Now the sentiments of the story of Shri Gusainji’s sevak Narayandas, Nathastha Diwan, resident of Gaud country, are being told.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Narayandas is a rajas bhakta. In the Divine Play, his name is Premalata. She manifests from Visakhaji, therefore her form is of emotions. So Premalata is the manifestation of Narayandas. And one intimate sakhi of Premalata is Gaurangini. So his wife Veera is the manifestation of that Gaurangini.
So Premalata has great attachment to the child-pastimes. Therefore she remains in Nandalaya during all eight periods of the day. There she is always united with Mandakini. These two are sakhis. So both are the chief helpers of Shri Chandravali. Premalata arranges all the materials for fulfilling the desires of Shri Thakurji and Shri Chandravali. Therefore she is dear to Shri Chandravali. And Gaurangini is skilled in the nikunj pastimes. She is always ready in Shri Chandravali’s nikunj lila. Her limbs have a very beautiful fair complexion, similar to Shri Swaminiji. Therefore, on seeing her, Shri Thakurji remembers Shri Swaminiji. Because of this, she is also very dear to Shri Thakurji.
So one day Shri Chandravali came to Nandalaya to meet Shri Thakurji. There she met Premalata. She asked her: “Premalata! Look, what is Shri Yashodaji doing?” Then Premalata went to see and saw that Shri Yashodaji was churning curd. So Premalata came and told Shri Chandravali, “Shri Yashodaji is churning curd.” Then Shri Chandravali reached the doorway of the courtyard to meet Shri Thakurji. At that very moment Visakhaji came there. Premalata met Visakhaji. She asked her, “Premalata! Where is Shri Thakurji?” Then Premalata said, “Shri Thakurji is seated behind the courtyard.”
Then Visakhaji went there. From a distance, she saw Shri Chandravali and Shri Thakurji. Shri Thakurji also saw her. So he became embarrassed. Then Shri Chandravali turned and looked back and saw that Visakhaji was standing far away. So Shri Thakurji immediately went from there. Then Shri Chandravali said to Visakhaji, “Visakha! What have you done?” So Visakhaji began to tremble. Then later she requested and got forgiveness for her mistake. And Visakhaji told Shri Chandravali everything about Premalata. That Premalata had informed her that Shri Thakurji was here, so she came. Then Shri Chandravali brought Visakhaji with her and came to Premalata. Shri Chandravali said to Premalata, “Premalata! Why did you not tell Visakhaji that I had come?”
Then Premalata remained silent. Then Shri Chandravali said, “You have created an obstruction in my meeting with Shri Thakurji. So an obstruction will also come to you.” Because of that offense, Premalata came to the earthly world.
So Premalata was born in Gaud country in the home of a Kayastha. She became Narayandas. And his intimate sakhi Gaurangini manifested in the house of another Kayastha in the same village. She also became. So when both reached nine or ten years of age, the parents of both married them. Narayandas’ father was the Diwan of the kingdom. The king had great trust in him. Whatever he did in the state became final. So Narayandas’ father kept Narayandas with him. When he went to the royal court, he would take Narayandas along. So Narayandas became very capable in the work of the royal court.
When Narayandas reached twenty-five years of age, his father passed away. Then the king appointed Narayandas as the Diwan. So Narayandas handled the royal duties in such a way that the king became completely dependent on him. And everyone began greatly praising Narayandas. Later Narayandas came in the company of Muraridas. This is already described in detail in the story of Muraridas. So now, from the association with Muraridas, how Narayandas became a sevak of Shri Gusainji is being told.
Prasang 1 – Narayandas Loses Himself in Darshan
So Narayandas’ longing for the darshan of Shri Gusainji became very strong. Then Narayandas told Muraridas, “Muraridas, write a request letter and send a man to Aidel.” Before that, Shri Gusainji’s messenger had already arrived to Narayandas. That messenger told Narayandas, “Prabhu is coming by boat with sixty companions. Tomorrow in the evening he will arrive here.” Then Narayandas immediately left along with Muraridas. So in the boat sat five to seven men, and that messenger, and Narayandas, and Muraridas. Then the boat was immediately set off.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This is the way of affection — when the Lord arrives, one goes forward to welcome him with enthusiasm and joy.
And that messenger had told Muraridas, “Shri Gusainji told me that you must keep Narayandas carefully in the boat. When our boat is seen by the boatmen of Narayandas’s boat, then Narayandas will be told that our boat has been seen. Then Narayandas, on seeing our boat, will forget bodily awareness. Because of that he will get up and rush. He will forget the presence of Mother Ganga. Therefore you must remain cautious. When the two boats are tied together, only then release Narayandas — this is what was said.”
Bhav Prakash: Why? Because Shri Gusainji is omniscient. Therefore he knows all aspects of the Lila. Hence he instructed caution beforehand.
