Subudhi Rai and His Servant
There was a devotee named Subudhi Rai who worked for the government and was quite wealthy and powerful. He had a young servant whom he cared for like a son, showing him great fatherly concern and affection. One day, when the servant was misbehaving, Subudhi Rai whipped him out of love to teach him a lesson.
The Rise of the Servant
Later, Subudhi Rai retired and gave his high post to his servant. By this time, the servant had married a young girl. One day, she noticed the scars on his back from the whipping and became upset, thinking that his scarred body interfered with her sense gratification.
The Wife’s Demand
The servant told his wife the story, and she became very angry. She demanded that he either kill Subudhi Rai or have him punished by death for scarring his body. The servant was torn between his loyalty to Subudhi Rai, who was like a father to him, and his love for his wife.
The Dilemma and the Solution
To solve his dilemma, the servant decided to make Subudhi Rai an outcast, which in those days was worse than death. He took water from a Muslim’s drinking pot and sprinkled it on Subudhi Rai’s head, causing him to be rejected by Hindu society.
Seeking Reinstatement
Subudhi Rai did not want to be an outcast, so he went from place to place seeking advice on how to be reinstated as a Hindu. Many told him it was impossible, but one person suggested a painful ritual: drinking boiling hot ghee, which would purify him but likely result in death. Desperate for a solution, Subudhi Rai continued searching for a less extreme remedy.
Meeting Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
By the Lord’s mercy, Subudhi Rai met Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and told him his story. Mahaprabhu reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry about all these things. You just chant the Holy Names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.” He assured Subudhi Rai that by chanting the Holy Names, he would not only regain his status but also become the highest, most elevated saintly person, a pure devotee of the Lord beyond all socio-religious designations.
Subudhi Rai’s Transformation
Subudhi Rai accepted Mahaprabhu’s advice and began chanting the Holy Names. He became an exalted devotee and dedicated his life to serving others. He moved to Vrindavan, where he served Bengali devotees who often suffered from indigestion due to the local diet of chapattis. Subudhi Rai would collect wood from the forest, sell it, and use the money to buy rice for them. He provided them with food, oil massages, a place to stay, and guided tours of the forests of Vrindavan.
The Glory of Chanting the Holy Name
In this verse, it is clearly explained that from the point of view of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who speaks in His incarnation as Lord Kapila, there is nothing more pleasing than one who chants the Holy Name of the Lord in a pure and humble state of mind.
Lessons to be Learned
- The Power of Compassion: Despite his suffering, Subudhi Rai’s compassionate nature shines through as he dedicates his life to serving others, particularly those in need.
- Redemptive Power of the Holy Name: The story emphasizes the transformative power of chanting the Holy Names, which can elevate one’s spiritual status beyond societal designations.
- Faith in Divine Mercy: Subudhi Rai’s meeting with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu illustrates the importance of seeking and having faith in divine mercy, which can offer solutions beyond human comprehension.
- Transcending Social Stigma: The story highlights how spiritual practices, especially chanting the Holy Name, can help one transcend social stigmas and attain a higher spiritual state.
- Service to Devotees: Subudhi Rai’s dedication to serving the Bengali Vaishnavas in Vrindavan underscores the value of selfless service to fellow devotees, reflecting a high spiritual ideal.
