Compiled here is a collection of freely downloadable e‑books published by Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.
Click here for ebooks in Bengali and Hindi.
Affectionate Guidance (coming soon)
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Presented here is an excellent anthology of discourses, articles, and letters given by Srila Govinda Maharaj over the years that well represent His Divine Grace’s most important teachings and the mood with which he conveys them. Srila Govinda Maharaj speaks in depth on many subject matters such as Divine Service and the Plane of Dedication, the conception of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and the devotional line of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, continuing the message of Srila Sridhar Maharaj with his own unique style: “We are chanting Hare Krishna, but are we really chanting? Or are we just creating a completely material sound vibration?”
The Benedictine Tree of Divine Aspiration
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
An invaluable record of some of the lectures Srila Govinda Maharaj gave on his first preaching tour outside of India, wherein His Divine Grace speaks in a heart-to-heart manner to the assembled devotees of California, Hawaii, and Mauritius. Srila Govinda Maharaj speaks mainly on introductory topics such as the nature of the soul and the Lord, the nature of the spiritual world, the superiority of the devotional path, and so on, and also shares many personal feelings about the Mission, his great joy at meeting the international community, his reluctance at being newly situated in the post of acharya, as well as some personal history of his intimate relationship with Srila Sridhar Maharaj and Srila Swami Maharaj Prabhupad. In addition there are explanatory lectures given by senior Vaishnavs, and three appendices discussing the mahamantra, the ten offences to the Holy Name, and the glories of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
The Bhagavat
by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur
“See how universal is the religion of the Bhagavat. It is not intended for a certain class of Hindus alone, but it is a gift to man at large, in whatever country he is born and in whatever society he is bred.”
Originally delivered as a lecture at Dinajpur, Bengal, in 1869, The Bhagavata destroys present-day misconceptions and prejudices surrounding Srimad Bhagavatam and also demonstrates the true nature of the text with an overview of its purely spiritual and supreme message. Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur denounces “party-spirit – that great enemy of truth” and makes a non-sectarian discussion of religion, expressing appreciation for religious thinkers ranging from Jesus and Kant to Confucius and Ram Mohan Roy, and presents the teachings of Srimad Bhagavatam as most relevant for “all classes of theists”.
Centenary Anthology
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
A powerful publication presenting Srila Sridhar Maharaj and his teachings. This compilation brings together many important articles previously printed within different periodicals and booklets, several of which are no longer in print. There is additionally an introduction by His Divine Grace Srila Govinda Maharaj as well as Srila Govinda Maharaj’s original composition Sri Guru-Prashastih in glorification of Srila Sridhar Maharaj. Also included are authoritative articles by some of the leading sannyasis in our Mission.
Divine Guidance
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Another invaluable collection of discourses from Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. The first section consists of lectures on such topics as Divine Service, how to perform pilgrimage without offence, seeing the dham with spiritual eyes, the significance of Sri Vrindavan Dham, Sri Nabadwip Dham, Sri Puri Dham, and more. The second section, Hand Carved Gems, is a series of excerpts from letters answering devotees’ questions.
Originally compiled as a Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, The Divine Servitor contains many classic expressions of Srila Govinda Maharaj, especially regarding the importance of service to Guru and Vaishnav. Also included are a selection of articles by distinguished Vaishnavs in glorification of Srila Govinda Maharaj. This short compilation contains many of Srila Govinda Maharaj’s most powerful expressions, which well represent the essence of the teachings of Sriman Mahaprabhu in the line of Srila Rupa Goswami, as well as Srila Govinda Maharaj’s own transcendental identity as an exclusive servitor of his guru.
Golden Reflections
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Prepared especially in honour of the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of the founding of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, herein Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj responds to interview questions regarding the early days of the math and its founder, Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Includes a chapter on the importance of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s book Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamritam, a chapter with an explanation of the math logo, and an explanation as to why Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math is considered such a special place.
The Golden Staircase
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Specifically compiled from informal discourses given by Srila Sridhar Maharaj between 1981 and 1985, Golden Staircase focuses on ‘practical steps on the path of devotional service-life fulfilment’.
