Discussions goals-Shree Maharajji-Suggestion? -

Radhey, Radhey

Before anyone responds I do ask that my perspective and background be taken into account. Thanks:
-- I am VERY NEW to all the philosophies/theology of Sanatan Dharm.
-- I have been exposed solely to the Grace and teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (and his foremost disciple Shree Swamiji).
-- I am VERY NEW to this discussion list…made a few posts and read some.

So the following is probably due to a LOT of my ignorance and misconceptions, but hopefully my questions/suggestions will be answered/clarified with “kid gloves”?

I was first attracted to “Gaudiya” discussions because of my perception that it “related to” the philosophy/theology of Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. My interest in learning additional and different perspectives of such but also based upon my belief and “limited” understanding that:
--The essence of Ahladini is prem tattva (Divine Love Power). and the absolute essence of prem tattva is Mahabhao. Mahabhao is Radha tattva. In the “highest” divine dimensions of Golok and Vrindaban shakti and shaktiman become one. The absolute supreme brahm Radha Herself is both shakti and shaktiman. Radha has two forms-one is Radha and the other is Krishn.
--Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the descension of Radha Rani-the Mahabhao.
--Jagadguru Shree Kripalujji Maharaj teachings include (and please forgive my understandings and explanations of such as it may be “flawed” and I hope I don’t lead anyone wrongly—if one is interested, then please read the literature produced by JKP): the path to attain the soul’s ultimate goal of receiving the Divine love or Radha Krishn is Raganuga Bhakti. In accordance with this there are forms of relational love: dasya bhao, sakhya bhao, vatsalya bhao, and Madhurya (or Gopi) bhao. With the emphasis on obtaining Madhurya bhao, which is the highest and sweetest manifestation of divine love and ensures entrance into divine Vrindaban.

So again based upon all this, I was attracted to Gaudiya discussions. However, now I am rightly or wrongly getting the impression that this discussion group goals are more “limited”: “traditional”? “rupanuga”?

I have a better understanding of “traditional”…not sure why there is a distinction and not sure what the difference of “rupanuga” versus “raganuga”?

It seems to me that there may be “differences” in accepted teachings, but am I wrong in assuming that the ultimate goal of most attracted to this list is generally along very “similar” beliefs and goals?

Realizing this is a “private” list and absolutely respecting the “owners” wishes (and their rights) to direct this list maybe to more limited views….
I am getting the feeling that if I were to raise more detailed questions just to discuss Shree Maharajji’s teachings that it might not be welcome or maybe it would not be welcome under the “main” category under “Rupanuga” discussions? I guess I don’t understand having such “limitations” especially because of the apparent similar goals and teachings of Shree Maharajji…but again that’s ok?

But could I offer this suggestion/comment which I am sure has been discussed and talked about before? Even though this may not be the ultimate reason/goal of this list, I note that there is another “section” of the discussion list that is only “1” category called : Other Vaishnava Traditions.

Is there a possibility that this “section” could be made more “prominent” (i.e. have its own separated section like: Rupanuga Gaudiya Discussions. And under this section there might be some of the same “prominent” subcategories as found under Rupanuga section-- not all, but maybe the “key” ones: Announcements, Devotional Practices, Philosophy and Theology, Questions and Answers?

Again, I realize that maybe that was not and is not the original goal of this list. But again, it does seem there are some very knowledgeable people on this list that could help others or at least we can learn other perspectives? even if we agree on the “mechanics” of getting to the same goal? and maybe by making some of the aforementioned changes it would help others of us to Readily see the discussions occuring that involve teachings that the Owners of this list believe are not in line with the original "goals"?

My personal wish, would be that there would not have to be these “segregated” areas…But the aforementioned would be better than nothing.?

Hope all this is making some sense

The PM I received from one of the friendly moderators might help you.

With regards to YugalDas's questions.

There are many bhakti-traditions in Braj that share much in common. There are the Gaudiyas, there are the Nimbarkis, there is the Pushti-marg, there are the Radha-Vallabhis, and a good number of other groups, such as that of Kripalu Maharaj.

While these groups share many common items, there are also many topics on which they disagree on - some of them nuances, some of more central importance. While Kripalu Maharaj teaches much of the same as the Gaudiyas and professes to accept the Sat-Sandarbha of Jiva Goswami, there are substantial differences both in his practices and those of the Gaudiyas, as well as in the flavor of love for Radha-Krishna sought for.

Aside him, there are also other groups that have Western followers and that share much in common with "traditional" Gaudiyas, yet differing on some important respects. As this forum was founded primarily to facilitate the Gaudiyas who follow the path of Sri Chaitanya and the six Goswamis of Braj, we sometimes emphasize our keen interest in their teachings, particularly when faced with situations where other teachings would be incompatible to a lesser or a greater degree.

The reason why there is only one section for "Other Vaishnava Traditions" is that our main audience is keen on keeping focus on the path they tread, and with that in mind we encourage those who feel strongly about other Vaishnava traditions to start discussion groups of their own and enlighten each other on the path they journey towards their desired goal.

That aside, we do recognize that people from all flavors of Vaishnavism have something to share with each other. It is our sincere wish that all those Vaishnavas would always recognize what is appropriate in discussions with those of another denomination and what would cross the limit of acceptability.

I hope that clarifies the matter. Apologies for not replying earlier.

First I want to Thank You Madhava for trying to explain some things at a very simple higher level, so I can try to learn the various "groups"...now I have a starting point

And I do respect your and other's desires and goals for this discussion group

If you don't mind here...just one follow-up question with one item mentioned in my post and something you mentioned.

I wrote:


You wrote:


I may have misunderstood what you meant by "flavor"?
Can you help me here..

If my limited understanding of Shree Maharajji's teachings is somewhat correct with my understanding that while the other relationships are perfectly acceptable... the highest and sweetest relationship we should strive for is Madhurya bhao (i.e. the same selfless love of the Gopis toward Radha and Krishn)

Then is this different from the "relationship" experience to be strived for under Gaudiya tradition/teachings? and if so.. can you give me maybe a simple explanation of the difference?

Again, thanks for treating my questions with "kid gloves"

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