Vaisnava saints

[Guest guest]

Camp: ISKCON Gaura Nitai Mandir, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

 

> Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,

> Please accept my humble obeisances.

> All glories to Srila Prabhupada

>

> I would like to know how authentic is the book "Vaisnava Saints" by

> Satyaraja prabhu. I found the book as source of spiritual inspiration and

> bringing me closely to these Vaisnava saints, which I didn't had a clue

> before reading it. I would say that produce a genuine spiritual effects

> within readers mind.

> The story in which Hridoy Caitanya beat Shyamananda with the stick, struck

> me with wonder if this is (in spite of being Lord's pastimes) true story,

> and as incident relevant to Vaisnava sampradaya.

> Srila Prabhupada is relating similar incident with Haridasa Thakura being

> beaten, but I was wandering if in the Lord's pastimes (or for the

> disciples benefit) Guru may also act on this particular way.

> I beg forgiveness at your lotus feet if my question is impudent or

> improper.

>

> Humbly,

> Your servant,

> Madhusudana dasa.

 

I didn't read this book by Satyaraja Prabhu so I can't give any confirmation

how true he was to the original authors. I presume he was probably quite

true, but usually anyone writing a shortened version like that will tend to

pickand choose what to publish. I don't know what he based his work on

since he doesn't know bengali, to my knowledge, he must be relying on

someone elses translation.

 

As far as the Guru beating the disciple. So far I haven't heard that it is

authorized accept in self defense or something very extreme like chasing out

a blasphemous disciple as Madhavendra Puri did to Ramacandra Puri.

 

I hope that this finds you in good health.

 

Your well wisher,

 

Jayapataka Swami