Los Angeles SD Newsletter vol. 3, issue 6
LORD CAITANYA DESCENDS
By bhakta Isidro
Upon seeing that the world was devoid of devotional service to Sri Krishna, because everyone was engaged in material sense enjoyment, whether sinfully or virtuously. Sri Advaita Acharya felt compassion and began to ponder how he could act for the people's benefit.
Although Sri Advaita Acharya Himself was powerful enough to do the work, as a submissive servitor He thought that without the personal appearance of the Lord, no one could improve the fallen condition of society. Thus the Acharya resolved to worship Lord Krishna in a purified state of mind. While He was thinking about how to propitiate Krishna by worship, the following verse from the Gautamiya-tantra came to his mind.
tulasi-dala-matrena
jalasya culukena va
vikrinite svam atmanam
bhaktebhyo bhakta-vatsalah
"Sri Krishna, who is very affectionate toward His devotees, sells Himself to a devotee who offers merely a tulasi leaf and a palmful of water."
While thinking about the meaning of this verse, Advaita Acharya considered that not finding any way to repay the debt He owes to one who offers Him a tulasi leaf and water, Lord Krishna thinks, "There is no wealth in My possession that is equal to a tulasi leaf and water." Thus the Lord nullifies the debt by offering His own self to the devotee. Thinking like this, Sri Advaita Acharya fixed his mind on the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, and constantly offered tulasi buds in water from the Ganges. He loudly chanted the name “Krishna” and appealed to Him to appear. Therefore the principal reason for Sri Caitanya's descent is this appeal by Advaita Acharya.
