Now the first sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu was Damodardas, whom Shri Acharyaji called “Damala.” His discourse and its sentiment are spoken of here.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing of the Sentiment): Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu called Damodardas “Damala.” From this, one may think that “Damala” means “Amala” (pure), removing impurity. But there may arise a doubt: if ordinary Vaishnavas are already free of impurity, then what is the purpose of calling Damodardas by a name that signifies impurity (Mala) being removed? It is said that in the path of devotion, when there is love for Shri Thakurji, then one is called “Amala” (pure). But when there is even greater love for Shri Acharyaji than for Shri Thakurji, then such a person is truly “Amala.”
Damodardas had steadfast and unwavering love for Shri Acharyaji. Once, Shri Acharyaji was lying down with his head resting in Damodardas’s lap. At that time, Shri Govardhandhar himself manifested. Damodardas stopped him, saying: “Do not come near, Mahaprabhuji will awaken.” Such was his firm sentiment that even after getting up, he did not bow to Shri Thakurji.
And when Shri Gusainji asked, “Why do you say Shri Thakurji is less?” Damodardas replied: “Is the donor greater, or the one who gives gifts greater? The donor can give wherever he wishes, and he can keep the gifts wherever he likes.” This was his firm understanding. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji called him “Damala.”
There was not even the slightest trace of any other relationship (worldly attachment) in him. That is why he is called “Amala” (pure).
His name is Damodardas because, in the “Purushottama Sahasranama” (the Thousand Names of Purushottam), Shri Acharyaji says: “Damodaro Bhaktavashyo” (Damodar is under the control of his devotees). And in Shri Subodhiniji this is elaborated further It is written: The Supreme Purushottam himself was seen to be under the control of his devotees. He could not free himself from his bonds, and he revealed his form as a Braj devotee to Yashodaji. Yashodaji is such a great devotee that she bound Shri Thakurji. Seeing the agreement of those devotees, he allowed himself to be bound because the ropes were brought by the Braj devotees. But Yashodaji herself did not have the strength to untie those bonds. When the Yamalarjuna trees fell and there was a great commotion, then the Braj devotees released the ropes. Therefore, Yashodaji is greater than Shri Thakurji, and the Braj devotees are greater than Shri Damodarji. In this way, he manifested his quality of being affectionate to devotees (bhakt-vatsalata).
In the same way, Damodardas – whose name also bears the name Damodar – was such an exclusive devotee that Shri Acharyaji was under his control. Therefore, he said: “Damala! I have revealed this path for you.” This means that although there are many devotees, it was shown that Shri Acharyaji resides within you.
And Damodardas’s divine form was revealed as that of Lalitaji. There, in all the secret pastimes, just as Lalitaji is the obedient one to Shri Swaminiji, in the same way here Damodardas, in the form of Lalita, is the obedient one to Shri Acharyaji. From birth itself he was a celibate in the form of a sakhi (female companion), never knowing the life of a householder.
This sentiment of Lalitaji is to be understood in the context of this narration—
★ राग केदारो | Raga Kedaro ★
हँसि हैंसि दूध पीवत नाथ। मधुर कोमल बचन कहि कहि, प्रानप्यारी साथ ॥१॥
Smiling and smiling, the Lord drinks milk. Speaking sweet and gentle words again and again, together with his dearest beloved. ॥1॥
कनक कटोरा भरयो अमृत, दियो ललिता हाथ। लाडिली अचवाय पहले, पाछें आप अघात ॥ २॥
A golden bowl filled with nectar was given into Lalita’s hand. The beloved first fed it playfully, then she herself drank afterward. ॥2॥
चिंतामनि चित्त वस्यो सजनी निरखि पिय मुसिकात। स्यामा स्याम की नवल छवि परि “रसिक” बलि बलि जात ॥३॥
The wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani) has settled in my heart, my friend, seeing the Beloved smiling. In the fresh and beautiful form of Shyama-Shyam, “Rasik” surrenders again and again. ॥3॥
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The meaning of this is that both divine forms, adorned with jewels, are seated upon a jewel-studded bed. There, Lalitaji, covering the milk in a golden bowl and adding fragrant sugar, brought it in. Then Lalitaji thought: “Both divine forms are seated here. If I first give the bowl into Shri Swaminiji’s hand, she will feed Shri Thakurji and then partake herself. In this way, my intention will not be fulfilled. But if I give the bowl into Shri Thakurji’s hand, then first Shri Swaminiji will partake and afterward Shri Thakurji will drink.”
