{"id":3926,"date":"2022-03-10T01:33:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-10T01:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/?p=3926"},"modified":"2022-03-19T09:19:29","modified_gmt":"2022-03-19T09:19:29","slug":"part-one-refuting-the-anti-party-chapter-3-the-benign-authority","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/writings\/books-pdfs\/the-authorized-sri-caitanya-saraswata-parampara\/part-one-refuting-the-anti-party-chapter-3-the-benign-authority\/","title":{"rendered":"Part One \u2013 Refuting The Anti-Party Chapter 3 \u2013 The Benign Authority"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Authorized Sri Caitanya Saraswata Parampara<\/h1><\/div>

Part One \u2013 Refuting The Anti-Party Chapter 3 \u2013 The Benign Authority<\/h2><\/div>

by \u015ar\u012bla Bhakti Gaurava Narasi\u1e45gha Mah\u0101r\u0101ja<\/a><\/h3><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\u201cAnur\u0101ga means the plane of direct experience of the world of Absolute Divine Reality, and there the experience is itself the highest confirmation. The \u015b\u0101stra is only pointing the way.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

At the same time that the articles \u015bik\u1e63\u0101-parampar\u0101<\/em> and Eternally Liberated appeared on the internet, there was simultaneously another attack on the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Ma\u1e6dha and iskcon parampar\u0101<\/em> being conducted in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana\u2014in the very midst of the annual M\u0101y\u0101pura\/V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana festival. This time the attack against our parampar\u0101<\/em> was coming from a young Indian scholar (once a member of iskcon)\u2014who was representing the arguments and objections of the anti-party guru\u2014an elderly Hindu scholar. As it turned out, in their opinion, not even Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura is bona-fide, what then to speak of Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura and his followers.<\/p>\n

Shortly thereafter, I received several emails from a fellow Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana informing me of the accusations against \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura, \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura, \u015ar\u012bla A.C. Bhaktived\u0101nta Sw\u0101m\u012b Prabhup\u0101da and their respective missions.<\/p>\n

To get a confirmation regarding the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party\u2019s accusations against our guru<\/em>\u2013parampar\u0101<\/em> we sent two brahmac\u0101r\u012bs<\/em> to V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana to seek an interview with the anti-party spokesman. We were successful in obtaining first-hand information regarding the propaganda against our guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>. It was no longer hearsay\u2014the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party was on a campaign to disrupt the faith of innocent devotees who had taken shelter of our guru-varga<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The majority of the anti-party criticisms were aimed at \u015ar\u012bla A.C. Bhaktived\u0101nta Sw\u0101m\u012b Prabhup\u0101da and iskcon. Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Ma\u1e6dha was lumped in here and there. The anti-party spokesman took serious objection as regards the preaching mission and siddh\u0101nta<\/em> of Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura and also Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura.<\/p>\n

In many instances the remarks of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party were outrageous, in other instances they were based on logic or argument, and were often followed with scriptural references. Sometimes the arguments were even childish. However, in every instance one thing stood out the most\u2014the objections lacked substance. The very essence of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness was lacking.<\/p>\n

We are going to reproduce the main points of objection that the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party makes against our parampar\u0101<\/em> and respond with our comments. We are doing this because we have been requested to do so by several concerned Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas who feel that the propaganda of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party is an intolerable offense to our guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Before beginning the main topic of this article we would like to say a few words to clarify our position. Some of our readers may feel that we are speaking too harshly against the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party. If so we would like to point out that we have not attacked the persons of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party but only that which we perceive as their offenses and misconceptions. We should also add that it is they that endeavour to find fault in the divine succession of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura, Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura and their followers\u2014it is not we who have sought out our accusers with a view to offend their parampar\u0101<\/em>. It is they who have attacked us, not we who have attacked them.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, we would like to vindicate some of the anti-party members to some degree for we feel that they alone are not to blame for their having arrived at their present position of offending our parampar\u0101<\/em>. If we look closely at iskcon we will find that there are many devotees in iskcon who think and feel in a way which is conducive to the anti-party sentiments. This, we propose, is not the fault of the individuals but the fault of the institution in which they have taken shelter.<\/p>\n

It is the concerned opinion of many older members of iskcon that since the disappearance of \u015ar\u012bla A.C. Bhaktived\u0101nta Swami Prabhup\u0101da the leadership in iskcon has not trained their students in the proper siddh\u0101nta<\/em> and practice of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avism. It seems that the leaders have also over stressed the importance of external achievement at any cost, be it one\u2019s own s\u0101dhana<\/em> or even the dignity of another Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava, Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava apar\u0101dha<\/em>. This we feel is largely due as a result of the iskcon leaders having completely cut themselves off from the senior members of the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Ma\u1e6dha who are themselves living\/realized representatives of \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura Prabhup\u0101da.<\/p>\n

