Cowherd Boys Nectar; Sri Sri Preyo-Bhakti-Rasarnava

Title:  Cowherd Boys Nectar; Sri Sri Preyo-Bhakti-Rasarnava

Author/Translator:  Dasaratha Suta dasa (from the 1731 A.D. oroginal by Sri Nayanananda Thakur)

Publisher:  Bookwrights Press

Publication Date:

Language:  English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  234 pages, b&w illustrations

A beautiful meditation on the lives of Krishna’s cowherd boy associates. 

This unique work was composed in 1731 A.D. by Sri Nayanananda Thakur. The word preyo is used in the Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu as a synonym for sakhya (fraternity). Nayanananda Thakur was a resident of Mangala-dihi village, and hailed from the disciplic branch of the famous Sri Parni Gopal, who was the direct disciple of Lord Nityananda’s personal associate known as Sri Sundarananda Gopal. Sundarananda is celebrated as the incarnation of Sudama, one of the dvadasa-gopal (twelve principal cowherd boys), who are eternal associates of Lord Balarama. These dear boyfriends incarnate on earth in order to sport with Balarama when He descends as Lord Nityananda during the performance of Gauranga-lila. This is described in the Sri Caitanya-Caritamrita, Adi-lila, 11.13-48.

The author’s composition naturally follows in the footsteps of Sudama. Therefore we find the ecstatic descriptions of a day in the life of the cowherd boys of Vraja.

Translated by His Grace Dasaratha Suta dasa (ACBSP) with extremely useful appendices.

This translation, by Dasaratha-Suta Dasa (ACBSP), brings this rare classic to the English audience in all its beauty­–allowing us to experience a day in the life of the Golden Avatara.

CONTENTS

Preface 11

Introduction 16

History of Sakhya-Rasa-Bhakti in Mangala dihi Village, West Bengal 24

1. The Glories of Fraternal Devotional Service 37

2. Various Types of Cowherd Boys 63

3. The Ingredients of Transcendental Mellow 87

4. Symptoms of the Cowherd Boys’ Separation and Union 109

5. Sudama Sakha’s 64 Associates; The Glories of Krishna and Balaräma 125

6. The Residences of Sudama and His Associates 149

7. Pratah-Kaliya-Seva: Services During Morning Pastimes (6:00–8:24 A.M.) 165

8. Purvahna-Kaliya-Seva: Services During Forenoon Pastimes (8:24 A.M.–10:48 A.M.) 179

9. Madhyahna-Kaliya-Seva and Aparahna-Kaliya-Seva: Services During Midday and Afternoon Pastimes (10:48 A.M.–3:36 P.M., 3:36 P.M.–6:00 P.M.) 193

10. Sayahma-Kaliya-Seva and Ratri-Kaliya-Seva: Services During Midday and Afternoon Pastimes (8:24 A.M.–10:48 A.M.) 207

Appendices 216