Swami BG Narasingha: Writings

In the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya, the gayatri which the guru (bona fide spiritual master) gives to the sadhaka (devotee) at the time of diksa (initiation) is that of the Vedic diksa (upanayana) and also that of the Vaisnava pancaratrika-diksa.

So a few words to all the Vaishnavas. I would like to say something about Srila Prabhupada, His Divine Grace. I thought of three particular things regarding His Divine Grace. I thought about his mission, I thought about his highest ideal and I thought about his achievements.

The words 'Sri Caitanya Saraswata Parampara' indicate the disciplic succession which was handed down from the time of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to that of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. This parampara is a disciplic succession of divine knowledge also known as the 'Brahma-Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya'.

Study, learning, discourse on philosophy so many things are possible prior to initiation (diksha), but unless one gets this ashraya one does not gain admission to the descending flow of bhakti-rasa. To remain in that flow there are requirements also, not that just because I have taken shelter by initiation that I am always connected.

Om is described throughout the Vedic literature and by the acharyas, great spiritual masters, as the seed conception of theism. In the words of Srila Sridhar Maharaja, "Om means 'Yes'. Always, wherever we cast our glance to search, in one word the answer is 'yes'.

Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains in his Sri Chaitanya-Siksamrta that vidhi, regulation that forms the basis of vaidhi-bhakti, is not contrary to raga (spontaneity). Pure vidhi is helpful to raga, and pure raga is a result of vidhi that is in harmony with the will of God. Vidhi helps us cure diseased raga, and when raga is healthy, vidhi retreats.

"So also, to be engaged in (preaching) answering the questions of the environment automatically demands concentration, which is very rare in this age. When one is doing kirtan, he automatically cannot but give all concentration and attention. He cannot speak independently; intuitively, he must be all-attentive. "