Writings

Śrī Upadeśāmṛta Bhāṣa by Śrīla Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda is a translation in Bengali prose and elaboration upon the original eleven Sanskrit verses of the Upadeśāmṛta (Nectar of Instruction) of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī.

Verse Eleven (kṛṣṇasyoccaiḥ praṇaya-vasatiḥ preyasībhyo ’pi rādhā) of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta (The Nectar of Instruction) establishes Śrī Rādha as the most treasured object of love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Rādha-kuṇḍa as correspondingly dear to him. It is said that one who bathes in the waters of Śrī Rādha-kuṇḍa will attain love for Kṛṣna. Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja give context and deep insight into this verse.

Verse Ten (karmibhyaḥ parito hareḥ priyatayā vyaktiṁ yayur jñāninas) of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta (The Nectar of Instruction) describes the progression of devotees from jñanis to karmis to those who follow the path of bhakti infused with love for Kṛṣṇa, and eventually to the gopīs of Vraja. The pinnacle of this progression is Śrī Rādhikā, who is non-different from Śrī Rādha-kuṇḍa. Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja provides further insights into this.

Verse Nine (vaikuṇṭhāj janito varā madhu-purī tatrāpi rāsotsavād) of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta (The Nectar of Instruction) gives a hierarchy of spiritual attainment from Vaikuṇṭha to Mathurā, onto to Vṛndāvana, Govardhana hill and finally Rādhā-kuṇḍa. Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja further elaborates upon this.

Verse Eight (tan-nāma-rūpa-caritādi-sukīrtanānu) of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta (The Nectar of Instruction) instructs the sadhaka to chant and remember the Lord's Holy Name, form, qualities, and pastimes under the guidance of a resident of Vraja dhama. Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja further explains this.

Verse Seven (syāt kṛṣṇa-nāma-caritādi-sitāpy avidyā) of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta (The Nectar of Instruction) describes the effect of the Holy Name of Kṛṣṇa and how it purifies one who constantly and respectfully chants it. Śrīla B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja elaborates upon this.