When Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura is about to leave Vrindavan, the beautiful instructions given to him by Srila Lokanaha Goswami form the essence of spiritual life.
The below passage is extracted from the book -“The Glorious Life of Narottama Dasa Thakura” written by HG Shitala Devi, the wife of HG Hari Sauri Prabhu.
Sri Lokanatha Gosvami wrapped his thin arms around his disciple and embraced him warmly.
“Narottama, what you are about to do is the perfection of everything I have taught you. Always remember to serve the Deities with love, and serve the Vaisnavas with the same love and devotion with which you serve the Lord. Remain vigilant to avoid all offenses, and dedicate your life fully to spreading the sankirtana movement.” Tears flowed from Lokanatha’s eyes as he spoke.
“Take this Vrndavana atmosphere with you, Narottama. Vrindavan is always in the devotee’s heart, so carry it with you. Just chant Hare Krsna, because wherever there is chanting, there is Vrndavana.”
Lokanatha turned to Srinivasa. “I hand over my dear disciple to you. Watch over him carefully.”
Tears streamed down Narottama’s cheeks.
“Gurudeva, if you give this servant permission, then sometimes I can come from Gauda-desa to have darsana of your lotus feet.”
Sri Lokanatha Gosvami shook his head. “Now you have to make your life successful by preaching Mahaprabhu’s religion of love. I don’t think it will be necessary for you to return here.”
Hearing these words, Narottama fell to the ground.
For some time he lay at his spiritual masters feet offering obeisances, and then, without protest, he rose and left the kunja with Srinivasa. His guru’s last instructions echoed heavily in his heart.
Of the trio Srinivas, Shyamananda and Narottama, it was Narottama who always served Vrindavan in separation.
We can just imagine what might have been the love of Narottama for Vrindavan. The same Narottam who writes “vrindavana ramya sthan” and “radha krsna prana mora”, what kind of ecstasies he must have had in Vrindavan!! And what ecstasies he had in remembrance of Vrindavan. But he preferred to serve the order of his guru over and above everything else. That is what mattered to him the most.
His guru Loknatha Goswami also followed the same principle. Lokanatha was very much attached to the association of Lord Caitanya. When the Lord told him to go to Vrndavana, there was nothing in Vrndavana! They were supposed to revive it. How could Lokanatha ever leave Mahaprabhu’s association? But Lokanatha accepted, understanding that keeping Mahaprabhu’s order on our head is more important than being by Mahaprabhu’s side!
Our parampara is a parampara of sacrifice, and a parampara of hearts! The connection of heart matters more than physical association!
