Twilight of the Sultanate c18.s5.16

c18.s5.16

Chaitanya’s leading principle is Bhakti or devotion. Like all Vedāntists he speaks of Brahma, the Supreme Being, with the highest esteem, but his Brahma is possessed of attributes which are best manifested in the charming personality of Sri Krishna. His God was a personal being, full of grace and love for His creation and endowed with qualities of unequalled excellence. He calls Him Bhagwān or more frequently Harī. Krishna is a loving God. He inspires love and feels affection for His devotees. According to Chaitanya, Bhakti and love are best exemplified and illustrated by the mutual love of Rādhā and Krishna. In his ideas Chaitanya seems to have been deeply influenced by the *Bhagavad Gītā*, the *Bhāgwat Purāna* and the teachings of Rāmānuja.