The Greatest Book Ever Published: Jaiva Dharma

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The Greatest Book Ever Published: Jaiva DharmaJaiva Dharma is the most wonderful book on spirituality that has been ever written. It would be impossible to glorify this book fully.Jaiva Dharma (800+ pages) is the best book on Vedic culture. It contains the essence of Vedas, Upanisads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Agamas, Nigamas, Itihasas and so on. It is like the ocean in a small jar. It will answer your every single question about Spiritual Life and Meditation.About the Author: Srila Bhaktivinoda ThakuraDisregarding the opinion of those who might have had a prejudice about language, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has broadcast the transcendental instructions of Sriman Mahaprabhu in many different languages. He has written approximately one hundred books in Sanskrit, Bengali, Oriya, Hindi, Urdu and English. The names of some of the more important of these works have been given

below along with their dates of publication: 1 Hari-katha: Topics of Lord Hari, 1850 2 Sumbha-Nisumbha-yuddha, 1851 3 Poriade, 1857-58. 4 Mathas of Orissa, 1860. 5 Vijana-grama, 1863. 6 Sannyasi, 1863. 7 Our Wants, 1863 8 Valide Rejistri, 1866. 9 Speech on Gautama, 1866 10 The Bhagavat: Its Philosophy, Its Ethics, and Its Theology, 1869 11 Garbha-stotra-vyakhya, 1870 12 Reflections, 1871 13 Thakura Haridasa, 1871 14 The Temple of Jagannatha at Puri, 1871 15 The Monasteries of Puri, 1871 16 The Personality of Godhead, 1871 17 A Beacon of Light, 1871 18 Saragrahi Vaisnava, 1871 19 To Love God, 1871 20 The Atibadis of Orissa, 1871 21 The Marriage System of Bengal, 1871 22 Vedantadhikarana-mala, 1872 23 Datta-kaustubham, 1874 24 Datta-vamsa-mala, 1876 25 Bauddha-vijaya-kavyam, 1878 26 Sri Krsna-samhita, 1880 27 Sri Sajjana-tosani, (monthly magazine) 1881 28

Kalyana-kalpataru, 1881 29 Review of Nitya-rupa-samsthapanam, 1883 30 Visva-Vaisnava-Kalpatari, 1885 31 Dasopanisad-curnika, 1886 32 Bhavavali (commentary), 1886 33 Rasika-Ranjana, (commentary on Bhagavad Gita) 1886 34 Sri Caitanya Siksamrta, 1886 35 Prema-pradipa, 1886 36 Published Sri Visnu-sahasra-nama, 1886 37 Manah-Siksa (translation and commentary), 1886 38 Sri Caitanya-Upanisad (commentary), 1887 39 Sri Krsna-vijaya (published), 1887 40 Vaisnava-siddhanta-mala, 1888 41 Sri Amnaya-sutram, 1890 42 Siddhanta-darpanam (Bengali translation), 1890 43 Sri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, 1890 44 Sri Godruma Kalpatari (essays on nama-hatta), 1891 45 Vidvad-ranjana (commentary on Bhagavad Gita), 1891 46 Sri Harinama, 1892 47 Sri Nama, 1892 48 Sri Nama-tattva-siksastaka, 1892 49 Sri Nama-mahima, 1892 50 Sri Nama-pracara, 1892 51 Sriman Mahaprabhura Siksa, 1892 52 Tattva-vivekah or Sri

Saccidanandanubhutih, 1893 53 Saranagati, 1893 54 Gitavali, 1893 55 Gitamala, 1893 56 Soka-satana, 1893 57 Nama Bhajana, 1893 58 Tattva-sutram, 1894 59 Vedarka-didhiti (commentary on Sri Isopanisad), 1894 60 Tattva-muktavali or Mayavada-satadusani, (translated and published), 1894 61 Amrta-pravaha-bhasya (commentary on Caitanya caritamrta), 1895 62 Sri Gauranga-lila-smarana-mangala-stotram, 1896 63 Sri Ramanuja Upadesa, 1896 64 Jaiva-Dharma, 1896 65 Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His Life and Precepts, 1896 66 Brahma-samhita (commentary), 1897 67 Sri Goloka-mahatmya (Bengali translation of Brhad Bhagavatamrta), 1898 68 Sri Krsna-karnamrtam, (translation), 1898 69 Piyusa-varsini-vrtti (commentary on Upadesamrta), 1898 70 Sri Bhajanamrtam (translation and commentary), 1899 71 Sri Navadvipa-bhava-taranga, 1899 72 The Hindu Idols, 1899 73 Sri Harinama-cintamani, 1900 74 Sri

