ब्रह्म
Brahman
The Supreme Reality, worshipped as Shri Radha-Krishna: eternal, omniscient, infinite and full of auspicious qualities.
Philosophy
Dvaitadvaita Siddhant
Difference and non-difference: a harmonious understanding of God, the soul and the universe.
Three Eternal Realities
Brahman, Jiva and Prakriti
जीव
Jiva
The eternal conscious soul, distinct from and dependent upon God, retaining individuality even in liberation.
प्रकृति
Prakriti
The real material universe, a manifestation of divine power, governed through Sattva, Rajas, Tamas and Kala.
Natural Difference and Non-Difference
The soul and universe are distinct from God because they possess their own identity and attributes, yet they cannot exist independently of Him. The relationship is compared to the sun and its rays or the ocean and its waves.
Bondage and Liberation
Avidya, or ignorance of one’s true relationship with God, gives rise to attachment, ego, karma and repeated birth and death. Liberation is attained through divine grace, Guru’s guidance, Bhakti, true spiritual knowledge and complete surrender.
The Five Sadhanas
Karma
Performing one’s duties in accordance with Dharma.
Vidya
Spiritual knowledge through study and contemplation.
Upasana
Meditation upon the Supreme Lord.
Gurupasatti
Devotion and surrender to the Guru.
Prapatti
Total surrender to Shri Radha-Krishna.
Bhakti
The highest means and goal of spiritual realization.
Daily Spiritual Discipline
- Applying Gopi Chandan Tilak
- Wearing a double-strand Tulsi Mala
- Daily chanting of Guru-given Diksha Mantras
- Performing Ashtayam Seva
- Accepting sanctified food as Prasada
- Daily meditation on Shri Radha-Krishna
- Observing Ekadashi and Vaishnava festivals
Principal Teachings
God alone is completely independent. Souls and the universe remain eternally dependent upon God. The world is real, Shri Radha-Krishna are the highest object of worship, Bhakti is the supreme path, Guru’s grace is indispensable and Prapatti leads to eternal divine service.