sri-rupa carana-dvandva
raginam vrajavasinam
sri-jivam satatam vande
mandesvananda dayinam

(Bhakti-ratnakara 4.289)

sri-rupa – Srila Rupa Gosvami; carana-dvandva – the two lotus feet;
raginam – strongly attached; vraja vasinam – the topmost resident of
Vrindavan; sri-jivam – Srila Jiva Gosvami; satatam – constantly; vande
– I offer my obeisances; mandesu – dull headed and lazy people; ananda
– bliss; dayinam – the bestower

In Sadhana Dipika it is said: “I offer my repeated humble obeisances
unto Srila Jiva Gosvami whose heart is constantly attracted to the
lotus feet of Srila Rupa Gosvami. He is the crest-jewel of all
Vrajavasis and due to his causeless mercy, he bestows unimaginable joy
to even the non-philosophical, dull-headed and lazy people by his deep
philosophical views.”289

Rupa, Sanatana and Vallabha were three of Kumaradeva’s sons. And Jiva
was the son of Vallabha. He was born in 1511 AD in Ramakeli. Sri Jiva
was a talented boy even from his childhood and had completed his
studies in Vyakarana and other subjects within a very short time.639

Sanatana and Rupa were pleased with their nephew Sri Jiva and treated
him affectionately.640

Sri Jiva constantly remembered the beauty of Prabhu and he satisfied
everyone by his sincere endeavor to learn the scriptures.641-642

Some people considered he must be a partial incarnation of some deity
for no ordinary person could grasp the vast spiritual knowledge in
such a short time.643

People were enchanted to see Sri Jiva who was a beautiful and
qualified as Rupa, Sanatana and Sri Vallabha.644

I wish I could die taking away with me any misfortune which might
befall Sri Jiva.645

The biography of Sri Jiva

Sri Jiva had grown very discontent in Gauda and he was pulled by his
attractions to his uncles in Vrndavana.684

The visit to Vrndavana by Sri Jiva was a peculiar incident.685

From the day of Rupa Sanatana going to Vrndavana a peculiar feeling
began to grow in the mind of Sri Jiva who decided to give up all
pleasures regarding ornaments, beautiful dresses, comfortable beds and
voraciousness etc.686-687

In discussions of royal affairs or worldly matters he simply felt
bored.688

Observing Sri Jiva in his perturbed state of mind, someone commented,
“O my dear friend, from the sons of Kumaradeva three became great
Vaisnavas and scholars of scripture: Sanatana; Rupa and Vallabha. I
have never seen such stoicism and neutrality as exhibited by Sri
Vallabha in his detachment from worldly pleasures. When he died on the
bank of the Ganges his young son Jiva was stunned. But Sri Jiva also
had no interest in wealth or riches. My heart breaks when I think of
him. One day I saw him in a lonely place crying bitterly.”689-695

But another person replied, “My dear friend, this is natural. It is
the blessing of Lord Krsna which makes Sri Jiva behave like this. He
has become very reserved and does not think of anything but Srimad
Bhagavatam, which has become his very life. He loves to swim in that
ocean of happiness created by discussions about Krsna. No one dares
speak anything to him but topics about Krsna. He must have met Prabhu
privately because I have seen him faint on the ground after crying out
the name of Sri Krsna Caitanya. My heart aches when I see him rolling
on the ground crying so bitterly that his body is soaked with tears. I
cannot bear to hear his lamentation.”696-701

“My dear friends, it is certain that Sri Jiva will soon leave his
house forever.” “But he is merely a boy,” someone argued.702

“How will he tolerate the troubles of traveling from place to
place?”703

“His love for Prabhu knows no bounds,” commented another man. “He is
the light of the brahmana class,” said another. “The whole village
will sink into utter darkness if he leaves.”704

The discussion of Sri Jiva continued amongst the village gentlemen.
They could not even return to their homes leaving Sri Jiva in that
condition.705

At the same time Sri Jiva sat wondering when he would leave his
house.706

One evening, he sat alone crying and singing the holy name.707

Although he tried to control himself he finally broke down and cried
out, “O my Prabhu Sri Krsna Caitanya! O Nityananda! O my Prabhu Sri
Advaitacandra, the ocean of mercy! O dear associates of Prabhu! Please
be kind to this wretched fellow!”708-710

Throughout the night his lamentation kept him from sleeping.711

Once before in Ramakeli Sri Jiva had had a dream in which he saw
Prabhu and His associates dancing in sankirtana and enchanting the
world with a flow of love unobtainable by Lord Brahma. Tonight he saw
the same scene in his dream.713-714

Lakhs of people came forward to join that sankirtana, uttering the
name of Hari which filled the earth and the sky.715

Suddenly Prabhu disappeared and as the dream faded Jiva awoke up in a
sorrowful state.716

