Lord Nityānanda Says Ecstatic Words
Lord Nityānanda is the primary servant of Lord Caitanya, and His words are always saturated with transcendental emotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Nityānanda Prabhu's speech varies according to the rasa (mellow) He is enacting—sometimes He is the elder brother Balarāma, sometimes a submissive servant, and sometimes a humorous friend. Whether He is joking, chastising, or submitting, what Lord Nityānanda says is always for the pleasure and protection of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Tricks of Love: The Yamunā Deception
When Lord Caitanya was in a trance of separation from Kṛṣṇa and attempted to run to Vṛndāvana, Nityānanda Prabhu used His words to trick the Lord and bring Him to Śāntipura instead. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how Nityānanda Prabhu told Lord Caitanya that the river Ganges was actually the Yamunā. This loving deception was supported by Advaita Ācārya, who confirmed Nityānanda's statement to pacify the Lord's ecstasy.
- First of all, Lord Nityananda bewildered Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by bringing Him along the banks of the Ganges, saying that it was the river Yamuna.
- Saying this, Nityananda Prabhu took Caitanya Mahaprabhu near the Ganges, and the Lord, in His ecstasy, accepted the river Ganges as the river Yamuna.
- When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu accused Nityananda of cheating Him, Srila Advaita Acarya said, "Whatever Nityananda Prabhu has told You is not false. You have indeed just now taken Your bath in the river Yamuna".
- It appears that in His transcendental ecstasy, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu forgot to eat for three continuous days. He was then misled by Nityananda Prabhu, who said that the river Ganges was the Yamuna.
Transcendental Humor and Debate
Lord Nityānanda often engaged in loving quarrels with Advaita Ācārya. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights instances where Nityānanda Prabhu jokingly complained about being hungry or threw rice in a mock mood of anger. In these exchanges, Nityānanda Prabhu also used His words to refute the philosophy of impersonal monism, playfully accusing Advaita Ācārya of hindering pure devotion.
- Again Nityananda Prabhu jokingly said, "My belly is not yet filled up. Please take away Your food. I have not taken the least of it".
- After saying this, Nityananda Prabhu took a handful of rice and threw it on the floor in front of Him, as if He were angry.
- Nityananda Prabhu immediately refuted Srila Advaita Acarya, saying, "You are a teacher of impersonal monism, and the monistic conclusion is a great hindrance to progressive, pure devotional service".
- Nityananda Prabhu said, "I have undergone fasting for three days continuously. Today I had hoped to break My fast".
Merciful Chastisement
The words of Nityānanda Prabhu can also be sharp, serving either to bless a devotee or punish an offender. Śrīla Prabhupāda recounts the famous incident at Pānihāṭi where Nityānanda Prabhu called Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī a "thief" for trying to approach Lord Caitanya independently. This chastisement was actually a benediction. Conversely, when dealing with the atheist Rāmacandra Khān, Nityānanda’s words were full of anger, leading to His departure from the offender's presence.
- Hearing this, Lord Nityananda Prabhu said, "You are a thief. Now you have come to see Me. Come here, come here. Today I shall punish you".
- When Nityananda Prabhu heard this order from the servant of Ramacandra Khan, He became very angry and came out. Laughing very loudly, He spoke as follows.
- Having said this, Lord Nityananda stood up and left in an angry mood. To chastise Ramacandra Khan, He did not even stay in that village.
Submission to Lord Caitanya
Despite His position as the elder brother Balarāma, Lord Nityānanda’s words often reflect deep submission to Lord Caitanya. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Nityānanda Prabhu considers the Lord's order to be His supreme duty. Whether explaining why He broke the Lord’s staff or expressing fear to speak His mind, His words show that He is always protecting the Lord and facilitating His mission.
- Thereupon Lord Nityananda said, "Whatever You order is My duty, regardless of whether it results in happiness or unhappiness".
- Nityananda Prabhu said, "When You fell down in ecstasy, I caught You, but both of Us together fell upon the staff".
- Nityananda Prabhu then said, "We want to tell You something. Although we cannot stay without speaking, we are still very much afraid to speak".
- Nityananda Prabhu then said, "How is it possible for You to go alone? Who can tolerate this".
Conclusion
The ecstatic words of Lord Nityānanda are a reservoir of spiritual instruction. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us that we should not view His joking or His anger as mundane; rather, they are expressions of the highest love. By listening to what Nityānanda says—whether it is a trick to save the Lord or a command to feed the Vaiṣṇavas—one enters into the mystery of the Lord's pastimes.
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 Nityananda Says. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.