Vaishnavism 2 - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

14. Dr. Hospital: . . . I think they make avery good case for what people have longsuspected: that many of the ideas of theBhagavata are coming out of the SouthIndian tradition. (71)This was Bhaktivinode Thakur’s conclusionin the nineteenth century. He employed thistype of scholarly, analytical approach to thescriptures and the developing tradition.15. Dr. Hospital: The incomprehensibleholding together of difference and nondifference.In the Bhagavata, God is bothbeyond action and he is acting, beyondqualities and at the same time he is the onewho bears all magnificent, auspiciousqualities. (72)The Bhagavata is the basis for Chaitanya’sphilosophy, and portrays God-dess as anincomprehensible reconciliation of opposites.16. SR: . . . Jiva Gosvami met with Jahnavadevi. . . and had extensive discussions withher. It was she who established murtis ofRadha next to the Krishna images in Vrajaand it was she who influenced Jiva to sendthe bhakti-sastras to Bengal with Srinivasa,Narottama, and Shyamananda. (82)This further establishes the major influenceJahnava had on development of the tradition.It is interesting that in sixteenth century India,a woman was able play such an important role,and today many western devotee women stillfight for equality. Where is the honoring of thedivine feminine?9