Brazilian Devotee Defends Gaudiya Thesis in Varanasi

For many centuries, Varanasi has been the center of advaita-vada, but now the acintya-bheda-abheda system is getting recognition there. After concluding his post-graduate studies as a gold medalist in 2006, Bhakta Demian Martins, a Brazilian devotee, pursued a doctorate program, having as his main subject Lord Caitanya's acintya-bheda-abheda-tattva philosophy, according to the commentary Govinda Bhasya, written by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana.

In this research work, Martins substantiated the authenticity and relevance of the Gaudiya school of Vedanta and elaborated on the philosophical conclusions presented by the Acarya Baladeva Vidyabhusana.

He defended his thesis on November 11 before a committee of scholars headed by Dr. R.C. Panda, the principal of the Sanskrit Faculty at Benares Hindu University. During a one-hour presentation and debate in spoken Sanskrit, he answered many questions. At the end he was congratulated by all. They particularly appreciated the nature of the topic and its depth, agreeing that Lord Caitanya's system occupies an eminent place in the history of philosophy and religion. The presentation was recorded and can be watched in his blog at www.bkdemian.blogspot.com