Tattva-viveka: Recent Episodes
Sri Caitanya Sangha
Study the canvas on which the art of Krishna lila is drawn. This means to get grounded in the bhakti philosophy so that your practice will become more consistent which will prepare the ground, build the stage where Krishna will come and play.
This podcast will feature lecture series from different members of Sri Caitanya Sangha.
Madana-mohana dasa - Bhagavad-Gita - Chapter 4: Bhakti Insights into Krishna’s descent - Part 5
Sadhvi dasi - The Role of the Vaisnavi Saints in the History of Gaudiya Vaisnavism part 4
0min
Sometimes it’s said that offering the fruits of one’s work can be seen as part of one’s bhakti-sadhana while at other times it is said to not be part of sadhana-bhakti. Can you explain this?
13min
If someone is aspiring for raga-bhakti through regulated practice, is that practice vaidhi-bhakti?
15min
Srila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Goswami said that he appreciated when devotees were lamenting about their spiritual condition. What can we meditate on to develop this spirit?
22min
How can I detach from ideas about myself that are not favorable to bhakti?
30min
In what way does the lila of Sri Narasimhadeva answer the question in the Srimad Bhagavatam as to Bhagavan’s impartiality?
35min
How can we love Sri Krishna for who he is and not for his opulences?
39min
How is it that I can go to sleep feeling very inspired about bhakti and then wake up the next morning and the inspiration is gone?
42min
What part of the arcana is vaidhi and what part is raga?
53min
How can an offense to a devotee be rectified?
Madana-mohana dasa - Bhagavad-Gita - Chapter 4: Bhakti Insights into Krishna’s descent - Part 4
The Beauty and Messiness of the Sadhaka's Journey -- Interview n34: Bhakti Pranaya Padmanabha Swami
Sadhvi dasi -- The Role of the Vaisnavi Saints in the History of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, part 3
Madana-mohana dasa - Bhagavad-Gita - Chapter 4: Bhakti Insights into Krishna’s descent Part 3
Madana-mohana dasa - Bhagavad-Gita - Chapter 4: Bhakti Insights into Krishna’s descent Part 3
Sadhvi dasi -- The Role of the Vaisnavi Saints in the History of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, part 2
Sadhvi dasi -- The Role of the Vaisnavi Saints in the History of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, part 1
2min
Is it possible to surprise Sri Krishna since he already knows everything?
12min
Do all the material elements, including ahamkara, have equivalents in the spiritual world?
23 min
I have two questions:
Can you clarify the instruction that one should not think of the guru as an ordinary human being and how that extends to sadhus?
Can you also share something about your time with HH Tamal Krishna Goswami?
55min
Can clarify the instruction that one should not share one’s bhajana while at the same time Gaudiya Vaishnavism is very much about sharing with others?
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
0min
Can you clarify the difference between karma-misra-bhakti and aropa-siddha-bhakti?
7min
It is said in the Vraja-Vilasa-Stava it is said that Balarama’s mother Rohini sees Balarama and Krishna equally, yet she loves Krishna a million times more. Can you talk about this?
16min
What causes a devotee to be attracted to a particular rasa?
37min
When is lobha attained along the progression from sraddha to prema?
48min
Can you say something about apparent synchronicity and divine revelation?
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
As the first class was not recorded due to technical reasons, here you'll find a summary:
Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 3, Lecture 1 Summary
We explored the question, “What is action?” and defined it as movement of body, mind, or speech. We also covered the five agents of action as found in Bg. 18.14, as well as the nature of the mind. Since the focus of this series is on training the mind though action we went into the relationship between mind and body as some length, and gave examples of how the two influence one another. In particular we explored the question, “How is it that the mind, a subtle organ, can manifest physical changes in the body?” We gave everyday examples that anyone can observe, such as when we are hungry and think of food we will salivate, or that when the mind is disturbed we may be unable to sleep, along with well documented scientific studies on the placebo effect, as well as studies done at Stanford University demonstrating that what we believe in the mind can have measureable physiological effects. We ended the lecture with an exploration of whether or not there is an inherent benefit to work and if so why it is that ordinary people who work don’t develop the resolute intelligence recommended by Krnsa, the conclusion being that it is the consciousness we do our work in that determines the results, whether binding or liberating.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Mohini dasi -- Exploring the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra. Series 2, Part 4
What is pure bhakti, and how does one attain it? Why is sambandha-jnana so essential? These are the core questions that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura answers in the fourth chapter of Jaiva Dharma, titled Vaishnava-Dharma is Nitya-Dharma.
Mohini dasi- Exploring the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra. Series 2, Part 3
In the third chapter of Jaiva Dharma, we will be exploring the relationship between karma and bhakti, and how any activity that has even a trace of material influence should be ultimately rejected.
Questions:
4min
How are we to interact with people outside of Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
22min
Can you comment on the recommendation to deal with kanaka, kamini, and pratistha by offering them to certain deities?
28min
Is it sometimes difficult for Subala-sakha to inform Sri Krishna of Sri Radha’s separation from him, as it may cause him suffering?
33min
Are the trees of Vrindavana in santa-rasa, and if so, is Sri Madhavendra Puri in santa-rasa as he is identified with a kalpa-vrksa in Gaura Ganoddesa Dipika?
46min
Where did Madhavendra Puri get his particular type of bhakti from?
Questions:
9min
Oftentimes, at the end of a prayer or chapter in the scripture, there are big promises given to those who recite or hear these prayers and stories, etc. Are those promises exaggerated?
25min
Does the story of the woodcutter chanting the Bhagavatam verses to Sukadeva imply that it does not matter who carries the message i.e. that the power is in the message itself?
30min
In your commentary to the fourth verse of Siksastakam you recommend worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai for those who are not yet on the level where Sri Krishna in Vrindavana would be likely to hear their prayers. Are there any specific prayers you recommend in this regard?
41min
Some say that Sri Advaita Acarya is Sri Ujjvala Sakha in Vraja-lila. Can you comment on this?
50min
How are we to conceive of the worship of Sri Damesvara Mahaprabhu?
54min
If we have been socialized into values that are not favorable for bhakti, how can we change such deep-rooted values?
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Brahma Vimohan Lila, part 7: The Chemistry That Creates the Bhagavatam
Questions:
0min
What is the relationship between the priya-narma-sakhas with Srimati Radharani, and what is their relationship with the manjaris?
9min
Sometimes, it’s said there is an avatara for each yuga, whereas other times, it is said that only three of the four yugas have yuga-avataras. Can you explain this?
30min
Why is it that Lord Brahma has so few worshippers and temples dedicated to him?
40min
Isn’t Lord Brahma worshipped widely in Thailand by Buddhists?
42min
How do we know when it’s Paramatma speaking and not our false ego?
51min
Do the different words for surrender, such as saranagati, atma-niksepa, or atma-samarpana, mean different things in the life of a sadhaka?
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Brahma Vimohan Lila, part 4: Beautiful Means to a Beautiful End
Questions:
2min
It’s easy to understand intellectually that there is a difference between the body and the self, but how to realize this and live accordingly?
43min
What is the Gaudiya Vaishnava understanding of how consciousness influences matter?
1h 2min
How important is diksa to progress through the stages of bhakti?
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Brahma Vimohan Lila & Brahma Stuti, part 2: The Truths the Stories Tell
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Tirobhava Mahotsava of Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarsvati Thakura Prabhupada
Questions:
4min
If devotion is the supreme happiness, why do we hear so many examples of great devotees lamenting about their perceived misfortune?
19min
What does it mean that Sri Krishna did not feel separation from his friends during the Brahma-vimohan-lila because he was close to them in an expanded form that searched for their calves?
26min
Srimad Bhagavad-Gita teaches that Paramatma sanctions the fulfillment of the desires of materialists as well as spiritualists. On what criteria does he do so?
35min
Is the change from Paramatma to Sri Krishna as the deity of one’s heart an overnight thing, or is it something that happens gradually?
39min
Are the twelve forests of Vrindavan related with the twelve gopalas? Is there a special meaning to numbers in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
45min
Some say that bhakti is vicarious for lay practitioners, meaning that they support the monastics, and the monastics do the bhakti for them. What are your thoughts on this?
54min
Do the priya-narma-sakhas experience vicariously what Sri Krishna experiences in union with Srimati Radharani in the same way that the manjaris experience what Srimati Radharani experiences In union with Sri Krishna?
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Anucchedas 30–74.4
First Division: Supportive Statements - Anucchedas 30–43
Second Division: Kṛṣṇa Is the Subject
of the Bhāgavata’s Major Dialogue - Anucchedas 44–73
Third and Fourth Divisions: Hermeneutics —
Ṣaṭ-pramāṇa and Ṣaḍ-liṅga - Anucchedas74.1–74.4
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of scriptural texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. Hermeneutics is more than interpretative principles or methods used when immediate comprehension fails and includes the art of understanding and communication.��Now, he begins a new investigation to validate the same conclusion, analysing the subject of the book from the six hermeneutical indicators described in the Jaimini-sūtra:
When direct statement (śruti),3 inferential mark or word meaning (liṅga), sentence or syntactical connection (vākya), context or interdependence (prakaraṇa), position or order of words (sthāna), and name (samākhyā) are present simultaneously, each member is progressively weaker in interpretive force, because of increasing remoteness from the meaning. (Jaimini-sūtra 3.3.14)
In the second chapter of Jiva Dharma, Bhaktivinoda Thakura establishes that Krsna-prema is the nitya-dharma, or the highest potential of the jiva. While doing so, he says some apparently unflattering words about other faith traditions like advaita-vedanta, buddhism, and islam.
