seven bhaktas,

“What is wrong with you? Can’t you look after a poor
bhakta?”
From that day on, the other pilgrims never left
Poor Patel alone again.

Here it is shown that Vaishnavas should have compassion

for all sentient beings.

Poor Patel was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace.

His tale cannot be totally told. (100)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 DEVABHAI

Devabhai is a rajas bhakta, his name in the lila is

Ratishuri. He was born into a family of farmers. He
married and had four sons.

ONE

When Devabhai and his wife became Shri Gusainji’s

disciples he requested the bhakti master, “Please
establish Krishna in our lives and teach us the ways of
His seva.”
Shri Gusainji presented them with a Krishna
svarupa and taught them seva as well as the inner
meanings of being united with Shri Krishna.

TWO

While Devabhai’s sons tended the fields, Devabhai

made Shri Krishna’s seva. After giving a few bhaktas
prasada, Devabhai would take his meals. Whatever
money he saved, he sent to Shri Gusainji. Devabhai was
a very pure man and never wasted his money on other
things. He was concerned that his wealth should be used
devotionally. Shri Krishna gave him the divine
experience of His Braja lila. Shri Gusainji was always
pleased with Devabhai.

This account teaches us that bhaktas should always

remember their vow of refuge and use their money for
divine causes, for it is Shri Krishna’s wealth. When a

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

bhakta is focused on seva, Shri Krishna awards them
direct experience without a doubt.

Devabhai was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace. We can

not reveal his entire story.(101)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE RAM BHAKTA’S WIFE

The Ram bhakta’s wife is a tamas bhakta. Her name in

the lila is Krishnaanuchari.

ONE

The Ram bhakta’s wife was born in Gujarat. Her father

was a great devotee of Shri Gusainji and when the
bhakti master initiated his infant daughter, he
predicted, “She will be blessed with total love for God.”
As a young girl, she listened to the stories of Shri
Krishna and ended up marrying a man who was a Ram
bhakta. After her marriage, she remained exclusively
devoted to Shri Krishna and His lilas and thought of
nothing else. One day she asked her husband, “What is
Lord Ram doing right now?”
“Ram rules with his wife Sita. What is your
Krishna doing?”
“My Beloved Krishna has invited the Gopis to
Vrindavan with a call from his flute. As they dance
together, celestials hover about singing their praises.
The Gopis join in Krishna’s song.”
The young couple spent their time happily talking
about the Blessed Lord until one day, the husband said,
“Your Krishna is very naughty, the way He plays with
so many different women.”
“Your Ram seems pretty weak to me. He had only
one wife and lost her to the demon Ravana.”
When their discussion intensified, Shri Krishna,
Who is compassionate to His bhaktas, could not bear to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

see their differences and appeared to them, “I am
pleased with both of you. I will give you whatever you
want.”
“We only ask that You remain happy with us and
daily give us Your darshan.”
From that day on, they never experienced any
maya and remained absorbed in the Blessed Lord.

Why did Shri Krishna appear before them when both of

them insulted the Blessed Lord and saw Lord Ram and
Shri Krishna as different?
In the path of bhakti, the Blessed Lord graces those
who are one-pointed. The husband and wife both became
absorbed into the Blessed Lord. Although He is singular,
in the path of love, He appears according to the
inclinations and qualifications of the person. This path of
devotion is superior to even the path of knowledge.

TWO

When the Ram bhakta’s wife adorned her husband’s

Ram Deity, she adorned Ram as if He were Shri
Krishna. She placed on Him peacock feathers and a
yellow shawl and with her ornaments in place, Ram
became Krishna. Her husband later adorned Lord Ram
as Ram. They made seva with devotion and both of
them had divine experiences. They knew nothing of the
world. They were bhaktas and Shri Krishna’s grace was
upon them. They were true vessels of grace and
experienced God everywhere.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Why would a woman, who was a follower of the Path of
Grace, adorn Lord Ram?
Her devotional attainment allowed her to feel her
love for Shri Krishna everywhere. She was able to
experience the grace-filled form of Shri Krishna in the
form of Ram. Shri Krishna is pure nectar and allows His
bhaktas that taste. Where there is total love, the gap
between law and grace disappears and the only thing that
remains is the nectar bhava and it is experienced
everywhere. Devotion is an amazing thing. Shri
Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya says..

“If the Lord of Gokul, Shri Krishna, fills your heart with
total love, then nothing promised in the world or in the
Vedas can exceed that.”

The wife was a vessel of Grace, a great bhakta. Her

story has no end. (102)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TWO BRAHMIN BROTHERS

They are Satvika bhaktas. In Shri Krishna’s lila, the older

brother is Vaishnavi while the younger brother is
Vallabh.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Gujarat, the two

brothers took initiation and became true bhaktas. They
had profound Krishna experience and devotion for all
other bhaktas.
One day, some bhaktas who were traveling to
Gokul heard about the great devotion of the two
brothers and decided to spend the night at their home.
The two brothers warmly welcomed the bhaktas into
their home but when they noticed that they had nothing
to offer them, they pondered, “It is not proper that they
spend any money on food while visiting us.”
The elder brother then told his younger sibling,
“Break into our grocer’s shop and take the items you
need. He is out of town now so we will settle up with
him when he returns.”
The younger brother then broke into the grocer’s
shop and after handing the goods over to his brother he
said, “Takes these items for the bhaktas. I will join you
after I lock up the grocer’s shop.”

How could they steal? It is immoral. Here we should

understand that bhaktas are divine and God’s very forms.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The brothers could not let their guests go hungry, for that
would contradict their devotional dharma. The ways and
rules of the world and Vedas are inconsequential when
weighed against the devotional dharma.

Suddenly the king’s guards arrived at the shop and

arrested the younger brother and brought him before
the king. One of the court’s clerks, who happened to
live next store to the brothers and hated them, lied to
the king, “Ruler, I know this man is a great thief. All
recent robberies in this town were done by him. He has
also killed many people.”
The king immediately had the younger brother
beheaded and put his head on the town gate and tied his
body to a nearby tree to show the public that crime does
not pay. When the elder brother heard about what had
happened to his brother, he did not mention anything to
his guests and considered, “If I tell these bhaktas what
happened to my little brother, no one will eat anything.
Whatever has occurred is all due to God’s wish.”
His wife then prepared the meals and after
everything was offered, the prasada was presented to
the devoted guests. Later that evening, they all sang
kirtan and listened to stories about the disciples of Shri
Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji and
imbibed the teachings of the lineage.
Early the next morning, the bhaktas got up and
headed out. The elder brother escorted them to the city
limits and when they passed his younger brother’s body
hanging from a tree, the corpse saluted the bhaktas with
folded hands and bowed at the neck.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

How could a corpse fold its hands? It has happened that a
very brave and powerful warrior, even after he is killed,
can continue to fight for three days! A similar condition
arises when a person is filled with God’s presence.
Although the younger brother died, his body still knew
how to honor other bhaktas.

Further on, when the bhaktas saw the younger

brother’s head on the gate, they exclaimed, “What
happened to your brother?!”
The elder brother cried and told them everything.
The bhaktas then took the body down from the tree and
removed his head from the main gate and put them
together with a shawl that had been offered to Shri
Mahprabhu Vallabhacharya. Then, while remembering
Shri Mahaprabhuji and Shri Gusainji, they put some
sacred sands and prasada into the dead brother’s
mouth and he was revived.

How can a dead person be brought back to life? This

account demonstrates that Shri Krishna, who can do
whatever He pleases, is also replete with all divine powers
and lives in His bhakta’s heart. Just like Veda Vyasa
brought back to life dead warriors in the Mahabharat
war, similarly the younger brother was brought back to
life with the divine capacities of the bhaktas.

When the younger brother stood up, all the

bhaktas bowed down at his feet. When the news
reached the king, he ran to see for himself what had

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

happened. When he saw the younger brother alive, he
bowed down at his feet and pleaded with folded hands,
“You are a great soul. Please forgive me. I will surely
suffer for what I have done to you.”
When he started to beat up the clerk, the two
brothers stopped him.

Bhaktas have compassion for all sentient beings and

will not tolerate any mistreatment.

The king banished the clerk from his town and

invited all the bhaktas to his palace, however they
refused his invitation and headed towards Gokul where
they told the story to Shri Gusainji.

In this story we are taught that when bhaktas come

to your home, they should be served with love and every
difficulty should be withstood. Worldly and Vedic
practices and concerns amount to nothing when
compared to the devotional dharma.

Shri Gusainji remained delighted with the two

brothers. They were blessed vessels and their story can
never be fully told.(103)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE KING

He is a rajas bhakta. His name in the lila is Gaurochani.

ONE

After all the bhaktas left for Gokul, the king who had
the younger brother executed in the previous account,
went very humbly before the brothers and pleaded,
“Please forgive what I did. I made a terrible mistake.
You are enlightened beings, please accept me as your
humble disciple.”
The older brother explained, “King, we don’t make
disciples. Go to Gokul and take Shri Gusainji’s shelter.
Whatever has happened is due to his grace.”
Please accompany me. With your grace Shri
Gusainji will accept me, otherwise how could a sinner
like myself become his disciple?”
Seeing the king’s pure intention, the two brothers
along with the king and his entire family set out for
Gokul. When they came before Shri Gusainji the
brothers requested, “This king has come to take your
shelter.”
“He really is not worthy because he has offended a
bhakta, but you have requested that he be initiated, so I
will accept him.”replied Shri Gusainji.
Later Shri Gusainji initiated the king and his
entire family and then told him, “Never treat a bhakta
improperly again and always take the advice of the
Brahmin brothers.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The king had Navanita Priyaji’s darshan in Gokul
and then went with Shri Gusainji for Shri Nathji’s
darshan in Jatipura. After making generous offerings to
Shri Nathji and Shri Gusainji, the king, his family and
the two brothers returned to Gujarat where he told the
brothers, “I am totally indebted to you two. Through
your grace I have become a bhakta.”
The king had great respect for the two brothers
and visited them every day. He took their advice on all
matters. Through their association he became
accomplished.

The teachings here is to always seek the association of

other accomplished bhaktas. Satsang transformed the
king. In this world there is nothing equal to satsang.

The king was a vessel of grace. To what extent can

his story be told? (104)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE DIAMOND-FINDER AND HIS WIFE

They are tamas bhaktas. In the lila, the husband is Chaya

while his wife is called Maya. They were born in Prayag
at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers and
married when they were eight and ten years old. Once
when Shri Gusainji came to Prayag to attend the Kumbha
Mela, the heads of all the bhakti lineages honored Shri
Gusainji and requested him to take his bath in the
confluence first. They knew his father had upheld their
devotional dharma in the court of Krishna Devaraya in
South India. When the head of the Vishnu Svami lineage
honored Shri Gusainji with the title Acharya, bells,
conches and the sounds of other instruments filled the sky
with celestial music. During that gathering, many divine
souls became Shri Gusainji’s disciples including the
diamond-finder and his wife. Shri Gusainji presented
them with a Child Krishna for their seva and told them to
have the association of one of Shri Vallabhacharya’s
woman disciples who also lived in Prayag. They insisted,
“But we are attached to you and wish to perform your
seva.”.
Shri Gusainji explained, “Your Child Krishna is also
my form. When you serve Shri Krishna with affection, I
will always remain with you and will appear to you
whenever needed.”
The couple returned home and began to worship
their Child Krishna with devotion.

ONE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The diamond-finder farmed for his living. One year
when there was no rain, his crops failed and when he
was unable to pay the ruler his yearly land tax, his
home was looted and everything he owned was stolen.
His devoted wife started to spin cotton and with the few
cents she earned, she made small food offerings to their
Child Krishna and then fed her husband prasada and
ate only his leftovers. She told her husband, “I have
kept my meals aside and will eat later.”
A few days later when he noticed his wife’s
weakness, he realized that she was not eating and left
half of the food on his plate for her and said, “I am
going out of town to make some money. You are blessed
with dharma, continue with the seva. I will be back
soon.”

The diamond-finder traveled to a distant place

where there were diamond mines. He told a business
man there, “I know where you should dig for
diamonds.”
“If you tell me where, I will buy the land and we
will split all the profits.”
The man then bought the land the diamond-finder
showed him and many diamonds were discovered there.
The diamond-finder lived with that man for three years
and then told him, “It is time for me to go home. Please
give me my share of the profits.”
“Whatever I have made is due to my good fortune,
I have given you food and lodging. We are even.”
The diamond-finder reflected, “Now what to do?
This is also the Lord’s wish. The only thing I did here

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

was fill my stomach. This is what I deserve for leaving
our Child Krishna’s seva.”

On the following day, another investor hearing

about what happened approached the diamond-finder
and offered, “Why don’t you live with me and show me
where more diamonds can be found? I promise to give
you half of the profits.”
“I have heard this before.” Said the diamond-
finder.
“I will make my promise to you before four
witnesses.”Insisted the investor.
The diamond-finder decided to stay there for four
months and thought, “I can’t return home empty-
handed.”
The speculator bought the land the diamond-finder
pointed out to him and far more diamonds were found
there than in the first site. Four months later, the
diamond-finder told his partner, “I have been away for
a long time; it is time to return home. Please give me my
share of the profits.”
“Your good will and fortune has brought these
profits. Take them all, but spend some more days with
me.”
“Thanks, but I need to get home. Just give me my
half of the profits.”
The diamond-finder took his fair share and was
making preparations to return home. Meanwhile the
man who had cheated him out of the first diamond
profits lost everything he owned when his house burned
down. The business man figured that his loss was due to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

the fact that he defrauded the diamond-finder out of his
fair share. As the diamond-finder was hiring four
guards to accompany him on his trip home, the corrupt
business man came before him, “Now I have nothing
but debt. Please show me some diamond-rich land and
let’s work together again.”
“It has been a long time since I have been home.
Here is one hundred rupees to pay your debts and to get
you started again.”

It is a bhakta’s nature to do good deeds even to those who

have mistreated them.

The diamond-finder then headed out with his four

guards and along the way he met up with eleven thieves
who told him, “We used to work for the king but lost
our jobs. Now we are looking for work somewhere
else.”
The diamond-finder offered them some part-time
service, “I will give you each two rupees for one month
if you stay with me.”
They agreed to his terms, but were really just
looking for an opportunity to rob him. One day they
came to a beautiful lake two miles outside of a village
and decided to stop and cook their meals there. After
the four guards went into town to purchase some goods,
the eleven thieves accosted the diamond-finder, “We
have been waiting for this oppurtunity. Now we will kill
you and take all of your goods.”
“Kill me, but first let me bathe.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The diamond-finder took off his clothes and as he
entered the lake, with great torment he remembered
Shri Gusainji, “What sin have I commited that does not
allow me to reach home and touch my Child Krishna’s
lotus feet? O Guru, you have not appeared to me for so
long. I attained wealth that will never be offered and
lost my life to a bunch of thugs in the process.”
His words filled Shri Gusainji with compassion and
he appeared directly before him and explained, “In
your previous birth, you killed these eleven men. Now
they will all even their karmic score with you in a single
birth, otherwise if they were to kill you separately, it
would take you eleven more births to clear your karmic
debts with them. There is nothing to worry about here.”
Heeding his guru’s advice, the diamond-finder
emerged from the water and told the thugs, “Now go
ahead and quickly kill me before those four men of
mine return.”
The eleven thieves were dismayed. They heard Shri
Gusainji’s voice from the lake but did not see him. The
god-like event scared them. “First tell us who you were
talking to there in the lake.”
“Of what matter is it to you? Kill me and take my
wealth. Don’t lose this golden opportunity.”
“For now, we only want to know who you were
talking to.”
The diamond-finder finally explained, “That was
my guru Shri Gusainji speaking with me. He blessed me
and explained that you are getting even with me for
what I did to you in my last birth. He explained that if

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

you do not all kill me now, I will have to take eleven
more births to individually settle our karmic affairs.”
The thieves were astonished, “We are no longer
interested in killing you.”
The diamond-finder then re-entered the waters and
once again Shri Gusainji appeared to him and said,
“Ask them if you are now free from all past karmic
liabilities with them.”
He emerged from the water and entreated the
thieves, “Now am I karma-free from the deeds I did to
you in my previous birth?”
“Yes, we all release you from all and any previous
karmas that exist between us.”

Shortly thereafter, the four guards returned from

town and the diamond-finder prepared the meals and
then gave everyone prasada. That evening, they slept in
town and when the diamond-finder did not mention the
incident to his four guards the thieves thought, “He is a
great soul, although we almost killed him, he didn’t tell
his guards about what happened.”
The next day, when they were a few miles outside
of town, the thieves prayed to the diamond-finder, “We
want to become your disciples.”
“Become Shri Gusainji’s.”
“We have done awful deeds for a long time. Please
pity us.”

When the diamond-finder reached home, his wife

was delighted. He prepared some fruits for his Child
Krishna and after the evening offering, he gave some

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

prasada to the eleven thieves and his four guards. He
then arranged for them to stay in another house.
The thieves told the diamond-finder, “We don’t
desire anything but to become Shri Gusainji’s
disciples.”
“In one month I will take you all to meet him in
Gokul. Until then, live here and take from me whatever
you need.”
After the diamond-finder made a lovely diamond
necklace, he headed out for Gokul with his Child
Krishna as well as with his wife, the eleven thieves and
twenty other men. When the diamond-finder came
before Shri Gusainji, he told him everything that had
happened, “These eleven thieves have come here to take
your shelter.”
They all bowed before Shri Gusainji and
submitted, “We have done many evil deeds, but after
having the association of the diamond-finder we have
finally found your lotus feet. Please initiate us.”
“You have had no compassion. How can I accept
robbers who kill and loot other innocent people as my
disciples?”
“We will never do that again. We promise to get
jobs or become farmers. We will never harm another
being.”
Hearing their words, Shri Gusainji initiated them.
Later when the diamond-finder put the diamond
necklace around Shri Gusainji’s neck, the bhakti
master said, “This necklace is fit for Shri Nathji.”
“It was made for you. You are my all and
everything.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji was delighted with the diamond-
finder and for one month they all stayed in Gokul. The
diamond-finder gave gifts to all the member’s of Shri
Gusainji’s family before heading home. As he was
leaving, Shri Gusainji presented him a shawl. After they
returned home, they remained blissfully engaged in
their Child Krishna’s seva.
The thieves approached the diamond-finder, “We
will not return home. Bad association awaits us there
and it will pollute our minds and hearts. With your
association we will be liberated.”
The eleven thieves found jobs with a local
merchant and through the association of the diamond-
finder they became accomplished bhaktas.
The diamond-finder and his wife were both Shri
Gusainji’s blessed disciples. To what extent can we
praise them? (105)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE MOVE ASIDE BRAHMIN FROM ANYOR

The Anyor Brahmin is a tamas bhakta. His name in the

lila is Reli. In this world he was born into a brahmin
family in Anyor, near Shri Nathji’s temple. His father was
a disciple of Shri Gusainji and herded Shri Nathji’s cows.
His son became Shri Gusainji’s follower and the bhakti
master kept him as his playmate. He was a very simple
and pure fellow and became very close to the bhakti
master. When he was twenty, his parents died and he
spent most of the time with Shri Gusainji. He never
married. Knowing him to be poor, Shri Gusainji arranged
for him to get his flour and other foodstuffs for his
cooking from the temple.

ONE

One day, a bhakta came to Shri Gusainji and asked,

“Please establish Shri Krishna’s seva in our lives.”
The master then presented them with a Krishna
svarupa and after they returned to their camp they
thought, “Shri Gusainji did not tell us our Krishna’s
name. How will we get to know Krishna if we don’t
know His name?”
They returned to Shri Gusainji, “What is our
Krishna’s name?”
Shri Gusainji turned to them and said, “Shri
Madan Mohanji.”
At that time, the simple Anyor Brahmin was
standing nearby and thought, “Shri Gusainji tells
everyone the name of their personal Krishna. I wonder

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

if he would tell me the name of my Krishna? Once I
know my Krishna’s real name, I will be able to serve
Him.”
He then blurted out, “So what is my Krishna’s
name?”
At that moment Shri Gusainji was speaking to
some other bhaktas and did not hear the Anyor
Brahmin’s words. But when the Anyor Brahmin started
to climb onto Shri Gusainji’s seat, Shri Gusainji took
hold of his arm and said, “Move aside.”
The Anyor Brahmin immediately thought, “Shri
Gusainji has given me my own personal Krishna and
His name is ‘Move Aside!’”

Later that day, when the Anyor Brahmin went to

the store room to get his daily foodstuff, he told the man
there, “Today I need enough ingredients to cook for two
people.”
“Why do you need enough for two people?”
“Today Shri Gusainji presented me with Move
Aside. Now I have to cook for the two us.”
The store room man did not understand him but
thought, “Shri Gusainji favors this young man, so I will
give him what he asks.”
The Anyor Brahmin took the flour and beans and
and went to the Bilchu lake where he prepared the
meals and after serving two plates of food, he called out,
“Move Aside, Move Aside! Come here and take your
meals now!”
He called many times but when no one came, he
threatened his Move Aside, “If you don’t come right

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

now, I will throw both of these plates of food into the
lake.”
Shri Nathji then thought to Himself, “He is a
simple fellow and although he did not understand what
Shri Gusainji was saying to him the other day, if I don’t
come and take his offerings, he will become very
hungry. Then he will not be able to have whole-hearted
play with Shri Gusainji.”
Shri Nathji suddenly appeared before him and
said, “Here I am.”
“You are really late, the breads and beans are cold.
If you do this again, I will not make Your plate of food
and You will have to find a meal somewhere else.”
Shri Nathji submitted, “This is our first day, that is
why I am late. Tomorrow I will come early, I promise.”
When they both sat down by the lake to take their
lunch, Shri Nathji requested, “I would like some more
beans.”
The Anyor Brahmin retorted, “You have exactly
the same amount of beans on Your plate as I have on
mine. Do you really think that I served myself more
than You? If you don’t believe me, why don’t we switch
plates.”
“No need. Do you want a piece of bread from My
plate?” Shri Nathji offered.
“I will neither give you from my plate nor take
from Yours.”
Hearing his words, Shri Nathji chuckled and ate
the offerings.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Here the question arises that Shri Gusainji did not
actually present him with any form of Krishna, He just
told him to “move aside”, so why did Shri Nathji appear
to him when he calls out to Krishna as Move Aside? Here
it is revealed that Shri Gusainji’s speech is always full of
Shri Krishna’s nectar. Whatever he says always contains
the inner bhava of Shri Krishna. Bhaktas always receive
the fruit of the bhava they focus on. The Anyor Brahmin
understood all of Shri Gusainji words as divine. Because
he had firm faith in his guru’s words, Shri Nathji came to
him even though he called Him, “Move Aside”. Faith is
an amazing thing.

From that day on, Shri Nathji came and played

with the Anyor Brahmin at Bilchu lake. The Anyor
Brahmin was so busy with Shri Nathji that he did not
even find time to see Shri Gusainji. One day, the temple
manager thought, “That Anyor Brahmin takes food
from the temple every day but doesn’t do anything for
the temple. I would like to stop his allowance but if Shri
Gusainji hears about it, he will not be pleased so I will
devise a plan.”
He told the storeroom manager, “When the Anyor
Brahmin comes to you today, please send him over to
me.”
Later that day, when the Anyor Brahmin came
before the temple manager he told him, “Shri Gusainji
wants you to go to Gujarat, to the city of Surat and
bring back some temple offerings from there.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “I have never seen or even heard of this Surat and
what is this talk about offerings. I don’t understand a
thing you are saying.”
Another man standing nearby told him, “Surat is a
city two months walking distance from here. He is
asking you to go there, meet the bhaktas and bring their
offerings back here.”
The Anyor Brahmin became apprehensive and
considered, “If I don’t go to Surat, he may stop giving
me and Move Aside any more food.”
The Anyor Brahmin then returned to the Bilchu
lake and cooked the meals. Shri Nathji arrived there
joking and laughing, but when the Anyor Brahmin
remained quiet, the Blessed Lord asked him, “Why are
you so quiet?”
“The manager of Your temple wants me to go for a
long hike to a place called Surat to collect Your
offerings or something like that. I don’t understand this
program nor do I know were Surat is.”
“My friend, don’t worry, I will show you Surat, I
will take you there.”
“Move Aside, You can’t come.”
“Why not?”
“Your feet are small and will get tired along the
way. Then You will ask me to carry You. This will not
work.”
“I promise, I will not ask you to carry Me. I will get
there on My own two feet.”
“Ok, then we can go together.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After the meals, Shri Nathji told the Anyor
Brahmin, “Now go to the temple manager and get from
him a letter of introduction as well as some prasada to
present to the bhaktas in Surat. Tell him you are
leaving for Surat today.”
The Anyor Brahmin did as Shri Nathji told him
and after collecting the letter and prasada for Surat, he
returned to Shri Nathji and reported, “Move Aside, I
got everything.”
They immediately headed out for Surat, but after a
short while, Shri Nathji told the Anyor Brahmin, “I am
tired.”
“Move Aside, I told You You would not be able to
make it.”
“I am just kidding, let’s go on.”
“When they got to the southern end of the
Govardhan Hill, just two miles from where they started,
Shri Nathji announced, “It is almost sunset. Let’s rest
here for the night. We will reach Surat tomorrow.”
The Anyor Brahmin took his rest there while Shri
Nathji returned to His temple. The following morning,
Shri Nathji came back and awoke the Anyor Brahmin
“Let’s go, get ready.”
After the Anyor Brahmin tied up his blanket Shri
Nathji confirmed, “We have arrived in Surat.”
“I heard it takes two months to get there and we
got here overnight?”
“We have been walking the entire night! My feet
are exhausted. Don’t you feel anything?”
“Yes my feet are also very tired.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Nathji then laughed and continued, “Now go
into town and give the letter and My prasada to the
head man here at the Surat temple and tell him that you
need to take all the offerings back to Braja today. He
will tell you to stay the night and take your prasada
here, but don’t listen to him. Remember to take enough
flour and beans for the two of us and come back here
soon so we can eat something.”
The Anyor Brahmin then walked a short ways to
the town of Surat and gave the temple manager there
the letter and prasada and then told him, “I need the
offerings for Shri Nathji’s temple today.”
“It is the custom for people like you to stay here for
a few months. Find a place to live and daily take your
meals here.”
“I don’t know anything about your prasada, but I
do need some flour and beans so I can cook a meal.
Also, can you get the offerings all collected today so I
can be on my way? Yesterday I got my flour and beans
from Shri Nathji’s temple in Braja, but I now I need
some additional items.”
“Are you saying that you made it here from Shri
Nathji’s temple in Braja in a single day?”
“I told you, I cooked in Braja yesterday and today
I will cook here.”
The manager reflected, “He is a very simple and
strange man. He does not seem to understand
anything.”
When the manager opened up the letter from Shri
Nathji’s temple and saw that it had yesterday’s date
and that Shri Nathji’s betal leafs were all fresh, he

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

started to believe what the Anyor Brahmin said and
turned to him, “I will give you whatever you want, just
name it.”
“Just flour and beans and please gather all the
offers for Shri Nathji. I won’t be staying long. By the
way, I need enough flour for two people. One for me
and one for Shri Gusainji’s Move Aside.”
The Anyor Brahmin was given everything he
needed along with some extra ghee and sugar. He
returned to Shri Nathji and told him, “Look at all the
ghee and sugar they gave me. What should I do with
it?”
“Make some sweet balls.”
The Anyor Brahmin prepared the sweet balls and
after both of them ate their meals, Shri Nathji told the
Anyor Brahmin, “Now go into town and do your work
so we can get back to Shri Gusainji quickly.”
By the time the Anyor Brahmin arrived back in the
Surat temple, the manager had called all the local
bhaktas and after giving them Shri Nathji’s prasada he
told them, “A very unusual messager has come from
Braja and has brought us fresh betal leaf and prasada
from Shri Nathji’s temple. The letter he bears has
yesterday’s date on it and he tells me that he left Braja
yesterday. It is impossible to fathom Shri Nathji’s way.
He wants to leave today, so everyone please make your
offerings to Shri Nathji now so we can send him on his
way.”
After the collections were made, the Anyor
Brahmin objected when he was given ten rupees for his
services, “What is this for?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “For expenses along the way.”
“I don’t need this money, I will be back in Shri
Nathji’s temple in the morning.”
The ten rupees was then added to Shri Nathji’s
offering and after a letter to Shri Gusainji was written
about everything that happened, the Anyor Brahmin
took the offerings and the letter and returned to Move
Aside.”
“My friend, you have done a lot today.” Move
Aside then added, “We will leave for Braja after dawn.
We will sleep here and see Shri Gusainji in the
morning.”
Move Aside, who was really Shri Nathji, then
returned to His temple while the Anyor Brahmin took
his rest. The following morning, Shri Nathji came and
awoke the Anyor Brahmin, “Look! We are back in
Braja, just a mile from the temple. Come on, wake up
and give the temple manager the offerings you collected,
and don’t forget to get some flour and beans for us from
the temple.”
When the Anyor Brahmin reached the temple, the
manager called out to him, “Why haven’t you left for
Surat?”
When he produced the letter from Surat, the
manager was stunned, “How did he get to Surat in one
day? Maybe this is a forged letter.”
But when he saw all the offerings, he went directly
to Shri Gusainji and told him, “I sent your Anyor
Brahmin to Surat to collect offerings and he returned
from there in two days with offerings and a letter from
Surat.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After Shri Gusainji read the letter from the
bhaktas in Surat, he called the Anyor Brahmin and
asked him about everything that happened. The Anyor
Brahmin explained, “Brother Vitthalnathji, you
wouldn’t believe me, but confirm it with Move Aside,
we went to Surat together.”
“Who is Move Aside?”
“Don’t you remember that day we were playing
together, you took hold of my arm and told me that my
Krishna’s name is “Move Aside’. Now He always dines
and plays with me at the Bilchu lake.”
Shri Gusainji then went into the temple and gently
pressed Shri Nathji cheeks, “Did you take the Anyor
Brahmin to Surat?”
“Your manager sent him there. He believes in your
words. I have remained with him from the day he
thinks you told him My name is Move Aside.”
“Maybe we should offer the Anyor Brahmin
prasada from the temple.”
“Then go and ask him.” Shri Nathji replied.
Shri Gusainji then came out of the temple and
offered the Anyor Brahmin, “Shall we arrange for your
cooked prasada every day at the temple?”
“Brother Vitthalnath, what will I do with that, I
want to cook for Move Aside and myself, so just give me
flour and beans.”
Shri Gusainji then called Shri Nathji’s store room
manager and told him, “Give the Anyor Brahmin
enough food items so he can cook for two people every
day.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The Anyor Brahmin daily went to the Bilchu lake
where he cooked for Shri Nathji. The Blessed Lord
came to him every day. The Anyor Brahmin was blessed
every day by Shri Gusainji and Shri Nathji. His life was
full of blissfull play. He was a very blessed bhakta. To
what extent can we praise his life? (106)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 JAN AND BHAGAVANDAS

They are rajas bhaktas. Bhagavandas is Ektari while Jan

is Jalataranggini.

ONE

Jan and Bhagavandas were brothers. They were born in

Braja and lived in Gokul. They became Shri Gusainji’s
disciples when they were children. Jan was the older
brother and they both became accomplished bhaktas.
Although they were householders, they were not
interested in worldly life. They were devotional,
renounced, knew nothing of the world and felt great
affection for each other. They imbibed Shri Gusainji’s
teachings and reflected continually upon Shri Nathji
while living in their homes. They sang their own poetry
before Shri Nathji and never engaged in worldly talk.
They begged for their food and their wives were
troubled over their financial affairs.
Other people would plant their fields and when
their share of grain came to their home, they would give
it to cows or needy people. They owned nothing. Other
towns folk asked them, “Why don’t you look after your
fields?”
When the brothers went to their fields, they would
sit there and talk about Shri Krishna. When the harvest
arrived, people would have to ask them, “Why don’t
you cut your wheat or at least tell your wives to?” The
brothers remained aloof from everyone.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TWO

Once, early one morning, when the two brothers came

before Shri Gusainji, they saw their guru with a group
of other bhaktas and sang…

This morning, all the bhaktas have come

To see Shri Gusainji’s face.
Glories, all glories to Shri Vallabh’s son
To behold him is liberation!

He is beautiful, dark, a fortune unbonded.

His sweet voice is deep like a rumbling cloud.
Seeing him brings delight to these eyes.

Listening is to imbibe his words.

So auspicious,
His Krishna home is propitious,
And so is the nectar of
Shri Krishna’s appearance and His lilas.

Sings Jan and Bhagavan

“We offer ourselves right here,
There is no end to your virtues.”

Later that morning when the brothers went to Shri

Navanita Priyaji’s temple and saw Child Krishna
holding some butter, they sang,

This morning the auspicious arati lights

Are waved around Child Krishna.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Auspicious is His birth, His karma
And His attributes.
So fortunate is Yashoda’s son,
The Butter-Thief.

His crown, flute and forest garland

Are all auspicious.
It is auspicious to describe
The forest of Vrindavan
With its peacocks.

Sings Jan and Bhagavan,

“This entire creation is full of auspiciousness.
Most auspicious are the Divine Couple
Radha and the Fresh Krishna.”

Shri Gusainji was pleased to hear their song. When

Shri Gusainji proceeded to Shri Nathji’s temple, the
two brothers accompanied him and after Shri Nathji’s
lunch was offered they sang,

The Gopis carrying Krishna’s lunch

Get lost in the Vrindavan forest.

(Shri Krishna calls out to them)

“O Gopis!
When you call out to Me
I call back.
Don’t you hear Me?
Mother Yashoda sent My lunch this morning.
Why is it so late?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The Gopis reply in sweet words from a distance
“O Gopal, we have lost our way.”

They are deeply in love with Him-

That Mountain Holder.
Sings Jan and Bhagavan,
“In the total offering
They have lost track of themselves.”

Shri Nathji and Shri Gusainji were both pleased

with their song while the brother’s reflected, “It is our
great fortune that Shri Krishna has appeared here in
Braja and that we get to see Him.”
They always remained full of Krishna’s nectar and
remember nothing else. After Shri Gusainji had his
lunch, he offered the brothers prasada. Later that
evening after Shri Gusainji completed the evening seva
he gave Jan, Bhagavan and other bhaktas teachings.
For many days the brothers had Shri Nathji’s darshan
and then returned to Gokul where they saw the other
seven main Krishna svarupas, belonging to Shri
Gusainji’s sons.
Later that year, on Shri Krishna’s appearance
day, they sang,

Krishna’s friends have come

To celebrate His appearance.
The Gopis and the cowlads
Pour yogurt over everyone’s head.
They are filled with

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The unlimited pride of bhakti.
They do whatever they want.

People run to Shri Krishna’s parents

Singing auspicious songs.
They are all awarded many types of cloth.
Jan and Bhagavan sing of
Yashoda and Nanda Baba’s
Great fortune.

A few months later, on Shri Gusainji’s birthday,

the brothers sang,

Today there is celebration

In Shri Vallabh’s home.
Auspicious songs are sung and
Every home is transported
With celebration.

The Vedas are recited and

Everyone showers blessings.
Flowers fall endlessly from the sky.
Bards, minstrels and good friends
Sing out “Jaya! Victory!”

The Gopis pronounce their blessings

And sing songs of cheer,
“Shri Vitthalnathji, Shri Gusainji
Live forever!
You are the elan of your bhaktas.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Everyone is dancing and singing Hari’s praises.
In the love state, they find pure rapture.
Jan and Bhagavan offer it all right there
“Glories, Glories to Krishna.
You are compassionate to the humble.”

That afternoon, they sang,

Glories to the son of Shri Vallabh, Shri Gusainji.

The dust of Shri Vallabh’s lotus feet is sacred.
They are exalted and award the highest pleasures.
When you serve them with your two hands
The threefold misery is sundered.

Jan and Bhagavan celebrate the moment!

Every bhakta receives their grace.

Shri Gusainji hearing their poem praised them,

“These two brothers are pure.They never feel anything
but Krishna.”
The brothers were Shri Gusainji’s great bhaktas.
Their story has no end. To what extent can we praise
them? (107)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 KALYAN BHATT

He is a satvika bhakta. His lila name is Madhurima.

Madhurima’s lila associate is Devaka. In this world,
Devaka became his daughter. Kalyan was a Brahmin
from Kambhaliya in the Gujarat. He was very educated.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was in Gujarat, Kalyan Bhatt

became his disciple. The guru was pleased that he had
studied Sanskrit and gave him many teachings on the
Path of Grace. Kalyan Bhatt also asked him many
questions about the secrets of Grace and Shri Gusainji
empowered him. When Shri Gusainji went to Gokul,
Kalyan Bhatt and his family accompanied him and took
up residence there.

TWO

One time, a cook in Shri Nathji’s temple noticed there

was a shortage of milk and offered Shri Nathji less than
what He was used to and reasoned he would offer an
extra large bowl on the following day. That evening,
Shri Nathji went with His golden bowl to Anyor and
appearing as a ten year old lad. He went to Kalyan
Bhatt’s house and asked his daughter Devaka, “Do you
have any milk for sale?”
She replied, “As much as you want.”
“I will only take some if you let Me buy it. I will
give you three and one half paisa per litre.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When Devaka did not answer him, Shri Nathji
again offered, “Ok, I will give you four paisa; My last
offer is four and one half paisa for a litre.”
Shri Nathji then put down His golden bowl and
Devaka filled it up with milk, but felt uneasy about the
transaction. She ran to get sugar and after she put some
into Shri Nathji’s bowl, the Blessed Lord drank it all
and left His golden bowl with her explaining, “I will pay
you in the morning.”
Devaka cleaned the bowl and put it in the
cupboard. The following morning, when Shri Gusainji
entered Shri Nathji’s temple and noticed a missing
golden bowl, he asked the cooks if they had seen it.
Finally Shri Nathji mentioned, “Yesterday, I did not get
My normal measure of milk to drink, so I went to
Anyor and took some from your Devaka. I left My
golden bowl with her.”
When Shri Gusainji told Kalyan Bhatt what
happened, he hurried home, retrieved the bowl and
returned it to the temple. Shri Gusainji later mentioned
to him, “What can be said of your daughter’s great
fortune! She is so pure and innocent that Shri Nathji
left His bowl with her.”
Later that day, Shri Gusainji called the milk cook
and scolded him, “Don’t ever offer less milk than what
Shri Nathji is use to.”

THREE

One day, Kalyan Bhatt mentioned to Shri Gusainji,

“Shri Nathji’s bhaktas who are very close to you enjoy

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

your seva. One brings you water, another gets to bathe
you. Another gives you water and betal while another
puts perfume on you. One bhakta annoints you with oil
while another gets to fan you. Your bhaktas serve you
and Shri Krishna in so many ways. When they tell me,
‘His house is mine. Now he will truly accept us.’ I
explain to them, ‘Your offerings are already accepted
by the Blessed Lord. You present Him with food and
other items according to your abilities. Is there anything
lacking?’”
Shri Gusainji then turned to Kalyan Bhatt and
explained, “Even you do not know what is in store for
them.”
“When you grace me and let me know is when I
will understand.”
Shri Gusainji was pleased to hear his words for
Kalyan Bhatt was a blessed vessel of his guru’s grace.

FOUR

Once while Shri Gusainji was bathing, Raghodas asked

for a tulsi necklace. As Shri Gusainji took a tulsi
necklace off of his own neck to give to him, it got
tangled with another necklace. At that moment Kalyan
Bhatt said, “Why are you taking it off you your own
neck. Just ask me for one.”
Shri Gusainji looked at him with a big smile.

