Content in english
Acknowledgments We could not conclude this introduction without thanking those who made possible the publication of this book in English: Bhaktin Rosario, Isvara Dasa, Madhavendra Puri Dasa, Isvari Devi Dasi. Without them we would not have … Read More
Shantanu was not at all happy with his son’s oath, but Devavrata made him understand that this decision would prove to be good for both of them. Thankfully, the monarch blessed his son to die only … Read More
According to the Skanda Purana, Krishna has invested the holy names with all His powers: dana-vrata-tapas-tirtha-yatradinam ca yah sthitah saktayo devamahatam sarva-papa-harah subhah rajasuyasvamedhanam jnanasyadhyatma-vastunah akrsya harina sarvah sthapitah svesu namasu Whatever power they have, the … Read More
A few weeks passed and Devavrata realized that his father was neither happy nor calm as he was before, and he asked him why. Shantanu replied evasively and refused to reveal his secret. But as the … Read More
People are possessed by the most varied desires; therefore, You have distributed, thanks to Your mercy, many holy names. Whoever chants the holy name regardless of time or place, even while eating or sleeping, attains all … Read More
To Dispel Some Perplexities I am perfectly aware that when I affirm the historicity of the Ramayana, I arouse some perplexities in the minds of the readers. There are, in the narrative, numerous ideas that might … Read More
She took him home, and Shantanu asked the fisherman to give him Satyavati as his wife. The fisherman thanked the gods for the good fortune his daughter had, but asked that certain conditions be respected. “This … Read More
Bhajana in the morning Sadhu-sange anartha-nivrtti (Removal of the Anarthas through the association of devotees) There are no good or bad times to chant the holy names. As explained in the Siksastaka (2), the … Read More
In those days, among the upper social classes, the Kshatriyas were the only ones allowed to hunt, but only certain animal species. They thus learned to kill to defend their territories. One day, while Shantanu was … Read More
The Ramayana: Allegory or Historical Event? Not a few have referred to the Ramayana as an allegorical work, thus emptying it of its historical value. Many say that the Ramayana is actually a poetic description of … Read More
If one remembers kunja-bhanga-lila (when Radha and Krishna separate after their pastimes in the forest) at the end of the night, one can enjoy the intimate pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Govinda-lilamrta says: ratryante trastavrnderita bahu-vira-vaibodhitau … Read More
After having heard that, everything was clear; however, the satisfaction of curiosity in such circumstances was a meager palliative. Shantanu, having quenched his thirst for knowledge, suddenly felt unhappy. Now she’d have to go. “I’ve loved … Read More
Srimad Bhagavatam (6.3.22) states: etavan eva loke ‘smin pumsam dharmah parah smrtah bhakti-yogo bhagavati tan-nama-grahanadibhih Devotional service, which begins with the chanting of Krishna’s holy name, is the highest religious principle in human society to the … Read More
You were born as king Pratipa’s son, and I am now here with you, like an ordinary mortal. When the eight Devas learned of their fate, they came to me and said: “We know that you … Read More
The Bhagavat-nama-kaumudi quotes the Puranas as follows: naktam diva ca gatabhir jita-nidra eko nirvinna iksitapatho mita-bhuk prasantah yady acyute bhagavati sva-mano na sajjen- namani tad rati karani pathed vilajjah If your mind is not fixed on … Read More
