Bhakti Vinod Thakur’s Poem on Narasimha Deva

These prayers, written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in ‘Sri Navadvipa Bhava Taranga'.He prays at the lotus feet of Lord Nrsimha Deva to remove all enemies like lust, duplicity, desire for fame, and sheer cunningness from the heart. He also prays to all merciful Sri Nrsimha Deva for the purification of the heart and for the benediction of worshipping Sri Radha and Krsna in Navadvipa, perfectly safe and free from all difficulties. These prayers assure all sincere devotees that the worship of Lord Narasimha Deva is purely in the line of aspiring love and devotion to Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.

Follow the Mahajanas

Chanting the holy name of Krishna is the path of devotional service exhibited by the previous mahajanas. A path cannot be manufactured. Whatever path is there should be accepted by sadhus. Those who are proud and want fame try vigorously to discover new paths. Those who have good fortune from past lives give up pride and respect the established path. Those who are unfortunate promenade on a new path and thus cheat the world.

Hymn on Haridas Thakur by Bhaktivinod Thakur

While staying alone in Puri, in 1871, Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur composed a poem in contemplation of the samadhi of Srila Haridas Thakur, the great Professor of the Holy Name, the ninth verse of which is especially well-known and is oft quoted by Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

The Words of the Scriptures are the Final Proof

The Vedic statements are perfect and self-evident. There is no need for interpreting an indirect meaning. The meaning is understood by hearing the words with their direct meaning.

Life and Precepts of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Part I

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born in Mayapur in the town of Nadia, just after sunset on the evening of the 23rd Phalguna, (1407 Sakabda) answering to the 18th of February 1486 of the Christian era. The moon was eclipsed at the time of His birth and people of Nadia were then engaged, as usual on such occasions, in bathing in the Bhagirathi with loud cheers of Haribol. His father Jagannath Misra was a poor Brahmin of the Vedic order, and His mother Sachi Devi was a noble good woman, both descended from Brahmin stocks originally residing in Sylhet. Mahaprabhu was a beautiful Child and the ladies of the town came to see Him with presents. His mother's father. Pandit Nilambar Chakravarti, a renowned astrologer, foretold that the Child -would be a great Personage in time; and he therefore, gave Him the name Visvambhar.

Life and Precepts of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Part II

Sri Chaitanya teaches us in the first place that the rational attributes of men are not capable of approaching the Divine sphere of spirit. Yukti, as He styles reason, is quite incompetent in such a matter. Ruchi as He styles the religious sentiment in man, even in a very small quantity, has the power to comprehend it. It is inspiration which can alone give light to spiritual matters. Inspirations coming down from Heaven through purified and blessed souls have exhibited themselves in the form of the Vedas. The Vedas together with their explanatory notes, the Puranas, are, therefore, the only evidence in matters of spirit and are eternal in nature. Vedic truths should, therefore, be accepted as the only truth in higher matter.

On the Holy Occasion of Guru Puja

Few years ago, on the holy occasion of Guru Puja (Ram Navami), Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj spoke about himself with great humbleness and showering mercy upon us.

Who Can Understand Sri Krishna’s Advice?

This is a transcript of Srila Gurudev’s lecture on who can understand the real implication of Sri Krishna’s words spoken in Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Those without knowledge of Sri Krishna, who have not submitted to Sri Krishna, may write many commentaries, but they cannot comprehend the actual significance of the teachings of Sri Krishna.

Adhirudha Mahabhava

Krishna is The Predominating Aspect of the moiety and Srimati Radhika is The Predominated Aspect of the moiety. Moiety means one of the two parts of a thing. There are two sides of Prema - union and separation. Prema in separation bestows much more happiness than Prema in union. This Prema is called 'Adhirudha Mahabhava' here manifestation of the Object of Worship (Krishna's Sweet Form) is more than that caused by union.

Hari Vasare Hari Kirtan Vidhan

On Ekādaśī day, the instructions are to stay near the Supreme Lord always. But the difficulty is this. The Supreme Lord is in the transcendental realm and we are on the mundane plane, with this physical body. How, then, are we to remain near the Supreme Lord? This article gives the answer to this question.

