Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Chaitanya ( Bengali: চৈতন্য, Caitanya; * 1486 in Nabadwip, West Bengal, † in Puri, Orissa 1533) was a mystic and ecstatic Hindu from Bengal, India. In the 16th century he founded the Gaudiya Vaishnava school, a Vaishnava doctrine, which is the worship of the divine couple Radha- Krishna and singing and reciting their names to the center of worship.
The Chaitanya Bhagavata of Brindavan That and the Chaitanya Charitamrita of Krishnadas Kaviraja together form the biography of Chaitanya. They are the main sources of his life and work Gaudiya Vaishnavas for. The stories are biographical and " partly visionary by nature," as the author Krishnadas Kaviraja writes. Both documents emphasize that he was the god Krishna descended, " veiled " as his admirers. In the state of mind ( Bhava ) of Krishna's beloved consort Radha would cost and he distribute the love for Krishna.
According to the faith of his followers Chaitanya is the avatar of a mystical combination of Radha and Krishna, who had appeared to spread to those required for this Kali Yuga act of singing together of the Maha - mantra. It refers to various sacred writings, which are said to have predicted his appearance and effect. His name Gauranga, means " gold -colored ", which is intended to refer to his skin " like molten gold."
Teaching
Chaitanya taught bhakti, loving devotion to Krishna, is the most effective spiritual method and also the final goal of all spiritual practice. This very emotionally colored theology emphasizes active loving relationship of bhakti yogi to the divine couple Krishna and Radha.
Some Indian philosophers emphasize the Ungetrenntsein ( abheda ) of living beings and divine primordial ground, others the separateness ( bheda ). Chaitanya on the other hand taught the conception of acintya - bheda - abheda -tattva: the " inconceivable simultaneous oneness and yet Different - being." Brahman is not as attributlos with him, as " pure consciousness " considered, as is the case in the Advaita philosophy. He sees " the One ". Simultaneously as a personal being with innumerable attributes, such as all-embracing love and affection, which reveals Himself in the perfect form of Krishna
Chaitanya rejected the then very strict caste system and also accepted from Muslims and untouchables as a student.
On the justified through him Gaudiya Vaishnava branch establishes both the Gaudiya Math, by his teaching came to the West for the first time, as well as ISKCON and many other Vaishnava communities.
Famous names Chaitanya
- Vishvambhara - " Upholder or breadwinner of the Universe", his birth name.
- Nimai - At age 11, he was known for his erudition as Nimai Pandit.
- Gauranga - " the shining gold ."
- Krishna Chaitanya - " Krishna wears in consciousness." He received this name in his sannyasa - consecration.
To the 500 anniversary was the India Post 1986 a stamp under the name " Chaitanya Mahaprabhu " out.