Again he fell asleep and a second wonderful scene appeared in his
dream.717

I will tell you later what he saw in his dream, but now I want to
acquaint you with the former history of Sri Jiva.718

When Sri Jiva was only a boy, he avoided playing with his friends or
other activities which had no connection with Krsna.719

He would make images of Krsna and Balarama, worship them with flowers
and sandal paste and dress them with fine clothes and
ornaments.720-721

When he would bow on the ground before them, he would weep.722

He offered them various kinds of sweetmeats and then enjoyed eating
the prasad of the Deities with his friends.723

He loved the Deities of Krsna and Balarama so much that even when he
was alone he would play with them. At bedtime he would clasp the
Deities tightly to his chest and sleep. His parents could not separate
their son from his Deities although they thought he was merely
playing.724-725

Everyone was happy to see Jiva’s love for Krsna and Balarama.726

Caitanya and Nitai were so bound by his love for Them that they
appeared to him in a dream.727

Krsna and Balarama also appeared in a dream, and Sri Jiva was
enchanted to see Krsna in dark blue color and Balarama in white
color.728

They looked like Kandarpa and enchanted the universe with Their
beautiful postures.729

Suddenly Krsna and Balarama were replaced by Gaura and Nitai and the
universe was perfumed by the scent of Their bodies.730-731

Overjoyed with his vision Sri Jiva wept and fell at the feet of the
two masters.732-733

Gaura-Nityananda Raya, the twin oceans of mercy put their feet on the
head of Sri Jiva and embraced him affectionately. Whatever they spoke
fell like nectar on the ears of Sri Jiva.734-735

In ecstatic love Sri Gaurasundara offered Jiva to the gracious feet of
Sri Nityananda.736

But Nityananda repeatedly instructed Sri Jiva, “Let my Gaura Prabhu be
your life and soul.”737

When Sri Jiva bowed against Their feet, They disappeared and Sri Jiva
fell into an abyss of disappointment.738

When he woke from sleep, the dawn was breaking and he prepared to
leave for Vrndavana on the pretext of studying there.739

The people of Navadvipa knew he was going to Vrndavana.740

He bid farewell to his followers and left Fateya with only one
servant.741

In the ecstasy of love, Sri Jiva wandered hypnotically arousing the
curiosity of the other travellers on the road. “Who is this young
man?” they wandered. “He must be a prince with a complexion of gold
like a campaka flower. What a beautiful face! Just see his attractive
wide eyes, nose, eyebrows, forehead, ears and curly hair. See his
neck, his chest and his nails and fingers on his lotus like hands! How
beautiful are his thighs, knees and legs.”742-746

They all admired the tulasi garland hanging around his neck and the
milk white sacred thread lying across his chest.747

Someone said, “My dear friend, I cannot take my eyes off him. I wish I
could die carrying away all misfortune which might befall him.748-749

They said, “We cannot understand why we are feeling so perplexed to
see him? We wish we can get initiation from him.750

Although the people talked, Sri Jiva continued his journey rapt in
ecstasy.751

When he entered Navadvipa, everyone acknowledged him as he was the
nephew of Rupa Sanatana.752

Being overwhelmed by Sri Jiva’s scholarship and devotional practices,
the brahmanas questioned him.753

Sri Jiva was enchanted by the beauty of Navadvipa.754

That holy dhama covered sixteen krosa of land with many beautiful
flower gardens, tanks, forests, groves, cottages and the banks of the
Ganga.755-756

As he wondered, Sri Jiva saw many Vaisnavas who were happy to meet him
and took him directly to the cottage of Srivasa Pandita where
Nityananda Prabhu and his associates were sitting.757-759

Nityananda had already foretold Sri Jiva’s arrival to Srivasa and
Srivasa gladly informed Prabhu when Sri Jiva was waiting outside the
cottage door. 760-761

Nityananda was glad to hear it and requested someone to call him
in.762

Sri Jiva’s eagerness to meet Nityananda made him cry uncontrollably
and he fell humbly at the feet of Prabhu.763-764

Nityananda Prabhu affectionately placed his feet on the head of Sri
Jiva. 765

He raised Sri Jiva from the ground, embraced him warmly and said, “I
have come here from Kardaha simply to meet you.”766-767

In this way he pacified Sri Jiva in various ways and asked Srinivasa
and other Vaisnavas to favor him.768

He kept Sri #Jiva Gosvami in His association for some days and then requested
him to go west.769

At the time of his departure Sri Jiva bowed at the feet of Nityananda
in the sadness of their intimate separation.770

By placing his feet on the head of Sri Jiva he affectionately embraced
him and said, “Go to Vrndavana soon because it is the order of
Mahaprabhu that your family should be settled at that place.”771-772

Sri Jiva offered his respects to the feet of all the Vaisnavas and
then left for Vrndavana.773

