Nimai Meets Ishvara Puri

Illustration 1. Young Nimai became a famous teacher. One day He traveled with His students to sacred Gaya.

Illustration 2. There He wished to honor the memory of His father. The long road passed through fields, villages, and rivers.

Illustration 3. In Gaya, Nimai saw the place bearing Lord Vishnu’s footprint. He bowed before it with deep respect.

Illustration 4. In that holy city, Nimai met Ishvara Puri. He was a pure devotee and spiritual teacher.

Illustration 5. Nimai gladly served him and listened closely. Ishvara Puri spoke about Krishna.

Illustration 6. Each name of Krishna touched Nimai’s heart. Tears of love appeared in His eyes.

Illustration 7. Nimai asked Ishvara Puri to become His spiritual teacher. Ishvara Puri gave Him a sacred mantra about Krishna.

Illustration 8. Nimai received the instruction with deep respect. By His example, He showed the importance of hearing from a true spiritual teacher.

Illustration 9. As Nimai repeated the mantra, He remembered Krishna more and more deeply. His students saw His mood change.

Illustration 10. “Where is My Krishna?” He called. The pride of the great scholar was gone.

Illustration 11. Now Nimai wished to speak only about Krishna. His heart became like a river of love.

Illustration 12. We are eternal souls, forever connected with Krishna. The soul becomes happy by serving Him with love.

Illustration 13. Nimai wished to leave at once in search of Krishna. But He received a message to return to Navadvipa.

Illustration 14. He said farewell to Ishvara Puri and thanked him. Nimai carried His teacher’s gift within His heart.

Illustration 15. A brilliant pandita had arrived in Gaya, but a loving devotee returned home. Soon all Navadvipa would feel the change.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 17.8–9
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 4.34