Characteristics of the uttama bhāgavata
I am routinely asked about how to recognize a siddha bhakta, particularly by those who are searching for a genuine guru. In the Bhakti Sandarbha, […]
Definitions
The different definitions of dharma
The word dharma has a variety of meanings depending on the philosophical context. Below I reproduce several definitions of dharma discussed by Babaji in his […]
Causes in nyāya – asamavāyi kāraṇa
I continue discussing the types of causes or kāraṇas in nyāya based on Śrī Devadatta Pātil Śarmā’s excellent Sanskrit book, Vidyādharī, which is a commentary […]
Causes in nyāya – samavāyi kāraṇa
It is common to hear the terms ‘samavāyi kāraṇa’, ‘asamvāyi kāraṇa’, and nimitta kāraṇa, which are the three types of causes in nyāya. In this […]
The lakṣaṇa of a lakṣaṇa
The importance of definitions cannot be overstated in keeping concepts straight in our heads. In Indian philosophy, writers take great pains to define items and […]
Start Here: What Is Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism
Welcome! Whether you’re curious about Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism, exploring bhakti with a questioning mind, or simply seeking clarity on your spiritual path—you’re in the right place. […]
Śraddhā is the sole criterion for eligiblity for bhakti
Reader Madhusudan ji wanted me to reply to questions regarding the role of karma as an upakāraka, or facilitator, of the adhikāra or eligibility for […]
The unique qualities of uttamā bhakti
The definition of uttamā bhakti in Śrī Rūpa Goswami’s Bhakti rasāmṛta sindhu is the foundation on which the edifice of the Caitanya tradition rests. I […]
Śrī Jīva Goswami explains that there is no fall after attaining Vaikuṇṭha, Part I
That the residents of Vaikuṇṭha can “fall” into the material world is an extraordinary and odious fiction. Even a cursory analysis of Indian theological systems […]
Ascertaining the paramārtha or supreme object of attainment, part I
A major concern of the śāstras is the ascertainment of the paramārtha or supreme object of attainment. There are many attainments possible, and many are […]
Understanding anādi, ananta, abhāva and other concepts: mathematical representations
The concept of anādi which means ‘beginningless’, is challenging to grasp for many. Below I present mathematical representations of the anādi concept and related concepts […]
Q/A: Definition of ācārya
Question: Who is an ācārya? Answer: The definition of the term ‘ācārya’ is as follows: svayamācarate yastu ācāre sthāpayatyapi ācinoti ca śāstrārthānācāryastena cocyate He who […]