As Gaudiya sadhakas in a pluralistic world, how are we to harmonize our faith in krsna-prema being the true nature of the soul with respecting other wisdom traditions?
Mohini dasi, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
1min
What makes one eligible to sing about Sri Krishna’s pastimes?
17min
Can you say something about Subala’s magical powers?
23min
Does nistha mean constant chanting?
32min
Is Mahaprabhu worshipping Krishna-Balarama at home in his Navadvipa-lila?
37min
What would the name Dauji Nitai mean?
41min
Why is Lord Narasimhadeva so important in our sampradaya?
53min
In Srila Rupa Goswami’s Laghu Bhagavatamrta, Lord Ramacandra, Lord Narasimhadeva, and Lord Krishna are singled out as sad-aisvarya-purna forms of Bhagavan, meaning that they are complete in the six opulences. Could it also be that they are singled out because they all have parsadas in a different way than other forms of Bhagavan?
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
The Fourfold Army of the Bhāgavata’s Paribhāṣā
Anucchedas 30–74.4
First Division: Supportive Statements - Anucchedas 30–43
Second Division: Kṛṣṇa Is the Subject
of the Bhāgavata’s Major Dialogue - Anucchedas 44–73
Third and Fourth Divisions: Hermeneutics —
Ṣaṭ-pramāṇa and Ṣaḍ-liṅga - Anucchedas74.1–74.4
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of scriptural texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. Hermeneutics is more than interpretative principles or methods used when immediate comprehension fails and includes the art of understanding and communication.��Now, he begins a new investigation to validate the same conclusion, analysing the subject of the book from the six hermeneutical indicators described in the Jaimini-sūtra:
When direct statement (śruti),3 inferential mark or word meaning (liṅga), sentence or syntactical connection (vākya), context or interdependence (prakaraṇa), position or order of words (sthāna), and name (samākhyā) are present simultaneously, each member is progressively weaker in interpretive force, because of increasing remoteness from the meaning. (Jaimini-sūtra 3.3.14)
“What’s the point of studying the scriptures? Aren’t they merely some cultural artifacts from times gone by that contain outdated information? Hasn’t science replaced the need for traditional authority?”
Along with these questions, we will also consider the common answers to “What is the meaning of life?” in this first class on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s spiritual novel Jaiva Dharma, as we explore the answers scriptures can provide us for the ultimate questions of life.
Mohini dasi, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra.
Questions:
0min
You’ve said that the mood in Gaura-lila is mainly dasya bordering on sakhya. How should we see the position of Visnupriya Devi since I understand that she is Laxmi devi, the eternal consort of Lord Narayan and Mahaprabhu is Krsna with the mood of Sri Radha?
4min
What is the proper revelation of the siddha-deha? Is the siddha-deha fixed before it is revealed?
19min
What is the contribution of those in the sampradaya who did or does not write books, such as the forest babajis?
24min
How to reconcile verses 14.22-25 of the Gita, the qualities of a person who has transcended the gunas with those who are inimical to devotees?
27min
Can you recommend some prayers for expressing gratitude to our deity?
33min
What does Sri Krishna receive from the neophyte devotee? How does the worship of the neophyte affect him?
40min
Does Krishna first have compassion for his neophyte devotee which later turns into longing as the devotee advances?
46min
Are Paramatma and caitya-guru conceptionally the same?
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on the beauty and mystery of Krishna's Rasa-lila.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
The Fourfold Army of the Bhāgavata’s Paribhāṣā
Anucchedas 30–74.4
First Division: Supportive Statements - Anucchedas 30–43
Second Division: Kṛṣṇa Is the Subject
of the Bhāgavata’s Major Dialogue - Anucchedas 44–73
Third and Fourth Divisions: Hermeneutics —
Ṣaṭ-pramāṇa and Ṣaḍ-liṅga - Anucchedas74.1–74.4
Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially the interpretation of scriptural texts, wisdom literature, and philosophical texts. Hermeneutics is more than interpretative principles or methods used when immediate comprehension fails and includes the art of understanding and communication.
namāmīśvaraṁ saccidānanda-rūpaṁ
lasat-kuṇḍalaṁ gokule bhrāja-mānam
yaśodā-bhiyolūkhalād-dhāvamānaṁ
parāmṛṣṭam atyaṁ tato drutya gopya
I offer obeisances unto Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the possessor of all potencies, whose beautiful form is the entirety of concentrated existence, knowledge and bliss. On His cheeks, makara-shaped earrings are swinging playfully. His infinite brilliance shines forth from His most splendid residence, the transcendental abode, Śrī Gokula. He was afraid of Mother Yaśodā (because He smashed the earthen pot of yoghurt). When He saw her coming He leapt down from the grinding mortar and ran away. Nevertheless, Mother Yaśodā ultimately caught hold of Him from behind, for she ran more swiftly than He did.
Questions:
1min
The Bhagavad-Gita says that acts done without sraddha will not bear fruit. How can this statement be understood in relation to the concept of ajnata sukrti?
8min
If bhakti can be engaged in without faith, what does it mean that faith is the beginning of bhakti?
13min
It is said that Sri Krishna is so beautiful that his devotees feel ashamed of their glorifications once they meet him for the first time because the glorifications did not do justice. However, when Krishna appears on earth, some people don’t like him even when they see him. How is that possible?
18min
I heard that the Banke Bihari deity in Vrindavan is a combined form of Radha and Krishna. Do you have any thoughts on this you would like to share?
25min
Is it Yogamaya that takes Mahaprabhu into Krishna-lila and back out in Gaura-lila?
28min
It is said that when we go to the spiritual world, we will have no memories of the material world. How is it then that Gopa Kumara could go back to the material world after attaining perfection and remember his life story?
34min
It is said that the monkeys that Sri Krishna fed butter in his Damodara-lila were associates of Lord Ramacandra. It is also said that Krishna would feed crows in the same pastime. Do you know who those crows might be?
36min
Does Sri Narasimhadeva have the face of a lion in Vaikuntha?
41min
Sometimes it’s said that among the guna-avataras only Lord Vishnu is suddha-sattva, and in other places, Lord Shiva is also considered suddha-sattva. Can you explain this?
44min
Have you had the darsana of Guruvayurappan?
46min
Do you have a suggested order of reading your books?
49min
In the story of Puranjana in the Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a narration of Sri Krishna asking the jiva if the jiva remembers him and why it left him. This is used to support the idea that we used to be with Krishna. Can you comment on this?
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on vraja mandala parikrama.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on the beauty and mystery of Krishna's Rasa-lila.
It was actually Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s maidservant, His yogamāyā potency, who had understood His mind and accomplished the task of binding Him. This made Mother Yaśodā feel that all those astonishing activities of Śrī Kṛṣṇa were an illusion. When that rope was finally tied tightly around Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s waist, Mother Yaśodā knotted it to another long rope, which she then tied around the middle of the grinding mortar.
She had taught her son Kṛṣṇa a lesson by tying Him up and thus showed Him how unmoved she could be by His stubbornness. To protect Him, she seated the other little boys around Him and, happily went inside with the giggling gopīs to complete her household chores.
Questions:
0min
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
3min
One of the names of Srimati Radharani listed in Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami’s Sri Sri Radhika astottara sata nama stotra is Bhaskaropasika, meaning “she who worships the sun”. Is the sun that she worshipped in the bhauma-lila the same sun that we see now in the sky? Can you share something about Srimati Radharani worshipping the sun?
14min
Sridhama Navadvipa and Sridhama Vrindavana are said to be one and the same. Are the siddha devotees serving in both the audarya-lila and the madhurya-lila at the same time? How does that work?
30min
Have you composed a written explanation of the na paraye ham-verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam?
36min
What does it mean when Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says in his Srimad Bhagavatam commentaries that a word in a text is supposed to be another word?
41min
Is there an objective truth as to what Srila Prabhupada‘s rasa is?
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on vraja mandala parikrama.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on the beauty and mystery of Krishna's Rasa-lila.
The aerial voice said [to Mother Yaśodā], “Feeling hungry and thirsty, your little bumblebee made a hole in the bud of a lotus flower that had no pollen. When He saw that it was merely water that began dripping from that flower, He became disappointed and went to another lotus flower, where He has found a big supply of honey. The import is that in order to get fresh butter, your son performed all these deeds. He first broke the churning pot, but did not find butter there. He then found it hanging in the next room.
“You have displayed your intelligence by deciding to leave your baby and go cool down the milk, but if you can calm the anger of your child, you will receive even more praise.”
