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Role of Jnana in Bhakti
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BRS (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu): Jnana not an element of bhakti& DST (Durgama Sangamani Tika): This jnana refers to:1.Atma-Jnana2. Ishvara-Jnana3.Aiktava-Jnana
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Why is Jnana Pratikula to Bhakti?
Aspect of Jnana
Adverse Effect
Constitution Oneness denies eternality of bhakti
Application Hardening of the heart
Destination Merging: End of Bhakti
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How can Jnana be Anukula to Bhakti?
Aspect of Jnana Beneficial Effect
Constitution Emphasized subordination of soul
Application Stabilization of bhakti practices
Destination Enhanced appreciation of the Lord’s glories
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How can Jnana be Anukula to Bhakti?
Path Destination
Jnana Mishra Bhakti Shanta rati eg Kumaras
Jnana Mishra Bhakti with past contact with pure devs
Prema in Aishavarya eg Shukadeva G
Kevala Bhakti Goloka VrndavanAa
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Role of Jnana in Bhakti
Primary Sources BRS: (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)& DST (Durgama Sangamani Tika)
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Role of Jnana in Bhakti
Primary Sources BRS: (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)& DST (Durgama Sangamani Tika)
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Role of Jnana in Bhakti
Primary Sources BRS: (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)& DST (Durgama Sangamani Tika)
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Role of Jnana in Bhakti
Primary Sources BRS: (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu)& DST (Durgama Sangamani Tika)
Pluralism:“All ways are right.”
Exclusivism:“My way is the only right way”
Inclusivism:There is one way with various levels on it
Uniqueness of Vedic revelation
1.Clear description of sadhya (goal)
2.Systematic explanation of sadhana (means)
3.Flexibility of sadhya and sadhana
What is the sadhya?Materialism: Possessions, Positions, People
Religious Materialism: God as means to above things
Scientism: Particles
Impersonalism: Nothing
Bhakti: God
What is the sadhya?Materialism: Possessions, Positions, People
Religious Materialism: God as means to above things
Scientism: Particles
Impersonalism: Nothing
Bhakti: God
Who looks more attractive: God or Man?
Hero – Krishna Director – Yoga-MayaScript-Writer – Krishna
Hero – Krishna Director – Yoga-MayaScript-Writer – Krishna
The Evolution ofSambandha Jnana
•Mundane Literature•Revealed Scripture•Vedic Scripture (Shruti)•Smriti (Purana / Itihasa)•Vaishnava Smriti•Shrimad Bhagavatam•Dashama Skandha•Goswami Grantha
The Calamity of Impersonlism:Depict the highest
revelation that can help us come out of Maya to
itself be a product of Maya.
Eg. Depicting medicine as poison
Uniqueness of Vedic revelation
1. Systematic Sambandha Jnana:
• With whom should I develop a relationship? Why?
• What happens if I don’t? Why?
2. Practical, clear, potent Abhidheya:
• What is the process by which I can transfer my love from krishnetara to Krishna?
3. Endearing, captivating Prayojana:
• What happens when I develop my love for God?
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Are good intentons good enough?
• Role of Jnana in Bhakti
How Abhidheya Works
The Progressive Revelation of Bhakti
• Ramanuja: Continuous recollection of God Love is a kind of knowledge, bhakti – sadhana and phala
• Madhva: Strong emotion of love accompanied by knowledge of God’s majesty
• Nimbarka: Special kind of love, sadhana & phala
• Vallabha: Love, Maryada and Pushti
The Progressive Revelation of Bhakti
Jiva Goswami: Bhakti is the essence of God’s int potency of bliss, which is his most important potency.
Gaudiya Vaishnavism:
Unparalleled sweetness
sadhu-saìga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-shravana
mathura-vasa, shri-murtira shraddhaya sevana
sadhu-saìga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-shravana
mathura-vasa, shri-murtira shraddhaya sevana
Uniqueness of Vedic revelation
1. Systematic Sambandha Jnana:
• With whom should I develop a relationship? Why?
• What happens if I don’t? Why?
2. Practical, clear, potent Abhidheya:
• What is the process by which I can transfer my love from krishnetara to Krishna?
3. Endearing, captivating Prayojana:
• What happens when I develop my love for God?
East or West
KC is the Best
East or West
KC is the Best