The Curse of A Brahmaṇa Could Not Touch the King

The Lord says, “I have made a promise. Whoever serves Me, in return I shall serve him in the same way. When the pure devotees serve Me, I want to give them something. I say, ‘Take this,’ but they never want anything from Me. I tell them, ‘Take ownership of this brahmāṇḍa — ownership of this world, of the heavens and the netherworld.’ I offer them the eighteen kinds of attainment, including emancipation. But they do not want anything except to perform service to Me. So, I have become dependent and subjugated, as I am subdued by the devotion of My devotees.”

Hari Vasare Hari Kirtan Vidhan

On Ekādaśī day, the instructions are to stay near the Supreme Lord always. But the difficulty is this. The Supreme Lord is in the transcendental realm and we are on the mundane plane, with this physical body. How, then, are we to remain near the Supreme Lord? This article gives the answer to this question.

Staying Near the Lord

What is the real purpose of Ekadashi? Our smriti-grantha, or Vaishnava smriti book, is called Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa. In this, there are laws or rules stipulating how to properly perform all the vows that have devotion to the Supreme Lord as their goal. Those who are pure devotees like to act in accordance with the injunctions of the devotional literature, especially Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa.

Writing Govinda-bhāṣya

By the blessings of Sri Guru, Vaishnavas and the Lord, even the impossible becomes possible. Baladeva Vidyabhushan Prabhu undertook the writing of comments to the 500 sutras of the Brahmasutra with the subtle aspects of the divine aesthetics as revealed in the pure devotional line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas philosophy, completing it in the limited time given to him. When he went to Galta, the scholars of the other sampradayas were astonished to hear his commentary, which has the highest divine sentiment.

Dahi Chida Mahotsava

Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu, Nityananda Prabhu, Their associates, numerous Brahmins and countless men and women enjoyed a feast of milk and chipped rice and yogurt and chipped rice. The opportunity to serve the Lord and His devotees in this way was something that could not come about except for some great fortune.

Mahaprabhu’s Mood During the Rathayatra Festival

Mahāprabhu’s vision was that the Jagannātha Temple was Kurukshetra and the Guṇḍicā Temple Vṛndāvana. He pulled Jagannātha’s chariot in the mood of a gopī, attracting Him back to Vṛndāvana. Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī was able to understand everything that Mahāprabhu experienced during this time.

Mahaprabhu and His Seven Kirtan Groups During Rathayatra

When Mahaprabhu wanted to dance in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, he would gather the seven sampradayas together into one kirtan group. Meanwhile, the devotees formed three rings of protection around the Lord. The innermost line of defense was headed by Nityananda Prabhu, the second by Kashisvara Pandit, Mukunda and other devotees.

Mahaprabhu’s Mercy on King Prataparudra on the Rathayatra Day

As soon as Mahāprabhu heard the verse, He became ecstatic with love and embraced the King, while repeating the word bhūridā (most benevolent) from the verse. Though the Lord is all-knowing, He asked the King his identity. Prataparudra answered that He was the servant of the servant of the Lord. Satisfied with the King, the Lord revealed to Him a glorious divine form.

One Should Observe Ekadashi Only for Krishna’s Satisfaction

This is the translation of initial part of Srila Gurudev’s harikatha spoken in 2007 in Bengali language on one of the Ekadashi tithi. He strongly emphasizes on observing Ekadashi tithi for the satisfaction of Sri Krishna only.

Glories of Srila Vamsidas Babaji

Unequalled Contribution to the Spiritual Welfare

Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura Prabhupad wrote in his preface to the Jaiva-dharma: "Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura is an extremely dear associate of Sri Chaitanya Chandra. In the course of time, when those who preached the message of Chaitanya Deva had left this world to enter the Lord’s eternal pastimes, the sky over Bengal slowly darkened, covered by the thick clouds of sensual enjoyment and false renunciation. The sky was covered and the world was bereft of the rays of light coming from the sankirtan propagated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Almost 350 years after the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura came to illuminate the Gaudiya sky in Birnagar village in Nadia district."

Śrī Madhvāchārya

Śree Madhvāchārya had refuted the Māyāvāda school of thought and established tattva-vād, hence his lineage became very renowned. Śree Madhvāchārya is the third incarnation of wind god (Vāyu) after Śree Hanumān and Śree Bhīma. For this reason, Śree Madhvāchārya was a very mighty person with inconceivable power.

