Writings

Knowing that the Lord naturally guards His surrendered devotee, Prahlāda saw no need to petition for safety. True devotion rests on complete faith: the genuine devotee understands that Kṛṣṇa’s protection is already assured by surrender, not by repeated requests born of fear.

By the mercy of the sādhus, it is possible to instantly absorb their inner mood and character, which purifies our prior understanding putting it in proper perspective in relation to Kṛṣṇa. The devotional mood of the sādhu is a storehouse of perfect philosophical conclusions that anyone can benefit from.

The scripture reflects the heart of the pure devotee, and the heart of the pure devotee reveals the essence of the scripture. Together, they are the twin pramāṇas of the Bhāgavat Paramparā, the dual authority of śāstra and realized śikṣā through which transcendental truth is transmitted.

In a world shaped by scarcity and speculation, where value is propped up by belief in money, markets, and machines, the deeper search for value leads elsewhere. Beyond material calculations lies a realm of limitless wealth and meaning, where true value rests in the Supreme Person, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. All other forms of wealth fade in the light of the absolute truth.

Self-love, described as ‘affection toward oneself’ or ‘the consideration of one’s own happiness first before the happiness of others,’ has historically been a double-edged sword. Proponents of self-love deem loving oneself a fundamental human need, while downplaying and dismissing the more historically traditional understanding.

Śrī Rūpa-mañjarī-pada is the favourite song of all the disciples of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. It is their favourite song, firstly because it is this song that offers one the connection of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and is therefore of great importance to all Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas. It is also important to the disciples of Sarasvatī Ṭhākura because it was sung at the time of his departure from this world.

True wealth lies not in material possessions but in spiritual love and devotion to Krishna. By engaging in bhakti-yoga, we transcend fleeting desires and cultivate an eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord, recognizing that service to Him is the ultimate purpose and the source of lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Kartika in the Vraja-dhama is a very special time for its residents, drawing out their deep devotion and excitement in anticipation of the daily offerings of lamps and the special darshans of its Deities.

Divine vision, anointed with the salve of love, is essential to perceive the true nature of the dhāma. A pure heart, free from material contamination, is indispensable for the revelation of śrī-dhāma’s true form.

Just as Rādhārāṇī is dear to Kṛṣṇa, so too is the place of Rādhārāṇī's bath, Rādhā-kuṇḍa, most dear to Kṛṣṇa. Among all the gopīs, She is the Supreme. She is the Lord's most beloved.

Devotion requires the ability to discern what is material and what is spiritual. Not everything that looks or feels spiritual is genuinely so. Sincerity and humility help us identify the real path, avoiding distractions like shadow Kṛṣṇa, shadow nāma, shadow līla, and shadow prema, which mislead the insincere.

This article explores Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's scholarly work, Tattva Viveka. Through meticulous analysis, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura critiques various Western and Indian philosophies, contrasting them with the theistic teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. His insights reveal the limitations of materialistic and atheistic doctrines, emphasizing the supreme importance of devotion and the concept of acintya-bhedābheda-tattva.