How Prabodhananda Sarasvati Converted From A Scholar Sannyasi To A Loving Devotee

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Shripad Prabodhananda Sarasvati Ji was a great scholar formerly known as Prakashananda Saraswati. Gopal Bhatta Goswami (one of the six goswamis of Vrindavan), who established Shri Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan, belonged to the family of Prakashananda Saraswati Ji. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at Sri Rangam, India, for four months (during Chāturmāsa) at the house of Venkata Bhatta (father of Gopal Bhatta Goswami). Gopal Bhatta had done great service to lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and on his instruction, Gopal Bhatta came to Vrindavan after his father’s demise. Gopal Bhatta later manifested Lord Shri Radha Raman ji (the famous deity of Vrindavan) with his love from his Shaligram.

Shripad Prakashanand Ji Maharaj was Gopal Bhatt’s uncle. Prakashanand Ji had a special affection towards Gopal Bhatt even after accepting the Sannyasa order of life because he had extreme renunciation. Prakashanand ji felt very sad when he learned that his promising scholar nephew was chanting Krishna Krishna because of a young Bengali monk. He wanted his nephew to become a great Vedanti scholar, but that did not happen because of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Prakashanand Ji decided to defeat Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by inviting him for a scriptural debate. 

Prakashananda Saraswati Decides To Defeat Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Whoever came from Jagannath Puri told Prakashanand Ji about the amazing love that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had for God, which further infuriated him. He developed jealousy toward Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Despite being so knowledgeable and scholarly, he started openly condemning Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This is a mistake. Jealousy becomes the reason for one’s fall. His heart was filled with hatred for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and he wanted to defeat him and show him his position through a spiritual debate. Someone told him that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was visiting Kashi (Varanasi). He wanted to meet and defeat him. He was a famous and highly respected monk of Kashi, so his ego stopped him from going to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Tapan Mishra Invites Chaitanya Mahaprabhu To Meet Prakashananda Saraswati

A devotee named Tapan Mishra was fond of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and used to invite Him to his house. Tapan Mishra also visited Prakashanand Ji’s house. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s nature was very hesitant and humble. One day, Tapan Mishra suggested Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meet Prakashanand Ji. Mahaprabhu said he is an elder sannyasi, and I respect him, but going there might cause a debate, and I am not interested in debating with him. Mahaprabhu stayed at Tapan Mishra’s house for a few days and left for Vrindavan. After returning to Vrindavan, Mahaprabhu stayed for a few days and returned to Kashi for two months.

When Tapan Mishra told Prakashanand ji that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was in Kashi, he said that since he is a young sannyasi and I am older, greatly respected, and famous, he should visit our monastery to see me. 

There was a Maharashtrian Brahmin who loved and served Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He also used to serve Prakashanand Ji. He felt bad when he heard Prakashanand Ji condemn Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Why was this knowledgeable soul trapped in these abusive words? He decided to help him meet Mahaprabhu to elevate him from his position. The Brahmin thought that if Prakashanand Ji met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu once, he would get cured in just one loving sight.

He sat at the feet of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and said, ” Lord, I wish that you would come with me to the monastery and have Darshan of Prakashanand Ji once and meet other saints. Mahaprabhu again said there is a likelihood of a debate so we can skip it. He told him about the insults he heard, to which Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said I am Sannyasi, so I don’t care about these. But Mahaprabhu became merciful and decided to give the gift of holy name to Prakashanand Ji to elevate him. Mahaprabhu became adamant about delivering Prakashanand Ji because of the Brahmin’s request. 

Meeting Between Prakashananda Saraswati and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Arranged

Tapan Mishra suggested that the Brahmin devotee invite all sannyasis of Kashi to the monastery, and Mahaprabhu can join along. This way, everyone would come to Prakashanand Ji’s place. We would all pray to Mahaprabhu, and He would not disregard our request. The Maharashtrian Brahmin became very happy. Everything was arranged, and Kashi’s saints assembled at the monastery. Many great Vedanta scholars were present, and scholarly discussions were going on. Prakashanand Ji was sitting on a throne in the middle of the meeting Hall. The Maharashtrian devotee went to Mahaprabhu and requested that he join the meeting of the saints and scholars. Mahaprabhu said these are great men, I don’t know what I will do there. I am not worthy.