Glories of Srila Bhakti Pramod Puri Goswami Maharaj

Srila Gurudev remembers his Shiksha Guru Srila Bhakti Pramod Puri Goswami Maharaj and narrates on how close Srila Maharaj was to our Param Gurudev Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhava Goswami Maharaj. He remembers the incident of his initial days of Math-life in which Srila Puri Goswami Maharaj affectionately ordered him to pay obeisances to the assembled disciples of Srila Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad and to him also!

Glories of Śrī Bhūgarbha Gosvāmī

This article is taken from the book titled ‘Sri Caitanya: His Life and Associates’ compiled by Srila Gurudev. Srila Gurudev describes the life sketch of Śrī Bhūgarbha Gosvāmī who is Prema-mañjarī in kṛṣṇa-līlā.

Glories of Śrī Kāśīśvara Paṇḍita

This article is taken from the book titled ‘Sri Caitanya: His Life and Associates’ compiled by Srila Gurudev. Srila Gurudev describes the life sketch of Śrī Kāśīśvara Paṇḍita who was the disciple of Srila Īśvara Purī. Śrī Kāśīśvara Paṇḍita (also Brahmacārī or Gosvāmī) was Kṛṣṇa’s servant Bhṛṇgāra or the sakhī Śasīrekhā.

Glories of Sundarananda Thakur

This article is taken from the book titled ‘Sri Chaitanya: His Life and Associates’ compiled by Srila Gurudev. Srila Gurudev describes the life sketch of Sundarānanda Ṭhākura who is one of twelve gopālas known as Sudāma in kṛṣṇa-līlā.

Śrī Nimbārkāchārya

Śrī Nimbārkāchārya is the pioneer of the Nimat branch of the Vaishnava lineage. He was a famous scholarly and saintly person. He used to reside on the Dhruva Mountain near Vrindavan. After his disappearance, his disciples constructed a shrine for him at that place. This is a pilgrim place for Vaiṣṇavas. His father Jagannāth named him Bhāskarāchārya in his childhood. He was believed to be a partial manifestation of Sun god by people. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He is also known as Niyamananda.

Lord Jagannātha Slaps Puṇḍarīka

Lord Jagannātha has an annual festival in Puri named Oṛana Ṣaṣthī. On this occasion, Lord Jagannātha’s pujaris dress the deity in cloth which still has the tapioca-based starch (māṛ) in it. A hilarious pastime took place when Śrī Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi, a dear associate of Mahaprabhu, witnessed the custom of dressing Jagannath with such a cloth. This article describes that particular pastime.

Siddha Madhusūdana Dāsa Bābājī from Sūrya-kuṇḍa

This is the short description about Siddha Madhusūdana Dāsa Bābājī taken from the book titled ‘Śrī Caitanya: His Life and Associates’ compiled by Srila Gurudev. Madhusūdana Dāsa Bābājī conferred paramahaṁsa-veṣa (bābājī initiation) to Jagannātha Dāsa Bābājī.

Śrī Rāmānujāchārya

Śrī Rāmānujāchārya preached the doctrines of Viśiṣṭādvaita profoundly in many pilgrim places like Tirupati, Maharāṣṭra, Girnar (prime pilgrimage for Jains), Dwāraka, Prayāg, Mathurā, Vāraṇāsī, Haridwār etc. Due to his authoritarian preaching many followers of Jainism and Śankara's school of thought became vaiṣṇavas.

Śrī Varāha-avatāra

Lord Varāha appears twice in one day of Lord Brahmā. During the Svāyambhuva-manvantara, He appeared from Brahmā’s nostril and rescued the earth, and during the sixth manvantara (Cākṣuṣa-manvantara). He appeared to rescue the earth and kill Hiraṇyākṣa. This is a wonderful narration of Lord's beautiful form and His transcendental pastime which enchants Brahma and all the sages.

100th Appearance Day Of Sri Srimad Bhakti Dayita Madhav Gosvami Maharaj

Obeisances to Srila Bhakti-dayita Madhava Gosvāmī Maharaj, the representative of Lord Vishnu and is dear to the followers of Rupa Gosvāmī. Obeisances to you, Lord and guru, who are the personification of the quality of forgiveness, who [as guru] are the manifestation of Krishna meant to deliver the most fallen. Obeisances to you, whose religious principle is to act on your affection for your guru and your godbrothers, for which you revealed the spiritual power of the Lord's Garden (Ishodyan) in Mayapur. Obeisances to you, who increased the joy of those devoted to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Gosvāmī Thakur by recovering his birthplace in Puri, for which you are justly renowned. I worship my lord, Srila Bhakti-dayita Madhava Gosvāmī Maharaj, teacher of the Holy Name and spiritual master to the universe.

