Now they tell the sentiment (bhav) of the story of Shri Gusainji’s sevak, Padmaraval’s son, Krishna Bhatt, a Sachora Brahmin, resident of Ujjain.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Krishna Bhatt is a sattvik devotee. In lila his name is Rasvilasini. He has manifested from Lalitaji, therefore his bhav is of that form. So “Rasvilasini” is the intimate sakhi of Shri Chandravaliji. Therefore Shri Chandravaliji tells her own secret, solitary talks to her. She performs that rasa-vilas. And she also makes her own sakhi companions experience that (rasa). In this way she also reveals that rasa.
Krishna Bhatt manifested in Ujjain in the house of Padmaraval Sachora Brahmin. Padmaraval is a sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu. The sentiment of his story has already been told earlier. Padmaraval has four sons. Among them, the eldest is Krishna Bhatt. He studied a lot. Then he was married. He got a suitable wife, divine. From her he had two sons: Gokul Bhatt and Govind Bhatt. They too are divine, related to lila. Their extraordinary form will be told later.
Once Shri Gusainji came to Ujjain. Then Krishna Bhatt, along with his family, became a sevak. Then Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! What is your command now?” Then Shri Gusainji commanded, “Do Bhagavat-seva.” So Shri Gusainji brought and gave Krishna Bhatt one Lalji’s swaroop. Then Krishna Bhatt requested, “Maharaj! I have the desire to serve you personally.” Then Shri Gusainji gave him his own paduka (sandals). After some days from that place Shri Gusainji departed from Ujjain. Krishna Bhatt was overwhelmed with great separation from Shri Gusainji. His bodily condition became something else. Then Shri Gusainji ordered Uncle Harivanshji, “His condition is still tender. So you stay with him for a few days.” Leaving Uncle Harivanshji there, Shri Gusainji himself went to Adel. Because of being with Uncle, Krishna Bhatt became firm on the path, and came to know all the traditions, practices, etc., of the path. Later many souls came into Shri Gusainji’s refuge through Krishna Bhatt’s company.
Krishna Bhatt had great love for Vaishnavas too. He also had ten, five thousand rupees. So whoever Vaishnava came to Ujjain, he would take him to his own house. And with great affection he would arrange prasad for them. He would insist and keep them for two to four days. Then when Vaishnava said he must go, Krishna Bhatt would open the knot of his bundle at night, and tie money for expenses in it. He did it in such a way that the Vaishnava would not come to know. Later, when the Vaishnava reached his next stop and opened the bundle, money would come out from it. Then they understood that this was Krishna Bhatt’s doing. Thus Krishna Bhatt had deep affection for Vaishnavas.
Krishna Bhatt would look at the granths of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji day and night. He would recite them to the Vaishnavas who came and went. Such was his steadfastness toward the path. He always remained absorbed in Bhagavad-bhav. And every year Krishna Bhatt would come from Ujjain for Shri Gusainji’s darshan. He would stay devoted in Shri Gusainji’s seva for two or three months.
Prasang 1 – Gift of the Tippani
Once Krishna Bhatt was devoted in Shri Gusainji’s seva. Seeing Krishna Bhatt’s seva, Shri Gusainji became very pleased with him. One day, showing grace on him, he gave the complete Shri Subodhini-ji pothi to Krishna Bhatt. Krishna Bhatt could not understand anything. Therefore Shri Gusainji, considering compassion himself, revealed the Tippani-ji, the form of the deep meanings of Shri Subodhini-ji. Shri Gusainji gave that to Krishna Bhatt.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Through the Tippani-ji, Shri Gusainji himself established in Krishna Bhatt’s heart all the secrets, sentiments, and so on, of the Pushtimarg.
At that very moment, merely by seeing the pothi, bhav flashed forth in Krishna Bhatt—whatever deep sentiment Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu had kept hidden in the subtle commentary, Shri Gusainji brought out through the Tippani-ji, and placed all of it in Krishna Bhatt’s heart. Such grace Shri Gusainji himself did upon Krishna Bhatt.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this, it is to be understood like this: just as Shri Acharyaji himself gave Padmaraval sandalwood and charanamrit, and by taking it immediately the principle of Shri Acharyaji’s path flashed forth, in the same way, by merely seeing the pothi everything flashed forth to Krishna Bhatt.
From that day, Krishna Bhatt returned to his home and daily, with regular discipline, would read Shri Subodhini-ji, and narrate katha. At that time all the Vaishnavas would listen from his mouth. The chief listener was Nihalchand Bhai. Other local and foreign Vaishnavas also came to listen to the katha. After some days Krishna Bhatt came to Shri Gokul. Along with Krishna Bhatt another Kunbi Vaishnava also came. That Kunbi Vaishnava was following behind Krishna Bhatt. One day at Shri Nathji’s gate, Shri Gusainji, after bathing, was going toward Shri Govardhan mountain for seva. Shri Gusainji was in front and Krishna Bhatt behind. After that Kunbi Vaishnava was there. At that time, Kunbi Vaishnava began asking Krishna Bhatt, “Bhattji! One day in katha you said that Shri Govardhan is gem-studded and made of metal, and that Govind Kund is made of milk. But I do not see anything like that.” In this way, Kunbi Vaishnava asked Krishna Bhatt. Shri Gusainji heard this matter. Then Shri Gusainji turned to Krishna Bhatt and said, “What is this Vaishnava saying?” Then the Kunbi Vaishnava, joining his hands, said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! One day Krishna Bhatt had said in katha like this, that Shri Govardhan is gem-studded and made of metal, and that Govind Kund is made of milk. But Maharaj, I see nothing.” At that time Shri Gusainji did not speak.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because he was going to seva; if he spoke then Thakurji would be delayed, therefore Shri Gusainji did not speak. Shri Gusainji went into Shri Nathji’s temple to do seva. After adorning Shri Govardhan Nathji and after Rajbhog aarti, Shri Gusainji came out of his temple. Then Shri Gusainji asked, “Where is that Kunbi Vaishnava?” Then Vaishnava said, “Maharaj! I am a Kunbi.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Now, look then.” When Kunbi Vaishnava looked, he saw that Shri Govardhan is gem-studded and made of metal. And he saw that Govind Kund also is made of milk. At that time Shri Gusainji gave that Kunbi Vaishnava such darshan of Braj. Then that Kunbi Vaishnava made full prostration to Shri Gusainji and said, “Maharaj! Without you, who would show such grace to a lowly soul like me?”
Then Shri Gusainji came down from Shri Govardhan. Then that Kunbi Vaishnava went to Govind Kund and brought a lota full (of its water). Then he showed it to Krishna Bhatt. And that Kunbi Vaishnava said to Krishna Bhatt, “Because of your grace Shri Gusainji gave me extraordinary darshan. Shri Gusainji has given this grace to me. It happened because of your grace.” Thus Krishna Bhatt was such a grace-receiving Bhagavadiya of Shri Gusainji.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this it is indicated that this path gives fruit through Vaishnavas. Therefore one should keep company of Vaishnavas day and night. Through that all fruits are obtained. Through the grace of Vaishnavas one gets the grace of the guru. When the guru is pleased, then no deficiency of anything remains. Therefore the company of Vaishnavas is the highest of all.
