This is a lecture by Swami B.G. Narasingha in Govindaji Gardens on Radhastami - September 9th 2016.
Swami Narasiṅgha begins by reading a prayer from Raghunāth Dāsa Goswāmī within Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja’s book “Loving Search for the Lost Servant”. He explains that Gauḍīyas are Śuddha-śaktas (woshippers of the original potency) and that Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is more than Kṛṣṇa’s consort. She is ādi-śakti just as Kṛṣṇa is ādi-puruṣa. He explains that She is the origin of devotion, without which there would be no devotion to anyone or anything. Service is the practical expression of devotion and beyond the practical expression is the rare and high stage of nirjana-bhajana (solitary internal devotion). Swami Narasiṅgha emphasises that becoming old and infirm does not automatically qualify one as a devotee of a high caliber capable of nirjana-bhajana. One does not age into deep internal realization.
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is described as Śraddhā-devī - śraddhā (real faith) transcends knowledge, mind and intelligence. Swami Narasiṅgha says that in order to achieve the mercy and grace of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī we must give all of our energy and devotion to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and that we will automatically be taken to Her feet.
yathā yathā gaura-padāravinde vindeta bhaktiṁ kṛta puṇya-rāśiḥ
tathā tathot-sarpati hṛdya-kasmād rādhā-padāmbhoja-sudhāmbu rāśiḥ(Caitanya-candramrta 88)
"As devotion unto the lotus feet of Śrī Gaurasundara is attained by a greatly pious person, inevitably the ocean of nectar which is the service of the lotus feet of Śrī Rādhā is accordingly born within his heart." (Caitanya-candrāmṛta 88)
Swami Narasiṅgha emphasises that Rādhā-tattva is not to be spread far and wide to the general public. Just like in Bhāgavatam there is no direct mention of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī but rather she is inferred. Among the devotees we should understand who She is and what the great ācāryas have concluded in relation to Rādhā-tattva. Not to avoid the topic but also not bring Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī out in public.
