Lord Nityananda’s Dispelling of Sri Jiva’s “Doubts” and Jiva’s Subsequent Entrance into Sri Vrindavan-dhama: Part 1

In Srila Sac-cid-ananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya, Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s sraddha is developed in relation to Sri Navadvipa Dhama as he proceeds on his parikrama of that merciful Dhama in the association of none other than Lord Nityananda Himself.

Externally, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s book appears to be a parikrama of Sri Navadvipa—and no doubt it is—but in a very significant way, it is also documenting Sri Jiva Gowami’s journey of entering Sri Vrindavan-dhama via developing his faith, surrendering himself at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, and throwing himself on the mercy of the Vaisnavas, Sri Guru, and Sri Navadvipa-dhama itself. All of these factors are necessary for Sri Jiva’s entrance into Vrindavan and are therefore important for us to consider, as well, as we practice sadhana-bhakti with the hopes of one day attaining spontaneous devotional service, raganuga bhakti. 

The last two chapters of the Parikrama-khanda of Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya are entitled, “Jiva Goswami’s Questions and the Answers” and “The Removal of Sri Jiva Goswami’s Doubts and His Journey to Vrindavan.” By this point in the book, Sri Jiva and Lord Nityananda have completed their comprehensive parikrama of Sri Navadvipa-dhama and Sri Jiva has learned from the lotus mouth of Sri Nityananda Prabhu about the astonishing glories of Navadvipa, “that place where audarya is eternally predominant” (SNDM, 14). 

The atmosphere for Sri Jiva’s inquiries could not be more perfect. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura provides a window into the scene:

Nityananda Prabhu was sitting in Srivasa Thakur’s courtyard with tears of love for Gauranga streaming from His eyes. From all directions saintly Vaisnavas came, overcome by that inundation of love.

Sri Jiva Goswami himself is overflowing with love at this time:

Jiva Goswami appeared there intoxicated with love for Radha and Krsna. Offering dandavats to Nityananda’s lotus feet, Jiva rolled in the dust of that place.

While steeped in this ideal mood of love for Radha and Krsna, exhibiting extreme dainya, and surrendering completely at Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet, Sri Jiva reveals his heart to Lord Nityananda. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has ordered Sri Jiva to travel to Vrindavan to hear from Srila Rupa and Sanatana Gowamis, but Sri Jiva wishes to first clear up some so-called doubts that he is entertaining. Of course, this situation is somewhat akin to Krishna removing Arjuna’s doubts on the battlefield of Kuruksetra. Like the conversation between the Supreme and His confidential devotee on the battlefield, this conversation taking place between servitor Godhead and Sri Jiva is aimed at the benefit of all the devotees on-scene who are fortunate to overhear this conversation, but also for those who would traverse the bhakti marga at a later time, including all of us.

Sri Jiva Goswami begins:

You say that Navadvipa and Vrindavan are nondifferent. If that is so, why should one make the effort to go to Vrindavan at all?

This is a significant question, as any of us may consider the same point. Lord Nityananda’s response is most revealing, and we will address His answer in Part 2.