FIVE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Another time, Kalyan Bhatt asked Shri Gusainji,
“What are the attributes of a great bhakta?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Bhaktas are merciful to
all and never get angry or upset with other bhaktas.
Even if someone wrongs them, bhaktas withstand every
injustice. Their speech is always balanced and they
never get upset with anyone. Bhaktas are forgiving and
sweetly address even those who have insulted them with
folded hands. They can pardon all. Bhaktas always
speak the truth and maintain a pure view towards all.
They are charitable and control their senses. They don’t
consider themselves, but only Shri Krishna. Bhaktas
don’t hanker after money and partake of a balanced
amount of prasada. Over-eating can make one lazy and
then precious energy that could be used in devotional
practices is lost. A sickly body cannot perform proper
seva. Bhaktas control their minds. They are focused on
Shri Krishna and not upon worldly things. They always
resort to their devotional refuge and make Shri
Krishna’s seva mindfully. Bhaktas don’t reveal Shri
Krishna’s inner secrets to others nor do they ever lose
resistance. Bhaktas are not affected by thirst and
hunger, cold, heat, anger or greed. They have no false
pride and respect all beings. Bhaktas have reverence for
Krishna’s lilas as well as for all of His different
manifestations. Bhaktas contemplate their devotional
dharma and spiritual forms. Know that a person is an
accomplished bhakta if these attributes arise in them.”
Kalyan Bhatt was pleased to hear Shri Gusainji’s
teachings. He was a great vessel of grace. His account
has no end, so what more to say? (108)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TWO PATEL BROTHERS

They are satvika bhaktas. The older brother is Kanchi in

the lila and the younger is Kamana.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Raja Nagar, the two

brothers recevied first initiation. From that day on they
daily attended satsang at the bhakta Bhaila Kotari’s
home. They remembered everything they heard there.

TWO

When Bhaila Kotari told the two brother that it was

time for them to receive the second initiation, the
Brahman Sambandha mantra, the two brothers went to
Gokul to see Shri Gusainji. When they arrived, Shri
Gusainji was performing his prayers at Thakurani
Ghat. They bowed before the bhakti master and
requested the second initiation. After Shri Gusainji
blessed them with the sacred formula, they had the
darshan of Shri Navanita Priyaji, Shri Gusainji’s
personal Child Krishna svarupa. Later the guru
arranged for their prasada. They happily remained in
Gokul and attended Shri Gusainji’s satsangs every day.
When Shri Gusainji went to Shri Nathji’s temple,
the two brothers accompanied him and from there the
brothers took permission to wander about the twelve
forests of Braja. When they returned to Gokul, Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Gusainji welcomed them and asked, “What do you wish
now?”
“We desire to always live here by the Govardhan
Hill and to make Shri Nathji’s seva.”
From that day forward, they resided by Shri
Nathji’s temple and performed His seva every day.
They cooked their own meals and offered it all to Shri
Nathji’s flag on top of the temple. They only rested
during the day because they spent their entire night in
satsang. Shri Nathji used to come and listen to their
discussions.

Shri Nathji is addicted to satsang. He always attends the

bhaktas’ private meetings.

Once while they were totally absorbed in satsang,

Shri Nathji suddenly appeared directly before them.
From that day on, Shri Nathji always came to them.
The two brothers never returned to Raja Nagar and
remained by Shri Nathji’s temple.

This account shows how bhaktas will not live without

satsang. Shri Krishna loves to hear His own glories.
Satsang is an amazing thing.

The two brothers were vessels of Shri Gusainji’s grace,

Their story truly has no end. (109)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A BRAHMIN WOMAN FROM ADEL

The Brahmin woman from Adel is a tamas bhakta. Her

name in the lila is Ananya. She was married when she
was five but her young husband died of small pox. After
her parents passed away, she became Shri Gusainji’s
disciple through the association of other bhaktas.

ONE

One day the Brahmin woman told Shri Gusainji, “My

days don’t pass. Please give me some work, some divine
service to perform.”
Shri Gusainji told her to help out in Shri Navanita
Priyaji’s kitchen. She washed the cooking pots until one
day, she was not careful and one of the pots she washed
remained dirty. On the next day it was used for cooking
and when Shri Gusainji made the offering, Shri
Navanita Priyaji told him, “The Brahmin woman did
not wash my pot very well. See, there is still a black
stain on it leftover from yesterday!”
Shri Gusainji immediately gave all of the food that
was cooked that morning to a cow and prepared an
entire new offering. After completeing the morning
seva, he retired to his seat and called upon the Brahmin
woman, “Wash Shri Krishna’s pots carefully. There
was a black mark on one of the pots that you washed
yesterday that went into today’s cooking.”
When she vainly replied, “What can I do about
that?” Shri Gusainji told her to leave the seva and go to
the other side of the river.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Bhakta’s should always speak humbly to the guru.

As she crossed the Yamuna river, she did not feel

any dissention towards Shri Gusainji and reflected, “I
will be blessed again, he will call me back.”

The Blessed Lord never leaves His own souls.

She began to collect cow dung along the banks of

the river and dried them into patties. She subsisted on
flour that she begged for from generous people who
passed by. She lived in a hut by the river and always
remembered Shri Gusainji’s lotus feet. After a while,
she collected a large pile of dried cow dung patties.
Some days later, Shri Gusainji told one of his
helpers, “Take a boat to Prayaga and get some dried
cow dung patties.”
Arriving on the other side of the river, he saw the
Brahmin lady and after greeting her, she replied,
“Where are you going with that boat?”
Shri Gusainji has sent me here to get some cow
dung patties.”
“I have many patties here and they are all Shri
Gusainji’s. Take them all.”
After the boat was filled with patties she told him,
“Take this load of patties then return here for the rest
of them.”
When the boat returned to Adel, Shri Gusainji
commented, “You have returned very quickly. Where
did you get those wonderful looking patties?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “The Brahmin lady that use to wash Shri Navanita
Priyaji’s pots now lives across the river in a hut. She
gave you all of these patties and told me ‘I am Shri
Gusainji’s humble servant.’ She has another boat load
of patties waiting for us.”
Shri Gusainji smiled. He was pleased with her.

He saw her pure intelligence and knew her

devotional mood was constant and this delighted him.

“When you return with the second load, bring her

with you.”
Arriving back at the Brahmin lady’s hut, the
helper told her, “Shri Gusainji is pleased with you. He
has called you.”
She was ecstatic to hear his words and filled the
boat with patties and boarded the launch. They arrived
back in Adel early that afternoon, just as Shri Gusainji
was bathing. She ran into his bathing room and while
water was being poured over him, she bowed at his feet.
Her eyes filled with tears, she was overwhelmed and
could not utter a single word. Seeing her condition, Shri
Gusainji was filled with compassion and took hold of
her hand. He helped her stand and said, “Your fault
was very small but you have suffered a lot. You are very
blessed and have great resiliency.”
“That day I ruined all of the offerings. It was a
great sin, but you have mercifully forgiven me.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 In this account it is shown that the soul becomes
humble when she sees a small fault as very large and
instruction as an oppurtunity of receiving grace.

Shri Gusainji told her, “Now return to Shri

Navanita Priyaji’s seva.”
From that day on she performed seva very
carefully and with great affection. After some days, Shri
Navanita Priyaji appeared directly before her. One
evening when less sugar was put into Shri Krishna’s
milk, the Blessed Lord later appeared to her and told
her about the incident. She went in the middle of the
night to Shri Gusainji and told him what happened. The
bhakti master then called the store room manager,
“This evening, you did not put enough sugar in Shri
Krishna’s milk.”
“That was because there was not enough sugar in
stock. I will get some more in the morning.”
“From today onwards make sure there is always
enough and never put too little sugar in Shri Krishna’s
milk again.”
“Consider it done.”said the store room manager.
Shri Navanita Priyaji was pleased with the
Brahmin woman.

This account teaches us that seva should be made

carefully, with some fear of doing it wrong as well as lots
of love. Also, bhaktas should never have a faulty view of
the guru.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The Brahmin woman was a vessel of grace. Her
account cannot be fully told. To what extent can we
praise her? (110)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A MOTHER AND SON

They are rajas bhaktas. In the lila the mother is Pyari and
the son is Dulari. In this world they were born as
Brahmins in Gujarat and became Shri Gusainji’s
disciples when he visited their town on his way to Dwarka.
When they first saw him, Shri Gusainji appeared to them
as beautiful as a million Loves. After giving them the first
initiation the bhakti master told them to come to Gokul to
take the second initiation, the Brahma Sambandha.

ONE

The mother and son were wealthy. They pilgrimaged to

Gokul and after having Shri Navanita Priyaji’s
darshan, they came before Shri Gusainji. He offered
them prasada and later that evening after imbibing his
teachings, they requested the bhakti master to give
them the second initiation. The next day, they fasted
and the following day, after bathing in the Yamuna
river, Shri Gusainji gave them the Brahma Sambandha
mantra. A few days later, they visited Shri Nathji’s
temple and then undertook a pilgrimage throughout the
sacred land of Braja. When they returned, they asked
Shri Gusainji, “What should we do now?”
“You should perform Shri Krishna’s seva.” said
Shri Gusainji.
“But we desire to make your seva.
“How do you propose to do my seva?”
“Master, we would serve you just like Shri
Krishna’s seva is performed. We will worship you on a

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

royal seat and offer you water in a jhari pitcher. We
will offer you different types of food and when you are
done we will wash your hands and offer you a towel to
dry them. With your grace, we will make your seva.”
Shri Gusainji is very compassionate, and is called
“The one who fulfills the desires of his bhaktas”. He
told them, “If you promise not to reveal this seva to
anyone, I will appear in your home and accept your
offerings. But if anyone finds out about this seva, I will
be gone in a moment!”

Shri Gusainji’s seva is accomplished in absolute privacy.

It is comprised of only bhava and therefore it is not
revealed to others.

“We promise to perform your seva according to

your instructions.”

Shri Gusainji did not present them with any form

of Shri Krishna. The mother and son kept Shri
Gusainji’s divine form in their hearts and returned to
their home in Raja Nagar. There the mother requested
her son to get married and explained, “If you have a
wife, she can help in the seva.”
But her son’s mind and heart were focused into
seva and he explained, “Better to keep our wealth in the
divine service of Shri Gusainji. I don’t want to get
married.”
They constructed another house and built a secret
temple in the middle of their residence in such a way
that no one could see it. It had a separate room for

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

water as well as a sleeping chamber for Shri Gusainji.
They arranged for Shri Gusainji’s throne, wall
hangings and all the other necessary seva items. Even
their well was in the inner temple area. Nothing for Shri
Gusainji’s seva was in view from the living quarters.
They made Shri Gusainji’s seva very carefully.
Everything was done only after taking a bath and
everything was maintained very carefully. Their
worship of Shri Gusainji emulated the modes of Shri
Krishna’s seva. They offered him water and food and
while meditating on his form, they both requested,
“Lord of Grace, through Shri Mahaprabhuji and Shri
Krishna’s intervention please accept our offerings.”
Shri Gusainji divinely appeared there and accepted
their offerings. After the offerings were taken away,
they would offer Shri Gusainji betal nut and then would
sing kirtan. They never rang a bell or waved arati lights
in their secret temple. After the seva was completed,
they washed everything and after giving some prasada
to a cow they would sit and take their prasada. It
always had a divine taste.
If other bhaktas came to visit them, they would
give them prasada and then send them on their way.
They did not allow anyone to stay with them. After
some days, when they had exhausted almost all of their
money the son told his mom, “Without money, we will
not be able to perform this type of seva. I will go out of
town and make some money.”
“But you will be away from the seva.”said his
mother.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “You continue to make the seva. I will return in
one year.”

One day, after her son had gone, while she was
preparing some vegetables she thought, “When my son
returns, it will be nice to have him in the seva again.”
Afterwards she made the offerings and sang kirtan.
When she took away the offering she noticed that Shri
Gusainji had moved the bowl of vegtables to one side.
After washing Shri Gusainji’s hands, she asked him,
“Why didn’t you take any vegetables?”
A celestial voice then explained to her, “While you
were preparing them, where was your mind?”
“With my son.”
“Because your mind was worldly when you were
preparing the vegtables, I did not partake of the them.”
From that day on, if she ever made any mistakes in
her preparation, if there was too much salt or if the
offering was too sour, she would hear about it in a
divine manner. She always asked Shri Gusainji, “Did
you partake of the offerings?” The bhakti master would
answere her directly.

Many days later her son returned with money he

had earned and they again made Shri Gusainji’s seva
together and soon enough Shri Gusainji began to
appear before both of them.

In this account it is shown that, “As you take care of

yourself, so you should take care of God.” In this divine

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

fashion, they kept their minds and hearts involved in Shri
Gusainji’s seva. They performed it very carefully.

The mother and son were accomplished bhaktas

and they knew Shri Gusainji’s divine bliss form. Their
seva was full of many types of bhavas and realization of
lila. Their story can not be fully explained, so what else
is there to say? (111)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A THIEF

He is a tamas bhakta and his name in the lila is Turanga.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji was traveling from Gokul to

Delhi, his followers presented him with many offerings
along the way. One bhakta came before Shri Gusainji
with a bundle of his wife’s clothing and jewels and
asked, “Can I leave this package with you for a while?”
Shri Gusainji put the bundle next to his things and
late that night a thief came and began to steal
everything in sight. But when the thief tried to take the
bhakta’s bundle, Shri Gusainji stopped him, “Take only
my items, this package belongs to someone else and I
am responsible for it.”
The thief was impressed with Shri Gusainji and
took everything else but left that bundle. On the
following day, the thief decided to return everything he
had stolen from Shri Gusainji and even put in a few
extra items as his offering and submitted, “Guru, here
are all of your things. I am a thief . Make me your
disciple.”
“How can I make a disciple out of a thief?”
“Because you are compassionate and I will do
exactly as you say.”
“I know that you are unable to leave your thievery;
but you are able to be kind and speak the truth.”said
Shri Gusainji.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “It is true, I need to steal but I promise from today
onwards, I will only steal from the rich and will never
trouble any poor person. And I will always speak the
truth.”
The following day, after Shri Gusainji initiated
him, the thief went to a nearby city to plan his next
theft. Late that night he decided to rob the king. He was
stopped at the palace gates where a guard asked him,
“Who are you?”
“Can’t you tell, I am a thief. I want to see the
king.”
The guard thought, “This is no thief, he is a jester.
No robber would ever say he is thief. I will let him
pass.”
In this way, the thief was able to pass by seven
guards and eventually entered the king’s bedroom and
stole the queen’s jewelery box. On his way out he told
every guard he passed. “See, I just went to your king’s
bedroom and stole the queen’s jewels.”
The guards all thought he was joking and let him
pass. He got home and went to sleep.
The following morning when the king discovered
the robbery, all of his gurads went out looking for the
culprit. The king’s minister also joined the search and
came across the thief who was brushing his teeth and
said to him, “It is late in the day to be brushing your
teeth.”
“Last night I was up very late. I went to the palace
and stole the queen’s jewels. I put them in my house
and just got up.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The thief was immediately brought before the king,
“How did you get into my palace and steal the jewels?”
“I simply asked your guards where you were and
announced that I was a thief. After taking the jewelery
box, I returned to each guard and told him what I did
and simply walked out of your palace with the jewels
and returned home.”
When he showed the king the jewelery box, the
ruler exclaimed, “Where else will I find a man like you
who always speaks the truth? I will make you a
minister.”

When Shri Gusainji visited that town many days

later, the thief-turned-minister came before Shri
Gusainji and someone said, “A king has arrived.”
Shri Gusainji explained, “He is a minister.”
“I am merely a thief, but with your grace I became
a minister.”

In this account it is shown that regardless of a person’s

impurities, once someone takes refuge, the Blessed Lord
definitely accepts them. In the Path of Grace, refuge is
paramount.

The thief was a blessed bhkata. His story has no

end. (112)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TANSEN

Tansen is a rajas bhakta. His name in the lila is Dipa and

he is a very intimate friend of Shri Krishna.
In this world he was born in Gwalior. At the age of
five, he began to study music with a mulsim maestro and
quickly became an accomplished singer. Then Tansen
worshipped the goddess of music and wisdom, Shri
Sarasvati. She eventually appeared before him and asked,
“What do you desire?”
“Perfection in singing.” He answered.
She blessed the singer and dissappeared. From that
day on, whenever Tansen sang, his melodies were so
charming that even deer would run towards him to listen.
Once when he was in Delhi, he impressed the
Emperor with his singing and the ruler requested him to
be his court singer. Tansen became very renowned.

ONE

One time during the hot season, while Shri Gusainji was
sitting at the Govinda Ghat with Govinda Svami and a
few other bhaktas, Tansen arrived and Shri Gusainji
immediately requested, “Tansen sing something!”
Tansen then sang a poem in the Raga Lacha

I have one talent

That can enter and illuminate
The fort of the heart.

Seven notes, three scales, twenty one compositions.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

I fill these notes with my voice.
I can call the deer and make the clouds rain.
I praise the goddess Sarasvati.
Says Tansen, listen wise ones,
I bow down to all of your feet.

When he finished singing, Shri Gusainji, knowing

him to be the Emperor’s personal singer, presented him
with five hundred rupees and put one shell on top of the
offering.
Tansen querried, “Maharaja, why the shell?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “I gave you five hundred
rupees because you are the Emperor’s singer, but after
hearing your voice, I gave you the shell.”
“Only when you show me a better singer will I
comprehend how you valued me.”
Shri Gusainji then smiled and looked towards
Govinda Svami, “Why don’t you sing something now.”
Govinda Svami sang two poems in Raga Sarang.
First he praised his guru.

“I can not fully explain who

The son of Vallabh is because
He is so unequaled.

He is Supreme Bliss
And while residing in Gokul
He provides the entire world with pleasure.

To his intimate circle

He awards devotional liberation

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

And showers boundless loving grace.

He is filled with bliss

The very form of Joy,
He is the pleasure-giver.
What can my single tongue recite?

Sings Govinda,
“I celebrate him
continually”

Then he sang a lila poem...

Listen my friend,
It was during the middle of the day.
I was sitting on my balcony
Making a flower garland
When He suddenly arrived-
That Son of Nanda.

He aimed his glance

And threw a small pebble toward me.
I felt shy, stood up and turned away.
I was afraid of what the elders would say.

Sings Govinda,
Then my Beloved
Lord and master of mood
Extended an arm and
Revealed to me our meeting place.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Tansen was amazed to hear the poems and with
folded hands prayed to Shri Gusainji, “It is true!
Compared to Govinda Svami, my singing is worth a
single shell. It is like coarse burlap next to fine cotton.
Govinda Svami, please instruct me.”
“I only teach Shri Gusainji’s disciples.” Said
Govinda Svami.
Tansen humbly submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Now
please accept me.”
After Shri Gusainji gave Tansen Krishna mantra,
the court singer offered him one thousand gold coins.
The bhakti master then told Govinda Svamini, “Teach
him.”
After Tansen studied with Govinda Svami for some
time and learned the Pushti Marga temple style of
singing, with Shri Gusainji’s permission, he began to
sing before Shri Nathji.

TWO

Shri Nathji was pleased with Tansen’s singing, but the

court singer drank and often smelled of alcohol. Once
when he was singing before Shri Nathji, a bhakta
scolded him, “Don’t drink alcohol! You stink and Shri
Nathji does not like it!”
Tansen stopped drinking and the following day
when he sang in front of Shri Nathji, he did not sing
well. When Shri Gusainji showed Shri Nathji the
mirror, the Blessed Lord told him, “Today, Tansen’s
voice is very flat. Ask him to sing better.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When Shri Gusainji approached Tansen, the singer
explained, “One of your bhaktas told me not to drink.
That is why my voice is weak today.”
Shri Gusainji immediately replied, “Follow your
regular custom. Just make sure Shri Nathji is pleased.”
As soon as Tansen drank, he sang well. Shri Nathji
smiled and Tansen saw Him.

In this account it is shown that in the Path of Grace, the

bhakta’s main duty is to please Shri Nathji. It is the
dharma of the path.

Tansen was Shri Gusainji’s blessed bhakta. There

is no way to recount his entire story. (113)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A MERCHANT FROM RAJA NAGAR

The merchant from Raja Nagar is a satvika bhakta. His

name in the lila is Sneha Lata. In this world, he was born
into a family of wealthy merchants. He married when he
was twenty. After his parents died he took over the family
business. He was very miserly and even after saving
99,000 rupees he only thought about having 100,000
rupees. He hardly spend any money, even on food. He
was truly a very stingy man.
When Shri Gusainji came Raja Nagar and stayed
with his bhakta Bhaila Kotari, that merchant happened to
visit Bhaila. When he saw Shri Gusainji, he decided to
become his disciple. The bhakti master looked his way
and smiled and initiated the stingy merchant and his wife
before heading on to Dwarka.

ONE

When Shri Gusainji returned to Raja Nagar, the

merchant thought, “I can not pay my respects to my
guru empty-handed.”
His wife reminded him, “You have yet to make any
money today.”
He then noticed a hollow coconut on the floor and
decided to offer it to their guru. When they came before
Shri Gusainji, the other bhaktas mentioned to Shri
Gusainji, “This man fools not only us, but today you as
well.”
Shri Gusainji then turned to the merchant, “Did
you hear what they are saying about you?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “It is true. I don’t like to part with my wealth. I
have managed to save 99,000 rupees but I won’t be
satisfied until I have saved 100,000.”
Shri Gusainji smiled and replied to him, “You
speak the truth but now you should begin Shri
Krishna’s seva. Then you will become truly
accomplished.”
“I will do it on one condition: it should not cost me
anything.”
“Fine. Serve Shri Krishna in your mind and heart.
It will not cost you a single penny.”
Shri Gusainji then initiated him into the ways of
Shri Krishna’s daily and festive seva and with a focused
mind that merchant began to serve Krishna in his
meditations, full of devotion.

One festive day, he made in his mind some rice

pudding for his Krishna. As he was mentally putting
some sugar into the rice pudding, he thought, “Oh no! I
have put too much sugar in the pudding.”
When he tried to mentally take some of the sugar
back, Shri Krishna suddenly appeared before him and
grabbed his hand and admonished him, “You are not
spending any money here. Why are you so stingy with
the sugar?”
At the moment the merchant realized, “All my
wealth should be used in His seva.”
He then approached Shri Gusainji and asked him
to established Shri Krsihna’s seva in his his home and
vowed to dedicate all of his wealth for His pleasure.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Here the teaching is revealed that regardless of the soul’s
nature, Shri Krishna relates to her and accepts her
according to her unique situation. Shri Krishna is full of
compassion and very affectionate with His bhaktas.
Bhaktas should make His seva in whatever way they can
and never turn away from His pleasing service.

The merchant was a blessed vessel. His story can

not be fully told. (114)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

TWO BROTHERS, BENIDAS AND DAMODARDAS

They are Satvika bhakta. In the lila Benidas is Vira while

Damodardas is Dhira. In this world they were born into a
wealthy family in Surat. They married when they were ten
years old. After their parents died, the brothers tended the
family business.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji came to Raja Nagar, the two

brothers came to purchase cloth for their store. When
they met Shri Gusainji at Baila Kotari’s home, the guru
appeared to them in his divine form and the brothers
took his shelter. They stayed with the bhakti master for
several days and when they returned to Surat, they
spent every night in satsang with other bhaktas.

TWO

Benidas had two sons while Damodardas had one son.

One day they decided to pilgrimage to Braja to see Shri
Gusainji and informed their wives and sons, “We are
going to Gokul and will return in five or seven years.
Please don’t wait for us and look after all family
affairs.”
When they reached Gokul, Shri Gusainji first
asked them, “Have you taken prasada today?”
“Before seeing you, how could we eat anything?”
“This evening, take your meals here.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The two brothers then found a place to live and
then went to the seven main Gokul temples. After
visiting Navanita Priyaji’s temple they came before Shri
Gusainji who told them, “Now please take your meals.”
“Only after you have taken your meal.”
After Shri Gusainji took his meal he arranged for
their plates of prasada.

Here it is shown that bhaktas will not take their meal

before the guru has eaten.

That evening, after the brothers attended Shri

Gusainji’s teachings, they requested seva initiation from
the bhakti master. After fasting for one day, Shri
Gusainji gave them the Brahma Sambandha mantra
and then said, “Now establish Shri Krishna’s seva in
your lives.”
The brothers replied, “We would first like to have
Shri Nathji’s darshan and then circumambulate the
sacred land of Braja before we begin Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
With the guru’s blessings they headed out and
when they returned to Gokul several weeks later, Shri
Gusainji told them, “Now begin Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Benidas replied, “We will start Shri Krishna’s seva
when the Blessed Lord tells us exactly what He wants!”
Shri Gusainji explained, “When seva is full of
bhava, Shri Krishna will fulfill all of your divine
wishes.”
The bhakti master then presented them with a
Child Krishna svarupa and taught them the ways of

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

seva. From that day on, one brother would prepare the
offerings while the other brother would adorn the
Blessed Lord. They daily had the darshan of the seven
main temples in Gokul and only after feeding other
bhaktas prasada would they take their meals. They
were graced with His Divine Presence very quickly.

THREE

Once Shri Krishna told the brothers, “I am very happy

with you. Ask of Me whatever you desire.”
“With the grace of our guru we have everything
but we would like an opportunity to make Shri
Gusainji’s seva.”

Here it is shown that the guru’s seva is even harder to

attain than serving God.

A few days later, Shri Gusainji asked Benidas,

“Have you experienced Shri Krishna’s presence?”
“With your grace, Shri Krishna speaks with us
and gave us a boon. We requested your seva.”
“Why don’t you do seva in Shri Krishna’s flower
house or help out making betal leaves?”
“We don’t want that seva, we desire to serve you.”
“Ok, then become my personal assistants.”

The two brothers were ecstatic to receive their

guru’s seva. They attended Shri Gusainji with great
care. One brother slept at home while the other stayed
with Shri Gusainji.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The reason one slept at home was because Child Krishna
lived with them and they did not want to leave their Divine
Child home alone at night. They felt He would be afraid
to sleep alone.

Before Shri Gusainji woke in the morning, they

would softly sing devotional songs. After the bhakti
master arose, the brothers would rub oil on his body.
Then one brother would attend to his bath while the
other brother made his bed. After Shri Gusainji entered
the temple for his daily seva, they would return home
and attend to their Child Krishna. One brother would
cook while the other would adorn Child Krishna. After
feeding the bhaktas, one brother would return to Shri
Gusainji and only after the guru took his meals would
that brother return home and take his meals. They
never decreased their Child Krishna’s offerings. In this
dedicated way they served both their Child Krishna as
well as their guru.
One day Shri Gusainji, being pleased with their
seva asked them, “Is there any thing you desire?”
“Now we would like to serve the bhaktas.”

In this account it is shown that the bhakta’s service is the

most difficult seva to attain. Devotional practitioners
naturally serve God and the guru but it is very rare to
serve the other servants of God. This seva is only received
with the grace of God and the guru.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 With Shri Gusainji’s blessing, now instead of
feeding two bhaktas prasada everyday, they now
arranged to feed at least five bhaktas at every lunch.
Everyday a new bhakta would visit their house. They
would also offer their Child Krishna something new
every day. For five years they served their Child
Krishna, their guru and other bhaktas with great
dedication and the bhaktas praised their pure devotion.
One day they asked Shri Gusainji, “Now we would
like to call our family to Gokul.”
With their guru’s blessing they invited their entire
family from Surat and after they all received bhakti
enpowerments from Shri Gusainji they assisted in Shri
Krishna’s seva. They all encircled the sacred area of
Braja and then with the guru’s blessings the two
brothers along with their family returned home to
Surat. There the entire family continued to engage
themselves in Shri Krishna’s pleasing seva. Their three
sons took care of business while their son’s wives helped
in the seva. Everyday four or five bhaktas came for
prasada. After seva, everyone attended satsang. The
entire family was constantly engaged in either Shri
Krishna’s, Shri Gusainji’s or other bhakta’s seva. Their
lives were full of His presence.

In this account it is shown that there is nothing greater

than seva. For this reason, bhaktas should adhere their
minds and hearts to the blessed practice with care and
affection. Then Krishna is quickly pleased.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The two brothers were blessed bhaktas and great
vessels of grace. Their acount is endless. (115)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 JANARDANDAS

Janardandas is a rajas bhakta and is Chapala in the lila.

In this world he was born in Agra in a neighbourhood
full of other bhaktas. He played with their children and
the bhaktas, knowing him to be a divine soul, offered him
Krishna prasada to eat. When he was eighteen he married
a very devotional girl.

ONE

Once Janardandas joined five other bhaktas and went

to Gokul to see Shri Gusainji. When Janardandas came
before the bhakti master, he beheld him as lovely as a
billion love gods, as Shri Krishna Himself. After
becoming Shri Gusainji’s disciple, he requested his
guru to keep him in his service. Shri Gusainji appointed
him as his personal attendant.
Some days later, Janardandas asked Shri Gusainji,
“Now please establish Shri Krishna’s seva in my life.”
Shri Gusainji presented him with Bal Krishna, a
form of Child Krishna and Janardandas returned to
Agra where he lovingly served his Child Krishna. When
Shri Gusainji visited Agra he initiated Janardandas’
wife.
Janardandas’ mind and heart quickly became
firmly established in his child Krishna’s seva. He
offered Him delicious food items and made Him many
types of clothes and ornaments. Janardandas’ Child
Krishna could not remain without him for a single
moment. He told him everything He wanted. Whenever

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Janardandas had to go out for some work, his Child
Krishna would demand, “I want to go with you!”
“Lord of all kings.” Janardandas entreated, “I will
be right back.”
But his Krishna would not listen to him for He
could not remain without His bhakta for even a second.
His Krishna retorted, “No! I want to go with you!”
He was addicted to his bhakta Janardandas.
Somehow Janardandas managed to leave his house
with promises of an immediate return. When he
arrived home, his Child Krishna would call out, “Is that
you Janardandas?”
As long as Janardandas lived, his Child Krishna
always played with him. After his wife died, he returned
to live with Shri Gusainji.

TWO

Madhavadas was Janardandas’ fast friend. One

day Madhavadas told Janardandas, “Shri Gusainji told
me that you should remarry.”
“Madhavadas, we are both Shri Gusainji’s
disciples and he knows us both very well. If Shri
Gusainji has something to convey to me, he will tell me
directly. How can I marry unless I hear it directly from
him?”
Janardandas never remarried and served Shri
Gusainji for as long as he lived. He was a vessel of his
guru’s grace and Shri Gusainji was always pleased with
him. He always followed his guru’s instructions.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

In this account it is shown that bhaktas should never be
attached to worldly life. Love and service of God is their
only true ambition.

There is no way to tell Janardandas’ complete

story. (116)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TARACHANDA

Tarachanda is a tamas bhakta. In the lila he is Vachana

Chaturi. Vachana Chaturi is a very clever speaker. In this
world Tarachanda was born in Gujarat. His parents died
when he was an infant and he was raised by his devoted
uncle. Every day bhaktas would gather at his uncle’s
house for satsang.

ONE

Tarachanda traveled to Gokul and received initiation

from the bhakti master in front of Shri Navanita
Priyaji. That day, after lunch, Tarachanda requested,
“I would like to serve you.”
Shri Gusainji appointed him as his personal
attendant.

TWO

One day when Tarachanda’s mind became disturbed,

Shri Gusainji told him, “Don’t let your mind take
control of you.”
Tarachanda exclaimed, “Who told you those false
things about me.”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Tarachanda, don’t think
I don’t know you! Also, I would never listen to anyone’s
false accusations.”
Tarachanda understood the teachings and prayed,
“Please tell me how I can control my mind.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “When you recite the 108 names of Shri
Vallabhacharya you will attain everything.”
From that day on he recited the sacred names.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas should always be

truthful and hide nothing from their guru. The guru’s
teachings should always be embraced. Shri Gusainji
manifested the 108 sacred names of his father Shri
Vallabhacharya in the Sarvottam Stotra. Faithful
recitation of the stortra centers the mind and grants the
bhakta the exalted reward.

Tarachanda was a blessed vessel. Shri Gusainji was

always pleased with him. His story can not be fully told.
(117)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A MUSLIM BHAKTA

The Muslim bhakta has a tamas nature. His name in the

lila is Gohani. Gohani is very attached to Shri Krishna
and always chases after Him. Once Shri Krishna told
him, “Call Shri Dama here.”
“Please send someone else, I can’t stand to be away
from You.”
Shri Krishna sent Subala to fetch Shri Dama and
after Shri Dama arrived they began to play a new game.
Gohani brought some sweet fruits from the forest and as
he told Shri Krishna, “Please take some fruit”, some
saliva fell from his mouth onto the fruit. Shri Dama
noticed it and immediately cursed him, “Go take birth in
the world.”
“But I did not mean it.”said Gohani.
Shri Krishna consoled him, “Shri Dama’s words can
not be untrue; but don’t worry, you will be quickly
uplifted.”
Gohani was born in this world into a Muslim family
near Mahavan.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Raman Reti, Gohani

who had become a Muslim, overheard him give Krishna
mantra initiation to a young boy. At that moment, he
decided that he also wanted to become his disciple. He
came to Gokul every day and slept on the steps of
Thakurani Ghat. One night, while Shri Gusainji was on
his way to the Yamuna river, he stepped on the muslim

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

bhakta and called out the Krishna mantra three times.
“Shri Krishna is my refuge!”
The mulsim bhakta now felt that he had received
initiation and told some other bhaktas, “I am Shri
Gusainji’s disciple!”
When they mentioned this to Shri Gusainji, the
bhakti master told them, “Allow him to come and visit
me.”
From that day on, he came to see Shri Gusainji and
when Shri Gusainji went to Shri Nathji’s temple or
when he traveled outside of the Braja area he used to
always accompany him. The muslim bhakta would not
even drink water until he saw Shri Gusainji. When Shri
Gusainji left his body, Gohani experienced intense
separation from his guru and left his physical form.

In this account it is shown that when there is firm faith in

Shri Gusainji’s words, at that moment everything one
desires is attained.

He was a great bhakta. To what extent can his

story be praised? (118)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A WOMAN FROM AGRA

The woman from Agra is a rajas bhaka. Her name in the

lila is Brajangana. She is absorbed in her household
chores day and night but when she sees Shri Krishna
return from the forest in the afternoon, she swoons with
devotion and then returns to her household activities.
In this world, she was born into a Kshatriya family in
Agra and married when she was eight. She faithfully
served her sick husband until he died when she was
thirty- five. She was grief-stricken and some bhaktas
consoled her “Shri Gusainji is expected here in a few
days. Become his disciple and begin Shri Krishna’s seva.”

ONE

When Shri Gusainji came to Agra, she became his

disciple and the bhakti master presented her with a
Child Krishna to serve. She began the Blessed Lord’s
seva but her mind remained worldly. In the morning
before she started her seva, she would go out and meet
her friends and spin cotton. She began her seva very
late every day.
Some days later, when Shri Gusainji returned to
Agra, Shri Krishna informed him, “Your lady disciple
from Agra has a worldly mind.”
That evening, after she put her Child Krishna to
bed, she came before Shri Gusainji and the guru told
her, “If you are unable to make your Child Krishna’s
seva, then return Him to me. Why do you make His

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

seva so late and only after you finish all of your worldly
business?”
“From now on I will start His seva early.”
But she continued to make Child Krishna’s seva
very late and Shri Gusainji requested some other
bhaktas in Agra, “You should take her Child Krishna
and serve Him yourselves.”
“But she will not relinquish Him.” they said.
Shri Gusainji responded, “After some days,
Krishna will no longer accept her seva. There will be
some obstruction and this will cause her great anxiety.”

In seva there are three obstructions, anxiety, obstacles

and false enjoyments. Anxiety interferes with seva and
leads to worldly enjoyment. Divine souls should leave
these three obstructions with their refined intelligence.
Shri Mahaprabhuji has explained all of this in his Seva
Vivarna teachings.

Some days later, while the Agra woman was

spinning cotton, the machine fell on her and broke her
hands. Some bhaktas then came to her house and took
her Child Krishna from her.

Here it is shown that although she was a divine soul, her

mind and body were not godly and that is the reason why
Shri Krishna left her.

The bhaktas then remembered Shri Gusainji’s

words. The woman from Agra was very distressed to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

lose her seva. Still, she was a vessel of her guru’s grace.
To what extent can we priase her? (119)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 TWO TRIBAL BHAKTAS

They are Satvika bhaktas.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was traveling from Gokul to

Dwarka, two tribal men who had dressed themselves up
to appear like merchants stayed near the guru’s camp.
They were really thieves and were planning to loot Shri
Gusainji’s camp. Shri Gusainji’s manager and other
bhaktas did not allow them into the camp but Shri
Gusainji seeing them said, “Let them stay.”
That evening, when the two tribals ate some of Shri
Gusainji’s left-over food, their consciousness was
immediately transformed and then instead of stealing,
they guarded Shri Gusainji’s tent for the entire night!
The following morning, they became disciples and
joined Shri Gusainji all the way to Dwarka and later
returned with him to Gokul. There they had the
darshan of the seven main temples and also met the
other members of Shri Gusainji’s divine family.
After staying in Gokul for a few days, they took
Shri Gusainji’s permission and encircled the sacred
areas of Braja. After having Shri Nathji’s darshan, they
reflected, “We are indeed lucky to have these divine
experiences. It is all through Shri Gusainji’s grace for
we were evil men with bad intelligence.”
When they returned to Gokul, they bowed low
before Shri Gusainji and the guru told them, “Now stay
in Gokul for a few days.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 They resided in Gokul and listened to Shri
Gusainji’s teachings. After some time they asked
permission to return home and with the bhakti master’s
blessing they set out. Along the way, they stayed by a
lake. In the town nearby a brahmin bhakta was having
a celebration and invited the two tribal men.
When the brahmin discovered that they were Shri
Gusainji’s blessed disciples, he began to dance with joy.
Other bhaktas then came to greet the two tribal bhaktas
and they were escorted to the brahmin’s house where
they were presented with prasada.
After the two tribals came home, everyone in their
household became Shri Gusainji’s disciple. They were
great devotees and always chanted the names of Hari.
They left their impure activities and began to farm for a
living. They were great devotees and there is simply no
way to fully praise them. (120)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A BOY FROM BRAJA

The boy from Braja is a tamas bhakta. His name in the

lila is Manorupa. In this world he was born into a family
of farmers in the town of Sakarava in the Braja area.
When he was twelve, be began to help in the fields by
planting and plowing. One day a renounced bhakta
stopped by his house to beg for food. The boy from Braja
gave him two handfuls of grain. When the renounced
bhakta gave half of those grains to another holy man, the
boy from Braja asked him, “Why did you give him half of
your grain? I would have given him some as well.”
The bhakta explained, “Many small insects are killed
when you farm the land. To remove the effects of that
shortcoming, I give half of my grains away.”
The boy from Braja then thought, “I will not engage
in any activity that harms any sentient beings.” He then
asked the bhakta, “Please show me the path to
enlightenment.”
“Go to Jatipura and become Shri Gusainji’s disciple
and then make Shri Nathji’s seva.”

ONE

After the boy from Braja became Shri Gusainji’s

disciple, he asked the bhakti master, “I want to perform
some seva.”
Shri Gusainji gave him the seva of watching Shri
Nathji’s chick-pea fields and told the temple manager to
arrange for his prasada to be delivered to to him in the
fields every day. That spring, when the chick-peas were

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

ripe, the temple manager was busy taking care of some
Vaishnavas and one day forgot to arrange for the boy’s
prasada. The boy from Braja became very hungry and
knowing this, Shri Nathji took on the form of a ten year
old boy and came out to his field and asked him, “If you
are so hungry, why don’t you eat some chick-peas that
are growing here in the field?”
“I can’t eat these peas, they belong to Shri Nathji.”
Early that evening, Shri Nathji took on another
form, this time as a young lad and came before the boy
from Braja and asked him, “Will you please give me
some peas to eat from your field?”
“If you take any peas from this field I will hit you.”

Later that day Shri Gusainji finished Shri Nathji’s

evening seva and gave the bhaktas teachings. As he was
retiring in his room at the bottom of the Govardhan
hill, Shri Nathji appeared before him and said, “Today,
the boy from Braja who watches My fields did not
receive any prasada. He is very hungry and abusive.”
At that moment, Shri Gusainji called the storeroom
manager and cook and ordered them to send some
prasada to the boy right away. From that day on Shri
Gusainji personally looked after the boy from Braja.
Before he took his meals, Shri Gusainji made sure that
his plate of prasada was sent out to the fields. The
guru’s grace remained upon that young boy.

In this account it is shown that when seva is performed

with any sort of pure bhava, Shri Krishna Himself takes

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

care of that bhakta’s personal needs. Bhaktas should
always make seva mindfully.

The boy from Braja received the grace of his guru

and God. His story has no end. (121)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A SANYASI

He is a Satvika bhakta and is called Mahamaya in the

lila.