All the other devotees held Mahaprabhu’s feet, and the Maharashtrian devotee cried and said, Lord, this no ordinary seminar. Lord, all my planning is done only for you to meet Prakashanand Ji. Please have mercy on me. All other devotees started crying and prayed too. They said it is just a gathering of saints, so please join. Mahaprabhu agreed. Maharashtrian Brahmin and Tapan Ji were very happy that Prakashanand Ji would be delivered.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Humble Nature

While entering the gathering, Mahaprabhu kept looking down humbly and had folded hands. All the scholars were sitting on mattresses, and Prakashanand Ji sat on the throne in the middle of the stage. The Vedanta scholars and Prakashanand Ji’s disciples were inquisitive about seeing Mahaprabhu defeated. They also wanted to see which knowledge Chaitanya Mahaprabhu possessed.

Mahaprabhu sat where every other scholar’s feet were washed. This act of humility made everyone in the gathering lose their senses. Everyone sat on the stage, and He was below everyone. They were fascinated with His beauty, grace, and humility. His lips were like petals of Roses. He had lotus-like eyes, saffron robes, and an effulgent face. 

Prakashanand Ji understood His glory, but he invited Mahaprabhu to sit with them to protect his prestige. Mahaprabhu replied saying I am inferior, how can I sit among you all divine and wise people.  When Prakashanand Ji heard the words, it felt like a spell was cast on him. He touched the throne twice or thrice to get up and run to touch His feet. But his prestige, ego and importance did not let him do it.

He said, Swamiji, why are you sitting so lowly, he went and held Mahaprabhu by hand to bring him to the seating area. As soon as he touched Mahaprabhu, he felt divine bliss, something he had never experienced before, even by reading the Vedanta philosophy. His ego was getting shattered again and again. He felt like crying and falling at his feet but couldn’t because all his disciples were watching.

He again tried to be dutiful and held Mahaprabhu’s hand to ask him to sit with them. Mahaprabhu sat hesitantly.  Prakashanand Ji’s language changed; he said, I have a complaint to make to you first. You came to Kashi and did not consider this monastery your home. You could have stayed with us in the monastery. I think you do not consider me as your own yet. The language and the talking tone changed completely. Mahaprabhu kept chanting and did not respond. He said, Swamiji, say something. Mahaprabhu replied I am not eligible; it is Lord Krishna’s mercy that I got to see you all great saints.

The Discourse Between Prakashananda Saraswati and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Prakashanand asked Mahaprabhu a question, and he politely agreed to answer.

Prakashananda Saraswati: What is your main duty as a Sannyasi?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: A Sannyasi’s duty is to remember Vedanta teachings while living by alms. One should keep meditating on saints’ words regarding the falseness of this world and get situated in Brahman (enlightenment).

Prakashananda Saraswati: You left it all and started chanting Krishna Krishna all the time; what is this?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord, my Gurudev taught me that Krishna is the fruit of all Vedanta philosophy and renunciation. Lord, is there anything greater than the order of the spiritual master? My Gurudev has asked me to chant the name of lord Hari. 

Prakashananda Saraswati: You always keep crying and dancing; why is that?

Mahaprabhu dodged the question, saying I also keep worrying about why it happens to me as He knew the Vedanta philosophers would not understand anything about love and devotion. I just follow the order of my spiritual master and chant the name constantly. This has become my life now. 

Prakashananda Saraswati: Yes, it’s good to chant the name. There is glory to it, too, but you, being a sannyasi and having learnt Brahma Sutras, why don’t you discuss Vedanta Philosophy? 

