The Unlimited Glories of Vasudeva Datta

Among the associates of Lord Caitanya is a devotee named Vasudeva Datta, who is especially prominent. He had so much compassion upon the fallen souls of this material existence who are so greatly suffering in the cycle of birth of death that he requested Lord Caitanya that he could personally accept upon himself all of the sinful reactions of all the souls caught up in the cycle of birth and death so that they could all become delivered from this material existence. Such compassion of Vasudeva Datta is unparalleled. Srila Prabhupada describes his glories:

He requested Lord Caitanya to liberate all living entities in His presence. Vasudeva Datta submitted that if they were unfit to be liberated, he himself would take all their sinful reactions and suffer personally so that the Lord might deliver them. A Vaisnava is therefore described as being para-duhkha-duhkhi, very much aggrieved by the sufferings of others. As such, a Vaisnava engages in activities for the real welfare of human society.

In the Caitanya-bhagavata it is described that Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was so pleased with Vasudeva Datta and so affectionate toward him that He used to say, "I am only Vasudeva Datta's man. My body is only meant to please Vasudeva Datta, and he can sell Me anywhere." Thrice He vowed that this was a fact and that no one should disbelieve these statements. "All My dear devotees," He said, "I tell you the truth. My body is especially meant for Vasudeva Datta."

Vasudeva Datta initiated Sri Yadunandana Acarya, the spiritual master of Raghunatha dasa, who later became Raghunatha dasa Gosvami.

We are very grateful that Srila Prabhupada in the above words (given in italics) has so wonderful glorified this great Vaisnava. We now pray for the merciful blessings of Vasudeva Datta that we can be fully absorbed in pure devotional service with our every thought, word, and deed in all times, places, and circumstances from now on for all of eternity.

The Golden Avatar: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Bhagavad-gita As It Is

Answers According to the Vedic Wisdom

Question: What to Read?

What are the ancient books with great spiritual knowledge you would recommend to read?

Francisco Monteiro Pires

Answer: Bhagavad-gita As It Is

Dear Francisco,
Please accept my blessings.

The greatest book of wisdom to read is the Bhagavad-gita because it is raja-vidya, the king of all knowledge. There are hundreds of editions, but in most cases it has not been translated accurately. The authoritative edition you need to read is called “Bhagavad-gita As It Is” with the translation and purports of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. You can order a paper back copy through this link. And you can read it online here. I have been following it for a half a century with amazing results. It has blessed me with spiritual enlightenment (the Supreme Nirvana.). I encourage you to study it carefully and apply it sincerely in your life. If you do so, in due course of time you will reap absolutely astounding results.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your ever well-wisher,
Sankarshan Das Adhikari