Therefore, she placed the bowl of milk into Shri Thakurji’s hand. At that time, it is said: “The beloved first tasted it playfully, and then she herself drank afterward.” From his hand, she partook. From his hand, the Chintamani form of Shri Thakurji entered the heart of Shri Swaminiji. Therefore, when Shri Swaminiji partook, Shri Thakurji became satisfied.
Seeing Lalitaji’s loving cleverness in this way, Shri Thakurji smiled. This fresh, beautiful scene of drinking milk was so delightful that Shri Harirayji says he surrenders again and again to its charm.
In the same way, this kind of sentiment exists in Damodardas towards Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu. Therefore, he did not take up any separate service of Shri Thakurji. For him, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu is Thakur himself. This is “Manasi Sa Paramata” – he was qualified for manasi (mental) service. He remained absorbed in the rasa (nectar) of divine pastimes.
Prasang 1 Damodardas – The Pure and Steadfast Devotee
Later, at one time, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu himself set foot in Braj. Damodardas was with him. Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu used to call Damodardas “Damala” and would say: “Damala! This path has been revealed for you.”
There, in Gokul, on a platform above Govind Ghat, Shri Acharyaji was resting under a tree. Nearby was the temple of Shri Dwarikanathji. At that time, a worry arose in Shri Acharyaji’s mind. The worry was because Shri Thakurji had given him the command: “Establish Brahmasambandh (spiritual connection with God) for the souls.”
So Shri Acharyaji began to think: “The souls are full of faults, and Shri Purnapurushottam (the complete Supreme Lord) is the treasure house of virtues. How can such a relationship between them take place?” This thought caused him deep concern, and he became extremely anxious.
At that very moment, Shri Thakurji instantly manifested before Shri Acharyaji and asked: “Why are you so anxious?” Then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu replied: “You already know the nature of the souls; they are full of faults. How can there be a relationship between such souls and yourself?”
Shri Thakurji said: “When you give the souls a name (Brahmasambandh), all their faults will be removed. Therefore, you should accept the souls.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The concern for the deliverance of the souls also arose because: if someone has attained the supreme object, he naturally enjoys happiness in accepting it. But how can the Beloved be made to accept an inferior object—souls full of faults? This is the method of this path.
Moreover, in the world there are great souls who themselves establish Brahmasambandh (spiritual connection with God). In this way, if even one soul in the world gains firm faith, then, by the command from Shri Thakurji’s holy mouth, Brahmasambandh is established.
Through this, firm faith is instilled in the souls—that Shri Acharyaji has given his word: “Whosoever receives Brahmasambandh will never be abandoned.” Because of this greatness, the souls will enter into Brahmasambandh. This was conveyed by Shri Thakurji.
This event took place on the night of Shravana Sudi Ekadashi, at midnight.
The next morning was the sacred day of Dwadashi. Therefore, the sacred thread (Pavitra) had already been prepared and sanctified, and the Pavitra was worn. The letters from that time were later compiled by Shri Acharyaji into the book “Siddhant Rahasya.”
At that time, Damodardas was sleeping some distance away. Shri Acharyaji asked Damodardas: “Damala! Did you hear anything?” Then Damodardas replied: “Maharaj, I did hear Shri Thakurji’s words, but I did not understand them.”
Then Shri Acharyaji himself said: “Shri Thakurji has commanded me: ‘You must perform Brahmasambandh for the souls. I will accept them. And those to whom you give the name (initiation), all their faults will be removed. Therefore, you must certainly perform Brahmasambandh.’”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Damodardas said: “I heard Shri Thakurji’s words, but I did not understand them.” The reason for this is explained thus: in the Eleventh Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Thakurji says that even after hearing His words, they may not be understood by one’s own effort; only when the Guru bestows grace does understanding arise. Therefore, when Shri Thakurji spoke, Damodardas did not understand immediately, as he was the servant of Shri Acharyaji. When Shri Acharyaji himself explained, only then could Damodardas understand.
This also shows that firm knowledge in the heart arises only through the Guru’s grace, and it reveals the relationship of Master and Servant. If Damodardas had said he understood, it would appear as if his knowledge equaled Shri Acharyaji’s. So he said, “I did not understand.” Or perhaps he meant, “I did not understand, for what use would it be for me to understand on my own? It is for you to speak and for me to understand through you.”
