Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti

by Dhanurdhara Swami

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Dhanurdhara Swami’s paper, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Raganuga Sadhana
Bhakti explores a central point of contention regarding the influence
of Vaishnava reformer and modernizer, Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati (1874 – 1937).
The following is meant to serve as a brief introduction, as the paper’s primary
audience are those persons who are somewhat familiar with the Gaudiya
tradition and the main forms of sadhana which it advocates.

Like other traditions of late-Medieval Indian spirituality, Gaudiya
Vaishnavism, the tradition stemming from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
(1486-1533), developed visualization techniques to aid the meditation of
adept practitioners. Such techniques are often passed down from guru to
disciple in some form of initiation. The purpose of these practices, called
Raganuga Sadhana Bhakti (“the devotional practice which follows from deep
attachment”) is well summarized by scholar David Haberman:

The goal of Raganuga Bhakti Sadhana is to shift identity. . . [to] the
“perfected form” (siddha-rupa), which is one’s true and ultimate identity.
Salvation, to the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, is unending participation in the
cosmic drama, and the skills of the actor are employed in pursuit of the
true identity which allows such participation. (Acting as a Way of
Salvation, Motilal Edition, 4)

Such practices are traditionally nourished by absorption in kirtan, which,
for Gaudiyas, takes the form of nama-sankirtana, meditation on God’s
(Krishna’s) names. It should be underscored that the visualization practices
involved in raganuga sadhana bhakti are highly esoteric. Most members of the
tradition (including non-renunciates and most lay persons) do not engage in
it, though, doubtless, they engage in some kind of kirtana. Most hope to
eventually practice some form of Raganuga sadhana when they are spiritually
prepared.

Dhanurdhara Swami’s paper discusses the decision by Sri Bhaktisiddhanta to
deemphasize certain developments of Raganuga sadhana, particularly what is
called ekadasa-bhava, where a guru imparts to the disciple different
features of his or her siddha-rupa at the time of initiation.
Bhaktisiddhanta instead focused on the performance and promulgation of
kirtana. This was part of Bhaktisiddhanta’s adjustments to Gaudiya Vaishnava
tradition in the face of modernity, and is a source of no small contention
among his critics. What makes Bhaktisiddhanta and his reforms so important
is that his followers are largely responsible for the global awareness of
Gaudiya Vaishnava religion and culture (including kirtana). Dhanurdhara
Swami argues that Bhaktisiddhanta’s reforms are quite within the tradition’s
boundaries–in fact, he argues, they help manifest the heart of the
tradition, not obscure it. He further argues that both critics and followers
of Bhaktisiddhanta must understand the spirit behind such reforms, lest they
forget Bhaktisiddhanta’s deep engagement with tradition.

-MD

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