Now we speak of the inner sentiment (bhav) of the account of Beni Das Kshatriya, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, who lived in Kara and who encountered ghosts on the path.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This devotee belongs to the tamasic category of devotees. In the divine play, her name is “Sadhya.” She manifested from “Mohini,” therefore her devotional form corresponds to that.

In his earthly life, he was born into a Kshatriya family. When he reached the age of forty, both his parents passed away.

Prasang 1 – Beni Das Receives Grace and Protection Once, together with a group traveling from the eastern region for the darshan of Shri Gusainji, Beni Das came to Shri Gokul. He brought wealth from his home with him. After several days of travel, they arrived in Shri Gokul. Beni Das then had darshan of Shri Gusainji. He beheld the direct vision of the Complete Purushottam, possessing beauty equal to millions of Cupids. Thereupon Beni Das humbly prayed to Shri Gusainji: “Maharaj! Please bestow the Name upon me.” Shri Gusainji commanded him: “Go and bathe, and then return.” Beni Das bathed in Shri Yamunaji and returned. Folding both hands, he prayed: “Maharaj! Please accept me into Your refuge.” Then Shri Gusainji bestowed the Name upon Beni Das.

The next day, after having him observe a fast, Shri Gusainji performed his offering and dedication in the presence of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Whatever wealth Beni Das had with him, he offered entirely as a gift to Shri Gusainji. Afterward, Shri Gusainji granted him darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Upon receiving that darshan, Beni Das became extremely joyful. Thereafter, Beni Das remained in Shri Gokul for some time in the company of Vaishnavas. There he listened to the discourse on Subodhiniji from the holy mouth of Shri Gusainji and performed the seva of fanning. Later, Shri Gusainji proceeded to Shri Nathjidwar, and Beni Das also went there. In the company of Vaishnavas, he had darshan of Shri Govardhannathji.

By the grace of Shri Gusainji, Shri Govardhannathji granted him divine and extraordinary darshan. As a result, he completely forgot awareness of his bodily identity. Afterward, taking permission from Shri Gusainji, he set out on the pilgrimage of Braj. After some days, he completed the entire Braj pilgrimage and returned. Then he had darshan of Shri Nathji. Shri Gusainji asked him: “Have you completed the Braj pilgrimage?” Beni Das submitted: “Maharaj! By Your grace, the Braj pilgrimage has been completed very wonderfully.” Then Shri Gusainji had Mahaprasad distributed to all the Vaishnavas.

Afterward, Shri Gusainji returned to Shri Gokul. All the Vaishnavas took leave of Shri Nathji. According to their capacity, each Vaishnava offered gifts. Then they all departed together for Shri Gokul. Upon arriving there, they had darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji. One day, Beni Das prayed to Shri Gusainji: “Maharaj! Please establish a seva for me.” Then Shri Gusainji personally entrusted a seva to him and taught him all the proper methods and practices of seva. At that time, Beni Das attained the knowledge of the true form of Shri Thakurji—that He is directly Purushottam Himself. Such firm conviction arose within him regarding the divine form.

Afterward, Shri Gusainji and all the Vaishnavas took leave and departed. One day while traveling on the road, a very heavy rain began. Beni Das was carrying the seva of Shri Thakurji with him. How could Shri Thakurji remain outside in such rain? The rain became extremely intense, and it was impossible to remain outdoors. There lived a Brahmin in that place. Beni Das said to him: “If there is some place available, please show it to us.” The Brahmin replied: “There is no large place where all of your group can stay together. However, there is one mansion. But ghosts live there.” Beni Das replied: “There is no concern about that.” Then the Brahmin showed him the mansion.

Beni Das swept and cleaned the place thoroughly. Since he had the seva of Shri Thakurji with him, he respectfully established Shri Thakurji there and prepared the meal. When it was time for offering, he presented the bhog to Shri Thakurji. After the offering was completed, all the Vaishnavas and Beni Das partook of Mahaprasad. That night they slept there. When morning came, the Vaishnavas prepared to depart. At that time the ghosts appeared. Then Beni Das placed upon them the oath of Shri Acharyaji, Shri Mahaprabhuji, and Shri Gusainji. Upon hearing this, the ghosts departed. They left weeping as they went away.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): A significant doubt may arise here: Why did Beni Das place upon the ghosts the oath of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji? One may think that this would cause exertion to Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji, and such a practice is not the proper way of this path.

To this it is said that Beni Das had only recently become a Vaishnava. Therefore, he acted in this way in order to witness the glory and power of the names of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji. Another intention was this: Shri Thakurji Himself was residing with Beni Das. If any trouble were to occur, it might cause inconvenience to Shri Thakurji. Therefore, he invoked the oath of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji.

The ghosts became frightened by the oath of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji and fled. They caused no disturbance whatsoever. Such is the glory of Their names. Just as Jivandas once placed upon the rain the command and honor of Shri Acharyaji and the rain immediately stopped, in the same way this incident should be understood. Here the extraordinary power of the names of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji is being described. After that, all the Vaishnavas returned to their homes. Such is the glory of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu.

Thereafter, Beni Das continued performing the seva of Shri Thakurji. Within a short time, Shri Thakurji began to reveal His affectionate intimacy toward Beni Das. Whatever He desired, He would ask for. Later, by the divine will of Bhagavan, Beni Das attained the lotus feet of Shri Thakurji. Such was Beni Das, a supremely blessed devotee and recipient of the special grace of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, how far can one go in describing his glory and account?