Haridasa Thakur

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For other uses, see Haridasa (disambiguation).
Haridasa Thakur
Haridasa murti from East Bengal
Haridasa murti from East Bengal
Religion Gaudiya Vaishnavism-ISKCON
Other Names: Mama thakur, Yavana Haridas,
Senior posting
Based in Mayapur and Puri India
Title Nama acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Period in office
Predecessor Advaita Acharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Religious career
Ordination Vaishnava-Diksa
Post Namacharya
Website [1]
Personal
Date of birth 1450[1]
Place of birth East Bengal
Place of death Puri, India

Haridasa Thakur (IAST Haridāsa) (born 1451 or 1450[1]) was a prominent Vaishnava saint, instrumental in the early appearance and spread of the Hare Krishna movement. He is considered to be the most famous convert of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, apart from Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami themselves, and the story of his heroism in the face of torture is told in Chaitanya Charitamrta, Antya lila.[2] Besides being an ex-Muslim,[3] he is famous because of his dedication to the religious practice of constantly chanting the names of God. Haridasa Thakura and Advaita Acharya are two senior and well-respected religious personalities of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in the local area of Mayapur, prayed for the descent of the yugavatara, (avatara of the era) believed to be Chaitanya.[4] As an associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, he is named the acharya of the holy name and he embodied concern for others.[5] Its believed that Chaitanya himself installed Haridasa as His nāmācarya, meaning the 'teacher of the Name', disregarding the fact that he was Muslim-born.[6] Haridasa Thakura, was a devotee of Lord Krishna and had practiced chanting the names of the Lord, Hare Krishna, 300,000 times daily.[7] The Muslim name of Haridasa is not known.[8]

Contents

[edit] Background

Haridasa depicted in a temple exhibition image with japa mala in his hands chanting 300,000 names of God daily
Haridasa depicted in a temple exhibition image with japa mala in his hands chanting 300,000 names of God daily

From the very beginning of Chaitanya's bhakti 16th century movement in Bengal, Haridasa Thakur and others Muslim by birth were the participants. This openness received a boost from Bhaktivinoda Thakura's broad-minded vision in the late 19th century and was institutionalized by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in his Gaudiya Matha in the 20th century.[9] A disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, that celebrates festivals memory of Haridasa Thakura in India and worldwide.[9]

However one of the early records of the period by Isana Nagara, (c. 1564), author of the Advaita-prakasa, describes contemporary condition of the Hindus under 'Ala-ud-din Hussain Shah (1493-1519):

The wicked mlecchas pollute the religion of the Hidus every day. They break the images of the gods into pieces and throw away the articles of worship. They throw into fire Bhagavata Purana and other holy scriptures. They forcibly take away a conch shell and bell of the brahmanas, and lick the sandal paints of their bodies. They urinate like dogs on the sacred Tulasi plant and deliberately pass faces in the Hindu temples. They would throw water from their mouths on the Hindus engaged in worship, and harass the Hindu saints as if they were so many lunatics let large.

—I. Nagara Advaita-prakasa [10][11][12]

According to other historians however, in this period many Hindus were involved in government and during the period of the life of Haridasa, Vaishnavas were not under a political siege from Muslims, but their greatest adversaries were "brahmana supporters of the cults of Chandi and Manasa."[13] Some believe that due to the power of Krishna, Muslims most of the time are not in fact apt to be hostile to Vaishnavas and some of early biographical works were analyzed in detail to confirm that, at least some of them do not even note the well known fact that Haridasa was from a Muslim background, however signs of opression by yavana and mleccha rulers seems to be evident in most of them.[14]

[edit] Sources

Sacred tree associated with Haridasa in Jagannatha Puri worshiped as a holy place named Siddha Bakul
Sacred tree associated with Haridasa in Jagannatha Puri worshiped as a holy place named Siddha Bakul

