Today Gaṅgā-nagara is covered by the Gaṅgā. Here, Navadvīpa’s famous scholar Śrī Gaṅgādāsa Paṇḍita had his school, where young Nimāī as a boy completed His studies in grammar. Nimāī then opened a school in His own home. Gaṅgādāsa, who was Sāndīpanī Muni in Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, greatly honoured Nimāī. Upon returning from Gayā, Nimāī was absorbed in krṣṇa prema. “Nimāī the teacher” had become “Nimāī the devotee”, and He gave up teaching. When Nimāī’s students complained to Paṇḍita Gaṅgādāsa about this, he showed them mercy by presenting to bhāvuka Nimāī many logical arguments why He should resume His teaching.
Nimāī Paṇḍita complied to his instruction, but now He revealed every syllable and aphorism as a manifestation of Śrī Śyāmasundara Kṛṣṇa, who attracts the entire universe. Before His students’ very eyes, He would glorify Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes and become immersed in ecstasy, and upon coming to external consciousness tears would flow from His eyes and His voice would choke up. All He could say was, “I can no longer teach grammar that is devoid of devotion to Kṛṣṇa.” He then absorbed Himself in kīrtana accompanied by His students, who abandoned their studies to join Him.
Deepen your Bhakti-yoga practice, harmonize relationships, and receive guided coaching — all at Vedavarsity.com