It is also a fact that the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party spokesman and others of their camp have been poorly treated at times by iskcon leaders and they may naturally bear a grudge against iskcon and our parampar\u0101<\/em> as a result of their bad experience. It is indeed unfortunate. I can sympathize with their plight to some extent, but I cannot tolerate their propaganda against those who are very dear to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. We do not hate the sinner\u2014we hate the sin.<\/p>\n

The following are ten points of criticism of our parampar\u0101 by the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party:<\/p>\n

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  1. Only \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> (scripture) is an authority\u2014no human can be so in any circumstance. Even God follows \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> to show the example. \u015a\u0101stra<\/em> is there to make sure that the independent \u201cself-effulgent\u201d personalities do not appear.<\/li>\n
  2. Bh\u0101gavata-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> does not exist\u2014there is no logical meaning of bh\u0101gavata-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>.<\/li>\n
  3. Only K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is self-effulgent\u2014no j\u012bva<\/em> soul can be, because self-effulgent means, in so many words, independent.<\/li>\n
  4. Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura Prabhup\u0101da is a rebel against the parampar\u0101<\/em>. He disregarded all the proper d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> lines and attempted to establish his own concocted line by picking famous names from the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya history.<\/li>\n
  5. Guru is s\u0101dhana-siddha<\/em>.<\/li>\n
  6. Mantra is a secret that must be revealed. It must be heard directly from the guru. \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura Prabhup\u0101da, if he ever received initiation, definitely did not receive brahma-g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em> and sanny\u0101sa mantra<\/em>. Since his mantras are not received in a bona-fide disciplic succession they will never bear fruit\u2014samprad\u0101ya vih\u012bn\u0101 ye, mantr\u0101s te ni\u1e63phala mat\u0101\u1e25<\/em> (Padma Pur\u0101\u1e47a<\/em>).<\/li>\n
  7. Mantra-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> are not bona-fide. (This point is based on the idea that the mantras which the anti-party spokesman received from his guru in the Gad\u0101dhara pariv\u0101ra<\/em>, are not the same as those given in iskcon and Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Ma\u1e6dha).<\/li>\n
  8. Hari-n\u0101ma<\/em> initiation is a concoction. The idea of giving the holy name through d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> has no genuine origin.<\/li>\n
  9. Acceptance of brahma-g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em> (upan\u0101yana sa\u1e41sk\u0101ra<\/em>) is only a part of the var\u1e47\u0101\u015brama<\/em> system in the Vedic tradition, and has no place in the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya line.\u201d<\/li>\n
  10. Sanny\u0101sa<\/em> is not to be given in the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya line, it is only an external necessity of the ritualistic var\u1e47\u0101\u015brama<\/em> society.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    With the blessings of our guru-varga<\/em> we have taken up these points against our guru-parampar\u0101<\/em> in this presentation, presenting counter arguments and clarifications.<\/p>\n

    I offer my humble-most pra\u1e47\u0101mas<\/em> to all the Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas who have assembled at the lotus feet of our guru-parampar\u0101<\/em> to perform hari-bhajana<\/em> and to broadcast the message of the \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Sank\u012brtana<\/em> Movement. Param-Vijayate \u015ar\u012b-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-Sa\u1e45k\u012brtanam<\/em>! Gaura Haribol!<\/p>\n

    In this section we will discuss the first point raised by the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party and briefly mention the second point as well.<\/p>\n

    The V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party says: \u201cOnly \u015b\u0101stra is an authority\u2014no human can be so in any circumstance. Even God follows \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> to show the example. \u015a\u0101stra<\/em> is there to make sure that the independent \u201cself-effulgent\u201d personalities do not appear.<\/p>\n

    The first point of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party is groundwork for their attempt to establish that the guru-varga<\/em> of \u015ar\u012bla A. C. Bhaktived\u0101nta Sw\u0101m\u012b Prabhup\u0101da did not preach according to the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. The V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party is of this faulty opinion for two reasons: 1- They themselves have not realized the purport of \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>, and 2- they fail to understand that the pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas are on equal footing with the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> in all circumstances. Not only are the pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas on an equal footing with the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> but they are sometimes on a superior footing as well. A pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava can make adjustments to the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> when and if necessary. This is of course possible only by the Lord\u2019s own direct arrangement, nonetheless it does happen. We will give some examples and evidence for this opinion as our article develops.<\/p>\n

    It is indeed imperative that the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> be accepted as the benign authority in human society. Yet we see that only those with the divine vision can see what is hidden in the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>\u2014what it is that the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> seeks to tell us. Other than to the pure devotees, the truth remains hidden. In fact, it is almost without exception that the kani\u1e63\u1e6dha<\/em> and madhyama-adhik\u0101r\u012b<\/em> devotees seldom (if ever) understand the real meaning, or the essence of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. If nothing else, the history of Hinduism in India will bear testimony to that.<\/p>\n

