The four progressive stages of vairāgya
The definition of vairāgya and its four stages
Understanding the three guṇas
The concept of the gunas of prakrti is unique to Indian philosophy, and an important contribution of the Sāṅkhya school.
Which definition of jnāna applies to the ātmā?
The word jnāna has the common meaning of ‘knowledge’. However, in Sanskrit usage, the word jnāna carries different meanings depending on the context. Here we examine these meanings, and how they apply to the ātmā.
Śrī Jīva Goswami explains the characteristics of Bhagavān’s name
A major sādhana in Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism is the chanting of Bhagavān’s name (nāma in Sanskrit). It is not surprising, then, that Sri Jiva methodically analyzes the subject of nāma in the Sandarbhas. Here, we discuss key attributes of Bhagavān’s names. Bhagavan’s names are not mental constructs like other […]
Q/A: acintya bheda-abheda
Maharajji answers questions in Śrī Guru Darśanam, p 20 Question: Can you explain how Bhagavān is devoid of different types of bhedas? Answer: Bhagavān has potencies; and between śakti (potency) and śaktimāna (who possesses the potency), there is no bheda (difference) or abheda (non-difference). He is the only one who […]
Q/A: varṇāśrama dharma is not uttama-bhakti
Maharajji answers questions in Śrī Guru Darśanam, p 505 Question: Jīva Goswami describes that bhakti can also be attained by svābhāvika-dharma, performing one’s natural duty directed towards satisfying Śrī Hari. How does varṇāśrama-dharma lead to bhakti? Answer: Bhakti is the ultimate thing to be attained from svābhāvika-dharma, if it is […]
The four types of entities in nyāya
All objects or entities are classified into four types according to nyāya. This understanding is essential to grasp Śrī Jīva’s explanations in the Sandarbhas of the nature of our existence. The classifications are based on whether the object has a beginning and an end. To describe objects, it […]
