Author Description

In this book we encounter a different world, a transplanted replica of the spiritual realm, the dhāma, the abode of Lord Caitanya, Śrī Navadvīpa-dhāma. This was a time when a small group of renounced and reclusive souls attempted to preserve the teachings of the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas. They had deep respect for and vowed to protect the theology of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu which taught that constant chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa is the most authentic and effective path of God realization in this age, and the actual fulfillment of the human form of life. This is the amazing background story of a time when the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was conceived, refined, and prepared to be brought to the Western world. Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī inspired Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda to start nāma haṭṭas, spiritual enclaves dedicated to chanting, and Gaura-kiśora influenced Siddhānta Sarasvatī to perform devotional chanting austerities. Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura presented Kṛṣṇa consciousness in a condensed and compressed form, especially influenced by the three great ācāryas: Jagannātha dāsa Bābājī, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and Gaura-kiśora dāsa Bābājī. This is their glorious story. “I am sincerely grateful to Rūpa Vilāsa Dāsa for bringing us into the divine pastimes and teachings of two of the most elevated saints the world has ever known... After decades of research, sādhana, and prayer Rūpa Vilāsa Dāsa is now off ering this invaluable book. Hearing these authentic pastimes will lead us deeper into the limitless ocean of the pure devotion personifi ed by these great souls.” —Rādhānatha Swami “... Now, after decades of enormous, loving scholarship, Rūpa Vilāsa has portrayed the ultimate bhajanānandī Vaiṣṇavas—those who practice intense and secluded chanting. Though as a practicing Kṛṣṇa devotee I can never aspire to attain the levels of absolute surrender these great souls have achieved, reading about them has greatly deepened my own convictions.” —Śyāmasundara dāsa “...