Upon hearing the aerial voice Mother Yaśodā laughed and followed the thief’s conspicuous yoghurt-footprints to the next room. She managed to force the doors open. Then she stepped inside, only to behold her son’s other matchless mischief. Tracing His path of escape, she finally spotted Him, His eyes restless with fear.
Questions:
4min
Can you say something about Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji as it’s his disappearance day, and also about the significance of Bhisma-pancaka?
20min
When Mahaprabhu entered trance at Cataka Parvata, it seems from the descriptions that he experienced manjari-bhava. What does that mean for him in his approach to experience Radha-bhava, and what does it mean for us in our aspiration to attain a relationship with Krishna in Vraja?
31min
Does Gaura Krishna appear in every kalpa?
36min
Is Kaliya the only one that Krishna punished by himself, rather than the Vishnu in him doing it as with others?
39min
Can you comment on the example Srila Rupa Goswami gives of a devotee acting as an uddipana? He quotes a verse describing Krishna standing next to Subala sakha as an uddipana for the gopis.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on vraja mandala parikrama.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on the beauty and mystery of Krishna's Rasa-lila.
Yaśodā’s love remained unrestricted in spite of seeing Kṛṣṇa’s powers and hearing about the Lord’s powers from the scriptures such as the three Vedas which glorify Kṛṣṇa as the yajña puruṣa (Lord Viṣṇu, the personal beneficiary of all sacrifices). Kṛṣṇa is glorified as the puruṣa (Supreme Lord) in the Sāṅkhya śāstras; the Paramātmā in the Yoga-sūtras, and as Bhagavān in the Pañcarātra writings (Sātvata).
Questions:
47min
When Srila Prabhupada was about to pass away from this world, he wanted to go on Govardhana parikrama. At that time, one group of devotees were in favor of Srila Prabhupada going on the parikrama because whatever the guru says should be done whereas another group thought it would be too dangerous for him in the condition he was in. Which perspective did you favor at the time?
51min
Can you say something about Giri Govardhana’s sakhya-rasa with Krishna?
1h 5min
Is the eighth verse of Madhurastakam in the mood of sakhya? If so, what is the relationship between sakhya and Krishna’s act of creation? (The verse says “srstir madhura—your act of creation is sweet” among expressions of how Krishna’s cowherd friends and lilas of killing demons are sweet)
1h 15min
If we are to learn from our mistakes through karma, why do we not remember our previous lives?
1h 21min
Can it be said that those in the Gaudiya Sampradaya who aspire for sakhya-rasa have purchased Nityananda Prabhu in a special way?
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on vraja mandala parikrama.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on the beauty and mystery of Krishna's Rasa-lila.
Yaśodā’s love remained unrestricted in spite of seeing Kṛṣṇa’s powers and hearing about the Lord’s powers from the scriptures such as the three Vedas which glorify Kṛṣṇa as the yajña puruṣa (Lord Viṣṇu, the personal beneficiary of all sacrifices). Kṛṣṇa is glorified as the puruṣa (Supreme Lord) in the Sāṅkhya śāstras; the Paramātmā in the Yoga-sūtras, and as Bhagavān in the Pañcarātra writings (Sātvata).
As the fruitive workers think of the Lord as the yajña puruṣa according to the Vedas, similarly, Yaśodā thought of the Lord has her son due to her vātsalya prema. Just as Kṛṣṇa gives results to the karmīs who worship Him, He reciprocated with Yaśodā’s maternal affection. But Kṛṣṇa could not respond fully to the amount of affection offered by Yaśodā.
One should take this verse as a paribhāsa sūtra of Kṛṣṇa-līlā. As a lamp sits in one place in a dark room and lights up the whole room, so that statement in the scriptures which can reveal the meaning of all scriptures or regulate the meaning of the scriptures is called a paribhāsa-sūtra. This verse stands as a regulator for all of the pastimes related to aiśvarya (displays of power and opulence) shown during Kṛṣṇa’s kaumāra and kaiśora (childhood and youthful) ages in Mathurā, Kurukṣetra and elsewhere.
Questions:
3min
Who is Srimati Radharani married to and what is his role in the lila?
11min
There is a verse and commentary in Brhad-bhagavatamrta condemning the view that the Puranic stories are myths. Can you comment on this?
34min
Is there scope for telling Krishna, “This is how I want to serve you”, yet remaining open to how he might want to be served by us?
39min
Where can I find the verse where Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gives a blessing to those who aspire for sakhya-rasa?
42min
How can one know that one has found the most appropriate spiritual master?
50min
How can one be sure that it’s the right thing to take diksa from a particular guru?
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on how great is bhakti.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In the following two verses spoken to Śrī Vedavyāsa, Śrī Nārada clearly refers to Kṛṣṇa:
I wander all over singing the līlās of Śrī Hari [Kṛṣṇa] while playing on this vīṇā instrument, which was given to me by the effulgent Lord (deva-datta) and is adorned with the [seven] musical notes that embody Brahman in the form of sound. When I sing of the heroic deeds of the Lord whose glory is most endearing and whose feet are the source of all holy places, He quickly appears in my heart as if summoned by me. (SB 1.6.33–34) exclusively upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
“The effulgent Lord” (deva) can refer only to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, as it is well-known from the upari-bhāga of the Liṅga Purāṇa that it is He who personally gave the vīṇā to Nārada. From the congruity of meaning, it naturally follows that the form of the Lord that appeared in Nārada’s heart is exactly that in which He gave him the vīṇā. Remembering the gift of the vīṇā bestowed upon him by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Nārada used the compound deva-datta, “given by the effulgent Lord,” specifically out of the deliberation on Him.
In this fourth and final class we will discuss Sakatasura and the lessons he holds for sadhakas regarding the burden of cultural bias and mistaking form for substance.
Questions:
1min
Sometimes the ideal disciple is described as a sycophant and sometimes as someone who thinks for themselves. Can you shed light on this apparent contradiction?
15min
Is it appropriate to enjoy one’s devotional service?
27min
How does the interaction between spiritual and material work in Krishna’s manifest lila?
36min
It seems that the Vedic culture and the western culture have different distinctions between good and evil. Can you comment on this?
44min
How can one know that it’s the right time to study topics that are generally considered confidential?
53min
How to understand Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s expressions that seem to speak of an aspiration to experience gopa-bhava when we know that his actual aspiration is for manjari-bhava?
1h 3min
How do we determine which kirtan singers are good to listen to?
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In the following two verses spoken to Śrī Vedavyāsa, Śrī Nārada clearly refers to Kṛṣṇa:
I wander all over singing the līlās of Śrī Hari [Kṛṣṇa] while playing on this vīṇā instrument, which was given to me by the effulgent Lord (deva-datta) and is adorned with the [seven] musical notes that embody Brahman in the form of sound. When I sing of the heroic deeds of the Lord whose glory is most endearing and whose feet are the source of all holy places, He quickly appears in my heart as if summoned by me. (SB 1.6.33–34) exclusively upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
“The effulgent Lord” (deva) can refer only to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, as it is well-known from the upari-bhāga of the Liṅga Purāṇa that it is He who personally gave the vīṇā to Nārada. From the congruity of meaning, it naturally follows that the form of the Lord that appeared in Nārada’s heart is exactly that in which He gave him the vīṇā. Remembering the gift of the vīṇā bestowed upon him by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Nārada used the compound deva-datta, “given by the effulgent Lord,” specifically out of the deliberation on Him.
This third class will discuss Putana, her history, her actions and the lessons she holds for sadhakas whose desired attainment is Vraja-bhakti.
Questions:
0min
What does it mean that one should not accept too many disciples?
29min
Is there place for aspirants of dasya- and vatsalya-rati in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
44min
Can you say something about the human form of life and its importance with regard to bhakti?
59min
What is the difference between first and second initiation?
1h 12min
Would Gaudiya Vaishnavism be able to accommodate both the view that bhakti is bestowed and the view that it’s inherent in the jiva?
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on how great is bhakti.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī offered a description of the puruṣāvatāras in Anucchedas 1–5, and of the līlāvatāras in Anucchedas 6–26. In Anuccheda 27, he outlined the vibhūtis of Bhagavān. In Anucchedas 28 and 29, he analyzed the first quarter of verse 1.3.28, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam, and established Kṛṣṇa as the original Bhagavān, the source of all avatāras. In Anuccheda 29, he dealt with scriptural affirmations that seem to contradict the above conclusion. Then in Anucchedas 30–43, he cited various statements from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa that support the above conclusion. Now, beginning from this anuccheda up to 73, he will analyze the dialogues of the major teachers and students cited in the Bhāgavata to show that they too are all intent exclusively upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
This second class will discuss a little of whose who in Krishna lila, the past powerful lives of Kamsa, how he represents misguided intelligence, and how to be aware of and rid this unwanted tendency from our heart.
Questions:
0min
As Lord Balarama presides over sambandha-rupa bhakti, who presides over kamarupa bhakti?
19min
Are the presiding deities of the two forms of Vraja-bhakti related with the presiding deities of the sandhini-, samvit-, and hladini-sakti?
22min
What’s the relationship between Sri Krishna’s sakhas and the gopis?
