Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja, Ph.D.

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga.

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.50-55 | The Lord & His pure devotees cannot tolerate each other's separation August 17, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Raksh...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga.

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.47-49 | Worship Hari, even if its necessary to abandon scriptural injunctions August 10, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Raksh...

OBSTACLE OF SECTARIANISM

~ Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

"The eleventh obstacle of the Vaishnavas is sectarianism, which takes the shape of the forest fire. Due to sectarianism, a person cannot accept anyone outside of their own group as a Vaishnava, and as a result, they face many obstacles in finding a guru and associating with devotees. Therefore extinguishing the forest fire is most important."

(Sri Krishna Samhita 8.22)

SECTARIANISM IS A GREAT MISTAKE

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

"We consider that it is essential to arouse [love] towards Bhagavan [God] by any means possible. The door leading to gradual elevation is firmly shut if people on any level of worship are ridiculed or condemned. Those who fall under the spell of dogmatism, and thereby become sectarian, lack the qualities of generosity and munificence. That is why they ridicule and condemn others who do not worship in the same way as they do. This is a great mistake on their part."

(Jaiva-Dharma, Chapter 11)

"Those who become sectarian by obstinately locking themselves into dogmatic cults are soon diverted from lofty idealism, munificence, and liberality. They deride and rail at anyone who does not follow their particular methodology in religious practice. This is a serious aberration on their part"

( Thakur Bhaktivinode, Jaiva Dharma Chapter 11 Page 175 )

"Sectarianism is a natural byproduct of the Absolute Truth. When Acharyas first ascertain and instruct the Truth, it is not polluted with sectarianism. But the rules and regulations received through disciplic succession regarding the goal and the method of achieving it are changed in due course of time according to the mentality and locale of the people. A rule that is followed by one society is not necessarily accepted in another society. That is why one community is different from another. As a community gradually develops more respect for its own standards, it develops hatred towards other communities and considers their standards inferior. These sectarian symptoms are seen in all countries since time immemorial. This is prominent amongst neophytes and found to some extent amongst madhyama-adhikaris. Amongst uttama-adhikaris, however, there is no trace of sectarianism."

-Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, excerpt from Sri Krsna Samhita Introduction

"Very soon the unparalleled path of Harinama-sankirtan will be propagated all over the world. Already we are seeing the symptoms hearing the first strains of the Sankirtan Movement in the west with the Salvation Army Marching band who sing the names of God while playing cymbals and drums."

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Sajjan Tosani 1885)

“The dharma preached by Caitanya Mahaprabhu is universal and not exclusive … The principle of kirtan as the future church of the world invites all classes of men, without distinction of caste or clan, to the highest cultivation of the spirit. This church, it appears, will spread worldwide and replace all sectarian churches, which exclude outsiders from the precincts of the mosque, church, or temple.”

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts, pages 68-69

“Lord Caitanya did not advent Himself to liberate only a few men of India. Rather, His main objective was to emancipate all living entities of all countries throughout the entire universe and preach the Eternal Religion. Lord Caitanya says in the Caitanya-Bhagavata: “In every town, country, and village, My name will be sung”. There is no doubt that this unquestionable order will come to pass... "Oh for that day when the fortunate English, French, Russian, German, and American people will take up banners, mrdangas, and kartalas and raise kirtana through their streets and towns. When will that day come? Oh for the day when the fair skinned men from their side will raise up the chanting of ‘jaya sacinandana, jaya sacinandana, kijaya’ and join with the Bengali devotees. When will that day be? On such a day they will say, “Our dear Brothers, we have taken shelter of the ocean of Lord Caitanya’s Love; kindly embrace us" that day will witness the holy transcendental ecstasy of the Vaisnava dharma to be the only dharma, and all sects and religions will flow like rivers into the ocean of Vaisnava dharma. Oh when will that day come?” In another place Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura repeats the same prediction a little differently: “Oh when will that day come, when pure and transcendental Vaisnava prema will be the only religion of all souls and all tiny sectarian religions will meet in the unlimited and universal religion of Vaisnavism as rivers merge into the great ocean? O when will that day come?

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Sajjana Tosani 1885)

"Gradually, when the offensive portions of the established religions are destroyed, there will be no more differences in the bhajana performed by the various Sampradayas nor any quarrel between them. Then as brothers, the people of all varnas, castes, and countries will spontaneously chant the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord together. At that time, no one will hate anyone or consider others dogeaters; nor will anyone be overwhelmed by the pride of high birth. The living entities will not forget the principle of natural brotherhood."

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Sajjana toshani 4/3)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada in his article THAKURA BHAKTIVINDODA made the following statement about Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's prophecies on Universal Spiritual Unity.

