Caitanya’s Ecstatic Religious Experience

Abstract

The article explores Caitanya Mahaprabhu's ecstatic religious experience, defining ecstasy as a state of heightened awareness leading to direct knowledge of ultimate reality. Donald R. Tuck delineates the objective and subjective facets of this phenomenon, noting their profound interdependence. The article specifically examines Caitanya's journey within Bengal Vaishnavism, detailing his rejection of nondualistic philosophy (Advaita Vedanta) in favor of a personal, theistic devotion (bhakti) to Krishna, as articulated in the Bhagavata Purana. A central theme is Caitanya's unique identity as the dual incarnation of Krishna and Radha, which allowed him to experience their deepest mutual love (prema). The author describes the vivid manifestations of Caitanya's ecstatic states (bhava, avesha), including physical and emotional expressions such as weeping, dancing, and a sense of divine madness. Furthermore, the article discusses the internal and external triggers for his ecstasy and his profound spiritual transformation, culminating in a continuous state of divine experience.