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Respect, Culture and the Future of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Mission

This document is a bilingual study summary of a lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.4.15 delivered by H.D. Goswami on August 2, 2026, at Nova Gokula, Brazil, which explores broader themes concerning respect, gender dynamics, culture, institutional memory, and the future direction of ISKCON.. 

VIRTUAL IṢṬAGOṢṬHĪ
The Movement in the West
What Works, and What Is Still Missing
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Women As Gurus

Rishikas & Vaishavis by Pranada Comtois

Discover this recent and inspiring work by Pranada Comtois, a dedicated disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. She has spent years educating our community on the vital role of women as spiritual masters. Download this free PDF to learn how this effort promotes justice, equity and rationality within ISKCON.

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English Language Books and Publications by HDG

Literary Works of H.D. Goswami / Howard Resnick PhD

More at hdgoswami.com

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bhagavad-Gītā with Literal Translation

by H.D. Goswami

For some, the elegant, highly readable Gita translation contained herein will be their first encounter with the text, while others may already have a frequently read version waiting at home. In either case, this Comprehensive Guide, with its systematic analysis of major themes and its hundreds of Gita references, represents a one-of-a-kind companion for beginners, advanced students and experienced scholars alike. With encyclopedic knowledge and an insider’s understanding of the text, the author guides us in simple accessible prose to the very heart of the Gita’s sublime conclusions. Thus this Comprehensive Guide not only constitutes a first-rate book of reference, but also proves a thoroughly engaging and illuminating read.

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Enlightenment by the Natural Path

by H.D. Goswami

Short tales from Srimad-Bhagavatam. Out of print. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). If you own it, Devakī would like to borrow it :)

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Great Bhārata, The Invasion Begins, Vol. 1

by Howard Resnick, PhD

In this thrilling retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Maha-bharata, Harvard scholar Howard Resnick brings to life the grand and mystical story of heroine Satya-vati. From a humble fishing village, Satya-vati's journey soon leads to great adventure, marrying a prince, and playing a leading role in rescuing the planet. Great Bharata is a multi-volume epic spiritual fantasy that recounts stories from the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Maha-bharata. The Maha-bharata is an ancient and extraordinary text that claims to tell the immemorial history of South Asia, the Earth, and the entire universe. In this way, the text weaves together the earthly, cosmic, and spiritual in its epic narrative. The first volume in the series, Great Bharata: The Invasion Begins, focuses on the life of the character, Satya-vati, a young female protagonist who goes on a great adventure. As her life journey unfolds, Satya-vati will encounter challenges, romance, grand revelations, and play a critical role in the onset of the Kurukshetra war.

Justin Davis

Justin Davis​

by Howard Resnick

What if an ancient Sanskrit text holds the answers to today’s deepest problems? What if the past—the ancient past—can help us unlock both our present and our future? That’s the dilemma facing Justin Davis, a brilliant but greatly troubled West Virginia teen, struggling with his father’s brutal murder and his once-wealthy family’s loss of money, status, dignity, and hope. Broken, angry, and bitter, Justin has all but given up on life. But then, on his fifteenth birthday, his mother presents him with a mysterious gift: a copy of The First Avatāra, a lush, beautifully illustrated book relating the immemorial legend of Krṣṇa. When evil Asura forces attacked the idyllic planet of Bhū-loka and threatened to enslave its inhabitants, Krṣṇa, the first Avatāra, descended to that world in its darkest hour and fought to save its people and preserve its way of life. Enthralled by the tale, Justin enters the story as much more than just a reader, and is challenged to undertake a hero’s journey of his own, not just through time, but also into the depths of his own soul. In the process, he will experience love, loss, courage, and sacrifice that compel him to cast aside a life of self-pity and indulgence, and heroically confront a startling evil that threatens his family, and the world.

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Quest for Justice: Select Tales with Modern Illuminations from the Mahabharata

by H.D. Goswami

The Mahabharata is one of the world’s most significant historical epics. At a staggering one hundred thousand stanzas, this massive work reveals a highly complex ancient civilization – one that not only excelled in the arts, sciences, and philosophy, but that also embodied the highest ideals of justice, morality and spiritual understanding. Romance, tyranny, war and supreme enlightenment, all are described in this riveting, divinely inspired narrative, which has profoundly influenced South Asian culture and spirituality for thousands of years. Quest for Justice is based upon a collection of lectures on various themes and episodes from the Mahabharata. Paralleling the magnetic oral style of the Epic itself, the book transmits these ancient narratives in an appealing, highly accessible, and engaging contemporary voice. Delivered with frequent good humor, the talks are easy and entertaining, even as they clearly confront the deepest meanings of the text. Indeed, H.D. Goswami skillfully depicts the psychological depth of the characters and the existential dilemmas they face in a strikingly vivid and immediate way. With his trademark wit, erudition and insightful analysis, Goswami breathes new life into the most compelling episodes of this ancient literary masterpiece.