ONE

Once in Banares, Shri Gusainji went to the

Manikarnika Ghat for his bath and prayers. He was
accompanied by many people, a palaquin, horses and
tents. A sanyasi came to where Shri Gusainji was sitting
and declared, “Who is this man sitting in my spot?”
When someone told him, “He is Shri Gusainji.” the
sanyasi retorted, “What type of Gusain is he? He owns
so many things. He should give them all away.”
Shri Gusainji overheard him and after looking his
way for one second, he called over a group of Brahmins
and gave almost everything he had to them. After
throwing a few remaining items into the Ganges river
the bhakti master called the sanyasi over and said, “I
have given everything away. Now it is your turn. Give
up your loin cloth and pot.”
“If I give them away where will I get new ones?”
“Look at all the things I have given away and you
are worried about getting another pair of underwear!
Why are you so attached to your little gourd? You
obviously have no faith. How did you ever become a
sanyasi?”
While the sanyasi was feeling very ashamed, the
servants of Shri Gusainji’s disciple Narayandas arrived
from Bengal carrying many offerings. They brought

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

with them horses, a palaquin, tents and many other
items to the banks of the Ganges and offered them all to
Shri Gusainji and then prayed, “Narayanadas requests
that you quickly come and grace Bengal.”
The sanyasi was amazed to see the chain of events
and praised the bhakti master, “You are truly a
Gusainji. Now please make me your disciple!”
“Cut off your matted hair, take a bath in the
Ganga and then I will initiate you.”
After initiation Shri Gusainji gave him a plate of
prasada and then told him, “Now you should go to
Vrindavan and encirle Shri Krishna’s divine land.”
The sanyasi headed to Mathura and bathed there
at the Vishranti Ghat. The land enchanted him. He then
pilgrimaged to Shri Nathji’s temple on top of the
Govardhan hill. He continued to walk around the land
of Braja and by the time he reached Gokul he was full
of bliss. Some days later he returned to Banares and
bowed before Shri Gusainji and submitted, “With your
grace, I have seen the Vrindavan area. What to say? It
is totally divine; Shri Krishna’s very abode.”
From that day on, his mind and heart remained in
a constant state of absorption into the divine land of
Vrindavan. Shri Krishna awarded him the experience
of His Divine presence.

This account shows us that bhaktas should have faith in

God alone and never be falsely attached to anything.
Everything is attained through Him alone.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 That Sanyasi became a great bhakta. There is no
way to fully praise him. (122)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 RAJA ASKARAN, KING OF NARAR

Raja Askaran is a rajas bhakta. His name in the lila is

Bikala.

ONE

Raja Askaran was very attached to music and invited

musicians from all over India to perform in his court.
He honored them with money and gifts. At any one
time, at least four hundred musicians lived with Raja
Askaran.
One day, Emperor Akbar’s renowned court singer,
Tansen, having heard of Raja Askaran’s excellence,
decided to see for himself what the ruler was really like.
He reached the king’s court during the middle of the
day. Raja Askaran was delighted to see the great singer
and after offering him a seat next to his own implored,
“You have arrived at the perfect time. Please sing
something in the Sarang raga.”
Tansen then sang a song written by his guru, the
Astha Chap poet Govinda Svami.

The young Krishna is joined

With His beloved Radha.
Their every limb brims with love-
I continuously applaud and acclaim
this Krishna.
Bent in three places, He delights the Gopis.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The Divine Couple’s movements are lovely-
They laugh and are full of dalliance.
While teeming with rapture
Radha’s hair becomes entangled.
The nearby flowers fill the air with fragrance.
It is a lovely autumn night.

In the fresh bower, hoards of black bees gather.

The nightingale’s song is generous.
The air is cool, fragrant and gentle.

Sings the poet Govinda,

“The Couple is saturated with Bliss,
The young Krishna is with the youthful Radha.
Seeing them, Cupid’s armies retreat.
This novel, playful and very beautiful Krishna
Is the Jewel of Vrinadavan.”

Raja Askaran was so moved by Tansen’s song that

he fell unconscious to the ground. When he regained
composure he told Tansen, “Thousands of singers have
come to my court but I have never heard a poem like
that. The entire value of all the world’s kingdoms falls
worthless when compared to that single song. Now what
shall I do with this kingdom? Tansen, I give it to you.
Take all my lands, my queens, my wealth and anything
else you desire.”
Tansen calmly replied, “I am here simply to meet
you. I want nothing from your kingdom. I heard
excellent things about you and now that I have
confirmed that they are all true I must move on.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Raja Askaran pleaded with the musician, “Please
tell me; who wrote that poem you just sang?”
“I could not compose a poem like that if I lived for
a million lives. In Gokul, Shri Krishna has appeared as
Shri Gusainji and his intimate disciple Govinda Svami
wrote that poem. I learned it from him. Shri Krishna
speaks and plays with Govinda Svami. He is a great
saint. Whatever I have learned has been through his
grace.”
“Tansen! Please introduce me to this Govinda
Svami.”
“Govinda Svami does not teach anyone who is not
a disciple of Shri Gusainji. Only when I became Shri
Gusainji’s disciple, and then only after Shri Gusainji
told Govinda Svami to teach me, did the saint instruct
me.”
The king decided, “I will definitely become Shri
Gusainji’s disciple. Please join me and request Shri
Gusainji on my behalf.”

Raja Askaran then sent all of his other singers

away telling them, “I no longer have any use for your
songs.”
After Raja Askaran dispatched a messenger and
confirmed that Shri Gusainji was residing in Gokul,
Raja Askaran and Tansen set out. They reached Gokul
during the midday darshan at Shri Navanita Priyaji’s
temple. Raja Askaran was delighted to take in the sight.
At that moment Govinda Svami was singing in the raga
Saranga,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The son of Shri Vallabhacharya, Shri Gusainji’s
Form is unmatched, totally inexplicable.

Raja Askaran was delighted to hear his song.

Tansen then turned to him and quietly said, “The man
singing is Govinda Svami. Don’t say anything to him
just yet.”
After the temple closed for the afternoon they went
to visit Shri Gusainji in his chambers. Tansen bowed
low before the bhakti master and introduced the king.
“Raja Askaran requests initiation from you.”
The king made his obeisances to Shri Gusainji and
prayed, “Since my birth, I have been engaged in sinful
activities. I have done no good work. The scriptures
claim that kings sink to hellish regions. I am very afraid
and humbled. I never did any spiritual practices
because I was filled with the pride of being a king. Now
I seek your shelter.”
Shri Gusainji overflowed with compassion and told
him, “Now don’t worry. God is great and fixes
everything. Keep resistance. Now go and bathe in the
Yamuna river. I will give you mantra initiation
afterwards.”
Just by hearing Shri Gusainji’s words Raja
Askaran’s mind became clear. The following day Raja
Askaran took the main initiation, the Brahma
Sambandha mantra in front of Shri Gusainji’s personal
seva, Shri Navanita Priyaji. As soon as the mantra was
given, Raja Askaran had the darshan of Shri Krishna’s
lila and he broke into song,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Shri Vitthalnathji is full of kindness.
He has showered his glance upon me,
A great sinner in the age of struggle.
He handed me Shri Krishna.

He is the giver of the ultimate gift-

Totally compassionate.
Sings Raja Askaran,
“He has made me his own
and kept his promise
with elegant grace!”

Shri Gusainji was delighted with his song. Later

that day, Tansen mentioned to Shri Gusainji, “After
hearing a single song written by Govinda Svami, this
king has taken your shelter.”
The guru explained, “Govinda Svami is a great
devotee. Anyone who seriously listens to even a single
one of his poems attains liberation.”
Raja Askaran then prayed, “Govinda Svami will
not talk to me because I am a king. Please grace me and
tell him to teach me how to sing in praise of Krishna.”
Shri Gusainji then called over the great poet and
told him, “Raja Askaran is a bhakta. He has no pride of
kingdom or rule. By listening to just a single song of
yours, he came here and took initiation. He loves your
music. Now teach him whatever he needs to learn.”
Govinda Svami replied, “When you want a soul to
come to you, you provide the way, Why do you take my
name?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

In this remark, Govinda Svami shows that he is a das, a
follower and that all power comes from the guru.

Govinda Svami then added, “What can Raja

Askaran understand of my kirtans? But I will,
according to your wish, teach him.”
“Your instruction will be of great use to him.”

Later on Tansen, Raja Askaran and Govinda

Svami went to the nearby grove of Raman Reti by the
Yamuna river. There the great poet bhakta taught Raja
Askaran all about Shri Krishna’s daily and festive
sevas. For one month, Govinda Svami taught the king
and then told him, “Now it is time for you to begin to
serve Shri Krishna. Make His loving seva.”
Raja Askaran praised Govinda Svami, “Whatever
I have attained has been through your grace.”

Later the king went with Tansen to Shri Gusainji

and told him, “Your great bhakta Govinda Svami has
taught me about the ways of singing before Shri
Krishna.”
Shri Gusainji added, “He has given you what you
were ready for.”
Later, in his private chambers, Raja Askaran
asked Shri Gusainji, “Govinda Svami told me to begin
Shri Krishna’s seva.”
“What he told you is your true duty. Return home
and serve Shri Krishna.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The bhakti master then presented him with Shri
Mohanji, a dark flute playing form of Krishna for his
private worship.
The king requested, “Please provide me with two
men who know Shri Krishna’s seva well. They will help
me with the cooking and other worship.”
After arranging for the two men, Raja Askaran
bowed to Shri Gusainji and prayed, “Continue to
shower your grace upon me.”
Shri Gusainji’s heart welled with love for the king
as he blessed him, “Now return home and happily make
Shri Krishna’s seva. You will no longer be distracted by
your kingly duties.”
Raja Askaran bowed to Shri Gusainji and returned
to his kingdom with Tansen. There he praised the great
singer, “With your grace I have found God. Now live
here with me, I will give you land to live on.”
“You have already received more grace than I have
gathered. I am not as devotionally qualified as you.
Now I wish to return home.” SaidTansen.
Before leaving, Raja Askaran gifted Tansen two
thousand rupees and a horse adorned in gold.
Raja Askaran then made a beautiful temple for his
Mohanji Krishna and lovingly began to make opulent
seva using his body and wealth. He handed his daily
affairs over to his minister. Raja Askaran became a true
bhakta.

TWO

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

After some days of dedicated seva practice, Shri
Krishna awarded the king the experience of His divine
presence. While Raja Askaran was in seva, he felt the
joy of His Shri Krishna’s divine form. After his
Krishna’s seva was completed, he experienced divine
separation and Shri Krishna appeared clearly in his
heart. The king attained mansi seva, a continual state of
Krishna realization.

After some time, a king from the south came to

attack his kingdom. When Raja Askaran heard the
news he thought, “Now I will leave my rule. I will give
this king from the south my kingdom and then I will
retire to Gokul.”
He told his chief minister, “Now don’t bother to
prepare for battle. I will give this king my kingdom.”
His minister replied, “This is not a good idea, but
you are the king.”
That night the Blessed Lord told Raja Askaran in a
dream, “I don’t like this idea of you giving up your
kingdom. I don’t want to flee. Now go and fight.”

This event demomstrates the Lord’s feelings for His

devotees. Shri Krishna has declared, “I can’t stand to see
my bhakta defeated.” Surdas has sung.

When the bhaktas win, I win

When they lose, I lose.

The king questioned, “But if I go to battle, how will

I make Your seva?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “Make My seva in your heart and have your two
assistants from Gokul make My seva here in the temple
while you are off to battle.”
In the middle of the night, Raja Askaran called his
chief minister and told him, “Prepare for battle. We will
head out tomorrow afternoon.”

The following day, after Raja Askaran finished his

morning Krishna seva, he instructed his two seva
assistants, “Make my Mohanji’s seva carefully. I am off
to battle. It is an obstruction I have to deal with. It is my
personal misfortune, but it is your good fortune that
you will remain here in His seva.”
“Don’t worry, we will look after your Krishna very
carefully.”
Raja Askaran then bowed at the temple door and
when he entered his court, his minister informed him,
“The forces are ready.”
Raja Askaran lead his army to the battlefield and
stopped four miles ahead of the invading king’s forces
and decided to begin battle the next day. The following
morning, he informed his chief minister, “We will
attack this afternoon. If this king attacks us before, you
please take care of the battle. I am off to contemplate
my Blessed Lord.”
The king bathed and then began his Shri Krishna’s
seva deep within his devotional heart. Meanwhile, the
king from the south attacked and the minister
interrupted Raja Askaran, “The battle has begun. If
you don’t lead your army, our forces will all run away.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Raja Askaran then got up, tied his turban and
mounted his horse, but his heart remained absorbed in
his Beloved Krishna’s seva. In his heart, the king had
already awoken and adorned his Mohanji. As the king
was riding off to battle, he was mentally offering his
Mohanji some curry in a silver bowl. Just then his horse
jumped over a ditch and Raja Askaran, in his heart
seva, spilled the curry. At that moment, the curry
actually splashed all over his garments as well as the
horse and everything turned yellow. Upon seeing the
spilling curry coming out of nowhere the king’s minister
was astonished. “What is that?”
“Oh, it is nothing.” The king explained, “I just
spilled some curry I brought from the palace.”

Here it is taught that the dharma of making Shri

Krishna’s seva should be kept secret and never revealed to
outsiders.

Then Raja Askaran fixed his mind and arranged in

his heart for another bowl of curry to be offered to his
Mohan Krishna. After he offered Shri Krishna’s lunch,
he waved the arati lights around his Mohanji and
complete the morning seva all in his heart while he was
riding off to war. When he finally opened his eyes to the
world, he saw the opposing forces just before him.
Meanwhile Shri Krishna arranged for Raja
Askaran’s forces to appear as Death Itself to the
invading king. The king from the south considered, “I
can not win this battle.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Suddenly a dark cloud came and rained hail the
size of rocks upon his forces while gentle drops of rain
fell upon Raja Askaran’s army. The king from the
south retreated and vowed never to attack Raja
Askaran again.
That night, Raja Askaran returned home
victorious, but felt very distressed that for the entire
day he did not perform his Mohanji’s seva in His
temple.

THREE

One day a thief entered Raja Askaran’s palace and hid

in the temple kitchen. It was during the winter season
and that day, Raja Askaran bathed before sunrise and
entered the temple to awaken his Beloved Mohanji. The
thief conspired, “First I will kill this king, then I will
steal the temple ornaments.”
He shot an arrow into the king’s back and although
the arrow came out of his stomach, Raja Askaran was
so absorbed in his Krishna’s seva that he did not even
feel the piercing arrow. The blessed king was not
obstructed by his body for he had become divinely
addicted to Shri Krishna. Later when his two seva
assistants came and saw what had happened, they
pulled the arrow out and bandaged the king’s wounds,
but the king was still not aware of anything. Only after
he completed the morning seva, waved the midday arati
lights and came out of his temple did he notice the
bandage. “Why have you tied this dressing around my
waist?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “You were wounded this morning. Someone shot
an arrow through you.”
When Raja Askaran took his bandage off and
noticed the wounds he reflected, “Some thief came and
did this. Now I should leave this kingdom and go to
Gokul. But I first need permission from my Mohanji.
Let me leave this wealth and rule and put my Krishna
into a hut. I will live as a renunciate and continually
contemplate my Blessed Mohanji. Then there will be no
thieves and I will not have to speak to anyone. A king
has too many obstructions to deal with.”

That night Raja Askaran’s Krishna appeared to

him and said, “King, bring Me to Gokul. You have
served Me enough with your body and wealth. You
have become perfectly addicted to me. Now live alone
and make My seva in the depths of your heart!”
The king was pleased to his hear his Mohanji’s
words and bowed low before Him. The following day,
after he completed the seva, he put his Mohanji into a
traveling box. For his Krishna’s seva, the king kept only
a gunja bead necklace, a peacock feather, a flute and a
pitcher. He renounced his kingdon and told his
minister, “The entire wealth of this temple should be
sent to my guru, Shri Gusainji.”
He then told his two assistants, “You have made a
lot of seva. Now return to Gokul.” After giving them
one thousand rupees each, Raja Askaran put his
nephew on the throne and gave all ruling
responsibilities to his chief minister. He headed out
wearing a dhoti and a shawl and carried only a pot and

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

his Krishna in a box. He reflected while walking to
Gokul, “If Shri Gusainji is not pleased to see me like
this, what will I do?”
Knowing his concern, His Mohanji Krishna
appeared to Shri Gusainji and told him, “Raja Askaran
has left everything and is coming to Gokul. Do not be
displeased with him in any way!”
The Acharya replied, “Your wish is my duty.”

Four days later Raja Askaran reached Gokul and

bowed before Shri Gusainji who immediately told him,
“Raja Askaran you have done well. I was thinking that
it would be grand for you to come and live in Gokul.
Now you don’t have to return to your kingdom because
your Krishna has joined you!”
Raja Askaran was delighted, “I will live according
to your wishes.”
Shri Gusainji then took Raja Askaran’s Mohan
Krishna and put Him in his temple. Shri Gusainji gave
fifty thousand rupees worth of gold, jewels and
ornaments that came from Raja Askaran’s temple to
Shri Nathji and fifty thousand rupees that came from
Raja Askaran’s personal property Shri Gusainji
accepted himself.

In this account it is shown that God’s property should

never be used for one’s personal use. If you use God’s
wealth, you will become turned away from Him.

Raja Askaran then took the darshan of Shri

Navanita Priyaji and after seeing his Krishna sitting

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

near by, he went to a hill by Raman Reti, just outside of
Gokul and sat there day and night lost in the divine
remembrance of his Beloved Mohanji. The king was an
enlightened bhakta and composed poetry in praise of
Shri Krishna and signed all of his compositions,
“Askaran Prabhu, Mohan Nagar”. Raja Askaran lived
in Gokul and went to Yashoda Ghat every day for his
bath in the Yamuna river.

FOUR

Once during the days of Holi, while Raja Askaran was

going to Yashoda Ghat for his daily bath, as he passed
Raman Reti, he heard Shri Krishna playing His flute
and became so enchanted with the call that he forgot
about his bath. He wandered into the Raman Reti grove
and there had the darshan of Shri Krishna playing Holi
with His other bhaktas. On one side he saw Shri
Krishna with his brother Balaram and their friends.
They faced the Gopis of Vrindavan. Shri Svaminiji lead
her group of Gopis. They were all standing by the road
that leads to her village of Raval. Balaram stood by His
road supported by a thousand cowlads. By the path that
leads to Mahavan were Krishna’s parents Nanda Baba
and Yashoda while Shri Krishna and his cowlads, all
His age, were by the path that leads to the cow pen.
Everyone was playing Holi and Raja Askaran saw
it all. He overflowed with bliss and lost all worldly
awareness and while in a divinely intoxicated state he
began to sing…

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

By the crossroads of Gokul
Krishna’s cowlads are covered with Holi colors.
Mohan plays Holi, His eyes are lovely.

The men and women are blissed.

The Dundubhi drums sound from every home,
The city is full of celebration
The crowd of cowlads swells.
No one can stay at home!

The dap drum and flute play harmoniously

Along with the beat of the mridang and upanga.
And cymbals of all sizes sound
Along with the mukha chang.

Over here is Gopal’s group

Along with the powerful Krishna.
Over there the young fresh Gopis
With lovely lotus eyes.

They give each other gentle insults.

A crowd of happy cowlads congregate while
The Gopis gather together and
Sing descriptive love songs.

Krishna then grabs

A jewel-studded water gun
And sprays Radha and her Gopi group
With water infused with flowers.
They splash each other
With musk, sandal paste and red powder.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

They skillfully smear each other,
They are all so lovely.

Beautiful colored powder fills the sky,

White, red and dust.
The gods hover there to see it all
And lose consciousness of their divine bodies.
The play of Holi is very intense
All the Gopis run there to see it.

Over Radha the supreme enjoyer

Raja Askaran celebrates.

Raja Askaran praised the lila but when Shri

Krishna and all the other bhaktas left the divine scene,
the king no longer saw the lila appearing before his eyes
and in a bewildered state, he ran to the nearby town of
Mahavan in hopes of finding Krishna’s Holi lila there.
When he reached Mahavan he was disappointed to see
only the worldly residents of the town. Raja Askaran
then considered, “I will only see that divine celebration
again when Shri Krishna showers His grace.”
Raja Askaran then bathed at Yashoda Ghat and
came before Shri Gusainji. By that time it was the early
afternoon and Shri Gusainji immediately asked him, “I
did not see you this morning. Where have you been?”
“This morning as I was coming towards Gokul, I
heard Shri Krishna’s flute and went to Raman Reti
where by your grace, I had Shri Krishna’s divine Holi
darshan. I sang a Holi song and when the lila

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

disappeared, I ran to Mahavan to find it, but the Holi
lila was not there.”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Shri Krishna is pleased
with you and graced you with that darshan. His lila is
continual but we see it only when it is His wish. You will
have His darshan again for your heart is pure.”
The king humbly replied, “All with the power of
your lotus feet.”

FIVE

One day Raja Askaran met Shri Gusainji during the

late afternoon and the Acharya told him, “Tonight sing
to the Blessed Lord while He is going to bed.”
Raja Askaran waited in the temple while Shri
Krishna’s dinner was offered. Suddenly the king was
blessed with another divine darshan. He beheld a Gopi
speaking with Shri Krishna, “Svamini has made many
offerings for You to enjoy. She put them into the lila
bower. Now go there and fulfill her desires.”
Raja Askaran then sang in the raga Kedaro,

You rest
I will make the bed.

While Krishna lies in His resting place,

I massage His feet and sweetly sing
The Kedaro raga.

All the clever Gopis

Gather there

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

And fill their eyes
With the pleasure of
The Divine Couple

Raja Askaran praises his Mohan Nagar,

“May I always experience
this Krishna Pleasure.”

Later when Shri Gusainji returned to his room he

told the king, “That was a wonderful poem you just
sang.”
“With your grace I experienced that very lila.”said
Raja Askaran.
“Now daily sing two poems while Shri Krishna is
taking His rest in the evening.”requested Shri Gusainji.

From that day on, Raja Askaran daily sang two

poems, one about Radha’s annoyance in love then
another that praised the Divine Couple falling asleep. In
this way, Shri Gusainji blessed him and Shri Krishna
awarded the king many divine experiences.

SIX

Once Raja Askaran went to Shri Nathji’s temple with

Shri Gusainji and heard Chaturbhujadas singing a
poem in praise of Radha’s annoyance in love,

Radha, you have made a fort

Out of your annoyance in love!
Your veil has become a fortification

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

That you refuse to remove.
Krishna pleads with you in so many ways
But you never respond.

Sings Chaturbhujadas,
“Now it is time to drink
The nectar of His lips.”

As soon as Raja Askaran heard the poem, he fell

unconscious to the ground. He arose an hour and a half
later and after taking in Shri Nathji evening darshan he
went to visit Shri Gusainji in his chambers. There he
found the Acharya teaching Subodhini to his followers.
Everyone there was thrilled to receive his words.
Afterwards, Raja Askaran asked Shri Gusainji, “This
afternoon, the bhakta Chaturbhujadas sang a poem
about Radha’s annoyance in love with Krishna. Did he
really experience that lila?”
Shri Gusainji exclaimed, “Raja Askaran! Don’t
you know that Chaturbhujadas is a great bhakta? He is
just like his father Kumbhandas, the intimate disciple of
my father Shri Vallabhacharya. It is only natural that
he has the experience of the intimate lila.”
Raja Askaran considered, “I should meet his father
Kumbhandas.”
The king later approached Kumbhandas and as
soon as he greeted him with “Jai Shri Krishna,”
Kumbhandas’ eyes flooded with tears. Seeing his divine
reaction to Shri Krishna’s name, the king was amazed
and thought, “Just look at the love that appeared in

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Kumbhandas when he heard the divine name. What to
say of his level of divine experience?”
Raja Askaran stayed with Chaturbhujadas and his
father Kumbhandas for five days and his Krishna
bhava increased with their association. Raja Askaran
composed many poems about the inner lilas of Radha
and Krishna. Later he returned to Gokul with Shri
Gusainji.
Raja Askaran was a blessed vessel of Shri
Gusainji’s grace and a true bhakta. There is simply no
way to completely tell his story. (123)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A SHOEMAKER

The shoe maker is a satvika bhakta. He is

Brahmananandini in the lila.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was going from Gokul to

Dwarka, he stopped in the shoemaker’s town and after
the shoemaker beheld the bhakti master as Shri
Krishna Himself he became his disciple. Shri Gusainji
then told him, “Procure a deity for seva.”
“I have a shaligram.”he said.
Shri Gusainji then bathed his shaligram with milk,
yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar and established the
shaligram in the shoemaker’s seva before leaving for
Dwarka. The shoemaker was very attached to Shri
Gusainji and thought of him whenever he made seva.
He dressed like his guru and wore only a dhoti and
shawl. A tilak always graced his brow. Because he
looked like a Brahmin, the local Brahmins started to
harass him. “What is a low caste shoemaker doing
dressing up like a Brahmin?”
“But I am now a Brahmin.”said the shoemaker.
“We will believe you are a Brahmin if you are able
to turn buttermilk into milk.”
The shoemaker replied, “With the grace of the All
Powerful Lord, it will be done.”
The shoemaker then brought some buttermilk and
prayed, “If by Shri Gusainji’s connection, I have

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

become a Brahmin, then let this buttermilk turn to
milk.”
A few moments later the buttermilk turned to milk
and the Brahmins were all amazed. The shoemaker
then made some rice pudding out of the milk and
offered it to the Brahmins. They all bowed to the shoe-
maker and returned home. From that day on, they
honored the shoemaker.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas are divine beings,

for in their hearts Shri Krishna continually resides. They
possess the quailties of a perfected divine Brahmin.

The shoemaker became a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s

grace. His story has no end. (124)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A SETH FROM AGRA

Seth is a Rajas bhakta. He is Ullasini in the lila. Seth was

born into a wealthy merchant family in Agra. His father
had business ties with the bhakta Rupa Chandananda.
His father was very impressed with Rupa Chandananda’s
life-style and often asked him, “Make me a Vaishnava.”
Rup Chandananda never responded to his request
for he knew that if the merchant was truly a divine soul,
he would take shelter. After some days, when Shri
Gusainji blessed Rupa Chandananda’s house, he
informed the bhakti master, “This merchant desires to
take your refuge.”
Shri Gusainji blessed the merchant, his wife and his
son Seth with initiation. From that day on, the three of
them daily visited Rupa Chandananda for satsang. When
Seth’s parents died, he lived alone and never married. He
reasoned, “Now there is no need to engage in any sort of
worldly life. The Lord has given me a healthy body. Now I
should use it in Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Some days later when Shri Gusainji returned to
Agra, Seth requested his guru, “It is my wish to begin
Shri Krishna’s seva.”

ONE

Shri Gusainji presented him with the Krishna svarupa

of Shri Madan Mohanji. Seth was a wealthy man and
began to make His opulent seva. His only regret was
that he had one servant who did his shopping, but never

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

brought home good vegetables, flowers or fruits. He
always bought the most inexpensive items.
Seth daily explained to him, “Bring home only the
highest quality items you can find. Remember, if they
cost more, it is my money you are spending.”
But his servant could not grasp what Seth favored
and when he continued to bring home inferior fruits
and vegetables, Seth finally decided, “This person is not
fit for Shri Madan Mohanji’s seva. If a bhakta did the
purchasing, then high quality items would surely make
their way into my Krishna’s seva.”

In Seth’s town lived a renounced bhakta who

begged for his grains. One day when he came to his
house, Seth asked him, “I have a problem that I wish to
share with you. My servant never listens to me and buys
fruits, flowers and vegetables of inferior quality. Why
don’t you bring your Krishna seva to my house and
serve Him here with me. Then you can do the seva of
purchasing fruits, vegetables and other items that we
will use in the seva.”
The renunciate readily agreed to the offer and
brought his Krishna seva to Seth’s home. From that day
on he began to purchase the best quality fruits, dried
fruits and vegetables for their seva. Seth was very
pleased with him and left his money pouch out so he
could freely make whatever purchases he wanted. He
told the renunciate. “Every day after lunch we will
detail the daily expenses.”
For many days the renunciate continued to do the
purchasing seva until one morning, during the fall

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

month of Kartika, the local fruit vendor brought a
lovely melon to his stand. The renunciate was thrilled to
see the fresh fruit and mentioned, “It is not even melon
season. Where did you get this lovely melon?”
He then thought, “This fruit would be lovely to
offer to Shri Krishna.” He turned to the vendor, “How
much is it?”
“One rupee.” Said the vendor.
When the renunciate was about to give the vendor
one rupee, a muslim man approached the vendor and
offer him two rupees for the same melon. The
renunciate then countered, “I will give you five rupees.”
When the Mulsim offered ten rupees, the
renunciate raised the bid to one hundred rupees. When
the mulsim countered with five hundred rupees the
renuciate offered one thousand rupees for the melon
and then took the fruit home. There the renunciate and
Seth finished their morning seva and when they sat for
prasada the renunciate handed Seth the thousand rupee
bill for the melon as well as the bills for the other daily
vegetables. Seth noted all the purchases, including the
purchase of the thousand rupee melon and did not even
flinch. He knew in his heart that whatever the bhakta
did was correct. Seth was indeed a very pure-hearted
person.
After lunch, while they were both napping, Shri
Krishna came out of his temple room and brought the
thousand rupee melon into His temple and started to
play with it. Later that afternoon, Seth and the
renuncaite sat for their usual satsang where they
reviewed the teachings of Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Gusainji together. Seth then went into the temple while
the renunciate began to prepare the fruits for the
afternoon offerings. When the renunciate could not find
the melon, he became very distressed and pondered,
“Seth did not even mention anything about the
thousand rupee melon but now when he does not see it,
he will think it was all a ploy to take one thousand
rupees from him. He will think that I am really corrupt.
I am full of impurities. Why would Shri Krishna accept
anything that I bring for Him?”
He then began to prepare the fruits that were there
while Seth opened up the temple. He was delighted to
see his Krishna sitting on His throne playing with the
melon. “My friend!” Seth called out. “You know that
melon you bought today with so much love? Well, come
and see. Shri Krishna is playing with it!”
When the renunciate came into the temple and saw
Shri Krishna with the melon he immediately abondoned
all concerns and fell into a state of pure bliss. Shri
Krishna then addressed Seth, “You are a blessed one!
You did not even question the renunciate’s melon
purchase for one thousand rupees. You have firm faith
in My bhaktas. I am very pleased with both of you. Ask
of Me whatever you want.”
Seth immediately replied, “May I always have
increasing love for the bhaktas.”
Shri Krishna then turned to the renunciate, “I am
also delighted with you. You bought a thousand rupee
melon for Me. Now you may also ask of Me whatever
you desire.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “Let me always live with Seth. His association
purifies my consciousness. May we always make Your
seva together.”
“So be it!”
Seth then entreated, “Please give us the melon so
we can prepare it for You.”
“I love this melon. Let it stay with Me today. I want
to play with it. Prepare it tomorrow afternoon.”
“By tomorrow it will be too ripe.”
“Don’t worry. My hand has touched it and so it
will remain just perfectly ripe until tomorrow.”
Seth then bowed before his Krishna and offered
Him the other fruits. After completing the afternoon
seva, Seth praised the renunciate, “You are a blessed
one. Just look at the way Shri Krishna accepted the
melon you purchased this morning.”
“You are the exalted one. You have unshakable
faith in His bhaktas.”
“What do I really own? This wealth is really all
yours.”
They then partook of their Krishna’s prasada and
sat for satsang until midnight. They rested until an hour
before sunrise and after bathing they together finished
their morning Krishna seva. That afternoon, the
renunciate prepared the thousand rupee melon and
offered it to Shri Krishna. Seth considered that moment
to be a great celebration and sent offerings to Gokul for
Shri Nathji and Shri Gusainji. That afternoon, Seth also
made many special offerings and then called all the
bhaktas in his town for prasada. He gave each of them a

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

small piece of the melon. It truly had a divine taste and
everyone fell into a state of ecstasy.

This account shows us that when we have faith in the

Vaishnavas and keep their association, Shri Krishna is
immediately pleased.

Both Seth and the renunciate are blessed vessels of

Shri Gusainji’s grace. Their life stories can not be fully
revealed here, so what else to say? (125)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A VAISHNAVA FROM GUJARAT

The Vaishnava is a tamas bhakta. His name in the lila is

Dohini.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji was in Gujarat, the Vaishnava

saw Shri Gusainji as Shri Krishna Himself. After
becoming his disciple, the Vaishnava querried, “What
should I do now?”
The bhakti master explained, “I will establish Shri
Krishna’s seva in your life. Now serve Him and have
total faith in Him for He is all powerful. Never doubt
Shri Krishna’s ways.”
The Vaishnava questioned, “I have one concern.
The Blessed Lord surely remembers those who are close
to Him, but how does He remember those who live far
away, in other lands?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Listen, Shri Krishna is
God, the Lord of all Creation. Don’t ever doubt His
abilities to do anything, even if the mind can not fathom
His ways. Shri Krishna is extremely compassionate and
protects all.”
The Vaishnava was delighted to hear Shri
Gusainji’s words and the guru then presented him with
a Child Krishna svarupa and taught him the ways of
seva. Shri Gusainji told him, “Worship Shri Krishna
with care and attention.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After Shri Gusainji headed towards Gokul, the
Vaishnava began to make Shri Krishna’s seva
according to Shri Gusainji’s instructions. He fully
absorbed himself in the worship and after many days,
Shri Krishna awarded him the experience of His divine
presence. He appeared to that Vaishnava and told him
everything He wanted.

In this account we see that the bhakta should have firm

faith in Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna is all powerful and so
bhaktas should never be concerned with worldly or other
Vedic duties. They should make seva wholeheartedly, with
total focus.

The Vaishnava is a vessel of Shri Gusianji’s grace.

He is a great bhakta. His story can never be totally
revealed. (126)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 DAMODAR JHA

Damodar Jha is a satvika bhakta. His name in the lila is

Induprabha. In this world he was born in Bara Nagar
into a Brahmin family of Shiva worshippers. He began
his studies when he was eight and became a good pundit.
When he was twenty two his parents died and then he
lived alone. His town had more Shiva worshippers than
Krishna bhaktas.

ONE

DamodarJha use to tease the other Krishna bhaktas in

town. He called them, ‘The Tilak People’ and told them,
“Your Path is not Vedic.”
When the bhaktas from Bara Nagar visited Shri
Gusainji in Gokul, they mentioned to him, “There is a
person in our town called Damodar Jha. He thinks he is
a big pundit and teases us. He says our Path is not
Vedic. He should be told off.”
Some days later while Shri Gusainji was returning
from Dwarka, he stopped in Bara Nagar and asked the
bhaktas there, “Where is that pundit who thinks that
the Path of Grace is not Vedic? This Path was
established by Shri Vallabhacharya and has no peer.”

Other Vedic paths use three sources for their spiritual

knowledge; the Vedas, Brahma Sutra and Bhagavat Gita.
Shri Vallabhacharya accepted those three sources of
spiritual knoweledge and added as the supreme source the
Shrimad Bhagavatam, making his Path the most exalted.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “If this man has a doubt about our Path, have him
come here.”
Damodar Jha then came before Shri Gusainji with
his other pundit friends and debated with the bhakti
master about the true nature of Vedic practice. Shri
Gusainji answered all of their questions and convinced
them of the Vedic validity of the Path of Grace.
The following day, Damodar Jha came before Shri
Gusainji and requested initiation. After Shri Gusainji
blessed him with Krishna mantra, his other pundit
friends exclaimed, “What have you done? We all
believed in you and now you have accepted Shri
Gusainji as your guru!”
Damodar Jha explained to them, “Before I met
Shri Gusainji, I did not understand anything. I was
simply trying to grind husks. Shri Gusainji’s path is the
true way.”
Hearing his words, the other pundits walked away.
Damodar Jha remained with Shri Gusainji and became
a truly great pundit.
With Shri Gusainji’s grace Damodar Jha became a
vessel of grace, a true bhakta. His tale has no end. (127)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 MADHUSUDANDAS

Madhusudandas is a tamas bhakta. His name in the lila is

Birabala. He was born in the Lahore area where his
father bought horses for a living. When Madhusudandas
turned twenty-three, his father taught him his trade. After
his father died, Madhusudandas began to purchase
horses for the local king. Once when he came to Agra to
purchase horses he met Shri Gusainji. The bhakti master
immediately asked him, “So what do you do?”
“I purchase high quality horses for my king.”
Shri Gusainji replied, “I would like to purchase an
excellent horse.”
“In my king’s place, I have a wonderful horse for
you. When you come and visit me there, I will arrange
everything.”
The Bhakti Master explained, “I can’t make it there
just now.”
“Then I will bring the horse to you, but first make
me your disciple.”
“This is not the right time. When we meet again I
will initiate you.”
Madhusudandas appealed, “If we don’t meet again,
my life’s purpose will be lost.”
“We will definitely meet again. It is my promise.”
Madhusudandas then bowed to Shri Gusainji and
went off to find him a horse.

ONE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Once, while Shri Gusainji was contemplating visiting
Lahore, one of his followers encouraged him but Shri
Gusainji replied, “I will visit there, but not now.”
The bhakti master then reflected, “When I go
there, I will initiate Madhusudandas.”
The bhakta then added, “But Madhusudandas has
arranged a lovely horse for you!”
“Then I will definitely go.”

Shri Gusainji then traveled west to the Lahore area

and met Madhusudandas who immedieatly requested,
“Now please accept me.”
After Madhusudandas bathed and received
initiation, he gifted Shri Gusainji an excellent horse.
Later that day, while Shri Gusainji was resting,
Madhusudandas fanned him and querried, “What
should I do now?”
Shri Gusainji then presented him with Shri
Krishna’s seva and taught him the ways of the Blessed
Practice. Shri Gusainji stayed there for several days
and showed him how to adorn Shri Krishna. Every
evening he gave the bhaktas there satsang. One day,
Shri Gusainji explained to them the greatness of Shri
Vallabhacharya’s followers, “Regardless of how fallen
they were, as soon as they became his followers they
were immediately cleansed. Shri Mahaprabhuji is very
compassionate and presented them with the fruit of the
Path. When you keep your faith in his lotus feet, you too
will receive the devotional reward.”
Madhusudandas was pleased to receive the
teachings.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Madhusudandas returned to Gokul with Shri
Gusainji and there had the darshan of Shri Navanita
Priyaji. After waving the midday arati lights, Shri
Gusainji retired to his chambers and told his assistant
to present Madhusudandas with some prasada. That
afternoon, Shri Gusainji returned to Shri Navanita
Priyaji’s seva and all the bhaktas were given darshan of
the Divine Child. After completing the evening seva,
Shri Gusainji returned to his chambers and taught the
bhaktas there something from Shri Vallabhacharya’s
Subodhini. Madhusudandas was very blissful when he
heard the teachings.
The following day, Madhusudandas joined Shri
Gusainji and went to Shri Nathji’s temple on the
Govardhan Hill. They arrived there just before Shri
Nathji’s lunch was offered. When Madhusudandas saw
Shri Nathji, he beheld the Blessed Lord as lovely as a
billion love gods. After darshan, Shri Gusainji arranged
for his prasada. That afternoon, while Shri Gusainji
rested, Madhusudandas fanned him. For many days
Madhusudandas lived a devotional life with Shri
Gusainji. Some days later he requested, “I wish to
return home.”
Shri Gusainji blessed him and Madhusudandas
returned home where he made his Krishna’s seva with
great love. After a while, he experienced Shri Krishna’s
divine presence. Madhusudandas is a vessel of grace.
His story as no end. What more can be said? (128)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A KING

The king is a rajas bhakta and is Manmodini in the lila.

He was born into a royal family in eastern India. He
became the king at the age of eighteen after his father
died.
Once while he was visiting the Jagannath temple, he
met Shri Gusainji. He recognized Shri Gusainji’s
spiritual excellence, became his disciple and then
requested, “Please grace me with the light and inspiration
of the Blessed Path.”
Shri Gusainji called Cha Chaji and told him, “Stay
with this king for a few days and teach him about the
Path.”
Shri Gusainji then headed on to Adel while Cha
Chaji stayed with the king for five days. When Cha Chaji
explained the essence of Shri Gusainji’s divine form to
him, the king realized the essential devotional quality of
the Path of Grace. Cha Chaji inspired the king to have
the lilas of the Blessed Lord constantly revolve within his
heart. The king over-flowed with bhava for Shri Gusainji
and Shri Krishna’s lila. When Cha Chaji returned to
Gokul, Shri Gusainji was delighted to hear of the king’s
devotional development.

