Question: Babaji, can you tell me in brief the essence of dharma? I have read books on dharma, but there are so many principles that sometimes it is difficult to decide what is proper behavior. Answer: The purpose of dharma is to maintain discipline in an individual and in society so that the individual can
The following article is an extract from Bhakti Sandarbha Text 339 by Jīva Gosvāmī (the second to last text of Bhakti Sandarbha), with commentary of Babaji Satyanarayana Dasa. The path of devotion has thus been outlined in this book. If, by the mercy bestowed by guru or Bhagavān, one has realized some confidential truth regarding
Question: Sometimes devotees argue that there is no need to study shastra. They give examples, such as the story from Caitanya Caritamrita of the simple devotee who could not even read Bhagavad Gita properly. He was ‘reading’ it upside down and crying, but even so, Lord Caitanya was pleased with him. Answer: Some people think
QUESTION: Why can I not be a devotee of Kṛṣṇa without subscribing to Vedic or rather Indian customs? Why do I have to dress like an Indian, which even modern Indians don’t do? This may be alright while one is living in India, but to carry these customs to the West makes one look weird
The following is an excerpt from the commentary on Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī’s Tattva Sandarbha (Anuccheda 32). The subject is the individual self, jīva, and its involvement with Bhagavān’s deluding potency, māyā.
My intention was to study all the major Gaudiya Vaisnava literature from Maharaja while studying the Sad-darshanas, such as Nyaya and Vaisesika, from another teacher. My logic was that no one else could teach Gaudiya literature, while others were proficient in the Sad-darshanas, so I should not use Maharajji’s time to study the latter. Maharajji
This document presents a plan for establishing Jiva University–an initiative undertaken by Jiva Institute to create a world-class educational institution based on the traditional sciences of India. We welcome you to share the plan with others who would be interested to join hands with us in the development of this project. Feel free to send
