Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa
Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

The Prayers of Vṛtrāsura

In the previous article, we read about the dealings between Citraketu and Lord Śiva. Having been was cursed by Goddess Pārvatī, Citraketu becameVṛtrāsura, manifesting from the yajña performed by sage Tvaṣṭā. Tvaṣṭā had a son named Viśvarūpa who was killed by Indra

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

The Intimate Dealings of Vaiṣṇavas

In the Sixth Canto, 17th Chapter, there is a description of King Citraketu who was travelling in space in his airship, surrounded by hundreds of beautiful celestial women, called Vidyādharīs, who are famous for their melodious singing. Citraketu engaged in the kīrtana of Bhagavān, accompanied by these beautiful lady singers.

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Gaudiya Vaishnavas

Memories of Kurma Rupa Prabhu

by Satyanarayana Dasa When I first joined Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula, Vrindavan in 1987 as a Sanskrit teacher, Kurma Rupa prabhu was the first faculty member who was introduced to me by Shri Dhanurdhara Swami, the Principal of the gurukula. We became friendly from our first meeting. Initially, I was only supposed to teach Sanskrit to

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Gaudiya Philosophy Shastra

Preface to Tattva Sandarbha

Of the Six Sandarbhas, Tattva Sandarbha is the smallest in size, but not in importance. As its name suggests, it discusses the Reality (tattva) that is the ultimate subject to be understood and realized. Tattva also means “essence,” and thus Tattva Sandarbha provides the essence of what is to be elaborated upon in the rest

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Gaudiya Philosophy

The Importance of Nāma Kīrtana – 2

Śravaṇam precedes kīrtanam and smaranam because it is impossible to remember or glorify something one has not yet heard about. Despite this practical primacy of śravaṇam, kīrtanam is actually of primary significance and importance, and, therefore special attention should be given to its practice.

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Gaudiya Philosophy

The Importance of Nāma Kīrtana – 1

In the 7th Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Śrī Prahlāda speaks two verses to his demoniac father Hiraṇyakaśipu, which, in brief, contain the essence of the primary forms of bhakti. In the following we will discuss an explanation of these verses based on the commentary of Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī.     śrī-prahlāda uvāca     śravaṇaṁ

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa

Can Kṛṣṇa Be Attained Through Enmity? (Part 2)

After explaining the nature of Kṛṣṇa, who is equal in honor and dishonor, Śrī Nārada explained that Śrī Kṛṣṇa does not see a difference between people who approach Him out of enmity, or without enmity, with fear, affection, or desire to enjoy Him (kāma):

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