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Srimad Bhagavatam – Tenth Canto

by Disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

This edition of Bhagavatam is the only complete English translation with an elaborate and scholarly commentary, and it is the first edition widely available to the English-reading public. This work is the product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the world's most distinguished teacher of Indian religious and philosophical thought. His Sanskrit scholarship and intimate familiarity with Vedic culture combine to reveal to the West a magnificent exposition of this important classic.

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Srimad Bhagavatam – Eleventh Canto

by Disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

This edition of Bhagavatam is the only complete English translation with an elaborate and scholarly commentary, and it is the first edition widely available to the English-reading public. This work is the product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the world's most distinguished teacher of Indian religious and philosophical thought. His Sanskrit scholarship and intimate familiarity with Vedic culture combine to reveal to the West a magnificent exposition of this important classic.

19_Srimad Bhagavatam_Twelfth Canto.jpg

Srimad Bhagavatam – Twelfth Canto

by Disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

This edition of Bhagavatam is the only complete English translation with an elaborate and scholarly commentary, and it is the first edition widely available to the English-reading public. This work is the product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the world's most distinguished teacher of Indian religious and philosophical thought. His Sanskrit scholarship and intimate familiarity with Vedic culture combine to reveal to the West a magnificent exposition of this important classic.

Audiobooks

Literary Works of H.D. Goswami / Howard Resnick PhD

More at hdgoswami.com

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bhagavad-Gītā with Literal Translation Audiobook

by Howard J. Resnick (H.D.Goswami)

Narrated by the author, Howard J. Resnick

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Great Bhārata, The Invasion Begins, Vol. 1 Audiobook

by Howard Resnick, PhD

Narrated by the author, Howard J. Resnick

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Justin Davis​ / Audible Audiobook

by Howard Resnick

Narrated by the author, Howard J. Resnick

Books and Publications / other languages

Literary Works of H.D. Goswami / Howard Resnick PhD

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Bhagavad-Gita. Guida allo studio con traduzione letterale

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

La Bhagavad-Gītā è un testo chiave della vasta letteratura vedica, e ha costituito per secoli e per milioni di persone in tutto il mondo un caposaldo dell’ispirazione per tutti coloro che camminano sul sentiero della conoscenza e della realizzazione spirituale. Hridayananda Das Goswami, (Howard J. Resnick, Ph.D in sanscrito e Studi Indiani, Harvard University) propone nella prima parte di questa guida alcuni percorsi monotematici che sono dedicati ad altrettanti motivi chiave ricorrenti all’interno del testo originale sanscrito, presentati al lettore in maniera organica e ragionata. La parte finale è invece dedicata ad un’accurata traduzione letterale del poema in cui l’autore, con le sue approfondite conoscenze della lingua sanscrita e della filosofia vedica, ha riprodotto con accuratezza per noi lettori le più delicate sfumature di una lingua altrimenti piena di possibili interpretazioni.

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Bhagavad Gita Tal Como Es [Spanish Language] (Spanish Edition)

Translated by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

What if an ancient Sanskrit text holds the answers to today’s deepest problems? What if the past—the ancient past—can help us unlock both our present and our future? That’s the dilemma facing Justin Davis, a brilliant but greatly troubled West Virginia teen, struggling with his father’s brutal murder and his once-wealthy family’s loss of money, status, dignity, and hope. Broken, angry, and bitter, Justin has all but given up on life. But then, on his fifteenth birthday, his mother presents him with a mysterious gift: a copy of The First Avatāra, a lush, beautifully illustrated book relating the immemorial legend of Krṣṇa. When evil Asura forces attacked the idyllic planet of Bhū-loka and threatened to enslave its inhabitants, Krṣṇa, the first Avatāra, descended to that world in its darkest hour and fought to save its people and preserve its way of life. Enthralled by the tale, Justin enters the story as much more than just a reader, and is challenged to undertake a hero’s journey of his own, not just through time, but also into the depths of his own soul. In the process, he will experience love, loss, courage, and sacrifice that compel him to cast aside a life of self-pity and indulgence, and heroically confront a startling evil that threatens his family, and the world.

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Comprehensive Guide to Bhagavad-gita – Hebrew Edititon

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

For some, the elegant, highly readable Gita translation contained herein will be their first encounter with the text, while others may already have a frequently read version waiting at home. In either case, this Comprehensive Guide, with its systematic analysis of major themes and its hundreds of Gita references, represents a one-of-a-kind companion for beginners, advanced students and experienced scholars alike. With encyclopedic knowledge and an insider’s understanding of the text, the author guides us in simple accessible prose to the very heart of the Gita’s sublime conclusions. Thus this Comprehensive Guide not only constitutes a first-rate book of reference, but also proves a thoroughly engaging and illuminating read.

