Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers

Advaitavada and Gaudiya Philosophy

Question: Recently some people have spoken with me about Advaitavāda and Māyāvāda. One person said that Advaitavāda is different from Māyāvāda. He accepts Advaitavāda and says that it cannot be defeated, but he does not accept Māyāvāda.  What is the difference between Advaitavāda and Māyāvāda? Throughout your Sandarbha commentaries, the word Advaitavāda is used synonymously

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Questions & Answers

Meaning of Krishna, Mantras, Avataras

Question: I am looking for good, authoritative definitions of the word kṛṣṇa, particularly in terms of the oft-repeated “all-attractive” derivation. I am aware of the other, more common meanings, but am specifically looking for anything in relation to the word sarvākarṣaka and its close relations, whether from dictionaries, encyclopedias, or what have you. Might we find it in

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Questions & Answers

Reconciling Modern Science and Shastra

Question: The progress of science is an important part of modern civilization, but traditionally there are huge contradictions between religion and science. Answer: Can you cite some examples of contradictions? I do not want anything related to astronomy or the structure of the universe because it is a topic that needs some expertise to understand

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Gaudiya Philosophy Questions & Answers Shastra

Krishna’s Disappearance Lila

Question: I am wondering about Kṛṣṇa’s disappearance. It is not something devotees like to discuss or write about, and although the Bhāgavata covers His disappearance, it makes a point of moving it to the next canto—all Kṛṣṇa-līlā is in the Tenth Canto except for this one pastime. That seems significant, and I think it has

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Questions & Answers

Eligibility for Gaudiya Texts, Role of Shad-darshana

Question: What is the adhikāra for Gauḍīya texts? Can one prove that the ācāryas intended for all Vaiṣṇavas, regardless of caste, to read their theological works? Answer: I will give certain references for this:  1. Tattva Sandarbha, 6th verse of Maṅgalācaraṇam. The author writes that the book should only be studied by one who is

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Guru Questions & Answers

Can Guru Absolve Sins?

Question: Can a guru can forgive the sins of his disciples? Or only Kṛṣṇa can? Does Kṛṣṇa do it through the medium of the guru? This question arose from a statement made by a Christian: “Jesus is not merely a guru; he can forgive the sins of his disciples.” Can a Vaiṣṇava guru be compared

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Questions & Answers

Shastric Injunction about Eating during Eclipse

Question: There is a traditional practice, presumably coming from śāstra, to refrain from consuming food during an eclipse, as it will lead to diseases due to bacterial enhancement in the environment. However, research papers have established with evidence that no such increase in bacteria occurs. So is the information given in our scriptures erroneous? Answer:

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