BY: SUN STAFF
Nov 29, CANADA (SUN) —
Tattva Sandarbha
by Srila Jiva Goswami
SECTION THREE
All glory to Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Sanatana Gosvami in the land of Mathura. They have engaged me in writing this book to broadcast the essential truth about the Supreme Lord.
Sri Jiva Toshani Commentary
According to Sanskrit grammatical rules, the pronoun imam (this) is used for objects near at hand, to indicate proximity. Since the book is not done yet, use of imam "this book" in this verse may seem a defect. Baladeva Vidyabhushana comments, however, that because the book already exists within the mind of Srila Jiva Gosvami, he speaks of it as having already come into existence.
Here Srila Jiva Gosvami explains his reason for composing the six sandarbhas. He is doing it at the behest of his spiritual masters, Rupa and Sanatana Gosvamis, who are also his uncles. Jiva Gosvami studied under them and they asked him to compile their teachings into a book for the benefit of all. This is indicated by the word jnapakau, which literally means "those who like to inform others."
Previously Srila Rupa and Srila Sanatana were glorious in Bengal as ministers of Hussein Shah. Now they are glorious in the land of Mathura, which is itself glorious, being the place of Lord Krishna's pastimes. To be glorious in this land means to have the wealth of Krishna prema, or love of Godhead, which is the most rare possession. To show this achievement Jiva Gosvami adds the honorific "Srila" before their names. Srila indicates that Rupa and Sanatana Gosvamis are endowed with transcendental knowledge, renunciation, devotional service, and love of God. Srila Jiva Gosvami prays that these two great souls may manifest their opulence and glory for the welfare of others through the Shat-sandarbhas.
Go to Section Four
Return to Section Two
