Introduction

Amongst the higher classes of humans in the world, there are three paths for travelling through the realm of belief in the afterlife. These are known as karma, jnan, and bhakti. The means for souls in the conditioned state to attain temporary enjoyable ends is known as the path of karma. Rejecting transience and temporary provincial ends and enquiring into nondifferentiated spirit is known as the path of jnan. Transcendental to karma, jnan, and matter, endeavouring to please the rightful recipient of all service Sri Krishna is known as the path of bhakti.

Between the means and the end on the path of bhakti, three stages are seen: sadhana, bhava, and prema-bhakti. If we think that the bhavas and prema of the end are practices that are part of the means, trouble arises. Deliverance from the hands of this hindrance is known as anartha-nivrtti. The unprecedented and extraordinary Pastimes of Sri Gaurasundar and the practices and teachings of the goswamis who were His assistants in His Pastimes are the basis of this composition.

Sri Siddhanta Saraswati