    Here is an example of how the hidden truth in the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is only known through the devotees who have higher vision, the rasika-bhaktas<\/em>. In \u015ar\u012bmad Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>, the essence of revealed truth, we find no direct mention of the name of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. We are told that the Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>, from its first verse to its last verse, sings the glories of the service of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. Yet, we find no direct mention of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dhik\u0101 in Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>. So how are we to know these things? They are revealed through the writings and purports of realized souls. It is not by Sanskrit grammar alone that one can extract the essence of the Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>, otherwise millions of j\u00f1\u0101n\u012bs, sm\u0101rtas, br\u0101hma\u1e45as, m\u0101y\u0101v\u0101d\u012bns<\/em> and others would have known this most secret of all secret truths long, long ago.<\/p>\n

    It is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and His pure devotees alone who can extract the essence of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. They can show us how Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> sings the glory of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dhik\u0101, they can show us how the Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> is the purport of Brahma-g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em>, and they can show us that the purport of Brahma-g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em> is the Divine Service of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dhik\u0101. They alone can trace all these things in the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> and therefore the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava is the highest authority. Through him we can see and understand the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. Without the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava to guide us, the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is static. It becomes dynamic when revealed by a pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava.<\/p>\n

    Whatever topics \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu revealed with His decent, the Six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs endeavoured to give support to by quoting the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. Nonetheless only those fortunate souls with \u015braddh\u0101<\/em> (faith) have accepted their evidences. On the contrary, many learned persons have rejected the works of the Six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs, even going so far as to say that \u015ar\u012b J\u012bva Gosv\u0101m\u012b was an outcast \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em> or a rebel.<\/p>\n

    In the not so distant past some scholars (like Giridhara Lal Gosv\u0101m\u012b) have criticized an \u0101c\u0101rya like \u015ar\u012b J\u012bva Gosv\u0101m\u012b, considering that he had no proper understanding of the \u015b\u0101stra. Similarly in this decade we find a few so-called scholars criticizing the validity of the works of \u0101c\u0101ryas like Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura.<\/p>\n

    The V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party statement in point one is a direct attack on Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura for their having made revolutionary adjustments according to time, place, and circumstance in order to advance the cause of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness throughout the world. Since the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party discriminates between the book Bh\u0101gavata<\/em> and the person Bh\u0101gavata they therefore conclude that these adjustments are against the injunctions of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    We strongly disagree with the anti-party on this point. It is the opinion of the followers of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura\u2019s line that the actions and words of great \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em> (pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas) are themselves as good as the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> and thus they are acceptable as an ultimate authority. As confirmed by Vi\u015bvan\u0101tha Cakravart\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura: \u201cs\u0101k\u1e63\u0101d-dharitvena sama\u1e63\u1e6da-\u015b\u0101strair<\/em>\u2014all the \u015b\u0101stras<\/em> sing the glories of the \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em> as being the direct non-different form of the Supreme Lord \u015ar\u012b Hari.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Indeed, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Himself has said:<\/p>\n

    \u0101c\u0101rya\u1e41 m\u0101\u1e41 vij\u0101n\u012by\u0101n n\u0101vanmanyeta karhicit
    \n<\/em>na martya-buddhy\u0101s\u016byeta sarva-deva-mayo guru\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cOne should know the \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em> as Myself and never disrespect him in anyway. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for he is the representative of all the demigods.\u201d (Bh\u0101g<\/em>. 11.17.27)<\/p>\n

    What one hears from a bona-fide \u0101c\u0101rya<\/em> can be accepted as good as the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. Just because the revelation of a pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava is above our present understanding we should not disrespect or criticize him as the foolish and less intelligent persons may do. One in the lower position cannot give the certificate to the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava in the higher position. It is not the duty of the lower adhik\u0101ra<\/em> Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava to instruct or criticize the higher adhik\u0101ra<\/em> Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Also it is not the duty of an empowered representative of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a to ditto the plane of our limited understanding.<\/p>\n

    Those who cannot recognize the higher adhik\u0101ra<\/em> Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava are either covered by ignorance, false pride, envy, apar\u0101dha<\/em> (offenses) or all of the above. They violate the injunctions of the \u015ar\u012bmad Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em> which declares that the paramaha\u1e41sa\u2019s<\/em> activities are no longer ruled by the scriptures\u2014avidhi-gocara\u1e25<\/em> (Bh\u0101g<\/em>. 11.18.28)<\/p>\n

    The difficulty with the anti-party is that they cannot see the divinity of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura, neither from their writings, from their personal conduct, or from their preaching missions. The anti-party cannot see that Bhaktivinoda and Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura had a higher transcendental vision of the necessity of their times or that they had a higher understanding of the purpose of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. The anti-party is not prepared to accept that these two were divine personalities and that they were inspired by the Supreme Lord within. Therefore, the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party rejects the contributions of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura.<\/p>\n

    Only Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura can save his critics from the darkness of ignorance\u2014therefore we will now quote extensively from the words of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and allow the \u1e6ch\u0101kura to directly explain to the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party the truth regarding revealed scriptures.<\/p>\n

    \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura writes in \u015ar\u012b Tattva-s\u016btra:<\/p>\n