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord Vyas Dev Ji wrote the Brahma Sutras. After describing everything, Vyas Dev Ji was dissatisfied. He met Narad Ji, who said he would be satisfied by singing Shri Krishna’s praises. That is when he wrote Srimad Bhagavatam. 

Prakashananda Saraswati: You are speaking against the scriptures. The Brahma Sutras talk about a formless god void of any qualities. Lord Shankaracharya has also written about this in detail; haven’t you read the commentary?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Shrimad Bhagavatam was Vyas Dev ji’s last work, and it fulfilled him. He asked Prakashanand Ji whether he believed in Bhagavatam, to which he replied yes. Then which one is primary? The Nir Vishesh Brahma or Krishna Ji’s special Purna Brahma form. Lord Vyas Dev Ji has explained Srimad Bhagavatam as the scriptures’ essence.

Prakashanand Ji kept repeating his point regarding Lord Shankaracharya and the formless Brahm.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord Shankaracharya had the utmost faith in Srimad Bhagavatam (which speaks of the glories of Krishna), but he still gave prominence to the formless Brahman. Do you know why? If one wants to engage his intelligence and does not surrender at the feet of the Lord, it is to make him run and become tired, so he eventually surrenders.

Prakashananda Saraswati: why are you misinterpreting the sutras? What public benefit will it bring?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: You are looking at it only from an intellectual level. If you had experienced or realized it, it would not have been possible for you to speak it with words. Can you learn the truth through logic? Realization is real, but logic is not. Logic can deceive you, but realization cannot. Realization leads to salvation. Mere entertainment via the intellect does not lead to salvation.  

Prakashananda Saraswati: Why did Shankaracharya Ji say that the world is completely false? Why did he ask to focus on the ultimate formless Brahman?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:

Logic is not the topic of discussion here. Ignorance and sins committed in previous births lead to logic and argument. Great men of logic do not argue in a serious question like this. Those who think God exists, whether formless or with form, how can they engage in an argument like this? This cannot be solved by reading and writing and making logical conclusions. It can only be learnt with Guru’s grace. With grace, you see the Lord everywhere. If you see God everywhere, then where is the space for argument? Why roam around with the burden of scriptures in mind?

Prakashanand Ji was defeated again and again.  

You have stuck your intelligence in the scriptures and used it to make arguments. You never had faith and never surrendered to God; otherwise, the situation would have been different. Lord Shankaracharya gave the scriptures to tire out the intellect of logicians so they would finally surrender. The intelligence needs to tire out, become subtle, pure, and surrender. The goal is not to persist in arguments. Until there are arguments and questions, one is ignorant. God is known through faith, not argument.

In front of the whole audience, Prakashanand Ji was receiving real knowledge.

I request you to keep saying Krishna Krishna; everything will become clear. You will understand everything, whether God is formless or with form, whether this world is real or not.

Prakashananda Saraswati: This is snobbery. One does not know anything, no knowledge, but should just keep walking? What do you want to prove with this? 

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
Have you heard the heart of Lord Shankaracharya Ji? Shankaracharya Ji composed a six-verse prayer in which he spoke with Lord Shri Krishna. Lord, there is no difference between You and me, just as the sea and the waves are not different. Due to air, the sea becomes a wave. Also, a single wave cannot become the sea. That is the difference between us (the soul and God). Lord Krishna is the sea, and the rest of the material world is made up of waves. No one has strength, knowledge, fame, beauty, or opulence similar to the Lord’s. 

Prakashanand Ji was stunned and said this is Shankaracharya Ji’s humour; it is a joke. Mahaprabhu said again that the intelligence ruined by arguments is relieved through realization. Have you found true peace? Have you forgotten everything, gotten situated in your form, felt humbled, and cried for Shri Krishna? 

Prakashanand Ji broke down with every sentence of Mahaprabhu because these were not logical talks. Mahaprabhu spoke by looking into his eyes. Mahaprabhu again spoke the words of Lord Shankaracharya. Lord, like you took the Matsya incarnation to save the earth, I take refuge at your feet; please save me! Have you not read this?

