Now the sentiment of the account of a Seth and a renunciate, both sevaks of Shri Gusainji, in whose case a dog passed over the boundary enclosure, is being explained.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): This Seth is a rajasic devotee. In the divine play, her name is “Manahkamana” (Wish of the Mind). The renunciate is the companion of Manahkamana, named “Ghosharani.” Both of them manifested from “Shandilya Muni.” Therefore, they are of his devotional disposition.

The Seth manifested in Gujarat in the house of a wealthy merchant. The renunciate was born in the house of a poor Brahmin. When the renunciate was about ten years old, his parents died. After that, he sustained himself by begging for food. In this way, he reached the age of thirty.

At that time, Shri Gusainji came to Dwarka and camped in that village. There were many followers of Mayavada there. They came to debate scripture with Shri Gusainji. Shri Gusainji debated with them and silenced them all. Seeing His brilliance and glory, the entire village became Vaishnavas.

The Seth and the renunciate both approached Shri Gusainji and humbly requested initiation, receiving the Name and offering of themselves. Afterwards, both asked, “Maharaj! What is your command for us now?” Then Shri Gusainji bestowed Shri Thakurji upon both of them and instructed, “Serve Him properly and carefully.”

Both submitted, “Maharaj! We do not understand anything about seva.” Therefore, Shri Gusainji stayed there for three more days and taught both of them the proper method of seva. Afterwards, He departed for Dwarka.

Prasang 1 – The Dog and the Boundary of Purity Once, Shri Gusainji was returning from Dwarkaji to Shri Gokul. The Seth and the renunciate Vaishnava were also travelling from Gujarat and were accompanying Shri Gusainji. The renunciate Vaishnava would beg for food along the way. After bathing, he would prepare the meal. When the meal was ready, he would offer it to Shri Thakurji. After completing the offering, he would put Shri Thakurji to rest and then take Mahaprasad. If he invited any Vaishnava to partake of Mahaprasad, no one would come.

One day, the Mahaprasad of the night had been served but had not yet been taken. Then a dog came and passed through the inside of the boundary enclosure. The Vaishnava appointed someone to guard the place and went to Shri Gusainji with a request. He said, “Maharaj! The Mahaprasad had been placed there, and a dog passed through inside the enclosure. What is your command regarding this?” Shri Gusainji instructed, “Take the Mahaprasad. The prasad has not been touched.” The Vaishnava then went and took the Mahaprasad.

After some days, it was the Seth’s turn to cook. He offered the meal to Shri Thakurji. After the offering was completed, the Mahaprasad had been set aside. No one had yet taken it. Then a dog came and passed over the boundary enclosure. The Seth went and submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! After the offering was completed, the Mahaprasad had been set aside. No one had taken it. Then a dog came and passed over the boundary enclosure. Whatever command you give, I shall do. If You permit, I shall take the Mahaprasad.” Shri Gusainji instructed, “Do not take it. The Mahaprasad has been touched.” Then the Seth came and gave all the Mahaprasad to the cows.

Afterwards, the Seth cooked again. He offered the meal according to the prescribed procedure. After completing the offering, he took the Mahaprasad. The next day, the Seth submitted before Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! In the renunciate Vaishnava’s cooking area, the dog passed through inside the enclosure, yet the food was not considered touched. But in my case, the dog passed over the boundary enclosure and still it was considered touched. Kindly explain the reason for this.”

Shri Gusainji replied, “If that renunciate Vaishnava had to cook again, he would not be able to do so and would remain hungry. He also does not go anywhere to take Mahaprasad. But your meal could immediately be prepared again. The offering was made, completed, and Mahaprasad was taken. Therefore, since you are a wealthy Seth, it is considered touched in your case, whereas it is not considered touched in the renunciate’s case.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): By saying this, it is shown that the observance of ritual purity (aparas) depends upon one’s capacity. One should maintain purity according to one’s ability. However, one should not practice deceit or hypocrisy. If a person has the ability and yet says, “I cannot maintain such purity,” that should not be done. Otherwise, an offense is committed. This is because Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu Himself established these rules of purity. Therefore, a Vaishnava should maintain purity earnestly and according to his strength so that Shri Acharyaji may be pleased.

Then the principles of Pushtimarg become firmly established. A steadfast refuge is attained. All other worldly relationships fall away. Shri Acharyaji bestows His grace. It is also said here that the Mahaprasad had not been touched.

Afterwards, the Seth came with Shri Gusainji and had darshan of Shri Govardhannathji. After having darshan, he fulfilled many different devotional wishes and offerings. Then Shri Gusainji proceeded to Shri Gokul, and they came there with Him. They had darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji and the other six divine forms, making seven forms in all. Afterwards, they performed devotional offerings for all seven forms. Shri Gusainji then graciously had all the Vaishnavas partake of the remnants of Mahaprasad.

Later, the Vaishnavas requested permission, saying, “Maharaj! If it is Your command, we would like to undertake the pilgrimage of Braj.” Shri Gusainji granted permission, saying, “Go and complete it happily.” Receiving His permission, they performed the Braj pilgrimage and then returned to Shri Gokul. After returning, they offered dandavat pranam to Shri Gusainji and submitted, “Maharaj! By Your grace we have completed the Braj pilgrimage.”

Shri Gusainji said, “You have now completed the Braj pilgrimage. Remain in Shri Gokul for a few more days.” The Vaishnavas submitted, “Maharaj! We shall leave only when You graciously give us permission.” After staying in Shri Gokul for some more days, they again submitted to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! If it is Your command, we shall now return to our own country.” Then Shri Gusainji gave them permission to depart.

Afterwards, they all returned to Gujarat. The Seth and the renunciate continued serving their respective Shri Thakurjis very properly and with great care. That Seth and that renunciate were such greatly blessed Bhagavadiya devotees and recipients of Shri Gusainji’s special grace. Therefore, how far can their account truly be described?