    This Tattva-s\u016btra is obtained and proved by the eternal realization. Therefore, it can be known as the very essence of the Vedas. This is originated from the Supreme Lord \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-Caitanya, and hence, is the origin of all the revealed scriptures. Only the reality has been accepted in this treatise.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The divine knowledge is characterized as the sun whereas all the scriptures (\u015b\u0101stra) are rays of that sun. This saying reveals that no scripture can contain the divine knowledge to the fullest extent. The self-evident knowledge of the j\u012bvas is the source of all the scripture. This self-evident knowledge should be understood as God-given. The sages endowed with compassionate hearts have received this self-evident knowledge (axiomatic truths) from the Supreme Lord, and recorded the same in the scriptures for the benefit of all j\u012bvas. This recorded portion of this primeval knowledge (God-given to the j\u012bva) has been manifested in the form of the Vedas.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The independent cultivation of the self-evident knowledge is always necessary. This is the important thing needed in understanding the truth along with the study of the scriptures. Since the knowledge (divine knowledge) itself is the origin of the scriptures, those who disregard the root and depend upon the branches cannot have any well-being. Now, it may be argued that, when all the scriptures have been derived of the self-evident faith, where is the need for honouring them? The answer is that, in the conditioned state of the j\u012bvas, the real knowledge is covered by the darkness of ignorance. In the devotional cultivation associated with retraction, when the hidden reality is gradually manifested in the state of bhakti-sam\u0101dhi, the j\u012bvas will be realizing the self-evident knowledge.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Beginning from the time of cosmic creation until today, a great amount of knowledge about the reality has been discovered by the sages. Apart from that limitless knowledge dis-covered, still the sages are occasionally delivering many new facts about the reality, obtained in their devotional trance of sam\u0101dhi. All these discovered principles may be called as the scriptures. By the help of a certain principle another one may be properly understood. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully record all these discovered principles of reality. Without following this process, the ultimate conclusions of the discovered principles can never be attained.<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u015ar\u012b Brahm\u0101, the original propounder of the scriptures enlightened \u015ar\u012b N\u0101rada with the principles of reality discovered by himself and advised him to develop the same by the further discovery of other divine principles.<\/em><\/p>\n

    All the discovered principles of the reality will get added to the scriptural knowledge and help the future developments of the same. Therefore, those who believe in the self-evident faith, they can never disparage the scriptures if at all they are intelligent in the study of them. But, those who are not endowed with the study of the principles of bhakti, which is the essential purport of the scriptures, their scriptural learning is only a waste of labor.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Therefore, the \u2018essence-seekers\u2019 conclusion is that, all the principles will be decided by the help of self-evident knowledge. All the scriptures should be understood by the help of that unalloyed knowledge. But, this rule does not apply to those whose self-evident knowledge has been adulterated with the empirical knowledge. Hence the following aphorism:<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0\u2018Scriptural ordinances are intended for the regulation of the ignorant human beings whereas those who are endowed with discretion and divine wisdom are not controlled by them.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

    Similarly, Manu also has elaborately explained the importance of scriptures and finally stated the following:<\/em><\/p>\n

    In this way: in all the scriptures these two signs can be seen viz., 1- honour of the revealed scriptures in general, 2- secondary importance of the scriptures in comparison to the self-evident faith. <\/em><\/p>\n

    But, the authors of the scriptures do not clearly indicate the lightness of the scriptures. The reason for such an attitude is that, the meritorious people who are authorized to discard the scriptural binding can naturally become independent of the scriptures by the help of the hidden indications of the scriptural authors and also by their own purified knowledge. Such meritorious persons can carry on the sinless activities by the help of their own intellect as well as by the advice of the scriptures. In that stage, the scriptures will not have any binding over them but only they serve as their guides. On the other hand, those who are unable to understand their own spiritual path due to the lack of self-evident knowledge and due to ignorance who may not be able to ascertain their duties and fall into misery due to sensuality, for such people the scriptural ordinances are imperative. Such persons should not know that there is any way for them apart from the bindings of the scriptures. When they become authorized due to their advancement, they will be able to know this secret by the suggestions of the scriptures.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Since knowledge itself is the root of the scriptures the one who has attained that self-evident knowledge will not be ruled by the scriptures, but only they guide him with advice. In case of ignorant people, this is not so. They must be governed by the rules of the scriptures for their upliftment, if not they will have their inevitable downfall due to the sensual addictions. It is argued that, instead of governing by means of tedious rules, let the scriptures help the ignorant people by means of friendly advice. The reason for such an attitude is that the ignorant people do not understand their own good and bad due to the lack of knowledge. Due to the instinctual habits they will engage in wanton activities.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Since their nature is mostly inclined towards the gratification of the senses, for their spiritual betterment the scriptures try to reform them through many types of tricks, by applying coercion, and with skillfulness etc. Often the scriptures threaten the ignorant people with punishment of hell, at times they put forth the temptations of heavenly enjoyments. Again, they reform the human beings depending upon their inclinations. In many scriptures one may see the sanction of liquor, polygamy, killing of animals etc. All those are meant for the gradual control of the barbarian human beings by means of sanctioning some type of restricted activities according to their inclination. By their gradual reformation, the scriptures want to put them in the path of detachment. The many types of fruits mentioned along with those activities are only meant for attracting the attention of the ignorant followers.<\/em><\/p>\n