And while narrating this katha, Shri Acharyaji said to Damodardas. “Damala! It has been a long time, and you have not spoken of Shri Thakurji’s discourse.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning of this is that Shri Thakurji’s discourse was not narrated by Damodardas himself, who is in the form of Shri Swaminiji and in the form of Lalita Sakhi. The secret and intimate discourse about Shri Thakurji—regarding their meeting and the first episode of such divine pastimes—was not narrated.
Therefore, in front of everyone, it was said in this way during the narration of the katha: that the discourse about Shri Thakurji was not spoken.
Prasang 2 Mahaprabhu’s Concern and the Revelation of Brahmasambandh
And Shri Acharyaji prayed three times before Shri Thakurji: “Let Damodardas’s body not leave before me.”
The reason for this was that Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu himself was contemplating taking sannyasa (renunciation). At that time, Shri Gopinathji and Shri Gusainji, the two brothers, were still children. Therefore, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu explained the entire discourse of the path (Pushtimarg) to Damodardas and established it firmly through him.
Damodardas kept nothing secret from Shri Acharyaji.
And Shri Acharyaji would read the Shrimad Bhagavatam day and night, narrating its stories, and Damodardas would listen. All the principles of the path and the secrets of Bhagavan’s pastimes were established by Shri Acharyaji in the heart of Damodardas.
After establishing the path in Damodardas’s heart, some days later Shri Acharyaji himself took sannyasa. Then, some days afterward, Shri Gusainji asked Shri Akkaji: “The path which Shri Acharyaji has revealed—what is the proper way to celebrate its festivals? We do not know anything.”
Then Akkaji replied: “The details of the path and the manner of the festivals have all been explained to Damodardas. You should ask him. He will tell you everything.”
After that, Shri Gusainji came to Damodardas’s house. Damodardas received him with great honor and devotion and welcomed him into his home.
Then Shri Gusainji asked about the manner of the festivals, and Damodardas explained everything to him.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): There are many doubts regarding this, such as: Shri Acharyaji possesses all powers—he is capable of doing, not doing, and doing otherwise—so why would Shri Thakurji ask for food?
The meaning of this is that Damodardas’s devotion characterized by love (premlakshana bhakti) had already become firm, and he was in the form of Lalitaji. Thus, he was extremely dear to Shri Thakurji. Lalitaji is in the middle (intermediary), being immersed in the service of both divine forms. Therefore, Damodardas experiences emotion in the presence of both Shri Acharyaji and Shri Thakurji.
Because of this, Shri Acharyaji said to Shri Thakurji: “As I constantly allow Damodardas to experience my form, so too you must constantly let him experience your form.” By saying this, it is shown how much intense love Shri Acharyaji had for Damodardas. It is understood that Shri Acharyaji thought, “May it never happen that after me Damala suffers in any way,” and thus he spoke to Shri Thakurji.
Moreover, the path (Pushtimarg) that was established in the heart of Damodardas was done so for the sake of Shri Gusainji. The meaning of this is that even though Shri Gusainji is God, still he was a child at that time. But Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu established his path of devotion firmly in the heart of Damodardas. Shri Acharyaji himself said from his holy mouth: “This path, Damala, has been revealed for you.”
Therefore, when it is established in the heart of a Vaishnav, it spreads among the Vaishnavs later on. The first religious principle (dharma) that remained in Shri Gusainji’s heart was because it had already been firmly established in Gokul. In Gokul, from the very beginning, all the remaining and unending greatness (mahatmya) had been carried.
It is said, “The bindu (point) is creation, and Vaishnavs are of the nada (sound) creation.” Therefore, devotion (bhakti) naturally arises in them. For this reason, Gopaldas has sung: “The souls on the path of devotion (bhaktimargiya jiv) are independent only through the devotees.”
Thus, the bhaktimargiya (devotional path) souls are independent, O Devi, but their devotion grows only through devotees. For this reason, Shri Acharyaji has said in the Navratna: “Offering (nivedanam) must always be remembered by such persons.”
In this way, when it is kept in the hearts of devotees, the path of devotion (bhaktimarg) manifests. Otherwise, it would merely be called the path of God (ishwargati). There, only the path of God would be spoken of, but in the devotional path (bhaktimarg), even the path of God is understood. Where there is devotion, there God Himself is present. Where there is no devotion, then by the rule of bhaktimarg, God is not manifest, though He remains as the indwelling witness (antaryami). Therefore, the greatness that comes in the devotees is what defines the bhaktimarg.
Prasang 3 Is the Donor Greater or the Gift?
