English

The purpose of this sloka book is to help the devotees study, remember and meditate on slokas. Slokas are pathways to the spiritual world. Memorizing and meditating on slokas is an integral part of our sadhana-bhajana. Hearing and reciting them create spiritual impressions which help one to make progress in bhakti. (Please note the chapters are not in order in enclosed PDF file,  however, you can search for page numbers.)

In this book Siva Tattva, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja brilliantly clarifies the holy Hindu trinity: Brahma, Visnu and Siva. Empowered by his spiritual masters in the disciplic succession of the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, he reveals the conclusive truth (tattva) of Lord Siva's original position and gives us a look into his endearing and affectionate nature.

Issuing from the divine mouth of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the eight verses comprising this Sri Siksastaka shine as the supremely radiant transcendental jewel of the entirety of Indian literature. They are the very essence of all the Vedas. Although its Sanskrit language is quite simple, its import is so profound that even if one studies it throughout his life, his study will not come to an end. Each time one reads and deliberates on this subject, newer and newer meanings come to light. This definitive edition with the translation and commentary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja features the soul-stirring Sri Sanmodana Bhasyam by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and the Vivrti of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada.

The purpose of this booklet is to introduce the reader to the beauty and wonder of his or her own natural being. Sages say that our souls are each more brilliant and powerful than thousands of suns, and that we come to experience this by hearing from those who are self-realized. Secrets of the Undiscovered Self was kindly presented in the form of a discourse by such a selfrealized personality, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja, a pre-eminent saint and one of the foremost teachers of divine wisdom in the present day. This discourse was given in March 2002, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In June 1999, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja spent ten days at the New Vraja community in Badger, California. There he gave a series of classes on the deep meanings of the Srimad-Bhagavatam from the First Canto to the Tenth, culminating in the inner significance of Sri Krsna’s pastimes in Vrndavana. He explained that each sloka of the Bhagavatam has many levels of meanings. When a faithful hearer understands these meanings in the association of Krsna’s pure devotees, he becomes free from hunger, thirst, illusion, unhappiness and fear, and ultimately attains the association of Krsna Himself.

After taking shelter of this desire tree of aspirations presnted by Srila Visvanath Cakravati Thakura, that is to say, in order to attain the desire for the seva described in this compilations, one should sincerely, and without duplicity, with body, mind and words, remain under the guidance of the devoted persons who are completely immersed in this seva. These topmost, incomparable and transcendental aspirations can then quickly be fulfilled. Thus, the name of this book, Sri Sankalpa-kalpadrumah, is appropriate, because it makes one's desires bear fruit. The sadhaka's life attains success only when the impetus to obtain these trancendental aspirations appear in the heart by the causeless mercy of the guru and Vaisnavas. 

Sri Raya Ramananda Samvada (the conversation between Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Raya Ramananda) is one of the most shining treasures within Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, written by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja. Indeed, it is like the Kaustubha-mani, the most brilliant jewel adorning the neck of Sri Krsna Himself. Sri Caitanya-caritamrta is a most unprecedented, gem-like literature containing the siddhanta(trancendental conclusions) of pure devotion. With regards to this, the most repected Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has written the following:

"Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja is an exceptionally high-class devotional poet. He is also bhavuka, one who is immersed in experiencing the more elevated expressions of divine love. He has composed the unprecedented sacred texts, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, which describes the pastimes of Sri Gauranga, and Sri Govinda-lilamrta, which depticts the pastimes of Sri Govinda. Both of these books, being crown jewels of trancendental literature, are the best of all contributions."

In this book Srila Rupa Gosvami has given a brief yet vital description of the names, forms, qualities and different services of Sri Radha's and Sri Krsna's cherished companions. In the Brhad-bhaga, or first part, of this composition, he describes those in vatsalya-rasa and madhura-rasa, and in the Laghu-bhaga, or second part, he describes those in sakhya-rasa and dasya-rasa. Sometimes, especially in the second part, he depicts in detail the beautiful forms of Sri Radha and Sri Govinda, as well as Their bodily limbs, Their ornaments and the astonishing paraphernalia used by Them. Such a comprehensive description of Sri Krsna and His companions will not be found in any other single scripture.

By Sripad Bhaktivedanta Madhava Maharaja

Guru-seva is the backbone of bhajana, or devotional absorption. Whoever wants to enter into the realm of bhajana must first dedicate his life to the service of a bona fide guru. Such a guru will never consider the disciple to be his or her own property. Rather, he will consider the disciple to belong to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the Divine Couple, Sri Sri Radha-Krsna. He will transfer the disciple's attachment and dedication to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Radha-Krsna. Whoever reads this work, will obtain a clear conception of the subject of the guru in Gaudiya Vaisnava thought. For those eager to attain bhakti, this book is therefore a lighthouse that guides the aspirant to spiritual perfection. Without guru-seva, no one can advance in Krsna consciousness.

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the highly exalted preceptor and crown jewel of Sri Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas, has masterfully crafted this incomparable narrative poem in language that is simple, yet replete with deep meaning.

Once, Sri Krsna, disguised in the attire of a heavenly damsel, came to Srimati Radhika and stood before Her completely silent. The sight of this incredibly beautiful celestial damsel filled Srimati Radhika with bliss and She became most eager to befriend Her. Srimati Radhika asked Her several questions, but the girl offered no reply ...

Observing the festival days outlined in the Vaisnava calendar is an important aspect of devotional practice. Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja always speaks on the appropriate topic on such days, whether it be the appearance or disappearance day of a prominent Vaisnava acarya, the appearance day of an incarnation of Bhagavan, or any other significant day. Of the eleven lectures included within this book, nine are lectures which Srila Maharaja has spoken on significant dates from the Vaisnava calendar. The word prabhanda means 'an essay' and avali means 'a collection'. We are confident that devotees will find this Sri Prabandhavali helpful to their sincere efforts to honour these important days.

A collection of classes by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja from the late 1990's.

Clearing up the confusion

Nowadays some persons claim there are differences in the conclusions taught by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada. These authoritative responses to many of the objections will help the reader understand things as they are, without any politically motivated interpretation.

The Ratha-yatra is the world's most ancient religious festival. 

This book contains lectures by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja on Ratha-yatra, or the Cart Festival of Lord Jagannatha.

Out of the seven hundred verses of the Bhagavad-gītā, Verse 18.65 captures the essence of the entire Gītā:

"Absorb your mind and heart in Me, become My devotee, worship Me, offer your praṇāma to Me, and then certainly you will come to Me. I make this promise to you because you are very dear to Me.”

The first three chapters of Nectar of Govinda-līlā explain the three elements of this verse in relation to our aim to enter Goloka Vṛndāvana. Other chapters contain a colourful description, infused with pure Gauḍīya siddhānta, of Vasanta-pañcami, the first day of Spring, and other nectar.