    An argument may arise in this regard that, this Tattva-s\u016btra also being a scripture, why the secret purport of the scriptures has been openly given here? The answer is that, this book of Tattva-s\u016btra has been published for the benefit of the self-realized Bh\u0101gavata devotees. They are authorized to know about all these thoughts. By the help of these aphorisms, their intellect will become favourable for the cultivation of divine love. Therefore, the author has openly declared here the scriptural secret.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Devotees of the Supreme Lord are not controlled by the scriptures since their activities are congenial to the divine wisdom. Therefore, when the self-realized devotees ordain any new arrangement, they should be agreed with as a religious code, even if such new arrangements are not found in the scriptural dictums of the previous sages. (\u015ar\u012b Tattva-s\u016btra, pages 191-204)<\/em><\/p>\n

    How can even a single thread of doubt remain regarding the proper understanding of the relationship between the pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava and the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> after hearing from Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura? If such doubts still remain in one\u2019s heart it is surely due to the Supreme Lord being dissatisfied with that person.<\/p>\n

    According to the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> should be taken as the basis of everything and the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava can never be considered an authority\u2014that is, unless he dittos the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. This concept, however, is not the opinion of self-realized souls like Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura, who has been accepted throughout the land of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas as the Seventh Gosv\u0101m\u012b. Our readers should not take it lightly that Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura has been called the Seventh Gosv\u0101m\u012b. He was given this due respect not by the ignorant masses but by some of the most dignified and educated Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas of his time. Pa\u1e47\u1e0dita \u1e62a\u1e6dkari Chattopadhy\u0101ya Siddh\u0101nta-bh\u016b\u1e63ana and other respected gentlemen of his mark all accepted the divinity of Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura as the Seventh Gosv\u0101m\u012b, and it was thus accepted by all of Bengal. Not only Bengal, but in recent times the Harvard Divinity School has commented that, \u201cBhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura has made the most significant contribution to theistic thought in this 20th Century.\u201d<\/p>\n

    A proper understanding of the point regarding the innovations of religious principles introduced by bona-fide \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em> is that one should accept those innovations to be as good as the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. This is especially true in relation to Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura having introduced the institution of sanny\u0101sa<\/em>, and the giving of Brahma-g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em> as part of mantra-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em>. We discuss this topic at length in chapter four.<\/p>\n

    The actual basis of spiritual life or advancement in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness is \u015braddh\u0101<\/em>, faith, and association with s\u0101dhus<\/em>. \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b has written: \u0101dau \u015braddh\u0101 tata\u1e25 s\u0101dhu-sa\u1e45go<\/em> \u2018tha<\/em> bhajana-kriy\u0101<\/em>. In the beginning, at the basis of everything there must be \u015braddh\u0101<\/em>, faith. Then comes s\u0101dhu-sa\u1e45ga<\/em> and then in the association of s\u0101dhus<\/em> one begins the study of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>, bhajana-kriy\u0101<\/em>. Only to those who have this \u015braddh\u0101<\/em> as the basis of their K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness and the association with pure devotees are all the purports of the Vedas<\/em> (\u015b\u0101stra<\/em>) revealed:<\/p>\n

    yasya deve par\u0101 bhaktir yath\u0101-deve tath\u0101 gurau
    \n<\/em>tasyaite kathit\u0101 hy arth\u0101\u1e25 prak\u0101\u015bante mah\u0101tmana\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cOnly unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.\u201d (\u015avet\u0101\u015bvatara<\/em> Up<\/em>. 6.38)<\/p>\n

    This is a hard lump for the scholars to swallow, but faith alone is the sole necessity for advancement in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness\u2014faith and faith in the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Scholarship alone can never reveal K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a:<\/p>\n

    \u015babda-brahma\u1e47i ni\u1e63\u1e47\u0101to na ni\u1e63\u1e47\u0101y\u0101t pare yadi
    \n<\/em>\u015bramas tasya \u015brama-phalo hy adhenum iva rak\u1e63ata\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cOne may be expert in Vedic scholarship, but if he fails to understand the position of the Absolute Truth, all his study is a waste of time. His hard work will be his only reward, and his efforts will be like the labour of one who struggles to maintain a cow that has no calf and cannot produce milk.\u201d (Bh\u0101g<\/em>. 11.11.18)<\/p>\n