30 min
Can you explain what’s needed to understand the meaning of sastra?
60min
How can we be sure that we are making advancement and that we are not just superficially engaged in bhakti?
63min
What is the standard for leadership in spiritual institutions?
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on how great is bhakti.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Kṛṣṇa Is the Subject of the Bhāgavata’s Major Dialogue
Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī offered a description of the puruṣāvatāras in Anucchedas 1–5, and of the līlāvatāras in Anucchedas 6–26. In Anuccheda 27, he outlined the vibhūtis of Bhagavān. In Anucchedas 28 and 29, he analyzed the first quarter of verse 1.3.28, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam, and established Kṛṣṇa as the original Bhagavān, the source of all avatāras. In Anuccheda 29, he dealt with scriptural affirmations that seem to contradict the above conclusion. Then in Anucchedas 30–43, he cited various statements from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa that support the above conclusion. Now, beginning from this anuccheda up to 73, he will analyze the dialogues of the major teachers and students cited in the Bhāgavata to show that they too are all intent exclusively upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
This first class will lay the ground work for discussing the use of metaphors drawn from the demons of Vraja to enhance our practices, focusing on the removal of unwanted tendencies within our heart.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on how great is bhakti.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In this way, the formal declaration (pratijñā), “Kṛṣṇa, however, is Svayaṁ Bhagavān,” like a great heroic emperor, single-handedly overrules hundreds of opposing statements, assimilating them unto itself. Yet, just to augment the pleasure of the audience by a display of unique splendor, I will now cite other verses as well that are like the emperor’s supporting fourfold army. First, in their prayers to Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the devas speak of His agency in the matter of the līlāvatāras:
O Almighty Lord (Īśa), reverence unto You. Just as [in the past] You have protected us as well as the three worlds through Your avatāric descents as a fish (Matsya), a horse [Hayagrīva], a tortoise [Kūrma], a man-lion (Nṛsiṁha), a boar (Varāha), a swan (Haṁsa), a kṣatriya [Śrī Rāma], a brāhmaṇa [Śrī Paraśurāma], and a deva [Śrī Vāmana], O Best of the Yadus, please now remove the burden of the earth. (SB 10.2.40)
Questions
0min
Can you give some advice on how to develop humility in a sustainable way in keeping with one’s eligibility?
14min
Can you say something about the five samskaras given at initiation?
23min
Can you explain the word adhikara and whether it relates to dharma?
29min
Some gaudiya vaishnava institutions are insular and not open to consider outsider perspectives. How can devotees in such groups be helped?
41min
Is Rama Tulasi more related to Rama-lila and Krishna Tulasi more to Krishna-lila? Could attraction to either type of Tulasi say something about one’s attraction to either lila?
46min
The Bhagavatam says that Lord Siva was born from Lord Brahma, but sometimes, it is said that Lord Siva is eternal whereas the Lord Brahmas are changing in every creation. Can you explain this?
48min
What is the story behind the form of Shiva called Tripurari?
51min
If visrambha is the pradhana of sakhya-rasa, what could be said to be the pradhana of each of the other rasa’s?
Mohini dasi, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra.
Why are bad habits so easy and good ones so hard? Why do we fail so often with our good habits despite our best intentions? How can we get out of the rut?
In this final class of the Intentional Sadhaka series, we will be talking about habit formation from the bhakti point of view as well as looking at what psychology, biology, and neuroscience have to say about why and how our habits are formed, and what’s the most effective way to change them.
Madan Gopal is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In this way, the formal declaration (pratijñā), “Kṛṣṇa, however, is Svayaṁ Bhagavān,” like a great heroic emperor, single-handedly overrules hundreds of opposing statements, assimilating them unto itself. Yet, just to augment the pleasure of the audience by a display of unique splendor, I will now cite other verses as well that are like the emperor’s supporting fourfold army. First, in their prayers to Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the devas speak of His agency in the matter of the līlāvatāras:
O Almighty Lord (Īśa), reverence unto You. Just as [in the past] You have protected us as well as the three worlds through Your avatāric descents as a fish (Matsya), a horse [Hayagrīva], a tortoise [Kūrma], a man-lion (Nṛsiṁha), a boar (Varāha), a swan (Haṁsa), a kṣatriya [Śrī Rāma], a brāhmaṇa [Śrī Paraśurāma], and a deva [Śrī Vāmana], O Best of the Yadus, please now remove the burden of the earth. (SB 10.2.40)
Questions:
1min
How should one deal internally with the fact that the details of arcana not always line up with the details of the lila considering that arcana is meant to foster lila-seva?
18min
Can you explain how it is that Sri Gadadhara is Srimati Radharani, Lalita, and Visakha.
24min
Can you elaborate on Govardhana-tattva?
35min
How can we understand the characters in the lila who seem to be in unfavorable positions, such as Jatila?
42min
I’m a beginner practitioner and I’m hard on myself when I fail to surrender. Can you give me some advice on this?
51min
How to get over depression and self-loathing? In the midst of such states it is hard to be motivated for anything.
Gurunistha das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on The Intentional Sadhaka: Focusing on Making Progress.
Madan Gopal is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In this way, the formal declaration (pratijñā), “Kṛṣṇa, however, is Svayaṁ Bhagavān,” like a great heroic emperor, single-handedly overrules hundreds of opposing statements, assimilating them unto itself. Yet, just to augment the pleasure of the audience by a display of unique splendor, I will now cite other verses as well that are like the emperor’s supporting fourfold army. First, in their prayers to Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the devas speak of His agency in the matter of the līlāvatāras:
O Almighty Lord (Īśa), reverence unto You. Just as [in the past] You have protected us as well as the three worlds through Your avatāric descents as a fish (Matsya), a horse [Hayagrīva], a tortoise [Kūrma], a man-lion (Nṛsiṁha), a boar (Varāha), a swan (Haṁsa), a kṣatriya [Śrī Rāma], a brāhmaṇa [Śrī Paraśurāma], and a deva [Śrī Vāmana], O Best of the Yadus, please now remove the burden of the earth. (SB 10.2.40)
The meaning here is self-evident.
Mohini dasi, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra.
Gurunistha das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on The Intentional Sadhaka: Focusing on Making Progress.
Madan Gopal is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
By such an assertion from Śrīmad Bhāgavata, statements to the contrary from other Purāṇas are superseded. This is to be understood in the same manner as the overruling of one injunction by another [in the ritual portion of the Vedas], such as the statement “We shall drink soma and become immortal” (Ṛg Veda 8.48.3)72 being overridden by the contravening statement “Just as in this world the objects acquired through diligent effort (karma) are subject to decay, so also in the next world [i.e., heaven], the results acquired through virtue will also wither away” (CHU 8.1.6). Here also, the logic [quoted above] is seen to be applicable: “But those who speak in this illogical manner contradict themselves, having forgotten their own prior statements” (SB 10.77.30).
Therefore, what [the senior] Sūta expressed in that regard [in Skanda Purāṇa, concerning Kṛṣṇa’s being the keśāvatāra of Viṣṇu] was merely his own doubt [pertaining to Bhagavān’s inconceivable nature], such [logical uncertainty] being indicated in statements such as: “One should not strive through reason [alone] to apprehend the transrational” (Mahābhārata, Bhīṣma Parva 5.12).
Questions
00min Is Vrinda-Devi like a nymph?
05min Can you elaborate on the meaning of experiential spirituality?
19 Is Vrinda-devi the same as Bhakti-devi, an expansion of Radharani? What is the connection between all these names and Devis?
25 Some scriptures describe Srimati Radharani as older than Krishna. Is it possible that this is referring to their appearances in other ages and universes than ours?
32 Does every yuga have its own version of the Bhagavatam?
35 Do the Gaudiya Vaishnavas place importance on the change that happened in the life of Adi Sankaracharya who was said to initially be said to have been an impersonalist but took to Bhakti yoga?
40 What is the difference between searching for truth through love and searching for love through truth?
Mohini dasi, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the Mercy of Sri Nityananda Through Song and Sastra.
Gurunistha das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on The Intentional Sadhaka: Focusing on Making Progress.
The Gopals are interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Here, Śrī Jīva takes up the task of reconciling similar conflicting statements found in other Purāṇas. Among such descriptions, the most prominent are those that depict Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma as avatāras of the black and white hairs of Viṣṇu. This notion is found not only in Mahābhārata (Ādi-parva 197.32–33), but also in Viṣṇu Purāṇa (5.1.59), Nṛsiṁha Purāṇa (53.32), and even the Bhāgavata Purāṇa (2.7.26) itself. If, however, one carefully examines the complete narration presented in these Purāṇas, one will recognize that such a conclusion is simply without cogency.