The Golden Volcano of Divine Love
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
The Golden Volcano of Divine Lovereveals the life and teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as seen through the unique transcendental vision of Srila Sridhar Maharaj. This book includes his extensive purports to the Shikshashtakam (eight verses delineating the significance of the holy Name), a description from Sri Chaitanya Bhagavatof Mahaprabhu’s sannyas, and an original verse composition of Srila Sridhar Maharaj in glorification of Sri Gadadhar Pandit.
The Guardian of Devotion
The landmark publication compiled by Sripad Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj that pleased Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj so much. Herein is presented a chronicle of the transcendental relationship between Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj and Srila A.C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Maharaj. Includes one of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s original compositions in glorification of Srila Saraswati Thakur, as well as His Divine Grace’s unique explanation of the brahma-gayatri.
Heart and Halo
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
This wonderful compilation of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s discourses begins with introductory topics such as the nature of the soul and the planes of exploitation and dedication, continues with practical topics such as the step-by-step approach to divinity and cultivation of proper understanding, and concludes with an esoteric discussion of aspects of Krishna-lila and Gaura-lila.
Holy Engagement
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
In six lectures Srila Sridhar Maharaj discusses in depth some of the finer points of the Gaudiya–Vaishnav conception. Topics included are adjustment to the centre, proper understanding of Guru, spiritual gradation, analysis of the superiority of the Vaishnav conception over mayavad, and the position of mercy above justice. Also contains an excerpt from Jaiva Dharma as well as a unique commentary by His Divine Grace on Srila Narottam Das Thakur’s composition, Sri Rupa Manjari Pada, the sacred anthem of the Gaudiya–Vaishnavs. Highly recommended.
The Holy Name and The Ten Offences to be Avoided (coming soon)
by Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
Home Comfort
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Our most popular introductory book, Home Comfort has now been translated into several languages. In a clear and systematic way Srila Sridhar Maharaj outlines the three planes of existence, the superiority of the plane of dedication, and the process by which to attain it: “In one word the solution lies in ‘sadhu-sanga’, associating with the saints.” Srila Sridhar Maharaj emphasises the need for every individual to seek a life beyond this plane of exploitation, and the great opportunity of a human birth: “Our feeling should be: ‘The world is here and I am here but I am unsatisfied. How can my inner self be satisfied.’”
Inner Fulfilment
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
The classic introduction to Krishna consciousness compiled from Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s lectures.
In Search of the Original Source
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Srila Govinda Mahraj is renowned for his clear and practical explanation of the goal of life and the process to achieve it. His preaching style is exemplified in this transcription of a lecture given in Mexico in 1997 during his 9th World Tour. In this lecture Srila Govinda Maharaj gives much reason, inspiration, and guidance for all seekers on their search for the Original Source.
Kirtan Guide
by Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
A comprehensive collection of Gaudiya–Vaishnav songs and prayers as sung at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Nabadwip. Compiled, translated, and published by Sadhu Priya Prabhu of Australia.
Kirtan Guide (Pocket Edition)
By Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
A revised and abridged version of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Kirtan Guide. In this new edition the songs have been grouped into categories and laid out according to the manner in which they are sung. New songs have been added, an explanation and series of examples for the ornaments (akars) added to numerous songs has been provided, and a set of guidelines for following Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s style of kirtan has been included.
The Loving Search for the Lost Servant (coming soon)
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
A step-by-step delineation of levels of spiritual realisation, leading up to a discussion of the highest ideal of the Gaudiya–Vaishnavs in the line of Srila Rupa Goswami and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Includes explanations of the Bhagavad-Gita, Vedas, Bhagavat Purana, and Hare Krishna mahamantra.
The Nectarean Glories of Sri Nityananda Prabhu
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
An expanded edition of the Math’s Bengali publication, this includes an English translation of the original collection of Lord Nityananda’s glories as given in different scriptures and songs by our acharyas, as well as a new compilation of His glories as expressed by Srila Govinda Maharaj. Also included is an original shloka by His Divine Grace. An essential literature for all those aspiring for the indispensable grace of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.