ONE

The king was extremely attached to Shri Gusainji. He

had no taste for other worldly work or association. He
remained silent and only used his wealth and body in
divine service.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 One day some bards came to his kingdom and
started singing his glories, but the king would not even
look at them. The troubled bards asked the king’s main
attendant, “How can we please this king?”
The king’s attendant told him, “This king will only
be pleased if you sing the praises of his gurus, Shri
Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji.”
When the bards began to sing the glories of Shri
Vallabhacharya and his followers, the king was
immediately delighted and honored them with money
and other gifts. He told them, "I am the servant of Shri
Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji. They made me king.
I rule through their grace so it is proper that you sing
only their glories.”

When other bhaktas visited the king, he delighted

them with satsang. They were all happy to have his
association. When the king did not have any satsang he
would sit alone and review the divine texts. He was
always intoxicated with the bliss of Shri Krishna’s lilas.
He adored bhaktas and had total faith in them. He
served them with his own hands. The king avoided all
worldly talk. Shri Gusainji remained elated with the
king.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas only converse

with other like-minded souls. Gossip weakens bhakti
bhava.

The king was a dedicated disciple, a vessel of grace. We

can not tell his complete story. (129)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 MURARI ACHARYA

Murari Acharya is a satvika bhakta and Hansini in the

lila. He was born in Khambhaicha in Gujarata into a
Shivite Brahmin family. He became a pundit, married
and had two sons.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji came to Gujarat with Cha

Chaji, he visited his bhaktas in Kambhaicha and stayed
with Sahajapal Dosi. Murari Acharya lived nearby. He
had great faith in the scriptures that deal with sacrifice
and karmas. He visited Shri Gusainji and discussed
with him some scriptures. After he left, Cha Chaji
mentioned, “He is a good Brahmin.” Shri Gusainji
remained silent.

Shri Gusanji’s silence indicated that Murari Acharya is a

divine soul and that he would take refuge.

From there Shri Gusainji went to Dwarka and then

stopped in Mathura on his way back to Adel. After
many days, when Murari Acharya reached Adel, Cha
Chaji informed Shri Gusainji of his arrival but the guru
again remained silent. After Murari Acharya saw Shri
Gusainji, he returned to his camp and Cha Chaji
querried, “You have still not answered my question
about that Brahmin Murari Acharya.”
Once again, Shri Gusainji remained quiet but later
wrote one passage in Sanskrit and sent it to Murari

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Acharya. When Murari Acharya read Shri Gusainji’s
words, he instantly attained knowledge of Shri
Gusainji’s divine form and turned to his wife, “Let’s go
see the bhakti master.”
They went before Shri Gusainji with their older
son. Murari Acharya, with the Master’s note tied to his
head and bowed low before Shri Gusainji and
submitted, “Please don’t delay! Now make us your
disciples.”
“The rule is that you should first fast for a day and
then take initiation.”
Murari Acharya replied, “Give me the first mantra
initiation now.”
Seeing his enthusiasm, Shri Gusainji initiated
them. Afterwards Murari Acharya explained, “This
body is impermanent, so please do not delay in giving us
the Brahma Sambandha mantra.”
Seeing his burning desire, Shri Gusainji gave them
the second initiation on that day and then presented
them one of Shri Navanita Priyaji’s garments for their
personal seva.

Days later, when Murari Acharya returned to his

town, he told his leader there,“I have taken initiation
into the Path of Grace.”
The leader and all the other local Brahmins were
displeased with Murari Acharya and reprimanded him,
“You have annoyed our leader. Now you can only visit
him if you remove your Vaishnava tilak and tulsi
necklace.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Later that day, after taking his prasada, Murari
Acharya went wearing many tilaks and tulsi necklaces
to visit the leader and radiated so brightly that the man
guarding the door could not stop him. He went in to see
the leader and after they spoke for a while, the leader
realized, “Murari Acharya’s Path is truly exalted. I will
also become Shri Gusainji’s follower.”
They both went to see Shri Gusainji and had the
darshan of Shri Navanita Priyaji and the rest of Shri
Gusainji’s family. Murari Acharya and the leader
stayed with Shri Gusainji and studied the Nine Jewels
and other devotional writings with him. Their minds
became extremely pure.

One day, Murari Acharya told Shri Gusainji,

“With your grace, we have received everything. Now
there is no use of any other pilgrimage. Every holy place
resides by your lotus feet.”
The bhakti master explained, “You should go on a
pilgrimage, otherwise people will slander you.
Undertake a pilgrimage, but without any other
conviction. You will appear to others as if you are
following the normal customs of this world.”

Shri Vallabhacharya teaches in his Pushti Pravaha

Maryada work…,

“Bhaktas worship the Blessed Lord according to the way

He manifests. Their worldly and Vedic activites are only
an outward show devoid of heart connection. For them,
the Loving Path of Devotion, the Vaishnava dharma is

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

perfectly natural. Everything else appears incompatible to
them.”

Divine souls have no interest in the fruit of

pilgrimage.

With Shri Gusainji’s permission, they went on

pilgrimage but later returned to spend some additional
days with the bhakti master. This time they received
teachings from the Bhagavata and Shri Sudbohini.
After Shri Gusainji explained to them the esoteric
practices of the Path, they returned home with the
guru’s blessing.

TWO

Murari Acharya moved to Brahma Puri and lived in a

house owned by another Brahmin. One day the owner
sent a message to Murari Acharya and told him that he
should visit him but only after he takes his tulsi
necklaces and Vaishnava tilaks off. Murari Acharya,
after finishing his seva went to the owner’s house
wearing tulsi necklaces and many tilaks and the
fanatical landlord was enraged to see him and cursed
him, “You and your family will be destroyed! Your
home will burn!”
Murari Acharya immediately replied, “My guru,
Shri Gusainji is Shri Krishna and my dharma is true.
Your curse can have no effect and that house is yours. I
will never enter it again.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Murari Acharya then went to his house and while
standing by the door told his wife, “Bring our seva out
of this place.”
Murari Acharya then gave everything he owned in
the house to a Brahmin and never returned there again.
Another bhakta then gave Murari Acharya a place to
live in. Murari Acharya was a complete vessel of grace
and was an unattached bhakta. When Shri Gusainji
heard about the incident, he commented, “This is what
a true Vaishnava is like.”

This account shows the greatness of firm resolve. It

strenghthens the devotional dharma.

THREE

Once Murari Acharya wrote Shri Gusainji a letter

asking him for some teachings that would help him
convince other pundits about the greatness of the Path
of Devotion. Shri Gusainji responded by sending him
his teaching, “The Swan of Devotion”. When Mururi
Acharya received it, he held it to his head. After
reviewing it, he wrote Shri Gusainji, “Your Swan of
Devotion” contains exalted teachings, but is very
difficult to understand.”
Shri Gusainji then sent him a purport on that work
called “Bhakti Hetu Nirnaya”. After reviewing it,
Murari Acharya wrote Shri Gusainji another letter
“Your teachings are truly boundless.”
When Shri Gusainji received his letter he knew
that Murari Acharya had attained true knowledge.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 FOUR

Having studied with his father, Murari Acharya’s oldest

son went to Vijhapura and defeated all the Mayavadian
pundits and established the greatness of Devotion. The
other south-indian Brahmins there reflected, “Amazing,
this Gujarati fellow defeated us.”
They then asked him, “What is your lineage?”
“I follow Shri Vallabhacharya’s lineage and I am
Shri Gusainji’s disciple.”
Murari Acharya’s son stayed there for some days
before returning to his home where he told his father
about his adventures. Murari Acharya was pleased with
his son. Murari Acharya and his son were, with the
grace of Shri Gusainji, truly great pundits. Their story
has no end. (130)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 BANIYA

Baniya is a tamas bhakta and his name in the lila is

Ansuya. Baniya was born into a wealthy merchant family
in Raja Nagar. His parents were also Shri Gusainji’s
disciples. After they passed away, Baniya had satsang
with the bhakta Bhaila Kotari and decided to go to Gokul
in order to begin Shri Krishna’s seva.

ONE

Baniya reached Gokul with some other bhaktas and

after having darshan there, he went to Shri Nathji’s
temple on the Govardhan Hill where he daily helped in
Shri Nathji’s seva. He observed everything very
carefully. One day when Shri Nathji’s lunch was about
to be offered, he overheard Shri Nathji’s main servant,
the great bhakta Ramdas ask one of the other
attendants, “Bring me a bowl of sticks.”
Baniya reflected “Shri Nathji is daily offered a
bowl of sticks.”

Many days later when he was about to return

home, he requested Shri Gusainji, “Please establish Shri
Krishna’s seva in my life.”
Shri Gusainji presented him with a svarupa of
Child Krishna and after Baniya returned home, he
offered his Child Krishna a bowl of sticks every day.
Another bhakta who saw the bowl of sticks copied him

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

and offered two bowls of sticks. The third person who
saw him began to offer three bowls of sticks!
One day, an accomplished bhakta saw one of the
other Vaishnavas offering bowls of sticks to his Krishna
and asked him what he was doing. When the bhakta
explained, “I do so because Baniya, who served in Shri
Nathji’s temple does it.”
Later Baniya explained to the accomplished
bhakta, “I offer a bowl of sticks because I saw Ramdas
offer a bowl of sticks to Shri Nathji.”
The bhakta exclaimed, “Silly, you did not
understand what was going on. Ramdas puts those
sticks under the offering table in order to balance it.
Don’t ever do something in your seva without
understanding what it is about.”

In this account it is revealed that bhaktas should ask

other accomplished souls about the true ways of seva.

Baniya began to associate with that accomplished

bhakta and after some days, he experienced Shri
Krishna’s direct presence. Baniya is a great bhakta, a
vessel of his guru’s grace. (131)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 KSHATRIYA

Kshatriya’s lila name is Gayatri. He met Shri Gusainji

when he was a young man and beheld the bhakti master
as lovely as a billion Loves and became his disciple. Later,
Kshatriya became a wealthy man and decided to offer his
wealth to Shri Gusainji. He came to Shri Nathji’s temple.

ONE

One day while Shri Gusainji was adorning Shri Nathji,

Kshatriya came to the temple with his generous
offerings. At that time, another disciple called out to
Shri Gusainji, “Kshatriya has just arrived with many
offerings.”
After the morning seva was completed, Shri
Gusainji came out of the temple and Kshatriya bowed
low before his guru. As he made his offering, the bhakti
master turned to him and said, “Throw it all into the
Yamuna river.”
Kshatriya wondered, “Why?”
“I heard about your generous offerings while I was
in Shri Nathji’s seva and your news disturbed me. Your
money is not godly and therefore not fit to be offered.”
Kshatriya immediatley went to Mathura and put it
all in the Yamuna river. He had perfect faith in Shri
Gusainji’s words.

This account shows us that wealth that comes from

impure sources is an obstruction in Shri Krishna’s seva.
It can turn one away from God and therefore should

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

never be accepted. This story also demonstrates that one
should believe in the guru’s words.

Kshatriya was a blessed vessel and his story can

not be fully told. (132)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE PATEL BROTHERS

The Patel brothers are tamas bhaktas. They are Bhaktani

and Avelsani in the lila. In this world they were born in
Gujarat into a family of farmers. After their parents died,
they pilgrimaged to Dwarka and heard Shri Gusainji
teaching on Shri Vallabhacharya’s Shri Subodhini. After
becoming disciples, Shri Gusainji presented them with
Bal Krishna for their personal seva and told them, “Serve
Shri Krishna and keep the association of other bhaktas.”
After Shri Gusainji taught them the ways of seva,
they returned with their Shri Krishna to their home in
Gujarat where they daily attended satsang with other
bhaktas.

ONE

The two brothers worked in the fields. Once it so

happened that the local ruler, while digging a tank,
found a stone goddess deity in the ground six feet tall.
That evening, the goddess appeared in the king’s dream
and told him, “Build a large temple for me.”
The king considered, “This is an expensive
undertaking. I will tax the people of my kingdom.”
He ordered taxes to be collected and sent his
collectors out into the fields. From the poor, half a
rupee was taken while rich people paid as much as fifty
rupees. Tax was collected according to the person’s
income. People were happy to contribute for the
construction of the goddess temple.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When the collectors approached the two Patel
brothers and told them they had to pay two rupees, one
brother considered, “We are under the king’s rule, so
we have to give two rupees.”
The other brother added, “But all of our money
belongs to our Krishna, so how can we give His money
away for a goddess temple?”

In this account it is shown that bhaktas do not use their

money for other undertakings. The bhakta’s money
belongs to Shri Krishna and should only be used in His
service.

The brothers told the collector, “We will pay you

tomorrow.”
Then they thought, “What should we do now? We
don’t want to waste our Krishna’s money.”
The younger brother then planned, “There is a
dark well full of mud. Tonight lets take that goddess
and put her in the well. Then the king will have no
reason to take any money from us.”
That night as they stole the goddess and put her in
the well, the goddess appeared before the king and
queen in a terrifying form. The royal couple were
alarmed, “Who are you?”
The goddess explained, “You have harassed me,
now I will devour you.”
“Great mother!” the king prayed, “What trouble
have we caused you? You told me to make your temple
by the tank. For this purpose I have taxed my subjects.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

I will also spend my own money in the construction.
When the temple is built, we will worship you.”
The goddess replied, “We will see about that
temple. For the time being, I am in a dark well.”
“Who put you there?”
“Why did you tax those two Patel brothers? They
are great bhaktas and Shri Gusainji’s disciples. Because
you taxed them, they put me in this dark well. It is all
your fault.”
The king submitted, “I don’t know who they are
but for sure, I will never tax them again. Now please
forgive me.”
“Go and honor those two bhakta brothers,
otherwise things will not go well for you.”
After the goddess disappeared the king summoned
his men and told them not to tax the Patel brothers. The
following morning the king had the goddess brought
from the well back to the palace and visited the Patel
brothers and humbly submitted, “After you put my
goddess in the well, she came to me and tried to destroy
me. You will never be taxed again. Now please don’t
bother her again.”
“We have nothing against your goddess, we only
did that because we did not have the two rupees to help
pay for the construction of your goddess temple.”
The king then presented them with four hundred
rupees and said, “When my goddess can not harm you,
what harm could I ever cause you? You are truly great
bhaktas; now please forgive me.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “We don’t need your money, we have enough. Give
it to some brahmin or put it towards the buildling of
your temple.”
The king praised the brothers and then went on to
complete his goddess temple. All the people in the town
believed in her but the bhakta brothers never went to
her temple. They served their Child Krishna and after
some time had direct experience of Shri Krishna’s
divine form. When Shri Gusainji heard about the
incident he was pleased with the brothers.

This account shows that bhaktas are supreme. Even the

other gods and goddess’ are afraid of them and follow
their commands. Vaishnavas never take any shelter
besides Shri Krishna. They use all of their wealth in His
seva. If money is used for other types of worship, it turns
one away from Shri Krishna.

The two brothers were one-pointed bhaktas,

praised by their guru. Their devotional story can never
be fully told. (133)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A RENUNCIATE

The renunciate is a satvika bhakta and is Virahatmika in

the lila.

ONE

The renunciate became Shri Gusainji’s disciple and

begged for his grains in Gokul. He contemplated Shri
Krishna with great affection and recited the teachings
of Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji. He truly
relished the Path of Grace.
The renunciate developed affection for a wealthy
kshatrani woman, a disciple of Shri Gusainji who also
lived in Gokul. They used to meet for satsang before
they ate prasada everday. Their relationship was not
worldly. The renunciate never begged his grains from
her but thought in the back of his mind, “If I ever really
need something, she will surely give it to me.”
Because he depended upon her and not on Shri
Krishna, the Blessed Lord withheld from him His divine
realization.
Shri Gusainji knowing this weakness, decided to
break his attachment to her and one day told him
outright, “Leave your attachment for that woman.”
The renunciate immediately replied, “My love for
her is too strong. You know everything so there is no
point in lying to you. I simply can not leave her.”
Shri Gusainji remained silent but a few weeks later
he called the renunciate, “I need of five thousand

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

rupees. I could pay you back in a week or so. Do you
know anyone who could lend me the sum?”
The renunciate replied, “Sure I do.”
He then went to the kshatrani lady and told her, “I
need something from you.”
“My house is yours.”
“Shri Gusainji needs five thousand rupees and will
pay you back in a week’s time.”
“Take what you need but I am his disciple so I will
not ask him for the money. That will be your job.”
She gave him five thousand rupees in a bag and the
renunciate was delighted. He reflected, “She has really
come to my aid.”
When he presented the funds to Shri Gusainji, the
guru praised him, “You have brought this money at a
good time. This is what true love is about: you ask for
something and then you receive it.”
Shri Gusainji sent the renunciate away with some
betal leaves and locked the money away in a safe place.
The renunciate gave the kshatrani lady half of the betal
and she was delighted.

For two months Shri Gusainji did not speak to the

renunciate about the money. One day, the kshatrani
lady mentioned to him, “Whatever happened to my
money? Go and ask Shri Gusainji about it.”
The renunciate came before Shri Gusainji, but was
too ashamed to mention it. Two days later she told him,
“You must ask him about my money!”
Later that day, the renunciate finally mustered up
the courage, “Maharaja, what ever happened to the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

kshatrani’s five thousand rupees? She is asking me
about it.”
The guru replied, “I don’t have it now. In two or
four years, when I travel outside of Braja I will get it
together for you. By the way, if she has such great love
for you, why is she demanding the money from you?”
The renunciate was silent but thought to himself,
“It was really wrong of me to take that money from her.
Now what will I tell her?”
When he told her what Shri Gusainji said, she
demanded, “If you want my love, you better go back
and tell Shri Gusainji to borrow the money from some
where. Who knows when he will travel outside of Braja
again.”
“What will you do if he does not give it to me?”
She then called two able men and told them, “If
this renunciate does not come up with the money bring
him to Mathura and throw him in jail.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When the renunciate returned to Shri Gusainji, the
bhakti master smiled and welcomed him, “Who are
these two men with you?”
“That kshatrani lady now threatens me. She says
that if I don’t give her the money, then these two men
will throw me in jail.”
“I told you before to leave your affection for her
but you did not listen to me. I will give you her money
but will you still be attached to her?”
“I promise, I will never go to her door again. My
love for her is gone.”
Shri Gusainji then returned the funds and
explained, “Vaishanva! Here is the money! I never had
any use for it. It was all a ploy to remove your pride and
attachment to her. Now take her money out of here.”
The renunciate returned to the kshatrani lady and
told her, “Here is your money. I will never look at your
face again!”
She pleaded with him, but the renunciate just
walked away. He returned to Shri Gusainji and
submitted, “I took the wrong shelter. I was ignorant
and did not even know it. Your grace has freed me.”
Shri Gusainji then further enlightened him, “What
was keeping you from realizing Shri Krishna has now
been removed. Now blissfully make Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
From that day on, the renunciate’s heart and mind
remained blissfully absorbed in Shri Krishna’s inner
seva.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

This account shows that bhaktas should fear any other
shelter besides Shri Krishna’s. Another shelter arises
when we desire something from another. True bhaktas
desire nothing except the Blessed Lord and their love lies
in Him alone. Other forms of worldly love are in the end,
some form of self- gratification. Shri Harirayaji has
sung…

True love is found in Krishna.

Everyone else is self-possessed
And never there for you
In times of trouble.

You simply can not believe in humans.

One moment they will dally with you
And then they are gone.
Their intelligence and speech are unstable.
Their minds flicker.

Your mother, father, children and spouse,

Their affections are not continuous.
Only Shri Krishna,
Who delights in the ultimate mood,
Can continually sustain
The supreme mood of love.

Shri Gusainji is that Krishna form. His love is pure

and he freed the renunciate from his other shelter. Firm
love should be cultivated for God alone.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji showered his grace over the
renunciate and he became a great bhakta. To what
extent can we praise him? (134)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A KSHATRIYA FROM AGRA

The Kshatriya from Agra is a rajas bhakta and is Nagar

Ranjani in the lila. Nagar Ranjani delights Shri
Krishna’s heart.

ONE

Kshatriya was born in Agra and had a shop that sold

fancy cloth items. Once when Shri Gusainji came to
Agra and stayed with Rupa Chandananda, he became
his disciple. Shri Gusainji then advised him, “With
Rupa Chandananda’s association, you will attain
devotion.”
After Shri Gusainji returned to Gokul, Kshatriya
decided to make a special offering of the highest quality
cloth and garments to Shri Gusainji and his family. He
spent a few years collecting the best apparel that came
to his shop. He then put delicate silks, silks laced with
gold and silver threads, garments made in Gujarat
along with other finery into two bundles, one for men
and the other for women and came to Gokul. After
bowing low to Shri Gusainji, he prayed, “I have
collected these fine garments and this cloth for a long
time and now I offer them to you and your family.”
Shri Gusainji was delighted to see the items and
said, “These are fit for Shri Svamini. Now throw both
bundles into the middle of the Yamuna river.”
Kshatriya was shocked and reflected, “I have spent
so many days arranging for this offering and Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Gusainji wants to throw it all into the Yamuna river? It
is God’s design, but my wish has not been fulfilled.”
He became full of remorse and that night could
neither eat or sleep.
Shri Gusainji who is very compassionate, fond of
his bhaktas and an ocean of mercy could not stand the
force of Kshatriya’s distress and in the middle of the
night he filled a bowl with dried fruits and called the
Kshatriya to his side, “Take this torch and follow me.”
Shri Gusainji told everyone else to stay behind
while the two of them proceeded to the Yamuna banks
by Thakurani Ghat. There the bhakti master told him,
“Now, see over there, Shri Svaminiji is wearing all of
your garments!”
The Kshatriya then beheld, with divine eyes, all the
cloth and garments he had offered to Shri Gusainji on
Shri Svamini. Everything he offered, the saris, shirts,
and blouses were accepted by Her. Shri Krishna also
adorned himself with the Kshatriya’s offering and wore
his dancing silk skirt laced with gold and silver threads.
Shri Gusainji then told him, “Now you stay here.”
Shri Gusainji then entered that lila and offered the
bowl of dried fruits to Shri Svamini and Shri Krishna.
After partaking of the offering, the Divine Couple
danced together while the Kshatriya from Agra gazed
on, drenched in divine bliss. He reflected, “I am so
fortunate. Radha and Krishna have accepted all of my
offerings. With Shri Gusainji’s grace, I have had the
darshan of the Rasa Lila dance.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When Shri Gusainji returned to Thakurani Ghat,
the Kshatriya bowed low before his guru, “Only you
could afford me this much grace!”

The following day Kshatriya had the darshan of

Shri Navanita Priyaji and returned to Agra after Shri
Gusainji presented him with a plate of prasada with his
own hands.

In this account it is revealed that the entire lila with all of

its divine components rests within Shri Yamunaji. With
the grace of Shri Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji, a
bhakta can have divine vision. Bhaktas should have one-
pointed refuge and know the form of Shri Yamunaji to be
totally divine.

Kshatriya is a blessed bhakta. His story is beyond

words. (135)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 MEHA

Meha is a tamas bhakta and his name in the lila is

Manjira. He was born in Gopalpura near Raval. He
married when he was twenty and was a fisherman.

ONE

Once, after Shri Gusainji came back from a trip to

Gujarat, he visited Shri Nathji on the Govardhan hill
and stayed there for three days. On his return trip to
Gokul he decided to spend the night in Gopalpura, by
the banks of the Yamuna river, and leave for Gokul on
the auspicious hour the following morning. When the
bhakti master went to the Yamuna river for his evening
prayers he saw Meha fishing in the Yamuna river. A
bhakta went over to Meha and told him, “Don’t fish
here!”
“But I have not eaten since this morning and need
to support myself.”said Meha.
The bhakta gave him one rupee and told him,
“Come to our camp for a meal.”
Later that evening, after Shri Gusainji had taken
his meals, he was putting down the plates of prasada for
other bhaktas when someone mentioned to him,
“Tonight we need an extra plate of prasada for that
hungry fisherman.”
Shri Gusainji nodded, “Yes I know, that is why I
stopped here. Call him here.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When Meha got there, Shri Gusainji presented him
with a plate of prasada and said, “Give some of this
prasada to your wife.”
Meha went home and as soon as the couple partook
of the prasada, their minds became totally pure. Meha
then mentioned to his wife, “Shri Gusainji from Gokul
has blessed our village. People say he is Shri Krishna.”
His wife replied, “Let’s go and become his
discples.”
“How will he accept us?”
“Like he gave you that plate of prasada, he will
also give us initiation.”

That night they returned to Shri Gusainji’s tent

and told his attendant, “Tell Shri Gusainji we are here
and now have no other place to go.”
After hearing their message, the bhakti master
informed them, “I will initiate you in the morning.”
They stayed awake the entire night just outside of
Shri Gusainji’s tent. The following morning, Shri
Gusainji went to the Yamuna river and questioned
Meha, “How can I give you initiation when you kill
other sentient beings?”
“From today onwards,” Meha promised, “I will
never fish again. We will support ourselves by
farming.”
“Is your wife cooperative?”
“Her dharma is superior to mine.”
The couple bathed in the Yamuna river and after
Shri Gusainji initiated them, Meha requested, “We
would like to begin Shri Krishna’s seva.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “What form of Shri Krishna do you prefer?” asked
Shri Gusainji.
“We desire to worship Child Krishna.”
“Then go to Shri Yamuna’s banks and dig into her
sands. There you will find your Child Krishna.”
Meha immediately went to Shri Yamuna’s banks
and found in her sands a small form of Child Krishna
and presented Him to Shri Gusainji. The guru made an
offering to his newly found Krishna and then present
Him back to Meha explaining, “Now serve Him
carefully.”
Meha then spontaneously broke into song…

Shri Vitthalnathji is very compassionate.

He has taken me, the most fallen,
Under his shelter and made me fearless.
He speaks the essence of the Vedas and Puranas
And has gifted me Shri Krishna.

Meha sings,
“Krishna has appeared again,
This time to establish
The Path of Grace-Filled devotion.

Shri Gusainji was pleased to hear his poem and

knew that Meha had attained knowledge of the divine
form. Shri Gusainji then returned to Gokul while Meha
and his wife remained home carefully serving their
Child Krishna. If they had any questions concerning the
seva and celebrations, they would take instructions
from Shri Gusainji in Gokul.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

This section reveals that seva should be performed
according to the guru’s directions. Shri Vallabhacharya
has mentioned in his Nine Jewels,

“Perform seva according to the guru’s instructions. If for

some reason seva cannot be performed as per the guru’s
directions, consider this to be the wish of Hari.”

Meha and his wife never left their Child Krishna

alone. One day Meha would visit Shri Gusainji in Gokul
and then the next day his wife would go and see the
bhakti master. They made a temple for their Child
Krishna out of clay and installed painted wooden doors
on it. They slept outside the temple. Meha supported
himself by farming on the banks of the Yamuna river.
They served their Child Krishna with great affection.
Once when Shri Gusainji decided to celebrate
Annakuta on the Govardhan Hill, he invited Meha to
join him. Meha handed his field work over to a
cowherder and then together with his wife and Child
Krishna, they all accompanied Shri Gusainji to the
sacred hill. There Shri Gusainji gave them a room in
the cowpen. After cleaning it well, they established a
temple for their Child Krishna and made, according to
their ability, offerings for the seva.
Meanwhile, Shri Gusainji brought the seven main
Krishna Svarupas served by his seven sons from Gokul
as well as His personal Svarupa, Shri Navanita Priyaji
and They all enjoyed the Annakuta offerings together
with Shri Nathji. When Meha had that special

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Annakuta darshan, he experienced Shri Krishna’s
divine presence and fell into a state of Krishna
consciousness. When his wife had the Annakuta
darshan, she actually saw Shri Krishna’s divine
Annakuta lila!
Afterwards, they prepared their own Annakuta
offering for their Child Krishna and Shri Krishna
appeared directly before the couple! At that moment
Meha sang,

(Krishan says..)
“My Deva is this Govardhan Hill
My cows live happily on His slopes.
Now do what I say,
Don’t give any offerings to Indra!

The wind, fire, moon, water, sun

All follow Govardhan’s commands
Indra is not in charge
So why give him anything?

Near this Govardhan hill

Reside the residents of Braja.
We all live happily here tending our cows.
Now bring the wagon with fresh offerings.
This is the right thing to do.”

The elders gathered together and

Decided to worship the Govardhan Hill.
“We should do what Nanda’s son, Shri Krishna says.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Butter, milk, curds, ghee, and cooked food
Are gathered by all the Braja folk
And taken to the Govardhan hill.
When Indra saw his offering diverted
He sent down rains of destruction.

Sings Meha,
“Krishna, the pleasure-giver
Protected the residents of Braja
By holding the Govardhan Hill
Above them with just a single hand.”

Then he sang…

Listen Dad, to what I say.

Worship the Govardhan Hill.
The worship you offered to Indra
Should now be offered to Govardhan.

That treasure of all rewards

Provides us with roots and fruits.
Whatever you ask of Him
Govardhan supplies.

I fearlessly wander the Govardhan hill

Every day with My cows.
Now offer Him curds in large pots.
Make unlimited types of delicious offerings.
Dried fruits, fried foods and sweets,
Fill your trays with them.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The elders then sat and decided,
“Let’s do what Krishna says.
We will make many offerings
And present them all to the Govardhan Hill.”

Govardhan has taken on so many forms.

He protects the residents of Braja.
He is the greatest Deva
And very beloved to Me.

Krishna then became the Govardhan Hill

And ate the food.
Sings Meha,
“The Beloved Mountain Holder
Asked for the offerings
and then ate them.”

Meha kept singing poems in praise of the

Annakuta lila until the early evening. The couple was
so absorbed into Shri Krishna’s lila that they were
unaware of anything else. They lost all bodily
consciousness. Seeing their divine states, a bhakta went
and informed Shri Gusainji. Shri Gusainji then came to
their cowpen and as soon as he spoke something into
Meha’s ear, the bhakta rose and then bowed to the
bhakti master. Shri Gusainji told him, “Arise, now it is
time to take the offerings away. Your Child Krishna is
sitting here,”
Shri Gusainji then returned to Shri Nathji’s temple
and finished the evening seva and later gave everyone
prasada. Afterwards, when Shri Gusainji returned with

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

everyone to Gokul, Meha joined them and then
returned home to Gopalpura.

TWO

Meha’s wife became pregnant. Around her due

date, Meha was called to Mathura to quell a conflict
between his clan brothers. His wife told him, “I don’t
feel any pain in my stomach.”
Meha told her he would return later in the
afternoon and after completing the daily seva he headed
out to Mathura. That evening, after completing his
work in Mathura, everyone told him, “At this hour you
will not find a boat to cross the Yamuna river, leave in
the morning.”
Meanwhile, that night his wife gave birth to a son.
She was very distressed and thought, “This evil child
has come at the wrong time. Now who will make Child
Krishna’s seva in the morning?”
Shri Krishna could not endure her pain and
appeared before her, “Your crying keeps Me up. Now
don’t worry. In the morning make My seva. Purify
yourself with cow dung and then bathe well.”
That following morning, after taking a special
bath, although it was against the rule, she awoke and
adorned her Child Krishna. After offering Him lunch,
she took her rest. Meha arrived home at midday and
when he saw that not only had his wife delivered a
child, but had also completed the morning seva, he was
outraged that she had broken the rule of performing
seva right after giving birth. When he began to curse

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

her, Shri Krishna appeared before him, “What are you
doing? I told her to make My seva. It was you who went
away. This is all your fault.”
Meha submitted, “Please forgive me.”
Child Krishna explained, “Last night, your wife
was very worried about who would complete My seva in
the morning. I told her to make it. If you like, you can
wash down the temple.”
Meha bowed low to his Krishna and after bathing,
purified the temple.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas should follow the

rules of seva as indicated by Shri Vallabhacharya. It
pleases Shri Krishna. But if Shri Krishna clearly
expresses another wish, there is no fault in following it.

THREE

Years later, Meha’s wife, while remembering Shri

Gusainji’s lotus feet left her body and attained Shri
Krishna’s lila. Meha was very distressed and thought,
“How will I serve Child Krishna alone?”
Meha’s son was ten years old at that time. He had
no interest in Krishna’s seva or initiation from Shri
Gusainji. Meha knew that his son was not a divine soul
and so he made seva alone.
One day, four bhaktas decided to visit Meha on
their way from Mathura to Gokul. They knew he was a
good bhakta. They reached his home early that evening,
just as Meha had offered his Child Krishna dinner. He
offered the bhaktas great honor and lovingly welcomed

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

them into his home. After giving them darshan of his
Child Krishna, one of the bhaktas, a Kshatriya
thought, “If Meha presented me his Child Krishna, I
would serve Him so affectionately.”
After giving them prasada, they all sat for satsang
and Meha recognized that the kshatriya was an
advanced bhakta. He later approached him, “I will
leave this body in four days. Please take my Child
Krishna and serve him lovingly.”
“But your son could make His seva.” said the
kshatriya.
“He is not a divine soul and does not even live with
me.”answered Meha.
Although the other three bhaktas offered to serve
his Child Krishna, Meha chose the kshatriya and after
he presented him with his Child Krishna, Meha felt the
the divine grief of Child Krishna’s separation. His eyes
welled with tears and that entire day he did not eat
anything. He gave the prasada to a cow. After the four
bhaktas left for Gokul, Meha sold everything he owned
in his house and sent the money as an offering to Shri
Gusainji. When Shri Gusainji received the offering, he
sent a note back to Meha. When Meha received it, he
raised the letter to his head and fell into yet a deeper
state separation. He spent the entire night in tears.
The following morning when Cha Cha and other
bhaktas came before Shri Gusainji, the guru was silent.
Cha Chaji inquired, “What’s wrong?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “The great bhakta Meha
is experiencing profound separation from his Child

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Krishna. Today at midday he will leave his body.”
Cha Chaji replied, “Shall I go and visit him?”
“Yes. Take these sacred sands to him.”
Cha Chaji and some twenty other bhaktas went to
Meha’s home. When they arrived there Meha was not
aware of anything, but when Cha Chaji grabbed hold of
his hand, he regained composure. “Shri Gusainji has
sent you these sacred sands. Now there is nothing to
worry about. Shri Gusainji can not bear the intensity of
your separation. You will leave your body at midday.”
Meha bowed towards Shri Gusainji and said, “Now
that you bhaktas are here I have regained resistance.
Shri Gusainji has remembered me, the fallen one.”
At noon he sang the following poem in the Sarang
raga…

If you don’t take Shri Gusainji’s refuge,

Your life has been wasted.
If you have not tasted the nectar of seva,
You will cry for lifetimes.
This Kali age is a poisonous blaze,
The source of all sin.
Sings Meha,
If you don’t remember the Mountain Holder,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

You will have to withstand
The spears of the three-fold miseries.

While singing that poem, Meha left his body and

attained Shri Krishna. When his son heard of his
father’s passing, he rushed to his side. When he noticed
that there was nothing in the house, he sat down and
cried. Cha Chaji and the other bhaktas returned to
Gokul where Shri Gusainji praised Meha.

This account teaches us that for bhaktas, life without

Krishna seva is useless. That is why time should be passed
in His service.

Meha and his wife were both great bhaktas, vessels

of grace. Their story is beyond words. (136)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 HRISHIKESHA

Hrishikesha is a rajas bhakta and is Man Aturi in the lila.

In this world he was born into a Kshatriya family in Agra
and married when he was twenty. He sold horses for a
living and maintained business relations with the bhakta
Rupa Chandananda. One morning, he came to Rupa
Chandananda’s home while Shri Gusainji was visiting
there. Shri Gusainji looked towards Hrishikesha and
immediately said, “What has taken you so long?”
At that moment Hrishikesha had a vision of Shri
Gusainji appearing as enchanting Krishna, Madan
Mohan Himself. He could not contain the bliss of the
vision and fell to the ground unconscious. A half hour
later he arose and prayed, “Please quickly accept me.”
After Shri Gusainji gave him Krishna mantra,
Hrishikesha requested, “I would like to serve Shri
Krishna in His form as Shri Madan Mohanji.”
Shri Gusainji gave him Brahma Sambandha and
presented him with Shri Madan Mohanji for his personal
seva and told him, “He is my very form. Serve Him
mindfully.”
Hrishikesha’s entire family became Shri Gusainji’s
disciples.

ONE

Hrishikesha had one great desire. It was to present Shri

Gusainji with a perfect horse, however, Hrishikesha
was very poor. One day, a horse-dealer brought two

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

thousand horses to Agra and approached Hrishikesha,
“I want you to sell all of these horses.”
Hrishikesha noticed amongst the herd one perfectly
white horse and thought, “This is the perfect horse for
Shri Gusainji. Now I will just have to figure out how to
get it to him.”
He assured the horse-dealer, “Don’t worry, I will
sell all of these horses for you.”
Hrishikesha then arranged for one thousand horses
to be sold to Emperor Akbar. The dealer was very
pleased with Hrishikesha and told him, “After you sell
the other thousand horses, you may keep one horse for
yourself.”
“I will sell them all, but I first want to take one
horse to Mathura.”said Hrishikesha.
“I trust you, take any horse you want.”
Hrishikesha was delighted and took the perfectly
white horse and thought, “Now I need a lovely saddle
for this horse.”
There was a wealthy man by the name of Seth who
lived in Agra. Hrishikesha was friendly with him and
approached him, “Could I borrow your new satin
saddle for a few days?”
Seth was a generous man and replied, “My house is
yours. I will not need it for at least a week. Return it
later.”
Hrishikesha took the saddle and after mounting it
on the perfectly white horse, he told his wife and kids,
“I am going to Gokul. While I am away make Shri
Krishna’s seva carefully and if anyone asks where I am,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

tell them I went off to sell some horses. Don’t mention
anything about Gokul.”
Hrishikesha walked the horse from Agra to Gokul
and thought, “I will not ride this horse because it
belongs to Shri Gusainji.”
He walked fifty miles to Gokul and arrived there
early in the morning. By that time, Shri Gusainji had
already begun Shri Navanita Priyaji’s seva. After the
bhakti master adorned his Divine Child, he thought to
himself, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a white horse with
a satin saddle to ride to Shri Nathji’s temple on?”
Meanwhile, Hrishikesha crossed the Yamuna river
and reached Shri Gusainji’s door with the horse and
announced, “This horse is for Shri Gusainji.”
When Shri Gusainji heard that Hrishikesha had
arrived he came out to see him. Hrishikesha
immediately bowed to his master, “This horse is for
you.”
Shri Gusainji was delighted and mentioned, “I was
just thinking how nice it would be to ride a white horse
to Shri Nathji’s temple today. Hrishikesha, you know
my mind!”
“I am an ignorant soul and You are very
compassionate. All I request is your blessings.”
Shri Gusainji then called his oldest son, Shri
Giridharji, “Now you finish the seva here. I am off to
Shri Nathji’s temple with Hrishikesha.”
Shri Gusainji mounted the horse while Hrishikesha
took the reigns and lead them on towards the Yamuna
river. After they crossed the river, Shri Gusainji
querried, “Tell me Hrishikesha, when you don’t have

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

any money, how did you manage to procure this
wonderful horse and lovely saddle?”
Hrishikesha stopped for a moment and considered,
“Shri Gusainji knows everything, he is the heart’s very
witness. I can’t lie to him.” He then explained to his
guru, “A dealer brought two thousand horses to Agra
and I have already helped him sell one thousand of
them. After I sell the rest of them, I will be paid alot of
money and given one horse. This is the horse and I will
pay for the saddle after I sell the other horses.”
By that time it was midday and very hot.
Hrishikesha then mentioned to Shri Gusainji, “It would
be so much easier if Shri Nathji and Shri Navanita
Priyaji lived in the same place. It troubles me to see you
travel in this heat.”
Shri Gusainji smiled and explained, “If Shri Nathji
and Shri Navanita Priyaji lived together, then I would
not be so eager to meet Them. When I am with Shri
Navanita Priyaji I remember Shri Nathji and
experience His divine separation and when I am with
Shri Nathji, then I remember my Child Navanita
Priyaji and become anxious to go back to Gokul to take
care of Him. In this way, the divine pangs of separation
are perfected. While I am here, Shri Nathji will remain
on the Govardhan hill and Shri Navanita Priyaji will
reside in Gokul.”

