Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers

The Mechanics of Darshana

Question: I have a question about the mechanics of darsana – through what mechanisms or instruments does the qualified bhakta actually perceive Krishna (since the atman has no inherent senses)? In the Gita, Krishna has to give Arjuna divya caksus. Granted this is to see the virat rupa, as otherwise Arjuna is able to see

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Questions & Answers

Respect, Literature, Creation

Respect Question: In the discussion surrounding Bhakti Sandarbha, Annucheda 153, pg 455 it says that “If a person disrespects a Vaisnava, then Lord Visnu is not pleased with him even if he worships the Lord for hundreds of lifetimes”. My first question is what constitutes disrespect? Answer: Anything which will displease one. It could be

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Questions & Answers

Descriptions of Women in Shastra

Question: Often we hear statements that women are 9 times more lusty, but I have not come across that in any scripture. Some people may argue that the basis of this roof for the “nine times lustier” statement in shastra is in the story of Devahuti and Kardama Muni (SB 3.23.44) where Kardama expands himself 9

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Questions & Answers

Pramanas, Karma and the Pursue of Happiness

  Question: There are three valid ways for receiving knowledge:  guru, sadhu and shastra. Are all three considered equal?  Answer:  The real pramana is shastra and the other two have to conform to shastra. If they do not conform, then we cannot speak of a parampara. This is the difference between a parampara and a pantha

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Questions & Answers

Sayujya-mukti, Divisions of Bhakti, Subhadra

Question: This question is regarding sayujya-mukti, where there is no personal relationship with the Lord. If a living entity attains this mukti (after practice), then does he eternally remain in that liberated state or does he fall back to the material sphere due to lack of love for the Personality of Godhead?

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Questions & Answers

Necessity of Diksha and Chanting

Question: Is diksha necessary on the path of bhakti? Answer: Diksha is compulsory to get the real blessing of Name, which is Krsna prema. Why? Because one must be free from Nama-aparadha to get the blessings of the Name. One of the aparadhas is guroravajna - disrespect to guru. Now, to do that one must

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Gaudiya Vaishnavas Questions & Answers

Shastric References for the Proper Use of Tulasi?

Question: Can Tulasi also be used for consumption, in food and beverages? Answer: Vaisnavas do not use Tulasi plant or leaves as food or beverage. They use it for worship and take it as prasada. Question: Are there any shastric references? Answer: I have not come across any shastric reference prohibiting to use Tulasi leaves

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