Instructions for Kartik

Srila Gurudev's instructions for Kartik month that we should observe.

On the Disappearance of Pujyapada Srila Bhakti Saurabh Bhaktisar Maharaj

This is the English and Hindi translation of the article originally written in Bangla language by Srila Gurudev in 1996 on the disappearance of Pujyapada Srila Bhakti Saurabh Bhaktisar Maharaj.

Devī Kṛṣṇa-mayī Proktā Rādhikā Para-devatā

This is the English translation of Srila Gurudev’s notes on Radha-tattva.

Remembering Srila Bhakti Vikas Hrishikesh Maharaj

Srila Maharaj used to speak nice Harikatha in both the languages, Hindi and Bangla. His voice was melodious. Everyone used to get attracted by his Harikatha and Kirtans. He wrote a few Kirtans also. His Kirtans had deep meaning in them.

Maulvi’s Question to Srila Param Gurudev

This article is written by Srila Gurudev on the conversation between a Maulvi and Srila Param Gurudev, took place in Bangladesh. Any figure that a man may create out of the five elements, or any entity that he imagines with his material mind—whether with form or formless—is all material. That is what we call a putala or idol. There is no regulation in sanatana-dharma for the worship of such idols. What is ordained, rather, is service to the Lord’s Deity Form or Sri Vigraha. The Sri Vigraha is that form which the all-powerful Supreme Lord feels obliged to accept as a result of His devotee's love for Him. There is a gulf of difference between an idol and the Lord’s Deity Form.

Srila Param Gurudev on Sri Krishna Janmastami

The following are excerpts from the speeches of Srila Gurudeva during Sri Krishna Janmaṣṭami at the Kolkata Maṭh between 1968 to 1974 noted and translated by Srila Gurudev. He spoke on different topics like, ‘The significance of the worship of Sri Krishna’, ‘The devotee and Bhagavan’ and ‘Getting the grace of Sri Bhagavan’.

I Want to Say to You…

I am pleased to hear that you are engaged in only taking the Name of Sri Hari. The scriptures, as well as our predecessor acaryas, have advised us to give up karma(fruitive activity), jñana(knowledge), yoga(meditation), tyaga(renunciation), vrata(accepting vows) and tapasya(practising austerities), and have advised us to practice only harinama.

How to Achieve the Absolute

On the basis of the Vedas, learned sages have described many methods for the welfare of the soul. O Krishna, are they all correct? In other words, is whatever one believes correct, or is there one method amongst all that is supreme?

Srila Param Gurudeva’s Lecture on His Appearance Day

Today, my disciples performed kirtan and worshipped me as their guru. By listening to their kirtan, I worshipped them. If by listening I had any untoward motives, if I had accepted it for my own sake, then there would have been no puja (worship).

Types of Sevaka

Srila Gurudev writes, "His Divine Grace, Most Revered Srila Gurudev Sri Srimad Bhakti Dayita Madhav Goswami Maharaj, (Founder-President of Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Registered Institution), on the auspicious day of the holy advent of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, 13th February, 1965, while He was on a preaching tour in North-East Assam, from Hailakandi, Kachhar, sent His instructive message to His godbrother, Srimad Jagamohan Das Brahmachari, the then Math-in-charge of Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Calcutta and also the manager of 'Sri Chaitanya Vani', Bengali Monthly Magazine, to publish his instruction in the said magazine. Gurumaharaj wanted that His message should not be confined only to ascetic Math-members, but it is also for the household devotees, subscribers of the magazine, as well as others who are eager to get enhancement in pure devotion."

Vast Ocean of Mercy

This is the English translation of the lecture delivered by Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda on the 14th disappearance anniversary of Saccidānanda Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura at Jagannātha Purī in 1928. Srila Prabhupad explains on how the vaiṣṇavas are vast oceans of mercy (kṛpā-sindhu). They bestow absolute mercy without ever being asked for it. They are the redeemers of the fallen (patitapāvana). Vaiṣṇavas are the only our true kinsmen. Apart from taking shelter of them, no other remedy exists. Vaiṣṇavas never die; they are immortal. They are with Bhagavān, participating in His eternal pastimes. Their only activity is to serve Śrī Kṛṣṇa. While they are manifest in this world, Kṛṣṇa-sevā is their only activity, and when they depart, Kṛṣṇa-sevā is their only, eternal activity.

