Shastra
Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Philosophy Shastra

The Transcendental Nature of the Holy Name – Part 1

By Satyanarayana Dasa: In his Bhagavata-sandarbha, Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī establishes on the basis of various Vedic scriptures that the birth and actions of the Lord are transcendental and distinct from those of mortal beings. Jīva Gosvāmī furthermore verifies that Kṛṣṇa’s names are also spiritual. The Lord is called anāmā (lit. nameless), because He does not

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Philosophy Questions & Answers Shastra

The Greatness of Bhakti

Question: Jiva Goswami writes in his tika of Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.1.22 that the dog-eater needs to take another birth to qualify for the soma yaga, and quotes Sridhara Swami who says that his immediate qualification for sacrifice means that he is given the respect due to a qualified person ...

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Philosophy Questions & Answers Shastra

Haribhakti Vilasa, Krishna’s Avatara

The Status of Haribhakti Vilasa Question: I have a few questions about the status of Haribhakti Vilasa. Was it written for both devotees and smartas? Answer: It was written for Vaisnavas, but not specifically for Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Question: For what time was it written? For a specific time or for eternity? Answer: Not for any

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Articles by Satyanarayana Dasa Philosophy Shastra

What Is Jnana?

By Satyanarayana Dasa: The word “jnana” is usually translated as “knowledge,” but, in fact, it is not that simple. In English, one says, “I know the name of a good restaurant,” or “I know Java,” and it is easily understood. But the simplicity of these terms is not the same in Sanskrit ....

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Philosophy Questions & Answers Shastra

Sin and Karma for Different People

Question: I have been arguing with myself about the meaning of the following verse, particularly whether or not repetition of sin does or does not create more karma. Could you please have a brief look and comment on this? samana-karmacaraṇaḿ patitanaḿ na patakam autpattiko guṇaḥ sańgo na śayanaḥ pataty adhaḥ Bhagavat (11.21.17). I find the

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Philosophy Questions & Answers Shastra Vedic Literature

Yoga Sutras, Bhava, Bhagavatam

Question: The goal of Yoga being attainable thru devotion to the Lord and Arjuna asking to be taught. These verses intersect to me in subject...Surrendering to God...asking God??? Yes? No? Answer: The difference is that in Yoga Sutras 1.23 there is option and Arjuna sees no other option

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