Prasang 2 – Desire for Charan-Sparsh
Once Krishna Bhatt was an inner sevak in Shri Govardhan Nathji’s temple. Krishna Bhatt was doing seva and adornment of Shri Govardhan Nathji. Still, in his mind he kept this wish that not even one day should he touch the lotus feet, thinking, “I will touch his feet.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The reason for this was that Krishna Bhatt said in his heart, “What happens by touching the lotus feet? If Shri Govardhan Nathji himself makes me touch the lotus feet, then it will be known that Shri Nathji has shown grace to me. Otherwise even flies touch Shri Nathji’s feet, but they do not have knowledge. When Shri Govardhan Nathji himself, by grace, and with Shri Gusainji’s permission, places both his lotus feet on my head, then I will know that Shri Govardhan Nathji has given me touch of the lotus feet.”
In this way Krishna Bhatt served for many days. Shri Nathji came to know this wish in Krishna Bhatt’s mind. Then one day Shri Gusainji was adorning Shri Nathji. Then Shri Nathji said to Shri Gusainji, “Look! Krishna Bhatt has been serving for so many days, but he has never touched my lotus feet by his own will.” At that time Krishna Bhatt was standing nearby fanning. Then Shri Gusainji looked toward Krishna Bhatt and asked, “Krishna Bhatt, what is Shri Govardhan Nathji saying?” Then Krishna Bhatt, making full prostration, requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! Shri Govardhan Nathji is speaking the truth. But I have one request—please ask Shri Govardhan Nathji, has Krishna Bhatt gained the worthiness for your lotus feet? Will you allow him to touch? When you give command, then only will I touch the lotus feet.” Hearing these words, Shri Gusainji became very pleased.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This is because Krishna Bhatt showed humility and expressed the intention of his heart.
Then Shri Gusainji requested Shri Nathji, “Bawa! Have you heard Krishna Bhatt’s words?” Shri Govardhan Nathji, hearing Shri Gusainji’s words, showed grace on Krishna Bhatt and said, “Krishna Bhatt, come forward.” And Shri Nathji smiled and lifted his right lotus foot up from the chowki. Then Shri Gusainji said, “Krishna Bhatt! Your great good fortune—now touch the lotus feet.” Hearing Shri Gusainji’s words, Krishna Bhatt became absorbed in rapturous yearning; at that moment no speech came forth. Seeing this state of Krishna Bhatt, Shri Gusainji took Krishna Bhatt’s hand with his own hand and made him touch Shri Govardhan Nathji’s lotus feet.
Then speech came forth to Krishna Bhatt. First Krishna Bhatt made full prostration to Shri Gusainji, and after that to Shri Govardhan Nathji, touching the feet, and then he touched his own eyes and heart with his hand. After that Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! By the power of your feet these lotus feet have become seated in my heart.” Knowing Krishna Bhatt’s pure bhav, Shri Gusainji gave blessing before Shri Govardhan Nathji, “So be it.” Krishna Bhatt touched Shri Govardhan Nathji’s feet only in the presence of Shri Gusainji. After that day, Krishna Bhatt did not touch Shri Govardhan Nathji’s feet again.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because when bhav becomes firm, there remains no expectation of action.
Prasang 3 – Darshan of Braj Bhaktas in Lila
Once Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Nathji, “Maharaj! Please give me darshan of your lila along with the Braj bhaktas.” Then Shri Nathji said to Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt! Those darshans happen easily with the extraordinary body; with this body they never happen.” So Shri Nathji gave darshan to that Krishna Bhatt, spoke with him, and made him touch the feet, but did not give darshan of lila along with the Braj bhaktas.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because without an extraordinary feminine bhav, in a male body darshan of lila along with Braj bhaktas does not happen. The giving of feminine bhav is in the hands of Shri Swaminiji; only when she shows grace does it happen. Therefore Shri Nathji did not do it.
Then Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Gusainji for darshan of lila along with the Braj bhaktas, and said, “Maharaj! Shri Nathji does not do it, saying it does not happen with this body. If you show grace and give darshan, then it will happen.” Then Shri Gusainji said to Krishna Bhatt, “Shri Nathji is a child; look here.” When Krishna Bhatt looked, he saw crores upon crores of groups of Braj bhaktas serving in Shri Nathji’s sleeping chamber. Some were arranging the bed, some arranging ornaments, some holding the spittoon, some a water-pot, some a vessel, some a shawl—standing there. Shri Gusainji gave Krishna Bhatt darshan of countless Braj bhaktas like this. As soon as darshan happened Krishna Bhatt remained stunned; awareness of the body did not remain. Then Shri Gusainji covered the lila. Then Krishna Bhatt said, “Maharaj! Why this?” Then Shri Gusainji commanded, “Krishna Bhatt! Right now you must do seva here.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this it is shown that Shri Gusainji is Shri Chandravaliji, therefore in the form of Swaminiji. By her grace Krishna Bhatt received extraordinary feminine bhav; then he got darshan of lila. Shri Gusainji is endowed with complete power to do, not do, or do otherwise. What Shri Nathji did not do, Shri Gusainji did; such supremely compassionate he is. Therefore the soul should keep firm refuge in Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji; through that all fruits are obtained. In Shri Sarvottam, Shri Gusainji has called Shri Acharyaji “Adeyadan dakshashch”; in the same way he himself is also so—this he has shown clearly.
Prasang 4 – Hidden Service to Vaishnavas
Krishna Bhatt lived in his house in Ujjain. Vaishnavas from Tapipur, Gujarat, and the south were coming to Shri Gokul for Shri Gusainji’s darshan. They would stay at Krishna Bhatt’s house in Ujjain. Krishna Bhatt would comfort those Vaishnavas in many ways. Krishna Bhatt would keep those Vaishnavas as guests in his house for five to seven days.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because Krishna Bhatt understood that these Vaishnavas had come tired after many days of travel; knowing this, he kept them as guests for five to seven days so their fatigue would be removed.
Then when those Vaishnavas were taking leave from Krishna Bhatt, at night Krishna Bhatt himself would open their bundle knot and look. If he saw little expense money, he would tie one hundred rupees in that bundle, and would tie a small knot of prasad and place it. The owners of the bundles did not know. When those Vaishnavas slept, at that time he would tie it. He did it in this way so no Vaishnava came to know. When the Vaishnavas reached their next stop and opened their bundles, they knew this work was Krishna Bhatt’s. In this way all of them discussed among themselves. Thus Krishna Bhatt served all Vaishnavas.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this story is that Krishna Bhatt did not serve Vaishnavas for the sake of his own greatness. He did it secretly, so that no one would know. Therefore one should not serve for fame, but should serve with affection-bhav. In that, the expectation of fame or glory does not remain. Serving humbly and lovingly in this way—this principle was established.
And when Vaishnavas took leave from Krishna Bhatt, Krishna Bhatt would say to those Vaishnavas, “All of you go to Shri Gokul and earn something and then come back. Do not go in such a way that you lose something from your bundle.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Its meaning is this: keep the darshan of Shri Thakurji in your heart, and do not place in your heart the faults of those who live in Shri Gokul. This is what was said by “earning and losing.”
Those Vaishnavas who accepted Krishna Bhatt’s teaching received welfare. Giving this instruction, Krishna Bhatt bid farewell to the Vaishnavas.