Bhagavata Arka-marici-mala, 1901 75 Sri Sankalpa-kalpadruma (Bengali translation), 1901 76 Sri Bhajana-rahasya, 1902 77 Sri Prema-vivarta (published), 1906 78 Svaniyama-dvadasakam, 1907 When one sees this list, one can easily infer that the author was a vastly learned scholar of many different languages. I think it necessary at this point to shed some light on a special feature of the author’s life. Although he was a pre-eminent scholar of Western thought, he was completely free from Western influences. Western educators say, “Don’t follow me; follow my words.” In other words, “Don’t do as I do; do as I say.” The life of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura refutes this principle, for he personally applied and demonstrated all the instructions of his books in his own life. Therefore, his instructions and manner of bhajana are known as “Bhaktivinoda dhara” (the line of Bhaktivinoda). There is not a single instruction in his books that he did not

personally follow. Therefore, there is no disparity between his writings and his life, between his actions and his words. They are one in all respects. It is natural for readers to be curious to learn about a great personality who possesses such extraordinary character. Modern readers, in particular, who seek to know about any subject, cannot have faith in an author’s writings without being acquainted with him. Therefore, I am submitting a few words about Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. When it comes to discussing the life of maha-purusas (great self- realized personalities who are transcendental to mortal existence), it would be a mistake to consider their birth, life span and death to be similar to that of mere mortals, because maha-purusas are beyond birth and death. They are situated in eternal existence, and their coming and going from this world is strictly a matter of their own appearance and disappearance. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

appeared on Sunday, September 2, 1838, and thus illuminated the sky of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. He took birth in a high-class family in a village named Vira-nagara (also known as Ulagrama or Ula), which is located within the Nadiya district of West Bengal, not far from Sridhama-Mayapura, the appearance place of Sri Gauranga. He disappeared from this world on June 23, 1914, in the city of Calcutta. At that time, he entered the midday pastimes of Sri Sri Gandharvika-Giridhari, who are the supreme objects of worship for the Gaudiya Vaisnavas. In his brief lifespan of seventy-six years, he instructed the world by personally carrying out the duties of the four asramas (stages of spiritual life): brahmacarya (celibate student-life), grhastha (religious householder-life), vanaprastha (withdrawal from worldly duties), and sannyasa (formal renunciation). He first underwent brahmacarya, and obtained various elevated instructions. After that, he entered grhastha life, and set an

ideal example of how to maintain family members through honest and noble means. All householders should follow this example. During his grhastha life, Srila Bhaktivinoda traveled all over India as a highly placed officer in the administration and justice department of the British government of India. By his exacting discrimination and expert administrative skills, this great personality managed to regulate and bring to order even those places that were infamous as lawless states. In the midst of family duties, he astonished all his contemporaries by the religious ideal he displayed. Although engaged in pressing responsibilities, he wrote many books in different languages. We have recorded the dates of composition in our list of his books. If the reader studies this, he can clearly deduce Bhaktivinoda’s incredible creative power. After retiring from his government responsibilities, Srila Bhaktivinoda adopted the stage of vanaprastha, and intensified his

spiritual practice. At that time, he established an asrama at Surabhi-kunja in Godrumadvipa, one of the nine districts of Navadvipa. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura remained there and performed bhajana for a considerable time. Later, he accepted the life of an ascetic, and stayed at Svanandasukhada- kunja, which was nearby. While residing there, he established the appearance place of Sri Caitanyadeva and many other places of gaura-lila. In this, he followed the example of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers, the Six Gosvamis, who had discovered the birthplace and other pastime places of Sri Krsna. If Srila Thakura Bhaktivinoda had not appeared in this world, the pastime places and instructions of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu would have disappeared from the world. The entire world of Gaudiya Vaisnavas will therefore remain indebted to him forever. It is for this reason that he has been awarded the highest honor in the Vaisnava community by being addressed as the

Seventh Gosvami. This maha-purusa instructed the world both through the ideal example of his personal life and by writing books in many different languages. In addition, there is yet another unique gift that he bestowed, and it would be a display of ingratitude on my part if I neglected to mention this. Srila Thakura Bhaktivinoda brought a great personality into this world, who was the commander-inchief in propagating the dharma revealed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This great personality is my beloved Gurudeva, and he is renowned throughout the world as Jagad-guru Om Visnupada Paramahamsa-kula-cudamani Astottara-sata Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura. It was an incomparable and unprecedented accomplishment on the part of Srimad Bhaktivinoda Thakura to bring this maha-purusa into the world. The Vaisnava community honors Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura with the shorter title of Srila Prabhupada, and hereafter, I will also refer to

