Sri Vilāpa Kusumāñjali of Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī - Volume Two
Title: Sri Vilāpa Kusumāñjali of Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī - Volume Two
Author: Sivarama Swami
Publisher: Lal Publishing
Publication Date: 2023
Language: English
Format: Hardback, Gilt Edges
Pages: 550
The second volume of Śivarāma Swami’s commentary enters the section known as “Morning Dressing,” the most detailed description of service in Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī’s Śrī Vilāpa-kusumāñjali. A short introduction re-orients readers to the question of eligibility and mood before the sequence of sevā begins.
This string of verses unfolds the blissful service of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī as She rises, bathes, and is adorned; Raghunātha goes into great detail in his service: the braiding of Her hair, applying kuṅkuma and sindūra, gopī dots, earrings, necklaces, rings, bangles, anklets, toe-rings, a sash, and jewelled armlets. Each meditation is presented with care, weaving poetry, philosophy and devotion into vivid service detail.
By dwelling on each act with reverence, this volume reveals the spirit of intimate sevā—the careful focus on each act transforms detail into worship, reminding us that in love every act—no matter how small—becomes an offering of devotion.
Vilāpa-kusumāñjali, meaning "a handful of flower-like offerings of piteous cries," represents Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami's heartfelt expressions of longing for eternal service to Śrī Rādhā. Volume Two of Śrī Vilāpa-kusumāñjali is a commentary on verses 18-32, offering a glimpse into the personal chambers of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and her morning rituals of bathing, dressing, and adorning herself. Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī, in the persona of Rati-mañjarī, immerses himself in meditation on how he yearns to serve his mistress in various capacities, expressing these heartfelt reflections through the blossoming verses of this composition.
Within this intimate setting, Rati-mañjarī's role extends beyond mere assistance in Rādhārāṇī's preparations. She provides wit, humor, encouragement, and inspiration, reassuring Rādhārāṇī of her allure to Kṛṣṇa and offering timely reminiscences of pastimes from bygone days. Thus, the evocative moods and tender services of the spiritual realm captivate the reader's mind and, gradually taking root in the purified heart, nurture the development of specific spiritual aspirations.
Śrīla Prabhupāda underscores that due to Caitanya Mahāprabhu's fervent desire to inundate the world with discussions of Kṛṣṇa, anyone with sincere interest can benefit from such transcendental literature. There often exists reluctance stemming from a misconception that discussing topics of the intimate pastimes of Kṛṣṇa's love affairs is indicative of sahajiyāism, leading one astray from the spiritual path. The Introduction to this volume cautions against this misunderstanding, highlighting the potential consequence that even in the company of advanced devotees, a deep faith in Kṛṣṇa's gopī pastimes may fail to awaken.
Presented with exquisite craftsmanship, including high-quality, four-color paper, gilt edges, and numerous new artworks commissioned specifically for this series, this book is a fusion of literary and visual artistry. It invites readers on a captivating journey alongside Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī and Rati-mañjarī into the cherished and intimate world of service to the lotus feet of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.