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Guia Para Comprender La Bhagavad Gita El Canto De Dios. Con Traduccion Literal

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Ampliamente reconocida como una obra de genialidad filosófica, la Bhagavad-gītā se destaca por proporcionar respuestas racionales y satisfactorias a las cuestiones más importantes de la vida: ¿Quién soy? ¿Por qué existo? ¿Qué es el universo? ¿Qué o quién es Dios? Esta guía, con su análisis sistemático de los principales temas de la Gītā, es una compañía inigualable tanto para principiantes como para estudiantes avanzados, así como para académicos experimentados. Con un conocimiento enciclopédico y una comprensión profunda del texto, el autor nos guía de manera sencilla y elegante hasta el verdadero corazón de la sublime Gītā.

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Bhagavad-gῑtā: Studienführer mit wortgetreuer Übersetzung 

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Für die einen wird die hierin enthaltene elegante und gut lesbare Gītā-Übersetzung ihre erste Begegnung mit dem Text sein, während für andere vielleicht schon eine häufig gelesene Version zu Hause wartet. In beiden Fällen ist dieser umfassende Leitfaden mit seiner systematischen Analyse der Hauptthemen und seinen Hunderten von Gītā-Referenzen ein einzigartiger Begleiter - für Anfänger, Fortgeschrittene und Gelehrte. Mit enzyklopädischem Wissen und dem Textverständnis eines Insiders führt uns der Autor in einfach zugänglicher Prosa zum Kern der erhabenen Schlussfolgerungen der Gītā. Somit stellt dieser umfassende Leitfaden nicht nur ein erstklassiges Nachschlagewerk dar, sondern erweist sich auch als durch und durch fesselnde und erleuchtende Lektüre.

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Guide Complet de la Bhagavad Gītā Avec sa Traduction Littérale

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Largement vénérée comme une œuvre de génie spirituel et philosophique, la Bhagavad-gītā excelle à fournir des réponses raisonnables et satisfaisantes aux plus grands problèmes de la vie : Qui suis-je ? Pourquoi est-ce que j’existe ? Qu’est-ce que l’univers ? Qu´est-ce que Dieu ? Pour certains, la traduction élégante et très lisible de la Gītā contenue ici sera leur première rencontre avec le texte, tandis que d’autres peuvent déjà avoir une version qu’ils lisent fréquemment chez eux. Dans les deux cas, ce Guide Complet, avec son analyse systématique des thèmes majeurs et ses centaines de références de la Gītā, représente un compagnon unique pour les débutants, les étudiants avancés ou bien encore les chercheurs expérimentés. Avec une connaissance encyclopédique et une compréhension interne du texte, l’auteur nous guide avec une prose simple et accessible au cœur même des sublimes conclusions de la Gītā. Ainsi, ce Guide Complet ne constitue pas seulement un livre de référence de premier ordre, mais s’avère également être une lecture tout à fait engageante et éclairante.

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Guia Completo da Bhagavad-gita : com Tradução Literal

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Portuguese edition. Currently unavailable.

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En Busca de la Justicia: Historias Selectas del Mahā-Bhārata Con Explicaciones Modernas

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Libro de bolsillo, reúne 13 conferencias sobre historias del Maha-bharata, distribuidas en 300 páginas, incluye notas sobre las obras mencionadas y una guía para la pronunciación de las palabras en sánscrito. H.D. Goswami explica que el dharma es la fuerza dentro del Universo. La ley divina que gobierna todas las cosas. “Y si te alineas con esta ley divina, simplemente vives sin ansiedad y estás protegido por este sistema. Es similar al estado ideal. Si sigues la ley, la ley te protege; si infringes la ley, la ley te hiere.”

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Busca Por Justiça: Seleções de Histórias do Maha-bharata com Explicações Modernas

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

H.D. Goswami explica que dharma é a força dentro do Universo. A lei divina que governa todas as coisas. “E se você se alinha com essa lei divina, você simplesmente vive sem ansiedade e é protegido por esse sistema. É semelhantemente ao Estado ideal. Se você segue a lei, a lei protege você; se você fere a lei, a lei fere você”.

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Iluminación Por El Camino Natural

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

La naturaleza es el cofre que encierra la sabiduría original, y este libro es la llave que lo abre. El autor presenta en este libro las enseñanzas sublimes y espirituales que en el transcurso de la historia de la India milenaria han sido dadas de maestro a discípulo en una sucesión discipular ininterrumpida que comienza con el Señor Supremo mismo.