Prasang 5 – How Thakurji is Pleased
Once all the Vaishnavas of Ujjain gathered and began thinking, “Brothers! In what way does Shri Thakurji become pleased?” Then one Vaishnava among them said, “Brothers, there is a great Bhagavadiya Vaishnava among us, let us go to him.” Then all those Vaishnavas came to that Vaishnava’s house. Remembering Shri Krishna, they asked him, “Brother! In what way does Shri Thakurji become pleased?” Then that Vaishnava said to those Vaishnavas, “Brothers! Shri Thakurji becomes pleased in this way—when one serves Shri Thakurji according to proper rite, with pure bhav.”
And at times, the materials for the offering (bhog) of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu and Shri Gusainji, their commands, and the pranalika (prescribed procedure) are written. One should do seva according to that pranalika, properly. Then Shri Thakurji accepts it through the permission of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu and Shri Gusainji. Then know that Shri Thakurji has accepted this person’s seva.
Then those Vaishnavas asked that Vaishnava, “How can we know that the seva has been accepted?” Then that Vaishnava said to those Vaishnavas, “There are four experiences for that. First, without any effort Vaishnavas come to the house. One should serve and satisfy them according to one’s ability. Second, in the swaroop, joy arises in his mind, that ‘See, the very Shri Nandaraya Kumar is accepting the food cooked by my hands and the water-lota, through the permission of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu.’ Third, with whatever feeling he places the adornment on Shri Thakurji, with that same feeling Shri Thakurji gives him darshan. Fourth, when he offers bhog before Shri Thakurji through the permission of Shri Acharyaji, then after Shri Thakurji eats it, many kinds of tastes come (are experienced), and the prasad of the plate does not diminish. If these four signs of the Lord’s seva being pleasing are present, then I know it.”
Then those Vaishnavas, taking that Vaishnava with them, came to a Vaishnava’s house, five Vaishnavas in all. Those five Vaishnavas remembered Shri Krishna and made this request, “Brother! In what way does Shri Thakurji become pleased?” Then that Vaishnava said to those five Vaishnavas, “Brother! I know this: Shri Thakurji becomes pleased when Shri Swaminiji becomes pleased by showing grace. When Shri Swaminiji shows grace on someone and speaks to Thakurji, then know that Shri Thakurji has become pleased with that person.”
Then those five Vaishnavas asked that Vaishnava, “How do we know that Shri Swaminiji has become pleased?” Then that Vaishnava said to the five Vaishnavas, “Know that Shri Swaminiji is pleased when this person has firm faith. Such oneness and exclusiveness comes to one place. One feeling becomes the same toward Shri Acharyaji, Shri Gusainji, Shri Nathji, Shri Swaminiji, and the Vaishnavas. Then know that Shri Swaminiji has shown grace on this soul. Therefore this path is only the grace of Shri Swaminiji. Therefore this path belongs to Shri Swaminiji. Therefore when Shri Swaminiji becomes pleased, Shri Thakurji makes the soul experience it. Then know that Shri Thakurji has become pleased.”
After that, all the Vaishnavas together thought, “Brothers! Let us all go to Krishna Bhatt. He is a great Bhagavadiya. Let us ask him this matter too. Then we will see what Krishna Bhatt says.” So all the Vaishnavas came to Krishna Bhatt. At that time Krishna Bhatt himself was in Shri Thakurji’s seva. After completing seva and offering rajbhog, Krishna Bhatt came out of the temple. Then remembering Shri Krishna, he sat near them. Then he asked, “How have you all come together today?” Then those Vaishnavas requested Krishna Bhatt, “Bhattji! In what way does Shri Thakurji become pleased?” Then Krishna Bhatt asked those Vaishnavas, “You had gone to ask at two places; what did they say to you?” Then those Vaishnavas said to Krishna Bhatt, “At one place they said this: if one does devotion to Shri Thakurji according to the way stated in the path, then Shri Thakurji becomes pleased. And at the second place they said this: if Shri Swaminiji shows grace, then Shri Thakurji becomes pleased and makes one experience it.”
Then Krishna Bhatt said to those Vaishnavas, “These two matters are stated in the granths. But Shri Thakurji and Shri Swaminiji are in their own bliss. Therefore at that second place there is no independent prompting, because both of them are under lila, absorbed in their own swaroop. Therefore they have one intimate sakhi, and that sakhi remains constantly near them both. When that sakhi becomes pleased, then that sakhi praises them. Then Shri Thakurji and Swaminiji become extremely pleased, and the wishes of those devotees are fulfilled.
But that sakhi has another sakhi. That sakhi does all the outside work. That sakhi arranges the groves and such places. That sakhi arranges the bed and ornaments. That sakhi sings at the door of the grove in a sweet voice, praising the various virtues of both of them. One must make a humble request to that sakhi. When this soul requests that outer sakhi, then that outer sakhi, finding the right time, requests her own Swamini-sakhi. Then that near sakhi, holding the devotee’s feeling in her heart, at the time when Shri Thakurji and Shri Swaminiji are seated in a joyful and enthusiastic mood, remembers that devotee’s matter and places all the requests before the Lords. Then Shri Thakurji becomes pleased with that devotee.” There Krishna Bhatt told all the points of Shri Gusainji’s vijñapti. He recited this shlok.
✿✿✿
सखि बहुधापि निरुक्तश्चरणस्पृष्टोऽपि जीविताधीशः। नो मनुते निज संगममहह कथं तत्र किं कुर्मः ॥।
“O sakhi, even after being described many times, and even after touching his feet, the Lord of life does not consider even the moment of his own meeting; what then can we do there?”
✿✿✿
Therefore, to the one who always knows the experience of Bhagavadiya Shri Thakurji, this soul should show humility. And for us, when the sevaks of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji become pleased, then Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu and Shri Gusainji become pleased. In the same way he explained all the traditions of his path to those Vaishnavas. Then the doubt in those Vaishnavas’ minds was removed. Hearing it, the Vaishnavas became very pleased. Meanwhile Krishna Bhatt presented Shri Thakurji’s rajbhog. Then he said to those Vaishnavas, “You all take darshan.” Then those Vaishnavas took darshan of Shri Thakurji. After that, by Krishna Bhatt’s insistence, they took mahaprasad there itself. Then all those Vaishnavas, remembering Shri Krishna and bowing to Krishna Bhatt, went from Krishna Bhatt’s house to their own houses. Such is Krishna Bhatt, a Bhagavadiya who was a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that, just as through a messenger (duti) the work of worldly men and women gets done, in the same way here one should understand Bhagavadiyas as duti in form. When they become pleased, they unite the devotee with the Lord. Therefore in the Shikshapatra it is said:
✿✿✿
'तदीयेषु च तबुद्धया भरः स्थाप्यो विशेषतः । यथा दूतीषु भवति विषयीणां मतिस्तथा ॥।
“Among those who belong to him, especially place your burden with that understanding, just as worldly people place their mind in dutis.”
