Thank you for your book, Steve. . . . Like all of your writings, I find it helpful. I like what you write about unity and diversity in religions. I am always indebted to you for . . . helping me know that its ok to to take what is useful and leaving the rest. […]
In Universalist Radha-Krishnaism: A Theological Perspective, Steve Bohlert offers a rigorous theology to satisfy the needs of many of us, especially Westerners, who are looking for an eclectic perspective that also offers real intellectual rigor. Why read this book? In the twenty-first century, we are presented with an unprecedented diversity of worldviews and perspectives. […]
The Way of Natural Devotion is quite simple and easy. At the same time, it is demanding and rigorous. The practitioner best approaches the path with a highly developed character that includes the traditional values of service to God-dess, country, family, and friends. The practitioner is a person of dignity, restraint, and discernment who follows […]
Steve Bohlert comments on these lines from his book: “The extreme love shared by Radha-Krishna and their devotees feels especially sweet and attractive. Radha-Krishna invite everyone to join their intimate community of lovers. . . . God-dess created infinite beings for infinite new loving relationships. Radha-Krishna hide their awesome, majestic nature and emphasize their sweet, […]
Drawing on my experience, I warn people of the dangers of a cult while offering an alternative approach to Radha-Krishna devotion.
“Practitioners nurture interdependence more than independence because relatedness increases enjoyment. . . . People influence the future by how they live in the present, the consciousness they develop, and most importantly, the loving relationship they develop with Radha-Krishna. Devotees envision their desired future and enlist the aid of God-dess to get them there by living […]
“God-dess means god-goddess, the Divine Couple, Radha-Krishna, energy-energetic, ground of all being, primal cause. . . . God-dess gives abundant grace to all. . . . God-dess intimately relates to the world, enjoying and responding to and through all beings. God-dess dynamically experiences and adapts to creation. God-dess remains ever-fresh like youth or spring. . […]
Bhaktivinode Thakur said, “Material examples are absolutely necessary for the explanation of spiritual ideas.†“Nature as it is before our eyes must explain the spirit, or else the truth will ever remain concealed.†“All spiritual ideas are similarly pictures from the material world, because matter is the dictionary of the spirit.†There is an “unfailing […]
This Natural Devotion Trailer touches on some key points from the playlist. Lalita Prasad Thakur initiated Steve Bohlert into this practice of meditating on becoming a girlfriend of Radha, the Supreme Goddess, which is the goal of Chaitanya Vaishnavism. He uses contemporary western language to explain traditional concepts. A non-dual, panentheistic perspective and self-surrender to […]
Bhaktivinode Thakur explained how Brahma looked into his inner spiritual nature and received guidance from the Universal Spirit. Similarly, Vyas was inspired to write the Bhagavat Puran. Bhaktivinode said we can do the same when we spiritualize our lives. He advised seeing everything as spiritual and living in continual union with the divine. Natural devotion […]