Title: Writings in Pursuit of Virtue
Author: Sesa Dasa
Publisher: Bookwrights Press
Publication Date: 2023
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 196
In this book, Sesa Dasa defines virtue as playing a foundational role in facilitating our endeavors, rather than being goals in themselves. With the intention of cultivating virtue in the reader's heart, Sesa Dasa teaches how to utilize these virtues to devise innovative solutions to the challenges facing the modern world.
By delving into various areas where virtue can offer support (such as family, community, society, science, and government), the author examines each virtue, presents a meditation to explore its meaning and application more deeply, and offers practical readings demonstrating why virtue is significant. Many examples of virtue are drawn from the Mahabharata and are applied to contemporary contexts to enhance our understanding of virtue and its relevance both historically and in today's world.
"Writings in Pursuit of Virtue" is a devotional and philosophical book by Sesa Dasa (also known as Sesa das or Sesa Prabhu), a long-time disciple of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Sesa Dasa joined ISKCON in 1973, received initiation from Srila Prabhupada in 1974 (while serving on the early Bhaktivedanta Book Trust library party), and has been involved in various services, including the GBC (Governing Body Commission), Ministry for Educational Development, and contributions to devotee education, values discussions, and writings on bhakti principles.
The book aims to inspire and cultivate virtue (defined in a bhakti context as foundational qualities like humility, truthfulness, compassion, and detachment) in the reader's heart. Sesa Dasa presents virtue not as ultimate goals in themselves but as supportive tools that facilitate deeper endeavors in Krishna consciousness—helping devotees navigate personal, familial, social, and spiritual challenges. It explores how to apply these virtues practically to address overwhelming modern problems (material, mental, and spiritual), drawing from Gaudiya Vaishnava teachings, Srila Prabhupada's instructions, and reflections on duty (dharma) vs. devotion. The tone is reflective and instructional, often tying into broader themes like ksatriya training, moral development in ISKCON, and balancing material/spiritual responsibilities (with references to stories like the Mahabharata). It's valued in devotee circles for its thoughtful approach to character building and ethical living within bhakti-yoga.
Sesa Dasa has authored other works, such as contributions to Acarya: Portraits of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1996), and articles/reflections on virtue in ISKCON publications.