✿✿✿
Therefore, in those who are Bhagavadiya, who belong to the Lord, one must specially establish Bhagavad-bhav. How? Just as worldly men and women place (their trust) in a duti. The bhav of this is in this kirtan:
✿✿✿
सखीयों ! याद दिवावति रहियों। समै पाइ के दसा हमारी कबहू जुगल सों कहियों।करि मनुहारि जोरि कर दोऊ मेरी ब्यथा उल्हैयों । जो कछू क्रोध करें ता उपर बिनती करि करि सहियों। दो सौ बावन वैष्णवन की वार्ता केलि काज अरु कोप समै त्यजि सुख में रूख लहियों। कहियो कबहूक धाइ के बाह हरिदास की गहियों।
“Sakhis! Keep reminding him of me. When you find the right time, tell our condition to the Divine Couple. Folding my hands, explain my pain to both of them. If they become angry, then with repeated humble requests, endure it. Leaving aside play and anger, seek their favor in happiness. Sometimes run quickly and hold the arm of Haridas and speak.”
✿✿✿
Prasang 6 – Shri Thakurji Tests Krishna Bhatt’s Love for Shri Gusainji
Once Shri Gusainji, from Shri Gokul, showed grace to Krishna Bhatt and wrote and sent a letter, “Krishna Bhatt, come here once. Come quickly.” One Brajbasi of Shri Gusainji came to Krishna Bhatt in Ujjain and gave that letter to Krishna Bhatt. Krishna Bhatt placed the Lord’s letter on his head and read it. Then Krishna Bhatt served and satisfied that Brajbasi well.
As soon as he read the letter, Krishna Bhatt set out for Shri Gokul. From his home Krishna Bhatt took that Brajbasi of the Lord along, and from Ujjain they came to one stop. At night Krishna Bhatt slept. Then Shri Thakurji, whom Krishna Bhatt served, made this known to him: “Krishna Bhatt! Without you, I do not feel good here.” In this way Shri Thakurji told Krishna Bhatt. Then there was one Vaishnava with Krishna Bhatt. From that place Krishna Bhatt sent word to his wife, saying, “In whatever way Shri Thakurji remains pleased, in that same way you do Shri Thakurji’s seva. I will take darshan of Shri Gusainji and come back quickly.” That Vaishnava returned home and told the Bhattiyani the news of Krishna Bhatt.
Then at the second stop again Shri Thakurji informed Krishna Bhatt, “Without you I do not feel good.” Then he again sent a Vaishnava to Bhattiyani and told the news, “In whatever way Shri Thakurji stays pleased, do seva in that way.” That Vaishnava came to Bhattiyani and told this news. Then at the third stop again Shri Thakurji told Krishna Bhatt, “Without you I do not feel good.”
Then Krishna Bhatt said to Shri Thakurji, “Maharaj! Shri Gusainji has called me, so I am going there. And Shri Gusainji himself has shown you to me, therefore you are seated on my head. If you yourself do not go to the Lord, still he will kindly send for you; then why would you act hard-hearted? Therefore, Baba, I will go to Shri Gokul, take darshan of Shri Gusainji, and come back quickly.” Hearing these words of Krishna Bhatt, Shri Thakurji became very pleased and commanded, “You go.” So Krishna Bhatt satisfied Thakurji, sent him to his home, and himself came to Shri Gusainji in Shri Gokul.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that for the work of the guru, if Shri Thakurji’s desire does not happen, it is not an obstacle. Why? Because by the guru’s pleasure, Thakurji himself becomes pleased. And Thakurji indicated it three times only to test Krishna Bhatt— to see what kind of love Krishna Bhatt has for Shri Gusainji. Krishna Bhatt has single, one-flavored love for Shri Gusainji, therefore he did not accept Shri Thakurji’s command. Then Shri Thakurji became pleased and commanded, “You go.”
At that time Shri Gusainji had gone to bathe in Shri Yamunaji. Krishna Bhatt came there and bowed to Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji said to Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt! You have come?” Then Krishna Bhatt, with great yearning, bowed before the Lord and requested, “Maharaj! You considered me your own and, remembering me, called me; then why would I not come?” Hearing these words, Shri Gusainji became extremely pleased and commanded Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt, bathe.” Then Krishna Bhatt bathed in Shri Yamunaji along with Shri Gusainji. After that he came with the Lord to Shri Navneetpriyji’s temple. Shri Gusainji went inside to present Shri Navneetpriyji’s rajbhog. At that time Krishna Bhatt stood nearby. After the bhog was completed, by Shri Gusainji’s grace Krishna Bhatt did some seva related to Shri Nathji. When the time came, opening the doors, doing rajbhog aarti, and completing the anusar for Shri Navneetpriyji, Shri Gusainji came out and sat in his own baithak. Krishna Bhatt bowed to Shri Gusainji and sat near him.
Shri Gusainji knew everything, yet he still asked Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt! Is your Shri Thakurji seated well?” Then Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Gusainji, “By Maharaj’s grace Shri Thakurji is seated well. But while I was coming to you, Shri Thakurji was insisting like this.” Hearing this, Shri Gusainji remained silent. Then Shri Gusainji went to eat, and took Krishna Bhatt inside with him for the meal. Then Shri Gusainji commanded Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt! Why did you not go home?” Then Krishna Bhatt said, “Maharaj’s letter had come; in it the Lord had written, ‘Krishna Bhatt! Come quickly.’ How can I disobey Maharaj’s command? Shri Thakurji is known to me only through you.” Hearing this, Shri Gusainji became pleased and said, “Do not do like this. Do what Shri Thakurji says.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why? Because Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu has commanded in the granth Vivek-Dhairya-Ashray. That shlok is.
✿✿✿
अभिमानश्च सन्त्याज्यः स्वाम्यधीनत्वभावनात्। विशेषतश्चेदाज्ञा स्यादन्तः करणगोचरः ॥ तदाविशेषगत्यादि भाव्यं भिन्नं तु दैहिकात्।
“Pride should be abandoned by cultivating the feeling of being dependent on the Lord.
Especially if there is an inner command, perceived by the heart, then movement and such should be understood as special, different from bodily impulse.”
✿✿✿
Therefore one should act according to Thakurji’s command; this is the dharma of a sevak. But Krishna Bhatt is a sevak of Shri Gusainji, therefore he acted according to Shri Gusainji’s command; then Shri Thakurji became twice pleased. And it is also shown that in deep love, disobeying a command is not an obstacle.
Prasang 7 – Nagji Bhatt’s Visit and Long Katha-Ras
Once Krishna Bhatt was not at home. Then Nagji Bhatt of Godhra came. He came to Krishna Bhatt’s house. Then Nagji Bhatt took the darshan of Krishna Bhatt’s Shri Thakurji. After that Nagji said to Bhattiyani (Krishna Bhatt’s wife), “Please, by your grace, take me inside to Shri Thakurji’s sleeping chamber where Shri Padukaji is seated, and give me darshan of them.” Then Bhattiyani took Nagji Bhatt inside and gave him darshan of Shri Padukaji. Then Nagji, taking darshan of Shri Padukaji, made dandavat and became very pleased. After that Nagji took mahaprasad from Krishna Bhatt’s house and started to leave. While leaving, remembering Shri Krishna, Nagji said these words to Bhattiyani, “When Krishna Bhatt comes home, give him my Shri Krishna-smaran. And say this also, that Nagji Vairagi had come. Taking darshan and prasad, he went to Shri Gokul.”
