Sambandha
Encyclopedia
Sambandha is Sanskrit
term meaning "relationship". It is a key concept in Sanskrit grammar, and in Gaudiya Vaishnava theology
. In the context of this tradition of Hinduism
, sambandha-jnana means knowledge
of the relationship between Almighty God
Krishna
, Shakti
, jiva
s, and the world. Accordingly, sambandha-jnana includes knowledge of the three tattva
s or truths: Krishna-tattva, Shakti-tattva and jiva-tattva.
, which includes a repetition of Names of Lord Krishna (kirtan
and japa
), people can be freed from Maya
and awakens in their heart their attachment as a servant of Krishna.
Vedic literature refers to the eternal relationship of a jiva with Krishna. Understanding of the relationship, and any subsequent action on the basis of this understanding, is called "abhidheya
". Reaching Prema
, or pure love of Krishna, and returning to the spiritual world
in the company of Krishna and his associates, is the ultimate goal of life, which is called "prayojana".
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition Sanatana Goswami
is considered to be the Acharya
of sambandha-jnana. The deity of Madan Mohan
, installed by Sanatana in Vrindavan
, is associated with sambandha. It is believed that he helps to overcome the influence of material desires and to focus on devotional service
to Krishna.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
term meaning "relationship". It is a key concept in Sanskrit grammar, and in Gaudiya Vaishnava theology
Gaudiya Vaishnavism
Gaudiya Vaishnavism is a Vaishnava religious movement founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in India in the 16th century. "Gaudiya" refers to the Gauḍa region with Vaishnavism meaning "the worship of Vishnu"...
. In the context of this tradition of Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
, sambandha-jnana means knowledge
Jnana
Jñāna or gñāna is a Sanskrit and Pali word that means knowledge. It has various nuances of meaning depending on the context. The idea of jnana centers around a cognitive event which is recognized when experienced...
of the relationship between Almighty God
Svayam Bhagavan
Svayam Bhagavan , "The Lord" or Lord Himself, is a Sanskrit theological term. The term refers to the concept of absolute representation of the monotheistic God as Bhagavan within Hinduism....
Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
, Shakti
Shakti
Shakti from Sanskrit shak - "to be able," meaning sacred force or empowerment, is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe in Hinduism. Shakti is the concept, or personification, of divine feminine creative power, sometimes...
, jiva
Jiva
In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva is a living being, or more specifically, the immortal essence of a living organism which survives physical death. It has a very similar usage to atma, but whereas atma refers to "the cosmic self", jiva is used to denote an individual 'living entity' or 'living...
s, and the world. Accordingly, sambandha-jnana includes knowledge of the three tattva
Tattva
Tattva is a Sanskrit word meaning 'thatness', 'principle', 'reality' or 'truth'. According to various Indian schools of philosophy, a tattva is an element or aspect of reality conceived as an aspect of deity. Although the number of tattvas varies depending on the philosophical school, together they...
s or truths: Krishna-tattva, Shakti-tattva and jiva-tattva.
Theology
Sambandha in Gaudiya Vaishnavism is the relationship between Krishna, a jiva, and the material world. All jivas are eternally and inextricably linked with Krishna, who is the true object of all relations. The basic relationship between Krishna and a jiva is the attitude of a servant. By sadhanaSadhana
Sādhanā literally "a means of accomplishing something" is ego-transcending spiritual practice. It includes a variety of disciplines in Hindu, Sikh , Buddhist and Muslim traditions that are followed in order to achieve various spiritual or ritual objectives.The historian N...
, which includes a repetition of Names of Lord Krishna (kirtan
Kirtan
Kirtan or Kirtana is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed...
and japa
Japa
Japa is a spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a mantra or name of a divine power. The mantra or name may be spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be spoken purely within the recitor's mind...
), people can be freed from Maya
Maya (illusion)
Maya , in Indian religions, has multiple meanings, usually quoted as "illusion", centered on the fact that we do not experience the environment itself but rather a projection of it, created by us. Maya is the principal deity that manifests, perpetuates and governs the illusion and dream of duality...
and awakens in their heart their attachment as a servant of Krishna.
Vedic literature refers to the eternal relationship of a jiva with Krishna. Understanding of the relationship, and any subsequent action on the basis of this understanding, is called "abhidheya
Abhidheya
Abhidhéya - Sanskrit term along with Sambandham and Prayojana is one of the three Fundamental concepts of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, where it is used to denote a means of achieving the ultimate goal, dedicated ministry in the stage of practice «Sadhana-Bhakti»...
". Reaching Prema
Prema
Prema may refer to:*Prema – actress in the Kannada Film Industry*Prema – 1952 Telugu film*Prema – Telugu film starring Venkatesh and Revathi*Prema – British recording artiste...
, or pure love of Krishna, and returning to the spiritual world
Goloka
Goloka is the eternal abode of Krishna, Svayam bhagavan according to some Vaishnava schools, including Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the Swaminarayan Sampraday....
in the company of Krishna and his associates, is the ultimate goal of life, which is called "prayojana".
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition Sanatana Goswami
Sanatana Goswami
Sanatana Goswami was a principal disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sanatana wrote a number of important works in the bhakti tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and was the seniormost of the influential Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, among whom was his brother Rupa Goswami.-Birth and early years:Sanatana,...
is considered to be the Acharya
Acharya
In Indian religions and society, an acharya is a guide or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men...
of sambandha-jnana. The deity of Madan Mohan
Madan Mohan
Madan Mohan Kohli , better known as Madan Mohan, was a famed Bollywood film music director of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s...
, installed by Sanatana in Vrindavan
Vrindavan
Vrindavan also known as Vraj is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India...
, is associated with sambandha. It is believed that he helps to overcome the influence of material desires and to focus on devotional service
Bhakti yoga
Bhakti yoga is one of the types of yoga mentioned in Hindu philosophies which denotes the spiritual practice of fostering loving devotion to a personal form of God....
to Krishna.