Ram Bhakti Mein Rasik Sampraday (book review)
The cult of Krishna Vaishnavism is theologically rich and accessible. Gaudiya Vaishnavas have embellished Krishna Bhakti with scriptural sanction, a convincing doctrine of love, and a celebratory allure that must be seen to be believed. A few Vaishnava cults make Krishna subservient to Radha. If Krishna is our Soul, then Radha is the Soul of Krishna. Therefore, unlike Lakshmi and Vishnu, Radha and Krishna are not portrayed as husband and wife. Lakshmi sits at the feet of Vishnu, while it is Krishna who sits at Radha’s feet indulging her. This speaks of her exalted position. Their love is parkiya , extra-conjugal, although attempts have been made to legitimize their relationship. Contemplation of their dalliance is the fruit of devotion. The idea of a Self ( Atma ) within all beings is accepted in Bhakti traditions, but it is not threshed out like it is done in the knowledge traditions of Vedanta. Bhakti cults do have recourse to philosophical concepts of Atman and Brahman ...