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In the modern age, not many people have faith in the concept of religion. Some question the existence of God and classify scriptural narratives as mythology. Some profess belief in God but disregard the words of the scriptures. Most people do not have a clear idea of 'Who God Is' or 'How to know and worship God', as prescribed by the scriptures.This book is an appeal to people, to accept the authority of the bona-fide scriptures and develop or increase their conviction in the existence of God.Through this book, I have tried to address general inquiries or the most common doubts that people usually have in relation to religion or spiritual subject matters.I can assure the reader (based on the assurance given by the scriptures) that they will definitely see God, both in His reciprocation, as well as His real form, if they sincerely attempt to follow the recommended process but ultimately it depends on the efforts each individual puts in. The book has reviews by very prominent figures like Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Seth Spellman, Dr. Vivek Bindra, Shyam Upadhyay, Dr. Vaibhav Tewari, Amogh Lila Prabhu, Gauranga Prabhu, Shubh Vilas Prabhu and many others. About Author - Pratik Desai was born in Mumbai, India in 1984, to a Gujarati Vaishnava family. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai and a Masters degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious University of Florida, USA. Being raised in a Vaishnava family, he was spiritually inclined from an early age. During his college years, he watched most of the religious TV series like Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana to name a few. While he was not committed to any specific path, he did not miss an episode of these series. Later on, his faith in spirituality was strengthened by grave incidents in his life, which inspired him to question material existence and to seek answers about the purpose of life, karma and the Absolute Truth. Many people want to experience God through miracles but Pratik experienced God through the reciprocations he had with God. To experience God through his loving reciprocations is abig miracle in itself since it is a more tangible experience where one desires to serve God and God reciprocates accordingly. Till now he is ardently practising Bhakti Yoga, is a family man, and a businessman. This journey all began with the Bhagavad-Gita, which opened up his heart. This book (20+ Must Know Facts About Hinduism) satisfied his burning desire to help people by sharing his experiences, so that they can also benefit from the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma and so that they attain eternal happiness and experience a higher taste of bliss.
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Bhagavata Pravaha by Gauranga Darshan Das presents a Quick Overview of the Bhagavatam’s stories, Philosophy and Wisdom. Its a Simplified Summary of Srimad Bhagavatam with Life Lessons.Have you read Srimad Bhagavatam, the sweetest fruit of the Vedic tree, yet? Does its size and depth impede your progress? Wish you could acquaint yourself with a quick outline of the entire text before you could dive deeper? - Bhagavata Pravaha is your essential friend to get your Bhagavatam journey started. It familiarizes you with the flow of the Bhagavatam’s narration, its key philosophical concepts and vital teachings.Have you already studied Srimad Bhagavatam? Looking for a quick revision of all twelve cantos? Wish you could have a bird’s-eye view of the entire text in one place? - Bhagavata Pravaha is your faithful companion to take you deeper in your study and to help you better understand the connections between different sections. In the Bhagavata Pravaha, Gauranga Darshan Das presents the wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam in a simplified and concise form. Bhagavatam Pravaha’s clarity and ease of reading leaves a beginner with an inspiration for life, taste for more, and impetus to start a deeper study. For a seasoned reader, Bhagavata Pravaha complements the meditation on the Bhagavatam’s vital characters, episodes, philosophy and themes along with invaluable life lessons. While in his earlier multi volume work "Bhagavata Subodhini", author Gauranga Darshan Das presented a detailed verse-by-verse overview of Srimad Bhagavatam based on the explanations of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakur, in the BHAGAVATA PRAVAHA, he does the same in a much simplified and concise manner, along with jewel-like life lessons. With its concise narration, simplified summary, practical wisdom and enchanting illustrations, Bhagavata Pravaha by Gauranga Darshan Das serves as an "easy start for young and new readers" and an "enlivening revision for the seasoned readers" of Srimad Bhagavatam. About the Author: Gauranga Darshan Das, is Associate Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha Research Center (www.vidyapitha.in) at ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village, and a member of the ISKCON Board of Examinations (BoEx). He has written books namely Gita Subodhini, Bhagavata Subodhini, Caitanya Subodhini, Disapproved but not Disowned and Bhagavata Pravaha. He teaches sastric courses at several places in India.
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Read all the enthralling pastimes of the Supreme Lord in the MANVANTARAS of the current day of Lord Brahma in BHAGAVATA SUBODHINI Canto 8, in its usual colorful and concise form with verse-by-verse overview in sections and subsections, summary tables, flowcharts, nectar slokas and thematic compilations, based on the commentaries of SRILA PRABHUPADA and SRILA VISVANATHA CAKRAVARTI THAKUR, as presented by Gauranga Darshan Das.
