Bhagavat Rasa Sara

by

Sripad Turiya Das Acarya

The Nectarine Cream of

the Srimad Bhagavatam

A Chaitanya Vaishnava Sanga Publication

Introduction:

The Srimad Bhagavatam is considered the cream of the churned milk of Vedic wisdom and as such it is compiled with the purpose of illuminating our way out of the darkness of illusion into the light of the Absolute Truth. The Srimad Bhagavatam is known by various names such as The Srimad Bhagavatam, The Bhagavat Purana or simply The Bhagavat.

Sri Chaitanya Maha-Prabhu said that the mercy of Krsna comes in the form of the two Bhagavats, the devotee-bhagavat and the book-bhagavat.

The word Bhagavat is explained by Srila Bhakti-Vinode Thakura as that which has a relation with Bhagavan, as such The Srimad Bhagavatam refers to that book which narrates the glories of God (Bhagavan)and His devotees (the bhaga-vats). Srimad can be added to the title to indicate the Beautiful Tales of God and His devotees. While the term Purana, indicates historic and thus refers to the historic tales of God and His devotees.

In all cases the meaning in the same, The Historic Book of the Glorious Deeds of God and His Devotees.

Preface:

Srila BhaktiVinode Thakura used the term Sara-Grahi Vaishnava for those who are essence seekers. Srila Sridhara Swami of Nabadwip following in this mood used to urge the devotees to go beyond simply the form and to seek the essence.

Sara means the cream or the essence, it can also refer to that which has been condensed down as in milk; making it richer and thicker. It is sometimes seen that when a Vaishnava reaches for the essence by desiring to taste the highest reality, that is; when a madhyam desires to enter into the rasa of Krsna Consciousness, he becomes the subject of discussion and criticism. Most people are most comfortable with the form and the status quo.

It is rare to see a man reaching beyond the limits that one can usually attain. I have always found the life and teachings of Srila BhaktiVinode Thakura a source of inspiration, and because of this, In my heart I have always felt that I must have had some association with him previously.

I therefore encourage all of you to study his books and biographies as a source of inspiration for yourselves also. I dedicate this book Bhagavat Rasa Sara, The Nectarine Cream of the Srimad Bhagavatam at his lotus feet and to all who follow in his footsteps as Sara-Grahi Vaishnavas.

Om Bhadram Te

My Blessings and Wishes of Auspiciousness to the readers of this book.

Gurudev, Turiya Das Acarya

O Ye, who are deeply merged in the knowledge of the love of God and also in deep thought about it, constantly drink, even after your emancipation, the most tasteful juice of the Srimad Bhagavatam, come on earth through Sri Sukadeva Gosvamis mouth carrying the liquid nectar out of the fallen and, as such, very ripe fruit of the Vedic tree which supplies all with their desired objects.

(Penned in english by Srila BhaktiVinode Thakura in His writing, The Bhagavata - Its Philosophy, Its Ethics, and Its Theology (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1/1/3)