Here the sentiment of the story of one Gaudiya Brahmin, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, who lived in Braj, is being told.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): He is a sattvik devotee. In the divine play her name is “Morsiri.” She manifested from Ras-Prakasika. Therefore her form is of devotional sentiment.
He was born as a Brahmin in the land of Gaud. When he grew up, he came to perform the pilgrimage to Vraj. There he had the darshan of Shri Vrindavan. As soon as he beheld Shri Vrindavan, his mind became deeply attracted there. After that, he never left Shri Vrindavan and went anywhere else. In Vrindavan there were many Gaudiyas. All those Gaudiyas used to serve the Vraj residents. He also stayed among them. By serving the Vraj residents, he maintained his livelihood.
Prasang 1 – The Request for Initiation
At one time Shri Gusainji arrived in Shri Vrindavan. Then this Gaudiya developed such a desire: “If I go to Shri Gusainji and receive the Name from him, it would be very good.” Thinking thus, he came before Shri Gusainji. When he found the proper moment, he prayed to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Please be merciful to me and grant me the Name.” Then Shri Gusainji asked him, “Who are you?” The Gaudiya replied, “Maharaj! I am from the land of Gaud. I am a Brahmin. I am called a Gaudiya. Maharaj! Please be merciful to me and give me the Name, so that my welfare may be accomplished.”
Then Shri Gusainji said, “Your welfare will happen even as you are.” The Gaudiya again said to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! If you give me the Name, my welfare will be accomplished.” Then Shri Gusainji said to him, “If you wear a rosary and tilak and do labor work, then people will recognize you as a Vaishnav and will take all your goods. Considering you a Vaishnav, they will give you alms. And if you sell grass or wood, they will buy from you because they know you are a Vaishnav. In that way, your Vaishnav identity will be sold. Therefore, it is better that you remain as you are.”
Then that Gaudiya folded both hands and again prayed to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! I will keep the rosary hidden. I will make the tilak with water. Maharaj! I will not show my rosary and tilak to others.” Hearing this, Shri Gusainji became pleased with him and granted him the Name. Then, out of compassion, he bestowed his grace upon him. He himself caused him to perform the act of complete dedication. After that, he appointed him to serve the garments of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Then all the desires of that Gaudiya were fulfilled. He became a very good Vaishnav. Thereafter, with inner sincerity he began to serve Shri Thakurji. He served with such love that within a short time Shri Thakurji began to reveal affectionate responsiveness to him.
Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this incident it is shown that one should not display the Vaishnav dharma in order to obtain alms or earn one’s livelihood. If one does so, it becomes an obstacle.
That Gaudiya became such a recipient of grace and a beloved devotee of Shri Gusainji. Upon him there was such grace of Shri Thakurji that Shri Thakurji would speak with him directly. How far can one go in describing his account?