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In 15th century Bengal there was tremendous social and religious ferment, and Haridasa Thakura's appearance during this period, as well as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's 35 years later, had a tremendous impact upon the clashing religious forces. Many Muslims were infuriated that Haridäsawould commit apostasy by converting to Hinduism. Likewise, the conservative Hindus were equally outraged that a Muslim dared to cross the lines of hereditary caste and social custom to practice "their" religion. The operable principle behind the activities of Srila Haridasa Thakura was jaiva-dharma (the essential function of the soul). This revolutionary and non-sectarian philosophy spoke of unifying principles, true of all religions: to render service to God in the mode of a servant and thus to develop love of God. The means to achieve that love: chanting the divine name of God. Whether one chanted Allah, Krishna, Rama, Jehovah, or any other authorized name enunciated in the great religious traditions, it didn't matter. One, thus situated, was beyond all bodily designations: he or she was not Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Buddhist; not Indian, Turk, European, American or any other nationality; not black, brown, yellow or white; not male or female; not identified with any caste, creed, political party or family. Rather, identity is firmly established as the living being, situated in his/her original, spiritual, constitutional position, an eternal soul, the loving servant of the Supreme Lord. Despite having such a universal outlook, Srila Haridasa Thakura was reviled and persecuted by the sectarian religionists and loved and adored by the open-hearted. He was imprisoned, tortured, taunted and insulted throughout his life. Nevertheless, he never gave up teaching and practicing the universal philosophy of jaiva-dharma by living a pure life, avoiding meat-eating, illicit sex, gambling and intoxication, and always chanting the names of God. Millions of people in India were attracted to the practices of jaiva-dharma, and eventually it was carried over the ocean to the USA by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda in the form of the Hare Krishna movement. From there, it spread all over the world. This chanting of the holy name is the universal, eternal, pure religion of the soul, and Haridasa Thakura is one of its greatest proponents, practitioners and saints.

Steven J. Rosen's latest work on Sri Chaitanya (1486-1534) follows in a line of publications that are dedicated to disseminating knowledge of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, commonly known in the West as the Hare Krishna movement. A collection of his own essays, written for scholar and practitioner alike, Chaitanyology allows entrance into an otherwise esoteric phenomenon, highlighting both its intellectual and mystical elements. In this volume, we find thoroughly researched accounts of Sri Chaitanya's life narrative as well as articles on key subjects that show why his life has special meaning for practitioners today."Steven J. Rosen's latest contribution to the study of Chaitanya, follows in the wake of his lifelong and voluminous contribution to the field, appreciated by scholars and practitioners alike. Rosen, in his signature fashion, brings a scholarly voice to the life, philosophy and historical background of this consequential spiritual fi gure-a voice that contributes both to academic research in this fi eld, and to the intellectual fabric of practitioners' understanding of their own canonical tradition."Drawing on obscure texts, original research, and the research of numerous scholars, Rosen presents an eminently readable and well researched volume of intriguing detail, documenting little known facts and important observations that are sure to not only allow readers entrance into Chaitanya and his world, but also help one in one's own spiritual quest. Essential reading for both scholars of Indian religion and devotees of all persuasions."- Edwin Bryant, Professor of Hindu Philosophy and Religion, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

This beautiful Gaudiya Vaishnava classic, Sri Gauranga-Lilamrta, is an extremelyrare manuscript. The work is a result ofthe combined efforts of Srila VisvanathaChakravarti Thakura and his disciple, SrilKrishna Dasa. Srila Chakravartipada had composed the first eleven verses in Sanskrit, known as Sriman-Mahaprabhor-Ashta-Kaliya-Lila-Smarana-Mangala-Stotram, which are the seed verses or sütras that describe the eternal eightfold daily pastimes of the fair-complexioned Lord. His disciple, Sri Krishna Dasa, composed Bengali verses that expound on these elevenverses to give a fuller, more detailed picture of the Lord's daily schedule. This translation, by Dasaratha-Suta Dasa (ACBSP) brings this rare classic to the English audience in all its beauty-allowing us to follow a day in the life of the Golden Avatara.

This biography of Narottama Dasa Thakur, beautifully written by Sitala Dasi, is the life story of this Gaudiya Vaishnava saint who was responsible for spreading Vaishnava bhakti throughout Odisha in and outside of Bengal in India. Narottama dasa Thakura was known to preach relentlessly-removing the misconceptions of the age.One of Narottama dasa Thakura's main preaching points was that Vaisnavism should only be gauged according to one's surrender and realization in Krishna consciousness. There should be no consideration of birth, age, caste, creed, shoe size, education, social status, who one is initiated by, the year one took initiation, or when one first came in contact with devotional service. Nor is Krishna consciousness advancement dependent on household duties, taking sannyasa, ritualistic performances, group agreement, or the like - simply how one is absorbed in one's service to the Lord. This is the conclusion of Narottama dasa Thakura's preaching strategy. Taking his lead from Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his disciples, his preaching was diametrically opposed to the thinking of the time, especially among those in the Brahmin caste. Some reviews: Narottama dasa Thakura is Sri Caitanya's ecstatic love personified. His life of limitless wisdom and compassion has inspired humanity for over four centuries. Now, Sitala Dasi, from the depths of her devoted heart retells the life and teachings of Narottama dasa Thakura in a way that enthralls our hearts and lifts our souls. Thank you, Sitala Dasi.- Radhanatha SwamiOnce heard, the story of Narottama dasa Thakura's life is hard to forget. A young prince, consumed by love for God, embarks on an epic quest leaving his royal life behind in search of the saintly company he has craved for so long. His story is tender, enchanting, exciting, and right with insight for anyone trying to walk the path of devotion. This vivid retelling has been a labour of love for Sitala Dasi, and I wholeheartedly recommend diving in without delay! -Jahnavi Harrison, musician, artist, writerThis is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling, entertaining, informative, and enjoyable books about the histories of our acharyas I have ever read. . . In the end, after the final page is turned, one looks eagerly for another page, another chapter, another volume. - Chaturatma Dasa, Narrator of Vaishnava Acaryas Histories