The Initial Stage of Sravana-Dasa

The initial stage of Sravana-Dasa

Prathama sravana-dasa

That Mahajana, Sri Gurudeva, who is on this path of bhava, is superior to oneself and is overwhelmed by pure divine feelings[1].

By hearing bhava-tattva[2] from his divine mouth, the stage of sravana-dasa manifests.

The principle of Bhava

Bhava-tattva

One must consider that there are two aspects to bhava-tattva: one’s own ekadasa-bhava, and Krishna’s Lila.

Gradually reaching the stage of Varana-dasa

Krame varana-dasa prapti

When one hears Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya-nitya-lila, spiritual greed arises.

Because of that greed, one asks at the Guru’s feet: O Mahasaya, how can I obtain these pastimes?

Gurudeva then shows his mercy by describing ekadasa-bhava and how it applies to the principle of lila.

Being satisfied, the master will instruct him and allow him to enter into those pastimes.

With the perfect state of mind, hearing about his pure spiritual form, one accepts bhava entering his heart.

It should be said to Sri Gurudeva what one’s particular Ruci is

Nija-ruci sri-gurudevake balibe

At the time of acceptance, one should deliberate on one’s particular ruci[3] and sincerely inform one’s Guru.

O Prabhu! You have mercifully given me my spiritual identity, and I am fully satisfied with it.

I have a natural inclination for this kind of bhava. So, by placing your instructions on my head, I will be purified.

If one’s Ruci is different, Gurudeva will present another type of Bhava

Anya-ruci haile gurudeva anya-bhava dibena

If that is not his ruci, he should sincerely present his particular ruci at the feet of Sri Guru.

Gurudeva will think about it and give him another bhava. If he likes it, he can live with that bhava.

 

 

One must inform Gurudeva about one’s Siddha Bhava

Nija-siddha-bhava gurudevake janaibe

Thus, after Guru and disciple discuss this matter, from then on the siddha-bhava of the disciple is finally resolved.

The disciple should fall at the feet of the Guru and pray to him, humbly begging to bless him so that he can achieve perfection in his bhava.

Then Gurudeva will mercifully give instructions and the disciple will be able to access that particular bhava.

Firm acceptance

Drdha varana

Therefore, falling at the feet of Sri Guru, one should say: I accept your instructions regarding my bhava. I will never abandon it. Whether in life or death, it will always remain with me.

 

[1] Suddha-bhavuka.

[2] The philosophical principles that explain bhava.

[3] Taste or inclination.

 

This is a section of the book “Harinama Cintamani (English)”.

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