The Glories of Śrīdhara Svāmī: A Quick Comment on a Crafty Commentator
Keywords:
Sridhara Svami, Vaishnavism, Advaita, Mayavada, Bhagavata Purana, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Commentary, Jiva Gosvami, Baladeva Vidyabhusana, Visnusvami SampradayaAbstract
The article "The Glories of Sridhara Svami: A Quick Comment on a Crafty Commentator" by Steven J. Rosen explores the intriguing approach of Sridhara Svami, a renowned 14th-century commentator on Vaishnava texts. The article reveals that Sridhara Svami, revered as a pure Vaishnava, strategically integrated Advaita or Mayavadi notions into his commentaries. This "crafty" tactic, likened to Krishna's and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's own "tricky" means, was designed to allure readers to the path of Vaishnavism. The article highlights how Jiva Gosvami and Baladeva Vidyabhusana affirmed this strategy, viewing Sridhara's Advaitin statements as a "hook" to draw in those initially inclined towards Mayavada philosophy. It emphasizes Sridhara Svami's preeminence as a commentator, particularly on the Bhagavata Purana, and recounts how Chaitanya Mahaprabhu unequivocally praised his work, considering him the spiritual master for understanding the text. The article further delves into Sridhara Svami's historical lineage, suggesting his connection to the Visnusvami Sampradaya, which facilitated his unique interpretive method.
