About us
Jiva Institute of USA is a 501(3)c non-profit organization founded for the charitable purpose of providing education and training on the practice of Bhakti Yoga to increase mental, physical, and spiritual health. Jiva Institute of USA closely collaborates with Jiva Institute of Vaishnava Studies in India, and other related organizations in the USA and abroad.
Jiva Institute is named after Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī (1513-1608), who was the youngest of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindavan and nephew of the two leading figures, Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmīs. He was an unusually brilliant student from childhood and left his home in Bengal at young age to study in Navadvīpa and Benares, where he mastered the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy before arriving in Vṛndāvana.
Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī is one of the most preeminent scholars and saints of Vedānta Philosophy and a very prolific writer. Around 20 books on Indian philosophy and science are attributed to him, some of them voluminous, dealing with almost all the branches of Vaiṣṇava literature. It is he who systematized the teachings of Lord Caitanya and gave shape to the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism school on par with other Vaiṣṇava schools, such as those founded by Śrī Rāmānujācārya, Nimbarkācārya, Madhavācārya and Vallabhācārya.
Of all his works, the Ṣaṭ Sandarbhas, along with its auto-commentary Sarva-saṁvādinī, are well known for their deep analysis and systematic elaboration of the entire theology and philosophy of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism.
Besides writing extensively, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī established one of the seven major temples of Vṛndāvana— Rādhā-Dāmodara, and was an accomplished teacher of the top students. Widely regarded as the highest authority of Vedānta in his time, he also spent considerable time receiving pilgrims from around India and excavating the holy places of Vṛndāvana.
The passage of time has managed to obscure Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī works to such an extent that many practitioners of bhakti yoga in the tradition have never read any of his works. Jiva Institute of USA seeks to present his teachings and to support those who wish to learn and follow bhakti yoga as taught by him.
Our Team
Deepa L.
President
Raman I.
Secretary
Aditya B.
Treasurer
Ajay Kumar J.
Vice-President
Kavya P.
Board Director
Supporting authentic practice of bhakti yoga
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Presenting authentic knowledge of the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition.
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Building communities of dedicated bhakti yogis.
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Supporting research into the books of the Goswamis.
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Supporting like-minded organizations.
Testimonials
Jiva USA is an oasis for spiritual seekers eager to learn the Krsna bhakti philosophy systematically laid out by Sri Jiva Gosvami in the Sandarbhas. The organization provides opportunities for fellowship with like-minded devotees, immersion in the Caitanya bhakti tradition, and fostering a sober-minded learning environment in the spirit of open inquiry and dialogue. Most importantly, this spirit of encouraging genuine inquiry and study does not compromise on the fundamental truths of the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition.
— Aditya B.
I appreciate Jiva USA’s emphasis on learning, staying true to the roots of the bhakti tradition, and sincere practice. Jiva USA strives to make the knowledge of the theology of bhakti available and relevant for practitioners who are navigating the complexities of modernity. Jiva USA engenders knowledge and respect for all, free from the shackles of fanaticism, anti-science attitudes, sectarianism, and proselytization.
— Sasank C.
Jiva USA is a wonderful place for practicing authentic bhakti yoga as taught in the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. Their approach focuses on proper education. I’m very glad that I came in contact with Jiva USA and recommend it to anyone who is curious about bhakti and life’s purpose.
— Kumar S.