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Gaudiya Vaishnava theology, is a type of Vaishnava theology that began with Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534), a Bengali Vaishnava sadhu. The theology is actually considered eternal, because Caitanya is considered to be none other than Lord Krishna Himself. This is based on the prediction given by Shrila Vyasadeva, the compiler of all the Vedic scriptures, in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.32. The world famous ISKCON presentation of Vaishnavite Hinduism is primarily based on this theology.

Six Gosvamis

Caitanya Mahaprabhu requested a select few among his followers, who later came to be known as the Six Gosvamis of Vrindavan, to systematically present his theology of bhakti in their writings. This theology emphasized the devotee's relationship to the Divine Couple, Radha and Krishna, and looked to Caitanya as the embodiment of both Radha and Krishna. The six saints and theologians were Rupa Gosvami, Sanatana Gosvami, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and Jiva Gosvami, a nephew of brothers Rupa and Sanatana.

Kheturi

The famous festival of Kheturi, presided over by Jahnava Thakurani, the wife of Nityananda Prabhu, was the first time the leaders of the various branches of Caitanya's followers assembled together. Through such festivals, members of the loosely organized tradition became acquainted with other branches along with their respective theological and practical nuances. That notwithstanding, the tradition has maintained its plural nature, having no central authority to preside over its matters. The festival of Kheturi allowed for the systemitization of Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology as a distinct branch of Vaishnava Theology.

Second generation

Narottama Dasa (founder of Garan-hati kirtan style), Srinivasa Acarya and Syamananda Pandit were among the stalwarts of the second generation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Having studied under Jiva, they were instrumental in propagating the teachings of the Gosvamis throughout Bengal, Orissa and other regions of Eastern India. Many among their associates, such as Ramacandra Kaviraja and Ganga-narayana Cakravartin, were also eminent teachers in their own right.

Theological development

Gaudiya Vaishnava theology was espoused by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his followers, the Six Goswamis, as well as of many other scholastic and devotional leaders. Many individuals furthered this school during the twentieth century. Some notable contributors are; Bhaktivinode Thakur, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, B.R. Sridhara Deva Gosvami Maharaja of the Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Navadvip, India, Bhakti Vaibhava Puri Maharaj of the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mission in Puri, India, Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami, Tamala Krishna Gosvami (see Krishnology), and Hrdayananda Gosvami.

Inconceivable oneness and difference

The philosophy espoused by Caitanya was 'achintya beda-beda tattva', inconceivable oneness and difference of the soul and God. In quality, the soul is identical to God. God possesses opulence to an unlimited degree, whereas the soul is finite. Thus quantitatively, the soul is different from God. This served as the synthesis of two extremes of Hindu thought, namely pure monism (God and the soul as one entity) and pure dualism (God and the soul as absolutely separate).

Academic papers

External links

Vaishnavism

 

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