In this account it is shown that the revolving devotional

states of union and separation increase the divine taste.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Hrishikesha then bowed to Shri Gusainji and
submitted, “What can I know of your bhava? All I
know is that whatever you do is for my benefit.”
For the entire way he had satsang with Shri
Gusainji. They arrived at Shri Nathji’s temple in time
for Shri Gusainji to make Shri Nathji’s afternoon seva.
When Hrishikesha went into the temple and saw Shri
Nathji for the first time, he sang a poem in the Nat
Raga,

Shri Vallabhacharya’s son is Shri Gusainji.

He is most compassionate and fulfills
the bhakta’s desires.
He has come to this world
and contains an assembly of joys.
He has shown me Shri Krishna and
Bestows the nectarine reward of the Grace-Filled Path.

Sings Hrishikesha,
“My head always bows to him.
He gifted me the perfect joy
Of beholding the Couple Divine.”

After the seva was completed, Shri Gusainji gave

Hrishikesha a glass of milk that had been offered to
Shri Nathji. As soon as he drank it, he fell into a bhava
state and just sat there in Shri Gusainji’s chamber
teeming over with the bliss of Shri Krishna’s divine
form. When the other bhaktas became concerned about
his condition, Shri Gusainji consoled them, “Don’t
worry about Hrishikesha, he will be fine by tomorrow.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 An an hour before sunrise, Hrishikesha awoke
from his divine experience and Shri Gusainji asked him,
“So what is new?”
“With your grace, this world, in which everyone
else is constantly asleep, you have made an abode of
liberation for me. Everywhere I look is full of you. You
are even in my dreams. What I experienced, I am
totally incapable of expressing.”
Shri Gusainji was delighted with his words and
mentioned to the other bhaktas there, “This is how a
bhakta should be.”
Hrishikesha stayed with Shri Gusainji in Jatipura
for three days. Then Shri Gusainji mounted his white
horse and with Hrishikesha leading the way, they
returned to Gokul in time for Shri Navanita Priyaji’s
afternoon seva. The following day, Hrishikesha
requested Shri Gusainji’s permission to return home.
After Shri Gusainji ate his lunch with all of his sons, he
presented Hrishikesha a plate of prasada and as he was
blessing him with the gift of a shawl, Hrishikesha
exclaimed, “Please don’t give me this shawl.”
“Why not?”asked Shri Gusainji.
“All I have done is incur additional expense for
your home. Now you will need a man to take care of
that horse as well as food for him. Maharaja, so what
have I really done?”
Shri Gusainji was pleased with his humble words
and then gave him some of his chewed betal nut.
Hrishikesha bowed to Shri Gusainji and with his heart
brimming with love, he returned home to Agra. Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Gusainji was touched and said, “When there is a
Vaishnava like Hrishikesha around, my heart is full of
bhava day and night.”
The next day, Hrishikesha sold the remaining one
thousand horses to Raja Todarmala and brought four
thousand rupees to the horse-dealer. He was very
pleased with his work and told him, “Now take your
commission and your horse.”
“I have already taken one horse from you. Now you
owe me only my commission.”
“I did not know that you already took a horse from
me, but now what is the difference? You have
completed my work so take another horse and two
hundred rupees for your efforts.”
Hrishikesha accepted his offer and took the money
and returned to Seth’s house. “Did you bring my saddle
back?”
Hrishikesha was direct, “Now take the cost of that
saddle from me.”
“Why? Did you sell it? asked Seth.
“No, but I did sell two thousand horses for a horse-
dealer. He gave me one beautiful white horse for my
efforts and I put your lovely saddle on that horse and
presented it along with the bridal to my guru Shri
Gusainji in Gokul. After the sale of the horses, the
horse-dealer gave me two hundred rupees and another
horse for my work. Now please take the horse and the
two hundred rupees.”
Seth was impressed and mused, “He gifted the
saddle to his guru. It was an act of supreme charity.
Now what can I take from this man?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 He accepted the horse but gave the two hundred
rupees back to Hrishikesha and said, “You have
nothing to eat in your house, so keep the money. I will
take this horse but never do that again.”

In this account it is shown that one should in every

possible way make the guru’s seva.

Hrishikesha reflected, “Everything has happened

because of Shri Gusainji’s grace. I was able to make this
amazing offering of my heart without spending a single
penny. Now I will offer the two hundred rupees to Shri
Gusainji.”

The next day, Hrishikesha reached Gokul during

Shri Navanita Priyaji’s midday darshan. He
immediately broke into song,

Hari happily eats butter.

The Braja Gopis have
Fallen under His loving control.
When they behold His charm,
Their hearts overflow with joy.

When Shri Krishna sees His reflection,

He is elated and laughs.
The Gopis bhava rises when they see
His eyes adorned with khol.

Sings Hrishikesha,
“My heart is held by Him.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Krishna is matchless, inexpressible”

After Child Krishna gave Hrishikesha that divine

experience, he went to Shri Gusainji’s chambers and
offered him the two hundred rupees.
“What are you doing?” The guru asked, “You do
not have enough money to run your household.”
“This is your money. An offering is when you give
something that you actually own.”
“Only when you tell me how you got these funds
will I accept them.”
After Shri Gusainji heard the entire horse story, he
sent his offering to Shri Nathji’s storeroom. It was two
days before the spring festival of Basant Panchami and
Shri Gusainji told the storeroom manager to use
Hrishikesha’s contribution for the spring festivals of
Basant and Dola.
Meanwhile, Hrishikesha decided to stay with Shri
Gusainji for the forty days of Holi and mentioned, “My
days don’t pass without being engaged in some sort of
seva.”
Shri Gusainji advised, “Why don’t you make Shri
Nathji’s garlands or work in the storeroom?”
“I would prefer to go to Shri Nathji’s temple with
you. Please allow me an opportunity to perform your
seva.”
“Fine, you can be my personal attendant.”
From that day on, Hrishikesha served and pleased
Shri Gusainji with great care.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 On the first day of spring, Basant Panchami, Shri
Gusainji played Holi with Shri Navanita Priyaji and
then went with Hrishikesha directly to Shri Nathji’s
temple. He arrived there in time to fill Shri Nathji’s
water pitcher in the afternoon. Hrishikesha had the
darshan of Shri Gusainji playing Holi with Shri Nathji.
They returned to Gokul and stayed there for eight days
and played Holi with Child Krishna every day. Then
Shri Gusainji returned to Shri Nathji’s temple and
resided there with Hrishikesha for one month, until the
Dol festival. During those spring days, Hrishikesha sang
a poem about the Holi lila in the Dhamar beat in the
Raga Kalyan,

I sing of Krishna, the beloved son of the king of Braja.

His name is Mohan, the Enchanter.
It is the lovely time of Holi, the town is full of color.
The pakhavaja drum sounds
Along with the dap and sanai horn.
Hearing the festive sounds, the Gopis of Braja
Flock together in groups while
The cowlads gather together on their own side.

Over here stand the women of Braja.

Their hearts are filled with sweetness.
They pronounce sweet insults and throw
Sandal resin, sandal paste and fill the air
With red and white powders.
They happily play while the cowlads and call out
“Ho ho ho ho ho.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The Gopis surround Krishna and grab their Beloved.
Then they dress Him up, lovely as a gopi
And tie His hair into braids.
They put red powder into His part
And then chase after brother Balaram.

They smear Balaram’s face with fresh red powder

Put khol around His eyes and
Cover His face with their shawl,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Krishna sees the spectacle, laughs and says,
“Brother Balaram is certainly well adorned today.”
Then all the cowlads start to shriek as
Shri Krishna grabs the Gopis and covers them
In a wave of Holi colors.
He follows no rule.

Krishna’s mother arrives in the middle of

The Holi drama and gives dried fruits to those who ask.
She gifts cloth and jewels and
Hrishikesha celebrates over the entire affair.

Hrishikesha experienced it all with the grace of his

guru. After the Dol festival they returned to Gokul
where Hrishikesha requested Shri Gusainji’s
permission to leave. Shri Gusainji presented him with a
rose that had been offered to Shri Nathji and the
bhakta bowed to the flower and returned to his home in
Agra. He carefully saved that rose with his other sacred
items and daily bowed to that flower.

TWO

Once, two of Shri Gusainji’s disciples arrived in Agra

and greeted Hrishikesha. He was very pleased to meet
them and invited them to take prasada at his house, but
they did not accept his invitation. After they left,
Hrishikesha was very upset and considered himself to
be most unfortunate. For the entire night he remained
dismayed. The bhaktas took their rest under a tree by
the banks of the Yamuna.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 While the two bhaktas slept, a dog took their
money purse and the following morning they were
shocked by the loss and wondered, “Now what to do?
This has happened because we did not accept
Hrishikesha’s invitation. He suffered and now it is our
turn. Today we must take our prasada at his house. He
is a blessed vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace.”
After bathing in the Yamuna, they returned to his
house. Hrishikesha was delighted to see them and
welcomed them with great respect and honor.
“Yesterday you left my house without taking anything.
What sin did I commit? Now you have blessed me by
coming here.”
“Yesterday we did not listen to you and lost our
money purse. Today we will take our prasada here.”
They decided to cook their own meal and
Hrishikesha provided them with everthing they needed.
After offering the meal to Shri Krishna, they all took
prasada and that night, they stayed with Hrishikesha
and had satsang. The following morning after cooking
their meal Hrishishesha gave them some pots, cloth and
ten rupees and told them, “You have blessed me, come
back soon. I am truly sad about your loss.”
The bhaktas replied, “You are a blessed soul and
preserve the devotional dharma.”

In this account it is shown that when bhaktas come to

your home, with your best efforts, serve and please them.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Hrishikesha was a blessed vessel of his guru’s
grace. There is no way to reveal his complete story.
(137)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 PATEL WHO OFFERED IT ALL

Patel is a satvika bhakta and is Brahma Vidhya in the

lila. In this world, he was born in Gujarat and made his
living by cutting grass. He became Shri Gusainji’s
disciple when the bhakti master stopped in his town en
route from Dwarka to Gokul.

ONE

Once Patel traveled with another bhakta to see Shri

Gusainji in Gokul. The only thing he took with him was
his sickle. He supported himself along the way by
cutting wood and grass for other people. He would not
take prasada from anyone unless he did some work for
them. He reasoned, “I have a body that should be used
in seva.”
When he reached Gokul, while the other bhaktas
were making offerings to Shri Gusainji, Patel reflected,
“Now what can I offer? The only thing I own is this
sickle.”
He immediately went to the market and sold his
sickle for two cents and placed the two small coins
before Shri Gusainji. The bhakti master, the knower of
all hearts called out to him, “Patel, come over here.”
The other people questioned the guru, “Today why
do you call upon this poor Patel?”
Shri Gusainji turned to them and explained, “Patel
has made a totally perfect offering.”
He then called the storeroom manager. “Take these
two coins and buy some salt with them and then mix

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

that salt with the rest of the salt that is used in Shri
Nathji’s seva.”
Someone questioned, “How can those two cents be
called the totally perfect offering?”
“Patel owed only a single sickle.” Shri Gusainji
began to explain. “It was the tool of his sustenance. He
sold it and offered the money here and did not even
think, ‘Now how will I support myself tomorrow?’ Bali
Raja made a total offering to God, but Manika
Chanda’s offer was even greater than his. The most
amazing offering of them all is Patel’s. Everyone else
comes to Braja with a certain amount of money that
they have taken out of their savings. They carefully use
those funds to cover their expenses and offerings and
make sure that they have enough money with them to
get themselves home. Patel did not have any such
design. He offered everything he owned with no thought
of tomorrow; that is why his offering is perfect and
absolute.”
Shri Gusainji then offered Patel a plate of prasada.
While Patel stayed in Gokul, he made seva all day long
and then would take whatever prasada was given to
him. Vaishnavas knew he was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s
grace and when they called him to take prasada he
would tell them, “Only after you give me some seva to
perform will I accept your prasada.”
If he could not find any seva to perform, then he
would gather cow dung or wood for the bhaktas. He
stayed with Shri Gusainji for many days before
returning to Gujarat. While returning home, he

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

supported himself along the way by serving other
bhaktas. Shri Gusainji always praised him.

In this account, the form of the total offering is revealed.

One can only truly dedicate everything to God if he or she
is renounced from worldly things. Shri Krishna is quickly
pleased with such a soul. Patel has also shown us that
when a bhakta works for his sustenance, Krishna
immediately accepts their offerings. By accepting prasada
only after he made some seva, Patel perfected the dharma
of being a dasa, a servant of Hari.

Patel was a blessed vessel. His story can never be

completely revealed. (138)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A COUPLE FROM RAJA NAGAR

They are satvika bhaktas. In the lila the husband is

Dinvatsala and the wife is Premvatsala. In this world,
they lived in Raja Nagar. The husband first saw Shri
Gusainji there when the guru’s chariot stopped by the
Tirapoliya gate. As soon as the husband saw Shri
Gusainji, he had a divine vision of him as being filled
with unfathomable brilliance. Unable to withstand the
darshan, he fell to the ground unconscious. Shri
Gusainji, who is filled with compassion, stepped down
from his chariot and placed his blessed hand on his head.
After sprinkling some sacred water over him and
chanting a Vedic mantra, the husband arose. Shri
Gusainji smiled at him and said, “So what is new?”
“I was by your lotus feet. It was all so blissful. Why
did you bring be back here?”
“Now it is time for you to perform Shri Krishna’s
seva.” said Shri Gusainji.
“First please bless my home.”
Shri Gusainji went to his house and stayed there for
two days., He initiated the couple and established Shri
Krishna’s seva in their lives. The bhakti master taught
them the ways of divine worship and on the third day,
Shri Gusainji went to Bhaila Kotari’s house in Asaruva
and the couple daily went there to visit him and serve him
in any way they could. Afterwards they returned home to
make their Shri Krishna’s seva.

ONE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

The couple served their Krishna very carefully. In the
morning after bathing, the wife would cook the food
offerings while the husband adorned their Blessed
Lord. After offering lunch they would sing kirtan. Then
they would take the offerings away, wave the arati lights
and give one plate of prasada to their cow and another
plate of prasada to a bhakta before they would they sit
down for their own meals.
Once there was a famine and grains became very
expensive and there was no grass to be found. They
could only feed their cow one plate of prasada every
day, and without grass, the cow became very thin. One
day, the wife put some grains on the floor and was just
about to clean them, but when she went into another
room for a moment, her hungry cow came into the
room and started to eat the grains. When the wife
returned, she found the cow eating the grains and could
not move the cow away. Finally, she pushed the cow
and the cow fell over on its side and died. The couple
became dreadfully upset over the incident and thought,
“We have killed a cow! Now even a bath in the Ganges
can’t purify us. We are most sinful and should leave
water and food and make Shri Krishna seva until we
starve to death.”
On the morning of the third day, Shri Gokulnathji
came to their town and when the bhaktas told him
about the couple’s situation, Shri Gokulnathji said,
“Call them here.”
When the couple arrived, Shri Gokulnathji told
them, “Come closer. Now tell me what happened.”
“It is our fault.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “It was not your error.” Shri Gokulnathji
explained. “The cow was very weak and it was simply
the cow’s time to die. Now this is what you should do.
Feed a poor bhakta some prasada.”
“How will anyone agree to take prasada from
us?”they asked.
“Tell the bhakta you invite that I told you to feed
him.” said Shri Gokulnathji.
The couple returned home and after making a
lovely offering, they found a poor bhakta and with
folded hands they invited him, “Shri Gokulnathji has
told us to offer you some prasada.”
The bhakta, hearing Shri Gokulnathji’s name,
immediately came to their home and took a morsel from
each of the different offered items and ate only one
mouthful of prasada.”
“Please have some more prasada.” The couple
implored.
“You are now purified. That is why Shri
Gokulnathji told you to feed a bhakta. You may offer
me prasada on another day. Today, this is all I will
take.”
After the bhakta left, they came before Shri
Gokulnathji.
“Did the bhakta take the prasada?”he asked.
“He only accepted a single mouthful.”
“Now your impurity has been removed.”
“Will the other bhaktas in town believe we are
purified? asked the couple.
“Go bathe and return here.”instructed Shri
Gokulnathji.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When they returned from their bath, Shri
Gokulnathji asked them, “Now fill my silver glass with
water and give it to me.”
When Shri Gokulnathji drank the water they
offered him before a large group of other Vaishanvas,
Shri Gokulnathji turned to the group and said, “Now
does everyone believe that the couple is absolved?”
The bhaktas replied, “You words have purified
them.”
Shri Gokulnathji then told the couple to go home
and take prasada. They bowed to him with teary eyes
and choked throats. They never kept a cow in their
home again and went out to feed cows. With Shri
Gusainji’s grace, they experienced Shri Krishna’s
divine presence and the Blessed Lord asked from them
whatever He desired.

In this account it is shown that Vaishnavas should make

seva carefully and avoid all sinful actions. This story also
shows the true form of humility. Humility pleases Shri
Krishna and purifies everyone.

The couple from Raja Nagar were vessels of Shri

Gusainji’s grace. They were great bhaktas. Their story
has no end, so how to tell it all? (139)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 HARIDAS

Haridas is a tamas bhakta and is Shravana Priya in the

lila. Shravana Priya always loves to listen to Shri
Krishna’s glories and has two close Gopi associates; Priti
Rupa who became Haridas’ wife and Bhava Rupa who
became Haridas’ son.
Haridas was born in Gujarat into a family of
merchants. He married when he was fifteen and had one
son. Haridas was very friendly with Mohandas who lived
in a town forty miles away. Once when Shri Gusainji
passed through Mohandas’ town, Mohandas beheld Shri
Gusainji turn into Shri Krishna. He deeply reflected,
“People talk about Shri Krishna, but today I have actually
seen Him. I will become Shri Gusainji’s disciple.”
After Shri Gusainji accepted him, Mohandas rushed
home and told his wife, “Quickly come and see Krishna.”
She was also a divine soul and received the guru’s
blessings and initiation. Mohandas then questioned,
“Now what shall we do?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Perform Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
The bhakti master gave the couple a Child Krishna
for their worship and taught them the ways of seva. He
also blessed them with the realization of the inner heart
seva. After Shri Gusainji left, Mohandas began to
lovingly worship his Krishna in the mood of the Gopis of
Vrindavan and very soon he experienced Shri Krishna
and His amazing lilas.
The next time Mohandas met Haridas, he urged him,
“Become Shri Gusainji’s disciple.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A few days later, on his return trip from Dwarka,
Shri Gusainji spent four days at Mohandas’ house. When
Haridas arrived there, Mohandas told Shri Gusainji,
“Haridas is a divine soul.”
After Haridas received initiation, he requested Shri
Gusainji, “Now please visit my home and initiate my wife
and child.”
Shri Gusainji agreed and joined by Mohandas, they
went to Haridas’ home where Haridas’ wife and son
received Shri Gusainji’s blessing. The bhakti master
presented them with Shri Krishna’s seva and told them,
“Through Mohandas’ association, learn about Shri
Krishna’s seva. Then you will become filled with bhava.”
Haridas stayed with Mohandas for ten days before
returning home. Every month, Haridas visited Mohandas
for five or ten days and gave him teachings. Through
Mohandas, Haridas came to understand the true
teachings of the Blessed Path.

ONE

Once when Mohandas arrived at Haridas’ home,

Haridas was delighted to receive him and they joyfully
joined each other in seva and satsang. They remained
intoxicated in Shri Krishna’s nectar for many days.
Finally when Mohandas mentioned, “It is time for me to
return home.” Haridas insisted that he stay on and kept
Haridas with him for another week. Finally Mohandas
declared, “I am leaving in the morning.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Haridas approached his wife, “Mohandas says he is
leaving in the morning. What should we do to keep him
here?”
Mohandas’ wife responded, “I will do whatever
you say.”
“If we kill our son, then for sure Mohandas will
stay on with us. He will feel that he has to console us
during the difficult time.”
The following morning, the couple came before
Mohandas, “Our son has just died. Now you can’t leave
us just now.”
Mohandas considered, “I just saw their son last
night. He appeared perfectly healthy and was running
all about. How could he be dead?” He then realized,
“They poisoned him so that I would stay with them
longer!”
Suddenly, all the hairs on his body stood erect with
supreme bliss. Mohandas then remembered Shri
Gusainji and gave their expired son some sacred water.
After reciting Shri Krishna’s name, the son was revived
and Mohandas greeted him. “Hi! Before I go please say
Jai Shri Krishna to me.”
The young boy hugged Mohandas and pleaded,
“Please don’t leave.”
When the couple began to cry, Mohandas asked
them, “When your son died you were not dismayed.
Why are you crying now?”
They explained, “We are distressed because today
a great bhakta is leaving our home. For so many days
you have allowed us the opportunity to imbibe Shri
Krishna’s nectar. Now without you, how will we live?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Hearing their words, Mohandas submitted, “I will
always live near you. I will return here with my wife
and seva. Now don’t worry.”
Mohandas did in fact return there with his wife
and seva and lived with Haridas and his family for the
rest of his life and always engaged himself with Haridas
in exalted satsang.

In this account it is shown that pure devotional

association is very rare. In order to have Mohandas’
enlightened association, they were willing to sacrifice
their own son, the very person people in this world are
most attached to! After this incident, Haridas experienced
a new level of satsang. In the lila, Mohandas is Pran
Vallabh, Shravan Priya’s spiritual benefactor. That lila
connection made Haridas’ affection for Mohandas soar.

Haridas and Mohandas were vessels of their guru’s

grace. Their stories could never be fully told. (140)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 DEVAJI

Devaji is a rajas bhakta and is Guna Priya in the lila.

Guna Priya loves to sing Shri Krishna’s praises. In this
world, he was born in Porbandar. At the age of five he
developed a taste for hearing the Blessed Lord’s glories.
Wherever there was a satsang, Devaji attended. He
became addicted to satsang. When he was twenty two his
parents had already died. He pilgrimaged to Dwarka and
enquired about satsang there. At that time, Shri Gusainji
was in Dwarka and was giving teachings on Shri
Vallabhacharya’s Shri Subodhini every day. When a
bhakta mentioned this to him, Devaji replied, “I can’t
remain without satsang.”
The bhakta took Devaji to Shri Gusainji’s teachings
and as soon as Devaji heard the bhakti master speak he
knew, “Shri Gusainji is a great being. I must become his
disciple.”
After he took initiation from Shri Gusainji, Devaji
wondered, “Now what should I do?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Make Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
“Maharaja! I will not be able to maintain the seva
practice. Please give me something else to do.”
“In the Path of Grace, Shri Krishna’s seva and
praising His glories are the two main practices. You
should focus on whatever you are able to maintain for
your entire life. Your life should never be empty.”
“I am addicted to hearing the Lord’s glories. So, with
your permission, listening to satsang will be my practice.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The bhakti master confirmed, “If you hear Shri
Krishna’s glories in the company of other bhaktas every
day, you will attain everything and the Path of Grace will
be fully revealed to you.”

ONE

Devaji daily attended satsang, regardless of whether it

was cold or raining; he never missed a day. One day he
developed a fever, but he still managed to attended the
satsang. The next day his fever increased so much that
he was too weak to get out of bed and missed the
satsang. Meanwhile, the other bhaktas at the satsang
thought, “Today Devaji has not come for satsang. We
should all go and visit him.”
After the satsang, one bhakta went ahead and
informed Devaji, “Today the satsang is coming here.”
When the other bhaktas arrived, Devaji got up
greeted them, “Jai Shri Krishna” He respectfully
welcomed them, “Today my fortune is great; the
bhaktas have blessed my home.”
“Devaji, today you did not come to satsang, so we
decided to bring the satsang here.”
“What was the satsang about today?”
After the bhaktas recounted the satsang, Devaji
requested with folded hands, “There is one thing I
would like to ask of you all.”
The bhaktas replied, “At this time, the grace of
Shri Gusainji is upon us. Whatever you ask will come to
be.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “Let me suffer whatever karma this body has to
undergo, but never let me miss another satsang again.”
All the bhaktas confirmed, “So be it. For as long as
you live, you will never miss a single satsang.”
And with Shri Gusainji’s blessings, Devaji never
missed another satsang.

In this account, the divine form of the gathering of

bhaktas is revealed. It is Shri Krishna’s very form.
Bhaktas should attend satsang with a divine view and
understand that it is the spiritual reward. Satsang perfects
everything.

Devaji was a blessed vessel of his guru’s grace. His

story has no end and therefore can never be fully
revealed. (141)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A DOKARI

Dokari is an older woman from Raja Nagar. She is a

satvika bhakta and is Bhava Pravina in the lila. Bhava
Pravina has brilliant bhava for Shri Krishna. In this
world, she was married to a poor wood cutter at the age of
nine. When she was sixty, her husband died and she spun
cotton for her sustenance. There was a Vaishnava who
lived near her who held satsang at his home every day.
Dokari considered, “It would be good if I could also hear
the satsang.”
The following day, she approached the bhakta,
“Many people come to your home for satsang. May I also
attend?”
The bhakta explained, “Our satsang is for those who
follow the Path of Grace. What will you understand of
these matters?”
“Would you initiate me into your Path of Grace so I
too could daily imbibe the teachings?”
“You need to take the shelter of my guru Shri
Gusainji. He lives in Gokul.”
“How will I make it to Gokul? I am a poor and frail
woman. You make me a Vaishnava.”
“Only Shri Gusainji can do that. He is arriving in a
few days.”
“How will my days pass until then? Please make me
a bhakta now so I can attend the satsangs.”
“I cannot initiate you, but because your spiritual
desire is so great, please join us for the daily satsang.”
From that day on, Dokari attended the daily satsang
and her bhava and desire to meet Shri Gusainji increased.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

She always inquired, “When is Shri Gusainji coming
here? When will I be able to start Shri Krishna’s seva?”
Some days later, Shri Gusainji returned to Raja
Nagar and when a bhakta introduced Dokari to the bhakti
master, he immediately mentioned to her, “I have come
her for you.”
Shri Gusainji initiated her and presented her with
Child Krishna for her seva. She served the Blessed Lord
with great bhava.

ONE

Dokari was very poor and offered what she was able to
afford. One day when she heard that Shri Gusainji was
in town, she quickly made an offering. Since she did not
own a spoon, she would take a small branch and after
cutting it down to size and washing it, she would put it
in the offering in place of a spoon and tell her Krishna,
“Use this stick to stir and cool the offering. Then enjoy
it.”
She hurried off to see Shri Gusainji and later when
she returned home and took the offering away, another
bhakta who came there for darshan, saw the wooden
stick in her offering and thought, “She is an old-timer
bhakta. It must be part of the seva practice to put a
wooden stick in the offerings. Dokari is a poor woman,
she can only afford one stick. I will offer two.”
He went home and put two sticks into the lunch
offering and when another bhakta saw his sticks, he
thought, “This must be the true seva practice.” He went
home and put four sticks into his food offerings.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Someone else seeing him, put eight sticks in the food
offering and someone copying him started to offered a
whole bundle of sticks in the food offerings. This
continued until an accomplished bhakta saw the bundle
of sticks being offered in the Vaishnava’s seva and
asked, “What are these stick about?”
The bhakta explained, “I saw another Vaishnava
using sticks in the seva, so I copied him.”
The accomplished bhakta visited the homes of all
the people who were using sticks in seva until his trail
lead him to the Dokari’s home. She greeted the saint,
“Jai Shri Krishna.”
When he asked her the reason behind the stick, she
explained, “I offered the stick because one day when
Shri Gusainji came to town I put a very hot offering
before my Child Krishna. I did not have a spoon so I
substituted it with a stick so my Divine Child could stir
and cool the offering and not burn His hands.”
The accomplished bhakta was pleased to hear her
words. Later, when Shri Gusainji came to town and
heard about the stick story he told the other bhaktas
living there, “If you have any questions concerning
seva, ask an accomplished bhakta. Don’t blindly copy
others. It can disrupt the seva.”

This account teaches us to grasp the correct bhava from

other advanced bhaktas and then to do seva with love.
The practices of seva should never be blindly copied.

Dokari is a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace. There is no

end to her story. (142)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A COUPLE FROM MATHURA

The couple from Mathura are tamas bhaktas. In the lila

the husband is Gehani while his wife is Dehani. They
became Shri Gusainji’s disciples when the bhakti master
lived in Mathura.

ONE

The couple from Mathura served their Child Krishna

very lovingly and had His direct experience. Other
bhaktas would gather in their home for satsang and
kirtan every day. After the satsang was over, the couple
would distribute chick pea prasada to all the bhaktas.
There was one wealthy man, Seth, who use to
frequent their satsang. He had the bad habit of
throwing the chick pea prasada on the floor. Lord Shiva
also attended the satsang and picked up all the chick
pea prasada that Seth threw away. The couple seeing
Lord Shiva querried, “Who are you?”
Mahadeva replied, “I come here to pick up the
prasada Seth throws on the floor.”
The husband approached Seth, “Why do you
disrespect the prasada by throwing it on the floor?”
When Seth denied it, the bhakta turned to him and
said, “Now why do you lie? It is because of your pride of
wealth. You may only return here when you lose this
false sense of pride.”
From that day on, Seth was not allowed in the
satsang and the entire group stopped associating with
him. Seth then went to Gokul to see Shri Gusainji, but

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

when the master turned his back on him, Seth implored,
“Maharaja! The satsang has left me and now you turn
your back on me! What have I done wrong?”
“I have left you because the bhaktas have
renounced you.”
“Now there is no place me!”
“I will see you only after the bhaktas accept you
back into their satsang group.”

Seth returned to Mathura and after some time, he

lost all of his wealth and he became truly humble. Then
with folded hands he approached the satsang, “I have
lost all of my money and my false pride has been
destroyed. Now please allow me to join your satsantg.”
The bhaktas turned to him, “Will you disrepect the
prasada again?”
Seth humbly submitted, “Never again. I have
already received the negative result of that action. Now
please greet me with ‘Jai Shri Krishna.’”
The bhaktas had compassion for Seth and invited
him back to satsang. Bhaktas never disrespect prasada.
From that day on, Seth attended the satsang every day
and everyone was pleased with him. When he returned
to Gokul, Shri Gusainji greeted him, “When the
bhaktas are pleased with you, so am I.”
Seth lived in Mathura making Shri Krishna’s seva
and going to satsang.

In this account it is revealed that the bhaktas’ satsang is

Shri Krishna’s very form. Shri Krishna is quickly pleased
with those who imbibe satsang. It also reveals the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

obstructions that pride of wealth can create. When Shri
Krishna showers his grace, he takes away a person’s
worldly wealth as well as their pride. Bhaktas should
never develop pride over the attainment of any type of
worldly wealth.

Seth and the couple from Mathura were great

vessels of grace. There is no way to tell their complete
story. (143)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 AN OLD WOMAN

The old woman is a rajas bhakta and is Abhaya Purna in

the lila.

ONE

Shri Gusainji made many disciples in Raja Nagar and

the old woman was one of them. She was a child widow
and served her Child Krishna lovingly. One day, Death
came to take her way. With Shri Gusainji’s grace, she
saw his form and told him, “I can’t join you today. It is
time for me to celebrate my Krishna’s Annakuta
festival.”
Death returned to his abode, but when he came
back a few days later, she told him, “Sorry. I cannot
join you just now. It is time to celebrate Prabodhini
with my Krishna.”
A month later when Death returned to her door,
she again shunned him, “This is also not a good time for
me to join you because I am just about to celebrate Shri
Gusainji’s birthday.”
When Death came to her again in the spring, she
told him, “Death, you will just have to wait. Now it is
time to celebrate spring with my Krishna.”
Forty days later, Death reappeared and the old
lady explained, “Death, I can’t leave just yet. It is time
to celebrate Dol.”
Two months later when Death reappeared she sent
him away, “Please go. I must celebrate Shri
Mahaprabhuji’s appearance day.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A few months later when Death arrived at her
door, again she turned him away, “Now I must
celebrate Shri Krishna’s appearance day.”
Two weeks later when Death made another
appearance she told him, “I simply cant’t leave for now
is the time of the year to celebrate Shri Radha’s
appearance.”
Death then went to the Lord of Dharma and
complained, “This old lady has turned me away eight
times with all of her celebrations! I am exhausted.”
Dharma explained, “She is totally free from all
retributions because she is an accomplished bhakta.
Even I have no control over her.”
Hearing those words, Death sat down and rested.

In this story it is shown that the person who makes Shri

Krishna’s seva with loving bhava will never be obstructed
by death. Seva contains such divine capacity.

TWO

Some days later when Shri Gusainji returned to Raja

Nagar, when the old lady and the other bhaktas
gathered around the master, he called out to the old
lady, “Great Eight! Come over here.”
The bhaktas questioned, “Why do you call her
Great Eight?”
The master explained, “Bhisham was able to send
death away only once, but this lady has turned death
away eight times!”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Afterwards, Shri Gusainji told her, “You have sent
Death back eight times! Now you should be
compassionate, respect Death.”
The old lady explained, “I am not under his
control; only yours. If I leave this world, who will serve
my Child Krishna?”
Shri Gusainji replied, “He may stay with me.”
“Alright Maharaja. You may take my greatest
treasure.”
She then presented Shri Gusainji her Child
Krishna along with all of His other seva items and
everything else she owned. Shri Gusainji told her, “You
should keep something for yourself.”
“Now what is the use? I am about to leave this
body.”
A few days later, she left her material body and
with a divine form, she stepped on Death’s head and
went directly to Shri Krishna’s eternal realm.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas are not under the

control of Death. Gopaldas has sung.

The person who takes divine refuge-

His sin sheet is torn up and discarded.

Death is afraid of those whose mind, speech and actions

have taken the firm shelter of Shri Mahaprabhu
Vallabhacharya. This is the teaching.

The old lady was a great vessel of grace. To what

extent can we praise her? (144)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas
 A RENUNCIATE

The renunciate is a satvika bhakta and is Penchu Gopa in

the lila. Within Shri Krishna’s lila there are many divine
animals and birds. Each one has its own special bhava
and lila form. In the lila, Pechu has the distinguished
bhava form of a rooster and awakens Shri Krishna in the
morning with his sweet and gentle call. Shri Krishna
remains continually pleased with him.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji was in Gujarat, the

renunciate met him and after becoming his disciple, the
master advised him, “If you recite ‘Shri Krishna is my
refuge’ in your heart, your devotional bhava will
become perfected.”
From that day on, the renunciate recited Shri
Krishna’s mantra in his heart and with the guru’s
grace, devotion for Shri Krishna arose. When he stayed
in Gokul he had Shri Navanita Priyaji’s darshan every
day. Later, after having Shri Nathji’s darshan, he
encircled the sacred forests of Braja. He remained a
wanderer all of his life and stayed in exalted places
where he could find pure satsang with other enlightened
beings.
He roamed all over India until one day he reached
a town where a bhakta’s son had just been bitten by a
snake and died. Hearing his mother’s wail, the
renunciate approached the dead boy and quietly recited
in his ear, “Shri Krishna is my refuge.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The boy was revived and everyone in town was
amazed and chased after the renunciate, “Could you
teach us how to do that?”
“Sure, but you will not believe me.”
“Of course we will. We have just seen what you can
do.”
The renunciate explained, “Alright, I will teach you
the sacred mantra. Always say, “Shri Krishna is my
refuge.”
“But we already know that mantra. Can’t you
teach us another one?”
“This is the supreme mantra. Nothing else is ever
needed.”

The renunciate wandered for the rest of his life.

When he left his body he attained the lotus feet of Shri
Nathji.

In this account it is taught that bhakats should recite,

“Shri Krishna is my refuge” with full faith. It perfects
everything. Lack of faith is a demonic dharma and
hinders devotion as Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya
explains,

“Lack of faith will always obstruct devotion.”

The renunciate was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s

grace. His story can not be fully told. (145)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE BARBER

He is a tamas bhakta and is Ananya in the lila. He serves

Shri Krishna in the divine lila bower by attending to the
divine trees every day right after sunrise. Once in the
middle of the night he thought it was morning and when
he made some noise as he started to serve the divine trees,
Shri Krishna, thinking it to be morning arose. Lalita
sakhi informed the Blessed Lord, “It is still the middle of
the night!”
Shri Svaminiji then cursed Ananya for disturbing
Them, “Now fall to the earth.”
He was born in this world into a family of barbers
and never married.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji was in Gujarat, the barber

cut his hair and pleased the bhakti master. At that
moment he had the darshan of Shri Gusainji as Shri
Krishna Himself and prayed to become his disciple.
Shri Gusainji blessed him with initiation and from that
day, he never cut anyone else’s hair or nails again.
When asked why he stopped being a barber, he
explained, “After cutting Shri Gusainji’s nails, how can
I ever cut anyone elses?”
He threw his scissors into a well and took up
another profession. Later when Shri Gusainji came to
his village the barber offered his guru everything he
had. For as long as he lived, he never spoke about
anything but God. He always remembered Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Gusainji’s form and when he left his body he attained
Shri Krishna’s eternal lila.

In this account it is revealed that one-pointedness is a

profound thing. It produces the state of nirodha, perfect
loving absorption into Shri Krishna.

The barber was a blessed bhakta. To what extent

can we praise him? (146)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 PATAN THE MUSLIM

Patan is a rajas bhakta and is Raso in the Lila. He

wanders with Shri Krishna’s father Nanda Baba. In this
world he was born as the son of a Mulsim in Delhi. When
he was twenty he met a great bhakta who told him, “You
are a divine soul. Perfect your spiritual life and become a
Vaishnava.”
Patan replied, “Why should I believe you?”
When the bhakta told him everything about his
childhood, Patan realized, “This man is truly a great soul.
I should do what he tells me.” He then asked, “How can I
become a bhakta?”
“Go to the Nigambodha ghat and take initiation
from Shri Gusainji.”
Patan then resolved in his heart to become Shri
Gusainji’s disciple.

ONE

After Patan became Shri Gusainji’s disciple, his father

complained to the Emperor Serashah, “My son has
become a Hindu.”
The Emperor called Patan, “Leave this Hindu
practice.”
Patan fearlessly replied, “Why should I leave what
I love?”
The Emperor, noticing his tulsi necklace and tilak
demanded, “What are these things you are wearing?
Leave them!”
“I will never take off what I love.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The emperor then called for his sword, “I will kill
you.”
When Patan offered him his own sword the
Emperor swore, “The Path you love I hate. Now let’s
see who will protect you.”
Patan fearlessly replied, “Do whatever you like, but
I will always remain in love.”
Hearing his words, the Emperor suddenly realized
the truth of Patan’s devotion and was pleased. He
honored him with a turban and sent him home.

Later when someone told Shri Gusainji about what

happened to Patan, the bhakti master explained, “This
is the nature of the devotional Vaishanva dharma. It
should always be kept secret. Patan would forsake his
body, but never his dharma. Bhaktas have solid faith in
Shri Nathji and know that He protects and does
everything according to His own divine wish. For this
reason bhaktas are never concerned about anything.”
Everyone present there was enthralled to receive
the teaching.

Here it is shown that the Blessed Lord definitely supports

bhaktas who fearlessly maintain their devotional dharma.

Patan was a blessed vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace.

He is a great bhakta and his life story could never be
fully told. (147)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A BRAHMIN COUPLE FROM AGRA

They are satvika bhaktas. The husband is Mridu

Bhashani and the wife is Komal Angi. They are from the
Sruti Rupa group of Gopis.