‘Bhagavata Subodhini’ is a systematic study guide to Srimad Bhagavatam. Bhagavata Subodhini unveils the exciting structure and flow of the Bhagavatam cantos by giving the connections between chapters, subsections and verses in a lucid manner for easy readability and assimilation of its contents and delight in the splendor of its message.
‘Bhagavata Subodhini Canto 8’ is the sixth volume of the series, and gives a bird’s eye view of the expanse and the depth of the enchanting episodes in the Eighth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. The Eighth Canto of the Bhagavatam vividly presents the theme of Manvantara or the reign of the Manus. Manus are the administrators of the universe, appointed by the Supreme Lord. There are fourteen Manus who rule in one kalpa or a day of Lord Brahma that spans over 1000 catur-yugas (catur-yuga is the combination of the four yugas namely Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali). Thus, each Manu rules for about seventy-one catur-yugas. In every manvantara, there are six kinds of personalities who manage various functions of the universe. They are: the Manu, the sons of Manu, the demigods, Indra, the seven great sages and the Manvantara avatara of the Lord. In this canto, Sukadeva Goswami describes the six types of main persons in each of the fourteen Manvantaras (past, present and future) in the current day of Brahma, and elaborates selected pastimes of the Lord in some manvantaras. Thus, we hear the episodes of Svayambhuva Manu, Gajendra, Samudra Manthan, Mohini Murti bewildering Lord Siva, Bali Maharaja’s deliverance by Lord Vamanadeva and the pastimes of Matsya avatara. In all these episodes, the Lord’s protection aspect is vividly described.
Maintaining a similar style like that of his previous volumes of Bhagavata Subodhini, Gauranga Darshan Das presents this volume on the Eighth Canto with simplified flow charts, summary tables, diagrams, additional notes from the commentaries of acharyas, along with interesting thematic compilations and many other features.
Bhagavata Subodhini attempts to become a constant companion for all Bhagavatam lovers as acknowledged by several readers across the globe. Bhagavata Subodhini simplifies the apparent complexity in understanding the Bhagavatam, by integrating the explanations of our beloved acharyas, thus catering for the taste and needs of avid readers, scholars and newcomers.
About the Author :
Gauranga Darshan Das is the Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha (www.vidyapitha.in) at ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village (GEV). He teaches scriptural courses at several places in India. He has written books including Gita Subodhini, Bhagavata Subodhini, Caitanya Subodhini, Disapproved but not Disowned, and compiled vital scriptural verses in the form of the Ratnamala and Tattvamala series. He runs a free monthly e-magzine called Bhagavata Pradipika and regularly writes articles on spiritual subjects.
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BHAGAVATA SUBODHINI CANTO 9 by Gauranga Darshan Das is a systematic study guide to the Ninth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. This book presents all the wonderful stories of the kings of the Sun dynasty and the Moon Dynasty in the current (Vaivasvata) manvantara including Lord Rama, Lord Parasurama and several great kings including Ambarisha, Mandhata, Ikshvaku, Hariscandra, Sagara, Bhagiratha, Yayati, Pururava, Rantideva and many others, ending with a prelude to Lord Krishna's appearance and pastimes in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Maintaining a similar style like that of his previous volumes of Bhagavata Subodhini series, Gauranga Darshan Das presents this seventh volume in a colourful and concise form with verse-by-verse overview of the chapters divided into sections, subsections and their interconnections, summary tables, flowcharts, nectar slokas, thematic compilations, and additional notes from the commentaries of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakur. Bhagavata Subodhini attempts to become a constant companion for all Bhagavatam lovers as acknowledged by several readers across the globe. Bhagavata Subodhini simplifies the apparent complexity in understanding the Bhagavatam, by integrating the explanations of our beloved acharyas, thus catering for the taste and needs of avid readers, scholars and newcomers. About the Author : Gauranga Darshan Das is the Associate Academic Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha Research Center (www.vidyapitha.in) at ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village (GEV). He is a member of ISKCON Board of Examinations (BoEx) and GEV Administrative council. He has written books including Gita Subodhini, Bhagavata Subodhini, Caitanya Subodhini, Disapproved but not Disowned, Bhagavata Pravaha and Caitanya Pravaha and compiled vital scriptural verses in the form of the Ratnamala and Tattvamala series. He runs a free monthly e-magazine called Bhagavata Pradipika and regularly writes articles on spiritual subjects. He has delivered over 5000 hours of spiritual discourses so far.
