Message for Nityananda Trayodashi
By Sacinandana Swami.
Lord Nityananda’s furthest reaching mercy.
As we reflect on our lives, we can agree that the help and support of others has always brought about desired changes that would otherwise not have been possible if we kept struggling on our own.
By the help of others, possibilities – starting with our birth in the present body – suddenly come into our reach. Doors open, unexpected connections are made, inspirations given, etc. All by the initiative of others.
But, what about help and support in our spiritual life?
In our spiritual life, more often than not, major events also happened by divine intervention and attention. This undeserved, unconditional mercy happens against all other considerations – and not only when special grace is given to those who deserve it or who have some type of qualification. I imagine this unconditional, divine mercy and intervention to be like a wide circle that extends from above and then readily comes down even to the lowest parts.
This most unconditional expansion of Krishna shakti or mercy is done by Lord Nityananda. He has lowered a rope of mercy into this world – so let’s hold on to it! It is the help and support we need in our spiritual life.
When I visited Ekachakra, the birthplace of Nityananda, I heard a story about the unconditional, law breaking mercy of Lord Nityananda:
In the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna broke his promise to not take part in the battle when Bhishma attacked Arjuna. Already severely wounded, Arjuna could not withstand the relentless volley of arrows directed at him from Bhishma’s silver-plated bow. This was too much for Krishna to tolerate, so he decided to break his own vow. He picked up a wheel from the broken war chariot as his weapon and, raising it above his head, charged at Bhishma like a valiant lion.
Seeing his Lord coming at him, Bhishma immediately put his bow down and started to glorify Krishna – the protector of his devotees – who is ready to break all promises and other considerations for those who turn to him.
When Krishna heard the tear filled prayers of Bhishma, he calmed down and threw the wheel away. It flew all the way from the battlefield and landed in a tiny village in Bengal, which became subsequently known as Ekachakra (eka – one, chakra – wheel), promising clearly that Krishna personally takes care of his devotees always.
This is one of those village stories – but, it makes a true point. The Lord is ready to extend his mercy to those who approach him, leaving all other considerations behind except for one, which is “I must save this person regardless of his/her qualification!” It is here in the village of Ekachakra that Lord Nityananda made his heroic entrance into our age.
In a time where numerous disqualifications, and even offences, seem to be in the psychological baggage of almost everyone – pure love is almost unobtainable. Unfortunately, we may forget Krishna – but fortunately, Krishna does not forget us and thus he comes as Lord Nityananda, the wielder of mercy.
Therefore, let us wholeheartedly and sincerely pray to Lord Nityananda:
Oh Lord Nityananda, you forget all offences of the living entity and bestow mercy upon the fallen. (Caitanya Bhagavata, Antya 5.629).
The devotion of the gopis that is described in books like the Shrimad Bhagavatam is awarded to the people of the world by you. (Nityananda) (Caitanya Bhagavata, Antya 5.303).
You can do what even Shri Chaitanya does not do – bestow the mercy on those most disqualified. (Caitanya Caritamrita, 16.65).
Your name is Nityananda – full of eternal (nitya) bliss (ananda). I am very sad because I am trying but failing in my spiritual life. Please give your mercy to me – and thus make me truly happy.