Srivasa and other devotees blessed Sri Jiva in various ways.774

From Navadvipa Sri Jiva went to Kasi where he met Sri Madhusudana
Vacaspati, the professor of all sastras who was as great as
Brhaspati.775-776

The scholar was pleased to meet Sri Jiva and kept him at his place for
a long time during which he gave him lessons on Vedanta and other
sastras.777

Sri Vacaspati was impressed by the scholarly capabilities of Sri Jiva
that he glorified him throughout Kasi and he soon became respected as
the foremost scholar of Nyaya, Vedanta and other scriptures.778-779

From Kasi, Sri Jiva went to Vrndavana and got the mercy of Rupa and
Sanatana.780

The twenty five books of Sri Jiva Gosvami

The books written by Sri Jiva Gosvami were namely the Vyakarana named
Sri Harinamamrta, its notes Sutra Malika and its metallurgical
analysis, Krsnacarana dipika, Gopala Virudavali, the last portion of
Rasamrta, Sri Madhava Mahotsava, Sankalpa-Kalpavrksa, Bhavartha
Sucaka-Campu, Gopala-tapani Tika, Brahma-samhita Tika, Rasamrta Tika,
Ujjvala-nilamani Tika, Yagosara Stava tika, Sri Gayatri Bhasya of Agni
Purana, the narrative of the footprints of Sri Krsna of Padma Purana,
the collective records of the hands and footprints of Sri Radhika, the
former position of Gopala Campu, the last portion of Gopala Campu, the
famous seven treatises of Srimad Bhagavata namely Tattva-sandarbha,
Bhagavata-sandarbha, Bhakti-sandarbha, Priti-sandarbha,
Krama-sandarbha, Krsna-sandarbha and Paramatma-sandarbha.833-851

The orders of Sri Rupa Sanatana to Sri Jiva and Sri Gopala Bhatta

“Previously I told you that on the 20th day of the month of Vaisakha
you will obtain wonderful association.234

“That devotee will reach Vrndavana today, and after meeting him you
will become very happy.235

“At the time of the arati of Govindadeva, when the crowd is thin, you
should search for him.236

“His complexion is like a golden campa flower and he is very thin. He
is young and tears constantly flow from his eyes.237

“In great pain he left Gauda and he has already gotten news of our
disappearance.238

“He decided to give up his life but we appeared before him to console
him.239

“We cannot describe his affliction but when you see him you will
understand.240

“You should arrange his initiation from Gopala Bhatta Gosvami and when
his study is completed give him all the books.241

sri gaude mandale sighra karabe gamana tinha
vitaribe loke grantha ratna gana

“Send him to Gaudadesa where he will distribute the transcendental
jewels of literature to the masses.242

“What more can we tell you about him? Through this Srinivasa Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu will perform many activities.”243

The happiness of Srinivasa knew no bounds and he fell on the ground
again and again to offer obeisances to Jiva Gosvami. To his heart’s
content he observed the beauty of Sri Radha Damodara, the life and
soul of Sri Jiva Gosvami.283-285

Rupa Gosvami had manifest the Deity of Radha Damodara and had offered
it to Jiva Gosvami in a dream.286

No one can describe the character of Sri Jiva Gosvami; his life, soul,
and everything was the lotus feet of Sri Rupa Gosvami.287

These aspects have been described elaborately in Sanskrit by a famous
poet in Sadhana Dipika.288

In Sadhana Dipika it is said: “Glory to Sri Jiva Gosvami who always
keeps the lotus feet of Sri Rupa Gosvami within his mind. He was a
Vrajavasi who conquered even the non-philosophical persons by his
philosophical views.”289

Sri Sri Radha Damodara became manifest through the mercy of Sri Rupa
Gosvami and the ocean of mercy, Rupa Gosvami, gave the Deity to Sri
Jiva for his service.290

I have only briefly described the appearance of Sri Sri Radha
Damodara, the life and soul of Sri Jiva Gosvami.291

svapnadese sri rupa sri radha damodare
sva haste nirman kari dila sri jivere

Radha Damodara Vilasa Darsana by Sri Jiva

Seeing the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Damodara, Sri Jiva Gosvami
remained always in an ecstatic mood.292

Sometimes the Lord would ask Sri Jiva for some food and Sri Jiva would
watch the Lord eat it.293

One day, when the Lord was playing His flute with a smile on His face,
He called Sri Jiva to come and watch.294

Sri Damodara was very young and was decorated with enchanting
ornaments. Upon seeing the Lord Sri Jiva Gosvami immediately
fainted.295

When he gained consciousness his heart was filled with ecstatic love
and his long, large eyes overflowed with tears.296

I have told only a few of the activities, but there were many episodes
in the pastimes of Radha Damodara which attracted everyone towards
Him.297

Sri Jiva bestowed the title of Acarya on Srinivasa

One day Sri Jiva took interest in explaining the verses of the book
Uddipana Vivaha.396