Q&A from Srila Prabhupad's Upadeshamrit

Srila Bhakti Mayukha Bhagavat Goswami Maharaj, the disciple of Srila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Goswami Thakura Prabhupad, has noted the question-and-answer conversations of devotees with Srila Prabhupad in his diary which later got published as ‘Prabhupad Upadeshamrit’. This particular article has English translation of eight questions and answers from Upadeshamrit.

Message of Srila Prabhupad

Message of His Divine Grace Nityalīla-praviṣṭa Oṁ 108 Śrī Śrīmad Bhakti Siddhānta Saraswati Goswāmi Ṭhākur on the holy day (Krishna pancami tithi) of his fiftieth advent anniversary at Śrī Gauḍīya Maṭh, Ultaḍanga Road, Kolkata. (Sermons were delivered in Bengali). It is difficult to understand the inner deep significance of his esoteric instructive message.

The Serpent Kaliya

The banishment of Kaliya from the lake of the Yamuna has a most important spiritual significance. Those who have a purpose to create trouble among the pure devotees of Krishna by infecting their nature with their own malicious disposition meet with a certain degree of initial success in their nefarious undertaking. This emboldens them to make a direct attack on Krishna Himself when He appears on the scene of their depraved activities in order to restore the living faith of His Own bonafide associates.

Prabhupad’s Lecture on Radhastami

Today is Her appearance day. Having accrued all varieties of compassion from Bhagavan, she distributes that as gifts to all. May that personification of great mercy manifest within our hearts and make Her appearance there. May Her appearance day be the concern of our adoration.

Men Act Like Infants

Those who have achieved self-realization, who know the truth about the soul, serve God while in this world; they do not busy themselves in worldly pleasures like those who desire the fruits of enjoyment, nor are they thrown off the track of their true well-being by erroneously conceiving of the processes and paraphernalia of service to God as worldly matters.

Introduction to Śrī Bhajan-Rahasya’

Introduction to Śrī Bhajan-Rahasya 'Śrī Bhajan-Rahasya'—Book is compiled by Revered Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. He has shown a few hints about his own mode of worship in the form of a book as an instance to his own devoted followers. The introduction of this book is written by Srila Bhaktisiddhant Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad.

Gaura Kishor Das Babaji Maharaj’s Teachings

Srila Prabhupad wrote about his Gurudev Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji Maharaj, “He showed no enmity for those who opposed him or disagreed with him; similarly, he made no particular external show of affection for those who were objects of his compassion.” He used to say, “I neither love nor hate anyone in this world; everyone is the object of my respect.”

How is Hearing or Speaking about Mundane Topics Harmful to one’s Bhakti?

Hearing worldly mundane talk causes oneself more harm than eating delicious food, and by speaking about mundane topics, one causes more harm to others than by wearing stylish clothes. Ordinary, or mundane, talks are just like a prostitute in that they cause immense obstacles to one’s hari-bhajana by polluting and distracting one’s mind.

The Glories of Srimati Radharani

The following excerpt is compiled from two lectures given by Srila Prabhupada in 1925 and 1926 respectively.

The True Spirit of Separation

The orders of the Spiritual Master are to be obeyed diligently without reserve or delay. If we wish to show our love and faith for our Spiritual Master, it will be by following His teachings. If we take these instructions seriously and do everything we can to realize them, then we will one day become capable of giving the Spiritual Master the gift that he desires above all others. The Spiritual Master will be pleased and transmit unlimited power to the disciple with whom he is pleased. To the extent that we serve the Spiritual Master with sincerity and repeat his teachings, through the association with his words, our hearts will cry out with the desire for the good fortune to be associated with him by directly seeing, touching and serving him. Only then will we be able to understand the true spirit of separation.