this supremely liberated maha-purusa as Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada appeared as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s son and successor. Throughout the world, he raised the brilliant banner of Sri Madhva Gaudiya Vaisnava dharma, which was practiced and propagated by Sriman Mahaprabhu, Sri Caitanyadeva. In so doing, he brought tremendous welfare and elevation to the religious domain. Even Western and Far Eastern countries like America, England, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Burma were not deprived of his mercy. He established sixty-four Gaudiya Matha preaching centers in India and around the world, and from these he propagated the teachings of Sri Caitanya. He also circulated all the books of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and thus established his incomparable fame throughout the world. The instructions of Jaiva-Dharma are therefore commendable and acceptable for all jivas. By taking those instructions deeply into our hearts, all living entities can

easily obtain permanent release from the dreadful torment caused by the invincible shackles of illusion, and from the phantasmagoria of trivial and false pleasure. Furthermore, such souls will become immersed in the bliss of service to Bhagavan, and thus become fit to experience supreme peace and ultimate transcendental pleasure.It is especially noteworthy that today people have abandoned dharma and remain engrossed in eating and various forms of sensual enjoyment. This sense indulgence is the tendency of animals, or species other than human beings. Currently, due to the influence of Kali-yuga, humanity is gradually degrading and regressing toward animalism. Thus, according to sastra, at present few people can even be classified as human beings. Had the author named this book Manusya-dharma, then from the sastric definition of humanity, most would have been disqualified from this practice. It is for this reason that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, desiring the welfare

of everyone, gave his book the broad title Jaiva-Dharma, and thus completely preserved the conventions of sastra. Dharma, or the worship of Sri Bhagavan, is found only in human beings, and not in animals, birds, and other species. Human beings, as the most advanced species, are particularly qualified for the highest teachings, or dharma. Jaiva-Dharma is especially meant to be studied by them. Please order your copy right now. (Rs. 120 or $ 10 including shipping)JAIVA DHARMA – NOW AVAILABLE!You can send a money order for Rs. 120 in the name of Sri Madana Mohana BrahmachariMadana Mohana BrahmachariSri Ranganatha Gaudiya Matha,Near Nritya Grama Kuteeram, Hessarghatta, Bangalore - 560 088Karnataka, IndiaPhone: (080) 284 66 760http://www.rangagaudiya.comOr Please email your mailing address to vishnudaivata for your copy of Jaiva Dharma. We shall mail the book by

VPP.Yours in service of Sri Guru and Vaishnavas,Swami B.V. Vishnu DaivataYOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY.Lord Kapila said:"Therefore, without being agitated any more, I shall deliver myself from the darkness of nescience with the help of my friend, clear consciousness. Simply by keeping the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu in my mind, I shall be saved from entering into the wombs of many mothers for repeated birth and death."The miseries of material existence begin from the very day when the spirit soul takes shelter in the ovum and sperm of the mother and father, they continue after he is born from the womb, and then they are further prolonged. We do not know where the suffering ends. It does not end, however, by one’s changing his body. The change of body is taking place at every moment, but that does not mean that we are improving from the fetal condition of life to a more comfortable condition. The best thing

is, therefore, to develop Krishna consciousness. Here it is stated, upasadita-vishnu-padaù. This means realization of Krishna consciousness. One who is intelligent, by the grace of the Lord, and develops Krishna consciousness, is successful in his life because simply by keeping himself in Krishna consciousness, he will be saved from the repetition of birth and death.[On September 21, 2001, when Srila Narayana Maharaja returned to Mathura after his two-week preaching tour in Jaipur and Delhi, he received 5,000 newly published copies of Jaiva Dharma by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Over forty years earlier he had translated Jaiva Dharma from the original Bengali into Hindi, and then recently, under his guidance, his disciples translated his Hindi version into English. Now, on the evening after his return, Srila Maharaja held a ceremony inaugurating the new publication. During the ceremony he spoke about the significance and glory of Jaiva Dharma, thanked and blessed

the devotees who assisted in its publication, and after expressing his appreciation to them individually, presented each of them with a copy. Regarding Jaiva Dharma, our Srila Prabhupada said in September 23, 1969, on the divine appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, "Bhaktivinoda Thakura happens to be one of the acaryas, and he has left behind him many books. Caitanya-siksamrta and Jaiva Dharma are very important books. They are in Bengali and Sanskrit. And he has prepared many books of songs. We are trying to present Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s books in English, and gradually you will get them. So our adoration, our worship is to Bhaktivinoda Thakura today so that he may bless us to peacefully make progress in Krsna consciousness. Acarya-upasana. Simply by the blessings of the acaryas we can make very rapid progress." Regarding Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's books in general, a conversation took place with Prabhupada on May 13,

