Essential spiritual teachings

Across five centuries and half the globe comes this compact guidebook of essential spiritual teachings. How to choose a guru, how to practice yoga, even where to live. You'll find it all in this invaluable work originally written in Sanskrit by Srila Rupa Goswami, the greatest spiritual genius of medieval India. Now translated and explained by Srila Prabhupada, 'The Nectar of Instruction' is the key to enlightenment for all seekers on the path of spiritual perfection.

This is a book to enrich one's life; it nourishes the parts which other books cannot reach! It's full of wisdom and practical advice for anyone bold and adventurous enough to attempt the spiritual path. Having read it once, I've started it again more meditatively and it gives me the same tranquil feeling as gazing into a pool of deep, clear water.

Some of the 'instructions' are stringent, such as the first verse, on controlling the mind, speech, anger etc., but there is also much sweetness, as in text four - the 'six loving exchanges'.

Srila Rupa Goswami, a mystic saint from India, wrote the eleven texts, five hundred years ago, in Sanskrit, and Bhaktivedanta Swami has translated them for the first time into English, with commentaries. These are strong commentaries. He doesn't water anything down for a modern audience and that's one of the things I like about them; he has faith in his reader. He speaks directly to the most vital part of us, our true self, of which we may not even be very aware, and somehow we want to respond and rise to the call.

The commentaries are sprinkled with beautiful quotes from classical Vedic texts, full of deep meaning. It would be interesting to follow up on some of these, such as Bhagavad-Gita.

I think this book will appeal to anyone interested in genuine spiritual life, of whatever religious tradition, or none. It is universally applicable. -Nadia

The work has the standard structure of original Sanskrit text, roman transliterations, synonyms, translations and elaborate purports by His Divine Grace Prabhupada. This is a important work in understanding the science of devotion inspired by Lord Caitanya. The work has only eleven verses. Text one identifies that only who can control his speech, mind, anger, tongue, belly and genitals can be guru. Next verse identifies the items that destroy bhakti. Next two verses deals with ways to develop bhakti. Next two verses instructs how to recognize different kinds of devotees and how to relate to them. Verse seven talks about sweetness of God's Name. Verses 8-11 discusses the glory of Radha and Bridhavan. It is preferrable if it is heard from pure devotees.-s. Venkatesan

I do not claim to have understood what actually is spoken in this book. It is rather techinical, but really deep for such a small book. I re-read it and was happy that I understood more. This book is free form agenda and is open to everyone.-Aruna Locana

Contents

Preface
Text One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, and Eleven
Appendixes
The author
References
Glossary
Sanskrit pronunciation guide
Index of Sanskrti verses
General index