After Nagji left, Krishna Bhatt came home from outside within half a ghari. Then Bhattiyani told Krishna Bhatt this news, that “Nagji Vairagi took darshan, took prasad, and went to Shri Gokul in this way.” Then Krishna Bhatt began thinking in his mind, “Nagji Vairagi is not some Vaishnava known to me. Therefore it seems that Nagji Bhatt of Godhra has come. Without Nagji, who could know the secret of inner darshan, that he himself asked and took the darshan of Shri Padukaji?” Then Krishna Bhatt asked his wife, “How long has it been since he left?” Then his wife said to Krishna Bhatt, “It has been half a ghari.”
Hearing this, Krishna Bhatt left the house to go meet Nagji Bhatt. And Nagji had just come out from Krishna Bhatt’s house. On the road he kept looking back to see, “Now Krishna Bhatt will be coming.” When Krishna Bhatt left his house, Nagji Bhatt saw Krishna coming from far away. Recognizing him, Nagji stood right there. When Krishna Bhatt saw Nagji Bhatt, both walked toward each other and met. Great joy arose in both their hearts. Then Krishna Bhatt said to Nagji, “You should not have done this, that you came and left without meeting me.” Then Nagji said to Krishna Bhatt, “I was in a hurry to go to Shri Gokul, therefore I left your house without meeting you.” Then Krishna Bhatt, insisting a lot, brought Nagji Bhatt back from there to his home again. Then both took darshan of rajbhog.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This is the way of affection, that if a loving person comes to one’s house, one does not go without meeting him. Krishna Bhatt and Nagji Bhatt have great affection for each other. Therefore Krishna Bhatt went to call Nagji, and then brought him home.
After that Krishna Bhatt came out from the temple. Then Krishna Bhatt said to Nagji, “Nagji, get up and take prasad.” Then Nagji said, “Just now I left your house after taking Balbhog prasad, therefore I do not have the desire to take prasad right now.” Then Krishna Bhatt said with much persuasion, “Please take a little sakhadi.” Even though Nagji had no desire to take it, still due to Krishna Bhatt’s great insistence, he took the sakhadi prasad. After taking prasad, both went to a secluded place and sat alone. Closing the doors of that room, both began to talk. When on the next day Bhattiyani at rajbhog time called them, “Rajbhog has come, therefore get up and bathe,” then both came out. In such a state, while doing Bhagavad-varta, they remained so that there was no awareness of the body left, and bodily attachment did not overtake them.
Then both brushed their teeth, bathed, and went into the temple. Bhog was completed. Then Nagji took the darshan of Shri Thakurji, took the darshan of Shri Padukaji, and became very pleased. After that both took prasad and again sat at the same place and began Bhagavad-varta. That day the doors were closed from inside. Talking thus, they got up on the third day. In the rasa of Bhagavad they were so intoxicated that no awareness of the body remained, and bodily attachment did not overtake them. Again they bathed, did Shri Thakurji’s seva, took prasad, went to that same place, and again both began varta. Talking thus, they got up on the seventh day. In this way both remained absorbed in Bhagavad-rasa. They were narrating one bai’s prasang. In that same rasa, both got up and stood. Then Nagji said to Krishna Bhatt, “Come, let us go to that bai’s house.”
On the first day before that, Shri Thakurji had informed that bai, “In the morning Krishna Bhatt and six Vaishnavas will come to your house, so keep all the materials prepared.” So that bai prepared all the materials that day, made the kitchen ready, cooked, completed Shri Thakurji’s seva, offered rajbhog, and came and sat at her house door. She began looking for Krishna Bhatt’s path. Just then Krishna Bhatt came alone. Then that bai did Shri Krishna-smaran. Then she asked Krishna Bhatt, “Where are the other five Vaishnavas?” Then Krishna Bhatt understood that Shri Thakurji had already informed her that “six Vaishnavas will come to your house.” Then Krishna Bhatt went near them and brought Nagji and all the Vaishnavas there.
That bai, remembering Shri Krishna and gaining great joy, welcomed all the Vaishnavas into her house. After some time, completing Shri Thakurji’s rajbhog, she opened the doors. All the Vaishnavas took the darshan of Shri Thakurji and became very pleased. After that, making anavsar, that bai gave all these Vaishnavas prasad very well. Then all these Vaishnavas began to do varta in that bai’s house. In this, they stayed in that bai’s house for forty days, remaining absorbed in the rasa of varta. After that Nagji took leave from Krishna Bhatt there and left for Shri Gokul. Then Krishna Bhatt came to his own house.
Nagji Bhatt in some days came to Shri Nathji-dwar, took darshan of Shri Nathji, and from there came to Shri Gokul, took darshan of Shri Gusainji, and made dandavat. Then Shri Gusainji asked Nagji, “Nagia, many days have passed for you on the path?” Then Nagji made dandavat to Shri Gusainji and told all the news about Krishna Bhatt. Hearing Nagji’s words, Shri Gusainji remained silent. Then again Shri Gusainji asked Nagji about Krishna Bhatt’s welfare news. He asked all the news, and Nagji told all of Krishna Bhatt’s news before Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji, after asking Krishna Bhatt’s welfare, asked about the news of Shri Thakurji’s seva. Hearing all the news from Nagji’s mouth, Shri Gusainji became very pleased with Krishna Bhatt. After that, one day Krishna Bhatt came to Shri Gokul and made dandavat to Shri Gusainji.
Prasang 8 – Ujjain Rasa-Utsav and Purushottam’s Avesh
Once all the Vaishnavas of Ujjain gathered and came to Krishna Bhatt’s house. Krishna Bhatt, remembering Shri Krishna with great joy, seated all those Vaishnavas. Then those Vaishnavas requested Krishna Bhatt for rasa. Krishna Bhatt said to those Vaishnavas, “The rasa festival is of Braj; therefore you go to Braj, see rasa, and come back. Rasa is not performed elsewhere.” Then those Vaishnavas again requested Krishna Bhatt, “Our desire is now, and Braj is far from us. So if you give permission, we will all prepare and bring the materials for rasa.” Seeing the great insistence of those Vaishnavas, Krishna Bhatt said to them, “On the day of Purnamasi we will do rasa because of your insistence.”
When Purnamasi came, that day all the Vaishnava community came together. Then Krishna Bhatt had rasa performed. In the evening Krishna Bhatt had all the swaroops adorned. Then adorning Shri Thakurji’s swaroop, he placed a crown on his head. Then all the swaroops were prepared. Nearby, a little girl of a Vaishnava was sitting. Krishna Bhatt said to her, “You apply and arrange the anjan for all these swaroops.” That Vaishnava’s little girl was very wonderfully skilled. She applied anjan to all the swaroops very nicely. Then bringing all the swaroops into the mandal, Krishna Bhatt took good darshan and made separate dandavat to each swaroop. Then in those swaroops, the direct presence (avesh) of Purushottam occurred. Then all the Vaishnavas made dandavat.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This is the way of the Pushtimarg, that through bhavana the swaroop manifests. Just as in the Maryada-marg there is invocation through Vedic mantras, in the same way in the Pushtimarg, by the bhav of Bhagavadiyas, the manifestation of the swaroop happens. Shri Acharyaji has said this in the Sannyas-nirnay granth. The shlok is.
✿✿✿
"भावो भावनया सिद्धः साधनं नान्यदिष्यते ।।
“Bhav is accomplished by bhavana; no other means is taught.”
