Krishna SamhitaŚrī Kṛṣṇa-saṁhitā - Introduction Part 1

Śrī Kṛṣṇa-saṁhitā

Preface

I have compiled Śrī Kṛṣṇa-saṁhitā after carefully studying the purport of the Vedic literatures. The truths concerning Vaiṣṇava philosophy are the topmost substance of Āryan dharma. l have especially discussed this in this book. Everyone—including the worshipers of Durgā, Sūrya, Gaṇeśa, Śiva, and Viṣṇu—should accept the contents of this book according to one’s respective qualification. In this book one will also find the topmost conclusion in brahma-jñāna, impersonal knowledge of the Absolute Truth, and the principle purport of the religious scriptures is also discussed. Therefore one can find herein discussion on all branches and sub-branches of Āryan dharma.

In the introduction of this book one will find the historical and geographical considerations of all religious truths. And in the conclusion we have discussed these truths in modern terminology.

As soon as this book is published, many people will obtain a copy, But I do not feel that many respected readers will scrutinizingly study it. Śrī Gīta-govinda, compiled by Jayadeva Gosvāmī, is supposed to be studied only by qualified persons, because one finds in that book verses such as: yadi hari smaraṇe sarasaḥ manah yadi vilāsa kalāsu kutuhalam ity ādi—”O devotees, if your mind becomes attached to remembering the characteristics of the Lord, and if your mind becomes curious to understand the enchanting rāsa-līlā pastimes of the Lord…,” Still, ordinary literary scholars and paṇditas, as well as people who are attached to love affairs, do not stop reading such books. It is therefore necessary to speak a few words in this regard.

With folded hands I request the old-fashioned readers to understand that if some conclusion is found herein that is contrary to their preconceptions, it was written with particular persons in mind. whatever is written about religious codes, however, should be accepted by all. The conclusions regarding subsidiary topics will yield the result of purifying some particular persons’ knowledge. There is no profit or loss for one who believes or disbelieves in the different subject matters described in the introduction regarding historical incidents and time according to śastric reason and argument. History and the knowledge of time is a part of Artha-śāstra, economic scriptures. If one considers history and time according to reason and argument, there will be great benefit for India. By this, one can also hope to make gradual advancement on the path towards the ultimate goal of life. If reason and argument is combined with ancient beliefs, then all the accumulated moss of misconceptions will be destroyed, and in due course of time, the odor of infamy will be eradicated from the people of India; then their knowledge will regain its health. It is my prayer to the respected professional scholars and devotees to not disregard this Śrī Kṛṣṇa-saṁhitā after seeing the independent conclusions mentioned in the introduction. If for no other reason, they will be forced to respect this book because Kṛṣṇa’s names, qualities, and pastimes are described herein. Śrī Nārada Muni has stated in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (12.12.52):

tad vāg-visargo janatāgha-viplavo
yasmin prati-ślokam abaddhavaty api
nāmāny anantasya yaśo ‘ṅkitāni yat
chṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti sādhavaḥ

“On the other hand, that literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, and so on of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world’s misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung, and accepted by purified men who are thoroughly honest.”

My request to the modern readers is that they should not become averse to this book just by hearing its name and the Lord’s Vraja pastimes contained herein. The more one reads this book with faith, the more one will realize the Absolute Truth. In my opinion, the reader will get better results by first studying the Introduction, then the Conclusion, and finally the main book.

I gratefully acknowledge Śrī Paṇḍita Dāmodara Vidyāvāgīśa, Śrī Govinda Candra Mahāpātra, Paṇḍita Śaśībhūṣaṇa Smṛtiratna, and Śrī Paṇḍita Candra Mohana Tarkaratna, who have, from time to time, helped in editing this book.

Servant of the servants of the Lord,

Akiñcana Śrī Kedāranātha Datta (Bhaktivinoda)

Krishna SamhitaŚrī Kṛṣṇa-saṁhitā - Introduction Part 1

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