Question : I heard that Gaura-Nitai is the most merciful incarnation of Krishna for this age of Kali. Being born in India, I have been seeing Radha and Krishna since birth. So I feel somewhat connected there. It is not the same with Gaura-Nitai or Jagannath-Baladev-Subhadra Maharani. But unless we get mercy from Gaura-Nitai, it is very difficult to get taste for chanting. Please let me know how I can make myself better so that my prayers to Gaura-Nitai become more heartfelt.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Everything begins with hearing in the right association — particularly in spiritual matters. You are acquainted with and have some attraction for Radha-Krishna, because you have ‘heard’ about Them and been in contact with those who had some devotional sentiment for Radha-Krishna. Having then come in contact with Srila Prabhupada’s pure teachings, your conception of devotional service and attraction for Radha-Krishna is now growing stronger and deeper.
In the same manner, you can develop attachment for Lord Caitanya, as you continually hear the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s merciful qualities and pastimes from qualified devotees.
Please take eagerly every opportunity you get to hear about Gaura-Nitai and to render some service in the association of those who have dedicated their lives in service to Gaura-Nitai. Do these with a sincere desire and prayerful mood to receive the mercy of Gaura-Nitai and come closer to Their lotus feet. As you hear, invest your thinking in contemplating these messages deeply, appreciate and meditate upon Their transcendental qualities, pastimes & teachings, and how Their mercy is practically flowing into your own life.
Another way you can develop attachment for Gaura-Nitai is by meditating upon the glories of Their devotees. Who else but the devotees of Lord Caitanya, within our practical experience, are so compassionate and so decorated with transcendental qualities? Consider their humility, their merciful nature, their friendly attitude towards all living entities, their purity and character, their detachment from the glimmer of worldly pleasures. Consider their scriptural knowledge, their single-pointed faith in pure devotional service, and their highly selfless devotion to Krishna. Consider their joyfulness and composure even amidst reverses, their strong adherence to religious principles many of which seem very difficult or out-moded even to those born in Bharata-bhumi from pious, cultured families.
These and many other such opulence, which are the fruit of many lifetimes of piety and penance, very quickly and easily become the ornaments of those who take shelter of Lord Gauranga — even the most fallen, ignorant or sinful persons and those born in completely alien culture devoid of knowledge of Krishna quickly become saintly devotees. These are the glories of Gaura-Nitai, manifesting in those who approach Their shelter. From the personal testimony of numerous devotees, it is seen that these wonderful qualities manifested by the devotees of Lord Caitanya is the most irresistible factor that instantly attracts them to Lord Caitanya’s lotus feet. Whereas those who try to approach worship of Radha-Krishna on their own merit find the path formidable and progress very slow, whereas Lord Gauranga’s devotees very easily and joyfully traverse it. As you hear, meditate and experience these glories of Gaura-Nitai’s mercy in the association of His devotees, your devotion for Them will also naturally grow and enable you to receive Their abundant mercy.