Prakashanand Ji said this again is said jokingly and in humour. Faith can be born only in the company of great men. He had thousands of disciples and was so knowledgeable, but he could not answer whether peace had awakened in his heart. He was breaking from within and wanted to submit himself at the feet of Mahaprabhu, but his pride was stopping him. 

Mahaprabhu said with folded hands, Lord, you are knowledgeable, scholarly, and a guru. How can I speak in front of you? But I will say again, I am not speaking with logic; I am speaking from the heart. Please refine your thoughts; the goal of faith and meditation is love, whether for yourself or Lord Krishna. Did you find self-love or realization? If yes, there is nothing other than the soul. Who are you arguing with? Who are you condemning? Love is the goal. Love is a talk of heart; your heart is still covered with arrogance.

The Pride Of Prakashananda Saraswati Cured

Mahaprabhu continued, Lord Shankaracharya Ji has written: Some people worship God to fulfil their wishes, Others make sacrifices to attain heaven, Some gain knowledge to attain liberation, But the happiness of love that comes from submission to the lotus feet of lord Krishna is not found anywhere else. How do you respond to that? Mahaprabhu’s speech faltered while saying this, and he had tears in His eyes.

Prakashananda JI was surprised and started sweating after hearing this. Mahaprabhu kept chanting Krishna Krishna. No one dared to say a word in the assembly. Prakashananda got up, took a hand fan and started fanning Mahaprabhu. All the monks were astonished. The one who wanted to defeat Mahaprabhu was now in His service. The Maharastrian Brahmin started dancing and chanting Hari Hari. It came to Prakashananda Ji’s mind to hold His feet; He was Shri Krishna Himself, in the form of a monk. Apologise, you have condemned him, you have spoken bitter words. But pride still won; he did not submit to His feet. Prakashananda Ji’s heart was completely shattered.

Mahaprabhu got up with folded hands and started walking out. Prakashananda Ji accompanied Him. When Mahaprabhu left, he took the dust from His footprints and put it on his head. Prakashananda Ji went inside, closed the monastery door and started crying. Lord Krishna, when will I get mercy, and when will my knowledge, prestige, and pride be destroyed? Please help me out. 

The Transformation Of Prakashananda Saraswati

From that day onwards, Prakashananda Ji’s heart swayed away from knowledge; he kept crying and prayed for mercy. He wanted to run away to the feet of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and pray to be saved. He started seeing the form of Lord Krishna in his heart. This experience made him sorry that he insulted and condemned Mahaprabhu. But did not know how to visit Mahaprabhu to ask forgiveness, he cried and prayed, O’Lord Mahaprabhu, please accept me in your shelter. 

One day, when the Maharashtrian Brahmin returned, Prakashananda Ji enquired about Mahaprabhu’s location so he could visit and ask forgiveness. He also thanked the Brahmin for his mercy. He was the one who arranged the meeting, which destroyed pride. One day, Mahaprabhu was coming back after taking a bath, and Brahmin told him about Prakashananda Ji’s situation. Mahaprabhu was happy that Krishna had blessed Prakashananda Ji and agreed to meet him. 

Prakashananda Saraswati Accepted By Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Prakashanand Ji came running. Mahaprabhu was dancing in kirtan; he also started dancing in a corner. When the kirtan stopped, Mahaprabhu opened His eyes. Prakashanand Ji fell on his feet. Mahaprabhu pulled his feet back and said Lord, why are you committing such a crime? I am your servant; you are our worshippable guru. I can’t even compare with your disciples. Prakashanand Ji said Lord, enough; I know I am sinful, despicable and arrogant. Please bless me. Mahaprabhu embraced him and asked him to go back while making gestures with His eyes to instruct Prakashanand Ji to be patient.

Mahaprabhu went outside the monastery and called Prakashanand ji in solitude. Prakashanand ji prostrate with folded hands. Mahaprabhu embraced him and sat with him. Prakashanand ji said, Lord, I want to pray something. Please forgive my arrogance; I insulted you. Today, I feel full of ignorance and away from knowledge. Now, my life is blank; you instruct me about my duties. What should I do?

