Krsna in Vrndavana (Volume Five): Sankalpa Kaumudi-A Moonbeam on Determination

Derived from the inspiration of Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī's Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta and the relentless endeavors of its protagonist, Gopa-kumāra, to refine his devotional practice, Saṅkalpa-kaumudī illuminates four key aspects of sādhana-bhakti emerging from the pages of Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta: saṅkalpa, the resolute determination propelling progress in devotional stages; ekāgratā, the focused attention necessary for each saṅkalpa's success; bhāva-sevā, the underlying mood of a saṅkalpa aligned with vraja-bhakti sentiments; and kṛpā, the divine grace catalyzing the transformation of practice into ecstasy.

Over time, many devotees may find their acts of devotion, or sādhana, becoming mechanical, potentially hindering genuine advancement through the stages of devotion, from śraddhā to prema. By gaining a clear understanding of one's current level of spiritual attainment and employing saṅkalpas as determinations, individuals can rediscover enthusiasm to progress in their bhakti journey. While extensive literature exists on the individual stages of devotion, Saṅkalpa-kaumudī offers insights on transitioning from one stage to the next, emphasizing that the core mechanism of progress lies in attentive chanting of the Holy Names, with all other endeavors in life oriented towards nourishing this primary activity.

Drawing from the profound teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda and the previous ācāryas, Śivarāma Swami synthesizes their wisdom with a pragmatic and accessible analysis of bhakti, appealing to a broad audience—from aspiring practitioners to seasoned devotees—offering inspiration, enlightenment, and transformative insights for life's journey.