Jaiva Dharma (The Essential Function of The Soul)

The word Jaiva-dharma refers to the dharma of the Jiva, or the constitutional function of the living being. From external appearance, human seem to have different religions according to classifications of country, caste, race and so on. The constitutional natures of human beings, animals, birds, worms, insects and other living entities also seem to be different varieties. But in reality, all living beings throughout the universe have only one eternal, immutable dharma.

Jaiva-dharma gives a compelling and throughout description of this dharma, which is eternal and which applies everywhere, at all times, and to all living beings. This book contains the essence of the exceedingly deep and confidential topics of the Veda, Vedānta, Upanişads, Śrīmad-Bhāgavata, Purāṇas, Brahmasūtras, Mahābhārata, Pañcarātra, Şaț-sandarbhas, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmarta, Bhakti-Rasāmsta-Sindhu,

Ujjvala-Nīlamaņi, and other ideal śāstras. Furthermore, it is written in the form of a tasteful entertaining, and easily-comprehensible novel.

Jaiva-dharma gives an unprecedented and poignant analysis of many vital topics, such as: Bhagavat-tattva (the truth regarding Śrī Bhagavān), Jīva-tattva (the truth regarding the pas); śakti-tattva (the truth regarding Bhagavān's potencies); the conditioned and liberated states of the jīvas; a comparative study of the nature of karma, jñāna, and bhakti; a conclusive and meaningful discussion of the distinguishing characteristics of regulated and spontaneous devotional service (vaidhī and rāgānugā - bhakti); and the supreme excellence of Śrī-nama-bhajana. All these topics are discussed in terms of sambandha, abhidheya, and prayojana.

In this compelling narrative Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Țhākura presents the conclusions of all the Vedas. Through the medium of questions and answers he makes a comparative analysis of all religious beliefs, and thus leads the reader, step by step, to the ultimate goal of life.

This book, Jaiva-Dharma, is a guide and life-companion for those fortunate and devoted souls who desire to attain the highest platform of Krşņa-prema. As such, it is the ecstatic endeavor of the author, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Țhākura, to fulfill the desire of his beloved Lord, Śrī Krşņa Caitanya Mahāprabhu, that the fallen souls be liberated from the miserable material life to taste eternally the nectar of Krsna-prema. The esoteric subject matter of this book is not for the stubborn atheists.

In chapter two, the Țhākura defines Jaiva-Dharma, “The unblemished pristine love for the Supreme Absolute Whole experienced by the minute particle of spiritual substance— the jīva— is defined as Jaiva-Dharma.” The word Jaiva-dharma refers to the dharma of the Jiva, or the constitutional function of the living being. From external appearance, human seem to have different religions according to classifications of country, caste, race and so on. The constitutional natures of human beings, animals, birds, worms, insects and other living entities also seem to be different varieties. But in reality, all living beings throughout the universe have only one eternal, immutable dharma.

Jaiva-dharma gives a compelling and throughout description of this dharma, which is eternal and which applies everywhere, at all times, and to all living beings. This book contains the essence of the exceedingly deep and confidential topics of the Veda, Vedānta, Upanişads, SrīmadBhāgavata, Purāņas, Brahma-sūtras, Mahābhārata, Pañcarātra, Şațsandarbhas, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmasta, Bhakti-Rasāmsta-Sindhu, UjjvalaNīlamaņi, and other ideal śāstras. Furthermore, it is written in the form of a tasteful entertaining, and easily-comprehensible novel. Jaiva-dharma gives an unprecedented and poignant analysis of many vital topics, such as: Bhagavat-tattva (the truth regarding Srī Bhagavān), Jīva-tattva (the truth regarding the pas); śakti-tattva (the truth regarding Bhagavān's potencies); the conditioned and liberated states of the jīvas; a comparative study of the nature of karma, jñāna, and bhakti; a conclusive and meaningful discussion of the distinguishing characteristics of regulated and spontaneous devotional service (vaidhī and rāgānugā - bhakti); and the supreme excellence of Śrī-nama-bhajana. All these topics are discussed in terms of sambandha, abhidheya, and prayojana.

In this compelling narrative Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thākura presents the conclusions of all the Vedas. Through the medium of questions and answers he makes a comparative analysis of all religious beliefs, and thus leads the reader, step by step, to the ultimate goal of life.

**Contents and Sample Pages**