So as soon as the boat began moving, Narayandas told the boatmen, “If you show me the boat of Shri Gusainji tomorrow at noon, then I will make you wear a gold necklace.” So the boatmen rowed the boat very swiftly. As Narayandas had desired, the boatmen got the first sight of Shri Gusainji’s boat. Then the boatman saluted Narayandas and said, “Sahib! The boat of Shri Gusainji has come into view.” So from a distance, the boatman showed Shri Gusainji’s boat to Narayandas. Then Narayandas, overwhelmed with love, immediately rose and started moving towards Shri Gusainji’s boat even while inside his own boat.
Then Muraridas and others held Narayandas firmly. Later Muraridas distracted Narayandas by speaking of Shri Gusainji and other topics and made him sit again. Then Narayandas began talking with Muraridas, but his mind was fixed only on the boat of Shri Gusainji. So as soon as Shri Gusainji’s boat came close, the boatmen quickly tied the two boats together. Then Muraridas released Narayandas. So Narayandas, as soon as he bowed at the lotus feet of Shri Gusainji, fell unconscious. It seemed as if his life had departed.
Bhav Prakash: Why? Because the Lord gave Narayandas darshan in such an extraordinary divine form. By that darshan Narayandas became absorbed in that form. Therefore to the people he appeared unconscious.
Except for Muraridas, everyone began to weep. Then Shri Gusainji smiled and looked toward Muraridas and said, “All of you go a little away from here.” Then they all moved aside. Then Shri Gusainji bent down and placed his divine hand on the head of Narayandas. And in his ear he recited the mantra: “Shri Krishna is my refuge.” Then Narayandas regained consciousness, stood up, looked at the lotus face of Shri Gusainji, and remained absorbed in darshan. Then Shri Gusainji asked Narayandas, “Narayandas! Where were you till now?” Then Narayandas folded hands and said, “Maharaj! I was absorbed at your lotus feet. You have done this grace!”
Then Shri Gusainji said to Narayandas, “You still have to do seva.” After that Narayandas, with deep devotion, invited Shri Gusainji to his home. Later he offered his home and everything in dedication. After that Shri Gusainji placed the seva of his sacred Padukaji on the head of Narayandas. Later, seeing the state of Narayandas, Shri Gusainji wished to leave, but Narayandas could not ask him to go. One day Govind Bhatt said to Narayandas, “Narayandas! Now you should request Shri Gusainji to depart.” So Narayandas agreed, but for many days he did not ask. Many days passed like this.
Then one day, two Vraj residents who were with Shri Gusainji suffered stomach trouble from eating betel. Then Narayandas, frightened in his mind, requested Shri Gusainji, “Raj! The water here is not good. Therefore Raj! You should now depart.” So Narayandas requested Shri Gusainji to leave. Then Shri Gusainji went to Purushottam Puri. Later, after two to four days, Shri Gusainji stayed in the garden due to the request of Narayandas. Then Shri Gusainji went to Aidel.
As long as Shri Gusainji stayed at Narayandas’ home, Narayandas daily offered new items — dhoti, upper cloth, robe, bedding, clothes, even footcloths — all new every day. In this way Narayandas served Shri Gusainji. Therefore Shri Gusainji, from Adel, sent Narayandas a prasadi gaddi every year. Such was the grace Shri Gusainji showered upon Narayandas.
Prasang 2 – The Offering at Puri
And once Shri Gusainji, along with Shri Rukmini Bahuji, Sobha Betiji and Shri Giridharji, in this way with the entire family, went to the Purushottam region for the darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji. So Prabhu remained for one month in Purushottampuri. So when Shri Gusainji took leave from Shri Jagannathraiji, then whatever material was with him, such as supplies, tents, vessels, horses, bullocks, camels, all these Shri Gusainji offered to Shri Jagannathraiji and departed from Puri. Whatever garments he was wearing on his limbs remained. And he offered everything else and left.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – Here there is a great doubt: Shri Gusainji himself is the one who establishes the Pushtimarg. In Pushtimarg, Shri Govardhannathji is the main, the all-in-all. So why did he offer everything to Shri Jagannathraiji? Here it is being explained: Shri Jagannathraiji has a relationship with Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu. With that sentiment, Shri Gusainji himself repeatedly visits for darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji and also makes offerings. Therefore, recognizing the relationship of Shri Acharyaji, he performs the darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji. This is the established principle. The second intention is that Shri Gusainji is the Acharya of the path of devotion. Therefore, wherever the form of Bhagavan is manifest according to the ways of the devotional path, there the Acharyas should certainly acknowledge it. Therefore Shri Gusainji also goes for the darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji and makes offerings. In this way Shri Gusainji is the protector of the discipline of the devotional path. This is the secondary sentiment.