According to Murari Gupta's Krishna chaitanya charitamria, mlecchas (a word used for the followers of Islam) are the objects of Lords saving mercy, and as is the case of Haridasa shows, it produces even a great saint. While in contrast to this, another biographer, Kavi Karnapura, in his Krishna Chaitanya Chartamritam Maha-vakyam, written in Sanskrit in 1542, makes no explicit references to Islam, and when referring to the famed saint, Haridasa, author does not speak of his parentage. The earliest biography however, Chaitanya Bhagavata would avoid use of the word 'mleccha', but would use 'yavana' some fifty times and it appears that the author himself knows more about Islam then an average Hindu will do. Whiles some contend that Haridasa was born of Muslim parents and instead was simply brought up by them, Chaitanya Bhagavata suggests that apostasy from Islam was a capital offense in Bengal at the time and local qazi became aware of the conversion of Haridasa and brought his before the district governer, also Muslim. Haridasa defends himself on the basis, that there is only one God with many names. In this remarkable scene and speech Vaishnava convert Haridasa Thakur refuses to recite from a Muslim scripture, and was therefore sentenced, beaten and left for dead in the river, he however recovered instantly, convincing many he was a pir, a special mystical person. As a result, according to the author of Chaitanya Bhagavata, qazi was removed from the office. Some suggest that the episode illustrates, that it was the pressure of communal prestige rather than desire of the governor to instill the law, that resulted in the punishment of Haridasa, when he was canned on the marketplaces. In contrast with it, even if Hussain Shah was depicted as a destructive ruler in Orissa, author attests that many yavanas were devoted to Chaitanya, and weep over Chaitanya and confess their faith in him.[14]

Chakra of Jagannatha Puri worshiped by Haridasa Thakura when in Puri, who was not admitted in the temple, being of non-Hindu birth.
Chakra of Jagannatha Puri worshiped by Haridasa Thakura when in Puri, who was not admitted in the temple, being of non-Hindu birth.

The elements of the historiographies of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Chaitanya Charitamrta and Chaitanya Bhagavata contain main points illustrating the religious bigotry of the Muslims and the consequent prosecution of the Hindus, Vaishnavas at the period. Both books retell a famous episode in the life of Chaitanya. He had introduced the public worship in the form of public kirtana and this enraged the local Muslim ruler. To prevent the recurrences of public kirtana the qazi patrolled the streets of Nadiya with a party. After organizing a large civil march, Chaitanya discussed with quazi the situation, who appears in more chastened mood. Author of Chaitanya Charitamrita attributes the change in the quazi's attitude to a miracle. In Chaitanya Chariamrita however it appears describes an overriding order by a superior of quazi to respect sankirtan Chaitanya, that was issued by the Husain Shah himself, who was impressed with the popularity of the saint. [11] Ishana in chapter 7 of his Advaita-prakasa introduces Haridasa, being originally a Muslim, Haridasa is such an anomalous figure that his presence in the community seems to require explanation. Although Chaitanya himself insited that anyone who is devoted to Krishna authomatically becomes a brahmana, there were only very few non-brahmana, who played a role of leadership in the young group of Gaudiya Vaishnava movement. Ishana uses a reference from Bhagavata Purana (S.Bhag 10.13-14) to support high place of Haridasa in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and to illustrate spiritual power of his guru, Advaita, to elevate him to such a position.[15]

[edit] Early life

Chaitanya Charitamrita tells a story of a shakta leader sending a harlot with an intention to seduce Haridasa, who was a celibate ascetic
Chaitanya Charitamrita tells a story of a shakta leader sending a harlot with an intention to seduce Haridasa, who was a celibate ascetic

Born in the village of Buron (Budana)[1], in the present district of Sat-kira, which was previously a sub-division of Khulna, now in Bangladesh. Haridasa was 35 years older than Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his prayers along with prayers of Advaita Acharya were the reason for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu descent.[4] Ishana Nagara in his book Advaita Prakasha, explains in great length that Haridasa Thakur was a follower of Advaita Acharya and also his close friend, he was raised in a Muslim family and then converted to Vaishnavism as a young man. Advaita Acharya repeatedly proclaims that becoming a Vaishnava, regardless of one's background, removes all past conditioning.[16]

Film The Life of Haridas Thakur
Film The Life of Haridas Thakur[17]

When Haridasa Thakura was a young devotee of the Lord, he was allured by the incarnation of Maya-devi, but Haridasa easily passed the test because of his unalloyed devotion to Lord Krsna.[18] He also believed to have stayed and chanted in a cave with a notorious snake, however, seemed unaffected by all of this. He did not even seem to be aware of the snake's presence.[7]

