"Orthodox" -

I have a friend who cringes every time I use the word "orthodox" when referring to traditional lineages and practices. At least two or three times--once his face has finished uncurling--he has asked the same question, "What do you mean by 'orthodox'?" As he is Jewish by birth, I know he is well acquainted with the concepts of Orthodox, Reform, and the like and his membership of ISKCON will probably always cause the same reaction, but if you were to establish the concept of orthodoxy within Gaudiya Vaisnavism using neutral texts, what would you use?

I have quoted Brghumuni's excellent book, wherein he classifies three major movements within Gaudiyaism as heterodox: Radharaman Carana Dev, Gaudiya Math, Jagatbandhu/Mahanambrat (in descending order of orthodoxy.) As the author is an ISKCON member and as it is a scholarly book, the reference is a good one. Haberman's Acting as a Way of Salvation is also a good reference but it is indirect. What other good references are there that explain the core practices and theology of the Gaudiyas? Are there any summaries of the teachings of Narottama Das Thakur and VV Chakravartipada that are worth reclaiming/distributing?

Dandavats. All glories to the Vaisnavas.

I GOT THAT SAME LOOK!

Aspiring to serve the Vaisnavas,
Rasaraja dasa

As he is Reform (Modern Standard Twice Removed), you'd think he would be OK with not being Orthodox. I mean, it's not like saying something isn't bona fide.

Seriously though, I think history is so important, even for those believe that Gaudiyaism needed reforming--or maybe, especially for them. And that is why Jagat's papers are so invaluable. Just wondering what other references are around.

Orthodox - conforming to established doctrine especially in religion. (Merriam-Webster)

Those who have preserved the heritage of Gaudiya Vaishnavism without launching off varieties of reforms would be considered orthodox. Of course, it is doubtful that anyone could lay claim to absolute purity and preservation, but relatively speaking, the Goswami-families of Navadvipa would be orthodox, as they preserve the spiritua lheritage and establishment of Nityananda, Advaita and so forth, and the Babaji-communities of Vraja would be orthodox, as they carry on the bhajananandi-example of Raghunath Das Goswami and others.

I would look at it more from the side of history and tradition than from the point of view of theological nuances. If only the latter is the criteria, we are but tossed into an endless loop of arguments.

I bought Malati a new pair of slippers. I thought they are a pair of cows, but the receipt from the shop insists that they are moose.

[attachmentid=1050]

I would like to know whether it is orthodox to consider them cows nevertheless, or whether I should learn to live with the idea that they are moose.

Those are definitely moose, probably the traditional Swedish Drunken Moose. Be careful when trying to walk in straight lines or navigate down stairs. Some revisionists believe the very name "moose" was derived from the sound made by a cow, thus the strong bovine connection and the cause of confusion for many neophytes. Still others point out that the mouth of the cow is not actually considered pure, thus the name "moose" is somewhat contaminated. They would therefore approve of wearing moose upon one's feet rather than placing them upon the altar.

Def. a moose. Its all in the antlers. I find your insistance on labeling these cows to be completely heterodox, and I hearby expell you from the long traditional line of people who identify moose as moose. Me thinks you need to find a real moose guru to identify correctly what you are experiencing...


BTW, photo credits to my brother, taken 6 weeks ago north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The moose in the first pic was ~ 10 yards away & almost charged him. They hate being called cows.

Def. a moose. Its all in the antlers. I find your insistance on labeling these cows to be completely heterodox, and I hearby expell you from the long traditional line of people who identify moose as moose. Me thinks you need to find a real moose guru to identify correctly what you are experiencing...


BTW, photo credits to my brother, taken 6 weeks ago north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The moose in the first pic was ~ 10 yards away & almost charged him. They hate being called cows.

Braja, I don't think it's the Swedish moose. It says Made in China in the tail. That is, unless they export them to Sweden, or there's been a change in the immigration laws there.

Regarding the etymology of the word, mUSa means a rat or a mouse. Is this related with the famous rat temple of Karni Mata? Anyway I trust your judgment and told Malati to keep the moose off the altar.

Hahahahahahaha....Madhava, this is really funny.

Speaking of Orthodox, i will rather prefer this word from the beginning:
One entry found for tradition.


Main Entry: tra·di·tion
Pronunciation: tr&-'di-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradition, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition -- more at TREASON
1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction
3 : cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4 : characteristic manner, method, or style
- tra·di·tion·al /-'dish-n&l, -'di-sh&-n&l/ adjective
- tra·di·tion·al·ly adverb

Madhava, don't be illusioned by Braj & Dharma Chakra. It is definitely a cow... see!

(photo courtesy of Careforcows.org)

They are not moose... This is what moose slippers look like:


BUT, they are not cow slippers either:


So the question remains...