The following verse is from the book Sri Ujjvala-nilamani Uddipana
Vivaha: “Addressing her friend, Sri Radhika said that once a young
kadamba plant with only two leaves had been planted by lotus-eyed Sri
Krsna near the entrance of Gokula. The tree had now become full grown
and was covered with countless leaves and flowers. She complained that
the full grown kadamba tree had become the cause of pain of the gopis
who were already suffering from separation of Krsna.397

Unfortunately, Sri Jiva Gosvami failed to explain this adequately and
he asked Srinivasa to make it clear.398

Srinivasa had been empowered by Sri Rupa Gosvami and explained the
verse successfully. Whoever listened to it became satisfied and
happy.399

The commentator on the book Sri Ujjvala-nilamani had given a beautiful
and elaborate explanation of that particular verse. 400

Everyone was astonished by the genius of Srinivasa and they admired
him in various ways.401

With the permission of everyone Sri Jiva delightedly gave Srinivasa
the title of Kaviraja.402

Although Sri Jiva saw that Srinivasa felt very humble in the midst of
this praise, he discarded that humility by addressing Srinivasa as
Acarya.403

With the permission of Sri Jiva, Acarya Srinivasa began to educate the
Vaisnavas of Vraja.404

Sri Jiva bestows the title of Thakura Mahasaya on Sri Narottama

Sri Gopala Bhatta and other devotees bestowed extensive mercy on
Narottama, and Sri Jiva Gosvami began to educate him.421

Within a short time Narottama completed his education in the different
scriptures. The devotees were astonished by his capacity to
comprehend the scriptures and they began to admire him as a
scholar.422

Because his ability to learn was far greater than anyone else’s, Jiva
Gosvami gave Narottama the title of Thakura Mahasaya.423-424

Srinivasa Acarya and Thakura Narottama became the favorite pupils of
Jiva Gosvami

Everyone in Vrndavana happily observed the great affection Sri Jiva
showed for Srinivasa and Narottama.425

Srinivasa and Narottama lived so intimately with Sri Jiva that it
seemed they had become the two hands of Sri Jiva. With the memory of
Sri Rupa and Sanatana always fresh in his mind Sri Jiva Gosvami spent
his days discussing religious and devotional topics with Srinivasa and
Narottama.426-427

Anyone who showed sincere interest in hearing these topics was sure to
get the blessings of Prabhu Visvambhara.428

1. 181 Sri Raghava said that in a lonely place in Nandaghata Jiva
   Gosvami lived for sometime in seclusion.

Once Sri Rupa was writing a book in a quiet place in Vrndavana. It was
a hot day, and to dry the sweat from Rupa’s body Sri Jiva would stand
beside him and fan him. The beauty of both Sri Rupa and Sri Jiva was
bright. At that time Sri Vallabha came to visit Rupa and when he
looked at Rupa’s book Bhaktirasamrta Grantha Mangala Carana he told
Rupa, “I shall edit it.” When he went to bathe in the Jamuna Sri Jiva
followed on the pretext of taking water from the Jamuna. Although he
did not know Sri Vallabha personally, Jiva asked him, “What is the
flaw in Mangala Carana?”

As Vallabha mentioned each point he felt required correction Jiva
refuted the point by his knowledge of the scriptures. Unable to defeat
Sri Jiva in a discussion, Vallabha went to Sri Rupa to inquire about
the identity of Jiva. Rupa told Vallabha that the young Vaisnava was
his nephew, and that he had arrived from his village only a few days
before. Vallabha Bhatta praised Jiva Gosvami and told Rupa the details
of their discussion on the book. Then Vallabha left that place.

Meanwhile Sri Jiva returned from the river and Sri Rupa scolded him in
a very quiet voice, “It was very kind of Bhatta to visit me and for my
own benefit he wanted to edit my book. This much you could not
tolerate by your Vaisnava grace? Go back to your home and return to
Vrndavana where you will be able to be patient.”

At once Sri Jiva left the place and headed east towards his home.
When his mind became peaceful he decided to remain in a solitary place
in the forest as he did not have permission to return to the
association of Rupa Gosvami. He lived here in a hut made of leaves;
sometimes he ate a little and sometimes he ate nothing while he passed
his time in great distress and lamentation. He thought that if he
gave up his life he would be able to obtain the lotus feet of his
Lord.

In the course of his travels Sanatana Gosvami came to that village.
The villagers came forward to welcome him and ask about his
well-being. They informed him that one young and beautiful sannyasi
had been living in the forest for a long time, eating only a small
quantity of fruits or roots or drinking water mixed with atta (flour).

