Universal and Confidential Love of God: Two Essential Themes in Prabhupāda’s Theology of Bhakti

Abstract

The article "Universal and Confidential Love of God: Two Essential Themes in Prabhupāda’s Theology of Bhakti" by Graham M. Schweig, examines two core theological contributions of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: his universal and inclusivistic understanding of religion as fundamentally bhakti (loving devotion and service to God), and his emphasis on the pursuit of a confidential and intimate relationship with the divine. The article explains Prabhupada's view that true religion, or dharma, is the inherent quality of service within all living beings, and that genuine religious traditions, regardless of their sectarian designation, can lead to this devotional service to a personal God. Conversely, it highlights his exclusion of impersonal philosophies or those not recognizing a supreme personal God from the category of true bhakti. Schweig further discusses Prabhupada's approach to other faiths, particularly Christianity, and the essential spiritual practices, such as chanting God's names and adherence to basic moral principles (no intoxication, no meat-eating, no illicit sex, no gambling), which he considered vital for genuine religious advancement.