Sri Manah-Siksa, Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami

Splendid Instructions to the Mind

Manah-siksa helps us make sure our compass is set to the right direction, and our heart is attuned to the mood of the spiritual world. It allows us to recognize the increasingly subtle thieves and traps on the path, and employ counteracting measures, finally showing us how the fully illuminated and humble soul enters into loving perfection.

We learn about affection and attachment so we can gain genuine love of ourselves and others. Through respect and integrity, we escape the pitfalls of arrogance and deceit. These verses are a complete step-by-step guidebook on the inner, esoteric path of spontaneous love for God. Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami liberally used metaphor, poetry, and literary ornaments to unlock our full potential. Bhaktivinoda Thakura has instructed, «Shri Manah-shiksha has laid down a systematic procedure for one to enter into and become absorbed in the pastimes of Shri Shri Radha-Krishna; one should follow it without guile.»

Each of Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami’s verses has a corresponding meditative painting which can transport the reader to the spiritual realm. This is perfect for contemplation and regular singing of the verses. Included are detailed descriptions of the paintings, drawing on a wide range of sacred writings. And to each vers there is also the commentary by Bhaktivinoda Thakura – both prose and song. This is the first time his song commentary has been published in English. The verses and Bhaktivinoda’s commentaries are richly illustrated with over a hundred drawings by various international artists.

Additionally, the book contains commentaries by contemporary senior practitioners of bhakti yoga from around the globe: Jayadvaita Swami, Sivarama Swami, Sacinandana Swami, Bhaktivijnana Goswami, and Urmila Devi Dasi. Their extensive commentaries delight and entertain while inspiring and clarifying. They easily enable the modern reader to put this classic book into practice in today’s world.

557 Seiten, 12 Seiten Farbbilder, viele s/w-Zeichnungen, fadengebunden, inkl. Lesebändchen