The story behind the keśa (hair) avatāra is that when the Earth Goddess felt overburdened by the proliferation of unrighteous kings, she approached the host of devas headed by Brahmā. Hearing her plea, Brahmā advised the devas to accompany him to the Milk Ocean to supplicate Bhagavān Viṣṇu. Being pleased with their prayers, Śrī Viṣṇu appeared to Brahmā. In response to the report of the Earth’s plight, He plucked out two hairs from His head and announced that these hairs would descend to the earth and rid her of this burden.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak Yoga Sutra for devotees.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
The story behind the keśa (hair) avatāra is that when the Earth Goddess felt overburdened by the proliferation of unrighteous kings, she approached the host of devas headed by Brahmā. Hearing her plea, Brahmā advised the devas to accompany him to the Milk Ocean to supplicate Bhagavān Viṣṇu. Being pleased with their prayers, Śrī Viṣṇu appeared to Brahmā. In response to the report of the Earth’s plight, He plucked out two hairs from His head and announced that these hairs would descend to the earth and rid her of this burden.
Syamasundara das, deity-dresser of Dauji Gopala at Madhuvan, will speak on the importance and implications of prayer.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak Yoga Sutra for devotees.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Direct statements are called śruti. They are independent utterances (nirapekṣa-ravā śrutiḥ, Artha-saṅgraha 16) that convey their meaning without any intermediate steps, as is the case with indirect instruction. A direct statement of this sort is supremely powerful and can override any indirect means of interpretation. The hermeneutics of textual analysis is the subject matter of Jaimini-sūtra 3.3.14, which has been cited in this section. The declaration kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam is taken as a śruti statement, direct and unambiguous. The statement of Mahākāla, on the other hand, is not direct.
Mahākāla’s statement, therefore, should be taken as a liṅga, or inferential mark, and not as śruti. The power of words is called liṅga. A liṅga is always overridden by śruti, because to apply the former, something has to be assumed. In this case, we have to suppose that Mahākāla is specifying the difference between Himself as Bhagavān and Kṛṣṇa as His aṁśa. Such an assumption, however, contradicts the śruti statement and is therefore rejected.
Syamasundara das, deity-dresser of Dauji Gopala at Madhuvan, will speak on the importance and implications of prayer.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
1min
It is said that we must harmonize guru, sadhu, sastra, and our own heart. What is the process for doing this? Because sometimes it’s said, for example, that the guru’s words overrules sastra while sometimes the opposite has been said.
28min
When we talk about ordinary faith and scriptural faith, where does personal experience come into play?
33min
Can you say something about the background of Sri Isvara Puri?
43min
Can you suggest an order in which to study the scriptures, either which books to study or what themes to study?
50min
What to call someone whom you have accepted as your guru but whom you have maybe not met in person? Could one say Gurudeva?
53min
What philosophical differences did Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana and Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura have? And I’m wondering the same about Srila JIva Goswami and Srila Rupa Goswami.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak Yoga Sutra for devotees.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī refers to various statements that seem to contradict the paribhāṣā of Kṛṣṇa being Svayaṁ Bhagavān. These statements are found both in the Bhāgavata as well as in other Purāṇas, but Jīva begins by interpreting verses from the Bhāgavata in the light of the paribhāṣā principle that Kṛṣṇa is Svayaṁ Bhagavān.
Syamasundara das, deity-dresser of Dauji Gopala at Madhuvan, will speak on the importance and implications of prayer.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak Yoga Sutra for devotees.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In this way, it has been concluded that Śrī Kṛṣṇa is Bhagavān, whereas the Puruṣa, being immanent in all beings, is the Paramātmā. A doubt is now raised in this regard. This single statement establishing Kṛṣṇa as the aṁśī is in contradiction with many other statements confirming Him as an aṁśa. Should it not then be interpreted as guṇānuvāda, or eulogy?
This is answered as follows [by first redefining the question]: Are these statements [that Kṛṣṇa is an aṁśa] taken from Śrīmad Bhāgavata or from some other scripture? If the former, then this third chapter of the First Canto, called Janma-guhyādhyāya, “The Mystery of [Bhagavān’s] Appearances,” is itself the sūtra for all the statements describing the avatāras, because it informs us of them and because all subsequent elaborated descriptions [of the avatāras] made later on in the Bhāgavata are amplifications of this first account alone.
Syamasundara das, deity-dresser of Dauji Gopala at Madhuvan, will speak on the importance and implications of prayer.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
1min
It is sometimes said that one needs to come to a point of being dissatisfied with material life before one can begin the path to transcendence. Other times, it is said that there is never satisfaction in material life. Can you explain this?
6min
Is there any equivalent in our scriptures to the biblical statement, “For where two or three are assembled in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
13min
Can you elaborate on the difference between laukika sraddha and sastriya sraddha?
32min
What is the background to the naming of the different islands of Navadvipa?
35min
Can you say something about the descriptions in the universe given in the Srimad Bhagavatam and the ones given by modern science?
53min
Sometimes more details are given about Srimati Radharani and the other gopis than in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Can you say something about this?
Krishna Caitanya das, deep thinker and cowboy, will speak on topics from Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
In this way, having ascertained [the identity of] Paramātmā along with His parts, Śrī Sūta now identifies Śrī Bhagavān by His form [(ākāra), i.e., by the explicit display of His complete power] after summarizing what he has already stated: “All these are either portions (aṁśas) or minute portions (kalās) of the Puruṣa, but Kṛṣṇa alone is Bhagavān Himself” (SB 1.3.28).
Some are portions due to being infused by other portions, whereas others are kalās, or in other words, vibhūtis (displays of lesser power). Śrī Kṛṣṇa, however, who has been counted as the twentieth avatāra in this list, is Bhagavān. He alone is that [very same] Bhagavān who is the original source (avatārī) even of the Puruṣa [as mentioned in SB 1.3.1].
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
00min
It is said that there are rumors of demons in Krishna’s unmanifest pastimes in the spiritual world but that there are no demons there. Is it the same in the unmanifest Gaura-lila?
13min
Is it a common service for the priya-narma-sakhas to guard Krishna’s flute when he is with the gopis?
17min
Is sraddha part of the svarupa-sakti?
29min
You mentioned you were learning how to make flowerbeds. Did you mean garden beds for planting flowers, or actual beds of flowers?
31min
What is the position of the demigods?
40min
Can one see service to nature and animals as bhakti?
52min
How should a disciple see the guru’s view on mundane matters like politics, science, health, etc.?
56min
The nazis had their idea about the svastika and the aryan race. What is the scriptural view on these things and how did Hitler and his people deviate from that?
1h 00min
Can you explain the terms mantra-mayi upasana and svarasiki that are used by Jiva Goswami?
Krishna Caitanya das, deep thinker and cowboy, will speak on topics from Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically propounds the supreme dharma of humanity, which is love for Bhagavān — our very source and refuge. To be infused with transcendental love for Bhagavān, authentic and unambiguous knowledge about Him and His essential being is of utmost importance. Since Bhagavān has innumerable forms, such as Viṣṇu, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Nṛsiṁha, the question must be asked, are They all equiprimordial in Their constitutional status or is there some hierarchy of being among Them? To address this question, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this book, Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha.
The conventional and for the most part unexamined point of view is that Kṛṣṇa is simply an avatāra of Viṣṇu. In Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī uproots this misconception, demonstrating that Bhagavān Viṣṇu, being ontologically related to the play of creation and hence to immanence, is Himself implicitly included within a more complete transcendent Whole (avatārī), technically known as Svayaṁ Bhagavān, who is clearly identified in the text as Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
2min
Can you elaborate on the teaching that we should accept Krishna as our maintainer and protector and how this relates to the teaching that we shouldn’t ask Krishna for material things?
15min
How is one to deal with situations that may seem as blessings but could be entangling one in material pride?
22min
Sometimes it’s said that everything is in the Vedas, and sometimes it’s said that the Vedas only deal with certain essential things. Can you explain this?
27min
Why is it called prana pratistha when a deity is installed?
28min
Is it okay to use offered Tulasi leaves in one’s herbal infusion?
29min
It is said that Sri Madhavendra Puri was a kalpa-vrksa tree in Krsna-lila. Does that mean he’s part of Balarama’s sandhini potency that is said to make up the immovable beings in Vrindavana dhama?
39min
We often hear about Krishna playing the fifth note on his flute. What about other notes that he plays?
47min
Can one converse with Krishna in one’s mind?
54min
If it’s helpful for our spiritual practice, where can we find the new debates online around whether bhakti is or is not inherent in the jiva?
Krishna Caitanya das, deep thinker and cowboy, will speak on topics from Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Madan Gopal das is interviewing Archana-siddhi dasi about her sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically propounds the supreme dharma of humanity, which is love for Bhagavān — our very source and refuge. To be infused with transcendental love for Bhagavān, authentic and unambiguous knowledge about Him and His essential being is of utmost importance. Since Bhagavān has innumerable forms, such as Viṣṇu, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Nṛsiṁha, the question must be asked, are They all equiprimordial in Their constitutional status or is there some hierarchy of being among Them? To address this question, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this book, Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha.
The conventional and for the most part unexamined point of view is that Kṛṣṇa is simply an avatāra of Viṣṇu. In Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī uproots this misconception, demonstrating that Bhagavān Viṣṇu, being ontologically related to the play of creation and hence to immanence, is Himself implicitly included within a more complete transcendent Whole (avatārī), technically known as Svayaṁ Bhagavān, who is clearly identified in the text as Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
1 min:
We see Sadhakas become attracted to or inspired by different angas of bhakti. Is that attraction a result of karmic disposition, bhakti giving special mercy in that direction, or is it the will of the jiva in response to the mercy of bhakti.
