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By the mercy of Śrī Guru and Gaurāṅga, I am delighted to present my debut book titled Purity & Self-Control in Sādhana-bhakti.

Why This Book?

In today’s fast-paced and distraction-filled world, many sincere practitioners of bhakti struggle to maintain purity and steadiness in their sādhana. Even the most devoted sādhakas may unknowingly fall into subtle traps of sinful activities, leading to stagnation in spiritual life. Recognizing these challenges, this book, Purity & Self-Control in Sādhana-bhakti, has been written to provide both inspiration and practical solutions.

What the Book Offers

Drawing deeply from the timeless wisdom of our ācāryas, especially the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the book highlights:

• Importance of purity in consciousness and conduct.

• Dangers of sinful habits and how to overcome them.

• Offenses and practical ways to overcome them.

• Challenges arising from internet-enabled devices and how to address them.

• Practical strategies for cultivating self-control in everyday life.

• Inspiring pastimes, mind maps, and flow charts that make the subject engaging and easy to apply.

Each chapter is designed to not only help devotees avoid pitfalls but also to encourage steady advancement in bhakti.

Who Is It For?

This book is especially relevant for sādhakas who want to:

• Strengthen their daily devotional practices.

• Break free from cycles of weakness, sin, or inattentiveness.

• Deepen their understanding of dharma and spiritual discipline.

• Steadily advance on the path of bhakti.

• Inspire others through preaching and counseling.

Endorsements from Senior Vaiṣṇavas

This book has been blessed by the kind encouragement and guidance of many senior devotees. Below are a few of their reflections and reviews.

“This book emphasizes the importance of purity and self-control in the practice of sādhana-bhakti, highlighting how these qualities are essential for spiritual advancement and achieving love of Godhead. It outlines how to progress in devotion by adhering to prescribed principles, avoiding sinful activities and offenses, and understanding the significance of Vedic knowledge, especially Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings. It discusses challenges and how to overcome them. Building on themes in my book Brahmacarya in Krishna Consciousness, it can serve as a supplement to it.”

— Bhakti Vikas Swami, ACBSP

“This wonderfully inspiring book, Purity & Self-Control in Sādhana-bhakti, has deeply touched my heart. What is most impressive about this labor of love is how expertly the author has presented the precise formula for guaranteed success on the path of prema-bhakti. I pray for Krishna’s blessings that this book may attract thousands of readers, who—by following this expert guidance—will fully absorb their lives in Krishna’s service.”

— Sankarshan Das Adhikari, ACBSP

“When Śrīla Prabhupāda established the Krishna consciousness movement, he also established the four regulative principles. By exercising restraint, one actually becomes free. In this book, Kartikeya Prabhu explores these principles, how to practice them, what activities are antithetical to them, and how following them opens us to beautiful spiritual opportunities in our lives. We thank him for compiling these thoughts with clarity and compassion.”

— S.B. Keshava Swami

“With rich śāstric references, this book illuminates the path of sādhana-bhakti, helping readers overcome anarthas and embrace a life of spiritual discipline.”

— Gauranga Das

“This book addresses the pressing issues of youth indulgence in illicit activities, offering a concise yet comprehensive guide for mentors. It systematically explains the four regulative principles, providing clarity and practical application. The book empowers devotees to embrace the holy name while avoiding detrimental habits. Its structured approach makes it a valuable tool for both youth and their guides. The brevity and precision with which Kartikeya Prabhu has prepared it enhances its effectiveness as a training manual. My sincere appreciation for this much-needed contribution!”

— Radheshyam Das

“Purity and Self-Control in Sādhana-bhakti by Kartikeya Prabhu is an important book for sādhakas of the current time. Sādhana-bhakti, when it is executed exclusively, is called kevala-bhakti… Śrīla Prabhupāda has extensively written about this, and Kartikeya Prabhu has gathered various statements that Śrīla Prabhupāda has made about different aspects of exclusive engagement in sādhana-bhakti into a single book. Therefore, this book is bound to be a source of inspiration and tangible guidance for all those who want to execute exclusive devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa in the manner taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda, according to the teachings of the Supreme Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.”

— Vidvan Gauranga Das

“The battle against distractions, the challenge of regulating the senses, and the necessity of inner purity are universal obstacles on the path of bhakti. This book does not merely discuss these challenges in theory—it offers time-tested solutions drawn from the teachings of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas. It is a must-have guide for those striving to strengthen their devotion.”

— Amogh Lila Das

“In an age where spiritual discipline is often diluted by modern distractions, Purity & Self-Control in Sādhana-bhakti offers a refreshing, deeply insightful, and scripturally rooted guide to personal transformation. Kārtikeya Dāsa has masterfully illuminated the practical foundations of bhakti through the lenses of purity and restraint, drawing richly from the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda and the ācāryas of our paramparā. This book is not just informative—it is transformational. With clarity and conviction, it presents the pillars of dharma, the dangers of deviation, and the empowering strategies to overcome internal weaknesses. Every chapter resonates with the mood of sincere sādhana, and the writing is marked by humility, integrity, and a heartfelt desire to serve the reader’s spiritual growth. This work is a gift to every sādhaka seeking to deepen their devotional practice and align their life with the sacred ideals of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I wholeheartedly recommend it.”

— Shubha Vilas Das

“This book is a precious gem. With ample references from various scriptures, Kartikeya Prabhu presents—in a systematic and straightforward manner—the vital importance of cultivating self-discipline, as well as internal and external purity in the practice of bhakti. I sincerely recommend—and humbly request—the global community of spiritual seekers, especially the youth, to take full advantage of this well-thought-out and carefully compiled guide to the principles of purity. My heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to the author for bringing out such a masterpiece to strengthen our foundations in spiritual life.”

— Gauranga Darshan Das

I humbly pray that this small offering may serve to nourish your heart in bhakti, strengthen your resolve in sādhana, and inspire deeper dedication in the service of Śrī Śrī Guru and Gaurāṅga. May the words of our ācāryas contained herein guide you closer to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.

For those who wish to receive a copy, you can order yours here: https://gogita.in/products/purity-self-control-in-sadhana-bhakti

With gratitude,
in the service of Hari, Guru, and Vaiṣṇavas,

Kārtikeya Dāsa

ISKCON Whitefield, Bangalore

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116074