In today’s world, many Gaudiya Vaisnavas say, “We are practicing Krishna consciousness.”
But what exactly is Krishna consciousness? According to the direct personal teachings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, “Krishna consciousness” describes a devotee who is both day and night physically and mentally absorbed in serving Radha-Krishna in Vrndavana like the Vraja-gopis.

The following verse of Srinatha Chakravarti, a disciple of Sri Advaita Prabhu, describes the four pillars of Gaudiya Vaisnava dharma i.e., “Krishna consciousness”:

ārādhyo bhagavān vrajeśa-tanayas, tad-tad-dhāma vṛndāvanaṁ
ramyā kācid upāsanā vraja-vadhu,-vargeṇa vā kalpitā
śrīmad-bhāgavataṁ pramāṇam amalaṁ, premā pumartho mahān
śrī-caitanya-mahāprabhor matam idaṁ, tatrādaro naḥ paraḥ
(Caitanya-manjusha)

The founder of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught raganuga-bhakti as the best means to attain pure love for Radha and Krishna in the spiritual realm of Vrndavana.

So in order to clarify Mahaprabhu’s definition of raganuga-bhakti i.e., “Krishna consciousness”, the translation of this verse is presented in a question answer format.

“1. What form of Bhagavan should we worship?
We should worship Nandanandana Sri Krishna in His sweet abode of Vrndavana.

2. By what sadhana can one attain Sri-Krishna in Vrndavana?
One must worship Sri Krishna like the Vraja-gopis by practicing raganuga sadhana.

3. What shastra proves this?
The pure Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam establishes these divine truths.

4. What is the goal of human life?
The topmost attainment is Sri Krishna prema.

This siddhanta, and no other, is honored by all Gaudiya Vaisnavas.”

There are two parallel paths of bhakti sadhana leading to spiritual perfection:

(1) Vaidhi (based on fear, reward, personal desires, benefits and sastric edicts);

2) Raganuga (based on taste, attraction and fervent desire to serve, see and love Radha-Krishna in Vrndavana).

Although the paths are parallel, their destinations differ.

Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja describes the final goal attained by each path:

1. Goloka Vrndavana:

rāgānuga-mārge tāṅre bhaje yei jana
sei-jana pāya vraje vrajendra-nandana

Whoever worships Bhagavan Sri Krishna on the raganuga path will attain Sri Nandanandana in the transcendental realm of Vraja.
(CC 2.8.221)

2. Vaikuntha: vidhi-mārge nā pāiye vraje kṛṣṇacandra

However, those following the path of vaidhi sadhana will not attain Sri Krishnachandra in Vraja.
(CC 2.8.226)

In His transcendental teachings to Sri Sanatana Goswami [and all other Gaudiyas], Mahaprabhu describes the complete practice of raganuga sadhana-bhakti in two parts:

bāhya, antara,-ihāra dui ta’ sādhana,
bāhye, sādhaka-dehe kare śravaṇa-kīrtana
mane nija-siddha-deha kariyā bhāvana,
rātri-dine kare vraje kṛṣṇera sevana

Mahaprabhu said: “With the external physical body, a raganuga sadhaka does sravanam and kirtanam. Internally, one thinks of one’s individual siddha deha, and mentally does sevas to Radha-Krishna in Their asta-kaliya-lila during day and night.”
(CC 2.22.156-7)

Sri Rupa Goswami states the same point:

sevā sādhaka-rūpeṇa, siddha-rūpeṇa cātra hi
tad-bhāva-lipsunā kāryā,vraja-lokānusārataḥ

“If one desires the loving moods i.e., gopi-bhava of Krishna’s Vraja-gopis, one should follow their lead in allegiance to them, serve Radha and Krishna both in one’s external body like Sri Rupa Goswami and Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, and in one’s siddha deha like Sri Rupa Manjari and Tulasi-manjari.”
(Brs. 1.2.295)

What is the essence of raga sadhana? There are four essential DAILY practices, which Mahaprabhu Himself taught to His followers i.e., all Gaudiya Vaisnavas:

1) Accept gopi-bhava!
2) Think of Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lila!
3) Think of your siddha deha!
4) Offer mental sevas to Radha-Krishna!

By receiving sakhi/manjari bhava, you will attain Radha-Krishna’s lotus feet! (
Cc. 2.8.228-229)

THE GIFT!

The main purpose of Mahaprabhu’s appearance is to give you, me and everyone the unique and SPECIAL GIFT of Srimati Radharani’s mahabhava (unnatojjvala-rasam), and the treasure of Radhika’s seva in the mood (gopi-bhava) and manner of the maidservants of Sri Radha.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada and Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja both cite the following verse to describe Gauranga’s glorious gift:

āvatīrṇaḥ-kalau-samarpayitum, unnatojjvala-rasāṁ-sva-bhakti-śriyam:

“In Kali age, Caitanya Mahaprabhu has descended to GIVE THE GIFT of Radharani’s ujjvala rasa mahabhava, and the treasure of Her loving service i.e., manjari bhava.”
(Cc. 1.1.4/Vi.m 1.2)

All devotees should know that raganuga sadhana-bhakti following the moods and manner of the Vraja-gopis is Mahaprabhu’s GREATEST GIFT!

– taken from the book “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Raganuga Bhakti” by Madan Gopal Das Babaji [with permission]