1975:"Paramahamsa: Srila Prabhupada, I remember once I heard a tape where you told us that we should not try to read the books of the previous acaryas.Amogha: That we should not try to read Bhaktivinoda's books or earlier books of other acaryas. So I was just wondering…Prabhupada: I never said that.Amogha: You didn't say that? Oh.Prabhupada: How is that?Amogha: I thought you said that we should not read the previous acarya's books.Prabhupada: No, you should read. Amogha: We should.Prabhupada: It is a misunderstanding…..we are following the previous acaryas. I never said that." The following is a transcription of the inauguration speech given by Srila Narayana Maharaja on September 21, 2001:]I'm very happy and satisfied that Jaiva Dharma of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has been published and printed in English. It has come from my Hindi translation, and this translation was approved by my Gurudeva, Srila

Bhaktiprajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja. It was also approved by Srila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Maharaja, all my God-brothers, and several senior disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Srila Bhaktiprajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja ordered me to translate this book into Hindi. Therefore, in order to read and understand it well, I studied Bengali grammar and language. Later, when Guru Maharaja saw my translation, he wrote a preface, and in that preface he sprinkled his causeless mercy upon me. Jaiva Dharma is a very authentic book for understanding tattva (established philosophical truths), sadhana (the process to attain the perfection of krsna-prema), and sadhya (krsna- prema). Those who will read it under the guidance of any well-trained and qualified Vaisnava will know its glories. When I first published it in Hindi, I thought that it must also be translated into English for the benefit of the entire world, for it will bring

about a revolution. Surely now, when it will be distributed throughout the world, that revolution of new thought will come. At that time all will realize that what I am telling about tattva and bhakti, and sadhana and bhajana is true to the extreme. The wrong impressions about jiva-tattva, bhakti-tattva, and all other important truths will be clarified. The siddhanta of Jaiva Dharma is very deep, and those who have spent time with me were able to untie the knots which bound those deep meanings. There are so many English editions of Jaiva Dharma, but most of them have not presented the philosophy clearly. There are many errors in them, and I think those errors will be corrected by this book. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura adopted the same process accepted by Vyasadeva in Srimad Bhagavatam. In Jaiva Dharma he presented tattva in such an interesting way that it appears like a novel. It is not a novel, however. Everything in it is true

history. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura saw everything in his Samadhi and then he wrote it down. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura realized all of the written documents of Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the teachings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and the teachings of all the acaryas in His line. He was very expert in rasa-tattva (the science of the relationship between Krsna and the gopis), and the entire Bhaktirasamrta-sindhu and Ujjvala-nilamani is there in Jaiva Dharma. We cannot understand mahabhava (the pinnacle of devotion found only in the gopis) in Ujjvala-nilamani and other books of that nature. They are too difficult for common devotees. Here in Jaiva Dharma, therefore, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has put all such books into very simple language. He has put the ocean in a jar. If anyone wants to enter into the spiritual realm, they should read this book, Jaiva Dharma,

thoroughly. They should read it not only one time, but one hundred times, under the guidance of a high-class realized Vaisnava. Otherwise, it is not possible to enter into its deep meanings. In Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya-lila 5.131) it is stated that you should read Srimad Bhagavatam under the guidance of the bona fide Vaisnava, and this fact is also true in relation to Jaiva Dharma. Then you can realize its truths. I am therefore very happy and satisfied by the publication of this book. To those who have helped with the publication of Jaiva Dharma as chief editors, translators, advisors, English and Sanskrit editors, proofreaders, layout persons, computer specialists, and to those who have helped with finances, I want to give my heartly blessings. I pray to Krsna and I pray to Gadadhara Pandita Prabhu who is manifest as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. I request them to sprinkle their mercy on those who helped me in any way. I will pray

that the mercy of Sri Guru, Gauranga, and Sri Sri Radha-Vinoda-bihari will fall upon them.Gaura-premanande [in that inauguration ceremony Srila Maharaja told one of the devotees to whom he presented a book, "I would like 40, 000 books distributed as soon as possible." Then, a few days later he told the devotees accompanying him on his morning walk, " I would like to see Jaiva Dharma in all the major western languages as soon as possible."]http://www.purebhakti.comhttp://www.pbwebcast.comJAIVA DHARMA – NOW AVAILABLE!You can send a money order for Rs. 120 in the name of Sri Madana Mohana BrahmachariMadana Mohana BrahmachariSri Ranganatha Gaudiya Matha,Near Nritya Grama Kuteeram, Hessarghatta, Bangalore - 560 088Karnataka, IndiaPhone: (080) 284 66 760http://www.rangagaudiya.comOr Please email your mailing address to vishnudaivata for your copy of Jaiva

Dharma. We shall mail the book by VPP.

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