Sri Bhakti Sandarbha (Volume-1)

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Item Code: IHG015
Author: Srila Jiva Gosvami
Publisher: RAS BIHARI LAL AND SONS
Language: Transliterated Text, Word-to-Word Meaning and Translation
Edition: 2007
ISBN: 8184030509
Pages: 740
Cover: Hardcover
Other Details 9.5 inch X 6.0 inch
Weight 1.05 kg
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Book Description
From back of the book

In this purport, Srila Prabhupada described the Bhakti-sandarbha in these words: The fifth Sandarbha is called Bhakti-sandarbha, and in this book there is a discussion of how devotional service can be directly executed, and how such service can be adjusted, either directly indirectly.

In the course of this discussion it is emphatically and repeatedly explained that devotional service to the Lord must be executed under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master. The qualifications of such a spiritual master are discussed at great length and indeed, association with such an advance devotee is explained as the actual cause of engagement in devotional service.

 

From the Jacket

In this first volume of Bhakti-sandarbha Srila Jiva Gosvami discusses how devotional service is the best of all spiritual activities, how liberation is automatically attained by engagement in devotional service, how devotional service is achieved by the association of devotees, how devotional service automatically awards knowledge and detachment from materialism, how devotional service is the actual goal of life, how engagement in devotional service is far superior to impersonal liberation, how the devotees of the lord are always protected, how devotional service is transcendental to the three modes of material nature, how devotional service pleases the supreme Personality of Godhead, and how devotees of the Lord are not approached by Yamaraja or his servants.

From his childhood Jiva Gosvami was greatly fond of Srimad-Bhagavatam. He later came to Navadvipa to study Sanskrit, and, following in the footsteps of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, he circumambulated the entire Navadvipa-dhama. After visiting Navadvipa-dhama he went to Benares to study Sanskrit under Madhusudana Vacaspati, and after finishing his studies in Benares he went to Vrndavana and took shelter of his uncles, Sri Rupa and Sanatana.

 

Introduction

In a purport of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Srila Prabhupada talks about Srila Jiva Gosvami and his literature: "In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (195) it is said that Srila Jiva Gosvami was formerly Vilasa-manjari gopi. From his very childhood Jiva Gosvami was greatly fond of Srimad-Bhagavatam. He later came to Navadvipa to study Sanskrit, and, following in the footsteps of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, he circumambulated the entire Navadvipa-dhama. After visiting Navadvipa-dhama he went to Benares to study Sanskrit under Madhusudana Vacaspati, and after finishing his studies in Benares he went to Vrndavana and took shelter of his uncles, Sri Rupa and Sanatana. This is described in the Bhakti-ratnakara.

"As far as our information goes, Srila Jiva Gosvami composed and edited at least twenty-five books. They are all very much celebrated and they are listed as follows: (1) Hari-namamrta-vyakarana, (2) Sutra-malika, (3) Dhatu-sangraha, (4) Krsnarca-dipika, (5) Gopala-virudavali, (6) Rasamrta-sesa, (7) Sri Madhava-mahotsava, (8) Sri Sankalpa-kalpavrksa, (9) Bhavartha-sucaka-campu, (10) Gopala-tapani-tika, (11) a commentary on the Brahma-samhita, (12) a commentary on the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, (13) a commentary on the Ujjvala-nilamani, (14) a commentary on the Yogasara-stava, (15) a commentary on the Gayatri-mantra, as described in the Agni Purana, (16) a description of the Lords lotus feet derived from the Padma Purana, (17) a description of the lotus feet of Srimati Radharni (18) Gopala-campu (in two parts) and (19-25) seven sandarbhas: the Krama-, Tattva-, Bhagavat-, Paramatma-, Krsna-, Bhakti- and Priti-sandarbha.

"After the disappearance of Srila Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami in Vrndanana, Srila Jiva Gosvami became the acarya of all the Vaisnavas in Bengal, Orissa and the rest of the world, and it is he who used to guide them in their devotional service. In Vrndavana he established the Radha-Damodara temple.

