Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: The Way of Natural Devotion; A Practitioner's Handbook - Softcover

Bohlert, Steve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0918475058 ISBN 13: 9780918475053

Publisher: Sky River Press, 2011

Synopsis

_Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: The Way of Natural Devotion; A Practitioner's Handbook_ clearly and concisely reveals the esoteric meditative process of participating in Radha-Krishna's transcendental play. It includes historical and theological grounding along with instructions for the devotional yoga practice of creating an eternal, individual identity. Fully rewritten since the first edition, this edition offers seventy pages of new material that provides initiation and resources for the practice of amorous natural devotion. These teachings are addressed to western readers who need no prior knowledge of the subject to begin the path to full God-dess realization while increasing their enjoyment in this life and the next.

A REVIEW OF THE NEW EDITION

"Steve Bohlert has dared to break the shackles of fundamentalism to deliver a much-needed re-visioning of an ancient religion of India, giving it new life for those of us in a multicultural 21st Century world. He has extracted the essence of Bengali Vaishnavism, and while staying true to its person-ality, has planted the seed back into the human body, so we may again receive the Original Blessing. I do not hesitate to call Steve Bohlert a prophet, not only as one gifted with spiritual insight, but also as one who foretells the future - of a path that must be something like he sees it or not be at all. That is, without such a re-birthing of Vaishnavism, its soul will never plant roots in the world at large. The orthodox will of course decry it and condemn him. 'The dogs may bark, but the caravan will pass.'" -- Daniel Cooper Clark, longtime Radha-Krishna devotee

FROM REVIEWS OF THE FIRST EDITION

"Many Westerners are attracted to diverse aspects of Hinduism and, in particular, devotion to Radha-Krishna, but soon find themselves alienated by two factors: an inescapable emphasis on 'Indian-ness' and the uncompromising literalism of the movement as it has come to the West. Steve Bohlert's approach to spirituality merges Western and Eastern thought by de-emphasizing cultural trappings and literalism, while maintaining a passionate emotional bond with the Supreme Being in this especially effective form of the Divine Couple, Radha-Krishna." -- Michael Valle, philosophy of religion teacher

This book is sufficiently important that its wide dissemination amongst devotees is a desideratum. . . . old beliefs are given apparently radical new interpretations that widen their scope and potential for meaning. . . . Subal [Steve Bohlert] has done a great service by introducing or naming the Vaishnava concept of deity as panentheism. . . . I favor rāgānugā [natural devotion], as it seems does Subal, precisely because it . . . is about reforming the id-controlled ego into a love-permeated ego. . . . There is no doubt that Subal's is an important brick in the wall of religious discourse . . . His great contribution . . . is that he has gone out on a limb and attempted to make a coherent and systematic presentation of Radha-Krishna according to his vision. This means of course that he has set himself up for criticism, but that kind of courage is what is needed to push the discourse further. -- Jagadananda Das/Jan Brzezinski, Gaudiya Vaishnav scholar.

About this title

From the Publisher:

In today's troubled times, many people thirst for self-knowledge and a sense of interconnection with God-dess and all creation. They hunger for higher purpose and meaning in life. Universalist Radha-Krishnaism speaks to them. It offers:
* A practical spirituality that readers may harmoniously practice in their current life situations.
* A vision of eternal spiritual life as an intimate associate of Radha-Krishna as well as the means to actualize it.
* An affirmation of God-dess' loving presence permeating this life with goodness and grace.
* A philosophical basis and practices that allow readers to begin the way of natural devotion.
* A dynamic faith that encourages liberty of thought and practice.

Realizing the individual spirit related to God-dess and the world through divine love leads to a sense of interconnectedness with all existence--both material and spiritual. A heightened sense of enjoyment naturally develops from this awareness.

To produce these favorable results, Bohlert--
* Uses language and ideas consistent with progressive, western thought.
* Highlights the essential teachings without unnecessary Indian cultural externals.
* Draws from the best interfaith sources and offers a core wisdom teaching.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Introduction
2. Amorous Paths (New)
3. Universalist Radha-Krishnaism
4. Historical Roots
5. Means of Knowing God-dess
6. Manifestations of Divinity
7. Individual Spirits
8. World of Experience
9. Natural Devotion
10. Entering Braj (New)
11. Blazing Sapphire (New)
12. Braj Meditation (Short)
13. Braj Meditation (Long) (New)
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography

About the Author:

Steve Bohlert is specially qualified to write this book because: He served as an international leader in the Krishna Movement for nine years. Lalita Prasad Thakur (son and disciple of Bhaktivinode Thakur--nineteenth century Bengali theologian, universalist, and reformer) initiated him into the esoteric way of natural devotion and told him to spread it in the West. He was later ordained and served as a pastor and teacher in the United Church of Christ for eleven years. He studied western theological traditions at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, earning a Master of Divinity degree.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sky River Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0918475058
• ISBN 13: 9780918475053
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 202