Haridasa first became associated with Advaita Acarya. Haricarana Dasa, the biographer of Advaita Acharya says that all the demigods in heaven heard prayers of Advaita and reveal themselves to him, therefore when Advaita saw Haridasa, he could immediately recognizes that he was Brahma incarnate and named him Hari-dasa (literary meaning servant of God). He instructs Haridasa to recite Krishna's names and assures him that Krishna will always show mercy to Haridasa. The close relationship between the two and the fact that Advaita was feeding a Muslim, became a subject of malicious gossip. This apparent anomaly create a stir in a brahmana community, where others could not understand how a powerful ascetic was disregarding a convention of keeping a distance from Muslims. The fact that community was disturbed is reflected in both Chaitanya Charitamrita and in Chaitanya Bhagavata. Haricarana Dasa in his historical records, confirms that while Advaita was from the higher ranks of Bengali brahmana community, he completely ignored the facts about Haridasa's background, being impressed with the young man's heartfelt devotion. While others became upset with Advaitas attention to Haridasa, and threatened to excommunicate Advaita, Advaita tells Haridasa to pay no attention to 'those petty people' and Advaita schedules a fire ceremony, agnihotra for the morning, and when preparations for this ritual to begin, there is no fire to be found in the whole town, and because of this whole life of the village is at a standstill. Advaita points out to all local brahmana priests that if priests are true to their religious teachings, there must be fire, and tells them to approach Haridasa with dried grass in their hands. When Haridasa relights all the fires with his potency, he also according to this record, manifests his four-faced Brahma-like form. While Agni, deity of Vedas responsible for fire is under control of the brahmanas, its Muslim born Haridasa, who lights the fires lost by all brahmanas in the village by the power of his devotion, 'the purity those born brahmana have lost. [19]

[edit] Teachings

Set of Japa mala beads, made from sacred Tulasi wood, with head bead in foreground. Beads were used for chanting of Hare Krishna mantra by Haridas Thakura
Set of Japa mala beads, made from sacred Tulasi wood, with head bead in foreground. Beads were used for chanting of Hare Krishna mantra by Haridas Thakura

According to the philosophy of the holy name given by Haridasa Thakura, if you are on the platform of namabhasa (early or reflective stage of the pure chanting), it gives the chanter liberation, moksa.[20] Whereas pure chanting gives prema, or 'Love of God'.

An episode from Chaitanya Charitamrita illustrates different side of the life of Haridasa Thakura, and does not alludes to the trial of the Haridasa by the Muslim ruler, but gives details of a sakta brahmana, who would hire a harlot to try (unsuccessfully) to seduce the celibate saint. In this story the avenging instruments of diving justice are none other then the agents of the Muslim king, who eventually punishes Ramachandra Khan.(CC Antya. 3.98-163)[21]

Main article: Hare Krishna
Hare Krishna Mahamantra chanted by Haridasa and spread throughtout the world by Prabhupada
Hare Krishna Mahamantra chanted by Haridasa and spread throughtout the world by Prabhupada

Haridasa Thakur was chanting mantra consisting of the names Hare, Krishna and Rama. It appears originally in the Kali-Saṇṭāraṇa Upaniṣad:


Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

It is often referred to as the 'Maha Mantra' by practitioners.

Following the footsteps of Haridasa Thakur in 1966, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness), a branch of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya, and introduced the Hare Krishna mantra to the West, described as: "an easy yet sublime way of liberation in the Age of Kali."

[edit] Preaching of Hare Krishna chanting

He was asked to join forces with Nityananda who was older than Chaitanya by some eight years, and he believed to infuse into the movement a great passion. Haridasa and Nityananda are famed for conversion of two notorious scoundrels, Jagai and Madhai, of Navadvipa into the new faith.[22] They are considered important lieutenants in the campaign for spreading the sankirtana movement, chanting of the holy names: Brahma, in the form of Haridasa Thakura, and later, Balarama as Nityananda.[23]

[edit] Other associates of Chaitanya called Haridas

Different associates of Chaitanya with this name inlcude:

1. Haridasa Pandita (also known as Sri Raghu Gopala and as Sri Rasa-manjari), a disciple of Sri Ananta Acaryam. He is according to Tarapada Mukherjee is of a later generation.[24][25] The fact that he is mentioned in the verses derived from Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 8 as a listener rather then participants in lila distinguishes them from contemporaries like that of Rupa and the others mentioned who were direct associates of Chaitanya. However according to Krishnadasa Kaviraja, the book which was read in the meetings of the first generation of Chaitanya followers in Vrindavan was the Bhagavatam itself and not Chaitanya's life story.[26]
2. Haridas (Junior), who accompanied Chaitanya on the journey to South India. It is believed that Chaitanya forsook the company of Junior Haridas because of an incident, that was against strict principles of a detached saint.[27]

[edit] Identity

Pilgrims at Haridasa Thakur memorial tumb, samadhi opposite ISKCON temple in Puri, Orissa, India
Pilgrims at Haridasa Thakur memorial tumb, samadhi opposite ISKCON temple in Puri, Orissa, India

