I am currently translating and commenting on Prīti Sandarbha, and wanted to share the 61st anuccheda, in which Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī discusses the definition... Read More
Question: I understand that there are different types of bhakti. If a person practices bhakti without a guru according to the rules of vaidhi... Read More
The psychology of materialists is quite opposite the psychology of spiritualists. This is why materialistic people cannot understand the minds of spiritualists –vaiṣṇavera kriyā-mudrā vijṣeha nā bujhaya.
Question: My question has a few parts to it and ultimately it is about the nature of studying one’s own mind and inclinations. Bhaktivinoda... Read More
QUESTION: In the śāstras an elaborate process of Deity worship is described. If, however, someone is living alone in the West, should they do... Read More
Vaidhī, Rāgānugā and Svābhāvika Bhakti: The natural function (svābhāvika vṛtti) of the senses in relationship to bhakti is of two types. The first occurs, when a person follows the injunctions of scriptures to approach a spiritual teacher, takes instructions from that teacher, and thereby practices pure devotion. By regularly practicing devotion he or she moves to the stages of niṣṭhā, ruci and āsakti, in which his or her senses become naturally devoted to the Lord, very much like how common people have a natural attraction for their spouse, children, etc. This function is an outcome of vaidhī bhakti.
This article describes the two divisions of pure devotion, known as vaidhī and rāgānugā, based on Śrī Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura’s explanation of Śrī Kapila’s statements in the 25th chapter of the Third Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
