The Dacoit Brothers

by Tirtha dasa

From the Caitanya-bhagavata we learn how Lord Caitanya instructed Nityananda Prabhu, Lord Caitanya’s first personal expansion, and Haridasa Thakura, also known as the namacarya, or acarya of chanting the holy names of Hare Krsna, to go door to door instructing everyone to please chant the holy names of the Lord. Following the Lord’s order, they had occasion to confront the two most sinful others of their time, Jagai and Madhai. It is said there was no sinful activity these two brothers had not committed. But because they had not committed offenses toward the devotees they were still considered candidates to received the Lords’ mercy.

“There were unlimited stories about the tow, for there was no sin they had not committed. Although they were brahmanas, they were always engaged in drinking wine, eating beef, plundering other’s wealth, and burning other’s houses. They avoided royal punishment and the notices of the town authorities. They did not pass a day without wind and meat. The two would roll on the street, and they would punch anyone they met. As people watched these incidents from a distance, Nityananda and Haridasa arrived there. Sometimes the two displayed affection for each other, and sometimes they pulled each other’s hair while cursing. Every type of sin became manifest in the bodies of these two except the sin of blaspheming Vaisnavas. The assembly in which Vaisvanvas are blasphemed will e ruined, even if all other religious principles are observed. A drunkard will be delivered in due course of time, but one who engages in blasphemy will never attain the goal of life.” (Caitanya-bhagavata Madhya 2.32-50)

When Lord Nityananda asked who the two brothers were the people said they were from a respectable family, but due to bad association, became corrupt. Seeing them there, Nityananda Prabhu began to contemplate how they might be delivered. His thought was, “Since Lord Caitanya has come to deliver the fallen souls of this world, who better to deliver than these two, who are the epitome of sinful activity?” Knowing the Lord’s mind, Haridasa Thakura began to dance in ecstasy, knowing that by Nityananda’s mercy the two dacoit brothers were already delivered.

In the end the two were indeed delivered by Lord Caitanya through the mercy of Lord Nityananda. At that time there were but two who were so sinful, but today the entire world is filled with millions of such Jagais and Madhais. How it is possible for am ere handful of devotees o turn the tide against such seeming overwhelming odds?

In today’s culture practically everyone is a meat-eater. Even though the holy book of the Christians clearly states, “Thou shalt not kill,” they refuse to acknowledge the sanctity of life in animals. Nearly every television show or commercial message depicts either a sensuous woman or lustful man, encouraging people to buy the product to increase one’s sexual desire. Everyone is encouraged to use their leisure time for intoxication and gambling in the name of supporting education. Indeed, society has moved so far away from pious, religious life it is nearly impossible to find even one person who has not been contaminated by its strong allurement.

We are all, each of us a Jagai or Madhai, since we are all products of our society. However, we do not have to remain in ignorance forever. Just as the two brothers were delivered by Lords Caitanya and Nityananda, the sankirtana movement is as vibrant and powerful today as it was when the Lord was personally present. Of course we cannot imitate the Supreme Lord, for He is unlimitedly powerful. However, He has invested all of His potencies within the sound vibration of His holy name. While Lord Caitanya could deliver millions, even unlimited numbers of people in a single instant, we must strive to seek out those receptive souls one by one, giving them the opportunity to chant the holy names of Krsna. Where then do we start?

If we are serious to make a difference with the suffering conditioned souls in our midst, we must first begin with ourselves. Our first duty is to save our own selves, for without doing so, we will be unable to preach effectively to others. Therefore, our program is quite simple. We begin by chanting Krsn’s holy names as found in the maha-mantra: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. And for the full potency of this maha-mantra to work upon us we follow the four regulative principles. They are: 1. No meat eating (including poultry, fish, eggs or any of their byproducts or derivatives, such as mayonnaise, etc.) 2. No illicit sex. This includes any sex outside of normal wedded life, including masturbation, homosex, etc. 3. No intoxication. Only needed doctor prescribed mediations. This implies no recreational drug use, not even caffeine as found in coffee or tea, sodas, etc. 4. No gambling. No wagering or betting as in sports wagering, cards, etc.

So what does one do if he is addicted to these sinful activities? Someone smokes, drinks coffee, plays cards on occasion, eats meat and has various types of illicit sex. Is he too far gone for the Hare Krsna movement? Lord Caitnaya says no. So long as a person is not offensive toward the devotees of the Lord, there is always hope. And if one encounters a severe sticking point, do not give up. It is better to smoke a cigarette and drink some coffee than to give up chanting in frustration. Just do the very best you can from your particular position. If one continues chanting and sincerely praying, in time these bad habits will go away. Fro some it takes longer than others.

If a person eats meat, we begin by limiting the amount of meat one eats. Eliminate red meat first, then work on eliminating the rest. Cigarettes can also be given up, though for some it is very difficult. Masturbation can also be restricted and limited, finally cast aside for the useless activity it is. Step by step one can become freed from these sinful activities. It is possible by chanting the names of the Supreme Lord. In this dark, confusing age we live in, there is no other way. No other process will work. Nothing else we ever do will work like chanting.

Just as I was once a Jagai or Madhai of the worst sort, by the mercy of the devotees I was introduced to the chanting process and came to understand the goal of life. I submitted to the holy name and prayed to guru and Krsna to please help me. The same is possible for everyone. We begin by taking the first step. No matter how sinful we may be, there is hope if we have some small spark of desire to try this chanting process. It is the sublime method for awakening our true nature as blissful, free souls in the company of the Supreme Lord.

No one is excluded. Not by race, age, gender, wealth, creed, or any other material consideration. If one prefers to chant Allah that is fine. Jehovah. But please chant the holy names of the Lord. It is the only process that will be effective in this day and age. We are here to help you. Hare Krsna.