Rāga and Ānanda: The Pedagogies of Desire and Bliss in the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu

Abstract

The article "Raga and Ananda: The Pedagogies of Desire and Bliss in the Bhaktirasamrtasindhu" by Eileen Goddard examines Rupa Gosvami's systemization of Krishna bhakti in the Bhaktirasamrtasindhu, highlighting the importance of desire (raga, rati) and bliss (ananda, sukha) as inherent to prema. The article explores how Rupa reconfigures classical rasa theory, emphasizing devotional desire for Krishna as the foundation for all five primary bhakti-rasas. It further investigates the hierarchical relationship between desire and bliss, arguing that even mundane desires can lead to devotional experiences. The article concludes by illustrating how bliss and desire function as a pedagogical feedback loop, driving sustained devotion and culminating in the supreme bliss of bhakti-rasa.