Now and then I feel guilty.  This happens when I feel that I'm rejected by God.  Because of my actions.  Something that I am doing.  The way that I am.  Somehow I feel if I become a certain way then God will accept me.  But yet, Lord Chaitanya offers us His unconditional love.  But wait, there must be a condition.  Why is that so drummed into my head? I guess it resonates so perfect with my constant desire to be good for Him.  But there's that word again, unconditional. I guess it is too good to be true.  Hm..who was that devotee?  Oh yes,Vasudeva Datta. I remember how when Lord Chaitanya called him up close and asked what wish he would want to come true, this great Vaishnava saint could only ask that all the sinful reactions of everyone in the entire universe to be transferred to him, and for the Lord to forgive and liberated everyone else.  Hearing this Lord Chaitanya began to cry.  Composing Himself, the Lord told everyone gathered an amazing thing.  He described a large kettle and how thousands and thousands of mustard seeds filled it to the top.  As everyone sat spellbound listening to the Lord's words, He told everybody that each mustard seed represents a universe in His cosmic creation.  He then asked, "Do you think Lord Krsna will miss one tiny seed [universe] out of this large pot.  Do you suppose He will mind if I pluck this one seed out of the pot and liberate the entire thing, just as my dearmost devotee, here, has desired.  I agree with you.  I don't think so either.  Then so be it.  Hare Krsna."

The Lord with His devotees

     This is absolutely profound!  If there was any condition involved here it was the great love that filled the heart and soul of Vasudeve Datta.  Could this be why there are no conditions because we are already free?   Well, I am always learning.  Recently I read that there are two conditions.  To receive the blessings of Lord Chaitanya, we must be willing to fall at His lotus feet and take shelter of them.  Secondly, we must be eagar.  Eagar to receive what He has come to give.  I can do that. 
     

Looking in my mind at the tall stack of Christian books I have read over these many years, without a doubt, The Way of A Pilgrim stands out as my favorite. I was living in Philadelphia back in the early 90s when I read it for the first time.  Over the years I have read it many times, bought it many times, and given away many times.  I don't know, its a book that just rings so true.  The Pilgrim has become my friend.  And my teacher. Turn to Chapter One and the opening two paragraphs get right to the point.

As you read further and discover more, you see that everything stems from a sincere question and the Pilgrim's quest for a spiritual master to help him answer it. The Pilgrim wants to know how to obey Saint Paul’s command, to pray continuously (1 Thess. 5:17).  This led me to discover the ancient Christian art of Prayer.  More specifically, The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.  Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.  Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.  All three version work.  To repeat this prayer continuously is the spiritual essence of what Christ taught.  After the Pilgrim receives this great mantra from his spiritual directer, he then spends the rest of his life in continuous prayer, describing what then happens to him.  Absolutely fascinating.  Now enter the teachings of Lord Sri Krsna Chaitanya.  

What is it that he taught?  Very simply: to pray continuously. Isn't that amazing! 

Since this posting [below] I have often thought about what Srila Prabhupada said.  Because I work at a vaction resort, I speak to and meet a lot of "new" people and sometimes I will place everything in perspective to what he said: "I have come to teach you what you have forgotten."  I'll look around at all the people and it is as plain as day that they have zero awareness of Lord Krsna and His divine activities. They have forgotten.

I have just spent several days reading about Sri Jiva Goswami, one of Lord Krsna's beloved saints,  and yet,  I have only scratched the surface!!!  Exactly like he said, it was Srila Prabupada who brought this matchless gift of knowledge about Krsna and His devotees to the West ...to teach us what we have forgotten. Prabhupada even showed us where Jiva Goswami's earthly remains are located and directions on how to go there.  On the "Chaitanya Tree,"  Jiva Goswami was a powerful branch.  He sprouted three great limbs and before long many leaves and fruits appeared.  Click on my "Blessings" link over on the right to read about this great Vaishnava Saint.  Thank you Srila Prabhupada.  All glories to Sri Jiva Goswami.