So as soon as the four sacred forms departed from Puri, Narayandas, by Prabhu’s wish, understood this even while sitting in his home. Therefore Narayandas had already directed so much material from his home to be sent forward before Shri Gusainji. He had told the men accompanying the goods, “Keep all this material one kos outside Puri. And if you take it inside Puri, then all this will be offered by Shri Gusainji to Shri Jagannathraiji.” The names of those things were—Sukhpal 3, horses 2, camel 1, bullock-cart, tents, canopies, vessels, supplies, ornaments, two kinds of clothes, bedding, and all other needed items—he had sent all these.
So the men of Narayandas, seeing that Shri Gusainji was coming, sat at the very spot where Narayandas had instructed them to wait. Then as soon as Shri Gusainji departed from Puri, they offered all that material to Shri Gusainji, prostrated to him and requested, “Maharaj! All this Narayandas has sent as an offering to you. Kindly accept it.” Then Shri Gusainji asked those men, “Why did you not bring all this inside Puri?” Then those men requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! We had permission from Narayandas only in this manner. Therefore we did not bring it inside.” Then Shri Gusainji, in his heart, became very pleased with Narayandas.
After that, in one Sukhpal Shri Gusainji himself sat. And in one Sukhpal Shri Rukmini Bahuji sat. And in one Sukhpal Shri Sobha Betiji sat. And Shri Giridharji rode on the horse. After that, from that place, the journey was twenty kos. They arrived at Kokuva village. There Narayandas came before Prabhu and brought Shri Gusainji to his home with great devotion. For twenty-seven days Shri Gusainji stayed there. So Narayandas daily offered new material, and daily gave new clothes to Prabhu. But in the mind of Narayandas there was the desire: “If only Prabhu would stay here for one full year, then I could perform seva properly.” But what could be done? Shri Rukmini Bahuji was in pregnancy. Therefore Narayandas quickly arranged for Prabhu’s departure.
Then on the day of departure, Narayandas offered even more material. To Shri Rukmini Bahuji he offered five very pure pearl necklaces. And to Shri Sobha Betiji and Shri Giridharji he offered many ornaments. Then offering many valuables before Shri Gusainji, Narayandas requested, “Maharaj! If once again I send a request letter in this same manner, then please bestow your grace and come.” Then Shri Gusainji, seeing the deep devotion of Narayandas, became very pleased and said, “Narayandas! Your desire will be fulfilled.”
And one svarup had come into the possession of Narayandas. Shri Gusainji at that time had installed that svarup on a wooden seat in the house of Narayandas. The seva of that svarup Narayandas performed according to the command of Shri Gusainji. After that Shri Gusainji departed from the land of Narayandas toward Adel. Then all the children came to welcome Prabhu. Among them, all the brothers first went to Shri Gusainji. But Shri Raghunathji first went to Shri Rukmini Bahuji. He went and sat near Mataji in the Sukhpal. Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji removed that necklace from her own neck and made Shri Raghunathji wear it. So Shri Raghunathji wore that necklace on his neck and then went to meet Shri Gusainji.
Later, when Shri Raghunathji was seated near Shri Gusainji, the other boys asked him, “From whom did you get that necklace?” Then Shri Raghunathji said, “Mataji herself gave me this necklace.” Then those three brothers came to Shri Rukmini Bahuji, bowed to her and said, “Mataji! Give us also the same necklace that you have given to Shri Raghunathji.” Then Shri Rukmini Bahuji gave those three brothers three necklaces. So with great joy they wore the necklaces and returned from Mataji. Then they came and sat near Shri Gusainji. Their names were: Shri Govindraiji, Shri Balakrishnaji, Shri Gokulnathji. These three brothers, receiving the necklaces identical to one another, became extremely pleased.
After that Shri Gusainji went home. And Narayandas and Narayandas’ wife, these two performed the seva of Shri Thakurji very properly. So Narayandas would awaken Shri Thakurji, offer mangala bhog, and chant at the appropriate time, and after the bhog was removed, he would perform mangalarti. Then he would bathe Shri Thakurji, adorn him, offer the adornment-bhog, and then Narayandas would go to the royal court. Such was the seva Narayandas performed.
Veera cooked and offered rajbhog to Shri Thakurji. After finishing the entire cooking, she would remove the bhog after rajbhog and, following Shri Thakurji’s meal, she would place the prasada in covered dishes. Later, when Narayandas returned home from the royal court, both husband and wife would joyfully partake of that siro mahaprasad. And Narayandas had constructed small rooms on both sides in front of his home for Vaishnavas to stay. And for the Vaishnavas Veera would prepare groceries and supplies, sorting, cleaning and arranging everything. Just as she prepared everything for Shri Thakurji, in the same way she prepared all materials for the Vaishnavas also. So Narayandas and his wife Veera kept the same devotion toward Shri Thakurji and toward the Vaishnavas.
