Babaji Maharaja: Two Beyond Duality: Biographies of Their Divine Graces Srila Gaura-kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja and Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja (Stories of Vaishnava Acharyas)

In this book we encounter a different world, a transplanted replica of the spiritual realm, the dhama, the abode of Lord Caitanya, Sri Navadvipa-dhama. This was a time when a small group of renounced and reclusive souls attempted to preserve the teachings of the Vaisnava acaryas. They had deep respect for and vowed to protect the theology of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu which taught that constant chanting of Hare Krsna is the most authentic and effective path of God realization in this age, and the actual fulfillment of the human form of life. This is the amazing background story of a time when the Krsna consciousness movement was conceived, refined, and prepared to be brought to the Western world. Jagannatha dasa Babaji inspired Thakura Bhaktivinoda to start nama hattas, spiritual enclaves dedicated to chanting, and Gaura-kisora influenced Siddhanta Sarasvati to perform devotional chanting austerities. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura presented Krsna consciousness in a condensed and compressed form, especially influenced by the three great acaryas: Jagannatha dasa Babaji, Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Gaura-kisora dasa Babaji. This is their glorious story. “I am sincerely grateful to Rupa Vilasa Dasa for bringing us into the divine pastimes and teachings of two of the most elevated saints the world has ever known . . . After decades of research, sadhana, and prayer Rupa Vilasa Dasa is now off ering this invaluable book. Hearing these authentic pastimes will lead us deeper into the limitless ocean of the pure devotion personifi ed by these great souls.” –Radhanatha Swami “. . . Now, after decades of enormous, loving scholarship, Rupa Vilasa has portrayed the ultimate bhajananandi Vaisnavas–those who practice intense and secluded chanting. Though as a practicing Krsna devotee I can never aspire to attain the levels of absolute surrender these great souls have achieved, reading about them has greatly deepened my own convictions.” –Syamasundara dasa “. . . indispensable for anyone studying Gaudiya Vaishnavism, or even for general seekers who want to know what true mysticism and devotional yoga are really all about.” –Satyaraja dasa “[This] book is essential reading for us all. The babajis are our true forebears, and the chronicles of their lives connect us to them and to Sri Krsna.” –Dayananda dasa