"Thakura Bhaktivinoda has predicted the consummation of religious unity of the world by the appearance of the only universal church, which bears the eternal designation of the Brahma Sampradaya. He has given mankind the blessed assurance that all Theistic churches will shortly merge in the one eternal spiritual community by the grace of the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna Chaitanya. The spiritual community is not circumscribed by the conditions of time and space, race and nationality. Mankind had been looking forward to this far-off Divine Event through the Long Ages. Thakura Bhaktivinoda has made the conception available in its practicable spiritual form to the open-minded empiricist who is prepared to undergo the process of enlightenment. The keystone of the Arch has been laid which will afford the needed shelter to all awakened animation under its ample encircling arms. Those who would thoughtlessly allow their hollow pride of race, pseudo-knowledge or pseudo-virtue to stand in the way of this long hoped for consummation would have to thank only themselves for not being incorporated in the spiritual society of all pure souls."

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga, where we honor the adivas tirobhava mahotsav (eve of the disappearance day) of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhara Dev-Goswami Maharaja.

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.41-46 | Devotion delivers those of uncontrolled senses from worldly enjoyment August 03, 2024: Adivas of Srila BR Sridhara Maharaja's Tirobhava Mahotsav. We're reading Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positiv...

ŚRĪ MAHĀNET | Q3 2024 Deep spiritual insights from Gaudiya Vaishnava teachers, and announcements about the Science & Scientist 2024 conference topic, a new conference series, and the recent departure of Indian philosopher Dr. S.R. Bhatt.

Vedic Cultural Immersion: Prasadam & Kirtan | Princeton YMCA, New Jersey (July 2024) Town Topics, a weekly newspaper in Princeton, appreciated this program for offering "spiritual nourishment" to the community in an article from July 2023 (ht...

Namaste. Here is yesterday's Online Sadhu-Sanga.

Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.35-40 | Only intense devotion can subjugate the Supreme Lord July 27, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Vedic Cultural Immersion: Kirtan & Prasadam Distribution | Hinds Plaza, Princeton, NJ | July 2024 These programs have been established under the guidance and instruction of our Spiritual Master, the Serving Director of the BVI, B Madhava Puri Maharaja. Mo...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.32-34 | Sri Hari is the cause of all worlds, gross and subtle July 20, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.30-31 | Abandoning religiosity & irreligiosity, surrender to Krishnachandra July 13, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.28-30 | The highest attainment is to serve the desires of the Sweet Absolute July 06, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

During yesterday's program, Bhakta Mike and Bhakta Swazi distributed prasadam in the neighborhood behind the Princeton YMCA.

Vedic Cultural Immersion: Prasadam & Kirtan | Princeton YMCA, New Jersey (June 2024) By the grace of Om Vishnupd Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja, this month’s distribution is dedicated to Krishna Keshava Das' recently deceased grandfather...

Namaste. This Vedic Cultural Immersion: program was established by our Spiritual Master, Dr. B Madhava Puri, Serving Director of the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute. Kindly consider joining us outdoors at the Princeton YMCA tomorrow, Sunday, June 30th from 1:00 - 3:00 PM for this free program. We will be outside under the big red tent, located directly to the left when you first pull into the YMCA property.

We have increased the quantity of prasadam being distributed this month in honor of Krishna Keshava Das's recently deceased grandfather, Roy Messina.

Whether it's just for the prasadam, or also to participate in kirtan, all members of the community, their families, and friends are welcome to join us! Since March 2021, we've held these distributions at the Princeton YMCA on the last Sunday of every month. More information is available here (https://bviscs.org/prasadam-distr/).

Town Topics, a weekly newspaper in Princeton, appreciated this program for offering "spiritual nourishment" to the community in an article from July 2023 (https://www.towntopics.com/wordpress/2023/07/05/vedic-cultural-program-offers-free-meals-and-spiritual-nourishment/).

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.26-27 | Krishnas shelter bestows the supreme destination to even the depraved June 29, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.24-25 | Despite defects, one who serves Me exclusively is a true saint June 22, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Namaste. In lieu of a recording for yesterday's Online Sadhu-Sanga, we humbly share the two beautiful shlokas that were discussed.
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SRI SRI PRAPANNA-JIVANAMRTAM
by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhara Dev-Goswami Maharaja

Chapter 9: Words of Nectar from the Supreme Lord (Sri Sri Bhagavad-vacanamrtam)

9.21

svayam-riipasya svariipa-Sakti-pravarttanam asritya raga-bhajanam
eva parama-pandityam—
aham sarvvasya prabhave, mattah sarvvam pravarttate iti matva bhajante mam, budha bhava-samanvitah [21]
(Bhagavad-gita 10.8 )