Once, at another time, Damodardas and Shri Gusainji were sitting together in private. Then Shri Gusainji asked Damodardas, “How do you regard Shri Acharyaji?”
Damodardas replied, “Everyone in the world says that Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu is Jagdish (the Lord of the Universe). They say the greatest Jagdish is Shri Thakurji. But I regard Shri Acharyaji as even greater than that.”
Then Shri Gusainji asked Damodardas, “Why do you say this? Is not Shri Thakurji the greater one?”
Damodardas replied to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Is the donor greater, or is the one who owns wealth greater? If someone has a lot of wealth, what of it? Only when they give it away are they truly known as great. And Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s entire wealth is Shri Nathji. Yet he gave himself—his all—even to a soul like me. Therefore, I regard Shri Acharyaji as the greatest of all.”
Prasang 4 The Servant Instructs the Master
Once again, at another time, Shri Gusainji was sitting in the assembly. Two or three Vaishnavs—Kumbhandas, Govinddas, and others—were sitting nearby, laughing and playing in private. Shri Gusainji himself was laughing, playing, joking, and in great joy conversing about playful topics.
At that moment, Damodardas arrived there. Shri Gusainji greeted him with great respect and honor. Afterward, Damodardas entered, performed prostrations, and then sat down.
Then Shri Gusainji said to Damodardas, “Maharaj! I do not yet have certainty about my path. This path brings great suffering, restlessness, and pain.”
Damodardas replied, “You are blessed. You speak the truth. But when Shri Acharyaji’s grace comes upon us, only then will there be suffering and restlessness. This path cannot be attained without Shri Acharyaji’s favor.”
Hearing this, Damodardas prostrated again and said, “I must make one humble request to you, O Raja. But you are the master; you will know and act rightly. This path is of such a nature.”
Then Shri Gusainji became very pleased and said, “This discourse has been spoken to me by Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu through you. If you do not speak, who else will say it? Seeing you brings immense joy to my heart, so speak joyfully. I say this knowing you to be a true servant of Shri Acharyaji.”
After this, Shri Gusainji accepted the teaching of Damodardas and became steadfast in it. Thus, Damodardas was regarded as the greatest of the great.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): According to worldly customs, it may seem improper for a servant to instruct the master. But the doubt is answered by explaining that Damodardas was in the form of Lalitaji. Shri Gusainji (like Chandravali) had the mood of parakiya rasa (love outside of a formal bond). In parakiya rasa, there is intense love, and the heart remains attached to the beloved all twenty-four hours. Here, the nature of jarabhava (playful jealousy) is displayed: how can there be laughter and joking with others?
Moreover, Damodardas’s physical form was merely an appearance. In reality, Shri Acharyaji’s divine presence remained within him at all times, twenty-four hours a day. Whatever came from Damodardas’s mouth was actually Shri Acharyaji speaking. That is why Shri Gusainji said, “This discourse has been spoken to me by Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu through you.”
Prasang 5 The Shraddha, Siddhant Rahasya, and the Guru’s Grace
One day, it was the shraddha (memorial ritual) day for Damodardas’s father. On that day, Shri Gusainji came there. He performed the shraddha ceremony for Damodardas’s father. Later, when the ritual of utthapana (concluding the ceremony) was being performed, Damodardas came for darshan.
At that moment, Shri Gusainji said, “Give me the dakshina (ceremonial offering).”
Damodardas replied, “I will say one thing as the dakshina.” He then delivered an explanation of one and a half shlokas from Siddhant Rahasya. This was something significant.
Shri Gusainji said, “Go ahead, say more.”
Damodardas replied, “This much only is my resolve.” Then Shri Gusainji became silent.
Afterward, Damodardas explained the system of the path (Pushtimarg), narrated the commentary of Shrimad Bhagavatam called Shri Subodhiniji, the commentaries on Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s writings, and the secret discourses to Shri Gusainji.
After this, Shri Gusainji did not allow Damodardas to bow down to him. The reason was that Shri Gusainji thought in his mind, “Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu constantly resides in the heart of Damodardas. Why should I allow him to bow to me?” Therefore, he did not allow Damodardas to prostrate.
Instead, Shri Gusainji offered his own charanamrit (water sanctified by washing his feet) to Damodardas.
Later, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu appeared to Damodardas and gave him a command: “You must take the charanamrit of Shri Gusainji daily.”