Haridasa Thakur in Gaudiya Vaishnavism is belived to be a combined incarnation of Brahma Mahatapa, the son of Richika Muni and Prahlada. The respected Murari Gupta has written in his Chaitanya Charitamrita that this muni’s son picked a tulasi leaf and offered it to Krishna without having washed it first. His father then cursed him to become a mleccha in his next life. He was thus born as Haridasa, a great devotee. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 93-95)[28]

Nabadwip-dhama-mahatmya by Bhaktivinoda Thakur has written the following account of how Brahma became Haridasa Thakur:

In Dvapara Yuga, Nandanandana Sri Krishna was herding the cows through Vraja Dham in the company of his cowherd boyfriends when Brahma decided to test the Lord out of a desire to see his majestic form and opulences. He stole both Krishna's cows and calves, as well as his friends and hid them for a year in the caves of Sumeru Mountain. But a year later, when Brahma returned to Vraja, he was astonished to see that Krishna was still there with both his friends and cattle. Brahma immediately understood his error and began to regret his rash action. He fell down at Krishna's feet and begged him for forgiveness; Krishna responded by mercifully revealing his divine opulence. He who appears in the Dvapara Yuga as Nandanandana Sri Krishna, descends again in the Kali Yuga as Gauranga, taking on the mood and bodily luster of Radharani in order to display the most magnanimous pastimes. Brahma was afraid that he might commit the same offense during Gaura's incarnation so he went to Antardvipa, the central island of Nabadwip, and began to meditate. The Lord was able to understand his mind and so came to him in the form of Gauranga and said, "During my incarnation as Gaura, you will be born in a family of mlecchas and will preach the glories of the Holy Name and bring auspiciousness to all the living beings

From the above it is understood that he was an incarnation of the secondary creator Brahma. It is said that in order to overcome his pride, he asked for a birth in a lowly family. Similar description is found in Advaita-vilasa.[28]

[edit] Death

He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die
When thou art living still in Sound!
The Vaishnavas die to live and living try
To spread a holy life around!
 - Bhaktivinoda Thakura on the tomb of Haridasa Thakura at Puri, India
published in (BTG no. 66. 1974)

Its is believed that he was buried on the ocean shore by Caitanya himself.[29] Dr. A. N. Chatterjee makes a point in his doctoral thesis entitled "Chaitanya's impact on medieval Indian society" that death of Haridasa Thakura is one of the most important incidents which deserve mention when dealing with the last few years of Caitanya Mahaprabhus life.[27] Haridasa dies after most of other Gaudiya Vaishnavas depart home from Puri, he colapses one day while singing Krishnas name. He is then placing a foot of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on his chest and dies crying out "Sri Krishna Chaitanya".[30]

Mahaprabhu himself places Haridasa to samadhi tumb
Mahaprabhu himself places Haridasa to samadhi tumb

Even when mahatmas, great souls, do appear in human society, they are often not appreciated or understood. Illustrating Gaudiya Vaishnava perspective on it Prabhupada writes:

Sometimes devotees are personally attacked with violence. Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, Haridasa Thakura was caned in twenty-two marketplaces, and Lord Caitanya's principal assistant, Nityananda, was violently attacked by Jagai and Madhai.... Although a sadhu is not inimical toward anyone, the world is so ungrateful that even a sadhu has many enemies.

—[SB 3.25.21, purport]

However if one gets the association of a such mahatma and is receptive to his blessings, its believed that one will infallibly be benefited.[31]

[edit] Books

Chaudhuri, J. (1960). Mahaprabhu-Haridasam: The Mahaprabhu-Haridasam; a new Sanskrit drama on the life of Haridasa, one of the greatest devotees of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Bengal. 

[edit] Further info

For more details of his life story see Chaitanya Bhagavata published by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and available for download.[32] In this text Haridasa's tribulations are given in detail. The text is prominently featured among all groups professing a Gaudiya Vaishnava association.[33]

v • d • e
International Society for Krishna Consciousness Sampradaya Branch
Sampradaya Acaryas
Pre Caitanya
Post Caitanya
Modern