Mahaprabhu said, Jai Ho, this is the victory of the grace of Shri Krishna. I know you are a liberated soul. This all was the arrangement of the lord to elevate you. Now, you have been assigned to the path of Love. The essence of all meditation is the Love Of Lord Krishna. Prakashanand Ji asked, how does one get the love for the feet of the lord? Mahaprabhu replied, worship Shri Krishna with utmost devotion, take His shelter and continuously chant His name. Go and pray to him by continuously chanting his name.

Prakashanand Ji became happy, fell at His feet, and said, Lord, today I have been reborn. All my doubts have been destroyed. You have accepted me, so I no longer want to be called Prakashananda. Please give me a new name. He said you had Prakash (knowledge) but lacked Prabodh (Enlightenment) of love, so you will be called Prabodhananda from today onwards. It is my order; please go and reside in Vrindavan. Your only task is to sing the glories of Radha Krishna and do naam kirtan.

Prabodhananda Sarasvati Leaves For Vrindavan

Prabodhananda Ji did not return to the monastery and immediately left for Vrindavan. He came on foot and arrived in Mathura. After crossing Vishram Ghat, he saw King Parmanand Ji Maharaj (disciple of Harivansh Mahaprabhu) meditating in Samadhi. Prabodhananda Ji felt like talking to him, so he waited for him to be done. He enquired about his state of Samadhi and learned it was prem samadhi. He wanted to learn it but the king said I received it through the grace of Harivansh Mahaprabhu, you can too meet him and request him. Prabodhananda Ji immediately left for Sevakunj to meet Harivansh Mahaprabhu.

Prabodhananda Sarasvati Meets Harivansh Mahaprabhu

When Prabodhananda Ji arrived, Harivansh Mahaprabhu was not at Sevakunj but in Mansarovar. He left for Mansarovar but still couldn’t find him, so he decided to rest there for the night. He remained awake till 11 pm, but after that, there was a dust storm, lions started roaring, snakes started coming out, a fragrant, cool breeze started flowing, and he got intoxicated by a supernatural experience. These are the symptoms of the atmosphere when Radha and Krishna arrive. He heard the chimes of anklets and fell unconscious. When he returned to consciousness, he wasn’t in Mansarovar but at Vishram Ghat, Mathura. This confused him.

He went to clarify this with Harivansh Mahaprabhu at Sevakunj. He told him that he is currently not eligible to enter the loving conjugal pastimes of Radha Krishna. Hence, one of the Sakhis (maidservants) of Radha Rani took him to Mathura. He enquired about how I could become eligible. Harivansh Mahaprabhu told him to start associating with Rasik saints of Vrindavan and honouring the dust of Vrindavan.

Later, Prabodhananda Ji wrote about the glories of Harivansh Mahaprabhu. He surrendered to Vrindavan and lived according to Ras Riti (remembrance of loving pastimes of Radha Krishna) of Vrindavan. Today, his samadhi exists near Kalidah (Kaliya Ghat), Vrindavan.

Conclusion

Just stay calm, be patient, and chant Radha Radha. We have been blessed with the chanting of Radha Naam. This is the high altitude that even great men of such calibre found difficult to reach. We are very fortunate to have found the essence of Vrindavan. These scholars were knowledgeable Brahmins and Vedantis. We are nothing in comparison to them. Compared to them, we are hopeless creatures wandering for petty matters. 

We have received this worship only because of Shri Radha’s grace. The same grace brought scholars like these to Vrindavan, but we have been blessed causelessly without any qualification. We are standing in a queue where Radha and Krishna are being given away for free to everyone. Just be in the queue; do not leave the queue. Just keep chanting Radha, Radha.

Shared By: Pujya Shri Hit Premanand Ji Maharaj

Original Videos of Shri Hit Premanand Ji Maharaj Speak On Prabodhananda Sarasvati Ji