Now the sentiment of the account of a renounced Brahmin of Govardhan, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, who brought two Vaishnavas to his home while performing the circumambulation of Shri Giriraj, is explained.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This devotee is of a sattvic nature. In the divine play, his name is “Maya.” He manifested from “Ranga,” and therefore this is his devotional form.

He was born in Govardhan in a Sanadhya Brahmin family. From childhood itself he lived in a state of renunciation. His parents understood that he was a renunciate from a previous birth. Therefore they did not become deeply attached to him. Later, when he became seventeen years old, his parents passed away. Then he came to Gopalpur and became a sevak of Shri Gusainji. After that he remained there.

Prasang 1 – The Renounced Brahmin and the Two Vaishnavas This renounced devotee performed one circumambulation of Shri Giriraj every day. Afterward he sustained himself by begging for small pieces of food. There was also a Vaishnava householder who came to Shri Gokul. In his mind he desired to obtain employment. However, he would not accept employment in the household of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhuji. Then he went to Shri Giriraj, thinking, “Perhaps I may find employment here.” But there too, employment existed only in the service of Shrinathji and in the households of the Shri Vallabh family. There was no other employment available. Therefore he abandoned all such thoughts and sat down to engage in Bhagavad-bhajan.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that accepting wealth or livelihood connected with the Lord (Deva-ansh) or the Guru (Guru-ansh) is prohibited. Therefore a Vaishnava should never accept it under any circumstances. That Vaishnava remained seated day and night upon one seat, engaged in devotion. The renounced sevak would pass by while performing parikrama and would see him every day.

After observing him for about five days, the renounced Vaishnava thought within himself, “Where does this person obtain Mahaprasad?” With this thought he said to him, “Come. Continue your Bhagavad-bhajan there, and also take Mahaprasad there.” Saying this, he took him to his small room. Whatever food he obtained through begging, he cooked. He offered bhog and then served a plate of Mahaprasad to that Vaishnava before taking it himself. In this manner many days passed. Then a third Vaishnava came there and also sat down to engage in Bhagavad-bhajan. The renounced Vaishnava asked him, “Do you wish to stay here?” He replied, “Yes, I do.” Then he also began serving a plate of Mahaprasad to him. Now those Vaishnavas would remain seated, engaged in Bhagavad-bhajan, and would take Mahaprasad.

Meanwhile the renounced Vaishnava would go begging, prepare the food, and cook. This involved great labor for him. Seeing his effort, Shri Thakurji said, “You do the cooking, and I shall do the serving.” Both of those Vaishnavas heard these words and asked, “Who is this second person?” When they looked, they saw that it was Shri Thakurji Himself. Then both of them offered a prayer: “Maharaj, if You permit us, the three of us can do the work together.” Shri Thakurji replied, “You do the cooking. This second one will do the serving. And this renounced devotee will bring the food obtained through begging. In this way all three of you should work together.” From then onward they acted in exactly that manner.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The intention of this account is that if a Vaishnava is hungry and has no means of obtaining food or drink, then one should bring that Vaishnava into one's home and lovingly offer Mahaprasad. This is the duty of every Vaishnava. It is also taught that the person receiving Mahaprasad should render some service in the home of the Vaishnava who is feeding him before accepting the Mahaprasad. Why? Because the Lord possesses a very tender nature. When a devotee becomes exhausted while performing seva, the Lord Himself becomes distressed.

Therefore, if the recipient performs some service before taking Mahaprasad, the burden upon that Vaishnava is reduced. The Lord’s affection for His devotees is also demonstrated here. How? If a Vaishnava serves another devotee with a completely selfless attitude, then the Lord remains under that devotee’s control. Indeed, the Lord Himself offered to perform the serving. Thus it is shown that service to Vaishnavas is supreme. These three were such great recipients of the grace of Shri Gusainji and such beloved devotees of Bhagavan. Therefore, how much can truly be said of their glory?