Biography of Srila Jiva Gosvami Prabhupada

 

Undoubtedly, Srila Jiva Gosvami Prabhupada is one of the most fascinating characters in the entire Vaishnava tradition. It is difficult not to dwell on him and feel admiration in the presence of so much science and devotion.

In the writings of our spiritual master, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, after the name of Jiva Gosvami appears several times the term “Prabhupada”, an honorific title conferred on particularly important gurus. In fact, the meaning of the title is “he on whose feet all teachers must sit”. In the numerous texts at our disposal, this title is addressed only to four eminent personalities: Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, Jiva Gosvami Prabhupada, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. “Our” Prabhupada refers by this title only to the first three. This, however, does not mean that there have not lived other great masters equally worthy of this honor.

 

General notes

 

As in the case of many other Acarya Vaishnavas, the exact date of the birth and disappearance of the Gosvami is doubtful and the same Bhaktivinoda Thakur admits the existence of this problem. The most authoritative dates are the year 1513 for his birth and the year 1598 for his death. Therefore, he must have lived approximately 85 years. Other authorities indicate the date of his disappearance in 1608.

He himself informs us of his genealogy and does so in one of his works, the Laghu-toshani, a commentary on the Vaishnava-toshani, an important writing by Sanatana Gosvami. The Laghu-toshani has considerable historical importance because it contains what little information is known about the family of Rupa and Sanatana, the paternal uncles of Jiva Gosvami.

His life was a true and perfect example of a devotional life, having devoted every second of his existence to the effort of codifying Lord Caitanya’s philosophy for the benefit of all mankind. Thanks to this complete dedication to study and writing, Jiva Gosvami is considered the most systematic preacher among the six Gosvamis and is rightfully recognized as the greatest philosopher in Indian history.

This is a section of the book “Tattva Sandarbha”, in English.

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