ONE

Once, late one night, Cha Chaji and four other

Vaishanvas arrived in Agra and considered, “If we visit
a Vaishnava’s home now, they will insist on cooking for
us. Better not to trouble anyone at this late hour. We
will go to a bhakta’s home in the morning and find a
tree to sleep under for tonight.
They found a tree next to a well and after bathing,
Cha Chaji gave everyone a bit of prasada. They had
traveled from Mathura and were tired from the long
journey. The four Vaishnavas fell asleep while Cha
Chaji stayed awake under the tree.
The tree belonged to a brahmin couple who were
devout devi worshippers.They worshipped the goddess
at midnight. Their devi would daily given them
darshan. It was during the hot season and when the
brahmin’s devi noticed Cha Chaji and the four
Vaishnavas sleeping under the tree, she rejoiced,
“Finally I have found the opportunity to serve some
bhaktas. These people are the intimate disciples of Shri
Gusainji.”
The devi then manifested four additional goddesses
and ordered them,“Fan these four sleeping bhaktas. I
will fan Cha Chaji.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Only Cha Chaji was aware of what was happening
and pulled a shawl over his face and went to sleep.
Meanwhile the brahmin couple bathed and after
lighting a ghee lamp for their devi, they started to
praise her but she was so busy serving the bhaktas that
she did not appear to them. They were dismayed,
“Today our devi is not pleased with us. What have we
done wrong?”
For the entire night they prayed to the devi and
repeatedly requested her presence. An hour and a half
before sunrise, Cha Chaji arose and saw the goddess
fanning him. When she bowed at his feet, Cha Chaji
questioned, “Who are you and why were you fanning
me the entire night?”
“I am a devi, a goddess. For the longest time I have
desired to serve Shri Gusainji, but I am not qualified to
obtain his seva. Even the gods are not eligible to
perform Shri Krishna’s personal seva. They can only
praise Him or shower flowers upon Him from their god
realm.”

Here it is revealed that Shri Gusainji’s form is perfectly

divine, the pure form of Shri Krishna, more lovely than a
billion loves gods. Even the gods wish to come to earth to
make his seva, but are unable to leave their god realm.
Gopaldas has sung..

Even the gods who live above the earth,

They desire to serve Shri Gusainji.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The devi continued, “Only those gods directly
connected with Shri Krishna are qualified to serve Him.
When Shri Krishna appeared upon the earth, those
blessed devas appeared along with Him for His seva. I
am not a part of that blessed group, but today the Lord
has finally blessed me with your seva.”
Cha Chaji replied, “But you are a goddess! It is not
proper for you to make our seva. The entire world
worships you.”
The devi continued, “My purpose is largely to
confuse people with the Lord’s powers of illusion. I
afflict those poor souls and attach them to the world by
tying them with the three material qualities.”

Here the devi reveals, “Those who worship only me

are not accepted by the Blessed Lord and fall into a state
of illusion.”

The devi then added, “Today I am very fortunate

to find you great devotees. Now is there any other seva I
can do for you?”
Cha Chaji turned to her and said, “Now I think
you should go.”
Then the goddess’ five forms became one and when
she appeared before the brahmin couple, Cha Chaji
awoke the other four bhaktas and told them, “It is time
to leave.”
They went to the bhakta Santdas’ house in Agra
where they were warmly welcomed. Meanwhile, the
brahmin couple bowed low before their devi and
prayed, “What have we done wrong? Please forgive us.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

You always appear to us at midnight! You know we
only sleep and eat after seeing you. You constantly
reside within our minds and hearts.”
The devi smiled and explained, “I know of your
great love and you are never guilty of any fault. I have
been busy by your tree for the entire night fanning five
disciples of Shri Gusainji who were resting there.”
The brahmin couple was amazed to hear her
words. “We understood that there is none equal to you
on this earth and now you say that you were serving
Shri Gusainji’s disciples? Are you trying to confuse us?
We only know you and take your words as truth.”
The devi was pleased with their devotion and
enlightened them, “Brahmins, what I speak is truth.
Only souls lost in the illusions of this world would lie.
Know that I am not under the control of any being here
on earth. You are my pure devotees. You are free of
hypocracy and serve me well. Now listen carefully to
what I am about to tell you. This age of struggle has no
equal because Shri Vallabhacharya and his son Shri
Gusainji have manifested during this time. Shri
Vallabhacharya appeared to reveal the Blessed Path of
Grace while his son Shri Gusainji manifested to expand
the Blessed Path. They are both Shri Krishna Himself.
Shri Gusainji now lives in Gokul. I have always desired
to serve the servants of the servants who serve him, but
I could never find one. What I tell you is true.”
The couple submitted, “Devi, if it is your wish, we
will become Shri Gusainji’s disciples.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “For people living on this earth, that would be
their greatest fortune. I am a god, so I don’t have access
to his shelter.”
“How we can find him?”
“Cha Chaji, Shri Gusainji’s pure disciple is in
Agra staying at Santdas’ house. First seek his shelter
and through him you will find Shri Gusainji’s lotus
feet.”
After the brahmin couple bowed to the devi, she
disappeared and the brahmin couple made their way to
Santdas’ house where they found Cha Chaji and the
other bhaktas taking prasada. When the brahmin
couple bowed to them. Cha Chaji enquired, “Who are
you? Where are you coming from?”
We are Kanojiya brahmins and we know you to be
great Vasihnavas. We have come here to take your
shelter.”
Cha Chaji exclaimed, “You are brahmins while we
are Kshatriya. It is not proper that you bow to us. We
are all Shri Gusainji’s disciples. Go to Gokul and take
his shelter. Then everything will be accomplished.
The couple submitted, “By simply bowing to you
bhaktas, millions of obstructions and sins have been
eradicated. Our devi told us to take your shelter and
through your kindness we will become Shri Gusainji’s
disciples. We are impure and burdened with lifetimes of
bad deeds.”
Santdas turned to Cha Chaji, “What should we do?
They are divine souls and are very eager to be
accepted.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Cha Chaji became full of compassion and stood up
and addressed the brahmin couple, “You should both
come with me now.”
Santdas interjected, “But Cha Chaji, it is the
middle of the day during the hottest part of the year.
Take them to Gokul tomorrow. Their refuge will take
place in a day or so.”
Cha Chaji explained, “Shri Gusainji has taken the
trouble to appear here to uplift divine souls. I am not
troubled to take them to Gokul and we should not delay
their reunion.”

Bhaktas always consider the spiritual benefit of

others. They act in such a way that other souls attain God
quickly.They are never disturbed by anything and are free
of selfish concerns. Krishnadas has sung,

In whose heart Shri Vitthalnathji resides

The beauty of that person
The way she lives and loves
Is different from all others.

Her face blooms and radiates.

Her eyes are full of compassion
And reflect Shri Krishna.
She is profound, very benevolent
And has not a trace of self-indulgence.

In a mere moment
She brinsg forth his bliss form.
She speaks of Hari in great detail.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Her mind, heart, speech and action
Are one with Him

She finds the Vrindavan Gopis

The givers of the great joy!
Sings Krishnadas,
“Shri Krishna, the Mountain Holder
Is the Supreme Enjoyer-
A treasure chest of divine virtues.”

Santdas submitted to Cha Chaji, “You are truly

blessed, an intimate bhakta. I just wanted to have your
satsang for another day or two. Now take them to
Gokul.”
Witnessing Cha Chaji’s kindness, the brahmin
couple wered move to tears. Cha Chaji turned to them
and said, “Now go home and get ready and then quickly
return here.”
The couple replied, “We no longer have any use for
our home. Let’s proceed directly to Gokul.”
Cha Chaji saw that they had renounced their
worldly home and were therefore eligible to receive
copious divine rewards. “I understand that you have no
concern with your home, but maybe you want to bring a
gift for Shri Gusainji.”
The brahmin couple then quickly returned home
and the wife took all of her jewellery and money to offer
to Shri Gusainji. Her husband, who didn’t own
anything because he gave everything to his pure devoted
wife, decided to give Shri Gusainji his copy of the
Shrimad Bhagavat and a book of devi prayers, a Durga

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

deity and and his shaligram. They rushed back to Cha
Chaji and Santdas saw them all off with flowing
devotion.
Along the way to Gokul, Cha Chaji gave everyone
teachings on the Path of Grace. He infused them with so
much devotional nectar that they forgot where they
were. No one even thought of drinking water. When
they reached Mohanpura, directly across the river from
Gokul, one of the bhaktas called out, “Cha Chaji! Look,
Gokul is just before us.”
Cha Chaji advised, “We will rest here tonight and
cross the Yamuna river to Gokul in the morning.”
A boatman who was sitting nearby overheard them
and approached Cha Chaji, “My boat is ready for you
now.”
Cha Chaji was elated, “Then lets go! See the way
Shri Gusainji grabs hold of his own souls.”
After crossing the Yamuna river, when Cha Chaji
tried to pay the boatman, he smiled, “With your grace I
have all I need. I don’t have to take from any part of
this entire world.”
When the brahmin’s wife offered him a rupee, the
boatman explained, “I never accept money from Shri
Gusainji’s disciples. This is the only seva I can offer
them.”

With Shri Gusainji’s grace. the boatman’s dharma

became firm. Know that everything that arises in Gokul is
divine.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When Cha Chaji offered the boatmen some of Shri
Navanita Priyaji’s prasada he elated, “Yes, that is what
I really wanted.”
The bhakta group all proceeded to Shri Gusainji’s
gate where they called out Krishna’s name. Vishnudas,
the door guard, allowed them entrance and told them to
take rest in Shri Gusainji’s meeting room. There, while
everyone else rested, the brahmin couple’s hearts over-
flowed with so much bliss that they could not sleep the
entire night.
Early the following morning, after everyone had
bathed, Shri Gusainji entered the room. The brahmin
couple humbly bowed to the bhakti master. Shri
Gusainji inquired of Cha Chaji, “When did you arrive
from Agra? Where is the brahmin couple from?”
Cha Chaji explained, “They are from Agra and are
very eager to take your shelter. We arrived late last
night.”
The brahmin couple prayed, “We are impure
beings attached to the world. Please bless us. Uplift us
with your shelter.”
Their humble words pleased Shri Gusainji. “Tell
me, from where did you attain your wisdom?”
“Every night we worshipped a devi with one-
pointed devotion. Only after seeing her would we eat or
take rest. Then Cha Chaji came to our home with four
other Vaishnavas and slept under a nearby tree. Our
devi fanned them for the entire night and then appeared
before us in the morning and told us about your divine
power and form. Otherwise, how could folks like us

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

attain any wisdom confused as we are with the maya of
this age of struggle?”
Shri Gusainji enlightened, “When a person takes
shelter with knowledge of God’s greatness, they receive
very special and profound spiritual rewards.”
Shri Gusainji then went for his bath. When he
returned the brahmin couple requested initiation and
Shri Gusainji told them, “It is normal to fast for one
day before initiation.”
The brahmin wife replied, “We have fasted for two
days. One day we did not eat because the devi did not
appear to us and the second day we fasted because we
did not want to eat anything until we came before your
lotus feet.”
“The first fast has no validity as you did it for the
devi,” Shri Gusainji explaind, “but yesterday’s fast is
good. Today after Shri Krishna’s lunch I will initiate
you.”
Shri Gusainji then entered his Child Krishna’s
temple and awoke Shri Navanita Priyaji. After offering
Him breakfast, the bhakti master waved the arati lights
and all the bhaktas took in the darshan. After adorning
Shri Navanita Priyaji, Shri Gusainji swung Him in a
cradle and after His lunch, he called the brahmin couple
into the temple and put tulsi leaves in their hands. After
giving them the sacred initiation, as soon as their tulsi
leaves were placed at the Lord lotus feet, the brahmin
couple had a divine lila experience of Shri Krishna’s
pure nectar as well as darshan of Shri Gusainji’s lila
form.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Later they met Shri Gusainji in his room and the
Brahmin wife offered her guru her jewellery and coins.
When her husband offered Shri Gusainji his shaligram,
his devi deity, his Bhagavat book as well as his Durga
prayer book, Shri Gusainji exclaimed, “You are a
Brahmin! Why are you giving me your Puja items and
sacred books?”
The brahmin couple explained, “Because you are
our all and everything, we have offered you everything.
We only take the shelter of your lotus feet. Now instruct
us so that we will receive the fruit of the Path of Grace.
Give us the divine solution. We know that whatever you
do for us will be liberating.”
Shri Gusainji first bathed the brahmin’s sacred
shaligram stone with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar
and the shaligram stone turned into the enchanting
Madan Mohanji, a form of Shri Krishna holding the
flute. He then gave the same sacred bath to the Durga
deity and she turned into Shri Svamini (Shri Radha)
and held a lotus in her hand. The master then turned to
the couple, “In the Path of Grace, Shri Svamini and
Madan Mohan are our all and everything. Serve them
according to the grace-filled teachings.”
Shri Gusainji then taught his Sarvottam Stotra, the
108 names of Shri Vallabacharya and told them, “When
you recite these names of Shri Vallabhacharya it will be
equal to reciting the Vedas, the Shrimad Bhagavatam,
the Gita and well as all the other sacred texts. Know
that to serve Shri Krishna and to recite the Sarvottam
Stotra are the two fruitful forms of the Blessed Path.
They will enable you to experience the Path.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji then very lovingly presented them
with Shri Madan Mohanji and Shri Svaminiji. Later he
offered them two plates of prasada and after lunch, Shri
Gusainji returned to his room where the brahmin
couple received some of his chewed betal nut. As soon as
they imbibed it, the teachings of the Blessed Path
became firmly established in their hearts.
They stayed in Gokul for four days and then joined
Shri Gusainji when he went to Shri Nathji’s temple and
with the guru’s grace, they not only saw Shri Nathji but
had the darshan of His divine lila. They stayed there for
five nights and after returning to Shri Gokul, they
decided that is was time to returned to Agra. They
considered that it was not proper to take prasada daily
from Shri Gusainji’s home. The next morning when
they asked permission to return home they added,
“Without the association of other bhaktas, how will our
minds remain firm in devotion?”
Shri Gusainji replied, “Have satsang with Santdas.
He is my father’s disciple. Cha Chaji will also join you.
Ask of them them whatever you need to know. Today
take your leave after lunch and be sure to see Shri
Navanita Priyaji swinging in His cradle this morning.”
Later that morning, Shri Gusainji called them into
the temple, near to the cradle where Child Krishna was
swinging and allowed them to have the divine lila
darshan of Child Krishna living at home with His
parents. The couple became soaked in Shri Krishna’s
bliss.
After taking their meals, they returned to Shri
Gusainji who offered them some more betal nut and

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

told them, “Make Shri Krishna’s seva with total love
and recite the names of Shri Vallabhacharya.”
The brahmin couple overflowed with devotion to
their guru’s lotus feet, “With your blessings we have
attained every pursuit of life. Now with your grace we
will attain even more.”
Shri Gusainji then called Cha Chaji and told him,
“When you went to Agra last time, some of your work
remained undone. Now return there with the brahmin
couple and stay with Santdas for one month and
continue to teach these new bhaktas. Bring back with
you some cloth and other items for Shri Krishna’a
appearance day.”
When the brahmin couple bowed to Shri Gusainji’s
lotus feet numerous times, the bhakti master’s heart
overflowed with affectfion for them, “Loving bhaktas
like this brahmin couple are my dearest souls. What to
do? Now I must allow them to leave.”
Cha Chaji, accompanied by four Vaishnava, and
the brahmin couple then set out for Agra. Along the
way, they became so immersed in the divine stories of
the Lord that it took them five days to reach Agra!
When they arrived, Cha Chaji told the brahmin couple ,
“Now I must stay with Santdas.”
The brahmin couple prayed, “Now bless us again.
With your grace we found Shri Gusainji’s lotus feet,
but we know nothing about the Path of Grace. Please
come to our house for a few days and teach us the ways
of seva. Then you can go to Santdas’ house.”
Seeing their humilty, Cha Chaji went to their
house. First they cleaned their kitchen and temple and

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

procured new pots and fresh food items to use in the
seva. Cha Chaji then showed them the ways to cook and
offer various types of food preparations like rice, fried
foods and milk products. He also showed them how to
set up their temple. Then Cha Chaji cooked the first
offering for Shri Madan Mohanji and after waving the
arati lights, everyone enjoyed the prasada. Then they
arranged for Shri Madan Mohan’s throne and bought
Him toys, temple wall hangings, as well as an
assortment of clothes. For five days Cha Chaji showed
them the delicate methods of seva before leaving for
Santdas’s house.
Santdas was delighted to to receive Cha Chaji and
every night the brahmin couple would come to Santdas’
house for satsang. They began to have direct
experiences of Shri Madan Mohanji’s divine presence
very quickly and the Blessed Lord would ask them
whatever He wanted. With the grace of Shri Gusainji
and Cha Chaji they had direct experience of God.

TWO

Some days later, the Brahmin wife wondered, “How

did our shaligram become Madan Mohan and how did
our Durga become Shri Svamini?”
When she asked her husband he told her, “Cha
Chaji will tell us.”
That night at Santdas’ house, after the satsang was
over, the brahmin couple asked Cha Chaji, “We used to
have a shilgram and a devi in our home and after Shri
Gusainji bathed them, the shaligram became Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Madan Mohan and the devi became Shri Svaminiji.
What was the cause of this divine transformation?”
Cha Chaji smiled and began,“Your shaligram is
the very form of Akshra Brahman, the formless inifinte
Brahman. Within Akshar Brahman resides the
Supreme Being, the grace-filled Shri Krishna who is
beyond the world as well as the Vedas. He is the highest
form of Brahman. Shri Gusainji has established your
divine connection there with the mere touch of his lotus
hand. He brought the nectar-filled Krishna out from
your shaligram. The devi you worshipped is a shakti, a
divine power as well as a part and parcel of Shri
Lakshmiji, the supreme goddess. When Shri Gusainji
touched her with his lotus hand, she became Shri
Krishna’s consort, Shri Svamini, the supreme devi.
With his grace you have received these two amazing
treasures. Worship them carefully, full of love.”
The brahmin couple bowed to Cha Chaji and were
pleased. Their seva continued to flourish and with great
love and devotion, they continually contemplated Shri
Krishna and Shri Svamini’s divine forms within their
hearts. Cha Chaji stayed with Santdas for one month.
As Cha Chaji was leaving for Gokul, the brahmin
couple praised him, “We were lost in the darkness of
samsar, but with your kindness we arose. Words can
not express our gratitude.”
According to their ability, they presented him
additional offerings for Shri Gusainji and added,
“Know us to be your followers and quickly return.
Convey our respects to Shri Gusainji’s entire family
and Jai Shri Krsihna to all the other bhaktas.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 They accompanied Cha Chaji out of town. When
Cha Chaji reached Gokul, he presented the brahmin
couple’s offerings to Shri Gusainji. The master asked,
“Are they well?”
“That brahmin couple has so much devotion!”
Shri Gusainji added, “Nectar quickly settles in a
pure vessel. They immediately attained devotion
because they took shelter with wisdom.”
The brahmin couple were great vessels of their
guru’s grace. Their story could never be fully told. (148)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 SAHUKAR’S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

The daugher-in-law is a tamas bhakta and is Navodha in

the lila. She is very beautiful and is close to Shri
Chandravali.

ONE

The daughter-in-law lived in Surat and was very

beautiful. One day, during the prime of her youth she
went out to the back of her house to dry her hair after
bathing. At that moment, a Turkish man who worked
for the local king, noticed her while riding his horse. He
pulled the reigns and jumped over the cow pen. He rode
next to the her and then jumped off his horse and
grabbed her. The daughter-in-law was shocked but
cleverly considered, “There is no one nearby. What this
man is doing is totally immoral. If I shout out for help,
people will see this awkward situation and create a
scandal. God is my only true witness here.”
She then turned to the Turk and said, “If you let go
of me, I will do whatever you like.”
The Turk, pleased with her words let go of her and
she immediately slapped him across the face and ran
into her home and locked the door. The Turk was
humiliated, “See how she slapped me. I have been
disgraced and have lost everything.”
After giving his horse some water, while riding
home he considered, “I will only live up to my name
when I make this lady my servant.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 He quit his ruler’s service and told him, “I am
returning home.” He took whatever money he made
and went home, but daily wandered the area where the
daughter-in-law lived.

There was an old woman who used to go to the

daughter-in-law to help her with her bath and braid her
hair. Observing the old lady go there every day, the
Turk approached her, “O mother, could I have some
water?”
He gave her one rupee and the old lady was
pleased. Later he offered her a seat and told her, “I am
hungry.”
After the old lady cooked for him, he gave her two
rupees and she was very gratified. From that day on, he
used to gave her one rupee every day. He ate her food
and asked questions. “Where do you go every day?”
She revealed, “I go the the daughter-in-law house
to help her with her bath and braid her hair. I support
myself with the grains they give me.”
“What is her name?”
The Turk asked the old lady many questions about
the daughter-in-law and found out from her the girl’s
exact age and all the different marks on her face and
body. The Turk noted down everything the old lady told
him. He asked the old lady a few questions about the
daughter-in-law every day. Whenever she replied, “I
don’t know the answer to your questions.” He would
tell her,“Then go and ask her.”
The old lady asked the daughter-in-law many
things about her family, her father’s name, her

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

grandfather’s name. The old lady relayed everything to
theTurk and he noted it all down. In this way, the Turk
came to know the names of the daughter-in-law’s fore-
fathers for seven generations on her father’s as well as
her mother’s side. After collecting this information, the
Turk looked around for a girl who resembled the
daughter-in-law and found a prostitute’s daughter who
looked like her. He hired her and taught her everything
he knew about the daughter-in-law. He dressed her
exactly like the daughter-in-law and even put a black
dot on her face exactly where the daughter-in-law had a
birthmark. The old lady had told him everything he
needed to know.
He then told the prostitute’s daughter what to say
when she was to appear in the ruler’s court and finally
advised her, “Now go and stay behind the daughter-in-
law’s house. When the ruler’s men come for you,
answer all the questions exactly as I have taught you.”
The Turk then went to the ruler’s court and
complained, “There is one daughter-in-law of a wealthly
merchant here in town. She has promised to come live
with me in my home and is agreable. She is very
attached to me but who knows what tomorrow will
bring. How to fully believe her, after all she is a woman.
Could you call her here and record in your court what
her intentions are with me? I promise to pay you
whatever fee you require.”
The ruler then sent his men to the daughter-in-
law’s house and found the prostitute’s daughter
standing behind the daughter-in-law’s house. Thinking
her to be the daugher-in-law, they brought her to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

ruler’s court and questioned her, “Do you want to go
with the Turk?”
The prostitute’s daughter, posing as the daughter-
in-law replied, “I have been with him for two years. I
am totally dedicated to him and will go with him.”
The ruler told the scribe to write down everything
she said. She then recited the daugher-in-law’s family
tree for seven generations and the court noted
everything down, as well as the special marks on her
face and body. Finally the court proclaimed the facts
and the ruler’s seal was applied to a document that
declared that she now belonged to the Turk and handed
the paper to the Turk. The Turk then returned the
prostitute’s daughter home and paid her her fee.
Five days later, the Turk returned to the ruler’s
court and complained, “That girl I just brought here
has returned to the merchant’s house and now
disclaims everything she told the court. She now asserts,
‘I will never go with you.’ After accepting me, she has
left me. After I have paid this court so much money to
affirm the truth, she has turned on me and stolen my
money. Please help me settle this matter, otherwise I
will die and my death will fall upon your head.”
The ruler called the wealthy merchant to his court
and related to him all that had happened. He showed
him a copy of the document and said, “You did not
know anything about this? Now you should not keep
that girl in your house. She has promised herself to that
Turk. You would be wise to let her go.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The father-in-law retorted, “I will go home and
find out what is going on here. Then I will get back to
you.”
The ruler responded, “Do what you want, but your
daughter-in-law has already come before this court and
told us everything. Now we will no longer trust her. She
must go with the Turk.”
The ruler then ordered four guards, “Go with this
man to his house and bring his daughter-in-law here. If
she refuses, then drag her here by the hair.”
When the guards arrived there, the daughter-in-
law asserted, “I have never left this house to see any
other man. I know nothing of your accusations. Ask the
other women who live here.”
They all confirmed, “She has never left this house
to go anywhere. She stays with us all the time.”
But the guards did not listen, “We have our orders
from the ruler.”
They forcibly entered the house and grabbed the
daughter-in-law by her hair. She cried out, but no one
could help her and while they dragged her to the ruler’s
court she begged her inlaws. “Come with me! Call my
father! Stand beside me!”
When the daugher-in-law was brought before the
ruler she covered her face and could not utter a word
while the Turk proclaimed, “See this woman’s nature!
Now she will not come with me even after agreeing to
everything before this very court. You have already
noted her family names and bodily markings.”
The daughter-in-law helplessly replied, “I don’t
know anything about this.” She started to cry and beat

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

her head, but the court decided, “This woman is not
telling the truth and women are not to be trusted.”
The ruler then declared, “Give her over to the
Turk and send them both out of here.”
The daughter-in-law pleaded, “I don’t know how
they gathered all that information about me. My Lord
must be very angry with me. This is all untrue but no
one will believe me. This must all be due to some bad
deed from a previous birth. Know that I will die before
this Turk ever touches me. You will also suffer for your
entire life for what you have done to me. Let the
emperor in Delhi decide our fate. If God stands with
him, then whatever fault has created this predicament
will be removed.”
The father-in-law pleaded, “Please! Put this matter
before the emperor.”

The case was transfered to the emperor’s court and

everyone proceeded to Delhi. There the Turk presented
his papers and when the daughter-in-law could not
clarify her position, it was decided that the she should
be given to the Turk. As she followed the Turk out of
the court room, she hit her head so hard that she started
to bleed and the blood soaked her sari. She weep loudly
and resorted only to her Beloved Lord. At that moment,
Shri Gusainji was bathing nearby at the Nigan Bodha
ghat while the emperor was sitting above the ghat on a
balcony with his ministers Birbal and Raja Todarmala,
who were watching the entire scene. When Shri
Gusainji saw the daughter-in-law, he immediately
reflected, “She is a divine soul.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The bhakti master then turned and asked some
people nearby, “Who is she? Why is she crying like that
and who is that Turk with her?”
As the people explained her situation to Shri
Gusainji, the emperor mentioned to Raja Todarmala, “I
retain some doubt about my decision. See how she has
beaten her head open and she wails relentlessly. There
must be some true grounds for her behaviour.”
Shri Gusainji overhearing his words, looked up
towards the emperor and explained, “You made a
wrong decision. That Turk is a lier. The daughter-in-
law tells the truth. She will kill herself before she will let
him touch her. She is totally devoted to her husband.
Before her death falls upon your head, call them back
here. Then I will tell you how to proceed.”
The emperor immediately sent four guards to get
them and separated the Turk from the daughter-in-law.
After Shri Gusainji finished his prayers, he approached
the emperor who stood up and greeted the bhakti
master with fold hands. He offered him a seat and then
sat down. Shri Gusainji then explained, “Put the Turk
and the woman in two separate cells next to each other
for the evening. Secretly station a man there to note
down what they talk about. In the morning you will
come to know the actual situation.”
The emperor employed a trustworthy merchant, a
bhakta, to secretly listen to their conversations.
Meanwhile, Shri Gusainji approached the daughter-in-
law and told her, “Tonight, you will be put in two
separate cells. After everyone has fallen asleep, start a
pleasant conversation with that Turk. He will be

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

delighted that you are talking with him. A bhakta will
be secretly writing down your conversations. Tell that
Turk, ‘I accept that the emperor has given me to you. I
will happily go with you if you tell me how you so
cleverly arranged for the court papers to be written up
like that.’ Then he will reveal to you his entire evil
scheme. You are a clever woman, in this way the truth
will be revealed.”
Shri Gusainji then took the daughter-in-law to the
emperor and both the Turk and the daughter-in-law
were put into two different cells next to each other. The
emperor told the merchant bhakta to sit secretly nearby
and carefully note whatever transpired. Later that
evening, after everyone had fallen asleep, the daughter-
in-law called out to the Turk, “Why are you sleeping?
Get up and and talk to me!”
The Turk was pleased, “Today she is finally talking
to me!”
The daughter-in-law continued, “The emperor has
given me to you. I have one question. How did you
arrange for that court order? If you tell me I will
understand how great you really are and then I will
gladly go with you.”
“I will tell you later.”
“Why not now, it is just the two of us.”
Suddenly the Turk became perplexed and revealed
his evil plan, “Do you remember the day when you
slapped me? You were drying your hair in back of your
house and I rode my horse over to you and grabbed
you.”
“Yes I remember.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “I was so humiliated, to be slapped by a woman
like that. From that day on I decided that I would
somehow get even with you.”
“But where did you get the names of all my
relatives?” the daughter-in-law querried.
The Turk continued, “There is an old lady who
comes to your house to help you bathe and braid your
hair. I met her, called her mother and kept giving her
her money. She was the one who told me all about you.”
The Turk continued, “Then I hired a prostitute’s
daughter who looks like you. I made her look exactly
like you and then brought her before the court and
convinced them that she was you. I told her exactly
what to say.”
After the Turk unfolded his entire story, the
merchant bhakta who was secretly listening to the
entire conversation coughed and the daughter-in-law
asked him, “Did you hear everything.”
“Yes I did.” The bhakta replied, “Now you have
nothing to worry about. God is your witness.”
Hearing his words, the Turk’s heart came up to
this throat as he thought, “Now what will happen?”

The following morning Shri Gusainji arrived and

after the emperor honored him, they went to the cells
and called the merchant bhakta as well as the daughter-
in-law’s father, father-in-law as well as Raja
Todarmala, Birbala and other officials. The emperor
asked the merchant bhakta, “Now tell us what you
heard.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The merchant explained, “I heard the entire story,
The daughter-in-law tells the truth. This Turk is a very
evil fellow. Now ask him what he said last night. If he
will not tell you, I will.”
When they asked the Turk what he said, he could
not utter a single word. It was as if without dying, he
died right there on the spot. Then the bhakta merchant
related the entire story, about how the old lady gave the
information about the daughter-in-law as well as how
he brought the prostitute’s daughter before the court
and paid the ruler to enter the order. The bhakta
concluded, “I have told you what this Turk revealed last
night. Now use your discrimination and act
accordingly.”
The emperor angrily condemned the Turk,
“Execute him!”
Shri Gusainji intervened, “Don’t kill anyone. Now
send a man and call that ruler, the old lady as well as
the prostitute’s daughter here so that everyone can
know what truly transpired. Then fine everyone
accordingly. Until then, I will remain here.”
The Turk was thrown in jail and the emperor
praised Shri Gusainji, “You have protected my dharma.
Otherwise the sin of that girl killing herself would have
fallen upon me. You are a great Lord and with God’s
intervention the truth is now known.”
Shri Gusainji then returned to his camp and told
the daughter-in-law, “Now return to your family.”
She humbly submitted, “Everyone has left me. I
have no shelter besides your lotus feet.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji consoled her.“You are my daughter.
Now there is nothing to worry about. Do what I say.
Shri Krishna recongnizes you. Now you will be able to
realize everything. Return home and make Shri
Krishna’s seva.”
Shri Gusainji then summoned her family and told
them,“This girl is a divine soul. Her resistance is
blessed. No one could have withstood what she has gone
through. Now take her home and follow whatever she
says.”
“How can I go with them?”The daughter-in-law
objected,“They are not Vaishnavas.”
Shri Gusainji then gave the daughter-in-law the
Brahma Sambandha mantra and also made everyone
else in her household his disciples.
Meanwhile the old lady came before the emperor
and submitted,“I am a simple old woman and did not
understand what was going on. I told that Turk
whatever he asked.”
When the prostitute’s daughter was questioned,
she explained,“I was paid and did exactely what the
Turk told me.”
When the the ruler was interrogated, “Did you do
this out of greed for money?” he replied, “I did not
understand the cunning ways of the Turk.”
Shri Gusainji then asked,“Why didn’t you ask the
other members of the daughter-in-law’s family what
was going on before you gave her to the Turk?”
The ruler admitted, “I acted incorrectly.”
Shri Gusainji added, “Because of your mistake she
would have killed herself.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The emperor interjected, “Now execute them all.”
Shri Gusainji again advised, “Don’t do that. Fine
the old lady, loot the prostitute’s house, strip this ruler
and of his wealth and power so that he will never be
able to make decisions like that again. Cut the Turk’s
nose and after taking all of his money set him free.”
The emperor did as Shri Gusainji advised and gave
a generous gift to Shri Gusainji, but the master did not
take anything. The emperor continued to praise him, “I
am your servant. What can I do for you? Keep your
blessing upon me.”
Shri Gusainji then left the palace with the
daughter-in-law and her entire family and they all
proceeded to Shri Nathji’s temple. After having Shri
Nathji’s darshan, the daughter-in-law and her family
pilgrimaged around the Braja area. When they
returned to Gokul they received teachings from Shri
Gusainji and the daughter-in-law requested seva from
her guru. The bhakti master presented her with a Child
Krishna and as they were leaving for their home in
Surat, Shri Gusainji encouraged the daughter-in-law
and he told her family and husband, “This young
woman will uphold your dharma and dignity. Shri
Krishna could not stand her distress and from that
situation, you have all become bhaktas. Now listen to
her, abide by her words. She is a divine soul. She is
resilient and never sacrificed her dharma.”
They returned home to Surat where everyone
followed Shri Gusainji’s words. They made Shri
Krishna’s seva and after some time the Blessed Lord’s
presence became known to them. Shri Krishna fulfilled

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

all the daughter-in-law’s divine wishes. Everyone
always listens to her. When one maintains the
devotional dharma, everything falls into place.

In this account it is shown that regardless of what

complication a bhakta undergoes, she should not lose
composure and know that whatever God does is always
for the best. One should always maintain faith and take
divine refuge. Then all is perfected.

The daughter-in-law was a great bhakta, a vessel of

Shri Gusainji’s grace. There is no way to fully reveal
her story. (149)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 UDDHAVA TRAVADI

Uddhava Travadi is a tamas bhakta and is Renuka in the

lila.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji went to Gujarat, he initiated

Uddhava Travadi and the bhakta began to live with his
guru. He became a great vessel of grace and Shri
Gusainji was always pleased with him.
Many days later, Uddhava Travadi asked Shri
Gusainji, “Can a soul you have blessed take another
shelter?”
Shri Gusainji revealed, “The person who has the
form of God firmly embedded in the heart will rely only
on God.”
Uddhava Travadi was delighted to receive the
teaching and later said, “Maharaja, the soul
understands when you bless her. When you reside
firmly in the bhakta’s heart, she will never take another
refuge. Then Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya
becomes firmly established in the heart and the Path of
Grace becomes completely revealed to her.”
Shri Gusainji turned to him and said, “Uddhava
Travadi, that is correct.”

TWO

Another time Uddhava Travadi joined the bhakti

master when he went to have Shri Dwarkanathji’s

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

darshan in Gujarat. After staying there for many days,
Shri Gusainji returned to Gokul and Uddhava Travadi
joined him. There, Shri Gusainji bathed and entered
Shri Navanita Priyaji’s temple and after completing the
morning seva, he retired to his chamber and asked
Uddhava Travadi. “Did you have Shri Navanita
Priyaji’s darshan?”
“With your grace I did, but it would be wonderful
to have Shri Nathji’s darshan.”
Right after lunch, Shri Gusainji took Uddhava
Travadi to Shri Nathji’s temple on the Govardhan hill.
That evening as Uddhava Travadi had Shri Nathji’s
darshan, as he was bowing before the Blessed Lord, he
became so filled with bhava that he lost bodily
consciousness. He was only revived when Shri Gusainji
put some sacred sands into his mouth.
Later when Uddhava Travadi joined Shri Gusainji
in his chambers and heard the bhakti master teach his
Tippani, his insightful comments on the Shri Subodhini,
Uddhava Travadi was overjoyed to receive such
teachings of wisdom. That evening they stayed by the
Govardhan hill. The following morning, Uddhava
Travadi requested Shri Gusainji, “I would like to visit
all the sacred forests in Braja.”
Shri Gusainji blessed him, “Yes, you should encirle
this sacred land.”
The guru sent another bhakta with Uddhava
Travadi and they began their Braja pilgrimage by
encircling the Govardhan hill. Many days later, they
completed the the walk around Braja and returned to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Shri Nathji’s temple and met Shri Gusainji. “With your
blessings, all of our divine desires have been fulfilled.”
Shri Gusainji revealed, “Shri Nathji always fulfills
the desires of his bhaktas.”
Uddhava Travadi then returned to his home in
Gujarat.

In this account it is revealed that the Path of Grace is

revealed when there is firm faith in Shri Mahaprabhu
Vallabhacharya and Shri Gusainji. Then there is no
reliance on any other.

Uddhava Travadi was a great vessel of Shri

Gusainji’s grace. To what extent can we praise him?
(150)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 SITABAI AND HER MOTHER ACHALBAI.

Sitabai is a tamas bhakta and is Govardhani in the lila.

Her lila friend is Shila and she became her mother in this
world. They were born in Bara Nagar into a wealthy
family. When Sitabai was eight, her husband died of
smallpox a month after their wedding. She knew nothing
of the world and was very simple.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was traveling in Gujarat, he

stopped in Bara Nagar and Sitabai was delighted to
have his darshan. At that time other bhaktas also came
to see Shri Gusainji. Seeing one person receive Krishna
mantra from the bhakti master while another person
prayed to him, Sitabai decided to approach Shri
Gusainji herself, “Please make me your disciple.”
Sitabai’s elderly mother, Achala Bai was with her
at the time and Shri Gusainji told them both, “Go and
bathe. Then I will initiate you here.”
After bathing they both came before Shri Gusainji
to received the blessings of initiation. When Shri
Gusainji repeated the eight syllable Krishna mantra to
them three times, Sitabai turned to the master and said,
“I am unable to pronounce that mantra.”
Shri Gusainji smiled and replied, “Do you
remember my name?”
“Yes I do.”
“Then you may repeat my name as a mantra and
tell your mother to do the same.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji then advised all the other bhaktas
present there, “Now don’t you recite my name as a
mantra. You have all received Krishna mantra from
me, so recite that.”

In this way, Shri Gusainji kept his name a secret for his
name is the ultimate reward. Only those who receive the
gift of his grace are qualified to repeat his name.

Then Sitabai requested, “Now give me the second

seva initiation, the brahma sambandha mantra and
present us with Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Shri Gusainji then blessed her with the seva
initiation and presented her with a Krishna svarupa for
her personal seva. Sitabai then went home and made a
temple for her Krishna and after establishing Him
there, she began to make His seva very conscientiously.
Shri Gusainji explained to her the different types of
food offerings, such as grains cooked in water and fried
foods. He stayed there for several days before heading
towards Shri Dwarka. He returned to Gokul many days
later.
Meanwhile, Shri Krishna began to reveal Himself
to Sitabai and spoke directly to her. He asked her for
whatever He wanted. Many days later, her mother died
and then Sitabai became weak and ill and left her body
too. When Shri Gusainji heard the news, he praised
Sitabai, “Her nature was very pure. She did not
understand anything except her Krishna.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Sitabai and her mother were Shri Gusainji’s
blessed bhaktas, great devotees. Their story has no end,
so to what extend can we praise them? (151)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A SPEAKER AND A LISTENER

They are both satvika bhaktas and are Shri

Chandravaliji’s sakhis in the lila. The listener is Shravan
Madhuri while the speaker is Vachan Madhura. They
were both born in Raja Nagar near the bhakta Bhaila
Kotari. They were good friends from childhood and would
go and listen to spiritual teachings together. After they
both married, their parents died and they started to visit
Bhaila Kotari. Bhaila knowing them to be divine souls,
developed great affection for them and gave them satsang
every day. Both of them developed devotion for Shri
Gusainji.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji came to Raja Nagar and

stayed with Bhaila Kotari at his house in Asarava, the
speaker and the listener as well as their wives became
disciples. They had satsang with Bhaila every day and
when they returned home, they would discuss what they
had heard from Bhaila. One would speak while the
other would listen.
Some days later, they went to Gokul with their
wives. When they came before Shri Gusainji, the master
asked them, “When did you come?”
“We came today and had Navanita Priyaji’s Raja
Bhog darshan."
“Take your prasada here today.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After staying in Gokul for a week they requested
Shri Gusainji, “We would like to walk around Braja.”
With the guru’s blessings they headed out and
after encircling the sacred areas of Braja, they had Shri
Nathji’s darshan on the Govardhan hill and then
returned to Gokul. There they listened to Shri
Gusainji’s teachings. After staying in Gokul for another
week, the speaker and listener considered, “We should
go to some isolated place in Braja for satsang.”
They left their wives in Gokul and headed out.
When they found a lovely secluded place, they sat down
and started their satsang. The speaker spoke while the
listener listened and they both became totally absorbed
in God’s nectar. They forgot everything else and
became totally unaware of even their bodies. They were
unafflicted by anything material and sat absorbed in
satsang for forty days!

