Jayadeva Goswami

There was a merchant residing in the city, known for his devotion to God, piety, and remarkable generosity. Recognizing his worthiness, Jayadev chose him as his disciple. However, one must not accept a disciple who lacks faith and is miserly, constantly seeking faults in others, or harboring desires for others' possessions. Nor should one accept a disciple who is wicked, a great scoundrel, harbors hatred for their parents, leads an immoral life, or indulges in filthy practices. Additionally, a disciple who is excessively talkative, lacking enjoyment in singing God's praises, or preaches the doctrine of Brahma without personal experience should not be accepted. Similarly, those who do not believe in the Vedas and Shastras, refuse to listen to the words of saints, or lack compassion for living beings are not suitable disciples. However, the merchant possessed none of these undesirable qualities. He was profoundly pious, remarkably generous, and always eager to serve his guru with his body, speech, and mind.

One day, the merchant invited Jayadev Swami to his home. He arranged for the Swami to be seated in a carriage and escorted him into the city. It is impossible to attain an understanding of God's goodness or contemplate the doctrine of Brahma without associating with the virtuous. Pardon, peace, mercy, selflessness, sacrifices, and benevolence cannot be attained without the company of the righteous. Generosity, courage, faith, knowledge, and mastery over breath control can only be acquired through association with the virtuous. Understanding this, the merchant took Jayadev to his home and wholeheartedly served him day and night. Jayadev Swami dedicated himself to praising God day and night in that city. He guided the simple-minded, ignorant, and evildoers towards a life devoted to God. After spending a month there, he expressed his intention to return to Jagannath. The merchant said to Jayadev, "Place your hands upon my head. May your favor be upon me as your eternal servant." The merchant then seated him on a golden chair and worshipped him with profound love. Meanwhile, he pondered what religious gift he should present to his Guru. "Jewels, silver, and gold are insignificant to the Swami. Instead, I will send some money to the Guru's wife." Without Jayadev's knowledge, he loaded a carriage with various dazzling diamonds, garlands of pearls, and golden ornaments. After arranging a proper seat, he reverently placed Jayadev in the carriage, assigned a competent person to accompany him, and bid him farewell for some distance. He instructed the companion, "Go to his home and convey my respects to Padmavati. Inform her that I bow at her feet. Without Jayadev's knowledge, I have provided clothing and ornaments. Please offer them to the Guru's wife and return promptly." After accompanying Jayadev for a certain distance, the merchant returned to his own city.

On that day, two thieves followed Jayadev from behind. They had learned that Jayadev had left the city and that the merchant had made a secret gift. Therefore, the two thieves trailed behind him. The merchant had assigned a companion to accompany Jayadev, who said to him, "It is crucial that I return home. I have urgent matters to attend to." Hearing this, Jayadev replied, "Go back home and complete your tasks. A female slave, a male slave, a wife, a beast, a tree, an insect, an ant—each wanders through life enduring a subordinate existence." Thus, feeling compassion in his heart, Jayadev granted the companion permission to depart and continue his journey homeward. Jayadev proceeded alone, driving the cart himself through the forest. Suddenly, the two thieves approached, following him. They waited for an opportunity and, drawing closer, made a gesture of obeisance to Jayadev, much like a crane waiting for prey on the banks of the Ganges. Subsequently, the two thieves walked alongside the cart. Jayadev understood their intentions. The wise discern from afar the crooked, deceivers, evildoers, the crafty, thieves, immoral and impious individuals, revilers, and wrongdoers. Jayadev comprehended their actions and asked, "What do you desire? I will give it to you now. You are aware that this cart contains various dazzling diamonds, luxurious clothes, and ornaments. I offer them to you. Great evils are associated with money, for it can drive people to kill one another." Saying this, Jayadev left the cart and swiftly walked ahead. The thieves thought to themselves, "Jayadev has left the cart. He might inform the merchant and expose us to punishment. Let us kill him and seize the cart." With that thought, they rushed towards Jayadev. However, a moment later, they reconsidered and decided against killing him. Instead, they severed his hands and feet and cast him into a pit. They then took the cart and quickly returned to the city.

Meanwhile, Jayadev remained focused on God, remembering Him with love in his heart. With true understanding, he contemplated, "Only the body can be killed. The soul remains untouched. It is separate from happiness and pain. The body is the dwelling place of diseases. It is the root of lust and anger. The unhappy fluctuations of the three gunas arise from the body." Therefore, Jayadev, detaching himself from his body, turned his thoughts towards God, who finds pleasure on the Ocean of Milk.