The next morning, Damodardas went to Shri Gusainji and asked for charanamrit. Shri Gusainji initially refused. Then Damodardas said to Shri Gusainji, “I have received the command of Shri Acharyaji, and I have had his darshan. He said, ‘Take the charanamrit.’” Then Shri Gusainji gave him the charanamrit.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The purpose of performing the shraddha was not to deliver Damodardas’s ancestors, for they had already been delivered, as he was himself a great devotee. In the Maryada Marga (the path of rules), it is said by Lord Narasimha to Prahlad, “Twenty-one generations of a devotee’s ancestors are delivered.” Damodardas was of the Pushtimarg (the path of grace), so his ancestors were certainly already delivered.
However, without a relationship to the Pushtimarg, they could not be formally accepted into it. Therefore, through the shraddha performed by Shri Gusainji, that relationship was established, and the ancestors were accepted into the Pushtimarg.
This means: through Damodardas’s shraddha, all his ancestors became related to Pushtimarg. But the role of the Guru is essential. Without the Guru, firm acceptance cannot take place. Thus, Shri Gusainji performed this act to establish their relationship.
There might be a doubt: Why did Damodardas perform shraddha for his ancestors when they were already related to Pushtimarg? And why not perform it for others? The answer is that Damodardas was a divine soul of Pushtimarg. When his ancestors became related to the Pushtimarg, it symbolized the acceptance of all ancestors of all Pushtimargiya souls. Just as the path was established for Damodardas’s ancestors, it became established for all.
In this way, devotion planted at the root spreads to all. Similarly, the devotion of Damodardas caused devotion to grow in all souls. No individual soul has the power to independently create even a moment of Pushtimarg devotion.
As for the dakshina, Damodardas gave an explanation of one and a half shlokas from Siddhant Rahasya. When Shri Gusainji asked him to say more, Damodardas replied, “This much only is my resolve.”
The reason is that a true resolve is complete in itself; within it lies the entirety of the path.
Shri Gusainji did not allow Damodardas to take his charanamrit or to bow down to him. The reason is that Damodardas was in the form of Lalitaji, the dearest sakhi (female companion) of Shri Swaminiji. Only Lalitaji would do such acts for her. Therefore, Damodardas did not insist or take the charanamrit.
Later, Shri Acharyaji explained to Damodardas: “You must take Shri Gusainji’s charanamrit and bow to him. I dwell in the heart of Shri Gusainji. My divine form has manifested through him.”
Then Damodardas revealed this secret to Shri Gusainji. Hearing this, Shri Gusainji, now pleased, gave him the charanamrit and said, “Take it.” He understood that Damodardas was receiving it through the sentiment of Shri Acharyaji, not through his own feelings.
Because of this principle, even though Shri Gopinathji (the elder son of Shri Acharyaji) was older than Shri Gusainji, no Vaishnav took charanamrit from him. This sentiment was revealed through Shri Gusainji, who, along with the seven sons of Shri Vallabhkul, established the tradition of giving charanamrit and accepting prostrations. This principle was thus made known.
Prasang 6 Darshan Every Third Day – Bliss and Separation
And Shri Acharyaji gave darshan to Damodardas every third day. He would speak to him about the secret discourses of the path (Pushtimarg) and shower such grace upon him.
If, by chance, there was no darshan on the third day, then Damodardas would feel severe pain in his stomach and suffer greatly. But when darshan was granted afterward, the pain would immediately vanish.
In this way, for many years, Shri Acharyaji continued to give darshan and bestow such grace upon Damodardas. Whatever discussions took place, Damodardas would narrate all of them before Shri Gusainji, and day and night they would discuss the principles of the path.
Shri Gusainji also showed great grace toward Damodardas and would say, “Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu always resides in the heart of Damodardas.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Shri Acharyaji gave darshan to Damodardas every third day. The reason for this was that Damodardas would remain absorbed in the ecstasy of the previous darshan for three days. On the third day, when his body regained awareness, he would experience the pain of separation. Upon receiving darshan again, he would return to bliss in the divine form (svarupanand).
Prasang 7 Know Shri Gusainji as You Know Me
Earlier, Damodardas used to sit by pressing on the edge of Shri Gusainji’s seat (gadi). One day Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu saw this.
Then Shri Acharyaji asked Damodardas, “Damala! How do you regard Shri Gusainji?”
Damodardas replied, “Maharaj, I regard him as your son.”
Then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu said to Damodardas, “Just as you regard me, in the same way know his divine form (svarup).”