✿✿✿
So the accomplishment of bhav happens only through bhavana. Therefore in this path, by bhavana, all fruits are accomplished. In Krishna Bhatt’s heart there is the presence of bhav-filled Krishna along with lila; therefore through his bhavana, Purushottam along with lila manifested. Understand it like this.
After that all the swaroops began to start dancing. At that time an extraordinary dance happened. The instruments that played were extraordinary. At that time an extraordinary darshan happened. All the Vaishnavas became very pleased in their own hearts. Such extraordinary happiness happened at that time. But in Krishna Bhatt’s heart great sorrow arose, that “Alas! I made Shri Thakurji toil so much.” Krishna Bhatt felt great heat in his mind. Streams of water began to flow from his eyes. Shri Thakurji is supremely compassionate. At that time he accepted Krishna Bhatt’s request and gave extraordinary happiness to all the Vaishnavas. Thus the Lord is devotee-loving. And the little girl who had become the main swaroop remained unaware of her swaroop for three days. She became conscious on the fourth day.
The next year again those same rasa-dharis came. Then those Vaishnavas said to Krishna Bhatt, “Those rasa-dharis have come, therefore it is good if you do rasa.” Krishna Bhatt did not do it. Then those Vaishnavas together performed rasa themselves, but that happiness did not happen. Then all the Vaishnavas understood in their hearts, “Without Krishna Bhatt, who else is worthy to show such a splendid rasa?” This decision those Vaishnavas made in their hearts. Thus Krishna Bhatt was such a Bhagavadiya.
Prasang 9 – Vasant Panchami on Wrong Tithi
Once, on the day of Vasant Panchami, there was a slight Chaturthi (fourth lunar day). Krishna Bhatt did not know this. So in Ujjain, on that day, Krishna Bhatt decorated Shri Thakurji in his house for Vasant Panchami. At that time, after rajbhog was offered, Krishna Bhatt was making his own Shri Thakurji play Vasant. At that same time, at Shri Nathji-dwar on Shri Govardhan mountain, after Shri Nathji’s rajbhog was offered, Shri Gusainji was making Shri Nathji eat beera. There, Shri Nathji gave darshan of playing Vasant to Ramdasji Bhitariya. Then Ramdasji Bhitariya requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! In whose house has Shri Nathji played Vasant today?” Then Shri Gusainji said to Ramdasji Bhitariya, “Today Shri Nathji has played Vasant in Ujjain at Krishna Bhatt’s house.”
After some days, Krishna Bhatt came from Ujjain to Shri Gokul, took darshan of Shri Gusainji, made dandavat, and sat before him. Shri Gusainji asked Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt, on which weekday did you do Vasant Panchami?” Then Krishna Bhatt requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! I did Vasant Panchami on such-and-such weekday.” Then Shri Gusainji said to Krishna Bhatt, “That day there was an arising slight Chaturthi. On that day you made Shri Thakurji play Vasant in your house. So Shri Nathji came to your house and played Vasant. Here, while I was offering rajbhog, Shri Nathji informed me and gave darshan to Ramdas Bhitariya. Then Ramdasji told your name before me. This news has reached today. Therefore, do festivals after considering the tithi.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why? Because Shri Acharyaji has also kept the rule of proper time in seva. So one must do the Lord’s festivals and such on pure days, after looking at ghari and nakshatra. Because Shri Govardhan Nathji himself is the enjoyer of the best things. And in Vasant play, the Lord cannot remain without it; therefore wherever there is Shri Acharyaji’s relation, he runs there. Shri Gusainji showed this, that on that day Shri Nathji had to come as far as Ujjain; therefore the Lord became tired. And this also shows that the seva done with affection is certainly accepted by Shri Nathji himself.
Then Krishna Bhatt said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! This time I did it without knowing. Now I will not do like this. From now on I will do it after considering the tithi.” After that, every year Shri Gusainji would write that festival in the tithi-patra and send it to Krishna Bhatt’s house. According to that, Krishna Bhatt would do the festival in his house in Ujjain. After staying some days with Shri Gusainji, Krishna Bhatt took leave from Shri Gusainji and came to his home in Ujjain. Shri Gusainji showed such grace on Krishna Bhatt. In this way Shri Gusainji explained and instructed Krishna Bhatt.
Krishna Bhatt would go to the “Vadke” pond, do bodily duties, and at rajbhog time come to Shri Gusainji in Shri Gokul. In this way Krishna Bhatt would come for Shri Gusainji’s darshan to Shri Gokul. In this way Krishna Bhatt stayed in Shri Gokul for Shri Gusainji’s darshan and kept doing this daily.
Prasang 10 – Three Days Absorbed in Varta
Once Krishna Bhatt and Nihalchand Bhai both came from Ujjain to Shri Gokul for Shri Gusainji’s darshan. Taking darshan of Shri Gusainji, they became very pleased. One day Krishna Bhatt and Nihalchand Bhai were going from Shri Gokul toward Mahavan. A solitary cave came into the sight of both of them. They went there and sat. Seeing the place good, they began Bhagavad-varta there. Three days passed. In the rasa of varta, no awareness of the body remained.
On the fourth day, after rajbhog aarti, Shri Gusainji sat in his baithak. Then all the Vaishnavas came to make dandavat before the Lord. Shri Gusainji asked those Vaishnavas, “For three days Krishna Bhatt and Nihalchand Bhai have not been seen.” Those Vaishnavas requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! For three days we too have not seen these two.” Then Shri Gusainji said to those Vaishnavas, “Climb a mound toward Mahavan and look. If your eyes fall on them anywhere, bring them here.” So those Vaishnavas, by Shri Gusainji’s command, went out to look toward Mahavan. They climbed a mound and saw a cave; in front of it the two were sitting. Then these Vaishnavas went to them and said, “Shri Gusainji is calling you. Today on the fourth day the Lord remembered you both.” Hearing these words, Krishna Bhatt and Nihalchand Bhai immediately came with those Vaishnavas to Shri Gusainji and made dandavat before the Lord.
At that time Shri Gusainji had eaten and was taking beera. Just then these two came and made dandavat. Shri Gusainji asked them, “You have come?” They requested the Lord, “Maharaj! When you remember us, why would we not come?” After that both made dandavat to Shri Gusainji and came to their own lodging. Shri Gusainji, knowing their bhav, did not ask them anything. Shri Gusainji is the Lord, the knower of inner hearts. Therefore he sent the Vaishnavas to search toward Mahavan. Then Nihalchand Bhai and Krishna Bhatt took leave from Shri Gusainji and came to Ujjain. Those two were such Bhagavadiyas who were recipients of the Lord’s grace.
Prasang 11 – Doubt Removed Through Krishna Bhatt
Shri Gusainji himself narrated the katha of Shri Subodhini-ji in Shri Gokul. All Vaishnavas listened to the katha from his mouth. Among them there were two Vaishnavas. One day a doubt arose in those Vaishnavas. They asked Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! We heard katha from your mouth, but we did not understand anything. What is the reason? How will our doubt be removed? How is this place like this?” Shri Gusainji explained to them and also answered. Yet their doubt was not removed. Then Shri Gusainji commanded them, “Both of you go to Krishna Bhatt. He will remove your doubt.” Taking Shri Gusainji’s permission, both Vaishnavas went to Krishna Bhatt in Ujjain. They reached there.
