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| EDITORIAL November 13, 1998 VNN2497 Questions about Raganuga-Bhakti BY VAIKUNTHA DASA EDITORIAL, Nov 13 (VNN) — LETTER TO SRILA GADGHARA-PRANA PRABHU: HARIBOL. AGTSP. I very much liked your elaboration in your editorial titled, "Rupa Gosvami's teachings on Raganuga-sadhana bhakti." In this regard I have some questions as I am very curious. 1) In re-reading parts of Srila prabhupada's Brs. I do not find the word "Ragamika" anywhere and wanted to know if this is exists in the Sanskrit in India? Other texts? Is it the same as "raganuga? 2) Is "bhakti-kriya" the same as the kriya-yoga mentioned in Brs? That is, this is usually performed prior to attaining devotional service usually by "mystic yogis" I believe. Am I correct in that assumption? 3) When you say that raganuga-bhakti may begin "before" the stage of anartha-nivritti, that is, from the stage of "bhajana-kriya", do you mean to say that the "manasi-seva" (mana meaning mind), can take place for the "bhakta" prior to the dissolving of anarthas?? I agree with you in terms of what you have elaborated upon but am curious also: 4) The Bhakti-rasamrta is a very, very deep book about "rasa" and difficult for the "common" man and even for some deevotees I would imagine esp. the neophyte. Can the neophyte have this raganuga-bhakti "unconsciously" in the beginning stages? Could it be unconscious on the part of the sadhaka at first, that is, before it matures or develops vaidhi-bhakti? that is, in devotional service? Your answers in regard to these questions would be greatly appreciated. Kindly enlighten me more. Your servant, Vaikuntha dasa NEWS DESK | EDITORIALS | TOP |
