Tattva-viveka
Must Read Book List
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - August 16, 2004 7:15 pm
I probably not the first one to have an information overload – there are so many great books about Gaudiya Vaishnavism available nowadays and with limited time to read them it’s very difficult to chose important once. I would love to hear your suggestions on 10 must read books.
Note: please do not include classic textbooks such as Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Chaitanya-charitamrita.
Babhru Das - August 16, 2004 8:18 pm
Off the top of my head, my list would certainly include the following:
Srila Sridhar Maharaja's Sri Guru and His Grace
Srila Sridhar Maharaja's Follow the Angels
Srila B. P. Puri Maharaja's Heart of Krishna
Tripurari Maharaja's Rasa: Love Relationships in Transcendence
I think all of Swami's books are wonderful, but I think that anyone who feels up to the challenge should also read his Tattva-sandarbha and Aesthetic Vedanta. I also really like Ancient Wisdom and was quite distressed when my copy, which I loaned to someone, never came back. I had notes from my readings of several of the essays that I wish I could retrieve. From what I've seen and heard of Brihad Bhagavatamrita, I thnk this is also very important. I've only read some of the old Gaudiya Math edition. My finances haven't yet allowed me to get copies of Gopiparanadhana's edition published by BBT.
I may think of some others when I get back home.
Dayal Govinda Dasa - August 16, 2004 8:47 pm
OK let me see (looks to book shelf):
Art of Sadhana by Swami BP Puri (an excellent guide on all aspects of Sadhana bhakti)
Jaiva Dharma by Bhaktivinoda thakura (a must read for all Gaudiya's, at least in our lineage)
Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta by Sri Sanatana goswami (Guru maharaja calls this the first Gaudiya grantha, a very important work)
Sri Caitanya, his life and associates by Swami BB Tirtha (an excellent resource of biographies of Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu's followers, great for Avirbhava/Tirobhava celebrations)
Prabhupada saraswati thakura (a compelling biography of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta that mandala produced. Very nice publication, worth treating yourself to)
Navadvipa dhama mahatmya by Bhaktivinoda thakura
Navadvipa bhava taranga by Bhaktivinoda thakura (these two books are available
in one volume. Marvel at Srila Bhaktivinoda's vision of Sri Navadvipa dhama and follow him on an unforgetable parikrama)
Madhurya kadambini by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti thakura (This book delineates the stages on the path of bhakti very clearly. Very useful, almost indespensible reading.)
Anything by Srila Sridhara maharaja: ( Just because…)
Golden volcano of divine love
Search for Sri Krsna
Sri Guru and his grace
Subjective evolution of consciousness
etc etc
and of course, anything by Guru maharaja that you do not already own.
Gopakumardas - August 16, 2004 10:20 pm
I will put my two cents in also. I think maybe at the end it will be a matter of top 25?
Nectar of Devotion with a companionship of Waves of Devotion by Dhanurdara Swami. It is unbelievable what has happened in Gaudiya Vaisnavism...the Goswamis have established a philosophy and path that detail and describe the ecstacy of Chaitanyadeva. There have been ecsatics in other traditions...but never of the caliber of Mahaprabhu...and never with such a comprehensive system to follow in their footsteps and such a clear delineation on the meaning of such a goal.
Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion both 1 &2 by Sridhara Maharaja. These are also pure nectar and the kind of reading you do before bed. It is like drinking pure honey...sweet and intoxicating.
Aesthetic Vedanta by Guru maharaja. It clearly gives one the orientation and tattva to approach the rasa lila of Radha Krishna, which he also poetically renders for the reader. He then tells you how to pursue that. GM's writing is so profound. He knows and feels so much. In his writing you can get that sense. In his writing I can see both how small and ignorant I am and what hope there is for me in his association.
The Heart of Krishna I agree is a must read. It is by Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami Maharaja. It explains Vaisnava aparadha and how it is the only thing that will trample your creeper of devotion like a mad elephant in your budding garden. This will remind one the need to honor each other, especially the need to honor and glorify senior devotees. It is the reason I was able to see Guru Maharaja for who he was and my need to move away from offensive association.