[Srila B.R. Sridhara Maharaja's summary comment on the following verse]
The ultimate sagacity is in Raga-bhajana, spontaneous devotion (headed by servitude unto Sri Radhika), under the impetus of the personal potency of the Original Lord who is beauty’s own self —

[BG verse]
Know Me as the source of everything that be, spiritual or material. Understanding this, the truly intelligent souls give their hearts to Me: they engage in My pure devotional service.
(As soon as persons with the propensity for service in love [bhava-bhajana] realize the original form of Godhead [svayam-rupa] to be the fountainhead of all currents of worship and devotion, then, in the mellow of divine consorthood [madhura-rasa], they will necessarily feel deep loyalty to intimately follow the impetus of full-blown service, this impetus being the Lord's personal potency [svarupa-sakti] or the Female Embodiment of the acme in devotion [mahabhava-svarupa]. In this way, they attain to the servitude of Srimati Radharani [Sri Radha-dasya]. The purport is that the potency of Sri Krsna is also the Inauguratress of worship and devotion unto Him, and to engage in pure devotional service always in the shelter of such a conception in pure heart's devotion constitutes servitude to the Guru for the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, or Sri Radha-dasya in madhura-rasa.)

9.22

mad-arpita-prana mad-asritah parasparam sahayyena mad-alapanaprasada-ramanadi-sukharh nityam eva labhante—
mac-cittd mad-gata-prand, bodhayantah parasparam
kathayantas ca mam nityam, tusyanti ca ramanti ca [22]
(Bhagavad-gita 10.9)

[Srila B.R. Sridhara Maharaja's summary comment on the following verse]
My male or female servitors, who have dedicated their entire lives to Me and taken full shelter in Me, mutually assist one another in a manner befitting their respective internal devotional aptitudes. They eternally relish conversing about Me, the satisfaction of serving Me, and the nectar of devotion culminating in My divine consorthood —

[BG verse]
These are the symptoms of these exclusive devotees:
With heart and soul dedicated unto Me, they constantly exchange their devotional ecstasies while conversing about Me. By such hearing and chanting, in the stage of practice (sadhana) they enjoy the happiness of devotion; and in the stage of perfection (sadhya), that is, in the achievement of divine love (prema), they relish up to the mellow of My intimate relationship in divine consorthood, in the free spontaneity of Vraja.

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.18-21 | Who serves Me in uninterrupted loving devotion is the most superior June 08, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.16-17 | A savant knows Me alone as the Supreme and serves Me in all respects June 01, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak...

Vedic Cultural Immersion: Prasadam & Kirtan | Princeton YMCA, New Jersey (May 2024) These programs have been established under the guidance and instruction of our Spiritual Master, the Serving Director of the BVI, B Madhava Puri Maharaja. Mo...

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.15 | Autocracy over the material & spiritual planes is held by Krishna alone May 25, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak ...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.15 | Autocracy over the material & spiritual planes is held by Krishna alone May 25, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak ...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga.

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.12-14 | Surrender unto the feet of Krishna is the purpose of knowledge (jnan) May 18, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak ...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga:

Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.8-11 | Surrender to Sri Krishna is the only method of overcoming maya May 11, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak ...

Namaste. Here is today's sanga honoring the disappearance of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja.

guru-mukha-padma-vākya chitete kariyā aikya
āra nā kariha mane āśā

“Make the teachings from Śrī Guru’s lotus mouth one with your heart, and do not desire anything else within your heart.”

:: Śrīla Narottam Dās Ṭhākur

Honoring the Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja 2024 Honoring the disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja in the association of Sripad Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja...

Namaste. Here is today's Online Sadhu-Sanga.

Prapanna-jivanamrtam 9.4-7 | Krishna awards eternal fearlessness to one seeking His refuge just once May 04, 2024: We are reading Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam: Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls: Positive & Progressive Immortality, by Srila Bhakti Rakshak ...

ŚRĪ MAHĀNET April 2024 Learn about our new publication Life & Cognition at the Intersection of Science, Philosophy, & Religion (2024), expanded prasadam (sanctified vegetarian meal) distributions in Mercer County, New Jersey, USA, a complete reading of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3 available on Mahaprabhu Broadcasting Channel...

Nitai Charan Prabhu Tirobhava | Glorification of a Pure Vaishnav | Glorificación de un Vaisnava puro Śrīpād Nitāi Charaṇ Prabhu was born into an affluent and loving family in Guadalajara, Mexico. In his twenties, he left a promising career in electrical engi...