And Narayandas stayed in the royal court during the day. And at home, whichever Vaishnav arrived, Veera would offer hospitality accordingly. Later, when Narayandas returned from the royal court, he met those Vaishnavas. From them Narayandas asked for news and topics about Shri Gusainji. Then in the morning when going to the royal court, Narayandas would go remembering Shri Krishna. Seeing Vaishnavas, Narayandas became very pleased in his heart. Later he would give those Vaishnavas whatever financial help he could. So the Vaishnavas left whenever they wished. But Narayandas himself never dismissed the Vaishnavas.
Veera daily provided them with proper groceries. Veera never observed purdah before the Vaishnavas. One who has such simple, pure devotion toward Vaishnavas—why would Shri Gusainji and Shri Nathji not bestow grace upon such a person?
Prasang 3 – Chacha Hariwanshji Sent to Gaud Des
And once Narayandas wrote a request letter to Shri Gusainji. In it he wrote this request to Prabhu: “Maharaj, here with me there is no Vaishnav with whom I may discuss and converse, so that the mind does not become disturbed. Without discussion and conversation, the mind does not remain steady. Therefore, if you grant grace, please send some Vaishnav to me.” Thus he wrote and sent the letter. Along with it he sent to Shri Gusainji a large offering in the form of a hundi. So that man came to Adel. There he prostrated to Shri Gusainji and handed over Narayandas’s letter and the hundi.
So Shri Gusainji himself read the letter. And Chacha Hariwanshji was sitting near Prabhu, so the letter was read to him also. Then Shri Gusainji gave this instruction to Chacha Hariwanshji: “Chachaji, you go to Narayandas.” Then Chacha Hariwanshji requested before Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! By your command I shall leave your lotus feet and go to Gaud Des—what will become of me?” Then Shri Gusainji said to Chachaji, “Wherever you may be, there I will give you daily darshan.” Then Chacha Hariwanshji departed from Adel from the presence of Shri Gusainji and set out for the home of Narayandas in Gaud Des. So after some days, Chachaji reached Narayandas.
So when Narayandas came from the royal court, Chacha Hariwanshji invoked Shri Krishna-smaran upon Narayandas. Then Narayandas, with great joy, got down from his horse and met Chachaji. After that Narayandas took Chachaji by the hand and brought him into his home and received prasada. Afterwards Chachaji and Narayandas sat and day and night engaged in discourses on Bhagavan. Then Narayandas’s going to the royal court ceased. After some days, Narayandas became overwhelmed in the delight of the discourses. So taking prasada and performing seva—all stopped. It was as if he had become helpless; such a disorder happened to Narayandas.
Then the work of Narayandas in the royal court, without Narayandas, all came to a halt. Then the men of the royal court came to the house of Narayandas and asked some people. Then one man named Kadu said to the men of the royal court, “A vairagi has come from Mathura. He has made Narayandas crazy.” Hearing this news, those men of the royal court went before the king and said, “Sahib! These are the news about Narayandas.” Then the king at that very moment gave this order: “Bring that vairagi to me immediately. Otherwise make Narayandas well and send him to the court.” Saying this, the king sent men to summon Chachaji from the house of Narayandas.
Later, some Vaishnav came and told this news to Chacha Hariwanshji. Then Chachaji thought within his mind, “Narayandas must be restored to normal even now.” So Chacha Hariwanshji bathed and then gave Narayandas’s Shri Thakurji an abhyang bath, sprinkled that charanodak upon Narayandas and made him drink some. Then immediately the restlessness of Narayandas disappeared and he became well. His mind became steady.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – Why? Because in the abhyang there is amla. And amla causes forgetfulness of confusion. Therefore the restlessness of Narayandas disappeared. And another intention is this: by taking charanodak, cool devotion arises. Therefore from the charanodak, the restlessness of Narayandas disappeared and coolness arose. Thus he became healthy.
After that Narayandas said to Chachaji, “Chachaji! In that state I felt great joy. Why did you do this? My mind was absorbed there. Why has this state changed again?” Then Chacha Hariwanshji said to Narayandas, “Now, for the present, this is necessary for you.” So Chacha Hariwanshji thought in his mind, “Right now he does not have the qualification for that sentiment.” Then Chachaji made Narayandas cautious: “You must now do the royal duties. In doing so, the seva of Prabhu will continue properly. But keep your mind in the lotus feet of Shri Gusainji. Only then the worldly affairs will not obstruct you.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – Why? Because worldly duties are capable of causing misfortune. But by remembrance and contemplation of Shri Gusainji, that obstruction will not arise. Such is the power of Prabhu.
After that Narayandas put on his clothes and went to the royal court. Again, he began performing work and conduct as before. After some days, Chachaji stayed with Narayandas and joyfully received teachings from Narayandas. Then Chacha Hariwanshji departed from Gaud Des. In a few days, he came to Shri Gokulji in the presence of Shri Gusainji. There, having prostrated to Shri Gusainji, Chacha Hariwanshji narrated all these detailed events about Narayandas before Prabhu. Then Shri Gusainji, hearing it all, remained silent.
