An Introduction to Srila Gurudev

About, Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math

'Example is better than precept' is his way of preaching, as he always practices what he preaches. Whoever came in touch with his transcendental personality could see his compassion towards the living entities, complete detachment, absolute tolerance, intense spiritual blissfulness, unflinching faith in Sree Guru, combined with exclusive devotion and complete surrender to Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is known for not deviating even one iota outside of the four corners of the prescripts of the Holy Scriptures. By dint of his all-loving nature and devoutness to the service of Guru and Vaishnavas, he is the role model for acharyas of many Gaudiya institutions.

  • His Early life

    His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj appeared in 1924 in Goalpara, Assam, India, on Sree Ramanavami, the most auspicious appearance day of Lord Ramachandra. From his childhood he had a natural affinity towards spirituality and an innate inclination to search for the ultimate reality. He used to spend the majority of his time in meditation. Even as a child he was cognizant of the transitory nature of the material world, and was indifferent to worldly things.

    He was very obedient and respectful to his elders and teachers, and became an example for other children. His strong inclination towards the path of self-realization made him take up the study of philosophy at Calcutta University. His peers invariably noted his outstanding qualities of truthfulness, benevolence and non-enviousness.

  • Taking Shelter of the Divine Master

    After completing his M. A. in Philosophy in 1947, he was spontaneously attracted to the divine personality of his Spiritual Master, Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhav Goswami Maharaj, and fully dedicated his life to his service.

    His Divine Grace excelled in following all the devotional traits of Srila Madhav Goswami Maharaj and, due to his untiring service attitude, marked his valuable contribution to the activities of the mission. He very soon became the Secretary of the organization. In 1961 he was awarded sannyas, the vow of renunciation. He travelled extensively with his Gurudev to spread the mission of Mahaprabhu.

    His Divine Grace was nominated as the successor acharya of the Math by Srila Madhav Goswami Maharaj. In 1979, after his Gurudev entered into the eternal pastimes of Sree Sree Radha-Krishna, His Divine Grace became the President-Acharya of Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math.

  • Preaching Activities

    “Example is better than precept” is his way of preaching, as he always practices what he preaches. Whoever came in touch with his transcendental personality could clearly see his compassion towards the living entities, complete detachment, absolute tolerance, intense spiritual blissfulness, unflinching faith in Sree Guru, combined with exclusive devotion and complete surrender to Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is known for not deviating even one iota outside of the four corners of the prescripts of the Holy Scriptures.

    At the behest of his Siksha-Guru, Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Maharaj, in 1997, His Divine Grace embarked upon preaching the message of Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu throughout the world. His Divine Grace, during his USA tour in 1997, addressed the United Nations ‘World Conference on Religion and Peace’ and ‘World Peace Prayer Society’ in New York City, offering them a succinct outline for world peace based upon the spiritual tenets of the Vedas. All participants were very much moved by his sweet and humble personality.

    His preaching programs included many interesting dialogues with prominent Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Baha’I theologians, in such diverse settings as universities, interfaith groups, churches, temples and a wide variety of metaphysical and private educational centers. All were invariably won over by his gentle and affectionate nature. He also spoke on the sublime teachings of Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on many radio and television programs, including a thought-provoking interview on BBC radio in 2000, which was broadcast world-wide.

    His preaching engagements have taken him to twenty-five countries including UK, Holland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, France, Russia, the Ukraine, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii and throughout the continental USA. With the goal of expanding the preaching mission worldwide he founded GOKUL, the Global Organization of Krishnachaitanya’s Universal Love, in 1997, which has many centers all over the world.

    By dint of his all-loving nature and devoutness to the service of Guru and Vaishnavas, he is the role model for acharyas of many Gaudiya institutions. During his 50th Sannyas Anniversary celebration in 2011, more than fifty acharyas of various institutions gathered to get his blessings, a number not seen elsewhere in this century.

  • His Entrance Into Nitya Lila

    On the evening of April 20, 2017, His Divine Grace departed from this world at Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math in Kolkata while devotees were in the 7th day of nonstop sankirtan yagna. The timing of his entrance into nitya-lila corresponded with the conclusion of the 7th and onset of the 8th period of eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radhakrishna (asta-kaliya yam). Now, his Samadhi temple is in Sree Mayapur, West Bengal.

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