One day, a cowlad seeing them thought, “These are

two truly great souls. They have been absorbed in
satsang for forty days without eating or drinking
anything! I should give them some milk.”
He placed a pot of milk before them and the two
bhaktas reflected, “It is God’s wish that this milk has
come.”
After offering the milk, they drank it and then
returned to their satsang. The cowlad brought them
milk every day and for six months the speaker and
listener remained in that secluded spot absorbed in
satsang until one day, they both left their bodies and
entered Shri Krishna’s eternal lila. Insects and animals

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

ate their bodies and all that was left of them were their
bones.
Meanwhile, their wives went out to look for them
and when they came across the cowlad who had given
their husbands milk, they asked him, “Have you seen
two bhaktas around here?”
“Yes. They were sitting over there. I saw them here
for six months, but they both left their bodies.”
“Where were they sitting?”
The cowlad showed them the place and when all
they saw were their husbands bones, the speaker’s wife
said, “How do we know who is who?”
The listener’s wife explained, “I can recognize my
husband’s bones.”
“How?”
“My husband was always the listener. He listened
so carefully that even his bones developed holes so they
could also take in the nectar of the Lord’s glories.”
The wives then took their husband’s bones and
after cremating them, they returned to Gokul. Later,
they also attained Shri Krishna’s lila.

This account reveals the way bhaktas should speak and

listen while engaged in satsang. The Blessed Lord’s
glories are filled with Divine Presence and with total
devotion, they should be established in the heart. Then
every material concern is forgotten. Such is the power of
the Lord’s stories.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The speaker and the listener were both blessed
vessels of Shri Gusainji’s grace. There is no way to fully
reveal their life stories. (152)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A CLERK FROM AGRA

He is a rajas bhakta and is Darshan Aturi in the lila.

Darshan Aturi is very attached to Shri Krishna’s form.
She goes repeatedly to Shri Yashoda’s home in hopes of
seeing Shri Krishna but Yashoda admonishes her, “Don’t
keep coming here. You are mad and will spook my
Krishna.”

ONE

The clerk from Agra worked for a the local ruler. Once
when he went to Raja Nagar for some work, he met Shri
Gusainji and took initiation. Some days later, the clerk
from Agra went with his ruler to meet with the emperor
and stopped in Govardhan. There his boss told him,
“We will leave here early this afternoon.”
The clerk from Agra thought, “It would be good if
I had Shri Nathji’s darshan.”
The clerk from Agra then headed to Jatipura and
arrived after Shri Nathji’s temple had closed. He made
his obeisances to Shri Gusainji and explained, “I have
not seen you since I took initiation in Raja Nagar.”
Shri Gusainji turned to him, “Did you have Shri
Nathji’s darshan?”
“I have never had Shri Nathji’s darshan.”
“Now the temple is closed but you can have
darshan this afternoon.”
The clerk explained, “Maharaja, I work for
someone else and will have to leave early.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Afterwards the clerk from Agra went to the store
room manager, Champa Bhai, and inquired, “What
time will the temple open this afternoon?”
“An hour and a half before sundown.”
The clerk from Agra then tried to strike a deal with
him, “If you can arrange to open Shri Nathji’s temple
an hour earlier today, I will offer Shri Nathji twenty-
five thousand rupees and will also give you ten thousand
rupees.”
Champa Bhai immediately went to Shri Gusainji.
He was resting and Champa Bhai began to rub the
guru’s feet and he awoke. Shri Gusainji got up and
inquired, “What are you doing here?”
“A man has come and will offer twenty-five
thousand rupees if Shri Nathji is awoken an hour
earlier this afternoon.”
Shri Gusainji replied, “Sure. I met this man earlier
today. He missed Shri Nathji’s darshan this morning.”
Champa Bhai smile and added, “I think this is a
good idea.”
Champa Bhai returned to the clerk from Agra,
“Shri Gusainji has agreed.”

That afternoon, Shri Gusainji got up an hour later

than his normal time. Meanwhile, the clerk from Agra
was called back to Govardhan and along the way, he
felt such extreme separation from Shri Nathji that he
left his body.
Meanwhile, Shri Gusainji bathed, entered the
temple and sounded the conch. After the temple opened,

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Shri Gusainji called Champa Bhai, “Where is that
clerk? Call him for darshan!”
“The temple opened an hour late today and he had
to leave for Govardhan.”
Shri Gusainji explained, “You really thought I was
going to open Shri Nathji’s temple early for money?

In this account it is shown that obstructions arise if Shri

Krishna’s seva is done for monetary gain. Then seva is
sold and not performed. For that reason, Shri Nathji was
not awoken early that day and Shri Gusainji did not allow
the clerk from Agra darshan. That clerk thought he could
buy Shri Krishna’s darshan. Shri Krishna never relies on
money and so He did not let the clerk see Him.

The following day, after Shri Gusainji offered Shri

Nathji His lunch, he went to the Govinda lake to
perform his prayers. There he told Champa Bhai,
“Bring two men and some shovels here.”
When the workers arrived, Shri Gusainji had
finished his prayers and took Champa Bhai and the
workers to a nearby field. There he told them exactly
where to dig and as they dug, they uncovered many
large bricks of gold. Shri Gusainji turned to Champa
Bhai, “Take as many as you want.”
“Maharaja the goddess of wealth lives by your
lotus feet!”
“You better take what you want now; later you will
be disappointed.”
But Champa Bhai was too ashamed to say or do
anything. The hole was covered up and Shri Gusainji

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

returned to Shri Nathji’s temple. The next day, before
sunrise, Champa Bhai returned to the same place, but
when he dug at the same spot, he was frustrated to find
nothing but dirt. “I should have taken those gold bricks
yesterday!”

Here it is shown that one should remain honest

before the guru. Only then will one’s real work be
accomplished.

The clerk from Agra was a blessed vessel of Shri

Gusainji’s grace. To what extent can we praise him?
(153)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

A MAN FROM BRAJA, A SHOE SELLER AND A
BRAHMIN

They are tamas bhaktas. In the lila, the man from Braja is
Rohit Gopa, the shoe seller is Kalika and the Brahmin is
Samsaya.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was going to Dwarka, the man

from Braja joined him and they stopped in a town
where the shoe seller lived. The shoe seller was blessed
by a goddess. She spoke directly to him and anyone he
cursed would die. When the man from Braja came to
his store, he was given a pair of shoes to try on.
Meanwhile, five other customers entered the shop and
while the shoe seller was involved with them, the man
from Braja called out, “I will buy these shoes.”
When the busy shoe seller did not respond, the
man from Braj became angry and hit the shoe seller
with the shoes. The shoe seller immediately cursed him,
“You will die.”
But nothing happened to the man from Braja. He
paid his bill and returned to his camp. Later that day,
when the shoe seller returned home, he found his
beloved goddess shaking with fear. “What is wrong?
Today your power is not with me.”
The goddess exclaimed, “That man from Braja is a
disciple of Shri Gusainji, a Vaishnava. Your curses will

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

work on others but not on the bhaktas. I am shaking
with fear because you cursed one.”
“O goddess, are they greater than you?”
“Bhaktas are truly greater and ever greater than
the bhaktas is Shri Gusainji.”
“Then I will take Shri Gusainji’s refuge.”

The shoe seller immediately went to Shri Gusainji’s

camp and first bowed before the man from Braja, “I
want to become a Vaishnava.”
The man from Braja announced him and Shri
Gusainji called him in, “I hear you sell shoes.”
“From now on I will sell cloth.”
Shri Gusainji then blessed him with initiation and
the shoe seller went home and sold all of his shoes. The
following morning his wife also took initiation and they
fasted that day. The shoe seller removed his goddess
from his house and the following day, after the couple
received the Brahma Sambandha initiation, they prayed
to Shri Gusainji, “What should we do now?”
“Make Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Shri Gusainji then told one of his attendants “Go to
their house and make it ready for Shri Krishna’s seva.”
They cleaned their house and after they bought
new pots, Shri Gusainji’s man showed them the ways of
purity within the seva practice. Then Shri Gusainji
presented them with Shri Krishna’s seva and stayed in
their town for a week. The bhakti master taught them
the ways of Shri Krishna’s seva before proceeding to
Shri Dwarkanathji’s temple and Braja.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Meanwhile, the shoe seller and his wife lovingly
served their Blessed Lord. Every morning, the wife
would prepare the offerings while the shoe seller would
adorn his blessed Krishna before going to attend his
cloth shop. His wife then offered Shri Krishna lunch
and after waving the Raja Bhoga arati lights, she gave
some prasada to the cow and then brought the rest of
the prasada to her husband in his cloth shop.
One day, a brahmin bhakta came to their town and
the shoe seller greeted him as he passed his shop.
“Glories to Shri Krishna.”
He welcomed the Brahmin with love and honor
and invited him home. The shoe seller then bathed and
waved the arati light before his Shri Krishna and
allowed the Brahmin bhakta the sight of his seva. The
shoe seller showed the Brahmin around his house and
the brahmin noted how their kitchen was perfectly
arranged for seva practice with separate areas for
offerings made with milk, grains fried in ghee as well as
for grains and beans cooked in water. The Brahmin was
pleased to see their spiritual purity and cleanliness in
their seva practice.
The shoe seller invited him, “Will you take some
milk prasada from us today?”
The Brahmin, who was not concerned with any
caste or social issues, turned to him and said, “I will
take anything, including the rice that you have offered
to your Krishna.”
After the Brahmin took his meals, he was offered
some betel nut and then left for the market while the
shoe seller went back to attend his shop. Another

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Vaishnava, seeing the Brahmin in town, approached
him, “When did you come here? Where are you
staying? Come to my house for prasada.”
The Brahmin replied, “I came here today and I am
staying with some other bhaktas in town. Thanks for
the prasada invitation, but I have already taken
prasada at the shoe seller’s house.”
“You are a Brahmin and you took prasada from a
shoe seller? He just become a disciple and opened a
cloth shop.”
At that moment, the Brahmin felt disgusted that he
had taken prasada from a shoe seller. Because of that
negative feeling, his skin turned white with leprosy and
he realized, “This has happened to me because I
doubted that shoe seller.”
He then considered, “I will go to Shri Gusainji and
with his grace, everything will be corrected.”

When he told Shri Gusainji exactly what had

happened, the bhakti master advised him, “This
happened because you felt bad about taking prasada
from the shoe seller. Now you should encircle the land
of Braja and bathe in all the lakes along the way. Also
rub the mud from those lakes over your body.”
He did exactly as Shri Gusainji told him and after
he completed his walk around Braja, he was cured of
half of his leprosy. He returned to Shri Gusainji who
further advised him, “Along the way to Dwarka you
will find a bhakta, Haridas’ daughter. She will cure
you.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The Brahmin set out and a few days later met
Haridas’ daughter. She welcomed him into her house
with great honor. The Brahmin told her, “Shri Gusainji
told me to visit you.”
Haridas’ daughter was delighted, “Shri Gusainji
has truly blessed me today.”
She allowed the Brahmin darshan of her seva and
told him, “Now bathe and get ready for prasada.”
When he returned, she inquired, “What type of
prasada will you take today?”
“I will take rice and whatever you have offered to
your Krishna.”
After enjoying the prasada, Haridas’s daughter
inquired, “Now tell me, why have you come here?”
He told her everything and when her husband
Manika Chandaji heard about his condition, he advised,
“Shri Gusainji has sent him here. Now we will take care
of him.”
His wife replied, “It will cost two thousand rupees,
but he will be cured.”
“Do whatever is needed.”
Haridas’ daughter then invited all the bhaktas in
town for prasada. She set up a tent for the festive
occasion and after everyone had taken their meals,
Haridas’ daughter told the Brahmin, “Now take bits of
leftovers from each bhakta’s plate and eat these
leftovers for three days.”
The Brahmin picked up all the plates and cleaned
everything and with faith, he put a bit of everyone’s
leftovers into a bowl. After he took some of the remains,
half of his leprosy was cured. After the second day of

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

eating the bhakta’s leftovers, his leprosy was decreased
by half and by the third day, he was totally cured. He
returned to Shri Gusainji and submitted, “I discovered
great bliss there.”

Meanwhile, in Haridas’s daughter’s town,

thousands of rupees were collected for Shri Nathji along
with generous offerings to Shri Gusainji. Bhaktas
should always act carefully and be free of distrust.

In this account the teaching is found that one should

never consider the caste or social position of a bhakta. If
you do, you commit a serious offence. Know the forms of
the bhaktas to be divine.

The man from Braja, the shoe seller as well as the

Brahmin were all vessels of Shri Gusainji’s grace. Their
stories have no end. To what extent can we praise them?
(154)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 THE MERCHANT

The merchant is a rajas bhakta and is Rasavesini in the

lila. He has three lila associations, Sarasasani, Prakasini
and Vilasani. In this world, Sarasasani became his wife
while Prakasini and Vilasini became a neighboring
brahmin couple.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji was going to Shri

Dwarkanathji’s temple in Gujarat, he stopped by the
merchant’s town. When the merchant came to see him,
he beheld the bhakti master as Krishna Himself and
decided, along with his wife, to become a disciple. Shri
Gusainji quickly established Shri Krishna’s seva in
their lives. The merchant and his wife daily served Shri
Krishna and also attended satsang with the other
bhaktas in their town.
The merchant loved the Vaishnavas and whenever
they visited his home, he always insisted that they take
prasada. He would only eat after they had finished their
meals. Even if bhaktas appeared at their door in the
middle of the night, the merchant couple would cook
and after offering the food to a sacred text, they would
feed their guests.
One day it rained very heavily and all the
merchant’s wood and dried cow dung became
drenched. Late that night, some bhaktas arrived at their
door and the merchant told his wife, “Bathe and cook
something for our guests.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 His wife exclaimed, “Our cooking fuel is totally
drenched. How can I cook? Go out and find some dry
wood!”
“At this hour, where will I find dry wood? You
start getting everything ready. I will somehow find some
dry wood.”
With axe in hand, the merchant went to a nearby
devi temple that had two wooden doors. He took one of
the doors and broke it up with his axe and brought it
home on his back.
“Where did you find this dry wood?” His wife
asked.
“Don’t tell anyone, but I busted up a door from
that devi temple.”
His wife cooked a meal with the wood and all the
bhaktas were fed the prasada. Afterwards they sat for
satsang and then sang the praises of their Beloved Hari.
After the merchant couple arranged for their bedding,
they took their rest. The merchant truly loved Shri
Krishna and His bhaktas.
The following morning, after the merchant and his
wife made an offering to Shri Krishna they gave the
prasada to the visiting Vaishnavas. Then they escorted
them a short ways out of town and bid them farewell.

TWO

A brahmin couple lived next to the merchant. They

were priests in the devi temple. The following day, the
brahmin wife asked the merchant’s wife, “Your wood

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

and cowdung were drenched. How were you able to
cook last night?”
She revealed, “My husband took a wooden door off
of the devi temple and broke it up for fuel.”
But that devi is very powerful. She did not object?”
“No, not a word.”

The brahmin’s husband liked to have two hot

meals a day and never ate leftovers. Later that evening,
the brahmin’s wife told her husband, “If you get some
dry wood I can cook something.”
“It is night. Where do you think I can find dry
wood at this hour?”
His wife explained, “Yesterday, the merchant went
to the devi temple and took one of her doors and used it
as cooking fuel. Today why don’t you take the other one
and bring it home for fuel.”
The husband objected, “Such an act will enrage the
devi.”
His wife told him, “That devi is very poor. She will
not say anything and besides she is pleased with us.
Now quickly go and bring that door here.”
The Brahmin took his axe and went to the devi
temple and as soon as he struck the door, his axe
became lodged in the door and his hand stuck to the
axe. Unable to free his hand he lamented, “I did what
my wife said and now look, the devi is angry with me.”
He sat there for a few hours trying to free his hand.
Meanwhile his wife wondered what happened to him
and went out to look for him. When she came to the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

devi temple and saw her husband by the devi’s door,
she called out to him, “Have you fallen asleep?”
“Woman! My karmas have finally caught up with
me. The devi is furious and look, my hand is stuck to
the door!”
“Don’t worry, I will help you.”
But when she grabbed hold of the axe, her hand
also stuck to it and both of them, with all of their
strength could not free themselves. When they prayed
to the devi, the devi admonished them, “So you have
come here to steal my temple door! I will never release
you.”
The brahmin submitted, “Then we will die here
and our death will be totally your fault.”
The devi replied, “Bring me a new door and daily
bring the bhakta merchants some dry wood.”
“O mother, I agree but please free our hands.”
The devi replied, “I will let you go, but only after
giving you a good punishment. Then no one else will
ever dare to do anything like this again.”
The brahmin couple stayed stuck to the axe lodged
in the devi’s door for the entire night. The following
morning, the townspeople and even the king came to the
devi temple and everyone laughed seeing the brahmin
couple stuck to the devi’s door. They mocked them,
“The devi did not do anything to the person who took
her first door, but look at what happened to this poor
couple.”
Despite their prayers, for the entire day, the couple
stayed stuck to the door while their heads hung low
with shame. They had to bear everyone’s insults. That

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

evening after everyone finally left, the devi told the
couple, “I will release you, but you must not only
promise to make new doors for me, but take dry wood
to the bhaktas who live next door twice a day. If you fail
to follow my orders, I will cut your heads off with my
sword.”
The devi then released the terrified brahmin couple
and they returned home and immediately made new
doors for the devi temple and took dry wood over to the
merchant’s house twice a day. After several days, the
merchant told him, “My house is full of wood. I have no
more space to store it. Please stop.”
The brahmin replied with folded hands, “If I don’t
bring you wood, that devi will kill us.”
The merchant replied, “You copied what we did
and that is the cause of your trouble. Now you
understand the power of our guru, Shri Gusainji.
The brahmin prayed, “Please make me Shri
Gusainji’s disciple.”
“Go to Gokul and take initiation from him and
then dedicate your lives to making Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
“But that devi will not let us leave.”
The merchant consoled him, “I will talk to your
devi.”

Later the merchant went to the devi temple and

told her, “We have enough wood. Please don’t harass
that brahmin any more.”
The devi replied, “Will you promise to never take
any of my doors again?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “I promise, but please allow that brahmin to
become a bhakta.”
The devi was pleased, “I will no longer disturb
him.”
The merchant then returned to the brahmin, “Now
you can go to Gokul and take initiation. Then encirle
the holy land of Braja, see Shri Nathji and then request
Shri Krishna’s seva from Shri Gusainji. The brahmin
couple then headed directly to Gokul and when they
came before Shri Gusainji, he welcomed them, “So you
are devi priests. Fast tomorrow. I will give you Brahma
Sambandah mantra the day after.”
The day after the fast, the couple bathed in the
Yamuna river and then Shri Gusainji intiated them.
The brahmin couple then walked around the Braja area
and after having Shri Nathji’s darshan, they returned
to Shri Gusainji in Gokul and prayed, “What should we
do now?”
“Serve Shri Krishna.”
The bhakti master then gave them a piece of sacred
cloth for their worship and told them to learn seva from
the merchant bhakta. They returned home and received
seva teachings from the merchant. The brahmin couple
became skillful in both their sevas to Shri Krishna as
well as to His bhaktas. They presented the bhaktas with
prasada and at night they had satsang. The brahmin
couple became great devotees by associating with the
merchant.

In this account it is shown that bhaktas should always be

welcomed into one’s home with all of one’s resources.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

This account also reveals the true form of the
Vaishnavas. They are truly exalted and are always
fearless. Even the gods are intimidated by them.

The merchant couple as well as the brahmin couple

were great vessels of Shri Gusainji’s grace. There story
has no end. To what extent can we praise them? (155)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A VINA PLAYER

The the vina player is a satvika bhakta and is Vina in the

lila. Vina is a melodious singer and has a voice that
sounds like a vina. Shri Krishna adores her. In this world
the vina player was born into a brahmin family in
Jatipura. He became Shri Gusainji’s follower when he
was a child. His parents died when he was ten and then
he went to live with his grandparents in Mathura. There
he studied with a great vina master and by the time he
was twenty, he became an accomplished vina player. After
the vina player married, he moved back to Jatipura where
he had a son and a daughter. He was very poor and
barely had enough money for food. There, someone
mentioned to Shri Gusainji, “Your disciple, the vina
player plays very well. He is a householder and is
destitute.”
Shri Gusainji called him, “Play vina before Shri
Nathji and take prasada from the temple.”
“That was exactly my wish.” The vina player replied.

ONE

The vina player played his vina very close to Shri

Nathji. Every day he would play an hour before Shri
Nathji was awakened and then later for another hour
after Shri Nathji went to bed. He was a wonderful
musician and both Shri Nathji and Shri Gusainji were
delighted with his seva. When it came time to arrange
for the marriages of his children, he had no money. He
received prasada from the temple but in those days, no

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

one would ever pay for prasada. Whatever was not used
would be given free of charge to the other bhaktas. The
vina player considered, “I should go to Gujarat to
collect money for the marriages of my children.”
As soon as he had that thought, Shri Nathji
worried, “Then who will play vina for Me? He needs
money for his household life.”
That evening, after everyone returned to their
homes, Shri Nathji put a golden bowl inside his vina
and then returned to the temple. The following
morning, when the vina player found the golden bowl
he knew, “This is Shri Nathji’s bowl.”
A bit later, when Shri Gusainji entered the temple
and sounded the counch to awaken Shri Nathji, he
noticed that the golden bowl that was usually placed
next to Shri Nathji’s bed, was missing. He reflected, “It
will come back from wherever it went.”
After he offered Shri Nathji breakfast, while the
bhakti master was sitting in the temple’s triple archway
the vina player placed the golden bowl in front of his
guru.”
“Where did you find this?” Shri Gusainji enquired.
“Maharaja, I found it inside my vina.”
Shri Gusainji, the knower of all hearts,
immediately understood that it was Shri Nathji’s wish
that he have it. He turned to the vina player, “You
know, Shri Nathji gave you that golden bowl. Keep it.”
The vina player replied, “How can I keep Shri
Nathji’s item?”
“It is my wish that you keep it.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The vina player then took the bowl and bowed to
his guru, “I have taken it and now I offer it back to
you.”
He then gave Shri Gusainji the bowl and the guru
washed it and then placed it back into Shri Nathji’s
seva. The bhakti master understood the vina player’s
situation and later approached him, “Are you planning
to go somewhere?”
“Maharaja, I am a householder and need some
money for my childrens’ weddings. I was thinking of
going to Gujarat.”
Shri Gusainji turned to him and said, “Don’t go
there. Shri Nathji is pleased with your playing here. If
you need money, then take it from Shri Nathji’s
storeroom.”
“I can not accept God’s money.” Said the vina
player.
“Then take some from me.”Suggested Shri
Gusainji.
“I cannot accept money from my guru.”
“Then I will arrange for some other bhaktas to
help you out, but don’t go anywhere.”

Later Shri Gusainji mentioned to a wealthy bhakta

from Gujarat, “Shri Nathji gave our vina player His
own golden bowl but he would not accept it. He also will
not accept any money from me. Shri Nathji is very
pleased with him and he needs money for his children’s
marriages.”
The wealthy man then gave the vina player the
funds he needed and the vina player never left Shri

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Nathji’s seva. Both Shri Nathji and Shri Gusainji were
continually pleased with the vina player.

In this account it is shown that everything that resides

near Shri Nathji is filled with His own blissful being and
for that reason, bhaktas will never consider anything that
is related to Shri Nathji as mundane. Also bhaktas will
never touch either God’s or the guru’s wealth.

The vina player was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s

grace. His tale has no end. To what extent can we praise
him? (156)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 PREMJI LUHANA

Premji is a rajas bhakta and is Prem Prakashika in the

lila.

ONE

Once Premji came to Gokul with a group of other

bhaktas from the town of Halar. After meeting Shri
Gusainji, he became his disciple. He then visited Shri
Nathji’s temple and returned to Gokul where he stayed
for a week before heading out with some other bhaktas
on a walk around the Braja. Upon returning to Gokul,
he asked the bhakti master, “What should I do?”
Shri Gusainji told him, “Perform Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
“I could do it if it is simple.”
Shri Gusainji then presented him with a sacred
cloth to worship and told him, “This seva is simple to
perform and it is very profound. You can adorn the
cloth or not. It is all up to you, but make food offerings
in your seva.”
Premji remained in Gokul for many days and there
had the darshan of the seva of Shri Gusainji’s seven
sons in their seven homes before returning home to
Halar. Premji continued to lovingly perform seva. He
would start in the morning with a Mangal offering and
then he would adorn his seva. After offering the midday
meal, he served prasada to any bhakta who came to
visit. Then Premji would go to work and return in the
afternoon to awake his Krishna for Utthapan. After

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

making the afternoon and evening offerings, he would
complete his seva and attend satsang.
Once he reflected, “I hear that Shri Krishna speaks
directly with his other bhaktas. I requested Shri
Gusainji for simple seva and he told me that my seva is,
‘Simple yet profound’. I wonder when Shri Krishna will
speak with me?”
Later that afternoon, after he bathed and entered
into his seva, when he glanced towards his seva cloth, at
that moment he had the divine darshan of Shri
Krishna’s circle of cowlad friends. Every thread of his
seva cloth contained the divine form of Shri Krishna.
The throne in the seva was also totally full of Shri
Krishna’s divine being. He contemplated, “What I
desired, Shri Gusainji fulfilled. See, my seva is truly
profound, yet very simple. I don’t think I can make
extensive ornamention any more though.”
After he made a food offering, when he looked
towards his seva cloth, he no longer had the darshan of
the lila and the seva cloth appeared as before. He
reflected, “Shri Gusainji is very compassionate and
fulfills the desires of his bhakta’s heart.”
Premji continued to lovingly make seva and daily
attend satsang. Shri Krishna filled him with His divine
experience.

In this account it is taught that bhaktas should believe in

Shri Gusainji’s words and also that seva should be
performed with devotion. Then Shri Krishna showers His
grace and grants devotional realization.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Premji was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace. His
account is endless. To what extent can he be praised?
(157)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

BRINDAVANDAS AND CHABIDAS FROM AGRA

They are tamas bhaktas. In the lila Brindavandas is

Aradhika while Chabidas is Prabodhika.

ONE

Brindavandas and Chabidas were great friends.

Although they were not Shri Gusainji’s disciples, they
used to go to Santdas’ house every evening for satsang.
One night at the satsang they heard that one should not
take drinking water from a person who has not received
initiation. As soon as they heard that, Brindavandas
committed, “Now I will only drink water after I have
taken initiation from Shri Gusainji.”
Chabidas replied, “I can not make the forty mile
trip to Gokul without drinking water.”
Brindavandas consoled him, “Then you drink but I
will only drink water after I have taken Krishna mantra
from Shri Gusainji.”
The following morning they set out and arrived in
Gokul that evening where they humbly bowed before
Shri Gusainji, “We have come here to take refuge.
Please initiate us.”
The bhakti master told them, “I will give you
initiation in the morning.”
Chabidas then explained, “Maharaja! Although I
have been drinking water, Brindavandas has vowed not
to drink any water until after the initiation. His throat
is so dry that he is unable to speak.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Seeing their ardent devotion, he called them
forward and gave them both initiation and then advised
his attendant. “Give them some temple water.”
The attendant presented them with some rose
water that had been offered to Shri Navanita Priyaji
and they were delighted to drink it. When Shri Gusainji
invited them to take a plate of prasada, Brindavandas
told him, “I am totally satisfied from this water. After
you have taken your meals, we will have some prasada.”
Shri Gusainji gave some teachings before taking
his evening meal. After the two bhaktas took prasada,
they were given a place to sleep. The following morning
they requested Shri Gusainji, “Now we would like to
take the second initiation, the Brahma Sambandha
mantra.”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Then fast today and I
will give it to you tomorrow.”
Both of them exclaimed, “Then we will be one day
without initiation. Please bless us today!”
Shri Gusainji, seeing their divine enthusiasm,
became full of compassion and told them, “Have
mangal darshan and then sit by the temple.”
Shri Gusainji then told his attendant, “Arrange for
their baths.”
While Shri Gusainji was adorning Shri Navanita
Priyaji, the two bhaktas bathed and after Child
Krishna’s adornment was completed, the bhakti master
initiated them. Later that day, after everyone had taken
prasada, they asked Shri Gusainji, “Now what should
we do?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji explained, “Now you should make
Shri Krishna’s seva.”
“Then please present us with a Krishna for our
worship.”
Shri Gusainji established Shri Krishna’s seva in
their lives and then told them to have satsang with the
bhakta Hrishikesh in Agra.
“He is our uncle!” The two replied.
“Then he will teach you all about seva.”

After they returned to Agra, they learned the ways

of seva from Hrishikesha and began to make lovely
seva. One day Brindavandas made ornamentation while
Chabidas cooked. The next day they would switch seva
roles. They made Shri Krishna’s seva carefully and full
of joy. They daily offered new items and presented
other bhaktas with prasada. After their morning seva
was completed, they would go to work and return in the
afternoon to complete the evening seva. Afterwards they
attended satsang with other bhaktas and would become
so full of bliss that their voices trembled while all the
hairs on their bodies stood erect with bliss. They
experienced profound love.
There are many other stories about Brindavandas
that are not mentioned here. Once when Shri Gusainji
came to Agra, he stayed with the bhakta Rupa
Chandananda. There the bhaktas mentioned,
“Brindavandas and Chabidas are brilliant at making
seva and cooking for their Krishna. They have pure
faith and love satsang.”
Shri Gusainji was always pleased with them.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

In this account it is shown that one should take the
support of other bhaktas. This account also reveals that in
seva, everyday should be considered a great festival and
should be celebrated with new adorments and offerings.

Brindavandas and Chabidas were great vessels of Shri

Gusainji’s grace. Their story could never be fully told.
(158)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A BRAHMIN COUPLE FROM GUJARAT

They are satvika bhaktas. In Shri Krishna’s lila, the wife

is Kalsika while the husband is Karnika. In this world
they were born in Gujarat. They married and many years
later, after their parents died, they decided to go to
Banares to visit Shiva’s Vishvanath’s temple. When they
reached Banares, they saw Shri Gusainji engaged in a
debate with Shri Shankaracharya’s followers. They
immediately had a divine darshan of the bhakti master
and decided to become his disciples. They followed Shri
Gusainji to Seth Purushottamdas’house and when they
requested initiation. Shri Gusainji turned to them and
said, “You are brahmins coming here to see Shiva’s
Vishvanath’s temple. Why haven’t you gone there yet?”
The couple replied, “After seeing you, there is no
other darshan for us. Please afford us your refuge now.”
Seeing their divine enthusiasm, Shri Gusainji
initiated them and later instructed them, “While
understanding the greatness of loving devotion, make
Shri Krishna’s seva.”
The couple prayed, “Please reveal to us the true
nature of seva.”
Shri Gusainji then taught them Shri Mahaprabhu
Vallabhacharya’s teaching, “The Fruit of Seva.” After
receiving that enpowerment, they requested, “Now present
us with Shri Krishna’s seva.”
Shri Gusainji gave them a Child Krishna for their
seva and told them, “While remaining free from material
ambitions, make seva with abundant love.”
The couple then returned home to Gujarat.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 ONE

The brahmin couple made Shri Krishna’s seva with

great devotion, but they were very poor. Only the
husband was blessed with Shri Krishna’s direct
experience. One day, his wife went to have Shri
Krishna’s darshan at a wealthy man’s home. He was
also a disciple of Shri Gusainji. When she saw the
opulence of his Krishna’s seva, she returned home and
went to bed. When her husband came home he
querried, “Aren’t you going to bathe and enter the
seva?”
She replied, “Today you make the seva.”
After he completed the daily seva, he approached
his wife, “What has happened to you?”
The wife explained, “I will do seva only when we
have enough money to make opulent seva.”
The husband responded, “Fine. Then make opluent
seva.”
The following morning he told his wife, “Two miles
from here there is a tree. Dig by its roots and you will
find lots of money. Fill your basket with that wealth and
then return here and make your opulent seva with that
money.”
The wife followed her husband’s directions and
found the money under the tree. As she was filling her
basket with her newly found wealth, a voice sounded
from the tree, “You may take all this money, but only
after giving me something.”
“What is it you desire?” She asked.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “I want from you the fruit of filling Shri Krishna’s
pitcher full of water just once. Then you can take this
basket of money.”
The wife replied, “I can not give you that.”
The tree continued, “You may keep the main fruit
of filling Shri Krishna’s pitcher. Just give me what is
left over. Just think of how many times you fill Shri
Krishna’s pitcher in a single day! I am only asking for
the partial fruit of filling it once.”
The wife left the wealth under the tree and
returned home where she told everything to her
husband. He then turned to her and explained, “See,
when you make seva free from all desires of wealth,
there is no reward equal to filling our Child Krishna’s
pitcher full of water. A single step taken in seva grants
greater rewards than one hundred horse sacrifices. Now
understand the true value of filling Shri Krishna’s
pitcher and what all that money is really worth.”
From that day forward, his wife never desired
wealth again and reflected, “I am so blessed to to fill
Shri Krishna’s water pitcher.”
And she did so free of every material concern and
Shri Krishna began to appear to her. The brahmin
couple remained materially poor, but were always
engaged in their Child Krishna’s seva.

In this account it is shown that Shri Krishna is pleased

with those who humbly make Shri Krishna’s seva free of
desires of wealth and without hankering after other
rewards. This story shows us the greatness of offering

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Shri Krishna some water. There is no reward equal to that
simple offering.

They were vessels of Shri Gusainji’s grace. Their

story can not be fully told. (159)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A DEVOTEE AND A BHAKTA

They are both rajas bhaktas. The devotee is Kamalakshi

while the bhakta is Hiranakshi.

ONE

Once while Shri Gusainji was visiting Gujarat, the

devotee and the bhakta became his disciples and with
the guru’s grace, their devotional dharma became firm.
The devotee lived in Raja Nagar while the bhakta lived
in Dholaka. They never met. The devotee always
thought, “It would be wonderful to meet a true bhakta.”
When the time came for the devotee to marry off
his daughter, he sent an invitation to the bhakta in
Dholaka requesting his presence. Meanwhile, the
devotee and his wife made Shri Krishna’s seva daily.
After waving the arati lights around their Beloved
Lord, they would sit down for their meals only after
presenting a few bhaktas with the prasada. In the
evening, when their seva was completed, they held
satsang with other bhaktas in their home.
On the day of the wedding, they got up very early
and completed their daily seva and then invited the
other bhaktas to the marriage ceremony. The bhakta
from Dholaka arrived there and thought, “I will test
this devotee. I will enter the ceremony at the moment he
is giving his daughter away just to see what he does.”
He waited outside the marriage ceremony hall with
seven other bhaktas and told one of them, “You inform
me when the marriage ceremony is about to take place.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 When the critical moment arose, just as the devotee
was about to give his daughter’s hand away, the bhakta
entered the ceremony. Seeing him, the devotee
immediately left the marriage ceremony and joyously
greated him and the other bhaktas who had joined him.
He invited them all into his home and offered them
prasada. When he returned to the incomplete
ceremony, the priest told him, “The auspicious moment
for the marriage has past.”
The devotee implored, “Then find another good
time for the marriage.”
The priest conducted the ceremony two hours later.
By the time it was completed, it was nearly sunrise and
the devotee couple bathed and entered into their
Krishna’s seva. The wife cooked the offerings while the
husband adorned their Shri Krishna. The bhakta was
called in for darshan and then all the other Vaishnavas
present there were offered prasada. At that time, the
bhakta reflected, “I have tested this devotee. In the
middle of his worldly obligations, he acted as a true
Krishna bhakta. Now I will test him in a divine
fashion.”
That afternoon, the couple began their seva and in
the evening after offering everyone prasada, they
arranged for their guests’ bedding. At that time, the
bhakta told them, “I wish to sleep with my head resting
on the doorstep of your Krishna’s temple.”
The couple arranged for his bedding there and
then went back to complete their worldly duties. Early
the following morning, the wife entered the kitchen to
prepare the offering, but when the husband tried to

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

enter his Krishna’s temple, he found the bhakta
sleeping by Krishna door blocking his entrance to the
temple. He stood there and reflected, “I will not disturb
the sleeping bhakta, but I will not be able to enter my
Krishna’s temple until he gets up.”
He then went and made his tilak and sat down to
recite the blessed names of Hari. Meanwhile, the bhakta
pretended to sleep. He was testing the devotee. He
wanted to see how he would react to the situation.
Meanwhile, the wife prepared all the offerings and the
husband finished his sacred recitation, but still the
bhakta did not arise. The devotee pondered, “He is still
sleeping, but I will not wake him.”
The devotee stood for three hours waiting for the
bhakta to wake! Finally the bhakta thought, “This
person is truly an accomplished soul and now it is time
for their Krishna to take lunch.”
The bhakta suddenly got up and turned to the
devotee and said, “Have you have been standing there
for a long time waiting to get into the temple?”
The devotee replied, “I have just bathed and come
here.”
The devotee then opened the temple doors and
after awakening his Krishna, he quickly adorned his
Blessed Hari and offered Him lunch. He gave the other
bhaktas who were present there prasada. The bhakta
pondered “I have tested this devotee and now know he
is truly an exalted being. Now I will return home.”
He approached the devotee, “I tested you and there
is no doubt that you are an accomplished bhakta. Now
allow me to return home.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The devotee replied, “Please stay here for a few
extra days.”
But the bhakta insisted that he had to return home
and the couple along with some other Vaishnavas
escorted him two miles out of town and then bid him
farewell.
The devotee later thought, “That bhakta has tested
me, now one day I will test him.”

Many days later, the bhakta’s wife passed away

and he thought, “Shri Krishna’s seva requires two
people. I will remarry and my new wife will help me in
the seva.”
He arranged for his marriage and invited the
devotee. When the devotee received the invitation he
reflected, “Now I will test this bhakta. When it is just
the moment for him to mount the horse to ride in his
marriage procession, I will enter the ceremony.”
The devotee reached the bhakta’s town with seven
other bhaktas at the moment the bhakta was mounting
the horse for his marriage procession. Seeing the
devotee, the bhakta got down from his horse and
greeted him with great honor and escorted him to his
home. There he arranged for his meals and rest and
then returned to his own marriage procession and
completed the ceremony two hours late.
After the marriage was completed, the bhakta
bathed and entered into Shri Krishna’s seva. After
completing the entire seva, he gave the devotee darshan
of his Krishna and then presented him with some
prasada. The devotee reflected, “He is a total bhakta. I

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

have taken his worldly examination, now I will examine
him from a divine angle.”

Later that afternoon, after the bhakta completed

his evening seva he started a satsang with the devotee
and continued it all night until just after sunrise.
Hearing his extended satsang, the devotee was
convinced, “He is truly an exalted bhakta and very
intimate with Shri Krishna.”
The bhakta only stopped the satsang when he
realizied that his seva would be late. He then bathed
and completed all the cooking and ornamentation and
after offering Shri Krishna lunch, he presented all the
Vaishnavas there prasada. When the devotee was about
to leave, the bhakta requested him to stay on for a few
extra days, but the devotee headed home. Both the
devotee and the bhakta had great bhava for Shri
Gusainji , Shri Krishna as well as for the other bhaktas.

In this account there looms a big question. It is a well

known fact that you are never supposed to test another
bhakta; it is considered a sin! Shri Mahaprabhuji told
bhaktas like Kumbhandas and others not to ever test other
bhaktas. So why did those two test each other?
The reason is that on the excuse of testing each
other, they have revealed to others the true nature of a
bhakta. Through their actions they have shown the nature
of the bhakta’s dharma so that others who review their
story in the future will refrain from being trapped by their
false egos. Also know that if an ordinary devotee tests
another bhakta like that, he will experience spiritual

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

obstructions in the process. These two souls were very
accomplished beings and they revealed an essential
teaching.

