Information for interested devotees
by Bhakta Alexandar
Vedas and Vedic scriptures are the highest knowledge. And from such a vast tree of knowledge Bhagavata Purana, or Srimad Bhagavatam, is the ripe fruit of the tree of Vedic knowledge and the best of all knowledge. This is because Srimad Bhagavatam gives knowledge about Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the process of pure devotional service to Him. This is the pinnacle of all knowledge and there is no higher subject matter then this. It is not possible to understand this highest knowledge without guidance of a self-realized Spiritual Master in the line of disciplic succession, guru-parampara.
Beyond any doubt, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada was such a great authority for Vedic knowledge and pure devotional service. His books and commentaries on Srimad Bagavatam, Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Chaitanya Charitamrita, etc. remain a great beacon of light in this dark age of Kali Yuga.
The best option for sincere readers is to find his books printed before his departure from this world in November 1977. They are available worldwide in different libraries, second hand book stores etc. Some of those original books were reprinted later, so that is also a good option.
Persons interested in seriously studying this great wisdom are recommended to approach “The Vaishnava Foundation“, a spiritual organisation which is strictly following Srila Prabhupada and his teachings. There is no doubt that “The Vaishnava Foundation” is a strong link and gateway to Vedic knowledge and disciplic succession of Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya. By the assistance and guidelines from a leading member of “The Vaishnava Foundation“ - Kailasa Chandra Prabhu, a brahmana initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada, proper understanding of the vast knowledge of the Bhagavata school and its teachings becomes reality for sincere and serious students.
"The Vaishnava Foundation" and Kailasa Chandra Prabhu also published some very important books which may help a lot in better understanding of the Vedas and Bhagavata philosophy, such as "Beyond Institutional Gurus and Party Man" and "Tattva Viveka", which are available on Amazon.com, and we sincerely recommend to English speaking persons to get this important titles. We will try to make available translations of some of written work from Vaishnava Foundation translated and available to Serbo-Croatian speaking countries of former Yugoslavia for persons interested in wisdom of Vedic scriptures.
Vedanta Sutra opens with the statement athato brahma jijnasa, which means – "Now is the time to ask questions about Brahman!" Now also means while we are in this rare human form of life. It is very difficult to get the human form of life, so now is that rare chance to use this great opportunity and ask questions about the Absolute Truth, Brahman, and find out answers which may help us to make this human birth perfect by understanding Sri Krishna, Bhagavan, the Absolute Truth, and thus become liberated soul and transcend the ocean of birth and death and go back home, back to Godhead where we spiritual souls belong.
Lord Sri Krishna recommends this process in Bhagavad Gita Fourth Chapter, nineth verse: "One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna."
It is good to remember these statements and use this rare opportunity. For sure, Srila Prabhupada's books are the best guide in this heroic attempt.