Philosophy and Religion of Sri Caitanya By Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor

The Philosophy and Religion of Sri Caitanya is a classic and authoritative study of the life, teachings, and philosophical system of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the great proponent of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the spiritual fountainhead of the modern Hare Krishna movement. Written by the renowned scholar O. B. L. Kapoor, this work presents a systematic and scholarly exposition of Caitanya’s religious vision within the broader history of Indian philosophy.
The book traces the development of Vaishnava thought from the Vedic and Puranic period through medieval Bhakti traditions, culminating in Sri Caitanya’s unique doctrine of Acintya-bhedabheda-tattva—the philosophy of inconceivable oneness and difference. Kapoor carefully explains how this doctrine harmonizes apparently conflicting schools such as Advaita, Visistadvaita, and Dvaita, while establishing pure bhakti as the highest spiritual path.
Special attention is given to Sri Caitanya’s theology of divine love (prema), the concept of rasa, and the central role of Sri Krishna as Svayam Bhagavan, as revealed in the Srimad Bhagavatam. The book also provides valuable insight into the historical, social, and spiritual background that later inspired the global Hare Krishna movement.
Scholarly yet accessible, this work is indispensable for students of Indian philosophy, practitioners of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s profound spiritual legacy.