    This is also confirmed in the Brahma-Sa\u1e41hit\u0101<\/em> 5.33:<\/p>\n

    vede\u1e63u durlabham adurlabham \u0101tma-bhaktau<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Lord cannot be understood by academic wisdom of the Vedas, but knowledge of Him is revealed to unalloyed devotees.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Like many scholars, anti-party members seem to have been overcome by the anartha<\/em> of pr\u0101ya\u015ba<\/em>, or trying by one\u2019s own endeavour to acquire knowledge of the scriptures without proper guidance. The result of such pr\u0101ya\u015ba<\/em> is always the same, one fails to understand the purport of Vedic literature.<\/p>\n

    bahu-\u015b\u0101stre bahu-v\u0101kye citte bhrama haya
    \n<\/em>s\u0101dhya-s\u0101dhana \u015bre\u1e63\u1e6dha n\u0101 haya ni\u015bcaya<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cIf one becomes a bookworm, reading many books and scriptures and hearing many commentaries and the instructions of many men, this will produce doubt within the heart. One cannot in this way ascertain the real goal of life.\u201d (C.c. \u0100di-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 16.11)<\/p>\n

    The search for knowledge is certainly misleading in our ultimate quest for pure devotional service. In fact, although somewhat necessary in the beginning of devotional service, it nonetheless becomes the prerequisite for pure devotional service that one become free from knowledge, j\u00f1\u0101na-\u015b\u016bnya-bhakti<\/em>. By knowledge, it is meant the spirit of ascertaining the Absolute Truth with a calculative approach, the attempt to capture the infinite in one\u2019s fist. In the ultimate issue K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is unknown and unknowable. \u015a\u0101stra<\/em> points the way, but only faith can reveal the higher plane. J\u00f1\u0101na-\u015b\u016bnya-bhakti<\/em> is the plane of divine love which is free from any calculation and does not consider even the opulence and power of the Lord\u2014j\u00f1\u0101ne pray\u0101sam<\/em> udap\u0101sya namanta eva<\/em>. This is the standard of pure devotion of the eternal residents of \u015ar\u012b Goloka V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.<\/p>\n

    The mastery of knowing everything must be hatefully rejected if we are to approach the highest domain, j\u00f1\u0101na-karm\u0101dy-an\u0101v\u1e5btam<\/em>. It is not possible to \u201cknow\u201d anything about the infinite, either in magnitude or quality. The infinite is a flow of autocracy, so what can we \u201cknow\u201d of it? Whatever we \u201cknow\u201d at present can all prove false in a moment simply by His will.<\/p>\n

    K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the unconquerable, ajita<\/em>, but He becomes conquered, jita\u1e25<\/em>, by the love of pure devotees, not by the knowledge of scholars or the study of many books. The anti-party wants to become expert in logic and argument to besmirch the path of pure devotion, the bh\u0101gavata<\/em>\u2013m\u0101rga<\/em>, but this is all a waste of the valuable form of human life. For all their scholarship and learning the anti-party has simply become an educated combatant with the guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    A good example of the higher position sometimes being given to a pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava with regard to his being an agent of revealed truth is found in the Caitanya-carit\u0101m\u1e5bta, a \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> accepted by all Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas. We find in the discussions between \u015ar\u012b Caitanya and R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya that there is a point where the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> retires and the authority of the pure Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava is taken as the final word.<\/p>\n

    \u015ar\u012b Caitanya, at the beginning of the discourse with R\u0101m\u0101nanda requested R\u0101m\u0101nanda to speak about the ultimate goal of life and to support his statements with the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    prabhu kahe, \u201cpada \u015bloka s\u0101dhyera nirnaya\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u015ar\u012b Caitanya said to R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya, \u201cPlease recite a verse from the revealed scriptures concerning the ultimate goal of life.\u201d (Cc. Madhya-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 8.57)<\/p>\n

    This is certainly the generally accepted rule in spiritual circles in India\u2014one must support his statements with reference to the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>, otherwise one will not be accepted as a spiritual authority.<\/p>\n

    \u015bruti sm\u1e5bti pur\u0101\u1e47\u0101di pa\u00f1caratra-vidhi\u1e41 vin\u0101
    \n<\/em>aik\u0101ntik\u012b harer bhaktir utp\u0101t\u0101yaiva kalpate<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cDevotional service to the Lord that ignores the authorized Vedic literature like Upani\u1e63ads<\/em>, Pur\u0101\u1e47as<\/em>, N\u0101rada Pa\u00f1car\u0101tra<\/em>, etc. is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society.\u201d (Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu<\/em> 1.2.101 and Brahma-Yam\u0101l\u0101<\/em>)<\/p>\n

    \u015aruti<\/em> means that which is given by the Lord and sm\u1e5bti<\/em> means that which is spoken about the Lord by His devotees. In any case only the m\u0101y\u0101v\u0101d\u012bns<\/em> do not accept the sm\u1e5bti<\/em> to be as good as the \u015bruti<\/em>. To the Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas, both the Lord and the Lord\u2019s pure devotee are authority.<\/p>\n