7 minute:
Can you please elaborate on the inner eye mentioned in this comment?
"The eye is necessary: divya-darśan [divine vision], dīkṣā [initiation]. Dīkṣā means to acquire such an eye, the inner eye. Divya-jñān [divine knowledge] is a second eye, another eye within. At the sacred thread ceremony, the upanayana is meant to be imparted: another eye to see things around you. This is the eye of judgement, a theistic eye."
16 min
If someone's inner vision reveals aspects of Bhagavan and awakens feelings for Him that aren't relatable or supported by others in their life, should one simply remain silent in solitude, prayerful that someone supportive will come?
27 min
Being mainly drawn to this feeling of friendly love with Krsna as the lovely cowherd boy, how do we develop our attraction to other forms of the Lord? How do we develop our relationship with Radharani?
33 min
Two statements:
1) Krishna is merciful to the most fallen
2) He rarely gives Bhava and Prema
How to harmonise these two statements?
44 min
I saw in a post by Swami Ashram about the paintings of then and now. Is it entirely by the grace of the guru that someone can see that window (into the spiritual world) in order to capture and transmit and also perceive as it is? Could you elaborate on this further please.
49 min
Today is the day of Ratha Yatra. Can you say some words on this?
Krishna Caitanya das, deep thinker and cowboy, will speak on topics from Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically propounds the supreme dharma of humanity, which is love for Bhagavān — our very source and refuge. To be infused with transcendental love for Bhagavān, authentic and unambiguous knowledge about Him and His essential being is of utmost importance. Since Bhagavān has innumerable forms, such as Viṣṇu, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Nṛsiṁha, the question must be asked, are They all equiprimordial in Their constitutional status or is there some hierarchy of being among Them? To address this question, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this book, Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha.
The conventional and for the most part unexamined point of view is that Kṛṣṇa is simply an avatāra of Viṣṇu. In Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī uproots this misconception, demonstrating that Bhagavān Viṣṇu, being ontologically related to the play of creation and hence to immanence, is Himself implicitly included within a more complete transcendent Whole (avatārī), technically known as Svayaṁ Bhagavān, who is clearly identified in the text as Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on the Swami call:
3 min
I recently heard someone say that Krishna is only Svayam Bhagavan when He's with Radha, not even when He's with Balarama.
Usually we think of Svayam Bhagavan as having three aspects; the son of Yashoda; the friend of the cowherds; and the lover of Radha. Can you comment on what I heard?
17 min
Previously on the Swami call ago you discussed our branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as being the Bhaktivinoda Parivar. I have heard Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Maharaja refer to the line as Gaudiya Sarasvat Parivar. Can you comment on these understandings of our Parivar.
26 min
How would you differentiate the teachings you received from Srila Prabhupada and the teachings from Srila B.R. Sridhara Maharaja?
37 min
Are the missions of Srila Prabhupada and Srila B.R. Sridhara Maharaja two different missions?
40 min
What does it mean that Krsna is in the mood of Radha?
47 min
if you have a prayer asking for health is it okay to ask Krishna or better to turn to another form of the Lord?
51 min
I would like you to help me better understand a statement given by Jiva Goswami in his Bhakti sandarbha. In anuccheda 304 he he quotes the itihasa samuccaya that says: the person who thinks I am the servant of Vasudeva, for a thousand births, he liberates everyone.
Then he explains: one can try hard in worship, but just by thinking in this way, that one is the servant of Krsna, one will attain perfection.
Krishna Caitanya das, deep thinker and cowboy, will speak on topics from Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically propounds the supreme dharma of humanity, which is love for Bhagavān — our very source and refuge. To be infused with transcendental love for Bhagavān, authentic and unambiguous knowledge about Him and His essential being is of utmost importance. Since Bhagavān has innumerable forms, such as Viṣṇu, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Nṛsiṁha, the question must be asked, are They all equiprimordial in Their constitutional status or is there some hierarchy of being among Them? To address this question, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this book, Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha.
The conventional and for the most part unexamined point of view is that Kṛṣṇa is simply an avatāra of Viṣṇu. In Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī uproots this misconception, demonstrating that Bhagavān Viṣṇu, being ontologically related to the play of creation and hence to immanence, is Himself implicitly included within a more complete transcendent Whole (avatārī), technically known as Svayaṁ Bhagavān, who is clearly identified in the text as Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Songs in today’s session:
Radha Krsna Bol:
http://kksongs.org/songs/r/radhakrsnabol.html
Sri Gaura Nityananda Daya:
http://kksongs.org/songs/p/paramakaruna.html
Manah Siksa:
http://kksongs.org/songs/n/nitaipadakamala.html
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
01min
Sometimes it’s said that one should not read the 10th canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam without first having read the nine preceding ones. What is your advice on this?
20min
How can we transition in a healthy way from ordinary faith (laukika sraddha) to scriptural faith (sastriya sraddha) without upsetting others?
35min
When Rupa Goswami presents the anga of bhakti to live in a holy place, why does he say Mathura rather than Vrindavana?
40min
How can devotee parents help their children remain interested in spirituality while living in western cultures that are typically anti-traditional?
57min
How to intensify one’s sadhana when one is caught up in the duties of day-to-day life?
59min
What makes Krishna the supreme authority?
1h 6min
What does it mean when Krishna says in Bhagavad-gita that one has to tolerate happiness?
Citta Hari das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the vaisnava qualities in relation to Sri Madhavandra Puri.
Madana-mohana das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the first wave of bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically propounds the supreme dharma of humanity, which is love for Bhagavān — our very source and refuge. To be infused with transcendental love for Bhagavān, authentic and unambiguous knowledge about Him and His essential being is of utmost importance. Since Bhagavān has innumerable forms, such as Viṣṇu, Rāma, Kṛṣṇa, and Nṛsiṁha, the question must be asked, are They all equiprimordial in Their constitutional status or is there some hierarchy of being among Them? To address this question, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this book, Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha.
The conventional and for the most part unexamined point of view is that Kṛṣṇa is simply an avatāra of Viṣṇu. In Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī uproots this misconception, demonstrating that Bhagavān Viṣṇu, being ontologically related to the play of creation and hence to immanence, is Himself implicitly included within a more complete transcendent Whole (avatārī), technically known as Svayaṁ Bhagavān, who is clearly identified in the text as Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Links for the lyrics of the songs sung in this episode:
Ami Yamuna Puline:
http://kksongs.org/songs/a/amijamunapuline.html
Gaurangera Duti Pada:
http://kksongs.org/songs/g/gaurangeradutipada.html
Sri Gaura Arati:
http://kksongs.org/songs/j/jayajayagoracander.html
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
01min
There is a somewhat popular hypothesis in contemporary thought saying that the universe is a simulation. What are your thoughts on this?
14min
If the simulation theory is true, would it automatically imply that there is someone producing this simulation?
16min
Are Radha and Krishna ever late reaching to their respective homes before daylight?
30min
Could you say something about Gangamata Goswamini?
32min
Can you give some details about Bipin Bihari Goswami?
54min
Can you comment on the colors in the yantra described in Brahma-samhita, verse 5?
Citta Hari das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the vaisnava qualities in relation to Sri Madhavandra Puri.
Madana-mohana das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the first wave of bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
So, it is to be concluded that Bhagavān’s transrational power alone is the cause of the appearance of duality. Therefore, although Paramātmā by His very own intrinsic nature is altogether free from change or modification, He transforms into the form of the universe and so on through His transrational power, just as a philosopher’s stone, or a cintāmaṇi gem, can produce anything desirable, and just as a magnet can move a piece of iron from afar. This has been accepted by Śrī Vyāsadeva, “Brahman is the creator because the Śruti says so; Brahman is understood only through the Vedas” (VS 2.1.27).
Thus, because He has such potencies, it is not proper to define the word māyā in a material way to mean magical knowledge [as in the case of the apparently inconceivable actions of a magician]. Rather, according to the etymological derivation from the root √mā, māyā is that [energy] by which wondrous varieties are produced, meaning that it is the potency that produces wonderful objects (vicitrārtha). Therefore, the conclusion of the scriptures is [that the world is only] a transformation (pariṇāma) of Paramātmā. This has also been discussed in Bhagavat Sandarbha (Anuccheda 39).
Agnideva das is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and world famous, world-traveling kirtaniya.
Here are the texts of the kirtans that were chanted:
http://kksongs.org/songs/e/emonadurmati.html
http://kksongs.org/songs/u/ujjvalavarana.html
http://kksongs.org/songs/m/mamamanamandire.html
http://kksongs.org/songs/s/srikrsnacaitanyaprabhu.html
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
02min
In a recent thread, Jagadananda said that institutions like ISKCON and Gaudiya Matha (and its branches by implication) are not possessed of the cultural authenticity of the original Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He then said that both ISKCON and Gaudiya Math represent “certain historical moments, the response of Vaishnavism to its surroundings in different times and circumstances. They have their ethos, their prejudices, their cultural standards and institutionalized forms and names. All of which are an extra shell on the coverings of pure bhakti.” Could you share some thoughts on this, please?