Chaitanya Caritamrta over and over again. I am only on the second reading of my life...and I am getting so much more. It is so deep. So deep I can't even imagine how ridiculous my understanding of it is. But I can't wait to enter more deeply.
This is all I can say with any authority. Although I also relished Chaitanya Bhagavat and Nityananda Caritamrta. Is is obvious that Gaura Nitai are my Ishta devatas?
with affection
Gopa
Citta Hari Dasa - August 16, 2004 11:23 pm
I'll give it a whirl too. Here goes (not in any particular order):
1. Jaiva-Dharma by Bhaktivinoda Thakura. All of Gaudiya philosophy in one volume. Guru Maharaja mentioned this as the perfect preaching book, and that we should read it like the Christians read the Bible.
2. Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-bindu by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. A bindu (drop) of the ocean of bhakti rasamrta; a condensed overview of Rupa Goswami's classic BRS.
3. Sri Guru and his Grace by Srila Sridhara Maharaja. The quintessential book on guru tattva.
4. Follow the Angels by Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Srila Sridhara Maharaja goes over the fundamental attitudes we must acquire and/or cultivate in order to progress in bhakti.
5. Harinama-cintamani by Thakura Bhaktivinoda. All the information on chanting the holy name you could ever want. Goes over each of the 10 namaparadhas and gives the means of overcoming them.
6. Guru Maharaja's edition of Tattva-sandarbha. Why is the Srimad-Bhagavatam considered the grantha-raja (king of books) by the Gaudiyas? Jiva Goswami tells all.
7. Golden Volcano of Divine Love by Srila Sridhara Maharaja. A condensed retelling of Mahaprabhu's lila followed by a commentary on Sri Siksastakam.
8. Guru Maharaja's Aesthetic Vedanta. It would be hard to find a more poetic and compelling rendering of the rasa-lila.
9. Sri Upadesamrta by Rupa Goswami with commentary by Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura
10. Puri Maharaja's Art of Sadhana
Babhru Das - August 17, 2004 1:21 am
I enthusiastically second the nomination of Art of Sadhana and Jaiva Dharma. And make sure you include Swami's Sri Guru-parampara. And there's a book written by Srila Prabhupada just after taking sannyasa called In Search of the Ultimate Goal of Life, which is available from Mandala.
Ramakesava - August 17, 2004 4:26 pm
Mweh. Everyone's suggested everything I like! 
I have been reading Bhaktivinode Thakura's Sri Bhajana-rahasya (sequel to Sri Harinama-cintamani) - I've found this book very helpful, in the way it accompanies Guru Maharaja's commentary to Nisi-sesa gora ghomura avese. It helps tie together the eightfold lila for me, and the progression from sraddha to prema - plus there is a nice chart in the back of the GVS edition, and a small arcana paddhati, much like arcana-kana.
Read anything by Bhaktivinode! Also, the book Hindu Encounter with Modernity by Shukavak N Das is good in highlighting his pivotal role in keeping our tradition relevant to modern times.
I would also recommend Locana dasa Thakura's Sri Caitanya Mangala - I like to think of this as an encore appearance of Caitanya-lila, after having read Cc and CB. Gopa's already mentioned Vrndavana dasa Thakura's Sri Nityananda Caritamrta, one of my all-time favourites.
Sri Gaudiya Kanthahara is a good reference books for pramana slokas on various subjects.
My last recommendation is for two books that are not so often mentioned, both put out by Touchstone Books, if memory serves: Sri Bhaktivinode-Vani Vaibhava (2 vols.) and Hari Bhakti Kalpa Latika. The former presents Gaudiya siddhanta by Bhaktivinode Thakura in Q&A format, and is very pleasing. The latter is by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and is in short chapters, easy to read. Both are on my "favourites" shelf. 
Gaura Krsna Dasa - August 17, 2004 10:19 pm
A lot of books have been suggested already including most of my favorites. Here are a few others that I'm especially fond of. They're mostly all short little books. Small texts are big with me because they're often pithy; you can read them in one sitting or you can read a little before you chant.
