The mechanism of Brahman realization
We now discuss the process of realizing Brahman.
acintya bheda-abheda is different from viśiṣṭa-advaita
We have examined previously that Bhagavān is the viśiṣṭa tattva. We also saw that Brahman is Bhagavān without attributes, or the viśeṣya tattva. Here we examine what viśiṣṭa tattva means in Śrī Jīva’s theology. Śrī Jīva discusses absolute reality or tattva with an analysis of the famous verse […]
The mechanism of self-realization
We continue to discuss the concept of Brahman and Bhagavān as explained by Śrī Jīva Goswami in the Bhagavat Sandarbha. Śrī Jīva Goswami explains that self-realization is a pre-requisite for Brahman realization. Therefore, here we first examine what it means to ‘realize the self’. The process of experience […]
The difference between Brahman and Bhagavān
There are differing views on Brahman and Bhagavān. There is one camp, particularly among some Vaiṣṇava sects, which tends to interpret all verses involving Brahman in the Purāṇas as Bhagavān. The camp of the Advaita-vadis considers Bhagavān as material, and only Brahman as the absolute reality. Sri Jiva […]
The elements of bhakti rasa
Here we revisit the definition of bhakti rasa and explanations of the terms vibhāva, anubhāva, vyabhicārī and sāttvika bhāvas, but this time as given by Sri Rupa Goswami in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta Sindhu. Definition of bhakti rasa Sri Rupa Goswami defines bhakti rasa (2.1.5) as follows: vibhāvair anubhāvaiḥ ca […]
The essence of bhakti rasa is wondrous happiness (camatkāri sukham)
Bhakti rasa is a state of camatkāri sukham.
Steps in experience of bhakti rasa
We continue our discussion of rasa by examining the steps through which it manifests and is experienced.
