Defining Sahajiya

By Caitanya das - 22.8 2015

In regards to the subject of sahajiyas, of course because they are sentimental, they do not follow in any line of bone fide parampara teachings, in particular the teachings of the Six Gosvamis. They are not keen to read scripture; they do not think Vaisnavas should write on transcendental topics; they do not follow any regulative principles; they think their bodies transcendental and fit to be enjoyed by Krishna, and that all they do is pleasing to Krishna. Whereas a bona fide pure Vaisnava thinks himself unfit for devotional service, and that he not rendering devotional service, and his body is material. (See Caitanya-caritamrta Antya 4.173 and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur's Kalyana Kalpataru.)

When a bona fide devotee hears the rasa lila with great faith and a transcendental spiritually inspired mind he is freed from lusty desires found in the heart of materialistic men, but thesahajiyas have no such faith and devotion and follow no one but their own contaminated minds. Not having accepted any authority above themselves, they generally destroy themselves. However there seems to be some hope, in the Adi lila 8 .22 in terms of them chanting, and their coming in contact with a pure devotee. Also Madhya 1.34. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta gives them some credit above the impersonalist.

So in a previous piece I had said that the power of the Lord is beneficial to all, including thesahajiyas, and this is borne out in the two texts. Not that we want to support their position, because in other places they are condemned to hellish condition.

Suhotra Swami book abot Apasampradayas   here >>