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Bhagavata Tattva Vicara - A Thematic Study of Srimad Bhagavatam (The most important topics of Bhagavatam presented comprehensively in different themes) Theme 1: Appearance of Bhagavatam - Through Vyasadeva (from SB) and through Uddhava (from Bhagavata Mahatmya). Connecting the above two events with the punishment of Kali personified by Pariksith Maharaja. (Presented in sequence with reference to Timeline of the events) Theme 2: Description of the 25 Avataras in Bhagavatam - Combining 22 Avataras of SB 1.3 and another 22 Avataras of SB 2.7, we get in total 25 Lilavataras. After describing the activities of these 25 Lilavataras, there is a brief description of the pastimes of the 3 Purusa avataras, 14 Manvantara avataras, 4 Yugavataras and 3 Gunavatars and few Avesa Avataras and Vibhutis. A brief outline of Their activities and the approximate time of Their appearance. Ends with some reflections about why the Dasavatras became famous in India. Theme 3: Description of the Creation-maintenance-annihilation in Bhagavatam - Whole Bhagavatam (except Canto 1 and 10) are sub grouped in above three divisions (C, M & A) and presented the process of Creation, maintenance and annihilation. Ends with some reflections about the purpose of Creation and why Lord takes on great efforts for us. Theme 4: Chronological order of the events described in Bhagavatam - Tried to present the events of SB briefly (except Canto 10 and 11) in sequential flow and in chronology, so that there is an idea that which event happened when, and also few reflections about various reasons connected to those events. Theme 5: The Teachings of 12 Mahajanas - A brief compilation of various references of the teachings of the 12 Mahajanas (not elaborated for the no of pages were increasing).
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BHAGAVATA VIVEKA: Practical Wisdom from Bhagavatam Stories Book 1: ANSWERS TO LIFE'S QUESTIONS We spend time for effective resource management and money management, but how often do we spend time for life management? The timeless wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam introduces us to emotions, situations, decisions and doubts that were felt by ancient people, but are the common inheritance of modern humans. Scriptural study is not just meant for gathering information, but must be aimed at heart transformation and for practical application. In the Bhagavata Viveka, Gauranga Darshan Das presents ageless stories from the Bhagavatam in his unique thought-inspiring style to translate wisdom into relatable and adoptable practices. For serious practitioners of bhakti-yoga, Bhagavata Viveka will be a handbook of inspirational wisdom, aiding in their pursuit for excellence. As for the newcomers to spirituality, Bhagavata Viveka will serve as the source of fundamental knowledge for inner transformation. Answers to Life’s Questions, the first book of Bhagavata Viveka series presents time tested wisdom on how to – Dodge conflicting mindsets? Enliven relationships? Win over worries? Deal with unrealistic expectations? Find meaning and purpose for life? – Answers to these questions help newcomers know the basics of spiritual life, and help seasoned devotees to strengthen their commitment. Contents of BHAGAVATA VIVEKA, Practical Wisdom from Bhagavatam Stories, by Gauranga Darshan Das Book 1: ANSWERS TO LIFE'S QUESTIONS 1. How to Respond Effectively? 2. When To Apologize And When Not To? 3. How To Deal With Seniors and Juniors? 4. Why Does One Suffer? 5. Is God Partial? 6. Who Is My Dearest Friend? 7. Can One Man’s Mistake Make Many Culprits? 8. Do The Scriptures Have Multiple Meanings? 9. Do I Need A Guru? 10. Can God Be Not God? 11. Can God Create A Stone That He Cannot Lift? 12. What Hurts God? 13. Are Devotees Poor? 14. How to Live? How to Leave? 15. Who Is The Most Beautiful Person?
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A brief synopsis of entire Bhagavatam highlighting the main theme of each canto. The flow of Bhagavatam is presented in the forum of questions and answers, expanding the important sections. Based on this flow, the spiritual journey of a spiritual seeker is prented in the second part, addressing the various possible spiritual paths, hurdles on the journey, many support systems on the way and finally the goal or destiny of the seeker. 1) A quick reference guide for the systematic reading of Srimad Bhagavatam for the beginers. 2) Opens the unseen doors of philosophical, theological and enigmatic (and also rasik) insights of the sastra to dive deep within the shoreless ocean of the Bhagavatam.