JAPA TIME

Live ISKCON Temple Darshan, Japa & Śāstra

LIVE DARSHAN & DAILY PRACTICE

This library shows original scripture text + roman/IAST transliteration. Translations & purports stay on official sources.

Permissions note: JAPA TIME does not reproduce BBT translations or purports without permission. Where needed, users are directed to official sources. Permission requests may be submitted to BBT/ISKCON authorities as the project develops.

JapaTime Śāstra Library

Śāstra is a merciful light that helps the soul remember Kṛṣṇa, understand the true purpose of life, and gradually purify the heart through hearing, chanting the Holy Name, and devotional service.

This library does not replace personal guidance from Vaiṣṇavas, mentors, and the spiritual master. It helps the seeker open śāstra, reflect, apply the teaching, and approach the Holy Name with greater attention and humility.

How to use this library

  1. Choose one scripture or one study path instead of trying to read everything at once.
  2. Read a short section from the official source and keep the reference visible.
  3. Reflect on one practical instruction for japa, service, character, or remembrance.
  4. Apply that instruction during the day and return to it before the next reading.

Essential scriptures and guides

Original śāstra texts

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Original text, IAST, chapter navigation, and links to official Vedabase.

Study the source text of Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and Upadeśāmṛta without reproducing BBT translations or purports.

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is

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Best for: spiritual foundations, surrender to Kṛṣṇa, duty, yoga, and bhakti.

Lord Kṛṣṇa’s conversation with Arjuna leads from crisis to clarity, surrender, and service. It is the first study path for remembering Kṛṣṇa in daily life and chanting with steadiness.

Recommended references

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta

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Best for: saṅkīrtana, Lord Caitanya’s mercy, and the Holy Name.

This scripture reveals Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mission, the mercy of Pañca-tattva, service to Vaiṣṇavas, and the Holy Name as Kṛṣṇa Himself.

Recommended references

Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā

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Best for: glorifying Govinda and meditating on Kṛṣṇa’s position.

Lord Brahmā’s prayers help the chanter remember Kṛṣṇa as Govinda, the original Supreme Lord with eternal form, qualities, abode, associates, and līlās.

Recommended references

Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

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Best for: entering Kṛṣṇa’s līlās, family reading, and daily remembrance.

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s summary study of the Tenth Canto supports daily darśanam and connects līlā, source, meaning, and practice.

Recommended references

Hari-bhakti-vilāsa reference guide

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Best for: Vaiṣṇava etiquette, vows, worship, tilaka, ācamana, and sādhana standards.

Use this carefully as a traditional reference, not as a rigid standard for every visitor. For formal practice, follow guru, senior Vaiṣṇavas, and local ISKCON standards.

Recommended references

Study paths

Holy Name Path

For understanding japa and Harināma as the soul’s meeting with Kṛṣṇa through humble hearing and chanting.

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Before japa, pause for one minute and beg for mercy to chant as a servant calling out to the Lord.

Daily Sādhana Path

For seeing the whole day as an offering to Kṛṣṇa through japa, śāstra, prasāda, service, and relationships.

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Choose one ordinary action today and inwardly offer it to Kṛṣṇa.

Surrender to Kṛṣṇa Path

For moving from inner struggle to trust by accepting what is favorable for bhakti and taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa.

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Write down one fear or attachment, then pray: “My Lord, I cannot do this alone. Please guide me.”
Important note on sources and copyrights
JapaTime respectfully honors the work of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and official sources of Vaiṣṇava literature. We do not publish full texts of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books without permission from the copyright holders. Instead, we provide short descriptions, study paths, links to official sources, and brief references. For full reading, please use the official Vedabase.

Śāstra Library

📚 All books
Reset

Ready to publish all śāstra

Select a book on the left. Then choose a chapter and add verses to the JSON files.

Search supports: BG 2.13, NOI 1, SB 1.2.17, CC Adi 1.1

The Importance of Śāstra Study in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism

In the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, the study of śāstra (revealed scripture) is considered essential for spiritual advancement. As Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī states in Upadeśāmṛta (text 2): "One should taste the meaning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in the association of pure devotees." This digital śāstra library provides the original texts in their source script with roman/IAST transliteration, allowing serious students to engage directly with the primary sources of our sampradāya.

The Bhagavad-gītā forms the philosophical foundation, presenting Lord Kṛṣṇa's direct instructions on dharma, bhakti, and liberation. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is recognized as the ripe fruit of the Vedic tree, containing the complete science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness through historical narratives and philosophical discourses. Caitanya-caritāmṛta documents the life and teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who established the yuga-dharma of saṅkīrtana for this age.

"This śāstra library is organized based on traditional verse numbering and study structure, while translations and purports remain on official sources. Source scripts and roman/IAST transliteration support careful study with śraddhā (faith) and niṣṭhā (steadiness)."

This collection serves as a study companion for japa practitioners, allowing devotees to:

The Vaiṣṇava ācāryas emphasize that śāstra study must be accompanied by śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ (hearing and chanting the holy names). This library therefore stands together with JAPA TIME's live darshan, japa support, and daily Vaiṣṇava practice tools. As Śrīla Prabhupāda often noted, the combination of regular japa and systematic śāstra study creates the proper foundation for progressive spiritual life in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.