The Divine Deliberations and Considerations of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu
The internal life of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was marked by deep spiritual deliberations that guided His every action. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the Lord's "considering" was a manifestation of His infinite compassion and His role as the world's spiritual preceptor. From deciding which scriptures were most authentic to determining how to deliver the most sinful persons of the Age of Kali, His thoughts were always focused on the elevation of consciousness. By studying what the Lord considered important, devotees can align their own values with the transcendental path. This article examines the various dimensions of the Lord's considerations, ranging from His profound humility to His intense ecstasies in separation from Kṛṣṇa.
Considering Spiritual Qualification over Birth
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Lord Caitanya's vision was entirely transcendental. He did not consider a person's social standing or caste; rather, He considered their devotion and association with great souls as the true measure of their spiritual status.
- Although from the material viewpoint the Sanodiya brahmana was on a lower platform, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu considered him situated on the highest platform of spiritual realization - because of his association with Sri Madhavendra Puri.
- Although Ramananda, out of his meek and gentle behavior, considered himself to be born in a lower sudra family, Lord Caitanya nonetheless considered him to be situated in the highest transcendental stage of devotion.
- If Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu descended to reclaim sinners, then one who is the most sinful and lowborn is the first candidate for the Lord’s consideration.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not regard the son of Maharaja Prataparudra with the idea that he was a materialist, being the son of a materialist. Nor did He consider Himself the enjoyer.
Considerations for the Delivery of Kali-yuga
With the heart of the most magnanimous incarnation, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu seriously considered the plight of the people in this age. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord concluded that only the holy name could act as the panacea for the spiritual ailments of the modern era.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu, taking consideration of the fallen condition of this age, He has recommended this medicine (Hare Krsna), "It is this for you." Not that it is newly invented. We don't invent anything. This is called parampara system.
- In this Age of Kali, people are gradually becoming less than animals. Nevertheless, although they are eating the flesh of cows and are envious of brahminical culture, Sri Caitanya is considering how to deliver them from this horrible condition of life.
- This is the consideration of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu - In this age of quarrel and disagreement (Kali-yuga), there is no other way of spiritual realization but this chanting of the names. There is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as maha-vadanyavatara, the most magnanimous incarnation, for He does not consider the offenses of the fallen souls.
Exemplary Humility and Social Considerations
To teach by example, the Lord often considered Himself in very humble terms. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Lord would consider Himself a servant, a student, or even a lower-grade sannyāsī to maintain the etiquette of the varṇāśrama system and respect for others.
- Because Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was playing the part of an acarya, the Lord considered Himself an ordinary human being.
- Among Mayavadis, those who belong to other sampradayas & hold other titles, such as Vana, Aranya or Bharati, are considered to be lower-grade sannyasis. Caitanya accepted sannyasa from the Bharati-sampradaya & thus He considered Himself a lower sannyasi.
- In great humility, considering Himself a conditioned soul of the material world, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu again expressed His desire to be endowed with service to the Lord.
- Sri Advaita Acarya thinks, "Lord Caitanya considers Me His spiritual master, yet I feel Myself to be only His servant."
Ecstatic Considerations in Separation
In the higher stages of love, the Lord's perception of time and the world was entirely dictated by His internal mood. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the Lord would consider the absence of Kṛṣṇa to be like a great void and a few moments of separation to be like countless years.
- My Lord Govinda, because of separation from You, I consider even a moment a great millennium. Tears flow from My eyes like torrents of rain, and I see the entire world as void.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu prays in His Siksastaka: O Govinda! Feeling Your separation, I am considering a moment to be like twelve years or more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I am feeling all vacant in the world in Your absence.
- When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in ecstasy, He considered one moment to last as long as twelve years. After seeing the Jagannatha temple from a distant place, the Lord became so ecstatic that He considered the six-mile path many thousands of miles long.
- 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."
Conclusion
The considerations of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu reveal a heart that is simultaneously filled with supreme intelligence and profound love. Whether evaluating the spiritual standing of a devotee or determining the best method for universal deliverance, the Lord’s decisions were always rooted in His divine purpose as the most magnanimous savior. His humility in considering Himself a servant and His intense ecstasy in considering a moment as an era of separation provide a roadmap for all aspiring devotees. By understanding these divine deliberations, we can learn to shift our own considerations from the mundane to the transcendental, ultimately finding our place in the service of the Lord.
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 Considering. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.