Afterwards, on the day Narayandas went to the royal court, that day the king spent a great amount of wealth. So the king remained very pleased with Narayandas. And Narayandas’s wife Veera was of such beauty that daily she adorned herself, bathed and went to the temple of Shri Thakurji. Then no one knew who she was. It seemed as if an apsara was going. Such was her divine body. So that Veera daily performed the seva of Shri Thakurji with her own hands. But she did not allow the service to be performed by any other woman. Veera was so delicate that when she chewed paan, the red juice that went down her throat could be seen from the outside exactly as it was. Whoever sat near her knew that she had eaten paan. But the seva of Shri Thakurji and the seva of the Vaishnavas she performed with her own hands. Therefore Shri Gusainji repeatedly praised Veera from his own holy mouth. And to that Veera, Shri Thakurji also began showing great affection. She became such a worthy recipient of the grace of Shri Gusainji and Shri Thakurji.
Prasang 4 – The Sultan Meets Shri Gusainji
And once Shri Gusainji again bestowed grace upon Narayandas and came to Gaud Des to give darshan to Narayandas. So he stayed five or seven days in the house of Narayandas. Later, due to the disturbance of the water, there was a village five or seven kos away. The water there was good. The water there did not cause illness. Therefore Shri Gusainji went and stayed in that village. So Narayandas went twice daily to Shri Gusainji for darshan and then returned to his own village. Later he performed all his duties in the royal court. In this way Narayandas did daily.
So one day someone spoke ill of Narayandas in front of the king, saying, “Hazrat! The guru of Narayandas has stopped in a village seven kos from here. Narayandas goes to him twice a day and then returns here.” Then one day the king asked Narayandas, “Why do you go daily two times to that village?” Then Narayandas said to the king, “My guru has stopped in that village, therefore I go there.” Then the king said to Narayandas, “You go there twice and after returning here, you do all the work here.” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Both must be done—going there and doing all the work here.” Then the king, knowing Narayandas’s heart to be attached to the guru, granted this permission to Narayandas: “Narayandas! As long as your guru stays in that village, you may do my work from there. And you stay there.”
Then Narayandas became very pleased in his mind. Later, on the fifth or seventh day, Narayandas went to attend the court. So one day the king said to Narayandas, “Ask your guru and see whether he will grant me darshan. I greatly desire to see him.” Then Narayandas said to the king, “He does not look upon the face of someone of your caste.” Then the king again said to Narayandas, “At least ask him once. What answer does he give you? Tell me that news.” Thus when the king said this many times, then one day Narayandas requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! This king greatly desires your darshan. Therefore, when I go to the royal court, he says to me, ‘Narayandas! Have you asked or not?’ Therefore now please give me instructions: may I go and tell him?” Then Shri Gusainji had this message conveyed to Narayandas: “Do not speak anything. And when he asks you, you also do not object.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning is this: the king is a divine soul. Why? Without divine influence such desire does not arise. Therefore his wish must be fulfilled. But if Shri Gusainji himself ordered the king to be summoned, then in the mind of the king it might arise that Narayandas has spoiled things. Therefore Shri Gusainji said this to Narayandas. So when Narayandas came to the court, the king first asked Narayandas, “O Nariya! Did you ask?” Then Narayandas said, “It is well. One day you will have darshan.” Then the king became very joyful in his heart and extremely pleased, and said to Narayandas, “Then on the third day from today I shall come. You go ahead.” Then Narayandas came and told all this news to Shri Gusainji. Then Prabhu, hearing it, remained silent.
Later, Narayandas prepared the place on that day. So the king came at the time of rising and did darshan of Shri Gusainji. Later he took dandvat and stood. Then Shri Gusainji gave him permission to sit. Then that king, knowing Prabhu to be Purushottam, folded his hands before Prabhu. Then he requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! You are not merely a human. For Kanhaiya, whom we have heard of till now, today our eyes have seen. Therefore you appear to be some incarnate divine person. And this Narayandas is blessed. For many days he has served you. Such is the great praise the king spoke: ‘Blessed is my land where you have come. And I too am blessed to have received your darshan.’ Saying thus, the king then said to Narayandas, ‘By your grace I have received his darshan. If you were not living here with me and had not requested, I would not have received darshan. I am greatly fortunate. Therefore you are chief among those with me.’”
Thus the king spoke with great praise. And he greatly praised Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji had nine rupees of royal gift placed into the hands of Narayandas and offered as the king’s nazar. Then the king took dandvat and again requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! By your grace, many here are mine. But let me receive some prasadi cloth from your divine body.” Then Shri Gusainji, at that time wearing an upper cloth, out of grace had it given into the hand of Narayandas. So the king placed it on his forehead, took dandvat and tied that upper cloth onto his own turban. Then the king, taking leave from Shri Gusainji, went home. From that day the king held Narayandas in great regard.