Knowing that this sannyasi must be Sri Jiva, Sanatana went to see him
affectionately. Seeing Sanatana within his patched hut Sri Jiva could
not control himself and fell flat on the ground at Sanatana’s feet.
The villagers were quite astonished. Sanatana asked Sri Jiva to
explain his difficulty and Jiva very lovingly explained everything.
After consoling the villagers Sanatana left Sri Jiva in his hut and
went to see Rupa in Vrndavana.

P.182 Hearing of Sri Sanatana’s arrival in Vrndavana, Sri Rupa went
out to meet him. He asked about the book Bhaktirasamrta sindhu and
Rupa said that he had finished writing the book but the editing was
incomplete because of Sri Jiva’s absence.

Sanatana explained the situation to Sri Rupa and said, “Jiva is alive,
but he is so weak that even the breeze can rock his body.” At once
Sri Rupa brought Jiva back to Vrndavana and nursed him affectionately.
Everyone was happy with Sri Jiva’s recovery and Rupa Sanatana bestowed
all responsibility on him. By their mercy the greatness of Sri Jiva’s
knowledge spread throughout the world.

A digvijayi (world conquering scholar) once came to Vrndavana and
asked Jiva, “If you will not compete with me in debate, then send me
jaya patra (a written paper acknowledging his defeat by the
digvijayi).” Sri Jiva sent him back the jaya patra, but the Digvijayi
accepted defeat after reading it. The glory of Sri Jiva is beyond
description. Then Sri Raghava showed them the hut of Sri Jiva.

His devotion gave immense pleasure to Sri Jiva Gosvami. One day Sri
Jiva and the other Vrndavana Gosvamis assembled happily at the Govinda
temple.222-223

They prayed to Sri Govinda, “O Lord, please bestow on Srinivasa the
strength he will require to distribute these books.”224

eka dina sri jiva adi govinda mandire
haila ekatra sabe ullasa antare

sri govindadeve kahe sumadhura bhase
grantha vitarana sakti deha srinivase

eta kahitei govindera kantha haite
cindiya padila mala srinivasa dite

The moment they finished their prayers, a garland dropped from the
neck of Sri Govinda for Srinivasa.225

With tears of love in his eyes the priest quickly took it and
respectfully handed it to Srinivasa.226

He received the garland with utmost respect and affection for the Lord
and as he beheld the beautiful face of Sri Govinda he became
impatient.227

He worshiped the Deity again and again by touching himself to the
ground and he could not stop the tears which flowed from his eyes.228

Everyone who saw the grace bestowed on Srinivasa from Sri Govinda
praised both the Lord and His devotee.229

Sri Jiva and the others then settled the day that Srinivasa would
leave for Gaudadesa.230

It was agreed that the fifth day of the bright moon night of the month
of Agrahayana was the appropriate date for the commencement of the
journey.231

Sri Jiva Gosvami sent Srinivasa to take leave of Dasa Gosvami.232

Simply by the grace of Sri Jiva, one can understand the truths of his
philosophy.

Srinivasa next went to the temple of Radha Damodara – the life of Sri
Jiva Gosvami – to take leave his leave. Srinivasa got the favor of
Sri Radha Damodara, the source of divine rasa.309-310

How kindly Sri Radha Damodara gave him permission to leave is beyond
anyone’s ability to describe. Sri Jiva gave Srinivasa the mala
prasad.311

When he realized the mercy of Sri Radha Damodara on Srinivasa, Sri
Jiva’s heart filled with ecstatic joy.312

Sri Jiva, Srinivasa and the others reached his house. They bowed to
Sri Gosvami and Sri Jiva requested Sri Gosvami, “Please infuse
Srinivasa with your complete strength.”405-406

“Place your feet on Srinivasa’s head so that he can easily reach
Gaudadesa.”407

“Bless him so that by curbing the pride of the heretics he can easily
distribute the books there.”408

pasandi ganera darpa kariya khandana
svachande karena yena grantha vitarana

While considering Sri Jiva’s request Gopala Bhatta prayed to Sri Radha
Ramana.409

It cannot be described how Sri Radha Ramana gave His mercy to
Srinivasa and then permitted him to leave.410

Seeing the mercy which Radha Ramana had bestowed on Srinivasa, Gopala
Bhatta Gosvami affectionately brought mala prasad to Srinivasa.411

sri jiva gosvami dina-dukhira jivana
punah ki dekhibe ami tanra sri carana

Thereafter Sri Acarya began to study once again under Sri Jiva
Gosvami, and Sri Jiva was pleased by the Acarya’s intent. From Sri
Jiva, Srinivasa learnt the book Sri Gopala Campu and other books and
was happy to study under Sri Jiva.

Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja in Vrndavana

As Ramacandra traveled hurriedly to Vrndavana people who observed him
remarked that they had never seen such a person. They thought he was
probably the son of a king from Gauda. Some people thought him not
even a human being but rather a deity. When he arrived in Vrndavana
someone informed Sri Jiva Gosvami that a beautiful person, with skin
as bright as gold, had come from Gauda. They told Sri Jiva that they
were charmed by the sight of that man who was wandering aimlessly in
Vrndavana, crying as he enjoyed the beauty of the holy dhama. Sri Jiva
asked Srinivasa if he knew who the man was and Srinivasa said that it
must be Ramacandra.

Srinivasa had previously told Jiva Gosvami about Ramacandra, so Sri
Jiva ordered his followers to bring Ramacandra to his place. When
Ramacandra arrived he bowed at the feet of Sri Jiva and Srinivasa
Acarya and both of them lovingly embraced Ramacandra. They asked him
questions about the places which he had visited on his trip and
Ramacandra first reported what Khandavasi Sri Raghunandana had told
him. He also reported what he had heard from other Vaisnavas and he
told them the progress of his own study and the result of the long
tour which he had completed to Gaya, Kasi, Ayodhya and Prayaga.

From this report Sri Jiva Gosvami could understand the condition of
those holy places since the disappearance of Mahaprabhu and His
beloved companions. Ramacandra informed them that the inhabitants of
Gauda wanted Srinivasa to return and both Srinivasa and Sri Jiva took
the request seriously. Thereafter they took Ramacandra with them to
visit the temple of Radha Damodara.

While observing the Deities of Radha Damodara Ramacandra fell on the
ground crying and while visiting the samadhi of Rupa Gosvami he was
moved with emotion. When he cried loudly, calling out the name of Sri
Rupa, Sri Jiva took him on his lap and pacified him.

Sri Jiva Gosvami announced that Srinivasa would return to Gauda and on
the day after the full moon Sri Jiva once again entrusted Syamananda
to Srinivasa. He also gave Srinivasa some books which had been revised
by him. The Gosvamis of Vrndavana gathered in the temple of Sri
Govinda to bid farewell to Srinivasa. The Acarya bowed at their feet
and then went to see the moon-like face of Sri Govinda. Ramacandra and
Syamananda also bowed at the feet of the Gosvamis.

On the way to Gauda Srinivasa appointed his favorite disciple
Ramacandra Kaviraja to teach the king Virahamvira and told the king
how Sri Jiva Gosvami had been satisfied by Ramacandra’s scholarly
abilities and how Sri Jiva had called him Caitanya Dasa. The king shed
tears of joy and fell at the feet of Srinivasa Prabhu he humbly
offered his respects to Acarya and by the mercy of his guru the king
got everything he wanted.

Sri Jahnava Thakurani Visits Vrndavana

Sri Jiva had already selected a beautiful house for her and he took
her there with her followers. After their worship of Sri Govinda,
Gopinatha and Madana Mohana, the Vaisnavas came to visit Sri Isvari at
her house. The residents of Vrndavana also came in a huge crowd to
meet her. While she spoke privately with Gopala Bhatta, Lokanatha and
others, Sri Jiva waited patiently to meet her. When she expressed the
desired to visit the temples of Vrndavana they gladly took her to Sri
Govinda, Gopinatha, Madana Mohana, Sri Radha Vinoda, Sri Radha Ramana
and Sri Radha Damodara.

Sri Jiva also affectionately met Govinda Kaviraja and requested to
take news to Srinivasa. Sri Jiva ordered to send his book Gitamrta and
other new books which he might write and in return Sri Jiva would send
letters. Gopala Bhatta gave Govinda the book Vrindavana which he had
written in a dream according to the order of Sri Rupa.

Sri Viracandra Prabhu’s visit to forests of Vraja.

Viracandra first took permission to visit the forests of Vrndavana
from Sri Bhugarbha and Sri Jiva Gosvami, then started out along with
Yadava Acarya and others to visit the forests of Madhu, Tala, Kumuda
and Bahula. He also went to Radha-kunda where he relished the
association of Sri Jiva and others.

Nayana-ranjana Das

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SRILA JIVA GOSVAMI

Sri Sanatana, Sri Rupa and Sri Vallabha were three brothers, all employed in
the service of the Badsa Hussain Shah. Amongst the three, there was only one
descendent, Sri Jiva. Having been rewarded richly by the Badsa for their
sevices, their household life was very opulent. There was nothing lacking in
whatever was necessary for the upbringing of the only son. The house was
illuminated by the effulgence of the child’s golden complexion; his eyes were
like the expanded petals of the lotus; every part of his body was graced with a
lusterous, radiant splendor.

When Sri Gaurasundara came to Ramakeli, Sri Jiva was blessed by having darsana
of His worshippable Lord, though he was just a baby at the time. Placing the
dust of His lotus feet on the child’s head, Mahaprabhu indicated him to be the
future sovereign preceptor of the Gaudiya sampradaya. Though he was only a
child, Sri Jiva kept the form of the Lord, which fascinates all the world,
within his heart. As he grew up, while eating, lying down, in his dreams, while
he was awake, at all times, he would meditate on that form.