Sri Jagannatha Ratha-Yatra

In the beginning Sriman Mahaprabhu for His first twenty four years acted as a regular householder in Sridham Navadvipa. He after that time, in the holy City of Puri in His role as a renunciate, began exhibiting the pangs of intense separation characteristic of high devotional moods. Apparently, although it was His mother's behest in Advaita Bhavan for Himself to reside in the holy City of Puri, in actual fact it was all His own very plan. Puri City is the Supreme Lord's natural abode. The other familiar names for this City are Purusottama, Sri Ksetra, Nilacala, Lord Sri Krishna at one time, informed Sri Mahadeva about His hidden realm Puri whose glories are understood by only a very few (Chaitanya Bhagavata Antya 2nd).

Authority to Make a Statement on the Disciplic Succession

On the first two nights, Baladeva विद्याभूषण received only minimal directions from the Lord and was not satisfied with what he had heard. On the third night, however, the Supreme Lord gave him his full mercy and reassured him that he would be able to achieve his goal. In a very short time, Baladeva completed writing his commentaries on the Upanisads, Vedanta-sutra, Bhagavad-gita, and the Bhagavatam.

The Supreme Lord Is Not An Object Of Our Vision

You gave me the Tulsi beads so I could offenselessly take the holy name. But alas, I am still indifferent to that. My worshipable Godbrothers, who are all my well-wishers, have set such examples for me by their own actions, but I was not inspired by that. I do not have the desire to take the holy name, what to speak of having love for the holy name.

On the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Srirup Sidhdhanti Maharaj (from Sri Chaitanya Vani)

This is the English and Hindi translation of an article originally written in Bengali language and published in Sree Chaitanya Vani on the disappearance of Srila Bhakti Srirup Sidhdhanti Maharaj, one of the dear most disciple of Srila Bhakti Sidhdhant Saraswati Prabhupad.

Srila Bhaktikamal Madhusudan Goswami Maharaj

This article is taken from Sri Chaitanya Vani Patrika, 1991.

On the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Gaurava Vaikhanas Gosvami Maharaja (from Sri Chaitanya Vani)

This is a translation of the article is on the life and glories of Srila Bhakti Gaurava Vaikhanas Goswami Maharaj published in Sree Chaitanya Vani magazine which also includes the report of Viraha Mahotsav held at Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Ishodyan, Mayapur on 1st March 1966 under the guidance of our Param Gurudeva Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhav Goswami Maharaj.

On the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Sharan Shanta Goswami Maharaja (from Sri Chaitanya Vani)

This article is the translation of the disappearance announcement of Srila Bhakti Sharan Shanta Goswami Maharaj published in Sri Chaitanya Vani Year -24, Volume – 3, Page 58, 1984.

Curing the Fever of Material Existence

Here, with different evidences from scriptures Srila Sant Maharaj explains that only by surrendering unto the Supreme Lord one can remain aloof from maya. The living entity becomes so influenced by the modes of material nature that he considers sense gratification to be the most desirable goal, even though it brings him only distress. Our state of bondage has existed since time without beginning, and is quite impossible for human intelligence to undo. It can be unraveled only by associating with sadhus, realized souls. Even a moment’s association with a sadhu can award all perfection.

Vyasa Puja Offering 2018

We humbly submit this offering onto the lotus feet of our Most Revered Gurudeva on the occasion of His 94th Vyasa Puja, March 25, 2018. These offerings highlight only a tiny portion of His neverending glories. Remembering Him and His glories is our only hope of any advancement towards the highest goal.

Entrance Into Nitya-lila

This article features a series of heart-touching events that took place before most revered Śrīla Gurudev entered into the eternal pastimes of Śrī Śrī Rādha Govinda. Through these pastimes he revealed Śrī Kṛṣṇa Nāma Saṅkīrtana as the unique banner under which everyone can stay united and please the object of worship eternally. Furthermore, his magnificent departure from this mortal world was revealed to the entire globe, manifesting his sublime glory for all to witness.

Contemplating Separation from Srila Prabhupad

Although when the sun has set, it may be outside the vision of the living beings in any given country, it cannot be concluded that the sun has become extinct. Similarly, when the associates of Bhagavan perform their disappearance pastimes, they may remain in a domain beyond our range of vision, yet they are eternally His companions, nourishing Bhagavan Sri Gauranga’s and Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s pastimes.