After some days, Narayandas invited Shri Gusainji to his home. Then that king again came for the darshan of Shri Gusainji. Later Shri Gusainji, fulfilling Narayandas’s desire, considered going toward Adel. Then Narayandas went to escort him. And earlier, whenever Shri Gusainji intended to leave, Narayandas always became disturbed. So Shri Gusainji said to Chacha Hariwanshji, “Chachaji! Do something so that when we leave, Narayandas does not suffer distress.” Then Chacha Hariwanshji gave Narayandas’s sevya Shri Thakurji an abhyang bath and sprinkled that charanodak upon Narayandas, and put some in his mouth. Then the mind of Narayandas became steady. Then Narayandas, fully pleased, bade farewell to Shri Gusainji.
So Narayandas accompanied Prabhu for a short distance. Then Shri Gusainji, pleased, bade farewell to Narayandas. Later Narayandas greatly requested Chacha Hariwanshji. Then Narayandas returned to his home.
Prasang 5 – Shri Satya Betiji Saves the Hungry Captives
And once Shri Satyaji, the daughter of Shri Gopinathji, set out for the darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji. Then on the way, the village of Narayandas came. So when this news reached Narayandas, he sent his men ahead on the road to keep watch. So when the village of Narayandas was a little distance away, those men brought word to Narayandas, “Sahib! At such and such a place Betiji has arrived.” Then Narayandas went forward and brought Shri Satya Betiji to his home. A little distance from the house of Narayandas was the prison building. All the prisoners began crying out together.
Then Shri Satya Betiji asked Veera, “Veera, what is this noise?” Then Veera requested and said to Shri Satyaji, “Maharaj! These are prisoners of the royal court. The king has placed them in the prison. So they all cry out.” Then Shri Satyaji said, “Why are they all locked in one place?” Then Veera again requested Shri Satyaji, “Maharaj! One who spoils some work of the king, or commits theft in the village—the king demands payment from them. But they do not give it. Therefore a large house has been made for their confinement. There they all lie.” Then Shri Satyaji again asked Veera, “How do these poor men eat?” Then Veera again requested Shri Satyaji, “Maharaj! From the royal court they receive half a quarter measure of raw gram each evening. They eat that gram and lie there.” Then Shri Satyaji at that time said, “O compassion! These poor men all remain hungry?”
Saying this, after a little time, Veera said to Satyaji, “Maharaj! Rise, bathe and cook.” Then Shri Satyaji said to Veera, “I will cook only when I leave this village.” Then Veera said to Shri Satyaji, “Maharaj! Why is that?” Then Shri Satyaji said to Veera, “In such a village where so many people remain hungry every day, how can one take water or food? Therefore I will go outside this village, bathe, and cook there.” Hearing these words of Satyaji, Veera sent a man to Narayandas. Veera instructed that man, “Tell him: there is urgent work at home. Therefore bring her back with you.” So that man went to Narayandas and told him this news. Then Narayandas, hearing it, immediately came home. Then Veera told Narayandas all the news regarding Shri Satya Betiji.
Then Narayandas immediately went to the king and pleaded, “Sahib! Many days have passed for those prisoners. If you allow, then having them pay whatever small amount is due, let them be released and restored to their work. And afterward, in their homes, they will pay much.” Then the king said to Narayandas, “Good.” So Narayandas came near the prison. Then seeing Narayandas, the prisoners began crying loudly. Then Narayandas had the door opened and all of them brought out. Then they said, “Sahib! Free us.” Then Narayandas said to them, “Why do you not pay the amount?” Then they said to Narayandas, “We are kept here! How shall we pay?” Then Narayandas called the clerk. Later one by one they arranged sureties for one another and paid the fine. Narayandas released all the prisoners. Later the fine placed on their heads was read out to the king. And all their news was told. Then the king became very pleased with Narayandas.
Later Narayandas came from the court to his home and bowed to Shri Satyaji, saying, “Raj! By your grace I have freed all the prisoners. They have all gone to their homes.” Then Shri Satyaji became very pleased with Narayandas, rose, bathed, cooked, offered bhog to Shri Thakurji, removed it at the proper time, ate, and served food to Narayandas and Veera. So Narayandas, taking prasada, went to the royal court.
Immediately someone again spoke ill of Narayandas to the king: “Hazrat! The guru’s daughter of Narayandas has stopped in his house. She has said something. Therefore Narayandas has released all the prisoners.” Then the king asked Narayandas, “Today you released all the prisoners at once—why did you do this?” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Hazrat! Daily fifty rupees are spent on them by the court. And there is no income at all. Therefore each one was released by taking one another as surety. And all the news regarding our Betiji I have told you. Therefore all the prisoners were released at once.” Then the king, seeing Narayandas’s devotion to his guru, became very pleased with him.
