Srila Sanatan Goswami, a revered disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was known for his deep renunciation and profound wisdom. Despite his exalted status and spiritual stature, he embraced a life of extreme simplicity and humility.
One day, after meeting with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Varanasi, Sanatan Goswami was traveling to Vrindavan. He had adopted the practice of mādhukarī, a lifestyle where one subsists on food obtained by begging from door to door, just like a bee collects honey from various flowers. This practice is a symbol of complete renunciation and detachment from material possessions.
However, Sanatan Goswami was still carrying with him a woolen blanket that was quite valuable, costing three gold coins. This blanket was a gift from a well-wisher, but its value was incongruent with his life of renunciation.
When Sanatan Goswami met with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Lord noticed the expensive blanket and expressed concern that it was contradictory for a renounced person to possess such a valuable item while practicing mādhukarī. He pointed out that such a discrepancy could weaken one’s spiritual strength and make one the object of jokes and ridicule from others.
Realizing the truth of Mahaprabhu’s words, Sanatan Goswami immediately decided to trade his valuable blanket for a torn quilt. He approached a poor man who had a worn-out quilt and offered to exchange it for his expensive blanket. The poor man was astonished and hesitant, but Sanatan Goswami insisted, explaining that the torn quilt was more suitable for his lifestyle of renunciation.
By making this exchange, Sanatan Goswami demonstrated his deep commitment to the principles of renunciation and humility. He was willing to give up even the smallest attachment to material possessions to maintain the purity of his spiritual practice.
This incident is beautifully encapsulated in the verse from Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya-lila 20.92):
Verse:
tina mudrāra bhoṭa gāya, mādhukarī grāsa
dharma-hāni haya, loka kare upahāsa
Translation:
“It is contradictory to practice mādhukarī and at the same time wear a valuable blanket. One loses his spiritual strength by doing this, and one will also become an object of jokes.”
Lessons to be Learned:
- Detachment from Material Possessions: The story teaches the importance of detachment from material possessions, especially for those on the spiritual path. True renunciation means letting go of anything that could become a source of pride or attachment.
- Consistency in Spiritual Practice: Sanatan Goswami’s decision to trade his valuable blanket for a torn quilt underscores the need for consistency between one’s external lifestyle and internal spiritual practice. Discrepancies can weaken one’s spiritual resolve and invite ridicule.
- Humility and Simplicity: The story illustrates the virtues of humility and simplicity. Sanatan Goswami, despite his high spiritual status, embraced a humble and simple life, showing that spiritual advancement is not measured by external wealth but by inner purity.
- Obedience to Spiritual Guidance: Sanatan Goswami’s immediate response to Mahaprabhu’s advice highlights the importance of obedience to spiritual guidance. He did not hesitate to follow the Lord’s instruction, understanding that it was for his spiritual benefit.
Prayer:
“O Srila Sanatan Goswami, embodiment of renunciation and humility, please bless us with the strength to detach ourselves from material possessions that hinder our spiritual progress. May we always remain true to the principles of simplicity and humility in our spiritual journey. Help us to align our actions with our spiritual goals and to follow the guidance of our spiritual teachers with unwavering faith. Jai Srila Sanatan Goswami!”