Later on, when his father and uncles renounced their family life in order to be
with Mahaprabhu, the only child, Sri Jiva, was left with his mother in the
family palace at Fateyabad. Lying in her lap, which was wet with tears of
separation, he gradually began to grow as the waxing moon. Seeing that the
mother and the child’s face were always wet with tears, their friends also fell
under the shadow of sadness and only with great difficulty managed to assuage
their grief. Whenever Sri Jiva would remember his father and uncles, or the
lotus feet of Sri Gaura Hari, he would lose consiousness and fall to the
ground.

As he got a little older, Sri Jiva took up the worship of the Deities of
Sri-Sri Rama-Krsna. He would carefully decorate Them and offer bhoga and aroti,
serving Them with his full attention. Even in his play, whatever games he
played were connected with Sri Krsna’s pastimes.

While studying under the local panditas he became proficent in grammar, poetry
and rhetoric. Noting his great intellect, his teachers commented, “Such
brilliance is not often found in a child so young as this. No doubt he will be
a very high-souled, saintly person.”

Even while engaged in his studies Jiva always thought of Sri Sri
Nitai-Gauranga. Once he saw in a dream that Sri Rama-Krsna had taken the forms
of Nitai-Gauranga and were dancing. [B.R.1.732] Giving him the dust of Their
lotus feet, the Two Lords then disappeared. Having seen such a wonderful dream,
Sri Jiva was consoled somewhat. Then he began to think, “When will I be able to
crawl out of this well of family life and devote my full time and energy, my
very self, to serving these two most magnanimous Lords?” But he was the only
son of the family. Only in his company could his mother forget somewhat the
pangs of separation in her heart. When Sri Jiva learned that his father had
given up his life on the banks of the Ganga, he was compeletely unsettled.
After that his eyes were never dry. The family members and friends tried to
console him but to little avail. Family life had become the source of his utter
sadness.

Someone suggested to Jiva to go to Navadwipa and bathe himself in the coolness
emanating from the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu so that his mind and
body, burning with with grief, could be refreshed. Thus Sri Jiva set our for
Navadwipa with a group of pilgrims. [B.R.1/741]

Nityananda Prabhu, the omniscient Lord, could understand that Sri Jiva was on
his way to Navadwipa. Therefore He also left for there from Khardaha. After a
few days, Jiva arrived at Navadwipa. Seeing the beauty of that place he was
charmed. Falling down on the ground, he offered his dandavats to Mother Ganges.
Inquiring from the villagers the directions to Mayapura, he learned that
Nityananda Prabhu was residing at Srivasa Pandita’s house. At last arriving
there, he fell down at the door to offer his dandavats. Nityananda Prabhu came
out with Srivasa Pandita and picked him up and embraced him, asking, “Are you
the nephew of Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana?”

As an answer, Jiva again fell down on the ground at the lotus feet of
Nityananda Prabhu. This time Nityananda Prabhu brought him in the house and
began to inquire after the welfare of his family at Fateyabad. Then Sri Jiva
was introduced to the devotees present in Navadwipa; he offered his salutations
at their lotus feet. Everyone was very happy to meet the nephew of Sri Rupa and
Sanatana. That day Sri Jiva received the remnants of Nityananda Prabhu’s
prasadam.

The next day, the two of them came to Saci Mata’a house. Seeing the birthplace
of Sri Gaurasundara, which was filled with such splendor, Sri Jiva was greatly
pacified and fell down on the ground to roll in the dust. In the large
courtyard the devotees were singing songs praising the glories of Sri Krsna
Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Seeing Nityananda Prabhu, everyone stood up and then fell
down, offering their dandavats at His lotus feet. Then Jiva saw Saci Mata
sitting on the veranda.

Dressed in white with silk chadder around her shoulders she looked radiant, the
white of her hair blending with her white sari. Though her body trembled with
old age and was very thin, still the courtyard was illuminated by her divine
effulgence. Forgetting herself in remembrance of Sri Gaurasundara, she was
sitting with her eyes closed. Becoming aware that Nityananda Prabhu had
arrived, she covered her head with her sari and called her servant. “Isana!
Sripada has arrived. Please wash His feet.”

After this was done, Nityananda offered namaskar to the mother of the Supreme
Lord and took His seat. He then introduced Sri Jiva to her. Saci Mata placed
her hand on his head to bless him, and Sri Jiva floated in the ocean of
happiness. Saci Mata then requested the two of them to honor the Lord’s
prasada. “Take prasada here at your mother’s house today, my children. I
offered there preparations in secret to Sri Gauracandra.”

