Laghu Bhagavatamrita

Course Description:

The author, Srila Rupa Goswami, puts to rest the age-old debate among Vaisnavas of different bona fide sampradayas, e.g. Ramanuja, Madhva-Tattva vadis, and Madhva-Gaudiyas about Narayana, Rama, or Krishna being the source of all the incarnations. Also, Srila Prabhupada says in his purport to CC Adi 5.40: “In considering the quadruple forms of the absolute Personality of Godhead, known as Vāsudeva, Sankarsana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha, the impersonalists, headed by Śrīpāda Śankarācārya, have interpreted the aphorisms of the Vedānta-sūtra in a way suitable for the impersonalist school. To provide the intrinsic import of such aphorisms, however, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, the leader of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindāvana, has properly replied to the impersonalists in his Laghu-bhāgavatāmrta, which is a natural commentary on the aphorisms of the Vedānta-sūtra.”

Course Contents:

The course is divided in two parts. In the first part, following traditional Nyaya methodology, the author succinctly but solidly delineates epistemology and then elaborately describes ontology raising purva paksa, refuting it, and establishing the siddhanta (true conclusive principle). Different expansions of Sri Krishna, Mahavasthas, and Paravasthas along with different categories and subcategories are described systematically and analytically, frequently referring to Bhavartha Dipika (commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam by Srila Sridhara Swami) and different scriptures like Mahabharata and Puranas. In the second part, sweetness of different categories of devotees is described, ultimately culminating in sweetness of Krishna prema of Gopis of Vrindavan, especially Srimati Radharani. The course includes explanations from Saranga Rangada, commentary on Laghu Bhagavatamrita by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana.

Course Materials:

Brief notes on every session

Target Audience:

Followers of Srila Rupa Goswami and Srila Sanatana Goswami

Assessment Plan:

An examination held at the end of the course

Course Requirement:

Reasonable understanding of Srimad Bhagavatam

What Participants Will Gain from this Course:

• In-depth understanding of the teachings of Srila Rupa Goswami, particularly regarding the ontological and epistemological aspects of Vaishnavism.
• Insight into the debates and discussions among different Vaishnava sampradayas regarding the source of all incarnations and the nature of the Absolute Truth.
• Knowledge of the different expansions of Sri Krishna, Mahavasthas, Paravasthas, and various categories of devotees, as outlined in Laghu Bhagavatamrita and other scriptures.
• Appreciation for the sweetness of different categories of devotees, especially the pinnacle of Krishna prema exhibited by the Gopis of Vrindavan, particularly Srimati Radharani.

Why Should One Undertake this Course:

• To deepen their understanding and connection with the teachings of Srila Rupa Goswami and Srila Sanatana Goswami.
  
• To gain clarity on complex philosophical concepts within Vaishnavism, including ontology and epistemology.
• To engage in the scholarly study of Vaishnava philosophy and deepen their devotion to Sri Krishna and His devotees.
• To enrich their spiritual practice and understanding through the systematic study of Laghu Bhagavatamrita and its commentaries.

Problems of the Participants Addressed Through this Course:

• Lack of clarity or understanding regarding the teachings of Srila Rupa Goswami and Vaishnava philosophy.
• Desire for deeper insight into the ontological and epistemological aspects of Vaishnavism.
• Need for guidance in understanding the debates and discussions among different Vaishnava sampradayas.
• Desire to enhance their devotion and understanding of the sweetness of different categories of devotees, ultimately aiming for Krishna prema.