When Śrī Caitanya Speaks Nectar Flows
The speaking of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is described as a nectarean flow that inundates the universe with the love of Godhead. His words are not merely sounds but are the vibrant substance of the Absolute Truth, manifesting sometimes as rigorous philosophical logic to defeat the Māyāvādīs, and at other times as the incoherent, emotional outbursts of divine separation. This article explores the various dimensions of the Lord's speech, from His authoritative instructions on Vedānta to His intimate exchanges with His confidential associates.
Philosophical Exposition
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that while Lord Caitanya inaugurated the saṅkīrtana movement for the masses, He was simultaneously the greatest philosopher. When engaging with scholars and logicians, the Lord displayed His command over the Vedānta-sūtra, establishing that the scriptures are the direct words of Nārāyaṇa and must be accepted without interpretation.
- The Lord (Caitanya) began to speak on Vedanta philosophy as follows: Vedanta-sutra is spoken by the Supreme Lord Himself.
- Vaisnavas do not neglect Vedanta, but they do not care to understand Vedanta on the basis of the Sariraka-bhasya. Therefore, to clarify the situation, Caitanya, with the permission of the Mayavadi sannyasis, wanted to speak regarding Vedanta philosophy.
- Whatever He (Lord Caitanya) does, whatever He speaks, that is sastra. But still, because He's playing the part of acarya, He immediately gives Vedic evidences. That is the way of acarya.
- My dear Lord, You are the original speaker of the Bhagavatam. You therefore know its real import. But for You, no one can understand the confidential meaning of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Ecstatic Expressions of Separation
A unique feature of Lord Caitanya's appearance is His absorption in the mood of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in this state of intense separation from Kṛṣṇa, the Lord's speech often appeared like that of a madman, transcending ordinary reason and revealing the deepest mellows of vipralambha-seva (service in separation).
- Separation from Krsna awoke various mellows of distress, lamentation and humility. Thus Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spoke like a crazy man.
- Speaking in the mood of Srimati Radharani, Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "For most people, the mind and heart are one, but because My mind is never separated from Vrndavana, I consider My mind and Vrndavana to be one".
- Thus overwhelmed by ecstatic love, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spoke like a madman and recited suitable verses.
- Also in that chapter is a description of how Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ran toward Cataka-parvata and spoke like a madman.
Affectionate Dealings with Devotees
The interactions between the Lord and His devotees reveal His affectionate nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Lord would often speak sweet words to encourage His servants, glorify their qualities, or pacify them, demonstrating that the Supreme Lord is controlled by the love of His devotees.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu became very happy just to speak of the glories of His devotees. Indeed, when He spoke of their glories, it was as if He had five faces.
- Lord Caitanya smiled and said, "Listen, Haridasa and Sanatana. Now I am speaking the truth about how My mind is attached to you".
- Smiling slightly, the Lord embraced him and spoke sweet words so that others would also hear.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu then embraced Vasudeva Datta and began to speak of his glories as if He had a thousand mouths.
Divine Inspiration Through Others
Śrīla Prabhupāda often highlights that Lord Caitanya, as the Supersoul, dictates from within the hearts of His pure devotees. The Lord takes pleasure in speaking through His instruments, such as Rāmānanda Rāya or Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura, proving that the knowledge of the devotee is actually the mercy of the Lord.
- Whatever I (Ramananda Raya) speak is personally spoken by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Like a stringed instrument, I vibrate whatever He causes me to speak.
- The subject matter of this book (Sri Caitanya Mangala) is so sublime that it appears that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has personally spoken through the writings of Sri Vrndavana dasa Thakura.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu broadcast the purport of Srimad-Bhagavatam. He sometimes spoke for the benefit of His devotees and sometimes empowered one of His devotees to speak while He listened.
Conclusion
The speaking of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the ultimate evidence of His divinity and His causeless mercy. Whether He is roaring the philosophy of acintya-bhedābheda-tattva to dismantle illusion, or softly speaking words of comfort to a surrendered soul, every syllable He utters is for the deliverance of the world. By hearing these nectarean words, one is gradually elevated from the platform of ignorance to the highest realm of pure love of God.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Caitanya's Speaking. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.