[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, p.177. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  2. ^ Dimock, Jr, E.C. (1963). "Doctrine and Practice among the Vaisnavas of Bengal". History of Religions 3 (1): p.106. 
  3. ^ O'Connell, J.T. (1973). "The Word'Hindu'in Gaudiya Vaisnava Texts". Journal of the American Oriental Society 93 (3): 340-344. 
  4. ^ a b Rosen, S.J. (2004). "Who Is Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu>". The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant. 
  5. ^ Dasi, R.D.. "Vaishnava Family and Youth Conference Vaisnavas in the World: The Journey of the Compassionate Servant, ICJ 9.1.". 
  6. ^ Goswami (H.D.). "For Whom Does Hinduism Speak?". 
  7. ^ a b Suman N. Bhat (2007). Biographies of Saints of the Masses. Sura Books, p.18. ISBN 81-7478-630-9. 
  8. ^ A. N. Chatterjee (1984), Srikṛṣṇa Caitanya: A Historical Study on Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇavism, <http://books.google.com/books?client=firefox-a&id=mEsdAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22mama+thakur%22&q=yavan+haridas&pgis=1#search>. Retrieved on 3 June 2008 p. 89
  9. ^ a b Sherbow, P.H. (2004). "AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's Preaching In The Context Of Gaudiya Vaishnavism". The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant: p.139. 
  10. ^ Isana Encyclopaedia of Historiography ISBN 81-261-2305-2
  11. ^ a b (2006) Encyclopaedia of Historiography. Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd, pp.140-141. ISBN 81-261-2305-2. 
  12. ^ The State and Society in Northern India, 1206-1526 p.33Anil Chandra Banerjee, 1892 Chapter Page 1 The Theocratic State
  13. ^ Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, p.150. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  14. ^ a b Parasher-Sen, Aloka (2004). Subordinate and marginal groups in early India. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press, 412-415. ISBN 0-19-566542-2. 
  15. ^ Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, p.168. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  16. ^ Pechilis, Karen (2004). The graceful guru: Hindu female gurus in India and the United States. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press, p.63. ISBN 0-19-514538-0. 
  17. ^ The Life of Haridas Thakur (DVD). www.matchless-gifts.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-08.
  18. ^ Bhaktivedanta Swami, A. C. (1972). Bhagavad-gita As It Is, second edition. New York: Macmillan p.136.
  19. ^ Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, pp.61-63. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  20. ^ Dasa, R.S. (2000). "Restoring the Authority of the GBC'". ISKCON Communications Journal 8 (1). 
  21. ^ Parasher-Sen, Aloka (2004). Subordinate and marginal groups in early India. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press, p.422. ISBN 0-19-566542-2. 
  22. ^ Chakravarti, R. (1977). "Gaudiya Vaisnavism in Bengal". Journal of Indian Philosophy 5 (1): 107-149. 
  23. ^ Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, 94. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  24. ^ Mukherjee, Tarapada. 'ChaitanyacaritAmritamahAkAvya', Caturanga, May 1985 (Calcutta), 57-70.
  25. ^ Mukherjee, Tarapada. 'Chaitanyacaritamriter racanakal evam vrajer gaudiyasampradaya', Sahitya Parishad Patrika, 87.1, 1987 (Calcutta), 1-39.
  26. ^ Brzezinski, J.K. (1990). "The Authenticity of the" Caitanyacaritamrtamahakavya". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London 53 (3): 469-490. 
  27. ^ a b A. N. Chatterjee (1984), Srikṛṣṇa Caitanya: A Historical Study on Gauḍiya Vaiṣṇavism, <http://books.google.ie/books?id=mEsdAAAAMAAJ&q=%22haridas%22&dq=%22mama+thakur%22&client=firefox-a&vq=%22The+History+of+Medieval+Vaishnavism+in+Orissa%22&source=gbs_book_citations_r&cad=1_1&pgis=1>. Retrieved on 3 June 2008 p. 27
  28. ^ a b B.V. Tirtha (2001). Chaitanya: His Life and Associates. Mandala Publishing. ISBN 1-886069-28-X. 
  29. ^ Stewart, T.K. (1991). "When Biographical Narratives Disagree: the Death of Krsna Caitanya". Numen 38 (2): 231-260. 
  30. ^ Rebecca Manring (2005). Reconstructing tradition: Advaita Ācārya and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism at the cusp of the twentieth century. New York: Columbia University Press, 185. ISBN 0-231-12954-8. 
  31. ^ Narada-Bhakti-Sutra: The Secrets of Transcendental Love, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Author), Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami (Author) ISBN 0892132736 p. 96
  32. ^ Free Download Chaitanya Bhagavata (ebook) by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Inc (BBTi). www.newfreedownloads.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-02.
  33. ^ Stewart, Tony K. BANGLAPEDIA: Chaitanya Bhagavata. banglapedia.search.com.bd. Retrieved on 2008-06-02.

[edit] See also

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