When those two Vaishnavas went to Krishna Bhatt’s house, Krishna Bhatt had offered rajbhog to his Shri Thakurji and was sitting in the courtyard doing path. Krishna Bhatt got up and met them. Knowing that the Lord had sent them, Krishna Bhatt became very pleased in his mind. Then remembering Shri Krishna, Krishna Bhatt seated them. Suddenly Krishna Bhatt recited one shlok of Shri Bhagavat. Then seeing those two Vaishnavas, he himself explained that shlok and spoke its meaning. As soon as they heard, the doubt of those Vaishnavas was removed.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this story the doubt is this: their doubt did not go away by Shri Gusainji’s explanation, but was removed by Krishna Bhatt’s saying—what is the reason? Here they say: that katha was from the prasang of Shri Bhagavat’s Dasham Skandh, “Venu Geet.” Its shlok is.
✿✿✿
'बर्हापीडं नटवरवपुः कर्णयोःकर्णिकारं । बिभ्रद्वासः कनककपिशं वैजयन्ति च मालाम् ॥
“Wearing a peacock-feather crown, with the form of the best dancer, a kadamba flower at his ears, bearing golden-yellow garments and a Vaijayanti garland.”
✿✿✿
Shri Gusainji explained this shlok in detail, focusing on Bhagavat-swarup. But those Vaishnavas had attachment to Shri Gusainji’s own swaroop, so they were not satisfied, and their doubt remained. Therefore Shri Gusainji sent them to Krishna Bhatt. Krishna Bhatt unexpectedly applied this shlok to Shri Gusainji. How? Because this shlok describes awakened adornment, which is of the nature of uddipan. So Krishna Bhatt, with uddipan bhav, described Shri Gusainji’s swaroop very well. Shri Gusainji himself resides in Krishna Bhatt’s heart; therefore through him Shri Gusainji made his own extraordinary swaroop known to those Vaishnavas. Then their doubt was removed.
Those two Vaishnavas became very pleased in their hearts. After that Krishna Bhatt went into the temple to complete the bhog. Finishing bhog, making Thakurji take beera, and opening the doors, those Vaishnavas took darshan and became very pleased. Then Krishna Bhatt did aarti, made Shri Thakurji do anusar, and gave prasad to those Vaishnavas. Then those two Vaishnavas requested Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhattji, we will go to Shri Gokul.” Krishna Bhatt said to them, “You have come today and already think of leaving today?” They said, “The reason for which we came has been fulfilled.”
Krishna Bhatt said, “Tell that matter to me.” Then those Vaishnavas told Krishna Bhatt all their news in detail. After that Krishna Bhatt requested and kept those Vaishnavas with him for four days. Krishna Bhatt did varta-prasang with them. Those Vaishnavas were very pleased in their hearts. Then they took leave from Krishna Bhatt and in some days came to Shri Gokul and made dandavat to Shri Gusainji. Shri Gusainji became pleased with them and said from his mouth at that time, “Has your doubt been removed?” Then both Vaishnavas made full prostration and said, “Maharaj! By your grace it has been removed.” After that both Vaishnavas came with focused minds to listen to Shri Gusainji’s katha. Then in their own room both would come and describe that katha to each other. Thus Krishna Bhatt was such a Bhagavadiya who was a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace.
Prasang 12 – Thakurji “Asks” Through Vaishnavas
Once ten or twenty foreign Vaishnavas came together to Krishna Bhatt’s house. In their country they had heard that at Krishna Bhatt’s house Shri Thakurji eats by asking again and again. Therefore all those Vaishnavas came together to Krishna Bhatt’s house in Ujjain. All Vaishnavas sat before Krishna Bhatt remembering Shri Krishna. Just then Shri Thakurji’s rajbhog was completed. All those Vaishnavas took darshan of Shri Thakurji. Then Krishna Bhatt did rajbhog aarti to Shri Thakurji and came out. Krishna Bhatt said to all those Vaishnavas, “All of you get up and take mahaprasad.” All Vaishnavas got up and bathed. After bathing, they sat to take prasad. At that time some Vaishnava asked for something, and some said, “Such-and-such item has become very good,” and they kept taking prasad.
They had heard in their country that at Krishna Bhatt’s place Shri Thakurji eats by asking again and again. One Vaishnava asked Krishna Bhatt, “We have heard that at your place Shri Thakurji eats by asking again and again.” Krishna Bhatt said, “All these Vaishnavas are asking and taking—do you not see that? Shri Thakurji himself sits in the hearts of these Vaishnavas. It is they who ask and take. Therefore understand that this is the way of ‘asking’ Shri Thakurji.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Only one whose inner heart is soft and pure, and on whom Shri Purnapurushottam’s grace is there, will know this matter. Therefore without grace this bhav cannot be known; this is a very difficult matter. And Shri Thakurji whom Krishna Bhatt serves, he truly asks Krishna Bhatt and takes, and speaks with him. Krishna Bhatt knows this, and only one on whom Shri Gusainji’s grace is there will know. Thus Krishna Bhatt was such a Bhagavadiya who was a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace.
Prasang 13 – Thakurji Comes Where Varta Happens
Once again Uncle Harivanshji and Krishna Bhatt were sitting alone at night and doing Bhagavad-varta. At that time Krishna Bhatt said to Uncle Harivanshji, “Some strong fragrance is coming.” Then Uncle Harivanshji said, “Somewhere a young handsome one has come here. This fragrance is only his.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this story is that when Vaishnavas sit in solitude and do Bhagavad-varta, Shri Nathji himself certainly comes there. Why? Because Shri Govardhan Nathji is very fond of listening to the varta of Vaishnavas.
Prasang 14 – Answer to the Brahmins about Vedic Duties
Again once Shri Gusainji came to Ujjain. He came to Krishna Bhatt’s house in Ujjain. At that time ten or fifteen Brahmins had gathered and come to Krishna Bhatt’s house. They were doing Veda-prescribed rites. Those Brahmins asked Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Krishna Bhatt does not do Veda-prescribed rites, and when we Brahmins touch his vessels, he throws those vessels away. And Maharaj, he is a householder and we are also householders. Just as we have children, worldly dealings, and all such things, in the same way he also has all of that. Then Maharaj, why has Krishna Bhatt not become like us?” In this same way those Brahmins asked Shri Gusainji.
Then Shri Gusainji gave this much answer to those Brahmins, that “Because these Brahmins are doing Shri Thakurji’s seva, their Veda-prescribed rites remain unfinished, but in their place their rishishvar do those rites. There is such a saying there: ‘tasya karmaye kurvanti tasya koti maheshvarah.’ By this statement, the Vaishnava-Brahmins who do Bhagavad-seva, all their rites are done by the rishishvar.