Prasang 8 The Divine Command to Deliver the Souls
Once, Shri Gusainji was sitting. At that time, Damodardas said, “Maharaj! I do not yet have firmness in the path. The divine form (svarup) manifests itself.”
And once, when Shri Mahaprabhuji was lying down, Shri Govardhanji himself said, “Deliver the souls.” The one who performs the divine pastimes (lilakarta), the one who gives support (avalamban), the one who purifies (suddhikar), and the one who inspires feelings (uddipan bhav)—in this way, one and a half shlokas were spoken:
श्रावणस्यामले पक्षे एकादश्यां महानिशि। साक्षात् भगवता प्रोक्तं तदक्षरश उच्यते ॥१॥
“In the pure fortnight of the month of Shravana, on the night of Ekadashi,
These words were directly spoken by Bhagavan Himself. Those very words are now being spoken:” ॥1॥
ब्रह्मसंबंधकरणात्सर्वेषां देहजीवयोः।
“By the act of establishing Brahmasambandh, all faults of body and soul are removed.”
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In this one and a half shlokas, everything is contained.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning is this: The month of Shravana belongs to the Lord. The pure and bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) is for the devotees. That Ekadashi day belongs to the Lord. Ekadashyām—meaning, to purify the eleven senses of the devotees.
Mahānishi—meaning, midnight, when during the Rasa Leela the Lord Himself speaks without reservation to the devotees, revealing the secret discourses in the Leela. In the same way, He spoke to Shri Acharyaji.
All the words were spoken directly. Therefore, this sentiment is focused on Shri Acharyaji.
Now Shri Govardhannathji speaks: “Establish Brahmasambandh for everyone—their bodies and souls.”
Therefore (Damodardas said to Shri Gusainji), “There is a command to expand the path of devotion. You must carry it out. The souls are ignorant. Through Brahmasambandh, their faults will be removed and they will be accepted.”
In one shloka lies the essence of the divine Leela, and in the half shloka lies the method of the path. Everything is contained within these.
In this way, Damodardas spoke to Shri Gusainji.
And thereafter, with the assistance of Damodardas, Shri Gusainji composed the book Shringar Ras Mandan.
Prasang 9 Damodardas – The Hidden Pillar of Pushtimarg
In the beginning, Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu said to Damodardas, “This path has been revealed for you. Wherever the establishment of Shri Acharyaji’s path exists, there too Damodardas’s place in the path remains hidden.”
And Damodardas said, “I heard the words of Shri Thakurji, but I did not understand them.” At that moment, Shri Acharyaji said, “Even now, there is an obstacle of ten births.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason is this: as long as Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu’s path remains established, Damodardas continues to manifest again and again (with hidden attachment). He is the pillar of the path, because Shri Acharyaji established the divine pastimes of Bhagavan within the heart of Damodardas for the deliverance of the entire creation.
Damodardas’s birth signifies the establishment of the path for ten generations, just as Vallabhkul manifested for the same purpose. In this way, to strengthen devotion, Damodardas too manifests among many Vaishnavas repeatedly.
Prasang 10 The Restless Devotee and the Lord’s Fondness for Cows
Once, Shri Acharyaji was resting at the base of a tree near the ‘Sundar’ Shila (which is also called the ‘Pujani’ Shila, where there is a platform of Shri Acharyaji). He was lying down with his head resting in Damodardas’s lap.
At that time, Shri Govardhannathji came from the temple and approached Shri Acharyaji. Then Damodardas said softly to Govardhannathji, “Do not come here right now. You are restless, and if you come, Shri Acharyaji will awaken.” So Shri Govardhannathji stood still at a distance.
Soon, Shri Acharyaji awoke and said, “Baba! Why are you standing there? Come closer.” Then Shri Govardhannathji came forward and said to Shri Acharyaji, “Your servant forbade me, saying, ‘Do not come here. Shri Acharyaji will wake up.’ So I stayed standing at a distance.”
Then Shri Acharyaji became displeased with Damodardas and said, “Why did you stop Shri Govardhannathji?”
Shri Govardhannathji then spoke, “Why are you angry with him? He has followed his dharma. This is exactly how he should be.”
Shri Acharyaji then seated Shri Govardhannathji in his lap, touched his cheek gently, and said, “Baba, give me some command.”
Shri Govardhannathji said, “I am very fond of cows.”
Then Shri Acharyaji called Sadupande and instructed him to perform the Vedic rituals and prepare a sanctified offering. He said, “Arrange for the purchase of cows and present them to Shri Govardhannathji.”
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