Hey all,
I recently read "The Evolution of Theism" and found it to be very enlightening. I didn't know much about Sankara, Ramanuga, or Madva.
However, after reading, and also reading more about Bhaktivinoda Thakur, I have a question: I know ISKCON is very big into the idea of an unbroken disciplic succession going back ad infinitum, but how does one directly link Lord Caitanya directly to Bhaktivinoda? I know these conversations aren't necessarily the most important to have when discussing spiritual matters as I feel people are inspired by God for different reasons at different times. But I guess I'm just trying to figure out what Gaudiya Vaisnavism was like before Bhaktivinoda. Was it always as "progressive" as his view of it? Or did he bring a new flavor that had been missing since Caitanya. Essentially, I guess I'm looking for a bit of a history lesson.
Thanks in advance.
Swami's book "Sri Guru Parampara" will clarify a lot of your doubts, but I think it's out of print. Do you know anyone near you who might have it? Maybe a digital version of it is available online.
I don't know if it's available anywhere, but I second the recommendation. Today at ISKCON Alachua, a godbrother named Prabhupada das gave Bhagavatam class, and he cited Sri Guru-parampara. He made nice comments about Swami being favorable to ISKCON's mission (duh!).
There are also some good talks on the website:
History of the Gaudiya Sampradaya
Bhaktivinoda Parivara: Harinama and Diksha initiation
There are 5 talks on Bhaktivinoda's appearance or dissapearance festivals. The Bhaktisiddhanta ones will probably be relevant as well. They are in the Holy Days>Saints section.
Unfortunately the book is out of print. I would bet anything you could get it on amazon though.
There was discussion about this book in classroom section on TV. I don`t remember though if whole book was posted there.
Good thinking, Braja! Much of the book (if not all) is posted in the discussion here.