Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu and Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi: An Overview

Abstract

The article "Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu and Ujjvala-nilamani: An Overview" by Revati Devi Dasi explores the two foundational works of Rupa Gosvami, a key theologian in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition inspired by Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The article defines bhakti, or pure devotional service to Krishna, outlining its progression from regulative practice (sadhana-bhakti) to ecstatic emotion (bhava-bhakti) and pure love (prema-bhakti). It then delves into the concept of rasa, the ecstatic tastes of divine love, detailing its five components and twelve types (five primary and seven secondary). The piece highlights Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu as a comprehensive guide to the path of devotion and emphasizes Ujjvala-nilamani's specific focus on madhurya-rasa, or sacred amorous love for God, as the ultimate spiritual goal.