Swami B.R. Sridhara

Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains the phrase 'Guru-Gaurāṅga Gāndharvā Giridhārī' and also describes the difference between arcana (Deity worship) and bhajana, and how the arcana of the Six Gosvāmīs was not merely Deity worship. This talk was given on February 21st 1982.

In this talk given on February 19th 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja discusses why the devotee Prahlāda could pacify Narasiṁha, but Lakṣmī Devī could not. He also explains how Prahlāda represents the preliminary stages of pure devotion (śuddha-bhakti).

Why do we fast on Ekādaśī? Is it only because pāpa (sin) enters into grains on that day, or is it something deeper than that? In this talk given on February 19th 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains the true significance of Ekādaśī as the day when Śrī Kṛṣṇa feels more necessity to enjoy. He also explains about the significance of Dvādaśī.

In this talk from February 15th 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains how the guru is the direct āśraya-vigraha (shelter) for the disciple and how the disciple is primarily concerned with the guru’s aspect as an ‘inspired Vaiṣṇava.’

In this talk from 15th February 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains how the guru is viewed according to rasa-vicāra (in consideration of his specific rasa). He goes on to explain how the different servitors of Kṛṣṇa are engaged in a harmonious "divine competition" in order to enhance their service to the Lord.

In this talk from March 2nd 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains how Kṛṣṇa is an autocrat, despot and liar, and how is simultaneously our ever well-wisher. He discusses how the Lord giving us free-will is not a defect on His part.

In this discussion from February 14th 1982, Śrīla Śridhara Mahārāja explains the attitude of a real student of spiritual knowledge and how the results of our service will come to us automatically and there is no need to become "result-mongers".

In this discussion from March 2nd 1983, Śrīla Śridhara Mahārāja is asked why some śāstras state that Śīva is supreme. He then explains how the śāstra gives truth in progressive installments according to the acceptability of the receiver.

In this talk from February 19th 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja is asked what practical instruction is found in the pastime between Vāmana and Śukrācārya.

In this talk from Feb.21st 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja is asked about travelling Deities, and explains how kīrtana is higher than arcana. He then goes on to discuss the principle of 'anugatya' working under a higher Vaiṣṇava.

In this talk from February 23rd 1982, Śrīla Śrīdhara Mahārāja explains how everything is not fully understood at the beginners stage, but realisation may come at a later stage in a sādhaka.