I love Sri Manah Siksa by Raghunath Dasa and Prema Vivarta by Jagadananda Pundit, both with commentary by Thakur Bhaktivinode.
I like to reread Sri Brahma Samhita from time to time and it's chantable too.
Also, The Six Gosvamis of Vrndavana complied by Steven Rosen is also a great small book because it draws biographical information on the Goswamis from various places into cohesive biographies for each. Pancha Tattva by the same author is also nice for the same reason.
Speaking of Vaisnava biographies, The Seventh Goswami is also a great read about the life of Bhaktivinode. Well researched bios about pure devotees read like scripture.
Prahlad Das - August 18, 2004 4:03 am
A couple books if I may humbly add,
Madhurya Kadambini, Sri Visvanath Chakravarti Thakur. :It is hard for me to describe this book but it is very enlivening and enthusing. Title meaning Cloud Bank of Sweet Nectar It is relatively short.
Sri Prapanna Jivanamrta, Sri Bhakti Rakshak Sridhardev Goswami, :A very authoritative and categorized compilation of Shastric quotes from great devotees of our parampara and also our Supreme Lord about the processes of surrender.
And of course I would like to second the opinion of Srila Sridhar Maharaj's
Sri Guru and His Grace,
Search for Sri Krsna
Golden Volcano
Loving Search for Lost Servant.
Jason - August 18, 2004 4:18 am
Haribol!
Here goes...(in no particular order of course)
Art of Chanting Hare Krsna - Mahanidhi Swami (daily inspiration for me)
Sri Bhaktivinode Vani Vaibhava V.1 Sambandha - Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur
Art of Sadhana - BV Puri Maharaja (the graphic design is wonderful)
Niti Sastras; The Sayings of Canakya and Hitopadesa As Quoted by Srila Prabhupada - HH Satsvarupa Goswami
Four Principles of Freedom - Satyaraja das (a great preaching tool; advocates the 4 regs in a scholarly way)
Sri Bhaktyaloka - Bhaktivinode Thakur (lays things out point by point; what's favorable and what's not; great preaching tool; I heard a sannyasi give a two day lecture on the book)
Proof of Vedic Cultures Global Existence - Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana das) - for the history buff like myself, all of his books are scholarly and easy to understand...great for teaching the history of the Vedas to parents, etc.)
Reading Reform - Satsvarupa Goswami (How Srila Prabhupada wanted us to discipline ourselves to read daily; techniques for absorbing as we read)
Nityananda Caritamrita - Vrndavan das Thakur (Lord Nityananda's life was so amazing, when I get to visit India I want to go to Ekachakra first!)
*** There you have it....my fav's
YS,
Jason
Prahlad Das - August 19, 2004 3:57 am
I wonder if Sri Upadeshamrta/ Nectar of Instruction by Srila Rupa Goswami, with purports by Srila Prabhupada, would be on your classic textbook list. If not, I would also like to offer that for consideration on top 10 must read books.
Dhiralalita - August 19, 2004 2:41 pm
I was asked yesterday by my Gita group which books should be read after the Gita. I told them Srimad Bhagavatam is next and Caitanaya Caritamtamrita next. There is many books to read and one is advised to read his guru maharaja's books too. But as we see reading everything and anything without a good foundation can become very confusing for a beginner.
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - August 19, 2004 9:51 pm
Can someone provide more information on their copies of:
1) Jaiva Dharma
2) Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya and Navadvipa Bhava Taranga
2) Madhurya Kadambini
Jaiva Dharma by Bhaktivinode Thakura
Sri Navadvipa Mahatmya by Bhaktivinode Thakura
Navadvipa Bhava Taranga by Bhaktivinode Thakura
Madhurya Kadambini by Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur
Dayal Govinda Dasa - August 19, 2004 10:11 pm
I got Jaiva dharma from the Gaudiya Vedanta Samhiti online store (which seems to be down at the moment) . They have done a very nice version, well presented and a good translation.
Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya and Navadvipa Bhava taranga are available in one edition, translated by Bhanu swami and Anakadunddubhi das respectively. Available Here
I'm not sure what a good edition to get would be of Madhurya Kadambini . As far as I can tell (at least from what I've heard) most out and about have some flaws, but are worth reading none the less.
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - August 19, 2004 10:34 pm
I got Jaiva dharma from the Gaudiya Vedanta Samhiti online store (which seems to be down at the moment).
I think I've found the edition Dayal Govinda is talking about here.
Prahlad Das - August 22, 2004 4:23 am
The copy of Madhurya Kadambini which I was given to read is the same one posted on krsnaculture I believe translated by a Deena Bandhu das. a google search will turn it up. I would like to know more about the flaws if you can please Doyal Govinda Prabhu. Perhaps a private message if appropriate.
Your servant
Prahlad Das.
Ramakesava - August 22, 2004 9:21 am
The copy of Madhurya Kadambini which I was given to read is the same one posted on krsnaculture I believe translated by a Deena Bandhu das. a google search will turn it up. I would like to know more about the flaws if you can please Doyal Govinda Prabhu. Perhaps a private message if appropriate.
Or maybe a public message, because I'm confused about which one is which!
I have two translations here, one by Bhaktit-tirtha Maharaja and the one in the "Bhakti Trilogy" volume.
Vrindaranya Dasi - August 22, 2004 1:11 pm
Here is a url for a site that has all of Sridhara Maharaja's books (including Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam!!!) for free download:
http://www.guardian-of-devotion.de
The site also has pictures of Srila Sridhara Maharaja. There is a picture of Guru Maharaja, Narasingha Maharaja, and Visnu Maharaja sitting at the feet of Srila Sridhara Maharaja. The picture below of Srila Sridhara Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada is also downloaded from the site.
Dayal Govinda Dasa - August 22, 2004 4:19 pm
The only flaws I was speaking of are concerning the translations which, I have been reliably informed, leave something to be desired in some places.
But like I said before, any copy is worth reading.
After reading Madhurya Kadambini, any honest devotee cannot be under any illusion as to where he/she is at on the path to Bhakti. We may find that we are on the lowest stage of anistha bhajana kriya but we should take heart that we are on the path towards such a high goal.
I found that it's good to know that we are experiencing things that are a particular stage of sadhana bhakti. From here we know where to go, onwards and upwards.
In service
Dayal Govinda dasa
Jananivasdas - August 24, 2004 9:20 am
dandavats!
i just wanted to add couple of my favorite books here:
-sri guru and his grace :srila b.r.sridhar maharaja
-sri sri premadhama deva stotram: srila b.r.sridhar maharaja (this is the sweetest book!!!)
-sri panca tattva: satyaraj das
-narasimha avatar: satyaraj das
-SB:7th chapter
-divine guidance: srila b.s.govinda maharaja
and millions of others!!! 
servant of the servants jananivas das
ps.i checked out that i have the siksa outside of iskcon on my computer its PDF-file and small.
im trying to find the site that i downloaded it...if somebody wants it. 
Bhrigu - August 29, 2004 6:51 am
I think one of those books should be removed, Yuri, the Nityananda Caritamrita, supposedly by Vrindavan Dasa Thakur. Better to add the Caitanya Bhagavata instead. I'd also like to add another book, Visvanatha Cakravarti's Raga-vartma-candrika.
Your servant,
Bhrgu
Rebekah - August 29, 2004 10:06 pm
Dandavats,
Just thought I would pipe in my two cents here really quick. I really have enjoyed "Appreciating Sri Vrndavana Dhama" by Mahanidhi Swami. I don't know if you guys consider this a must read or not, but I found it to be a really charming read.
Vrindaranya Dasi - August 30, 2004 12:02 am
Dandavats Yuri,
It looks to me like your set for a lifetime of study.
Ys,
Vrindaranya
Gopakumardas - August 30, 2004 1:33 am
Why remove Nityananda Caritamrta? This book is pure nectar. Explain Bhrigu.