Viraha-tattva: The Truth About Divine Separation

Worldly lamentation and sorrow demoralize a man, crush his spirit and annihilate his strength, whereas, for the devotees of Bhagavān, viraha rejuvenates their spiritual zeal, inspiring them to render abundant service. Do not, therefore, fall into the illusion of assuming that sorrow and separation (viraha) are one and the same. It may be that in some places the authors of the scriptures have substituted the word for separation (viraha) with the word for sorrow (śoka), yet the sorrow they refer to is the antithesis of mundane sorrow, which is plagued by illusion and delusion. They refer to the transcendental truth of divine separation (aprākṛta viraha-tattva).

Glories of Jagannathdev’s Maha-prasada

In Puri, there is no distinction between low and high casts for taking Jagannath maha-prasad. Jagannath maha-prasad is the source where the shastras say that even if a brahmana takes maha-prasad from the mouth of a dog. It can never be contaminated.

Sriyukta Shaivalini Devi

Blessed is this mother Sri Shaivalini Devi, in whose jewel-like womb appeared the Acharya of Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Sri Srimad Bhaktidayita Madhav Goswami Maharaj.

Srimad Bhakti Saurabh Bhaktisar Maharaj

With the desire to worship in the Gaura-dham on the banks of the river Ganges, Srila Bhaktisar Maharaj established ‘Sri Gauranga Gaudiya Math’ in Ishodyan. In 1986, he manifested the services of Sri Shad-bhuja Gauranga Vigraha (deity of Sriman Mahaprabhu with six hands) and established a beautiful temple with five-domes.

Chaturmasya-vrata

This article describes the rules and regulations for observing chaturmasya-vrata and its importance.

On The Disappearance of Śrī Śrīmad Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdhar Deva Gosvāmī Mahārāja

This is an English translation of an article originally published in Bangla language in Śrī Caitanya Vāṇī, describing the first viraha-utsava of Śrīla Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdhar Deva Gosvāmī Mahārāja at Śrī Caitanya Sārasvata Maṭha.

On the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Vikash Hrishikesh Maharaj

This article is English and Hindi translation of original Bangla text published in Sree Chaitanya Vani in the year 1983.

On the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Hridaya Van Goswami Maharaj

This is the English and Hindi translation of the article originally written in Bangla language by Srila Bhakti Pramod Puri Goswami Maharaj in 1982 on the disappearance of Pujyapada Srila Bhakti Hriday Van Goswami Maharaj. (Published in Sree Chaitanya Vani, 1982-83, page 161-164)

The Seven-day Mahotsava on the Auspicious Arrival of Sri Vigrah in the New Temple at Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Kolkata and Inauguration of the Sankirtan-mandap (1967)

Srila Bhakti Kumud Sant Goswami Maharaj says about Srila Paramgurudev, “Madhava Maharaj’s all acts are bṛhad. He never did anything on an ordinary level.” This article gives a glimpse of how unique and bṛhad Srila Paramgurudev’s all service acts were. He used to take along all his god-brothers for all his Math functions. Throughout his manifest pastimes, he meticulously followed the foot-steps of his Gurudev Srila Prabhupad in all respects; may it be following the daily practices in the Math or celebrating the Math functions. Srila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Goswami Maharaj, in this article, has described the transcendental event of entering of Sri RadhaNayananath in the new temple at 35, Satish Mukherjee Road. The ecstasy devotees would have felt that time is vividly evident from the words penned down by Srila Puri Goswsami Maharaj.

Pranam Mantra

Remembrance of Guru-Vaishnava-Bhagavan will remove all obstacles of bhajan and can bestow the desired devotional objective. They are beyond the comprehension of material mind and intellect, harir hi nirguṇaḥ sākṣāt puruṣaḥ prakṛteḥ paraḥ— Supreme Lord Sri Hari is transcendental and as such, beyond material comprehension. Through reciting 'Pranam Mantra', we pray for the causeless mercy of Srila Gurudev so that he can remember him, Vaishnava and Bhagavan and sing Their glories.

Gurvastak

Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Goswami Maharaj writes about Srila Bhakti Vichar Yayavar Goswami Maharaj

Srimad Bhakti Vichar Yayavar Gosvāmī Maharaj’s ability to realize the scriptures’ esoteric conclusions and present them to common people in very clear language was his most extraordinary capability. He had a very sweet voice and his chanting of the songs of the great souls was very sweet, heart-touching and enlivening to the mood of the devotion of everyone who heard it. Many times Srila Guru-pada-padma was pleased to hear kirtan from his holy mouth.