20min
It is said that the priya-narma sakhas are the best among the sakhas because of their absorption in sakhi-bhava in their service to Krishna. Can you explain what this sakhi-bhava is?
38min
Are the priya-narma-sakhas the same age as Krishna?
41min
Is niskama-karma-yoga and jnana-yoga comparable to preaching and nirjana-bhajana respectively?
53min
In chapter 2, verse 56 of you commentary of the Gita it says: "When God desires to take his devotee from the world, no longer able to bear the pain of separation from him, he distributes his devotee's pious prarabdha-karma to those who love him and any impious prarabdha-karma to those who oppose him". Can you share some words about this concept?
Citta Hari das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the vaisnava qualities in relation to Sri Madhavandra Puri.
Madana-mohana das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the first wave of bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Now we shall discuss the potency known as “extrinsic” (bahiraṅgā). This potency, called māyā, which is operative in the matter of cosmic creation [maintenance and dissolution], was referred to earlier in terms of its incidental characteristics (taṭastha-lakṣaṇa). It is known as tri-varṇā, or tricolored, signifying that which is constituted of the three guṇas…
“This divine māyā of Mine consisting of the guṇas is very difficult to cross.” (Bhagavad-Gītā 7.14)
Paramātmā presides over both the taṭastha and bahiraṅga-śaktis. Having defined the incidental and intrinsic characteristics of the taṭastha-śakti, Śrī Jīva now begins his explanation of the extrinsic energy, or bahiraṅga-śakti, which is the taṭastha-śakti’s field of action (kṣetra). This is called prasaṅga-saṅgati, or contextual correlation. The antaraṅga-śakti, which manifests the transcendental abode, associates, and divine play of Bhagavān, was already explained in Bhagavat Sandarbha.
Agnideva das is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and world famous, world-traveling kirtaniya.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
02min
Can you say something about Sri Vrindavana Dasa Thakura for the occasion of his appearance day?
23min
Is it only progress in bhakti that carries over to the next life? Will progress in jnana or karma not carry over?
26min
Some people say that Sridama Sakha, Srimati Radharani’s sister, cannot be the same as Sridama of Krishna’s antahkarana. Can you comment on that?
37min
Can you say something about the difference between Gaura-Narayana that appear in other Kali-yugas and Gaura-Krsna who appeared in this Kali-yuga?
46min
Are there certain sections in Caitanya-caritamrta or Caitanya-Bhagavata for those who desire sakhya-bhava that you recommend to study?
54min
How can one completely conquer fear?
Citta Hari das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the vaisnava qualities in relation to Sri Madhavandra Puri.
Madana-mohana das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the first wave of bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Since the entire analysis of God’s potencies is intended solely for the benefit of rational beings, Śrī Jīva next turns his attention to an exposition of jīva-śakti. It is crucial for us to understand our true self-nature so that we can transcend our identification with a falsely constructed phenomenal self. In this section, therefore, Śrī Jīva lays bare the intrinsic characteristics of the ātmā as a conscious integrated part of Paramātmā, distinct from prakṛti.
Agnideva das is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and world famous, world-traveling kirtaniya.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions:
02min
Should we focus more on developing divine qualities or on getting rid of bad qualities?
15min
Can you say something regarding the necessity of a personal Godhead?
43min
Can we ever repay the debt to our gurus and Krishna?
44min
What does it mean that Sikhi Mahiti’s sister was considered half an associate of Mahaprabhu?
50min
How do we conceive of time in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
Syamananda das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the significance of Bhagavad-gita's first chapter.
The Philosophy and Practice of Gaudiya Vaisnava Lectures.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will teach us the art of teaching.
Archana-siddhi Devi is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and has for many years been helping devotees through hosting events such as Japa Retreats etc.
Bhagavān is the Complete Person (puruṣaṁ pūrṇam), who has His own eternal abode and liberated associates in the spiritual realm. He has real potencies inherent within His nature, all of which can be divided into three categories — intrinsic (antaraṅgā), intermediary (taṭasthā), and extrinsic (bahiraṅgā). Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī’s unique contribution to Vedānta philosophy was to make this distinction explicit, which is a significant aid in understanding Bhagavān, the conscious living beings, the manifested cosmos, and the interrelation between them. This refinement in understanding is not commonly brought to light by Indian theists, who tend to conflate Bhagavān and Paramātmā without differentiation.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
02min 54sec
There is a Finnish term that could be directly translated into English as “Becoming into faith”. How would you explain a term like this to a secular audience?
17min 39sec
You have sometimes said to chant and cry that we can’t chant purely. Sometimes I find that inspiring and sometimes discouraging. Can you share something about how to do this in the proper way?
29min 41sec
Can you share something about the position and contribution of Srimati Jahnava Devi?
41min 59sec
Is Srimati Radharani bigger/older or smaller/younger than Krishna?
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Syamananda das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the significance of Bhagavad-gita's first chapter.
The Philosophy and Practice of Gaudiya Vaisnava Lectures.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will teach us the art of teaching.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrī Brahmā designed the senses in such a way that they perceive only outwardly — they cannot perceive the individual self or the Supreme Self within, even during the waking and dreaming states. The Supreme Self can, however, be perceived by the grace of bhakti, which is the Lord’s internal potency. Śrī Kṛṣṇa asserts this: “Only through pure devotion coupled with faith can I be understood and realized” (SB 11.14.21). Just as one can smell only through the nose and hear only through the ear, one can see the Lord only through bhakti. The devotees who have shattered their illusion by the grace of the Lord can see the Lord within and without —
premāñjana-cchurita bhakti vilocanena
santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
03min 00sec
Can you elaborate on the phase of development in bhakti where one starts to feel that Krishna is directly accepting one’s service?
12min 30sec
I preach mostly to women, and with the rise of feminism, it’s difficult to explain all the suffering of female figures in Gaudiya Vaishnavism and sastra in general, such as the gopis, Sita-devi and Vishnu-priya. It seems as if they are neglected by Krishna, Ramacandra and Mahaprabhu respectively. Can you shed some light on this issue?
26min 10sec
Syamananda das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the significance of Bhagavad-gita's first chapter.
The Philosophy and Practice of Gaudiya Vaisnava Lectures.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will teach us the art of teaching.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
This presentation on the 63rd Anuccheda of the Bhagavat Sandarbha deals the the nature of Vaikuṇṭha and confirms that no one fall from that transcendental abode.
In that abode of unalterable peace are found only those who know themselves and feel themselves to belong to Me entirely. They will never meet with destruction; My unblinking wheel never devours those for whom I am the total Beloved, their very Self, son, friend, preceptor, relative, benefactor and worshipable Lord.
(SB 3.25.38)
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
2min 10sec
I’m looking for peace in my bhajana to be able to go deeper, but I’m having anxiety. So how about practicing other techniques than bhakti to achieve inner peace?
20min 15sec
Could you share something about the essence of raganuga-bhakti?
33min 15sec
Can you comment on the significance of the fact that there are no specific gopis or manjaris mentioned by name in the Srimad Bhagavatam, the main text of the raganuga-bhaktas?
45min 10sec
When Mahaprabhu entered his final bhajana in Gambhira, we have heard that it wouldn’t be suitable for Gadadhara to there with him. Instead, he had Ramananda Raya and Svarupa Damodara, who internally are parama-prestha sakhis. But how come he had no one in manjari-bhava there with him, since the manjaris are privy to things that even the parama-prestha sakhis are not?
53min 00sec
How much should we contemplate Krishna, and how much should we contemplate the guru? 50/50?
Syamananda das, bhakti yoga scholar, will speak on the significance of Bhagavad-gita's first chapter.
The Philosophy and Practice of Gaudiya Vaisnava Lectures.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will teach us the art of teaching.
Archana-siddhi dasi is interviewing devotees about their sadhaka journeys with a backdrop of Joseph Campbell's stages of a hero's journey. Looking at our spiritual quest through the eyes of a hero's journey helps us embrace both the beauty and messiness we encounter on the way. Cultivating this vision helps the spiritual practitioners to accept everything that happens in their lives as favorable to obtaining their ultimate goals in bhakti. The interviews are also a way to help connect our international sanga.
Śrī Jīva continues in the Bhagavat Sandarbha with his presentation of ontology, the prameya (knowable) based upon the pramāṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. An in-depth review of the anucchedas which represent Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī teachings on Brahman.
If an object has no quality, it cannot be perceived, since our senses perceive qualities [fragrance, taste, color, texture and sound]. There is no possibility of perceiving an object without quality. Hence, indeterminate knowledge is beyond sense perception.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Śrī Jīva continues in the Bhagavat Sandarbha with his presentation of ontology, the prameya (knowable) based upon the pramāṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. An in-depth review of the anucchedas which represent Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī teachings on Brahman.