Bhrigu - August 30, 2004 8:02 am
As far as I know (I don't have the book at hand), it was not written by Vrindavan Das Thakur, but rather consists of parts concerning Nityananda from different scriptures. I have heard this from reliable sources, but am ready to change my mind if anyone can give good evidence for the authenticity of the text. Otherwise, even if most/ all of the contents are perfect, I would prefer the original sources.
Jason - August 30, 2004 4:01 pm
I was thinking about all the books that I have read over the years and why I feel they impacted my life (spiritually and otherwise), and then I started to think about faith. If I was reading them because I thought I was benefitting (because I surely was supposed to)....or if I was truely benefitting me. I was thinking about how many times I had to read Bhagavad-Gita to just begin to grasp some of its contents and how I can put them to practice in my life....it took many re-readings.
Point being, if the thread concerning Sivarama Swami's book is continued or not, I've learned a bit about reading, reading properly and reading with faith.
I then listened to a CD lecture that Tripurari Maharaja gave on "Faith" taken from Bhagavad-Gita Ch. 17 back in 1999 and learned a lot....faith can improve one's reading too. Or at least having a more fixed up faith will make one more discerning during his/her reading.
YS
Jason
Jason - September 2, 2004 12:56 am
I just wanted to say that I received my copy of "Sri Guru and His Grace" today in the mail from Mandala. I've started reading it and it's so beautiful. Thanks to all who recommended it.
YS
Babhru Das - September 2, 2004 2:27 am
Jason, please make your reading of Sri Guru and His Grace an occasion for conversation. Let us know what insights you get from reading it, and share any questions you have. That will give us all a chance to explore it more deeply.
Brahma Dasa - September 2, 2004 5:05 am
I was at Sri Caitanya Saraswat Math for most of the discussions with Srila Sridhara Maharaja in 1981-82 that were recorded and transcribed and later became Sri Guru and His Grace. The books, begining with Search For Sri Krsna, and next Sri Guru and his Grace, were all made from transcriptions of his darshans. They were first conceived within the mind of Sridhara Maharaja, who titled and outlined them before they were compiled. As the darshans were edited into book form they were presented to Sridhara Maharaja who had them read to him. He had a definite idea of what he wanted in the books and how he wanted them to unfold. All considered he was very pleased with the entire process, reading each chapter and giving final approval before publication.
When the finished book were finally offered to him he cried and hugged Sudhir Maharaja, the devotee who was the driving force behind the publications.
Chokes me up just thinking about it.
Brahma
Jason - September 2, 2004 3:32 pm
Srila Prabhupada seemed to be a "writing" kind of devotee. He wrote incessantly and it seems that most of his books were written by him more directly. Brahma das said that "Sri Guru and His Grace" was taken from recorded lectures and compiled later by disciples and presented to Sridhar Swami for his review. I find it particularly sweet that his disciples found his work so inspiring that THEY wanted to have it released. It appears from Brahma's statements that Srila Sridhar Swami, perhaps, was even more humble in the sense that he cried from appreciation when his disciples released those two books (perhaps he never really had any intention of doing so without the desire/request of his disciples who saw the extreme importance)?
My question is....did Sridhar Maharaja not consider himself as much of a "writer" as maybe Srila Prabhupada did? Were a lot of his writings done in the same manner (compiling and then reviewed)?
So many devotees have different moods....some are lecturers, some are writers, some are kirtan leaders extrordinaire....what was Srila Sridhar Maharaja's preaching mood? Not to sound mundane, but what was his "area of expertise". He attraceted so many persons, and even Srila Prabhupada noted his qualification enough to encourage his disciples to take shelter of Sridhar Swami....what was the attraction like? Different from that of Srila Prabhupada?
I will post on a new thread about this book soon....
YS.
NrsinghaDas - October 24, 2004 6:25 pm
I heard that Srila Sridhar Maharaj wrote a bengali commentary on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakuras "Saranagati". I am eager to know if this commentary was ever trasnelated into english.
Thank you,
Hare Krsna
Panchatattva - October 30, 2004 2:20 am
Since we're on the topic of books, I was wondering if anyone knows of a Gopala-campu translation that is good.