Now the sentiment of the account of Shri Gusainji’s sevaks, the two deceitful thieves who placed a noose around Vira’s neck, is being explained.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): These two are tamasic devotees. In the divine play, both are outer-circle cowherds. One is named “Vaman” and the other is named “Hari.” One day, they deceived Shandilya Muni. Because of that offense, they came to the earthly world. They manifested from Shandilya Muni; therefore, they are of his emotional form.

These two were born in Gujarat in a low caste. From childhood they engaged in theft and deception. Later, when they grew up, the two joined together.

Prasang 1 – The Two Thieves Who Put a Noose Around Vira’s Neck At one time, two thieves from Gujarat disguised themselves as Vaishnavas and went to the house of Narayandas. Narayandas did not know that they were thieves. Considering them to be Vaishnavas, he treated them with great honor and respect. Day and night they engaged in discussions of Bhagavad-katha. They also partook of Mahaprasad at Narayandas’s house. In this way many days passed. Yet these deceitful Vaishnavas never found an opportunity to steal anything from the house.

Then one day they said to Narayandas’s wife, Vira: “Today let us discuss the confidential divine topics in seclusion.” She replied: “Very well.” At that time Narayandas had gone to the royal court. The two thieves and Vira then began discussing Bhagavad-katha in private. Vira’s mind became absorbed in the divine discussion. She became overwhelmed by its spiritual relish. At that moment, one of the thieves placed a noose around Vira’s neck. Whatever ornaments she was wearing, the thieves removed all of them.

After taking them, and seeing that their plan had succeeded, they left. On the road, Narayandas was returning from the royal court. He met them face to face. Narayandas asked those Vaishnavas: “Have you taken Mahaprasad?” The thieves could not answer. Then Narayandas said: “Why are you leaving without taking Mahaprasad? This is not proper. How can you leave without taking leave of me?” Then Narayandas brought those disguised Vaishnavas back with him. Immediately, the mouths of those thieves became dry, and great fear arose in their minds.

They thought: “Perhaps he will kill us.” While thinking in this way, they accompanied Narayandas. When Narayandas arrived home, he did not see his wife. He asked the maidservant: “Where is she?” The maidservant fearfully replied: “She lies dead inside the house. These men put a noose around her neck.” Then Narayandas entered the house. He saw that a noose was around her neck and that she was lying dead. Narayandas removed the noose from her neck. Then he sprinkled charanamrit upon her, chanted the Lord’s Name, and said: “Get up. The Vaishnavas are hungry. Let all of us take Mahaprasad together.”

Upon merely hearing these words, Vira immediately stood up. Then those thieves fell at Narayandas’s feet. Narayandas said to those Vaishnavas: “Alas! Alas! Why do you do such improper things? Being Vaishnavas, why do you place me into an offense? Now I have incurred a great offense. And you are great Bhagavadiya devotees. Such a thing could never truly come from you. This must have been some destined karmic experience of hers. You merely brought it to completion a little earlier. Now all of its fault has been removed.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this account, complete surrender of the self is demonstrated. How is this shown? Hari alone is the true doer and cause of all actions. Whatever happens occurs according to the Lord’s will and through the force of destiny. Therefore, a human being is merely an instrument. Deep affection toward Vaishnavas is also demonstrated. A Vaishnava would never truly commit such an act. When one possesses this kind of transcendental understanding, the path bears fruit.

Afterward, Narayandas seated both of them and had them take Mahaprasad. They partook of Mahaprasad properly. Then the thieves said to Narayandas: “Now make us Vaishnavas.” At that very moment they insisted strongly. They also broke the noose and threw it away outside. Then Narayandas said to them: “Go to Shri Gusainji in Shri Gokul and receive the Name from him.” Afterward, Narayandas wrote a letter of recommendation to Shri Gusainji. He gave them travel expenses and sent them on their way.

The thieves departed from there and arrived at Shri Gokul. They presented the letter to Shri Gusainji and prayed: “Maharajadhiraj! We committed this offense against Vira, the wife of Narayandas. Please forgive our offense and accept us into your refuge.” Saying this, they pleaded earnestly. Then Shri Gusainji, out of grace, bestowed the Name upon them. Thereafter, the thieves became true Bhagavadiya devotees.

Therefore, one should keep the company of Bhagavadiyas. Through the association of Narayandas, those thieves became genuine Bhagavadiya devotees. Afterward, the thieves had darshan of Shri Navneetpriyaji. Having received darshan, they became greatly delighted. Then they were given Mahaprasad. Thereafter, those Vaishnavas, formerly thieves and deceivers, took leave of Shri Gusainji and went for the darshan of Shri Nathji. After remaining there for two or four days, they returned to Shri Gokul.

Then they submitted a request to Shri Gusainji: “Maharaj! If it is your command, we would like to return to our homeland.” Then Shri Gusainji wrote a letter addressed to Narayandas and gave it to them. Those Vaishnavas took the letter and returned to Narayandas. They presented the letter to him. Narayandas received the letter and respectfully placed it upon his head. Then he had those Vaishnavas partake of Mahaprasad.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this account, the greatness of the association of Bhagavadiyas is explained. Through the association of a Bhagavadiya Vaishnava, all objectives are accomplished. Therefore, one should keep the company of Bhagavadiya Vaishnavas.

These former thieves became such supreme recipients of Shri Gusainji’s grace and such Bhagavadiya devotees. Therefore, how much can be said of their glory?