Ultimate well-being lies in transcendental love and attachment • Real simplicity is being able to introspect • Glorification and encouragement of a disciple’s motherly love and service
śrī śrī guru-gaurāṅgau jayataḥ
Śrī Vinoda-Bihārī Gauḍīya Maṭha
28 Haldar Bagan Lane,
Kolkata–700004
19/7/1986
Snehāspadāsu—
Mā Umā! Your affectionate letter of 9/7/86 reached the Kolkata maṭha promptly. I returned to the Kolkata maṭha from Navadvīpa after the conclusion of Śrī Rathotsava yesterday and received it. I hope you are all well. I am well, in a manner of speaking.
There is not a great deal of happiness or well-being in worldly sneha and mamatā (love and attachment). The conditioned soul only finds meaning and fulfilment when she offers all love and affection to śrī guru and Bhagavān. Human beings suffer in the absence of one they love and are attached to. If you have real love and attachment for someone, you will inevitably cry in separation from them.
If you have truly fallen in love with Śrī Bhagavān, then you will most certainly be remembering your cherished gurudeva and your longing to have his darśana will be very strong. Just as a mother experiences intense pain when she cannot see her son, it is quite natural that you too are experiencing such pain internally. Even without the mother’s invitation, the child can always happily go to see his mother. The pull and call of the heart are always particularly effective. Even an ungrateful son is never deprived of his mother’s love. This really is the general rule and habit. Śrī guru and Bhagavān will never deprive you of their transcendental love.
That day there was no plan to stay in Jayanagar, but since the gṛhasthas strongly insisted, we were compelled to stay. We went to Kolkata the very next morning, on the early train. I never want to conceal my inner feelings around you just to look like a good person. I know well that Śrī Bhagavān only gives His genuine mercy to people who are simple and straightforward. A human being’s ability to introspect is the real expression of simplicity.
You are a mother. You will serve and worship Śrī Gaura-Rādhā-Vinoda-bihārī and Śrī Gaura-Rādhā-Madana-mohana with more love than anyone. They alone are our only beloveds and worthy recipients of our love. Just behold and serve that object of worship even in sleep and in dreams. Śrī Gaura-gopāla, Śrī Kṛṣṇa-gopāla is the supreme object of your bhajana (devotional absorption). Their service is attained under the guidance of śrī guru-pādapadma. If you give your innermost feelings and serve and attend to your cherished deity that way, your mind will find peace.
Though I cannot be near you in person, imperceptibly I am there and always will be. You can never uphold your responsibility as a mother if you do not give me mahā-prasāda. Does any mother take food and water before feeding her child? If you die soon, who is going to serve me food and drink with such affection? Know that it is possible to remain near śrī guru and Bhagavān and serve them without abandoning this perishable body.
Write me letters in whatever sort of mood or language comes naturally to you. That way you will be content, and I will be delighted. I do not detect any insincerity in your letter. Rather, I have noted your gracious attitude and your extensive affection and nurturance, which gives me so much affection for you. Before I go, I will write you a letter and let you know.
I too am relieved and delighted to know that although some obstacles came on the path of your sādhana-bhajana, you are now free from any worry. Every day, worship the deity and study something from the granthas. Know that I have affection for you. Convey my obeisances to your mother. Iti—
Forever your well-wisher,
Śrī Bhaktivedānta Vāmana
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