    After each and every statement by R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya, \u015ar\u012b Caitanya requested him to go further: \u0101ge kaha \u0101ra<\/em>, \u201cPlease go further.\u201d Thus the conversation between \u015ar\u012b Caitanya and R\u0101m\u0101nanda progressed from one topic to another, step by step revealing the ultimate goal of life. At last the end of the discussions in m\u0101dhurya-rasa<\/em> culminating in the transcendental loving affairs between R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a were discussed. All this was done by R\u0101m\u0101nanda by quoting \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    At that point \u015ar\u012b Caitanya pleasantly surprised R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya by saying:<\/p>\n

    eho haya, \u0101ge kaha \u0101ra<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cThis is very nice. Now please tell me something more!\u201d<\/p>\n

    Hearing this R\u0101m\u0101nanda replied:<\/p>\n

    ih\u0101 va-i buddhi-gati n\u0101hi \u0101ra
    \n<\/em>yeb\u0101 \u2018prema-vil\u0101sa-vivarta\u2019 eka haya
    \n<\/em>t\u0101h\u0101 \u015buni tom\u0101ra sukha haya, ki n\u0101 haya<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cThere is another wonderful topic (prema-vil\u0101sa-vivarta<\/em>) which you can hear from me but I do not know if you will be satisfied with what I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Here R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya reveals before \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu that there was a feeling in his heart which he was willing to express on the order of the Lord but that he would not be able to quote from \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. As it is said, \u201cdharmasya tattva\u1e41 nihitam guh\u0101y\u0101\u1e41<\/em>,\u201d the Absolute Truth is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated self-realized person. (Mah\u0101bh\u0101rata. Vana-parva<\/em>. 313.117)<\/p>\n

    R\u0101m\u0101nanda then spoke a verse which was his own composition. This verse begins with the words, pahilehi r\u0101ga nayana-bha\u1e45ge bhela<\/em> (Cc. Madhya-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 8.194). In these words, R\u0101m\u0101nanda gave a hint about the divine appearance of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, in whom both R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are combined.<\/p>\n

    For what R\u0101m\u0101nanda wanted to say, he had no \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> to quote. Nonetheless, when Mah\u0101prabhu heard the composition of R\u0101m\u0101nanda He was very satisfied. Indeed, R\u0101m\u0101nanda, by his own composition, revealed that which had never before been revealed in the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya further said to \u015ar\u012b Caitanya:<\/p>\n

    yei kah\u0101o, sei kahi v\u0101\u1e47\u012b
    \n<\/em>ki kahiye bh\u0101la-manda, kichui n\u0101 j\u0101ni<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cI do not know what I am saying, but You have made me speak what I have spoken, be it good or bad. I am simply repeating that message.\u201d (Cc. Madhya-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 8.198)<\/p>\n

    What we find here in the discussions between \u015ar\u012b Caitanya and R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya is a truth superior to that which the anti-party has attempted to establish in point number one. We do agree with all parties that indeed the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is important and is not to be vilified, but the proper siddh\u0101nta<\/em> according to Kavir\u0101ja Gosv\u0101m\u012b, the author of Caitanya-carit\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em>, is that the Lord speaks personally through His pure devotees.<\/p>\n

    According to Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em> such as \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Deva Gosv\u0101m\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja, the stage of anur\u0101ga<\/em> (in which R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya was situated) is a stage of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness independent of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. The \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>, \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja says, is to give us a confirmation of what we feel in our heart. The real thing, he says, is to be realized in the heart. Anur\u0101ga<\/em> means the plane of direct experience of the world of absolute divine reality, and there the experience is itself the highest confirmation. The \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is only pointing the way. Furthermore, \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja says that the \u015b\u0101stras<\/em> are the recorded experiences of those great personalities who have their special experience in the plane of infinite faith, \u015braddh\u0101<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    Not only does K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a speak through His pure devotees but He acts through them as well, for their every action is executed solely in conjunction with His will. Therefore, the proper conclusion is that the socio-religious adjustments that Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura and Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura have made with regard to the preaching mission and especially with regard to the institution of sanny\u0101sa<\/em>, are to be considered as an introduction of religious principles for the benefit of all mankind according to time, place, and necessity. These adjustments are exclusively meant for the preaching of the sa\u1e45k\u012brtana<\/em> movement, the prime benediction for humanity at large. This has also been confirmed by Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura in his \u015ar\u012b Tattva-s\u016btra<\/em>, as quoted earlier in this chapter.<\/p>\n

    We also find the following statement by Yudhi\u1e63\u1e6dhira Mah\u0101r\u0101ja in the Mah\u0101bh\u0101rata, Vana-parva,<\/em> 313.117:<\/p>\n

    dharmasya tattva\u1e41 nihitam guh\u0101y\u0101\u1e41
    \n<\/em>mah\u0101jano yena gata\u1e25 sa panth\u0101\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cThe solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated self-realized person. Consequently, as the \u015b\u0101stras<\/em> confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the self-realized predecessors advocate.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Unfortunately, the anti-party lacks the spiritual sense to recognize that the contributions of realized souls are the very essence of the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. It is also an obvious oversight of the anti-party that the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>, although eternal, does not come to us independent of the Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava.<\/p>\n

