The Gift of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu – Full Feature Film

Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja and those under his guidance sequentially illustrate the four profound reasons Mahāprabhu came to this world. Enriched with our predecessor ācāryas’ sublime writings, utterances and kīrtanas, this presentation offers a glimpse of the significance of the Lord’s most merciful manifestation.

Documentary website: www.sricaitanya.com

00:00:00 - 1. Introduction & Three of the Reasons for His Advent
00:22:07 - 2. Rāgānuga & Rūpānuga
00:38:15 - 3. Our Most Cherished Aspiration
01:01:47 - 4. Approaching the Gift
01:25:11 - 5. Our Appreciation


Summary of the film’s five sections:

1. Introduction & Three of the Reasons for His Advent
Part One’s condensed recount of Gauḍīya history flows into an introduction to Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja, the inspiration for this film. He then guides us through three of the four reasons for Mahāprabhu’s advent.

2. Rāgānuga & Rūpānuga
Rare persons can truly approach the sacred path of rāga. Part Two explores often misunderstood conceptions. What is the difference between rāgānuga and vaidhī? What are rāga, rāgātmikā and rāgānuga? How does rāgānuga differ from rūpānuga? A concise overview of these profound topics is presented.

3. Our Most Cherished Aspiration
In Part 3, we venture into the unimaginably sacred goal of the Gauḍīyas. Authentic Vaiṣṇavas in the line of Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda hold this goal above their head in utmost reverence. Śrīla Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja was ever-careful to preserve its sanctity, while clearly establishing it as our ultimate aspiration.

4. Approaching the Gift
Those who truly cherish the elevated aspiration gifted by Sriman Mahaprabhu do so with full awareness of their current position; mere knowledge of the goal does not suffice. Śrīla Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja maintained that the sincere sādhaka is most attentive to foundational spiritual practices. Part Four touches on some of these essential practices, while giving hope for those seeking Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s sweet mercy. This section also summarizes, with a fresh perspective, Parts One to Four.

5. Our Appreciation
A wondrous aspect of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava culture is the increasing affection and reverence one feels for one’s beloved dīkṣā-guru in the company of one’s most exalted śikṣā-guru. Here in Part 5, disciples of Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Swāmī Prabhupāda share their experience of this principle.
Dīkṣā and śikṣā disciples of Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja then share their observation of his glorious qualities and their heartfelt appreciation of him.