"When Jiva Gosvami was still present, Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami compiled his famous Caitanya-caritamrta. Later, Srila Jiva Gosvami inspired Srinivasa Acarya, Narottama dasa Thakura and Duhkhi Krsnadas to preach Krsna consciousness in Bengal. Jiva Gosvami was informed that all the manuscripts that had been collected from Vrndanava and sent to Bengal for preaching purposes were plundered near Visnupura, in Bengal, but later he received the information that the book had been recovered.

"Sri Jiva Gosvami awarded the designation Kaviraja to Ramacandra Sena, a disciple of Srinivasa Acarya's and to Ramacandra's younger brother Govinda. While Jiva Gosvami was alive, Srimati Jahnava-devi, the peasure potency of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, went to Vrndavana with a few devotes. Jiva Gosvami was very kind to the Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Whoever went to Vrndavana he provided with a residence and prasadam."

In the Caitanay-caritamrta Madhya-lila (1.42-43) it is written: "Sri Rupa Gosvami's nephew, Srila Jiva Gosvami, has compiled so many books on devotional service that there is no counting so many books on devotional service that there is no counting them. In Sri Bhagavata-sandarbha, Srila Jiva Gosvami has written conclusively about the ultimate end to devotional service.

"In this purport, Srila Prabhupada described the Bhakti-sandarbha in these words: The fifth Sandarbha is called Bhakti-sandarbha in these words: The fifth Sandarbha is called Bhakti-sandarbha, and in this book there is a discussion of how devotional service can be directly executed, and how such service can be adjusted, either directly or indirectly. There is a discussion of the knowledge of all kinds of scripture, the establishment of the Vedic institution of Varnasrama, bhakti as superior to fruitive activity, and so forth. It is also stated that without devotional service even a brahmana is condemned. There are discussions of the process of karma-tyaga (the giving of the results of karma to the supreme personality of Godhead), and the practices of mystic yoga and philosophical speculation, which are deprecated as simply hard labor.

"Worship of the demigods is discouraged, and worship of a Vaisnava is considered exalted. No respect is given to the non devotees. There are discussions of how one can be liberated even in this life (jivan-mukta), Lord Siva as a devotee, and how a bhakta and his devotional service eternally exist. It is stated that through bhakti one can attain all success because bhakti is transcendental to the material qualities. There is a discussion of how the self is manifest through bhakti. There is also a discussion of the self's bliss, as well as how bhakti, even imperfectly executed, enables one to attain the lotus feet of the Supreme personality of Godhead.

"Unmotivated devotional service is highly praised, and an explanation is given of how each devotee can achieve the platform of unmotivated service by association with other devotees. There is a discussion of the differences between the maha-bhagavata and the ordinary devotee, the symptoms of philosophical speculation, the symptoms of self-worship, or ahangrahopasana, the symptoms of devotional service, the symptoms of imaginary perfection, the acceptance of regulative principles of hearing, chanting, remembering and serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offenses is worship, offensive effects, prayers, engaging oneself as an eternal servant of the lord, making friendships with the lord and surrendering everything for his pleasure. There is also a discussion of raganuga-bhakti (spontaneous love of Godhead), of the specific purpose of becoming a devotee of Lord Krsna, and a comparative study of other perfectional stages."

In this first volume of Bhakti-sandarbha Srila Jiva Gosvami discusses how devotional service is the best of all spiritual activities, how liberation is automatically attained by engagement in devotional service, how devotional service is achieved by the association of devotees, how devotional service automatically awards knowledge and detachment form materialism, how engagement in devotional service is the actual goal of life, how engagement in devotional service is transcendental to the three modes of material nature, how devotional service pleases the supreme personality of Godhead, and how devotees of the lord are not approached by Yamaraja or his servants.

