A Loving Guru and A Faithful Disciple by HH Radhanath Swami

Radhanath Swami on A Loving Guru A Faithful Disciple

Rupa Goswami initiated Jiva Goswami and Jiva became very dear to his guru. Once a powerful scholar named Rupa Narayana came to Vrindavan. His false ego was even greater than his knowledge. He had a jaya patra, a certificate where any one he defeated had to sign. He heard the glories of Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami and very proudly challenged them to a debate. Rather than wasting time in debating they happily signed the jaya patra in great humility. Then he approached Jiva Goswami and asked him to sign as well. Jiva Gosvami was least concerned but in order to protect the dignity of his Gurus, he accepted the challenge. They sat on the banks of the Yamuna for seven days and Jiva Goswami thoroughly defeated him. When the news came to Rupa Goswami, he understood Jiva Goswami’s intentions of selfless service to protect the dignity of our sampradaya. But he wanted to teach the world through his disciple. He rebuked Jiva and told him, “Vrindavan is not a place for any one with pride in their heart. You must leave Vrindavan.” Jiva Goswami did not argue. Rather he felt in the core of his heart, “Yes. I have false pride in my heart. I don’t deserve to be here.”

He went to Mathura and lived in a little straw hut on the bank of the Yamuna performing severe austerities to atone for his offense. With tears in his eyes, he was constantly crying out the holy names of Krishna. He was praying to become humble like a blade of grass in a way that he could actually please his guru and be qualified to live in Vrindavan. Sanatana Goswami happened to be travelling through Mathura and saw the state of Jiva Goswami. He then told Rupa Goswami, “One of the prime teachings of Lord Caitanya is Jiva daya, compassion to jivas.” And Rupa Goswami knew exactly what he meant. Rupa Goswami brought Jiva back and personally nursed him back to health. Through Jiva, Rupa Goswami taught the world the greatness of a true Vaishnava and Jiva Goswami taught the world the faithfulness and loyalty of a disciple in protecting the dignity of the guru parampara.

– Radhanath Swami

Radhanath Swami on A Loving Guru and a Faithful Disciple