Questions on today’s Swami call:

I have heard you say that Sri Madhvacarya taught that jivas are of three kinds; sattvika, rajasika, and tamasika. Only sattvika jivas are eligible for liberation. How did he support this view? Might this view be influenced by the caste system where only brahmins are eligible for liberation? What does it mean to identify as a Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnava when Madhva’s view is so different from the Gaudiya perspective on the jiva?

In his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 12.16 that a practitioner may give up certain types teaching scripture if it becomes unfavorable for bhakti. Why would teaching scripture become favorable for bhakti?

How do we serve Guru?

Sometimes we hear that one can chant less if one has other services, and sometimes that one can sleep less in order to be able to chant more. Which instruction is the most important?

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Is it that we first learn to study sastra under guidance and then we become able to study it on our own?

Can the principle of thesis-antithesis-synthesis be seen in the different types of personalities of our lineage? 

Is the ability to see the svarupa sakti manifesting itself in different ways something that will come with advancement?

What is the origin of Ayurveda?

Why are Sri Srivasa Thakura and Srila Haridas Thakura used as examples of external practice in the Caitanya-Bhagavata? 

Are we destined for certain amounts of material distress and happiness in this life and should therefore not care to strive for happiness and avoid distress?

Sometimes it is said that we should try to be humble, and other times it is said that humility comes naturally with bhakti. If it comes naturally with bhakti, why should be try to be humble?

Can one be self-assertive for the cause of bhakti?

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 8: No Gopa Should Go Hungry

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 7: Sukadeva Carried to Another Madhurya Lila

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 6: Krsna Helps the Gopis Perfect Their Vrata

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 5: The Last Day of the Katyayani Vrata

Questions on today’s Swami call:

Today being the appearance day of Jesus Christ whom we consider a saktyavesa-avatara, do you have any insights about him or his lila that you would like to share?

Sometimes when we want to go all in with our bhakti practice it is disturbing to others. What would be a good way to prevent or deal with that?

Sometimes it is said that different descriptions of the same lila are due to the fact that the lila occurred differently in different kalpas. Can you elaborate on this point?

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 4: The Mantra, Tantra, and Yantra of the Vraja Kumaris December 23, 2022

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 3: Nanda Maharaja Taken to Varuna’s kingdom December 22, 2022

From Madhurya to Audarya, Part 2: The Irresistible Flute Song of Krishna December 21, 2022