 

Table of Contents

 

Anuccheda 1 By hearing the scriptures in the association of saintly devotees, love for the Lord is manifest and reveals the soul's identity. 3
Anuccheda 2 One must render service unto the supersoul. 15
Anuccheda 3 One should worship the lord by engaging in devotional service. 19
Anuccheda 4 Knowledge of the Lord's form and qualities naturally brings renunciation from everything material. 25
Anuccheda 5 Devotional service does not depend on anything, therefore its presence makes other spiritual practices successful. 27
Anuccheda 6 Rituals or occupational duties are not meant for sense gratification, but lead to the path of liberation. 31
Anuccheda 7 With the great spiritual love born from attraction to hearing about the lord, the devotee sees in their pure hearts the absolute truth. 39
Anuccheda 8 The ultimate results of performing one's occupational duties in being able to please Lord Hari. 45
Anuccheda 9 Giving up all else, one should constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the personality of Godhead. 47
Anuccheda 10 Intelligent men cut through the binding knots of karma by remembering the personality of Godhead. 49
Anuccheda 11 Devotional service, in the association of pre devotees, is easy to perform and is very pleasing to the ear and the heart. 51
Anuccheda 12 Sri Krsna cleanses the desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear his messages. d 55
Anuccheda 13 By regularly hearing the Bhagavatan and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, loving service unto the lords is established. 57
Anuccheda 14 As soon as loving service is established in the heart, the devotee is established in goodness and he becomes completely happy. 59
Anuccheda 15 By engaging in devotional service, all vices are destroyed and the lord appears to the devotee. 61
Anuccheda 16 When the lord appears the knot in the heart is pierced, and all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions is thus terminated. 63
Anuccheda 17 Devotional service is performed with great delight and brings only happiness. 65
Anuccheda 18 One should do no other work other than devotional service to the lord. 67
Anuccheda 19 Those who desire liberation respect all, yet they reject the forms of the demigods and worship only the all-blissful forms of lord Visnu. 73
Anuccheda 20 Those who are in the modes of passion and ignorance worship any other than lord Visnu in order to acquire material benefits. 75
Anuccheda 21-23 It is the conclusion of all Vedic scriptures that Sri Krsna should be worshiped. 77
Anuccheda 24-25 One who desires to be free from all miseries must hear about, glorify, and also remember the personality of Godhead. 95
Anuccheda 26 One should concentrate his mind upon the supreme personality of Godhead. 99
Anuccheda 27 Unless one has a sense of loving service unto the supreme lord, he should remember or meditate upon the universal form of the lord at the end of his prescribed duties. 105
Anuccheda 28-29 Direct devotional service of lord Krsna is the most auspicious means of deliverance and is the conclusion of all the Vedas. 107
Anuccheda 30 By hearing, glorifying and remembering the supreme lord attraction to him develops. 115
Anuccheda 31 Worship of the lord is superior to demigod worship. 119
Anuccheda 32 By association of the devotee, those who worship demigods can gradually develop exclusive devotion for the Lord. 125
Anuccheda 33 Sri Saunaka Rsi confirms the importance of devotional service. 129
Anuccheda 34 Materialistic human beings are actually animals. 131
Anuccheda 35-40 The components of this material body are worthless if they are not engaged in worship of the supreme personality of Godhead. 133
Anuccheda 41 Lord Brahma thanks Narada for inquiring about the Almighty personality of Godhead. 147
Anuccheda 42 Lord Narayana is the supreme object of worship, therefore he is the subject matter described in the Vedas. 149
Anuccheda 43 Sri Vidura requests Sri Maitreya to give him instruction on the transcendental devotional service of the lord. 153
Anuccheda 44 The devotee engaging in devotional service feels no pain. Others, however, suffer much pain 155
Anuccheda 45 Devotional service is the ultimate good for the self and for all others. 159
Anuccheda 46-47 Without devotional service to the srpreme personality of Godhead, perfection in self-realization cannot be attained. 161
Anuccheda 48 The path of impersonal speculation is very difficult, whereas the path of devotional service carries one to the destination. 165
Anuccheda 49 Maharaja Prthu engaged completely in devotional service, thus his love and devotion unto Sri Krsna developed and became fixed. 169
Anuccheda 50 Lord Siva instructs that one should place the activities of his mind and words into the service of the lord. 171
