The Grace of Lord Krishna: The Sixteen Verse-Treatises (Sodasagranthah) of Vallabhacharya

Book Details:

• Title: Vallabhacharya's Sixteen Verse-Treatises: A Translation and Commentary

• Author: Dr. James D. Redington

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: Sanskrit Text, Transliteration, Translation, and Detailed Commentary

• Edition: 2000

• ISBN: 9788170306771

• Pages: 216

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm

• Weight: 230 gm

About the Book:

This volume presents a translation and commentary on the Sixteen Verse-Treatises (Sodasagranthah) written by Vallabhacharya (c. 1479–1531), one of the most prominent figures in the Pushtimarga tradition. Vallabhacharya's treatises were written in response to questions posed by his disciples on topics central to the path of devotional love towards Lord Krishna. These treatises, which have not been translated in their entirety into any Western language until now, are crucial to understanding Vallabhacharya's theology and the practical aspects of worship and grace in the Pushtimarga tradition.

The treatises cover several essential topics such as:

• Worship (Seva) of Lord Krishna

• The Path of Grace (Pustimarga)

• Initiation into this Path of Worship

• Surrender (Saranagati) to Krishna

• Growth of Love for Krishna

• Renunciation and its role

• The Concept of Grace (Pusti, Anugraha, Prasada)

The book provides a clear interpretation of these topics through traditional and contemporary commentaries, offering both theological insight and practical guidance for followers of the Pushtimarga tradition.

About the Author:

Dr. James D. Redington, S.J., is a renowned scholar with expertise in Vallabhacharya and the Pushtimarga tradition. He has authored several significant works, including Vallabhacharya on the Games of Krishna (1983). He was formerly an associate professor at Georgetown University and is a Senior Lecturer in philosophy and theology at Arrupe College in Harare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Redington’s research focuses on interreligious dialogue and Hindu and Christian theology, making this work an important contribution to the study of Bhakti and devotional Hinduism.

Preface:

In the preface, Dr. Redington outlines the importance of Vallabhacharya's Sixteen Verse-Treatises within the Pushtimarga tradition. He describes how the treatises, which are a series of short works, address central themes such as devotion, worship, and the role of grace in one’s spiritual journey. These treatises serve as practical theology for followers of Vallabhacharya’s path, offering guidance on various aspects of devotion and worship to Lord Krishna.

Dr. Redington also reflects on the historical context of Vallabhacharya's writings and the scholarly challenges involved in translating and interpreting these texts. He mentions his collaboration with Goswamy Shyam Manohar, a leading scholar of the Vallabha Sampradaya, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping this work.

Conclusion:

This book is a pioneering effort in making Vallabhacharya's devotional philosophy and practical theology accessible to a wider audience. By offering translations alongside commentary, Dr. Redington provides both a theological and practical perspective on the Pushtimarga tradition. For scholars, practitioners, and students of Hindu devotionalism, this volume offers a profound and insightful look into the heart of Vallabhacharya's teachings on grace, worship, and love for Lord Krishna.