Arcana-dipika; The Light Which Illuminates the Process of Deity Worship

Language: Roman Text with English TranslationPages: 235 (3 B/W Illustrations)ForewordThe title of this book, Arcana-dipika, means "the lamp that illuminates arcana." The term arcana signifies honor or worship. It is one of the nine processes of devotional service, and refers to worshiping the Deity form of the Lord. Arcana- dipika teaches us exactly how this service is performed and how to please the Lord through this process of worship. By the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Six Gosvamis and other contemporary followers of Sriman Mahaprabhu, and more recently, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Maharaja, the process of Deity worship, which is the authentic method of approaching Sri Bhagavan, has been successfully introduced to the entire world. Arcana-dipika was originally presented in Bengali by Srila Bhaktivedanta Vamana Gosvami Maharaja and then translated into Hindi by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. Those versions were written for a readership already familiar with some of the methods and procedures of arcana. In this translation, the English edition, we have included supplementary explanations for the understanding of those who are unfamiliar with the Vedic culture and the traditional methodology used in the process of arcana. Additionally, because the Vedic system is orthodox and may appear extremely rigid from the perspective of people of other backgrounds, as far as possible we have tried to organize and simplify the procedures while preserving the original method.Here, we must include a word of caution. Although Arcana- dipika teaches the process of worshiping the Deity, arcana cannot be practiced by merely following this book. In order to practice arcana in its pure form, in such a way that it awakens bhakti, one needs to be initiated by a bona fide spiritual master. It is by t