Anuccheda 51 Sri Narada Muni clarifies the nature of devotional service by describing what should and what should not be done. 175
Anuccheda 52 By satisfying lord Hari one attains the same result as if he has satisfied the many demigods with many pious deeds. 185
Anuccheda 53 The devotee is not attached to any material relation or object. To come to this stage, one should give up his material attractions and practice devotional service. 187
Anuccheda 54 A human birth is best of all because it allows for associating with devotees, which frees one from his material conditioning and grants the lotus feet of the lord. 191
Anuccheda 55 The human form of life gives one a chance to return home, back to Godhead, therefore it should used properly. 193
Anuccheda 56 The advice given by the supreme lord is the greatest advice for becoming liberated. 199
Anuccheda 57 One most accept the bona fide spiritual master and render service unto him with great devotion and faith. 201
Anuccheda 58 The supreme being is the essence of all Vedic knowledge, the root of all religious principles, and his service is superior to performance of varnasrama-dharma. 203
Anuccheda 59 Whatever one does one should offer to the supreme, thinking, ‘This is for the pleasure of Lord Narayana.' 213
Anuccheda 60 By completely engaging one's self in service to the lord he becomes fearless and no longer sees the illusion that this world exists separate from Sri Krsna. 217
Anuccheda 61 One should wander freely, hearing and chanting the famous holy names of the lord. 221
Anuccheda 62 The regulative principles of the Vedic injunctions are meant to elevate those who do not have taste for devotional service. 225
Anuccheda 63 The various demigods are not independent of the supreme personality of Godhead. 237
Anuccheda 64 Any member of the four varnas and four asramas that fails to worship or intentionally disrespects the personality of Godhead will fall down into a hellish state of life. 239
Anuccheda 65 In each of the four yugas, Lord Kesava appears with various complexions, names and forms and is thus worshiped by various processes. 245
Anuccheda 66 The conditioned soul will cross beyond this material world by hearing about The Lord, in the association of his devotees. 247
Anuccheda 67 Impersonal knowledge cannot bring any good result. Devotional service, however, very easily brings one to the desired goal. 253
Anuccheda 68-69 One should not study even Vedic literatures that do not contain descriptions of the supreme personality of Godhead's transcendental pastimes. 259
Anuccheda 70 One should give up the false conception of material variety that one imposes upon the soul and thus cease one's material existence. 265
Anuccheda 71 One should give up impersonal speculation without devotional and take shelter of the path of devotional service. 267
Anuccheda 72 The lord describes confidential devotional service, which is eventually attained by offering the fruits of one's work to the Lord. 271
Anuccheda 73-74 One who has obtained pure devotional service by association with the lord's devotees always engages in worshiping of Him. Thus he very easily goes to his abode. 275
Anuccheda 75-79 The path of devotional service is most perfect, important, and ancient because it is personally taught by the Lord. 279
Anuccheda 80 When a living entity cleanses himself of material contamination by hearing and chanting the pious narrations of the lord glories, he regains his ability to see the supreme personality of Godhead. 291
Anuccheda 81-85 Discussing the relative merits of the yogas of work, knowledge, and devotional service, the lord treats knowledge and work with contempt and declares the primacy of devotional service. 295
Anuccheda 86-88 Hearing the pastimes of the lord is the best of spiritual activities. 313
Anuccheda 89 Remembrance of lord Krsna's lotus feet destroys everything inauspicious and awards the greatest good fortune. 337
Anuccheda 90 By worshiping lord Narayana one attains the auspicious result of having performed many austerities and pious deeds. 339
Anuccheda 91 Srila Suta Gosvami is reminded of the science of God, which he previously heard from Sukadeva Gosvami. 343
Anuccheda 92-94 Devotional service is the highest spiritual path described in the Vedic literature. 345
Anuccheda 95 Devotional service is the incomparable final result obtained by performing the activities of varnasrama-dharma. 357
Anuccheda 96 By engaging in devotional service one attains transcendental knowledge. 361
Anuccheda 97 Devotional service gives life to the attainment of desires. 365
Anuccheda 98 Without performing any other activities one can simply perform devotional service alone. 369
