There is sometimes confusion about the position of bhāvollāsa-rati in mañjarī-bhāva. Is it merely a sañcārī-bhāva — a supporting or transitory emotion — or does it become the permanent governing love of the mañjarīs? For me, the clearest answer is found in the teachings of my Gurudeva, 108 Śrī Śrīmad Ananta Dās Bābājī Mahārāja. guru-mukha-padma-vākya, … Continue reading Bhāvollāsa-rati: The Sthāyī-bhāva of the Mañjarīs — My Gurudeva’s Explanation
Siddhānta
Addendum: What Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī Actually Says About Bhāvollāsa-rati
There is an important passage in Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī’s commentary on Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 2.5.128 that deserves to be presented in full. Rather than paraphrasing his position, let us first read what he actually says.Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī — Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 2.5.128api ca —sañcārī syāt samonā vā kṛṣṇa-ratyāḥ suhṛd-ratiḥ |adhikā puṣyamāṇā ced bhāvollāsā itīryate || 128 ||“If love for … Continue reading Addendum: What Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī Actually Says About Bhāvollāsa-rati
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Is Bhāvollāsa-rati Really the Sthāyi-bhāva of the Mañjarīs?
There is a statement one sometimes encounters in discussions about mañjarī-bhāva: “Bhāvollāsa-rati cannot be the sthāyi-bhāva of the mañjarīs. It is only a sañcārī-bhāva.” At first sight, this objection may even appear convincing. After all, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī discusses bhāvollāsa in connection with sañcārī-bhāva in his commentary on Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 2.5.128. So is the matter settled? … Continue reading Is Bhāvollāsa-rati Really the Sthāyi-bhāva of the Mañjarīs?
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Where Is My Siddha-Deha Now? Understanding Eternal Identity and Eternal Time
There is a question that naturally comes up when we first hear about the siddha-deha: “If my siddha-deha is my eternal spiritual form, then where is it now? What is it doing while I am sitting here performing sādhana?” This is actually a very understandable question. We live in a world where everything happens according … Continue reading Where Is My Siddha-Deha Now? Understanding Eternal Identity and Eternal Time
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The Timeless Uniqueness Of Manjari Bhava: A Response To Claims Of Modern Invention (English/German)
Radhe Radhe! A recent challenge asserted that the uniqueness of the manjaris as the zenith of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings and the practice of manjari bhava sadhana are mere inventions of the last 100 years. This claim posits a historical disconnect, suggesting that this profound devotional mood emerged recently, detached from the authentic Gaudiya Vaishnava … Continue reading The Timeless Uniqueness Of Manjari Bhava: A Response To Claims Of Modern Invention (English/German)
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Why the verse „Tṛṇād Api Sunīcena“ is essential for practicing Manjari Bhava (English/German)
Manjari bhava refers to the devotional mood or sentiment of the manjaris, the young maidservants of Srimati Radharani (Radha), Krishna’s supreme consort in Vrindavan. According to our acaryas, manjari bhava is the highest elevated, selfless state of devotion within raganuga bhakti (spontaneous loving devotion). The manjaris, exemplified by personas like Rati (Tulasi) Manjari (the form … Continue reading Why the verse „Tṛṇād Api Sunīcena“ is essential for practicing Manjari Bhava (English/German)
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Sriman Mahaprabhu´s unique gift
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 … Continue reading Sriman Mahaprabhu´s unique gift
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Was Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu a fall-vadi?
CLAIM: The 5th verse of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu´s “Siksastakam” clearly proves that the jiva soul fell down from Goloka Vrindavana. ayi nanda-tanuja kiṅkaraṁ patitāṁ māṁ viṣame bhavāmbudhau kṛpayā tava pāda paṅkaja sthita dhūlīsadṛśaṁ vicintaya O Son of Mahārāja Nanda (Kṛṣṇa)! I have fallen into the terrible ocean of material existence. Please consider me to be … Continue reading Was Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu a fall-vadi?
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Bhakti is NOT a process of SUBSTRACTION
Many devotees think that BHAKTI is a process of SUBSTRACTION. A process, where we need to get rid of things that stand in the way of our progress. It is correct. We need to get rid of many "things" on our journey through bhakti, namely of our "unwanted things" aka "anarthas" (unwanted desires). This process … Continue reading Bhakti is NOT a process of SUBSTRACTION
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Following in the footsteps of the Vrajavasis
Radhe Radhe! Recently a good friend of mine found a discrepancy in the tika of Srila Vishvanatha Cakravartipad to the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu, verse 1.2.295. Unfortunately, the translation I used until now is not really accurate and the meaning led us to a bit of "confusion". Here is the original Sanskrit: sādhaka-rūpeṇa yathāvasthita-dehena | siddha-rūpeṇa … Continue reading Following in the footsteps of the Vrajavasis
Amrita-Tarangini 