They were both vessels of Shri Gusainji ’s grace. There

is no way to reveal their entire story, so what else can be
said? (160)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A VAISHNAVA WHO CLIMBED THE
GOVARDHAN HILL

This Vaishnava is a tamas bhakta and is Mukta in the

lila. He was born into a family of business people from
Gujarat. When he was just ten years old, his parents died
and he started living with a renunciate. Both of them later
moved to Banares. When the Vaishnava was twenty-
seven years old, he considered, “I have never seen
Mathura or Vrindavan. I will pilgrimage there.”
He first went to Vishranti Ghat in Mathura and then
proceeded to Gokul where he saw Shri Gusainji
performing his sandhya prayers on Thakurani ghat. As
soon as he saw the bhakti master he decided to become
his disciple. Shri Gusainji told him, “Now go and bathe in
the Yamuna river.”
After his bath, Shri Gusainji initiated him and the
Vaishnava remained in Gokul for a while and then went
to the Govardhan hill by Shri Nathji’s temple. Seeing the
beauty of the divine mount, he became so enchanted with
the place that he never went anywhere else.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji came to Shri Nathji’s temple

accompanied by a group of other bhaktas, he saw the
Vaishnava from Gujarat climbing all over the
Govardhan hill, straying from the path that leads to
Shri Nathji’s temple. Observing him, Shri Gusainji
shook his head and the other bhaktas who were with
him quierried, “Why are you shaking your head?”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Shri Gusainji turned to them and explained, “The
Govardhan hill is Shri Krishna’s very form, embedded
with divine jewels. That man who is running all over the
sacred mount is a fool. Now listen to a story about the
sacred hill found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.”
Shri Gusainji began to explain, “Once Shri
Krishna and the sage Narada were sitting together and
Shri Krishna turned to the sage and said, ‘I am thirsty.’
“When Narada went out to find some water, he
came across a large lake with two young boys sitting
there performing austerities. Next to them was a
mountain of bones. Confounded, Narada returned to
Shri Krishna who smiled at him and explained, “Those
two boys you saw are great yogis.They are doing
austerities with the hope of one day having the darshan
of the Govardhan hill. They have taken numberless
births in their divine pursuit. The mountain of bones is
from their previous incarnations. Only when they
receive His grace, will they have the darshan. The
Govardhan hill delayed their darshan for a very long
time.
“The Govardhan hill is truly Krishna, totally full of
His lilas and joy. With the graceful intervention of Shri
Mahaprabhuji, we are able to have that darshan.
Otherwise, what can the soul know of such things? For
this reason I shook my head at that Vaishnava who was
wandering all over the sacred hill. Know that the
Govardhan hill is the best of all of Hari’s followers.”
In this way, on the excuse of shaking his head at
that Vaishnava, the other bhaktas received important
teachings.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

In this account it is shown that the Govardhan hill is
totally divine, Shri Krishna’s lila abode, full of bliss and
the very form of God. Bhaktas should not step on the
sacred hill unless they are climbing Govardhan to have
darshan or to make seva. Then, before walking on the
sacred mount, bhaktas should bow before the hill and stay
on the path. Otherwise they violate Shri Krishna’s lila
space and are removed from His blessed play.

Still, that Vaishnava was a very blessed bhakta. There is

not way to fully reveal his life story. (161)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A RENOUNCED BRAHMIN

He is a sattvic bhakta and was renounced from childhood.

His parents died when he was twenty and he never
married. He pilgrimaged to Mathura where he asked a
disciple of Shri Gusainji, “Do you know of an enlightened
being who can free me from the afflictions of birth and
death?”
“If you take the refuge of my guru, Shri Gusainji,”
the bhakta explained, “all of your ignorance will be
removed and replaced with Perfect Joy.”
“Please take me to him.”
They both headed for Gokul where Shri Gusainji
initiated the renounced Brahmin and filled him with his
graceful glance.

ONE

The renounced Brahmin understood Shri Krishna’s

intimate lila and went before Shri Gusainji and asked,
“Please give me teachings that will remove the woes of
this world and allow me entrance into Shri Krishna’s
lila.”
Shri Gusainji replied, “This is not an easy thing
and happens only with the grace of Shri Krishna.”
The renounced Brahmin, for the upliftment of
other bhaktas then added, “By hearing your nectar
teachings, a bhakta can become accomplished.”
Shri Gusainji smiled and explained, “Before, when
bhaktas had free time, I would see them sitting by the
banks of the Yamuna singing devotional songs.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Nowadays, I rarely see Vaishnavas singing or having
satsang. Mostly they listen to worldly talk. It is said…

‘When fate turns against someone, only then do they

leave the nectar stories of the indestructible Lord and
listen to the false tales of worldly speakers. They are
like pigs who subsist on filth.’”

Shri Gusainji paused and then continued, “Shri

Krishna tells us in the Gita that we should leave all
other dharmas and take His singular shelter. True
bhaktas feel they have nothing besides Him and always
reflect in their minds and hearts, ‘I take the refuge of
Shri Krishna’s lotus feet.’ This practice removes every
impurity.
“When the bhakta sees worldly pursuits as useless,
she effortlessly attains devotion. Her Krishna seva frees
her from all hinderances and the Beloved understands
that, ‘She makes My seva’ and then awards her the
fruit of seva.
“If you adore Shri Krishna in the mood of the
Gopis, then you will be accepted by the Blessed Lord.
No trace of maya will remain in the heart. Shri Nathji is
the bhakta’s all and everything. When the Gopis hear
the flute, they abandon all other things. These are but
some of the virtues found in the bhakta who enters His
lila.
“The blessed bhakta is like a perfectly ripe fruit,
bristling with joy. She guards her devotion in the depths
of her heart. Her speech is like a flow of nectar. Her
devotional nature brings her directly before the Beloved

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

and she dedicates her wealth and everything to Him.
This type of exalted devotion is seen between Shri
Krishna and His beloved Gopis. It should be emulated.
“Bhaktas should protect three things in their lives.
First there should be discrimination, then fortitude and
finally refuge. According to Shri Vallabhacharya,
wisdom arises when we know that whatever Krishna
does is good. Regardless of the situation, one should
never pray for anything and know that all arises
according to His wish. Understand that Shri Krishna
already knows everything, so what is the use of asking
anything from Him? This is the first thing to master.
“When man can not even know his own future, see
the unseen or grasp his own fate, how can he know
something as exalted as Shri Krishna? Know that what
Shri Krishna desires happens and that it is always
good.”
Shri Gusainji paused and then continued to explain
to the renounced Brahmin, “One should also avoid
having a sense of false pride or thoughts like, ‘I make
such good seva yet Shri Krishna does not fulfill my
desires.’ Always understand that whatever happens is
His wish and so therefore live happily.
“A person should also not think, ‘It is too difficult
to make seva so I will just sit and rest.’ If a person acts
like that, their spiritual work will never get done.
Follow the guide lines of the guru. If you cross them,
you are subjected to impurity. Remain under the
control of the Master.
“Also one should offer one’s children, wife, home,
wealth and everything to Shri Krishna. When the soul

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

realizes who she really is, she then understands that
there is nothing to be prideful about. She beholds
whatever He does as always correct and knows ‘I am
Krishna’s follower. My dharma is to perfrom His seva.’
“Also, the three types of pain should always be
withstood. Some say one should not even pray to see His
face, but the main dharma of the bhakta is to look
towards His face! Do something that will inspire Shri
Krishna to accept you in some way. The Blessed Lord
can accept you while you sit at home or He can also
receive you if you go close to Him. True refuge is found
in His seva. There should be no other concern.”
Then Shri Gusainji explained a teaching from Shri
Mahaprabhuji’s Antarkarana Prabodha, “When a
bhakta who has taken refuge become firm in devotion,
she no longer incurs impurities. Shri Mahaprabhuji
Vallabhacharya has told us with his nectar speech that,
‘I did not follow two of Shri Krishna’s commands, but I
did not repent because I am his follower. I have offered
absolutely everything to Him, so what is there to worry
about?’
“He goes on to explain that Shri Krishna is not
pleased with anyone who is overly concerned with their
body and is also not careful in seva. If a young married
woman is not sent to her husband’s home because of
her parents’ excessive affection, her husband will not be
pleased. The husband will only be content when they
send her. With this teaching in mind, now understand
the situation with your own body; offer it to Krishna
and then carefully make His seva. Then you will please
Shri Krishna.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The renounced Brahmin was pleased to receive
Shri Gusainji’s elixir teachings. Shri Gusainji returned
to his seat while the renounced Brahmin had the
darshan of the seven forms of Krishna that reside in
Shri Gusainji’s and his sons’ homes. When he returned
he bowed before the guru. Shri Gusainji asked, “Did
you have the darshan of Shri Navanita Priyaji?”
“Yes! With your grace I had the darshan of all
seven Krishnas. How can a single soul sing Their
praises? Please explain to me the bhavas of the different
forms of Shri Krishna that reside in your homes.”
Shri Gusainji began, “Shri Navanitpriyaji is the
form of Child Krishna that resides with mother
Yashoda. Krishna plays like an infant in front of her.
“Then when Shri Krishna becomes a young lad
and begins to herd His cows, that form of Shri Krishna
is Shri Mathuradish. One day Shri Mathuradish went
out with His friends to the Gopis’ homes to steal butter.
When He entered Shri Svamini’s home to steal her
milk, curds and butter, Shri Svamini quietly came in
and grabbed the Blessed Lord with two hands and said,
‘Today I caught you. Now I will bring you before Nanda
and Yashoda and tell them all about Your stealing.’
“At that moment, Shri Mathuradish manifested
two additional arms and with folded hands prayed to
Shri Svaminiji, ‘I am under your control. Always keep
Me with you. I hold this conch in my lower right hand
because it is the form of Your neck. In My other lower
hand, I hold a lotus because Your face is like a lotus. In
My upper left hand I hold the mace because it is like the
form of Your breast. My upper right hand holds the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

discus. It is like the bells on Your belt. The bangles on
Your wrist, I worship them and put them on my own
wrist. Now please release Me.’ When she did, He gave
Her a taste of His nectar lips. This is the lila of Shri
Mathuradish.
“When the Gopis worshipped Shri Katyayayni
Devi in order to secure Shri Krishna as their husband,
Shri Krishna came to the banks of the Yamuna river,
stole their clothes and climbed up a Kadamb tree. This
is the form of Shri Vitthalnathji. He remains absorbed
in the bhava of Shri Svaminiji and that is why He
became her golden color. If Shri Vitthalnathji appeared
by the banks of the Yamuna river adorned as Dark
Krishna, all the Gopis would have recognized Him and
He would not have been able to steal their clothes. The
Gopis were delayed in meeting Krishna because they
were too shy to emerge from the water to receive their
garments. Shri Vitthalnathji returned the Gopi’s
clothes having made them all divine. That is the lila of
Shri Vitthanathji.
“In the five chapters of Rasa Lila that describe
Shri Krishna’s dance with the Gopis, the form of Shri
Dwarkadish suddenly appeared to the Gopis by the
banks of the Yamuna river. There Shri Dwarkadish
with His two lotus hands covered Shri Svamini’s eyes
and then He manifested two other hands and played the
flute. Shri Dwarkadish’s lila is filled with nectar.
“The form of Shri Gokulnathji appeared when
Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill and protected
all the Braja bhaktas. He picked the hill up with His left
hand and then held it with his right hand and played

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

the flute with his other two hands and filled all the
residents of Braja with nectar. Sometimes he even held
the hill with the end of his flute. Shri Gokulnathji’s
lower left hand holds the conch, the divine form of
water.
“Shri Gokul Chandramaji entices even the love-
God, the enchanter of all other hearts. When Shri
Krishna disappeared the Gopis they cried for their
Beloved. Then Shri Krishna appeared before them as
Shri Gokul Chandramaji with a lovely form bent in
three places. He danced the Rasa Lila with the Gopis
and played the flute and gave all the bhaktas of
Vrindavan a gift of His own nectar. The seven holes in
the Blessed Lord’s flute are His six divine virtues plus
His pure Krishna virtue. Krishna places His fingers
over those holes and consoles the bhaktas, ‘I am under
the control of Your loving devotion. I will always be in
debted to you.’ Shri Gokul Chandramaji also makes
Rasa Lila and His appearance is full of divine elements.
“Then there is Madan Mohanji. His bhava is found
deep in the lila bower where many different types of
lilas are made. Billions of love gods are shamed by Shri
Madan Mohanji’s beauty. Shri Madan Mohanji makes
many types of lilas. He plays the flute and calls the
Braja bhaktas and then appears before them and
arouses their Krishna awareness. While having the
darshan of these Krishna Svarupas, contemplate the
different corresponding bhavas that I have related.
“Finally there is Shri Nathji. He is the Supreme
Lord of the lila bower. He stands by the door of a cave

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

on the Govardhan Hill and calls all of His lila souls with
His raise left hand.”
The renounced Brahmin was delighted to receive
Shri Gusainji’s words. Later Shri Gusainji took the
renounced Brahmin with him to Shri Nathji’s temple.
Shri Gusainji arrived there in time to offer Shri Nathji
His lunch. Later when the renounced Brahmin had Shri
Nathji’s darshan he refelcted, “Shri Nathji has
appeared to me exactly as Shri Gusainji has explained.”
After the temple closed, Shri Gusainji took his
meals and gave the renounced Brahmin some prasada.
Afterwards the renounced Brahmin fanned Shri
Gusainji while he rested. On the following day, the
renounced Brahmin took Shri Gusainji’s permission to
encirle the Braja area, but he did not stay anywhere for
very long. He came face to face with Shri Nathji and
some days later he left his body and attained His lotus
feet.

In this account we receive the teachings that Shri

Krishna’s seva as well as His darshan should be
performed full of bhava. In the Path of Grace, the bhava
of Krishna’s form, the bhava of His lila and various lila
moods are the main subject-matters and should always be
contemplated. Then the heart turns divine and becomes
bound by Krishna.

That renounced Brahmin was a blessed vessel of grace.

To what extent can his story be praised? (162)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A KSHATRIYA FROM THE EAST

The kshatriya is a satvika bhakta and is Kirti in the lila.

He was born in eastern India and was a renunciate from
childhood and considered, “Worldly pleasures are
momentary. Only when this body comes face to face with
God will my life be fulfilled.”
Concerned that his parents would not understand
him, he never revealed his true heart to them. When he
was thirty, his parents died and he never married. His
Brahmin guide was Sundardas, a disciple of Shri
Mahaprabhuji. His story will be told later.
Once when Sundardas visited the kshatriya, he
welcomed the brahmin with great honor and quierried,
“Tell me Sundardas, how I can meet God?”
Sundardas began, “Nowadays, Shri Krishna obeys
Shri Gusainji.”
Who is Shri Gusainji? Where does he live?”
Sundardas continued, “Shri Gusainji is the son of
Shri Mahrprabhu Vallabhacharya. He resides in Gokul
and Shri Nathji, Who is no other than Shri Krishna, now
resides on top of the Govardhan hill. The Blessed Lord is
under his control. Whoever takes Shri Gusainji’s shelter
receives great blessings.”
The kshatriya exclaimed, “I wish to quickly become
his disciple!”
“Shri Gusainji is coming to Jagannath Puri. Go and
take his refuge there.”

ONE

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Jagannath Puri, the
kshatriya took whatever was of value in his house and
went before the bhakti master and prayed, “Bless me
with refuge.”
Shri Gusainji seeing his divine enthusiasm
immediately gave him Krishna mantra and after the
kshatriya fasted for a day, Shri Gusainji initiated him
with the Brahma Sambandha mantra. The kshatriya
then prayed, “Now what should I do?”
Shri Gusainji explained, “Make Shri Krishna’s
seva.”
“But I am alone. How to make His seva? I would
prefer to make your seva and accompany you to Braja
and have Shri Nathji’s darshan.”
Shri Gusainji agreed and the kshatriya first
observed how seva was performed and then started
making seva very skillfully. He took prasada only after
his seva was completed. He accompanied Shri Gusainji
to Gokul and resided with him there for many days.
A few days later, one afternoon Shri Gusainji rode
his horse to Shri Nathji’s temple and arrived there in
time for Shri Nathji’s afternoon Utthapan darshan. The
kshatriya walked from Gokul and by the time he
reached Shri Nathji’s temple, it was closed. The
kshatriya became very distressed, “Today is the first
time I have come to see Shri Nathji and I could not meet
Him.”
He vowed that he would only take prasada after
seeing Shri Nathji that day. For hours he sat sadly
outside of the temple on top of the Govardhan hill.
Later that night, Shri Nathji could no longer stand the

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

force of the kshatriya’s spiritual anguish and in the
middle of the night, He left his temple with His jhari
pitcher and snack box and appeared before the
yearning kshatriya, “Kshatriya, now have My
darshan!”
The blessed Lord then gave him His own pitcher
full of water along with His snack box and told him,
“Now eat something!”
Shri Nathji returned to his temple while the
kshatriya enjoyed Shri Nathji’s prasada from the snack
box and drank some water from His pitcher. Kshatriya
was tired from his fast and the long walk early that day
and after putting Shri Nathji’s snack box and pitcher
down, he fell asleep on top of the Govardhan hill. He
awoke early the following morning when Shri Nathji’s
conch sounded. When Shri Gusainji entered the temple
and saw the temple doors left open, he told his temple
helpers, “Check the temple.”
Shri Gusainji then entered Shri Nathji’s chambers
and noted that His golden jhari pitcher and snack box
were missing. He offered his Beloved Shri Nathji some
breakfast and then stepped out of the temple where the
kshatriya humbly bowed before him and immediately
presented the bhakti master with Shri Nathji’s items.”
“How did you get these?”
The kshatriya explained with folded hands, “Shri
Nathji came before me last night and gave them to me.”
After he revealed the entire episode, Shri Gusainji
informed the temple cooks and other servants,
“Whenever this kshatriya asks for some prasada, give it
to him on the spot.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 He then turned to the kshatriya and advised him,
“Whenever you are hungry, ask the temple servants for
some prasada. Now serve Shri Nathji in any way you
can.”
Several days later, Shri Gusainji returned to Gokul
and the kshatriya remained by Shri Nathji’s temple. He
adhered his mind and heart into Shri Nathji’s seva with
abundant devotion. Shri Nathji was always pleased with
him.
After some time, the kshatriya left his body and by
the grace of his guru, he entered directly into Shri
Krishna’s eternal lila with a divine form. The temple
cooks actually saw his lila entrance within Shri Nathji’s
temple. Later, when Shri Gusainji came to Shri Nathji’s
temple and heard from the temple cooks what had
happened to the kshatriya, he was delighted and told
them, “Note the great regard Shri Nathji gives to even a
small amount of seva. See that kshatriya’s fortune, in a
short amount of time. Shri Nathji showered infinite
blessings upon him.”

In this episode it is revealed that Shri Krishna is quickly

pleased with a bhakta who has divine pangs to meet Him.
For this reason bhaktas should cultivate the intense form
of devotion. Also understand how Shri Nathji gives great
honor to the one who performs even a small amount of
seva with pure love.

The kshatriya was a blessed vessel of Shri

Gusainji’s grace and an accomplished soul. His account
has no end. To what extent can he be praised? (163)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A MAN WHO ATE AT THE BURNING GHATS

He is a tamas bhakta and is Kanta in the lila.

ONE

Once a small group of bhaktas gathered in Gokul and

reflected, “Shri Gusainji is omnipotent. Whoever takes
his shelter is purified regardless of their sinful activities
or hypocrisy.”
Sitting among that group of bhaktas was a tantric
practitioner who challenged, “If what you say is true,
then I, a very sinful person, will take Shri Gusainji’s
refuge and see if he is able to uplift me.”
The bhaktas turned to him and said, “Then follow
us.”
They took him to Shri Nathji’s temple, brought
him before Shri Gusainji and explained everything to
the bhakti master, “This man follows another path but
desires to take your refuge.”
Shri Gusainji turned to the newcomer and
explained, “I will initiate you after your bath. After
initiation do whatever you want, but know that I will
never leave you.”

This account demonstrates that when a soul takes divine

refuge, Shri Krishna never abondons that person. In the
Path of Grace, God’s acceptance is not conditioned by the
actions of the soul. Because Shri Gusainji is Shri Krishna
Himself, he was able to give him that promise.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After he bathed, Shri Gusainji gave him mantra
and then headed into Shri Nathji’s temple. After Raja
Bhog darshan, Shri Gusainji returned to his quarters at
the bottom of the hill where his followers came to pay
their respects. After Shri Gusainji took his meals, he
presented his new disciple a plate of prasada with his
own hands. When he finished his meals, he returned to
his home in Gokul and schemed, “Now I will test Shri
Gusainji.”
He proceeded to the burning ghats and with the
fire from a funeral pyre, he cooked his breads and
beans and then ate the meal while constantly reflecting,
“Let’s see if Shri Gusainji can liberate me from these
sinful activities!”

TWO

There was a king who developed leprosy and although

he imbibed many types of medicines and herbs he could
not be cured. During a pilgrimage, he reached Gokul
and came before Shri Gusainji and prayed, “I have
spent millions of rupees and have bathed in all the holy
places, but I can not get rid of this leprosy. Lord, now I
have come before you. If you are not able to cure me,
then who can?”
Seeing his humility, Shri Gusainji, who is very
compassionate, advised him, “I have a follower who
lives by the burning ghats. Go to him and ask him for
some of his leftovers that he has cooked there. He will
not give them to you, so you will have to grab them
from him. Don’t be disgusted in any way.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 The king proceeded to the burning ghats and asked
Shri Gusainji’s follower there for some of his leftovers.
As Shri Gusainji predicted, the man refused to give any
to the king, so the king forcefully took them from him
and the moment he ate some of them, his leprosy was
cured. He body became perfectly healthy. The man who
eats at the burning ghats immediately questioned the
delighted king, “Why did you eat my leftovers?”
The king explained, “Shri Gusainji told me that my
leprosy would disappear if I ate some of your burning
ghat food.”
The man who ate at the burning ghats exclaimed,
“Shri Gusainji has remembered me!” He then
pondered, “Shri Gusainji is Krishna himself. Just see, I
have engaged in sinful activities but God is very kind
and does not consider my impurities. Instead, He sees
them as virtues! Now I know He will never leave me. I
will go to Shri Gusainji and humbly ask him to present
me with Shri Krishna’s seva. Now I will serve the
Blessed Lord according to his teachings.”
He took a bath, put on pure clothes and then came
before Shri Gusainji, “You are truly Krishna, totally
compassionate. Know that I am an impure soul engaged
in evil activities, but please bless me once again.”
Shri Gusainji understood his intentions,
“Tomorrow, after a fast, I will give you the seva
mantra.”
After Shri Gusainji initiated him, the bhakti
master named him Vaishnavadas. He then presented
him with Shri Krishna’s seva and instructed him in the
arts of seva.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 Vaishnavadas built a temple for his Shri Krishna
and bought new pots to cook the offerings in. He served
Shri Krsihna according to the teachings of his guru.
Later Shri Gusainji blessed his home and waved the
arati lights around his Shri Krishna. After
Vaishanvadas made an offering to the bhatki master he
called many other bhaktas there and presented them
with some prasada. Vaishnavadas quickly realized God.
His Krishna would appear to him and tell him
everything He desired. He became a great bhakta. After
many days, when he become old and weak, he presented
his Krishna along with all of his seva items and personal
wealth to Shri Gusainji and then left his body. The local
bhaktas performed his last rites.

The teaching here is that bhaktas have faith in Shri

Gusainji’s words. The king was cured because he believed
Shri Gusainji’s command to eat that bhakta’s leftovers at
the burning ghats. Faith is profound and perfects
everything. While Vaishnavadas was testing Shri Gusainji
he continually remembered his guru and Shri Gusainji
transformed him.

He was a vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace, a true

bhakta whose story can never be fully told. (164)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

THE KING WHO ATE AT THE BURNING GHATS

The king who ate at the burning ghats is a rajas bhakta

and is Suvrita in the lila.

ONE

The king was from eastern India and as was told in the
previous account, he developed leprosy and could not
find a cure. He consulted astrologers and gave away
many gifts but all to no avail. He then followed the
advice of a brahmin and undertook a pilgrimage that
brought him to Shri Gusainji in Gokul. The bhakti
master felt great compassion for the sickly king who
arrived before him with his hands bandaged together.
When Shri Gusainji told his attendant to ask the king
why he tied his hands, the king submitted, “Maharaja, I
am so distressed that I have even tried to poison myself
during this pilgrimage. Nothing works.”
Shri Gusainji then advised him, “Now untie your
hands and go to the cremation grounds and eat some
food cooked by my follower.”
As was revealed in the previous account, the king
ate the food at the burning ghats and was cured. He
rushed back to Shri Gusainji and found him teaching
his bhaktas Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya’s
Subodhini. The king now prayed to him with folded
hands, “I have heard about Shri Krishna’s appearance
from the stories in the Bhagavata, but today I have seen
Him. Now bless me with initiation.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 “The dharma of the Path of Grace is difficult to
follow and with your impure diet. How can I initiate
you?”
“From today onwards my diet will be pure. I will
follow all of your instructions. Now I wish to only live
by your side.”
Shri Gusainji gave the king Krishna mantra and
later after the king fasted for one day, the bhakti master
initiated him with the Brahma Sambandha mantra in
front of Shri Navanita Priyaji. Later that day, when
Shri Gusainji presented that king with a plate of
prasada, the king requested, “Now I only desire to live
here with you.”
Shri Gusainji advised him, “You are a king. Now
that you are free of disease, it is only proper that you
return to your kingdom.”
“Then grace me so that my mind and heart will
remain firm in devotion and never turn away from
you.”
Shri Gusainji then called for a cloth and put his
footprints with red powder on it and advised the king,
“Now offer your food to this cloth and then take the
prasada. In this way your mind will remain at ease.
Also have great regard for the bhaktas. Serve them
mindfully when they visit you.”
After Shri Gusainji took the king for Shri Nathji’s
darshan, the king requested permission to encirle the
sacred lands of Braja. After completing the sacred tour,
the king returned to Shri Gusainji and stayed by Shri
Nathji’s temple for many days before returning to his
kingdom. There he followed his guru’s instructions and

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

served the bhaktas who visited him and presented them
with prasada. He was very fond of bhaktas and had
great devotion for Shri Nathji. Every year he sent Shri
Gusainji and Shri Navanita Priyaji offerings. He
remained engaged in devotional service for his entire
life and became a great bhakta.

The association of a bhakta is an amazing event. By just

eating the bhakta’s leftovers that were cooked at the
burning ghats, the king was cured and became a bhakta.
We should always seek the company of a great devotee.

The king was a blessed vessel of Shri Gusainji’s grace.

There is no way to fully praise him. (165)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 RUPA PORIYA

Rupa Poriya is a rajas bhakta and is Raso in the lila and

guards Nanda Baba’s door. In this world he was born
into a Brahmin family in Jatipura below Shri Nathji’s
temple. His parents died when he was about thirty and
then he lived alone. One day, he approached Shri
Gusainji and prayed, “Please give me some seva to
perform.”
Shri Gusainji called him “Rupa” and gave him the
seva of being Shri Nathji’s door guard and told him,
“Stand guard by Shri Nathji’s main gate and take your
prasada from the temple.”

ONE

Once during the middle of the day, Shri Nathji woke

Rupa Poriya with His stick and said, “I am very
hungry.”
Rupa Poriya immediately went to Shri Gusainji
who was napping in his room and gentlely rubbed his
feet. When the bhakti master awoke and saw Rupa
standing there he questioned, “Why have you come?”
Rupa Poriya explained, “Shri Nathji just told me
that He is hungry.”
Shri Gusainji immediately got up and entered Shri
Nathji’s temple and offered the Blessed Lord another
lunch and then returned to his chambers.
Rupa Poriya had many direct experiences of Shri
Nathji while he stood guard by His door. Often when
Shri Nathji desired something, he would tell Rupa

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Poriya what he wanted. During the hot season, Rupa
Poriya fanned Shri Nathji. He was blessed in so many
ways and there are many other divine accounts about
Rupa Poriya.
Many days later, Rupa Poriya left his body and the
bhaktas gathered together and performed his last rites.
When Shri Gusainji heard about his passing, he
remarked, “All happens according to His divine
design.”
Rupa Poriya was a true bhakta, a vessel of his
guru’s grace.

TWO

Some days later, Shri Gusainji took his bath in the

Govinda lake and while walking to Shri Nathji’s temple,
a dog came before the bhakti master and tried to touch
his feet. The bhaktas around Shri Gusainji tried to shoo
the dog away but the dog would not budge. When the
bhaktas started beating the dog with their sticks, Shri
Gusainji stopped them, “Don’t hit this dog!”
The bhakti master then recognized with his eye of
wisdom who the dog really was and then allowed the
dog to touch his feet. He then placed his foot upon its
head and was pleased with the dog. He turned to the
bhaktas around him and said, “Step aside.”
A moment later the dog left its body and from its
mouth emerged a brillant coloum of light that merged
into Shri Krishna’s lotus feet. Shri Gusainji advised the
bhaktas, “Now perform this dog’s last rites and know
that you will not be hindered in anyway.”

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 After they cremated the dog, Shri Gusainji bathed
and entered Shri Nathji’s temple. When the seva was
completed, Shri Gusainji retired to his chambers where
the bhaktas asked him, “Who was that dog in his
previous life? Please also tell us what offense he
committed that made him take birth as a dog.”
Shri Gusainji began, “That dog was Rupa Poriya,
Shri Nathji’s door guard. Once while he was making
wicks for Shri Nathji’s arati lamp, even though he
washed his hands with dirt, some of Shri Nathji’s
unoffered ghee remained under his finger nails. Later
when he took prasada, that unoffered ghee made its way
into his food and he imbibed it. He became that dog
because he took some of Shri Nathji’s unoffered ghee.
From this story understand the nature of Shri Nathji’s
possessions.”

In this account it is shown that bhaktas should be very

careful not to use any unoffered items that belong to Shri
Krishna. Even if they are used unknowingly, see what
results can occur! Actually Rupa Poriya’s entire situation
was just a divine excuse for Shri Gusainji to reveal to his
bhaktas an important teaching. Otherwise there was no
possibility for Rupa Poriya to become a dog. Know it all to
be God’s amazing play undertaken to grant special
understanding to His own souls.

Shri Gusainji continued, “Although Rupa Poriya

was born a dog, because of all the seva he had
performed for Shri Nathji, he remembered his previous
life. After he was born a dog, he avoided his entire

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

family and stayed by the bottom of the Govardhan hill
where he could see Shri Nathji’s flag waving above the
temple. He was just waiting for the moment when he
could touch my feet. He also had to suffer the bhaktas
blows.”
When the bhaktas heard who the dog really was,
they lamented, “Oh no! We beat a great bhakta.
Although we did not know who that dog really was, we
still acted improperly. We were just trying to keep him
away from you.”
Shri Gusainji consoled them, “Now you should not
worry about what happened. It was all due to God’s
will. He had to suffer your blows because of his previous
offenses. Often when people would come to Shri
Nathji’s door and ask Rupa Poriya about when darhsan
would open, he would answer them very abruptly. He
had to suffer your blows because of his improper
behaviour with other bhaktas. Now he is free from all
obstruction and has merged with Shri Krishna’s lotus
feet. Now remember to always speak mindfully when
you address other bhaktas. Understand Rupa Poriya’s
situation with this example. A spot of dirt appears very
clearly on a perfectly white garment but can not even be
seen on a dirty cloth.”
Rupa Poriya was a blessed vessel of his guru’s
grace, a true bhakta. His life story is endless, so how to
tell it all? (166)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 CHUHADA

Chuhada is the tamas bhakta Ban Rani in the lila and

lives in the Kusuma forest with the Pulindi bhaktas. Once
while Shri Krishna was herding cows with His cow lads,
one cow strayed into the Kusuma forest. Shri Krishna
called out to His friends, “You watch these cows while I
get that stray one.”
When the Blessed Lord entered the Kusuma forest,
Ban Rani approached her Blessed Lord, “I have been
taking care of this glade for a very long time. Finally
today, we met alone. Please partake of some wonderful
forest fruits and fulfill my desires.”
Shri Krishna smiled and explained, “If I stay with
you now, I will be late and all of my cow lad friends will
come out looking for Me. Please don’t detain me just
now. Also, this forest belongs to the Gopi Shyamalaji and
she would not approve that I am here alone with you.”
But Ban Rani insisted, “Please stay. When will we
find this opportunity again?”
Shri Krishna, who is kind to His bhaktas, agreed to
stay and enjoyed many types of fruits and then went to
Ban Rani’s private bower where He afforded her many
pleasures. Meanwhile, another Gopi saw them together
and told Shyamalaji. When Shyamalaji saw them between
the trees from a distance, Shri Krishna also noticed her
and turned to Ban Rani, “I have to go now. Shyamalaji is
over there, so be careful.”
Right after Shri Krishna slipped back to His cow
herding duties, Shyamalaji arrived and while looking over

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

Ban Rani who was all adorned, drilled her, “When did
Shri Krishna come here?”
Ban Rani shrewdly replied, “He has not been here.”
Shyamalaji retorted, “Why do you lie. I saw you
alone with Him.”
Ban Rani admitted, “He came here looking for a
cow.”
Shyamalaji then cursed her, “You have lied to me so
fall to the earth into a low womb.”

So Chuhada was born on this earth in the town of

Govardhan. When he was ten, once while walking along
the road by Govardhan, a snake bit him and he fell dead
to the ground. A short while later, Shri Gusainji rode past
him while going from Gokul to Shri Nathji’s temple. He
called out to his attendant, “Who is this boy?”
His attendant exclaimed, “It appears that this lad has
died from a snakebite.”
Shri Gusainji got down from his horse and went over
to the boy. After he recited a Vedic mantra and sprinkled
some water over him, the boy was revived. Shri Gusainji
then asked him, “Who are you?”
“I am Chuhada. A snake bit me but with your grace
I live. Now I wish to take your refuge.”
Shri Gusainji knowing him to be a divine soul,
initiated him right there with Krishna mantra and told
him, “Recite this mantra daily.”
Shri Gusainji proceeded to Jatipura while the boy
went home. The boy never told anyone about the incident
but continually remembered Shri Gusainji and the
Krishna mantra. After some time, his parents died and he

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

started to farm. With Shri Gusainji’s grace, Shri Nathji
began to appear to him and spoke freely with him.

ONE

Chuhada lived in Govardhan and was Shri Gusainji’s

disciple. He was so attached to Shri Nathji that he could
not remain without seeing Him. Shri Nathji used to
appear to him, often outside of His temple. Once, Shri
Gusainji noticed Shri Nathji standing next to Chuhada,
talking with him. Later Shri Gusainji approached him,
“So Shri Nathji talks with you?”
Chuhada revealed, “With your grace, Shri Nathji
tells me about His forest lila. He also speaks to me about
his other cowlad friends.”
Later Chuhada revealed to his guru, “Actually,
Shri Nathji can not remain without appearing to me. If
for some reason He does not give me darshan I don’t
take any food or water for that entire day. That is my
conviction. But on the following day, He always comes
to me and only then do I drink or eat anything.”
Shri Gusainji responded, “When we call for Shri
Nathji’s garland just before the midday darshan, you
come and sit by the temple doors. I will arrange for you
to have Shri Nathji’s private darshan before the rest of
the people enter the temple.”
Shri Gusainji called the man who stands just
before Shri Nathji and told him to daily allow Chuhada
that special darshan. From that day on, Chuhuda came
to the temple with clean clothes and sat by Shri Nathji’s
door and was always the first to see Shri Nathji.

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 This continued for many days until one morning,
due to God’s wish, he was delayed with some work and
by the time he reached Shri Nathji’s temple, he found
the temple doors locked. With no bhaktas in sight, he
went to the back side of Shri Nathji’s temple and fell to
the ground. His pangs of separation were so intense that
he broke out into a high fever. Shri Nathji knew of his
divine suffering and got off of His throne and broke a
hole through the temple’s back wall with His cane and
called out, “O Chuhada!”
Hearing the blessed Lord’s voice, Chuhada
immediateily got up and through the hole in the wall, he
saw his Beloved Shri Nathji. The Blessed Lord then
passed him two sweetballs and told him, “Now eat one.”
Chuhada ate one sweetball and tied the other one
in his cloth and returned home. Later that afternoon,
after the conch sounded, when the cooks and priests
entered the temple and noticed a gaping hole through
the back wall, everyone became anxious and made sure
nothing was missing. When Shri Gusainji heard about
the hole, he too became very concerned.
Meanwhile, Chuhada knew what was happening
and came to Shri Gusainji’s room and requested,
“Please ask everyone else to leave the room: I have
something important to tell you.”
Chuhada then querried, “Why do you appear so
concerned today?”
The bhakti master explained, “Today, someone
made a hole through Shri Nathji’s temple wall.”
Chuhada exclaimed, “Why worry! Don’t you know
your Boy’s nature? Earlier today, I went to Govardhan

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

and by the time I returned, Shri Nathji’s temple was
closed. I was overcome with His separation and lied
down by His back wall. Shri Nathji then suddenly
poked a hole with His cane through the back wall and
called me over. He gave me darshan through that hole
in the wall. He also gave me two sweetballs and
implored, ‘Now eat one.’ I followed His advice and tied
the other sweetball in my cloth. Now there is no reason
to be worried about anything.”
Shri Gusainji was delighted to hear his account
and immediately called Shri Nathji’s door guards and
told them, “Chuhada can not remain without seeing
Shri Nathji. Whenever he comes to the temple, day or
night, always allow him Shri Nathji’s darshan.”
The next day, a mason was called to fix the hole in
the wall, but Shri Nathji objected, “Don’t fix My hole.”
And so it remained.

This account reveals that when loving-devotion arises,

that blessed person is beyond all class distinctions and
regulations. Bhaktas receive this type of pure bhakti when
they have firm refuge in Shri Gusainji and so the bhakti
master’s shelter should be sought.

Chuhada was a blessed vessel of his guru’s grace, a true

bhakta. From Shri Gusainji’s mere glance, he attained
divine love and so the guru never imposed any
restrictions upon him. To what extent can we praise
him? (167)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

 A COUPLE FROM RAJA NAGAR

The couple from Raja Nagar are satvika bhaktas. In the

lila, the husband is Pita Varni while his wife is Kumkum
Varni.

ONE

Once when Shri Gusainji visited Raja Nagar and stayed

with Bhaila Kotari, the couple became his disciples.
After initiation, the bhakti master told them, “Now both
of you should perform Shri Krishna’s seva.”
The couple submitted, “Then please present us
with Shri Krishna’s seva.”
After establishing Shri Krishna’s worship in their
lives, Shri Gusainji taught them the art of divine service
and advised them, “Only take your meals after you have
fed another bhakta some prasada.”
From there Shri Gusainji proceeded to Dwarka
while the couple began to serve their Krishna very
carefully. They daily fed a bhakta before they took their
meals. After some time, Shri Krishna appeared to them
and told them whatever He desired. Their Krishna truly
blessed them!
Many days later, when the husband had to travel
out of town, he told his wife, “Remember to daily feed
another bhakta before you take your meals and keep
track of how many bhaktas you have fed while I am
away.”
After her husband departed, she daily gave a
bhakta prasada before eating and counted how many

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

bhaktas she fed by putting aside a paisa coin for every
invited guest. Some two months later, on new year’s
day, her husband returned home and asked his wife,
“So how many bhaktas have you fed while I was
away?”
“Go and count the paisa coins that I have put aside
and you will know the exact number.”She replied.
Her husband counted sixty coins, but also found
five jewels among them. “Where did you get these
precious stones?
His astonished wife replied, “I don’t know. I only
put paisa coins aside and not a single jewel.”
Later when the couple visited Shri Gusainji in
Gokul they asked their guru about the mysterious five
jewels and the bhakti master turned to them and
explained, “Those five jewels appeared amongst your
coins because your wife presented prasada to five truly
accomplished bhaktas. They are the exalted type of
souls that we need to associate with.”

In this account it is revealed that one should daily feed at

least one other bhakta before taking prasada. It is the
Vaishnava’s dharma, to only take prasada after another
bhakta has eaten. When this is followed, the teachings of
the Blessed Path become firmly established in the heart
and when one develops a taste for Shri Krishna, seva can
be truly performed.

The couple were great devotees and vessels of their

guru’s grace. Their story can never be fully told. (168)

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas

© Shyamdas Jai Shri Krishna from Shamdas