Gaudiya Vaishnavism
Unlike all other Vaishnavite denominations and Hindu beliefs, most importantly, they consider Krishna to be God, not as an avatar of Vishnu. Hence, they reverse roles, stating that Vishnu emanates from Krishna. This, along with a strong devotional focus on Radha, are some of the main differences between Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology and other Vaishnava theologies.
Gaudiya Vaishnavas also worship Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as the latest incarnation of Krishna to descend in this yuga/age. Also, the followers are unusual in stating that Radha is a Shakti of Krishna, rather than attributing importance to Lakshmi Devi. These beliefs are not in accordance with beliefs of most Hindus and Vaishnavites. Famously, the ISKCON/Hare Krishna organization is based on Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
External links
- http://www.gaudiya.com/ An overview of Gaudiya Vaishnavism
- http://www.iskcon.com/ ISKCON
- http://www.vaishnava.com/gaudiyafaq.htm
- http://www.dlshq.org/saints/gauranga.htm (bio of Chaitanya)
- Krishna.com All about Krishna. Info, books, MP3s, images, radio. . .
| Topics in Hinduism | |
| Primary Scriptures: |
Vedas | Upanishads | Bhagavad Gita Itihasa (Ramayana & Mahabharata) |
| Other texts: |
Tantras | Sutras | Puranas | Brahma Sutras Hatha Yoga Pradipika | Yoga Sutra |
| Concepts: |
Brahman | Dharma | Karma | Moksha | Maya Punarjanma | Samsara |
| Schools & Systems;: |
Early Hinduism | Samkhya | Nyaya | Vaisheshika Yoga | Mimamsa | Vedanta | Tantra | Bhakti |
| Traditional Practices: | Jyotish | Ayurveda |
| Rituals: | Aarti | Darshan | Puja | Satsang | Thaal | Yagnya |
| Gurus and Saints: |
Sankara | Ramakrishna | Vivekananda | Aurobindo Ramana Maharshi | Sivananda |
| Denominations: |
Vaishnavism | Shaivism | Shaktism Agama Hindu Dharma | Contemporary movements |
