Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu Asking for Permission
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the completely independent Supreme Lord, yet in His pastimes, He frequently placed Himself in a subordinate position to teach the principles of etiquette. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by seeking permission from His mother, seniors, and the Deity before acting, Lord Caitanya demonstrated that spiritual life does not mean neglecting social duties or respectful dealings.
The Journey to South India
When Lord Caitanya decided to tour South India to deliver the fallen souls, He did not leave abruptly. He first sought the blessings of His confidential associates and the Deity. He formally asked Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya for permission, and only after receiving the garland of consent from Lord Jagannātha did He depart.
- After staying five days at the home of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally asked his permission to depart for South India.
- Thus receiving Lord Jagannatha's permission in the form of a garland, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu offered obeisances, and then in great jubilation He prepared to depart for South India.
- I now beg all of you for one bit of charity. Please give Me permission to leave for a tour of South India.
Permission for Vṛndāvana
The Lord's desire to visit Vṛndāvana was often checked by the affection of His devotees, who feared separation. However, He persisted in asking for their leave, particularly from Rāmānanda Rāya and Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, stating that without their blessings, He could not go. He also approached His mother, Śacī-devī, clasping her feet to secure her permission, showing the highest standard of a dutiful son.
- This time I (Caitanya) must go (to Vrndavana). Will you (Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Ramananda Raya) please give Me permission? Save for you two, I have no other resort.
- Clasping the feet of His mother, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu very humbly requested her permission. Thus she gave Him leave to go to Vrndavana.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "I shall certainly go to Vrndavana from Jagannatha Puri. If all of you give Me permission, I shall return here again without difficulty."
Institutional and Social Etiquette
Lord Caitanya's humility extended to official matters as well. Before performing the famous Guṇḍicā-mārjana (cleansing of the Guṇḍicā temple), He requested permission from the temple superintendent. Similarly, when He wanted to copy the Kūrma Purāṇa manuscript, He asked the brāhmaṇas. This behavior serves as a lesson for all devotees to respect authority and proprietorship.
- When these three people (Kasi Misra, the superintendent of the temple, and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya) came before the Lord (Caitanya), He begged them for permission to wash the temple known as Gundica.
- Upon hearing the Lord's request for permission to wash the Gundica temple, the padicha, the superintendent of the temple, said, "My dear Sir, we are all Your servants. Whatever You desire is our duty to perform."
- Indeed, when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu heard these conclusive statements from the Kurma Purana, He felt great happiness. After asking the brahmanas' permission, He took possession of the manuscript leaves of the Kurma Purana.
Independence within Dependence
While the Lord asked for permission, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that this was a voluntary acceptance of dependence. As the Supreme Lord, no one can check Him. Yet, He submits to the love of His devotees and the rules of society to set the standard for an ideal human being.
- Although the Lord is completely independent and no one can check Him, He still did not go without the permission of His devotees.
- In this way they both presented many impediments, indirectly not granting the Lord permission to go to Vrndavana. They did this because they were afraid of separation from Him.
Conclusion
The pastimes of Caitanya Mahāprabhu asking for permission reveal the sweetness of His dealings. He is not a distant, autocratic God, but a loving Lord who values the feelings of His associates. By asking for permission, He empowers His devotees, making them feel that they have some control over the Controller of the Universe.
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 Asking Permission. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.