Introduction

The Western world is indeed very fortunate to receive information for the first time regarding the wonderful biography of Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji. This compilation originally appeared in 1919 in a monthly periodical, Sajjanatosani, published in the Bengali language. A series of articles under the heading Amara prabhura katha were written and published under the guidance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the sole disciple of Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji. In 1934 the disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura composed the serial articles and other narrations they directly heard from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in biography form entitled Paramaguru Sri Gaurakisora. The present attempt in the English language is a direct rendering of that biography with the hope that the thirst of the sincere seekers of India's spiritual wealth will be partially quenched. Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji's personal life draws a permanent line which separates those divinely inspired from the impostors in his own school of thought, and provides a crystal clear conception of how this uttama-adhikari, or most advanced soul, perceived reality.

Persons who limit the spiritual master to his particular literary contributions may not be interested to read this biography because Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji was illiterate. But the sincere aspirant of divine truth will find immense value in this book

Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji lives today in the hearts of those devotees who can feel the inner urgency of his priceless message. The interested reader should not study these accounts with the view to know so many stories simply to insure that he may give a good lecture. Rather, one must surrender to Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji's instructions in order to escape the jaws of false renunciation and offensive imitation which place us in a precarious condition of life. Because of lack of faith and knowledge, we can easily fall prey to these dangerous pitfalls of illusion. However, if true spiritualists can come to devotionally appreciate the renunciation of Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji, then their own level of advancement will become obvious. Unguard yourselves, conditioned souls, by laying down the impenetrable shields of sense gratification, false renunciation, or cheap mockery in the name of spirituality.

In his introduction to this series of articles, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura humbly describes his realizations after his first meeting with Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji. "For so long I have been living in this material world, trying to bring sense gratification within the grasp of my hand. I often thought that the sense objects would fulfill all my shortcomings. I even attained different facets of enjoyment that were indeed rare, but my personal needs were never met. I had the association of aristocratic persons, but seeing their different faults, I could not praise them. The most merciful Lord, Sri Gaurasundara, seeing me in this lamentable condition of adversity, permitted His two most intimate associates to bestow their blessings upon me."

"I was always intoxicated with worldly false ego and the desire for name and fame, I deprived myself of my real benefit. But because of the influence of the devotional service rendered in my previous lives, I came into the association of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who is my spiritual well-wisher. My spiritual guide, Srila Gaurakisora, would come and visit Srila Bhaktivinoda many times and often live with him. Srila Bhaktivinoda, out of his compassion for me, pointed out my spiritual master, Srila Gaurakisora. After glancing upon the divine figure of my master, the extent of my false ego was diminished. I knew that all the other souls who have taken birth as humans were also fallen and low like myself. But by gradually observing the wonderful spiritual qualities of my master, Srila Gaurakisora dasa babaji, I realized that a Vaisnava could live in this material world and be of exemplary character."   Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji - top
  

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