7.1: Lord Caitanya
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534)
Lord Caitanya vigorously established a lively preaching mission to expand the glories of the holy names far and wide. Previously, Vaisnavism had always existed, but Lord Caitanya was a reformer who re-energised the spiritual movement. Here are some of the things He did and said.
He organised the sankirtana movement.
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He ordered Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis to write books and sent them to Vrndavana to excavate the holy places and establish temples. - He sent Nityananda Prabhu to Bengal to preach.
- He had His followers go out request everyone to “worship Krishna, chant Krishna, and follow Krishna’s instructions.”
- He initiated civil disobedience against the Chand Kazi
- He organised big kirtans and prasadam distribution.
He preached by His own example
- Wherever He went, He chanted, danced, and spread the holy name
- He toured South India for six years and preached to many people along the way.
- He preached to the Mayavadis (Prakasananda), Sarvabhauma, Buddhists, Advaitists…
He imparted vital teachings and instructions to the devotees
- Refer to his discussions with Ramananda Raya, Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis.
- He predicted, “My holy name will be preached in every town and village throughout the world.” (Sri Caitanya Bhagavat);
- He instructed, “Wherever you go, whomever you meet, tell them to follow Krishna’s instructions. In this way, become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in the land.” (Cc Mad.7.128)
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