The Concept of Bhagavān in Bengal Vaishnavism as Found in Jīva Gosvāmi’s Bhagavat-sandarbha

Abstract

Satyanarayana Dasa offers a theological and philosophical inquiry into the concept of Bhagavān (the personal Absolute) in Jīva Gosvāmi’s Bhagavat-sandarbha. The paper distinguishes Bhagavān from Brahman and Paramātmā, emphasizing the Gaudīya assertion that Krishna is not only supreme but also supremely beautiful and relational. Through rigorous textual analysis, Dasa highlights how divine personality, with qualities like compassion, rasa, and līlā, stands at the heart of Gaudīya metaphysics.