The Life and Teachings of the Four Acaryas

Description

These articles had been appeared in the Gaudiya magazine from the 2nd Volume of 1927 up to the 33rd Volume of 1928. The four Acaryas are Sri Visnusvami, Sri Nimbaditya, Sri Ramanuja, and Sri Purnaprajna (Madhvacarya)

Translation into English by Bhumipati Das, edited by Purnaprajna Das

From the Introduction:
We understand that the four Vaisnava sampradayas originated from four sources; Lord Siva; the four Kumaras, sons of Brahma; Laksmi; and Brahma.

Sri Visnu Svami was the principle acarya of the sampradaya or the disciplic succession, coming from Lord Siva. The philosophy propounded by him is known as suddhadvaita-vada.

Sri Nimbaditya was the principle acarya of the disciplic succession coming from the four sons of Brahma, headed by the sage Sanaka. The philosophy propounded by them is known as dvaitadvaita-vada.

Sri Ramanuja was the principle acarya of the disciplic succession coming from Laksmi-devi, who resides in the heart of Narayana, the Lord of Vaikuntha. The philosophy propounded by him is known as visistadvaita-vada.

Sri Madhvacarya was the principle acarya of the disciplic succession coming from Brahma. The philosophy propounded by him is known as dvaita-vada.