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Os Valores da Liberdade - Onde o Ocidente Encontra o Oriente

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Nossas opiniões não são capazes de mudar a realidade. Em algumas fases da história humana, alguns acreditavam que o Sol girava em torno da Terra, e, em outros momentos, outros acreditaram no contrário. Independente das opiniões, porém, o Sol seguia com sua órbita. De igual modo, deve existir uma realidade objetiva para os valores éticos e sociais, e somente conhecendo essa realidade e nos harmonizando com ela, poderemos gozar da máxima liberdade que nos é reservada.

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Placer Infinito Verdad Absoluta (Español)

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

"Placer infinito, verdad absoluta" se refiere a la búsqueda de un placer duradero y la comprensión de una verdad universal. Esta búsqueda se encuentra en diversas tradiciones filosóficas y espirituales, donde se asocia el placer con la verdad como un estado de realización y plenitud. En el contexto del libro "Placer Infinito, Verdad Absoluta", se refiere a la sabiduría impartida por Krishna, que es relevante para todos y se considera una verdad universal.

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Justin Davis: Um Romance Espiritual (Portuguese Edition)

by Howard J. Resnick / H.D. Goswami

Ese um texto Sânscrito antigo contém as respostas para os problemas atuais mais profundos? E se o passado – o passado antigo – pudesse nos ajudar a desvendar ambos, nosso presente e futuro? Esse é o dilema diante de Justin Davis, um adolescente brilhante, mas imensamente perturbado, de West Virginia, que encara o assassinato brutal de seu pai e a perda de dinheiro, status, dignidade e esperança da sua família antes rica. Machucado, raivoso e amargurado, Justin já desistiu da vida. E então, em seu aniversário de 15 anos, sua mãe lhe presenteia com algo misterioso: uma cópia de O Primeiro Avatāra, um livro exuberante, lindamente ilustrado, relacionado a lenda imemorial de Kṛṣṇa. Quando forças demoníacas de Asuras atacaram o planeta idílico de Bhū-loka e ameaçaram escravizar seus habitantes, Kṛṣṇa, o primeiro Avatāra, desceu a esse mundo em sua hora mais escura e lutou para salvar o povo e preservar seu estilo de vida. Encantado pelo conto, Justin entra na história como muito mais do que um simples leitor, e é desafiado a empreender, por conta própria, a jornada de um herói, não apenas através do tempo, mas também nas profundezas de sua própria alma. No processo, ele experimentará amor, perda, coragem e sacrifício que o compelem a deixar de lado uma vida de autopiedade e indulgência, e confrontará heroicamente um mal assustador que ameaça sua família e o mundo.

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Razão & Divindade

by Howard Resnick / H.D. Goswami

“Quando percebemos beleza em uma pessoa, ou um bonito cenário natural, existe beleza real? Ela é simplesmente algo que imaginamos, ou estamos percebendo uma beleza objetiva? É real essa beleza? E quando encontrarmos a verdade mais elevada, Ela é bela?”.

Glossary 

Just a brief glossary that includes Sanskirt terms used by Krishna Bhaktas. 

Ācharya

One who leads by example, an exemplary spiritual teacher

Ātma

The individual soul

Bhagavad-Gītā

The Lord’s song, a sacred conversation between a warrior and his chariot driver on a battlefield that focuses on one’s true nature as an eternal soul and how to transcend this material world.

Bhakta

A practitioner of Bhakti-yoga. A Krishna Bhakta is specifically a devotee of Krishna.

Bhakti-yoga

The yoga of devotional love of God.

Dharma

Justice, sacred law that sustains the universe, and the first word of the Bhagavad-Gita.

ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness founded by A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swami Prabhupāda in 1966.

Japa

The quiet, repetetive chanting of a mantra — often using a strand of beads, one's knuckles or a counter.

Karma

Lit. Action, the cosmic system that awards or punishes for actions.

Krsna (Krishna)

God. Lit. the All-Attractive

Mahā-Mantra

The Great-mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna / Krishna Krishna / Hare Hare 

Hare Rāma / Hare Rāma / Rāma Rāma / Hare Hare

Paramātma

The Super Soul, or Lord in the heart.

Sanātana Dharma

The eternal / timeless teachings and duties performed according to one's spiritual (constitutional) identity.

Yajña

The process of devoted offerings.

Vaisnava

Devotees of Krishna.

Yukta-vairāgya

Detaching the mind from material objects and talents and instead dedicating one's activities in the service of Krishna (God). Yukta, a past passive participle, of the verb yuj, which produces the word yoga, means linked or engaged. Vairāgya is a Sanskrit term for the act of intentional, spiritual detachment from matter.

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