Vairag or Detachment Resides In The Mind

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

One day, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to see one of His old associates Pundarika Vidyanidhi. When Mahaprabhu saw him, the two embraced each other and shed tears of love. This is what happens when two people who are really close to each other, meet after a long time.

Pundarika Vidyanidhi

Pundarika Vidyanidhi lived in exclusive luxury. He had a palace like home, a bed made of gold and several beautiful maids serving Him. This confused one of Mahaprabhu's disciples, Gadadhar Pandit. He made a wrong opinion about Pundarika Ji. He thought Pundarika Ji was extremely attached to the worldly pleasures. And He further thought - Why would Mahaprabhu come to see such a worldly person? Has something gone wrong with Mahaprabhu too?

Well, the visit ended and Mahaprabhu came back to Navadweep with His disciples. Mahaprabhu knew everything what happened with Gadadhar. He called him and asked - Why were you confused at the home of Pundarika Vidyanidhi?

Gadadhar told the truth - Prabhu! That man lives in lavish luxuries. I was confused that you went to see such a worldly person.

Mahaprabhu asked him - You judged that saint with all the external luxuries.Where do you think does the Vairag or detachment reside?

Mahaprabhu explained - It is the mind which holds the Vairag for the world. You should not have judged him from his external outlook.

Mahaprabhu further gave examples of Dhruv, Prahlad and Janak who were saints but ruled the entire earth for thousands of years.

Then, Shri Mahaprabhu instructed Gadadhar to go and get Deeksha from Pundarika Vidyanidhi and come back only when Pundarika Ji pardons him.

Moral of the Story

It is the mind that holds the indifference for the world. It is the mind that holds the love for God. 

Since we the souls are under the influence of Maya, we cannot see anything inside the saint's heart and hence cannot judge Him with His external behavior and belongings.