And we who do rites, for whom do we do them? There is an example there: If someone has a boy, and has given him the sacred thread, and has taught him sandhya, then later at sandhya time he makes the boy do sandhya. It is written there that if this boy does not do sandhya-vandan for seven days, then know him as a shudra. There the statement of the rishishvar is that this boy does not become a shudra, why, because this boy has been given the sacred thread. The one who gives the thread does the sandhya-vandan for him. Therefore that boy does not become like a shudra.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this is that whatever Veda-prescribed rites Shri Gusainji does, he does all of them only for his sevaks. Because Vaishnavas remain devoted day and night in seva, therefore Veda-prescribed rites do not get done by them. so Shri Gusainji himself does them for them. Shri Gusainji has said Shri Acharyaji’s name in Sarvottam, “svadasarthakritashesh sadhanah.” understand this bhav. Therefore, if Brahmin Vaishnavas cannot do Veda-prescribed rites during Bhagavat-seva, there is no obstacle. Therefore Bhagavat-seva is supreme. when there is time, then do Veda-prescribed rites. this is the way of the path. and he gave those Brahmins the answer, “bhor bhae janiya.”
At that time Shri Gusainji said only this much. Then those Brahmins thought in their minds, “What does ‘bhor bhae janiya’ mean?” After that Krishna Bhatt asked Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! What does ‘bhor bhae janiya’ mean?” Then Shri Gusainji said to Krishna Bhatt, “There is a big house and the night is dark. In that house some people can be seen, and some people are blind at night. When the sun rises, then we will see. in the same way this world is like that. Therefore the one who will be Bhagavadiya will see and one who has Bhagavad-relation will leave this world and go and one who has no Bhagavad-relation will remain in this world.” Saying this much, Shri Gusainji himself lay down.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this it is shown that the one who has no knowledge is blind. he cannot see even nearby things and the one who is knowledgeable has all knowledge. He understands the secrets even within the scriptures so the meaning of “bhor bhae janiya” is this, that when knowledge happens, light comes in the heart, and all matters will flash forth by themselves. Therefore Bhagavat-seva is such a thing, before which worldly and Vedic things are all insignificant. Shri Gusainji himself explained the greatness of Bhagavat-seva to Krishna Bhatt.
Prasang 15 – Days Pass Unnoticed in Varta
Whenever Krishna Bhatt and Uncle Harivanshji met, they would do prasang of Bhagavad-varta. In that prasang two or three days would pass, but they did not know it. and for those two there was no awareness of the body at all. At that time Krishna Bhatt’s wife would do the seva-related work of Shri Thakurji and when any Vaishnava came there, that Vaishnava would make Krishna Bhatt and Uncle Harivanshji aware. Then both would become aware and rise from the avesh of Bhagavad-varta.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this it is shown that Bhagavad-varta is such a thing that even body-attachment falls away. Therefore one should daily do Bhagavad-varta together with Bhagavadiyas.
In this way Shri Gusainji himself remained very pleased with those two. Therefore Krishna Bhatt was such a Bhagavadiya, a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace.
Prasang 16 – Krishna Bhatt Enters Lila, Letter to Gokul Bhatt
Once in Ujjain Krishna Bhatt’s body suffered greatly. Then two or four Vaishnavas came to see Krishna Bhatt. Krishna Bhatt said to those Vaishnavas, “Brothers! take me to Shri Gokul. I will take the darshan of Shri Gusainji’s children and of Shri Nathji, then my mind will become pleased.” Then Krishna Bhatt’s son Gokul Bhatt brought a palanquin. placing Krishna Bhatt in it, they left for Shri Gokul. They brought Krishna Bhatt four stages from Ujjain. There was a village called Lahraj. There Krishna Bhatt’s body left him. Krishna Bhatt attained lila. Gokul Bhatt began to feel great sorrow in his mind, and said in his heart, “Why did this happen to a Vaishnava like Krishna Bhatt? It would have been good if he had reached Shri Gokul, otherwise he would have remained in the presence of his Shri Thakurji." In this way Gokul Bhatt felt regret. He became very sorrowful. Then Gokul Bhatt performed Krishna Bhatt’s funeral rites there and from there returned to his home in Ujjain. He came home. After that Gokul Bhatt performed all his post-death rites properly.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): On the day Krishna Bhatt’s body left, Shri Gokulnathji was adorning Shri Govardhan Nathji. At that very time Krishna Bhatt’s body left. While the adornment was being done, Krishna Bhatt came for darshan. Krishna Bhatt made dandavat to Shri Nathji. Then Shri Gokulnathji asked Krishna Bhatt, “Krishna Bhatt, when did you come?” Krishna Bhatt made dandavat to Shri Gokulnathji and requested, “Maharaj! I have just now.” then Shri Gokulnathji completed Shri Nathji’s adornment and showed arsi. After that, placing Gopivallabh bhog, he came out toward the kitchen side. Then Shri Gokulnathji asked Ramdasji Bhitariya, “Ramdasji, where is Krishna Bhatt who has come?” Ramdasji requested Shri Gokulnathji, “Maharaj! I saw Krishna Bhatt going into Shri Nathji’s temple, but I did not see him coming out.” Then Shri Gokulnathji, after completing things in Shri Nathji’s temple, ate, and wrote a letter from his own house for Gokul Bhatt in Ujjain, and sent a Brajbasi with it. In that letter Shri Gokulnathji wrote, “On such-and-such day at this time Krishna Bhatt came into Shri Nathji’s temple. I saw him going in, and then did not see him again. What is the news?” that Brajbasi took the letter and reached Ujjain. He went to Gokul Bhatt’s house and gave that letter into Gokul Bhatt’s hand. Gokul Bhatt placed the letter on his head, made dandavat, and read it. then Gokul Bhatt became very pleased in his heart, and his doubt was removed. Gokul Bhatt honored that Brajbasi greatly. After that Gokul Bhatt wrote a reply to Shri Gokulnathji’s letter. In that letter Gokul Bhatt wrote many requests and sent them, and also sent some offering.
On the day Gokul Bhatt read that letter of the Lord, he made a great festival in his house. He invited many Vaishnavas to his house that day to take prasad. He made a great celebration for those Vaishnavas, and after that all Vaishnavas offered gifts. Then Gokul Bhatt also offered gifts, and after recording all the offerings in a hundi, he gave it to that Brajbasi, and satisfied that Brajbasi well. In a few days, Brajbasi came to Shri Gokul and gave that letter to Shri Gokulnathji. reading the letter Shri Gokulnathji became very pleased. After that Shri Gokulnathji again wrote and sent a reply letter to Gokul Bhatt and Govind Bhatt.
Krishna Bhatt had two sons, Gokul Bhatt and Govind Bhatt. They are great Bhagavadiyas. Gokul Bhatt looked at Shri Subodhini day and night and Govind Bhatt looked day and night at Shri Acharyaji’s karika on Shri Subodhini and Krishna Bhatt’s wife Bhattiyani did the cooking. She remained absorbed day and night in Shri Thakurji’s seva. She was such a Bhagavadiya that Shri Thakurji showed her great intimacy.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why? because Bhattiyani in lila is the wife of “Mahinand.” Her name is Vasudha. She has child-bhav toward Shri Thakurji, therefore here too she serves Shri Thakurji with child-bhav. Just as a worldly child eats and plays, and when hungry asks for bread, and when thirsty asks for water, in the same way Shri Thakurji asks from her. Such grace Shri Thakurji shows on Bhattiyani and just as Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu showed grace on Padmaraval, in the same way now Shri Gusainji showed grace on Krishna Bhatt. Therefore Krishna Bhatt is such a Bhagavadiya, a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace. Therefore his story is indescribable. How far can it be told?