Description
IntroductionThe original version of Uttama Sloka was compiled for my personal sloka-memorization and use (along with ten photo-copied duplications for friends) in February of 1988. My intention was to become familiar with verses Srila Prabhupada often quoted in his preaching. Uttama Sloka has been a constant companion of mine since then and has been a source of great delight. Whenever I needed to sing a particular bhajana, utilize some spare time or quote a particular verse, Uttama Sloka was ready to help me. As we studied Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, it became apparent that many other verses quoted by Srila Prabhuapada should also be included in the book. Therefore this second edition is expanded to include more verses used by Srila Prabhupada in his books, letters, lectures and conversations. Some of the slokas included in this book were only used rarely by Srila Prabhupada, nevertheless, as we look at the inconceivable impact Srila Prabhupada is having on the world, it is clear that each mantra he uttered, had powerful effects just like mantras uttered by great sages in history. In addition to the verses directly quoted by Srila Prabhupada, Uttama Sloka includes some other important verses spoken by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Kısnnadasa Kaviraja Gosvamī or other authorizedpersonalities. The coil-bound format of the book allows it to lie flat which is often helpful when singing songs or chanting slokas. Some other reasons Uttama-Sloka is so helpful are that it includes the following: The entire Vaisnava SongbookThe entire Brahma-samhita (fifth chapter) The entire Sri IsopanisadThe entire Sri Upadesamṛta (Nectar of Instruction) English Poetry by Vaisnava SaintsCanakya Slokas (all the ones quoted by Srila Prabhupada) Bengali ProverbsVedic AphorismsPrimary Bhagavad-gita VersesImportant Srimad Bhagavatam VersesVerses from the Puranas and MahabharataVerses Written by Gaudiya AcaryasIn several cases where verses did not come with word meanings, I have used Srila Prabhupada’s definitions for those same words used in other places. There may be a few Sanskrit and Bengali spelling irregularities due to difficulty in decifering original tape recordings. Where an asterisk (*) is used it indicates that this verse was quoted very often by His Divine Grace. Where bold type is used for a portion of a verse it means that this is the portion of the verse which is quoted most often. Where the sign (#) is used it indicates that Srila Prabhupada occassionally quoted this verse and where there is no or # it indicates this is a verse which Srila Prabhupada only rarely quoted. The name of the speaker is sometimes included at the end of a verse. If there is no name mentioned at the end of a Srimad-Bhagavatam verse it means the speaker is the person last specified in previous verses. I sincerely hope that Uttama Sloka will help you in rendering devotional service and in becoming increasingly entangled in “the unique loving network of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