    The decent of the Absolute Truth which comes to us through the succession of pure devotees and which is the only life of a bona- fide (living) parampar\u0101<\/em>, is called a bh\u0101gavata-parampar\u0101<\/em>. Indeed, the \u015ar\u012bmad Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>, which is the most essential scripture for all Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas, only comes to us via a \u015bik\u1e63\u0101<\/em> or bh\u0101gavata-parampar\u0101<\/em>. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a spoke the essence of the Bh\u0101gavata to Brahm\u0101. Brahm\u0101 spoke it to N\u0101rada, and N\u0101rada in turn taught it to Vy\u0101sa. \u015aukadeva, who was known not to have undergone any d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101-sa\u1e41sk\u0101ra<\/em>, learned its essence from Vy\u0101sa. \u015aukadeva spoke it to the Emperor Par\u012bk\u1e63it. At that time S\u016bta heard it as well, and he in turn spoke it to \u015aaunaka. This is the bh\u0101gavata-guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>, a \u015bik\u1e63\u0101-parampar\u0101<\/em>. This is also our answer to the second objection of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party wherein they say, \u201cBh\u0101gavata-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> and thus bh\u0101gavata-samprad\u0101ya<\/em> are bogus.\u201d In a nutshell, our response is that without the bh\u0101gavata-parampar\u0101<\/em> (as mentioned above) there is no \u015ar\u012bmad Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>! Here we might put a counter challenge to the anti-party: if you have no bh\u0101gavata-parampar\u0101<\/em> then you have no parampar\u0101<\/em>!<\/p>\n

    Truth is first revealed within the heart of Brahm\u0101:<\/p>\n

    tene brahma h\u1e5bd\u0101 ya \u0101di-kavaye<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u201cVedic knowledge was first imparted into the heart of Brahm\u0101, the original created being.\u201d (Bh\u0101g. 1.1.1)<\/p>\n

    Then, this transcendental knowledge is passed on to N\u0101rada and next to Vy\u0101sadeva who, in this millennium, is the compiler of the Vedas. And after Vy\u0101sadeva many perfected souls contributed to the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> from their realizations. \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu Himself composed eight \u015blokas<\/em> which all Gau\u1e0d\u012byas accept to be as good as \u015b\u0101stra<\/em>. The Lord then inspired and empowered his representatives in disciplic succession to also write books on the science of pure devotion, and He also empowered them to spread K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness all over the world.<\/p>\n

    If we trace the origin of all \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> we come to Vy\u0101sadeva, and then to his guru N\u0101rada who heard the essence of truth from his guru Lord Brahm\u0101 in the form of the four nutshell verses of the Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>. We do not find anywhere that N\u0101rada received mantra-d\u012bk\u1e63\u0101<\/em> from Lord Brahm\u0101. Lord Brahm\u0101 had realized the ocean of truth after he performed meditation on the three-fold g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em>, O\u1e40, which had manifest from the Divine Flute of \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. O\u1e40 is indeed the seed of divya-j\u00f1\u0101nam<\/em>, divine knowledge, the seed of all knowledge from which manifests the g\u0101yatr\u012b<\/em>. Next the Veda<\/em>, then the Ved\u0101nta<\/em>, and then the \u015ar\u012bmad Bh\u0101gavatam<\/em>. Although it is said that O\u1e40 emanates from K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, it actually is emanating from K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s flute, and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s flute is a nitya-p\u0101r\u1e63ada<\/em> devotee eternally situated in \u015b\u0101nta-rasa<\/em>. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a simply causes the flute to vibrate, when it comes in connection with His lotus lips. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a does not directly vibrate the sound O\u1e40, but He causes His flute to do so. In this way, from the very beginning the position of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s devotee is conspicuous in the process of receiving divine knowledge. Either the devotee is imparting knowledge according to his realization or the Lord is directly speaking through him. In either case the message is transcendental.<\/p>\n

    In the last part of the anti-parties\u2019 first statement it is said, \u201c\u015a\u0101stra<\/em> is there to make sure that the independent self-effulgent personalities do not appear.\u201d I have not mentioned this point up to now in this article. Possibly they are trying here to make a twist on the siddh\u0101nta<\/em> by playing on words. Anyway, the proper understanding should be that the \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> is there to help us recognize \u201cself-effulgent\u201d personalities if and when they do appear, not to restrict such personalities from appearing.<\/p>\n

    We have written here a few words with regard to the objections of the V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana anti-party against our guru-parampar\u0101<\/em>. Subsequent chapters will address further anti-party misconceptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In The Authorized Sri Caitanya Saraswata Parampara, Sripad Narasingha Maharaja expertly clarifies the proper conception of pure devotion, as received thru the divine preceptorial line of Srila Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada. In this book, the cheating of the deviant sects are exposed for what they are, so that the intelligent discerning devotees may more easily avoid their pitfalls and more clearly recognize the very precise line of Gaudya Vaishnavism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[193],"tags":[],"krishna_talk_article":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3926"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3926"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3926\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3926"},{"taxonomy":"krishna_talk_article","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/krishna_talk_article?post=3926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}