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Philosophical articles on Gaudiya Vaisnavism that focus on the tradition’s scriptural conclusions as well as its feeling for the nature of ultimate reality.

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Articles in philosophy

Buddhism and the Self
May 10, 2012 – 4:52 pm | 28 Comments
Buddhism and the Self

“Many have interpreted anatta to be a metaphysical assertion that there is no self, but I argue that this is mistaken.”

The Claim to Pluralism
April 17, 2012 – 9:12 am | 17 Comments
The Claim to Pluralism

As it turns out, like everyone else, the self-described pluralists advocate for toleration of the tolerable, and inclusion of that which is entitled to inclusion. And it turns out that for the self-described pluralists, the category of the tolerable and to-be-included extends only as far those who see Philosophy in roughly the same way they see it.

Is There a Secular Meditation?
April 12, 2012 – 9:26 am | 23 Comments
Is There a Secular Meditation?

I was recently asked if there is a form of secular meditation that I could recommend. Perhaps there is, but the reason behind this question is more interesting than the question itself.

Rama Lila: From Vishnu toward Krishna
April 1, 2012 – 12:26 am | 6 Comments
Rama Lila: From Vishnu toward Krishna

Rama lila draws us beyond Vaikuntha by speaking to us of the possibility of sakhya, vatsalya, and madhurya even while it does not afford us those opportunities itself. In this way it indirectly points to Krishna lila.

Be Like Water
March 21, 2012 – 2:22 pm | 6 Comments
Be Like Water

Every day we should be living for movement on the inner landscape; every day, practice in such a way that you are more eager for spiritual progress. Then you will be able to gravitate towards the essence, the heart of the whole thing: to be a devotee of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Sri Nityananda Prabhu: The Original Guru
February 5, 2012 – 6:20 am | No Comment
Sri Nityananda Prabhu: The Original Guru

The grace of Nityananda Prabhu will construct a firm foundation for us. If there is a firm foundation, then we may build a great structure over it. If we have faith in Nityananda, then that faith can bear any amount of weight. It won’t betray us.

Advaita Acarya and the Unique Compassion of Caitanya Mahaprabhu
January 29, 2012 – 11:58 pm | One Comment
Advaita Acarya and the Unique Compassion of Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Although Ganges water and tulasi blossoms are not difficult to acquire, Advaita offered them with uncommon love, and thus the world knows something about love that in our times has never been known before.

Thomas Merton on the Bhagavad-Gita
December 1, 2011 – 10:54 pm | 31 Comments
Thomas Merton on the Bhagavad-Gita

Thomas Merton’s introduction to Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s 1968 Bhagavad-Gita As It Is.

Truth and Beauty
November 23, 2011 – 11:27 pm | No Comment
Truth and Beauty

The quest for the beauty of the world no doubt must be balanced with the harsh truth—the knowledge—of its ephemeral nature. But there must be more to truth than this if it is to save us.

Cultivating the Self-giving Attitude
November 17, 2011 – 2:13 pm | 2 Comments
Cultivating the Self-giving Attitude

Knowledge does not mean to store so many false incidents and sell them to the world for some name and fame. That is to be given up. But, service—unconditional self-giving—is noble and will take you to the higher, super-conscious region.

Jaya Giriraja Govardhana!
October 26, 2011 – 12:38 am | 7 Comments
Jaya Giriraja Govardhana!

Krishna is the master of Indra. And yet he has appeared as the master of cows; the Supreme Absolute Truth has accepted a simple position as the keeper of cows.