Ocean of Nectar
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Compiled from lectures of Srila Sridhar Maharaj, Ocean of Nectar presents an introduction to the plane of dedication and the importance and glories of the Hare Krishna mahamantra. Also included is Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur’s classic introduction: ‘Party spirit, that great enemy of truth, will always baffle the attempt of the inquirer’; Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Shikshashtakam; as well as Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur’s song describing the extraordinary effects of chanting the genuine Name, along with Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s wonderful commentary on the song.
Religion of the Heart
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Srila Govinda Maharaj establishes the supreme position of Lord Krishna through review of the revealed scriptures and description of the Lord’s super-excellent and unique qualities. His Divine Grace expresses his original and deep insight into the Lord’s sweet nature and Pastimes and explains the high subject matter with characteristic beauty and simplicity. In one section Srila Govinda Maharaj also elaborates on the refined explanation of the gayatri mantra given by Srila Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Included is a translation of one of Srila Govinda Maharaj’s original poetic compositions, as well as an introduction by the publisher, Srila Govinda Maharaj’s dear servitor Sripad B. P. Siddhanti Maharaj.
Revealed Truth
by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
The essence of revelation can be summarised in one word: om, which means, “Yes! What you are searching for does exist!”
Who am I? Who is the Lord? What is our relationship? What is true fulfilment? The fundamental need of every soul is to find the answers to these questions.
Revealed Truth explains how the ancient seers of the Vedic culture realised these truths and preserved their practices in writing. Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is the culmination of such scriptures. Its author, Śrīla Vyāsadev, has compared the Vedas to a wish-fulfilling tree, and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to the tree’s fruit. It was spoken by Śrīla Śukadev Goswāmī, who is likened to a parrot that has pecked and released the fruit’s nectar.
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam’s beauty has been shown to the world in unprecedented depth by Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu. He taught that every soul is by nature a servant of the Lord, devotion to the Lord is the soul’s natural calling, and love for the Lord is the soul’s true fulfilment. By reading Revealed Truth one will develop a comprehensive understanding of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu’s teachings and be able to put the essence of revealed truth into practice.
The author, Swāmī B. S. Govinda, illuminates Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu’s paramount ideal of divine love with heart-touching clarity and sweetness. Drawing upon the teachings of the Āchāryas in Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu’s succession, as well as his own experience and realisation, Swāmī B. S. Govinda captivates readers with wisdom and joy that will ensure their spiritual journey is crowned with success.
The Search for Sri Krishna—Reality the Beautiful
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
This is Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s first English publication. Prefaced by an article by Srila Bhakti Vedanta Swami Maharaj. Arranged according to the principles of sambandha (relationship), abhidheya (means), and prayojan (goal), this book describes the origin of the soul and subjective evolution. It includes a synopsis of the Brihad Bhagavatamrtaand the six philosophies of India, and a Gaudiya–Vaishnav analysis of Christianity, as well as contemporary issues from drug problems to World War III. The dramatic conclusion summarises the conversation between Ramananda Ray and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu—the essence of Vaishnav theology.
Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion (Volume 1)
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
This is the first of the acclaimed Sermons series, compiled from lectures of Srila Sridhar Maharaj for the nourishment of practitioners deeply absorbed in their devotional lives. Topics include: faith, surrender, and pure devotion; sacrifice, self-giving, and the proper serving attitude; revealed truth; the superiority of love, beauty, and mercy over knowledge, power, and justice; the supreme gift of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; the glories of Sri Vrindavan Dham and the eternal associates of the Lord. Throughout Srila Sridhar Maharaj puts great emphasis on the need for a humble, surrendered approach, and the importance of sadhu sanga. With a deeply sympathetic mood Srila Sridhar Maharaj also describes the dangers faced by practitioners with advice on how to overcome them. Includes a very special introduction by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj as well as the first publication of His Divine Grace’s original composition Pranati-dashakam, in glorification of Srila Sridhar Maharaj.
Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion (Volume 2)
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Herein many of the finer details of different aspects of devotional practice and conception are discussed. Throughout is emphasis on the need to progress in the proper way, through the proper levels of development and through the proper agent. Topics include: anarthas that face the practitioner; the meaning of initiation; the meaning of sannyas; different types of karma and the purificatory power of Hari-nam; Vaishnavism as superior to varnashram-dharma. Also includes a chapter on the lives of different holy personalities, as well as a chapter on the life of Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur.
Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion (Volume 3)
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Topics include: transformation from material to spiritual consciousness; the importance of humility; the importance of sadhu-sanga; the guru-disciple relationship; dangers that face the practitioner. Srila Sridhar Maharaj also answers practical questions regarding serving life in the temple, in family life, as well as on the preaching field. A chapter is also included wherein His Divine Grace recounts some personal history about how he came to join Gaudiya Math, and later, after the departure of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, how he came to found Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.
Throughout this compilation Srila Sridhar Maharaj puts emphasis on the superiority of the Vrindavan plane of life, where love, beauty, and mercy reign supreme.
Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion (Volume 4) (coming soon)
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
This final instalment in the Sermons series begins with describing the history of the beginnings of Srimad Bhagavatam, and continues with topics such as: proper approach to and nature of the Absolute Truth; levels of spiritual existence, levels of truth, and levels of misconception; how to chant the genuine Name; karma and the varnashram system; the process of spiritual progress; the supreme importance of sadhu-sanga; wholesale dedication.
Sharanagati
by Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur
This edition is complete with Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s Sri Laghu-chandrika-bhashya.
Sri Guru and His Grace
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
A must read book for anyone who is even a little serious about their spiritual life. Herein Srila Sridhar Maharaj explains the indispensable necessity of Guru for a spiritual seeker; the qualifications of a guru and different types of gurus; the qualifications of a disciple and how a disciple should view Guru; the nature of truth, faith, and progress; absolute and relative considerations; the difference between the gayatri mantra and mahamantra; the real meaning of diksha, shiksha, and parampara; and stages of spiritual development. Throughout Srila Sridhar Maharaj gives much emphasis to introspection and self-analysis, and the need to constantly follow “the pure current of truth”, howsoever it may appear: “We are worshipers not of form, but of substance.” Included is a chapter on Lord Nityananda, ‘The Original Guru’, as well as a discussion of the highest ideal of our line, Sri Radha Dasyam.
Srimad Bhagavad-gita—The Hidden Treasure of the Sweet Absolute
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
This revised second edition was prepared in close consultation with Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, and includes Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s unparalleled devotional commentaries.
Sri Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya
by Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur
The glories of Sri Nabadwip Dham revealed through Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur’s description of Sriman Nityananda Prabhu leading Srila Jiva Goswami on a circumambulation of the Dham.
Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrita
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Unabridged English edition of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s 1944 classic compilation highly acclaimed by all of his godbrothers. Described by Srila Govinda Maharaj in his publisher’s note as “the crown jewel of divine literatures”, Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamritam presents a collection of essential verses in the scriptures delineating the path of surrender in all of its facets, with original aphorisms by Srila Sridhar Maharaj illuminating the inner meaning of each verse. In the words of Srila Govinda Maharaj: “Everything is covered in this book Prapanna-jivanamritam. If you read it minutely you must stand in the plane of dedication. … This is the first book of reading—and this is the last book of reading.”
Śrīla Jagadānanda Paṇḍit collected his notes on Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s Pastimes and teachings, and presented them in the form of a book named Prema-vivarta. This book was published by Śrīla Bhakti Vinod Ṭhākur and is full of Gauḍīya siddhānta. … Jagadānanda is very sensitive about subtle things, and known for his prema-vivarta, the peculiar characteristics of the reactions produced by his divine love.
Subjective Evolution of Consciousness
by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
If consciousness is the substratum of reality, what is the superstructure that is built upon it? In Subjective Evolution of Consciousness, Srila Sridhar Maharaj traces the development of consciousness from the origin of the species to various theistic and scientific postulates, and then takes an unexpected leap into the plane of ecstasy. Srila Sridhar Maharaj contends that, “Three things must be conceived: existence, consciousness, and the food of consciousness, ecstasy.”