Later small amounts of money began coming from those prisoners. Then Narayandas again requested the king, “Look Hazrat! Yesterday the prisoners were released. And today so much money has come. If they remained confined, from where would money have come? And they cannot run away. Because each is surety for the other. Therefore we only require the money, not their confinement.” Hearing these words of Narayandas, the king became very pleased with him. And he sent a robe of honor to the home of Narayandas. So Narayandas, wearing that robe, immediately came home and bowed to Shri Satya Betiji.
Later, for some days, Shri Satyaji stayed in the home of Narayandas. Then she went to Purushottampuri for the darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji. There she did darshan of Shri Jagannathraiji, stayed some days, and later returned. Then Shri Satyaji again stayed some days in the home of Narayandas. Later, when Shri Betiji asked for leave to go to Adel, Narayandas offered Shri Satya Betiji many ornaments, garments, and money. And much material Narayandas sent as offerings to Shri Gusainji. Later on the way he gave his own horses and riders to escort Shri Satyaji to Shri Gusainji. So the men who escorted Shri Satya Betiji wrote a letter from Shri Gusainji and returned to Narayandas. Then those men gave that letter of Shri Gusainji to Narayandas and, receiving instruction, returned to their home. Later Narayandas placed the letter on his forehead and read it. After reading it, he received great joy. Such grace Shri Gusainji bestowed upon Narayandas. So Shri Satya Betiji came to Shri Gusainji and greatly praised and honored Narayandas. Then Shri Gusainji said to Shri Satyaji, “He is truly my Narayandas.”
Prasang 6 – The King Tests Narayandas
And once someone spoke ill of Narayandas before the king. “That, Hazrat! In your government the finest cloth is woven, and he tempts the weavers in their homes and takes the cloth. Therefore no weaver here can bring fine cloth.” Hearing this, the king remained silent. But one day the king called Narayandas alone and asked, “Narayandas! The cloth that my weavers weave—why do you take it secretly?” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Hazrat! I do take the cloth. But the rest goes into the government stores.”
Then the king asked Narayandas, “What do you do with that cloth?” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Hazrat! I send that cloth to my guru’s house.” Then the king asked Narayandas, “From where do you pay the cost of that cloth?” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Hazrat! I pay the cost of that cloth from my own pocket.” Then the king said to Narayandas, “Do not pay for that cloth. Let the government provide it.” Then Narayandas said to the king, “Hazrat! You know well that if I send cloth paid for by your government, then he is Prabhu—he will not accept it. And this you will also understand from your side—that if I had not received your favor, then how would such divine cloth come into my hands?” Hearing these words of Narayandas, the king became extremely pleased with Narayandas. From that day the king increased Narayandas’s monthly stipend. And the king said, “Narayandas! Whatever expenses you need for your home, take them from the royal court. And every month, send the cloth and material to your guru.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – Therefore satsang is such a substance. By the company of a Bhagavan-devotee like Narayandas, even this mleccha king’s mind became like this.
Later, the one who made the accusation suffered great misfortune.
Bhav Prakash – This shows that whoever commits an offense toward a Vaishnav, the same offense harms that person himself. The Vaishnav suffers no loss.
Prasang 7 – The Exquisite Cloth Sent Yearly
And the very fine cloth that Narayandas sent to Shri Gusainji was accepted upon the divine bodies of Shri Nathji, the Thakurji of the house, Shri Gusainji, and all seven children. And even then some remained. Among them the turbans that Narayandas sent were so fine that when water was sprinkled upon them, the threads could be seen. Such fine-woven turbans Narayandas sent every year to Shri Gusainji. When tied after being wetted, they dried even while tying. And if they were wetted and placed on the ground to dry, they would not be visible at the moment of lifting. Only when water was sprinkled at that spot would the turban be seen. Such subtle cloth he sent.
Prasang 8 – The Two Hundis
And once some wealth was needed in the treasury. Then a hundi of eight thousand was written upon Narayandas. That hundi was written and a messenger was sent to Narayandas. Three days passed for that messenger to travel. At that same time the hundi that Narayandas had sent also arrived before Shri Gusainji. Then Chapabhai Bhandari requested Shri Gusainji, “Raj! You have written a hundi upon Narayandas. And today the hundi he sent has also arrived. Therefore what is your command now?” Then Shri Gusainji said to Chapabhai Bhandari, “Send someone to bring back the hundi you dispatched.” Then Chapabhai Bhandari again requested Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! That messenger has gone far. How will the man sent now meet him? How will it be brought back?” Then Shri Gusainji said to Chapabhai, “Now what has happened has happened.”
