The Essential Function of the Soul

The word Jaiva-dharma refers to to the dharma of the Jiva, or the constitutional function of the living being. From external appearance, human seems to have different religions according to classifications of country, caste, race and so on. The constitutional nature of human beings, animals, birds, worms, insects and other living entities also seem to be different varieties. But in reality, all living beings throughout the universe have only one eternal immutable dharma.

Jaiva-dhama gives a compelling and thorough description of this dharma, which is eternal and which applies everywhere, at all times, and to all living beings. This book contains the essence of the exceedingly deep and confidential topics of the Veda, Vedanta, Upanishads, Srimad-bhagavatam, Puranas, Brahma-sutras, Mahabharata, Pancaratra, Sat-sandarbhas, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Ujjvala-nilamani and other ideal sastras. Furthermore it is written in the form of a tasteful entertaining and easily comprehensible novel.

Jaiva-dharma gives an unprecedented and poignant analysis of many vital topics such as: BHagavat-tattva, Jiva-tattva, sakti-tattva, the conditioned and liberated states of the jiva, comparative study of the nature of karma, jnana and bhakti, a conclusive and meaningful discussion of the distinguishing characteristics of regulated and spontaneous devotional service and the supreme excellence of Sri-nama-bhajana. All these topics are discussed in terms of sambandha, abhidheya and prayojana.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur presents here the conclusions of all the Vedas. Through the medium of questions and answers he makes a comparative analysis of all religious beliefs and thus leads the reader, step by step, to the ultimate goal of life.