The importance of nāma-smaraṇam
The word smaraṇam shows up in various places in the Sandarbhas, the Bhāgavatam, and the …
sādhanā
Q/A: disagreeing with one’s guru and agreeing with traditional acharyas
Question: Is there a place for me to disagree with a traditional acharya of a …
Śrī Viśvanātha explains verses 12.8-12.12 of the Bhagavad Gītā, Part II
In a previous post, I examined Śrī Viśvanātha’s commentary on verses 12.8-12.10. There, we …
Śrī Viśvanātha explains verses 12.8-12.12 of the Bhagavad Gītā, Part I
Verses 12.8 through 12.12 in the Gītā tend to be cryptic and difficult to understand. …
guṇa-bhūtā bhakti does not require sādhu saṅga
An important siddhānta in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism is that no sādhana can be successful without the …
Lessons from Hitopadeśa: how can I trust someone to be my guru?
Question: I have been struggling with something for some time. I do not know how …
How bhakti arises through sat-saṅga
Uttamā bhakti is attained only through the association of devotees and not in any other …
Śrī Jīva Goswami on Bhagavad-Gītā Chapter 8: Three Ways of Realizing the Supreme
While the Sandarbhas emphasize the Bhāgavatam in their analysis, every now and then, Śrī Jīva …
Chanting Bhagavān’s name at the time of death
Q: If we chant Bhagavān’s name at the time of death, will it give its …
Effects of aparādha: kauṭilya or crookedness
In a previous article, I listed the five effects of aparādha. Here I examine …
The five effects of aparādha
Aparādha or offense is the primary obstacle that blocks sādhana bhakti from yielding its result. …
The need for chanting japa
We often hear that the name of Bhagavān is all-powerful, such that uttering it even …