So on the day the hundi written by Shri Gusainji reached Narayandas, Narayandas was holding a great celebration in his house. Many offerings were laid out. And Narayandas said to Veera, “Today Shri Gusainji has done great grace upon me. He has counted me as his own and written the hundi upon me.” That day Narayandas became extremely pleased. But he immediately sent the amount of that hundi and wrote another hundi of the same day’s date, and wrote a request letter to Shri Gusainji, and after giving the messenger mahaprasad, Narayandas sent him off.
In that letter Narayandas wrote, “Raj! After so many days, today you have done great grace upon me. And I am truly the servant of the servants.” Thus Narayandas wrote many request letters to Shri Gusainji. So that same man again came to Shri Gusainji. And that man gave Narayandas’s letter before Shri Gusainji. So Chapabhai read it out loud. And the hundi inside that letter he placed before Shri Gusainji, and Chapabhai did dandvat on behalf of Narayandas. Hearing the letter of Narayandas, Shri Gusainji became very pleased. Thus was Narayandas—such a grace-recipient Bhagavadiya of Shri Gusainji.
Prasang 9 – The Final Days of Narayandas
Once Narayandas wrote a letter to Chacha Hariwanshji. In it Narayandas wrote, “How much is the yearly expense of Shri Gusainji? If you write and send it to me, then I will send that much money from here.” This letter Narayandas sent with a household servant to Chacha Hariwanshji. So that man gave the letter to Chachaji. Reading the letter, Chachaji became very pleased. So Chacha Hariwanshji handed Narayandas’s letter into the divine hands of Shri Gusainji. Reading that letter, Prabhu spoke these words from his holy mouth: “This Vaishnav was good. But now he has become worldly. How will he maintain the expenses of my household? The one who maintains my household is already maintaining it.” So Chachaji wrote no reply. Only this was written and sent: “The reply to this letter will be written afterward.”
Later, after some days, illness arose in the body of Narayandas. Then the king came to see Narayandas at his house. Then the king said to the physicians, “Whoever cures Narayandas, whatever he asks for, I will give.” But before God no one’s remedy works. Later the king greatly consoled Veera, the wife of Narayandas. And the king said to Veera, “The money that was given to Narayandas, I will give to you for your lifetime. Do not think of anything else in your mind. You are the daughter of my dharma. As I care for my own daughter, so I will care for you. Do not worry in your mind about anything.” Saying this, the king returned home.
After that Narayandas explained well to his wife, “You continue to perform the seva of Shri Thakurji properly.” Then Veera said to Narayandas, “The form with which I have served till now—that same form, whichever seva Prabhu has me do, I will do that seva.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – This shows, “I have performed the seva of Shri Thakurji until now with the feeling of a devoted wife, fully adorned in sixteen ornaments. This adornment cannot be done after you. Why? Because it will appear contrary to society. Therefore I will come with you into Lila.” With this sentiment Veera spoke in this way. Then great worry arose in the mind of Narayandas. For three days Narayandas lay on the floor-bed.
Later, on the fourth day, when Veera bathed and went to the temple of Shri Thakurji, she saw in the resting place that Shri Thakurji was not on the bed. And all the materials were in their proper place. So Shri Thakurji had disappeared. At that moment this vision arose in Veera. Then Veera came out of the temple and told this news to Narayandas. Hearing it, Narayandas immediately left his body. Then Veera, inside the house, prepared the funeral pyre and became one with Narayandas in the flames. The last rites of both were performed together.
After some days passed, this news reached Shri Gusainji. Hearing it, Shri Gusainji felt great sorrow. Then Prabhu spoke these words from his holy mouth: “Narayandas was a good Vaishnav. But in his mind arose the thought of maintaining the expense of my household, and therefore he departed.”
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment) – This shows that a sevak must always remain cautious. This is the house of God. Who is capable of maintaining its expense? He maintains his expenses himself. What strength has the soul to maintain this expense? Therefore this arose in the mind of Narayandas—thus what was good became bad. Therefore Bhagavadiyas must keep humility. So Narayandas, after having properly served Shri Gusainji and the divine daughters of Shri Nathji and pleased Prabhu— At first, when Chacha Hariwanshji had come to the house of Narayandas, a request had been made: “Chachaji! When Thakurji eats, please do such grace upon me that I may see the bhog.” Later Chacha Hariwanshji, at that time, said, “Now you watch.” Then Narayandas saw. But Shri Thakurji is a mass of divine effulgence. Therefore Narayandas could not hold the visual perception. Still, by the grace of Prabhu, for a moment it was seen. But in that moment, the worldly intellect was disturbed. Therefore Bhagavadiyas must act with caution and humility.
Thus was Narayandas—such a grace-recipient Bhagavadiya of Shri Gusainji. Therefore the extent of his story cannot be measured. How far can it be narrated?