Page 64 - SBV (English)

4 Çré Bhaktisiddhänta Vaibhava

that the fulfilment of Lord Caitanya’s prophecy of global saìkértana was nigh,
Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura took up the practical task of scrutinizing the theories
of occidental thinkers in the light of Gauòéya theology, thereby presenting
Mahäprabhu’s message in a radically new and apposite context. He longed for
*
and foresaw events that others might have considered fanciful dreams:
The dharma preached by Caitanya Mahäprabhu is universal
and not exclusive.… The principle of kértana as the future
church of the world invites all classes of men, without
distinction of caste or clan, to the highest cultivation of the
spirit. This church, it appears, will spread worldwide and
replace all sectarian churches, which exclude outsiders from
the precincts of the mosque, church, or temple.
Lord Caitanya did not advent Himself to liberate only a few
men in India. Rather, His main objective was to emancipate
all living entities of all countries throughout the entire
universe and to propagate the eternal dharma. Lord Caitanya
states in Çré Caitanya-bhägavata, “In every town, country, and
village my name will be sung.” There is no doubt that this
unquestionable order will come to pass.… Although there is
still no pure society of Vaiñëavas, Lord Caitanya’s prophetic
words will in a few days come true, I am sure. Why not? Nothing
is absolutely pure in the beginning. From imperfection, purity
will come about.

Very soon the unparalleled path of harinäma-saìkértana will
be propagated all over the planet.… O for that day when the
fortunate English, French, Russian, Prussian, and American
people will take up banners, mådaìgas, and karatälas and
perform kértana through their streets and towns! When will
that day come? O for the day when the Western fair-skinned
men, from one side, while chanting “Jaya Çacénandana ki
jaya!” will extend their arms and, embracing the devotees of
our country coming from another side, treat us with brotherly
feelings. When will that day be? On such a day they will say,
“Our dear Äryan brothers, we have taken shelter at the lotus
feet of Lord Caitanya, who is the ocean of transcendental

* For more on his achievements, see vol. 2, pp. 201–2.