If an object has no quality, it cannot be perceived, since our senses perceive qualities [fragrance, taste, color, texture and sound]. There is no possibility of perceiving an object without quality. Hence, indeterminate knowledge is beyond sense perception.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
00h 00min 01sec
What is the difference between bhedabheda of the Nimbarka sampradaya and acintya-bhedabheda, and what is your opinion on the yugala-mantra of the Nimbarka sampradaya, Radhe Krsna Radhe Krsna Krsna Krsna Radhe Radhe Radhe Syama Radhe Syama Syama Syama Radhe Radhe?
00h 17min 40sec
If someone dies suddenly without wearing devotional markings, will the Visnudutas recognize them due to whatever service they have done?
00h 26min 08sec
When sharing truths, some people who hear it may consider it harsh and violent. How can this be avoided?
00h 31min 30sec
What’s the place of cultivating inner peace in the context of bhakti?
00h 46min 45sec
Sometimes preaching strategies which involve apa-siddhanta are used by acharyas. How should neophytes deal with such strategies while preaching?
In this class we discuss Krishna’s appearance in the heart of his devotee.
"Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their hearts destroy the darkness born of ignorance with the effulgent lamp of knowledge."
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Śrī Jīva continues in the Bhagavat Sandarbha with his presentation of ontology, the prameya (knowable) based upon the pramāṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. His indepth analysis of the vadanti verse continues in this second sandarbha.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
00h 01min 00sec
Someone has commented regarding the Bhagavad-gita that Krishna spoke it for his own sake, emphasizing dharma to justify to himself that he left Vrindavana. Arjuna was according to this comment there to hold the space for him to do this. What do you think about this comment?
00h 07min 15sec
What exactly is a saktyavesa-avatara?
00h 22min 13sec
How is intuition understood according to our Gaudiya philosophy?
00h 26min 58sec
Is intuition the voice of Paramatma?
00h 31min 30sec
How can the name Nimai Pandit be eternally applicable to Mahaprabhu if his Lila as a pandit is temporary?
00h 34min 40sec
When a jiva takes birth in the bhauma lila of Krishna, does his body there correspond with his eternal siddha-deha?
00h 44min 20sec
Sometimes, there are controversial statements in Srila Prabhupada’s books that turn off newcomers. How to best deal with this?
Bhaktirasa dasi has been hosting major gatherings of Sri Caitanya Sangha over the course of a decade and cares for Sri Sri Gaura Radha Madhava, deities installed by Swami B. V. Tripurari.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Śrī Jīva continues an analysis to determine from a transcognitive perspective the subject, the means, and the goal of Bhāgavata Purāṇa [the Prameya]. In doing so, he adopts a unique approach in which the subject, means, and goal are shown to be not logical propositions but directly cognized truths.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
21-04-12
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Bhramara-gita.
(The first question was asked before the recording started)
1.What is actually meant by the tenth offense, maintaining material attachments even though one has heard the glories of the holy name?
2.It is said that when demons are killed by Krishna, at the point when their subtle body is destroyed, they feel attracted to Krishna. How does that happen?
3.Why is it that Subala helps Krishna and Candravali to meet each other when his group leader is Srimati Radharani?
4.How can we practically apply information about how the asta-kaliya-lila corresponds with different stages of bhakti?
5.What do you think the most important lesson of Krishna’s incarnation as Ramacandra is for devotees and aspiring devotees?
SHOW LESS
Bhaktirasa dasi has been hosting major gatherings of Sri Caitanya Sangha over the course of a decade and cares for Sri Sri Gaura Radha Madhava, deities installed by Swami B. V. Tripurari.
Catuh-sloki are 4 verses in Bhagavad-gita (10.8-11) that Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura considered to be 4 nutshell verses wherein the entire Gita can be found.
Part 5
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Śrī Jīva begins an analysis to determine from a transcognitive perspective the subject, the means, and the goal of Bhāgavata Purāṇa [the Prameya]. In doing so, he adopts a unique approach in which the subject, means, and goal are shown to be not logical propositions but directly cognized truths from the transempirical states of awareness of Śrī Śuka and Śrī Vyāsa.
21-04-05
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
Swami Sri Bhaktivedanta Tripurari answering the following questions:
Since today is Srivasa Pandita’s appearance day, can you share something about this?
How is it that Krishna’s friends still tease him after seeing him kill demons like Trnavarta, Aghasura and Bakasura?
Krishna does not go outside the svarupa-sakti, so when demons are killed, it is Vishnu’s doing. But it is also said that only when Krishna kills demons do they attain mukti. How to harmonize this?
How is it that Dhruva was in illusion although he was self-realized?
What services do cows perform other than giving milk, and what is their bhava?
Animals and inanimate objects in Vraja have sometimes been said to be in santa-rasa and other times said to be in madhurya-rasa. Can you say something about this?
What is the definition of Grace, especially in the context of receiving the Grace of Lord Nityananda?
Why would an all-powerful being require worship?
Bhaktirasa dasi has been hosting major gatherings of Sri Caitanya Sangha over the course of a decade and cares for Sri Sri Gaura Radha Madhava, deities installed by Swami B. V. Tripurari.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
This discussion by Dulal Chandra das presents the methodology used by Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī in his presentation of the Śaṭ Sandarbhas, the supercognitive samādhi of Vyāsa and preliminary revelation regarding prameya (the knowable).
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
This discussion by Dulal Chandra das presents Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī’s justifications for Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam being the epistemological foundation for spiritual revelation (sabda).
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
Questions from today’s Swami Call:
00h 01min 30sec
What pastime is the most thrilling for you and why?
00h 08min 30sec
What does it mean to take shelter of Sri Nitai? What does it mean to take shelter of the spiritual master, and what does it mean to take shelter in itself?
00h 29min 00sec
Did Srila Prabhupada translate the Vedanta-sutra? There appears to be a translation attributed to him. And is it appropriate for a beginner to read or is it too high?
00h 33min 40sec
If I have difficulty reading due to a damage. Is it okay to listen to lectures instead?
00h 37min 00sec
When Krishna speaks in sastra, the instructions are general, whereas the devotees give more specific instructions. So when Krishna says, for example, “Meditate on me”, does it mean to meditate on him with a flute in Vrindavana, or is it only a general instruction?
00h 42min 50sec
Is vaishnava-seva a limb of Krishna-bhakti?
00h 46min 30sec
How to understand the section in Caitanya-bhagavata where Mahaprabhu gets angry with mother Saci for not having a garland ready for the deity worship?
00h 51min 44sec
Could this lila be compared with when mother Yashoda put Krishna down and he broke the pots?
00h 53min 30sec
I would like to improve my service and sadhana. I live family life, so this is difficult. Can you give any advice?
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
Dulal Chandra das, systematic teacher of Srila Jiva Goswami's six sandarbhas.
Today discussion cover the jñāna-śūnyā bhakti of the Śaṭ Sandarbhas.
The mystery of the internality that is the epistemological (knowledge) basis of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī’s Śaṭ Sandarbhas.
There are sometimes misconceptions within the Gaudiya community between knowledge that nourishes our development and enduring taste for spiritual practice, and becoming overly absorbed in jñāna simply in a quest for knowledge. This presentation will address this important issue.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
The other lectures of the series are available here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swami-b-p-padmanabhas-2021-lectures/id1550171522
Swami Sri Bhaktivedanta Tripurari answering the following questions:
00h 00min 00sec
Can you define the position of the Paramatma?
00h 10min 30sec
Can someone who does not know about Gaudiya Vaishnavism experience the same things internally that Gaudiya Vaishnavas do by their practice?
00h 22min 01sec
All spiritual practitioners feel that their specific path is the best, just like children thinks their mother is the best. But at some point, children would transcend this kind of thinking, so what about spiritual practitioners?
00h 25min 38sec
Does sankirtana include japa, congregational chanting, selling devotional books and reading shastra?
00h 33min 30sec
There is a teaching that a devotee should simply focus on Krishna even if they’re not able to attain food and shelter. But why would someone who is trying to surrender to Krishna be left without food and shelter?
00h 39min 45 sec
Is Krishna testing us by taking things away from us?
00h 40min 45sec
Does the holy name and the jape-beads represent the deity for the devotee in some way?
00h 43min 15 sec
How is sabda-brahman transferred from guru to disciple? Can it be transferred through recordings or written form, or does it have to be heard directly from the spiritual master?
00h 51min 10sec
What is the position of lila-katha in the context of sabda-brahman?
Gaurasundara das, caretaker of Madhuvan ashram in Costa Rica, will speak on the overview of Srimad Bhagavatam in the second chapter of the first canto.
Bhrighupada das, Sanskrit translator and professor of religious studies, will speak on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami's Manah-siksa.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
Dulal Chandra das, systematic teacher of Srila Jiva Goswami's six sandarbhas, will speak on Krsna Sandarbha.
Swami B. A. Ashram, author of 'O My Friend, O My Friend' about Srila Prabhupada's inner life, will speak on saranagati, the sixfold path of surrender.
Swami B. P. Padmanabha, full time teacher since many years, will speak on Vaisnava Etiquette.
The other lectures of the series are available here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swami-b-p-padmanabhas-2021-lectures/id1550171522