The Inconceivable and Flawless Nature of Caitanya's Character
The character of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the ultimate standard of spiritual and moral behavior, established by the Lord Himself to guide all of humanity. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the Lord’s life is completely faultless, earning Him the title of the ideal human being and the perfect ācārya. While His nature is inconceivable and often full of apparent contradictions, such as Kṛṣṇa accepting the emotional mood of the gopīs, His character remains the source of all nectar. By relishing the descriptions of His pastimes and qualities, a devotee can transcend the mundane platforms of dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa. This article delves into the unique characteristics that define the Lord's dealings with His associates and the world, showing how His presence causes the three worlds to dance in love of Godhead.
The Ideal Behavior of the Ācārya
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord exhibited a character that was completely above suspicion in every dealing. As an ācārya, His behavior was a perfect blend of gravity and compassion, described as being simultaneously harder than a thunderbolt and softer than a rose.
- Apart from being a divine incarnation, the Lord (Caitanya) was an ideal character as a human being. His behavior with other persons was also above suspicion. In His dealing as acarya, He was harder than the thunderbolt and softer than the rose.
- You study Caitanya Mahaprabhu's behavior, character - He's ideal. Throughout His whole life you'll not find a spot. You read Caitanya-caritamrta. Find out some fault, that "Here is Caitanya . . . Sri Krsna Caitanya is faulty." No. That is susila. And that is sadhu.
- Ordinary people cannot understand the essence of sastra, nor can they understand the pure character, behavior and abilities of strict followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s principles.
Inconceivable Transcendental Characteristics
The character of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is fundamentally inconceivable because He is Kṛṣṇa Himself, yet He has accepted the mood of His own devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that one should not apply mundane logic to understand these divine contradictions, as they are part of the Lord's transcendental nature.
- He is Krsna, yet He has accepted the mood of the gopis. How is it so? It is the inconceivable character of the Lord, which is very difficult to understand.
- One cannot understand the contradictions in Lord Caitanya's character by putting forward mundane logic and arguments. Consequently one should not maintain doubts in this connection.
- Ramacandra Puri could find no faults in the character of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, for He is situated in a transcendental position as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Relishing the Nectar of the Lord's Character
Śrīla Prabhupāda compares the characteristics of the Lord to sugar cane that provides a transcendental juice for the soul to relish. Hearing about His character is not only pleasing to the ear but is the specific means by which one can easily receive ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa.
- The character of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is full of nectar. Hearing about it is pleasing to the ear and mind.
- These characteristics of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are like sugar cane that one can chew to relish transcendental juice.
- I write about the character of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. O readers, please hear with attention, for thus you will easily receive ecstatic love for the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krsna.
Magnanimity Beyond Salvation
The magnanimous character of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu allows Him to give a gift that is even higher than liberation. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that while most seekers are interested in material or spiritual goals like mokṣa, the Lord's character is so great that He bestows pure love of Godhead.
- Everyone depends upon dharma (religiosity), artha (economic development), kama (sense gratification) and ultimately moksa (salvation), but Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, due to His magnanimous character, can give more than salvation.
- It is Your natural characteristic to accept defeat at the hands of Your devotee. There is also another glory of Yours, which I ask You to hear attentively.
- Whenever there was anything that might touch or taint the character of the Lord, Damodara Pandita would immediately point it out, not even considering the exalted position of the Lord.
Conclusion
The character of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a transcendental ocean of nectar that is accessible through submissive hearing and the grace of pure devotees. As the ideal human being and the Supreme Lord, He demonstrates a standard of behavior that is entirely faultless and deeply attractive to all living entities. By focusing on His spotless character and magnanimous nature, one can transcend all material limitations and attain the highest platform of spiritual realization—the ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa.
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 Character. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.