Sri Jiva spent some days with Nityananda Prabhu, touring the nine islands of
Navadwipa, in order to have darsana of the holy places of the Lord’s pastimes
there. Then, as ordered by Nityananda Prabhu, he set out for Kasi (Varanasi) .
At Kasi he studied Vedanta under Sri Madhusudana Vacaspati, a disciple of
Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. The conclusions of Vedanta contained in
Srimad-Bhagavatam that were expounded by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to Sarvabhauma
Bhattacarya in Puri had been in turn taught by the Bhattacarya to Madhusudana
Vacaspati, who established a tol at Kasi. From him, Sri Jiva mastered the same
conclusions.

From here Sri Jiva set out for Sri Vrindavana where he received shelter at the
lotus feet of his two uncles, Sri Rupa and Sanatana. They were very pleased to
see him and received from him all the news. Jiva stayed with Sri Rupa, who
began to teach him Srimad-Bhagavatam. After initiating him with the divine
mantra, Rupa engaged him in the service of Sri Sri Radha-Damodara. According to
Sadhana-dipika, this Deity of Damodara was fashioned by Rupa Gosvami’s own hand
for his dear disciple Sri Jiva. Sri Sri Radha-Damodara are presently being
worshipped in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Seeing that Jiva had quickly become conversant with the conclusion of the
Srimad-Bhagavatam, Sri Rupa engaged him in proofreading his
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. At this time Sri Jiva compiled a commentary on
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu called Durgama-sangamani. In the year 1476 (Sakabda) Sri
Sanatana Gosvami compiled Sri Vaisnava-tosani, a commentary on the tenth canto
of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which he gave to Sri Jiva for proofreading. Under the
order of Sri Sanatana, Sri Jiva compiled a commentary on that, named Laghu
Vaisnava-tosani, in the year 1500 (Sakabda). His writings, along with those of
Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana, Sri Gopal Bhatta, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta, Sri
Raghunath das, Sri Krsna das, Sri Kasisvar Pandit, and Sri Madhu Pandit,
completely captivated the learned men of that time. It was the beginning of a
golden age at Sri Vraja-dhama.

Sri Jiva regularly brought water for Sri Rupa and Sanatana’s bath. He massaged
their heads with oil, cleaned their ashram, worship the Deity, cooked and
corrected manuscripts.

After the disappearance of Sri Rupa and Sanatana, Sri Jiva continued the
tradition that they had inaugurated. Once Sri Jiva travelled to Agra to debate
with the Rajputs concerning the glories of Jamuna and Ganga rivers. He
established that the Jamuna is more glorious than the Ganga as the Ganga
emananates from Krsna’s lotus feet whereas the Jamuna is His own consort. At
this the Moghul emperor was very much satisfied and wanted to present him
something. Sri Jiva replied that he would accept some blank papers. So the
emperor presented Jiva some stained paper. (At that time paper was very rare
and most manuscripts were usually composed on leaves.) There is also a legend
that once, when a Moghul emperor (possibly Akbar) wanted to confer something on
the Gosvamis of Vrindavana, they requested a ferman (emperor’s order) that no
living beings would be killed within Vraja. As a result of this no king would
come to hunt there anymore. The disciple of Lokanatha Gosvami, Narottama dasa
Thakura Mahasaya, Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s disciple Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu,
and the disciple of Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu, Sri Syamananda Prabhu, were greatly
favored by Srila Jiva Goswami. Under his tutelage they studied all the
literatures of the Gosvamis. Later he sent them to preach this knowledge in
Bengal.

Srila Jiva Gosvami composed many literatures, amongst them:

Harinamamrta-vyakarana, Sutra-malika, Rasamrta-sesa, Gopala-virudavali,
Sri-Madhava-mahotsava, Sri-Sankalpa-kalpavrksa, Brahma-Samhita-tika,
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-tika (Durgama-sangamani), Ujjvala-nilamani-tika
(Locana-rocani), Gopala-campu, Sat-sandharbha (Tattva-sandarbha,
Bhagavata-sandarbha, Paramatma-sandarbha, Krsna-sandarbha, Bhakti-sandharbha,
Priti-sandarbha), Srimad-Bhagavata-tika (Krama-sandarbha),
Laghu-vaisnava-tosani (Tenth Canto Bhagavatam commentary), Sarva-sambadina
(commentary on Sat-sandarbha), Gopala-tapani-tika (Sri-Suhkha-bodhini),
Padma-puranastha-yogasara-stotra-tika, Gayatri-vyakhya-vivrti (a commentary on
the Gayatri mantra as described in the Agni Purana, chapters 216-217)
Radha-Krsnarcana-candrika, Dhatu-sangraha, Bhavartha-sucaka-campu.

Birth: 1533 (Christian calendar), 1455 (Sakabda), 12th day of the bright
fortnight in the month of Bhadra. Disappearance : 1540 (Sakabda), 3rd day of
bright fortnight, Pausa. Age: 85 years

 

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