Page 13 - Rasikananda - Eng

Introductory Notes

This book is intended mainly for devotees of Kåñëa who are
already at least somewhat acquainted with the culture and history
of Gauòéya Vaiñëavism. Therefore, although a few notes have been
given, I have not attempted to explain many of the words and
concepts that will be unintelligible to the layman. Devotees will
also be familiar with the system of diacritical marks used herein to
indicate the pronunciation of Sanskrit and Bengali words.
***

In several places in the text, the author has given long lists of
devotees’ names. Although readers may tend to skip through such
lists, it is best to consider that each devotee mentioned is a great
personality whose very name is purifying. Vaiñëava literature should
not be approached like a cheap novel. Although it will certainly
appeal to those of cultured intelligence, Vaiñëava literature is
meant primarily for purification, not entertainment. Readers who
take the trouble to respect the name of each devotee mentioned
will certainly become eligible to receive the blessings of these great
Vaiñëavas. As stated by Gopé-jana-vallabha Däsa, “By listening to
their names one can attain love of Kåñëa.”

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