Anuccheda 99 Fruitive work is painful to perform and brings an uncertain result, whereas devotional service is kind to the practitioner, is easily and happily performed, and brings a certain result. 377
Anuccheda 100-101 Material qualities, endeavors, nor birth satisfy the supreme lord. Nothing but devotional service satisfies him. 383
Anuccheda 102 If one is not able to engage in direct devotional service he should offer to the lord the fruits of his work. 395
Anuccheda 103 Nothing but devotional service satisfies the supreme lord. 403
Anuccheda 104 The path of impersonal realization of the supreme personality of Godhead is difficult. Those who follow the path of devotional service are never fatigued and quickly attain the result. 405
Anuccheda 105 There is no real knowledge without devotional service. 413
Anuccheda 106 Being independent from the lord, or not worshiping him, is considered foolish. Lord Siva is a pure Vaisnava, who advises all to worship Lord Hari. 419
Anuccheda 107 One should give oneself to one but the supreme lord. 493
Anuccheda 108 Those who do not take shelter of lord Krsna's lotus feet are only fools who waste their human life. 495
Anuccheda 109 One engaged in devotional service has all good qualities, and one who is bereft of service to the lord has no good qualities. 499
Anuccheda 110 Sages who have attained perfection in various non-devotional paths are condemned. 501
Anuccheda 111 Devotional service to the lord is the best of all spiritual paths. 509
Anuccheda 112 Loving devotional service destroys all past karma. 525
Anuccheda 113 Because devotional service is eternal, devotional service is the spiritual path that should be accepted. 527
Anuccheda 114 Meditation on the supreme personality of Godhead is described. 531
Anuccheda 115 One should search for the path of devotional service, and upon finding it constantly engage in it, for it is the greatest of activities. 539
Anuccheda 116 Activities not related to devotional service are useless, however actions meant for the pleasure of the lord benefit everyone. 583
Anuccheda 117 Descriptions of the almighty lord's activities will satisfy all hankerings and mitigate the miseries of the masses. 585
Anuccheda 118 Devotional service to be the highest good. 587
Anuccheda 119 Sri Vyasa lamented when he had yet specifically pointed out the glories devotional service of the lord. 589
Anuccheda 120 The supreme personality of Godhead, says that devotional service is the most exalted of all spiritual paths. 591
Anuccheda 121-122 Devotional service removes all obstacles to spiritual progress. 593
Anuccheda 123-124 Those who are engaged in devotional service are free of fear. 609
Anuccheda 125 Devotional service destroys all sins and the desire to commit them. 615
Anuccheda 126 Devotional service brings immediate results. 621
Anuccheda 127-128 One becomes purified by engaging in devotional service. 623
Anuccheda 129 Devotional service removes material desires, and cleans all past sins. 637
Anuccheda 130 Devotional service removes ignorance. 641
Anuccheda 131 By engaging in devotional service one satisfies everyone. 643
Anuccheda 132-133 Devotional service brings with it knowledge, renunciation, and all other spiritual virtues. 647
Anuccheda 134 Pure devotional service is beyond the modes of nature. To attain this level, association with the pure devotee is mandatory. 653
Anuccheda 135 Residence in the Lord's temple is beyond the three modes of material nature. 675
Anuccheda 136 Without the shelter of the supreme lord, everything one does is under the spell of the three modes of nature. 679
Anuccheda 137 Different kinds of faith in various activities are also situated in the different modes. 681
Anuccheda 138 Devotional service is above the three modes of material nature. 683
Anuccheda 139 Devotional service is the lord's potency and it is self-manifest. 685
Anuccheda 140 Devotional service brings great happiness to those who directly engage in it. 687
Anuccheda 141 Devotional service causes one fall in love with the supreme personality of Godhead. 691
Anuccheda 142 The supreme personality of Godhead, who already has all pleasure, is pleased by devotional service. 697
Anuccheda 143 Supreme personality of Godhead is pleased by even the smallest offering. 701
Anuccheda 144 The Lord himself is the cause of the activities of devotional service. 705
Anuccheda 145-146 Devotional service, and nothing else, enables one to directly see the supreme personality of Godhead. 709
Anuccheda 147 The highest form of devotional service causes the supreme lord to become like a submissive servant. 713
Anuccheda 148 Devotional service is the actual process of religion, removes all sins, and should be performed by all. 725

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