Why read?

I had an interesting back and forth on the importance of Gaudiya Kanthahara on Facebook.

Kundalata Dasi correctly points out that certain elements with a vested interest in maintaining power over others object to a book which clearly explains doctrine.

These elements place far more emphasis on guru-bhakti, with the idea that it's not necessary to understand the philosophy: only follow the leaders.

  Gaudiya Kanthahara is an important tool, since it empowers us with a deep view of Vaishnava philosophy, one that gives us a frame for interpretation. This frame is called siddhānta. 

Kundalata Dasi I came across a transcript where Srila Guru Maharaj is glorifying Sri Gaudiya Kantahara, after having heard that one of the 11 had committed some offence against the book. Do you know what happened? Here is the extract:

'Srila Sridhara Mahäräja: It is a great dishonour especially to Prabhupäda (Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabupada). He very carefully he corrected, and that is the weapon of the preachers. It is a sacred book. Though it was published in the name of a grihastha, Atendriya Bhakti Ratnakara, but it was done by Prabhupäda himself. All the necessary proofs which a preacher should have, he collected there in different chapters, very suitable. Company of a preacher. Every preacher should keep that book in his company; such worth. Gaudiya Kanthahara. Kanthara, means necklace; the necklace of the Gaudiya. And, the name was given by our Guru Mahäräja - Bhakti Siddhänta Saraswati.' (82.03.03)

http://www.scsmathglobal.com/.../ssma.../1982/82.03.03.C.mp3

Michael Dolan Yes. Some so-called followers of Swami Maharaja were angry to find their version about jiva tattva refuted there and destroyed and insulted the book publicly. These high-souled preachers, having taken advice from Shridhar Maharaj were now blaspheming him and attempting to establish him as a mayavadi on the basis of his explanation of jiva-tattva. When it was brought to their attention that Shridhar Maharaja's explanation is backed by shastra and by a number of quotations from Gaudiya kanthahara including Upanishads they were exasperated and abused the book. Hence Shridhar Maharaja's reaction. These people eventually changed their minds and decided Shridhar Maharaja was not a mayavadi, but They still don't like the section on jiva-tattva. Shridhar Maharaja personally loved this compliation of shlokas and considered it an authentic representation of Bhaktisidhanta's point of view. He often qouted it and told me to refer to it in editing his personal publications.

Michael Dolan By the way, thanks a lot for the quote. I was personally present in march of 82 at that recorded lecture.

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Michael Dolan People are uncomfortable with Gaudiya Kanthahara for the same reasons they are uncomfortable with Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati; it proves a strong basis for Gaudiya Vaushnava doctrine. All the important siddhanta or conclusions are found there. If you're interested in what "Prabhupada" said, read Gaudiya Kanthahara.

Siddhānta  as a framework for interpretation is important; As long as I simply follow a great acharya, there is no need for me to be philosophically adept. It's enough to be able to serve a great soul. But in the absence of a great master, I may need to interpret things for myself. What is important and what is essential? An understanding of siddhānta  allows us to make these calls. Gaudiya Kanthahara is a compendium of essential truth-points for those interested in the overall point of view of Bhaktisiddhānta Saraswati. For an in-depth understanding of his views on absolutely all things Gaudiya Vaishnava, his commentary on Chaitanya Charitamrita is unsurpassed. But to see his ideas gathered together in a single place: What is God? What is the soul? What is the Bhagavatam? Who is Krishna? Who is Gauranga? and so on is exceptional.