The Theology of The Caitanya Sampradāya
Six Distinctive features
Keywords:
Caitanya Sampradaya, Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism, Theology, Vaiṣṇavism, Kṛṣṇa, Vṛndāvana, Bhāgavatapurāṇa, Prema, Gopīs, Jīva Gosvāmī, Rūpa Gosvāmī, Śrīnātha Cakravartī, Madhva, Acintya-bhedābhedaAbstract
This article argues for the theological distinctiveness of the early Caitanya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya, challenging its historical subordination to the Madhva tradition. By analyzing the writings of early followers such as Śrīnātha Cakravartī, Rūpa Gosvāmī, and Jīva Gosvāmī, the paper identifies six core doctrines that define Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism: the exclusive importance and divinity of Caitanya, the supremacy of Kṛṣṇa, the preeminence of Vṛndāvana as his abode, the gopīs' worship as the highest ideal, the Bhāgavatapurāṇa as the ultimate means of knowledge, and prema (love for God) as the supreme goal of life. The analysis demonstrates significant theological overlaps among early Caitanya followers from both Bengal and Vṛndāvana, refuting claims of an early schism within the tradition and highlighting its unique contributions compared to other Vaiṣṇava and Advaita schools.
