Civilization & Transcendence

by A.C. Bhaktivedanta

In a series of questions and answers, srila prabhupada defines real progress as self-realization. If asked how humans have progressed over the past centuries, most people would point to technology and science and the knowledge and luxuries they have brought. But how do these things satisfy the soul's desire for happiness and eternal life? they don't and never can. A.c.bhaktivedanta swami implores us not to lose sight of our true hankerings and needs. Technology and science are good and have their place, but shouldn't distract us from our most important to transcend this world and awaken our spiritual nature.

Genres: Spirituality, Hinduism, Religion

87 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

His Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.

He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.

At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.

In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.

Reviews

[Som · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. Everyone should read this and try to understand the concept of Krsna Consciousness.

[Andromeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just re-read the book. It very clearly explains the concept of Karma, Destiny/Fate, efforts and success in the context of life and spirituality. It answers the usual questions like,

1. What can be changed as regards our life and fate?
2. What cannot at all be changed?

The author also provides very convincing and telling answers to the following questions:

3. Is Hinduism a religion of fatalism?
4. What denotes "progress in life"?
4a. Why India does not seem to have materially progressed compared most other countries in the world? Is it because of its religion?
5. Why is it that not everyone attains material progress in life in spite of strenuous and determined efforts?

It is an easy read but contains a number of thought-provoking arguments and cogent answers to the issues of existentialism.

[Dev · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a fortune found, when one gets to talk to or hear a devotee.

But listening to two devotees, one the spiritual master and other the discipline talking about Krishna, is all very divine and Transcendental.

[Lingui5t · Rating 1 out of 5]

Closed minded, repetitive, stubbornly doctrinaire, nothing special on offer. Tautological claims of authority. Annoying

[Lluis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epa, estoy limpiando de libros breves para ver si termino el desafío de lectura a tiempo.

No por breve malo, ni poco intenso.

Es el primer libro directamente doctrinal de la secta de ISKON que he leído. Tengo que decir que más allà de las típicas propuestas mente-colmena y algun patinazo medio intencional (lo de relacionar etimológicamente "Christós" con "Krishna" es perverso), no es raro ni desagradable.

Solo un gurú vendiendo su doctrina, almenos en este libro no te pide todo tu dinero. Y sabe de sus cosas; madre mía cuánta cita...