His Deity Form

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Śrīla Tīrtha Mahārāja is still present among us while playing a līlā (pastime). Although some say he is unwell, I disagree. Those who are afflicted by illness cannot remain peaceful and quiet. The disease itself will make them cry out, “Aah, ooh, eeh, aah,” and their faces lose their luster. This is not seen in Mahārāja.  Do you see how beautiful he is?  His radiance is blissful – mukhaṁ prasannaṁ vimalācha dṛṣṭiḥ (1) — a “pleased face, soft clear gaze." Whereas those who are afflicted cry out, "Aah! Eeh!", and their eyes reflect their suffering.


Though omnipotent, Bhagavān localizes Himself as the Deity in order to accept service in order to bestow auspiciousness upon his servitors. In the Deity form, Bhagavān says, “If you want to feed Me, then feed Me. If you don’t want to feed Me, then don’t. Whatever kinds or quality of food you feed Me, I will eat.” 


He does not complain whether they offer Him food or not, whether they serve Him properly or not. Mahārāj has now reached that same state: reliance on servitors, to bestow auspiciousness on them.  But Mahārāj has no sickness. If anyone thinks so, let them think so; but I don’t think so. 


He is in a state where he is completely absorbed in the pastimes of the Supreme Lord. Since the worldly people with material vision can only perceive external things, they think, “Like we get disease, Mahārāja is also sick now.” That is not true. He is performing an act of being sick, similar to the dependent pastimes of the Supreme Lord in His Deity form.


—Param Pūjyapāda Bhakti Niketana Turyāśrami Mahārāja




Srila Bhakti Niketan Turyasrami Maharaj

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