The sâdhaks of pre-Chaitanya era such as Sri Lilâshuk and Jayadev were devotees in the mood of sakhis in the sweet ras of Vraja. The devotional practice in Manjari–bhâv is a hitherto unoffered merciful gift distributed by Mahâprabhu to us.

 

 

The manjaris are also a type of sakhi. Sri Râdhâ’s sakhis are of five types –

1) sakhi

2) priya – sakhi (dear friends),

3) prân–sakhi (soul – mates),

4) nitya–sakhi (eternal friends) and

5) param–preshtha–sakhi (supremely dear friends)

We can also classify the sakhis into –

(1) Sama-snehâ (having equal affection for both Râdhâ and Krishna),

(2) Krishna-snehâ–adhikâ (having more affection for Krishna) and

(3) Râdhâ–snehâ–adhikâ (having more affection for Râdhârâni.)

The Prân–sakhis and nitya–sakhis are Râdhâ–snehâ–adhikâ. They are also called manjaris. The Goudiya Vaishnavs must perform devotional practice in Manjari–bhâv alone. Their Spiritual Master introduces them to the 11 aspects of their siddha–swarup. In external form, they have to hear and chant, while internally they must identify themselves with their siddha–swarup and meditate on Râdhâ–Krishna’s service throughout the day. Sriman-Mahâprabhu has Himself instructed with His sweet lips –

“bâhya–antar ihâr dui to sâdhan,

bâhye sâdhakâ dehe kore shraban–kirtan.

mone nija siddha–deha koriya bhâban,

râtri – din chinte râdhâ – krishner â seban”.

Meaning – “The process of Râgânugâ bhakti has two aspects – external and internal. Externally the sâdhak has to hear and chant, while, internally he must meditate on his siddha-deha and serve Sri Sri Râdhâ-Krishna all day and night in the spiritual Vrajadhâm.” – (C.C. – Madhya.22.89-90) .2.

End of Verse 2.

 

(to be continued)