Śrīla Prabhupāda as Spiritual Educator
Keywords:
Srila Prabhupada, Spiritual Education, Human Emotions, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Bhakti, ISKCON, Transcendental High, Krishna Consciousness, Vaishnava Tradition, Emotional FulfillmentAbstract
The article "THE EDUCATION OF HUMAN EMOTIONS: Srila Prabhupada as Spiritual Educator" by Klaus K. Klostermaier, explores the significant role of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, as a spiritual educator focused on human emotions. The article contrasts Prabhupada's approach, which emphasized the emotional and ecstatic aspects of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, with Western rationalism and other spiritual traditions that tend to suppress emotions. It argues that Prabhupada's teachings offered a systematic approach to emotional fulfillment, providing a "transcendental high" for those seeking deeper experiences. Klostermaier addresses criticisms of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as being overly emotional or lacking ethics, asserting that its focus on aesthetics and bhakti (devotion) is a valid and necessary response to contemporary spiritual needs. The article highlights Prabhupada's success in bringing this emotion-rich spiritual path to the West, fostering a new culture of devotion and artistic expression.