Jagannath Deva [Braja-rasa in Dwarka]

As Rohini described the Vrndavan-lila, Krsna and Balaram became aware of what was happening. Coming to the door where Subhadra was standing guard, They could hear the talk of Rohini, and remembering Vrndavan, the Gopis, and all these things, a great intensity of feeling came over Them. A great change of feeling came over Krsna and Balaram, so great that Their bodies also began to change; just as Mahaprabhu had shown when He fell at the gate of the Jagannath Mandir and His arms and legs entered into His body.

Vaisnava Viewpoint of Christianity

Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhardev Goswami Maharaj answering questions of a Christian. Christianity is incomplete Vaisnavism; not full-fledged, but the basis of devotional theism. We find the principle of

Why is Life Unfair?

In this material world there is very little distinction between fairness and unfairness. Everything in this world is based on cheating. Everyone is cheating. There may be cheating of different kinds, but all are cheating. My fairness or unfairness is an illusion.

The Spiritual Master and the Disciple

Higher knowledge won’t come to serve the interests of the lower plane but I must pledge to serve that plane. With this attitude, I shall approach that plane and that knowledge. I shall serve Him and I won’t try to make Him serve me or my lower plane. Rather, I shall have the fullest tendency that if I get that knowledge I must serve. I must offer myself to be utilized by Him, and I shall not try to utilize it in my way, to satisfy my lower animal purposes.

Surrender to the Positive

As much as we can make progress towards the positive, automatically the negative will have to withdraw, to leave us. The positive is sadhu-sanga, sadhu-sastra-sanga, association with saints and scriptures. No other thing is needed, only the simple thing: our association with the sadhu. And association with the sadhu means, with surrender. So, surrender to the positive, and, according to the degree of surrender, and confidence in what the sadhu and sastra say, automatically the negative, the apparently irresistible demands of material desire, will be withdrawn.

Radha-dasya

Prabhupada then came out from his inner quarters and said,

Hymns to Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur

Two of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura’s most prominent disciples, Pujyapad Srila Bhakti Rakshaka Sridhar Deva Gosvami Maharaj and Pujyapad Srila Bhakti Vicar Yayavar Gosvami Maharaj wrote hymns in praise of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura, the former in Sanskrit, the latter in Bengali.

The Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute (Part 1)

This is the commentary on Srimad Bhagavad Gita verses 10.8 to 10.11 (known as catuḥ-shloki Bhagavad Gita) by Srila Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Dev Goswami Maharaj. These four principal verses are the essence of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The ontological substance of the book is contained within these four verses beginning with 'ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo—everything emanates from Me.' This article includes the commentary on verses 10.8 and 10.9.

The Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute (Part 2)

This is the commentary on Srimad Bhagavad Gita verses 10.8 to 10.11 (known as catuh-sloki Bhagavad Gita) by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev Goswami Maharaja. These four principal verses are the essence of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The ontological substance of the book is contained within these four essential verses, beginning with 'ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo—everything emanates from Me.' This article includes the commentary on verses 10.10 and 10.11.

Recognizing the Divinity

We must have knowledge of what we are seeking. Otherwise, we will be exploited by merchants. Everywhere in every stage of life such understanding must be with us. So, it is also in the case of divinity, transcendental truth. It is also possible to develop the transcendental eye, transcendental capacity and judgement. That must be with us.

The Magnanimous Nature of Sri Nityananda Prabhu

Nityananda Prabhu is our only hope, He is so benevolent, so generous, so gracious, that very easily we can draw his attention and we can get his recommendation. Gaurangadeva will not be able to disregard his recommendation, and when we have got the grace of Gauranga then the Radha-Krsna lila is within our fists. Nityananda Prabhu´s grace means to get Mahaprabhu´s grace within our clutches and to get Mahaprabhu, means to get Radha-Govinda, Vrndavana, and then everything is within our fists.

Sri Nityanandastakam

I worship Lord Nityananda, the unlimited root of the tree of devotional service. He is like Agastya Muni who forcibly swallows the ocean of material existence, and He is the rising full moon which is the friend of the lotus flowers and which increases the ocean, which is the welfare of the saintly devotees. He is the blazing sun which removes the darkness which is the community of demons.