Gaudiya Vaishnavism rests upon a deeply personal vision of the Absolute, in which Krishna is revered as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the original source from whom all other divine forms emanate. Radha is understood as Krishna’s eternal consort and internal divine energy, the embodiment of the highest love, so that Radha–Krishna together represent the fullest expression of the Absolute. Their intimate pastimes, especially those centered on Vṛndāvana, are regarded as the highest spiritual reality and the ultimate model for the devotee’s own relationship with the Divine. In this way, theology and devotion converge around the ideal of entering, in a purified and humble way, into the mood of loving service exemplified by the residents of Krishna’s abode.

Philosophically, Gaudiya Vaishnavism is characterized by the doctrine of *acintya-bhedābheda-tattva*, the “inconceivable oneness and difference” between Krishna, the individual soul, and the world. The soul (*jīva*) is eternal, conscious, and distinct, yet always dependent on Krishna and capable of a loving relationship with Him. This vision is often articulated through a set of fundamental truths that describe Krishna as the supreme reality, the souls as His servants, material nature as His external energy, time as His controlling aspect, and all activities as taking place under divine supervision. Such a framework allows for a robust personal theism that neither collapses the soul into God nor severs it from the divine source.

In practice, Gaudiya Vaishnavism places bhakti—pure devotional service—at the very center of spiritual life, both as the means and the goal. Devotion unfolds through various practices such as hearing about Krishna, chanting His names, remembering His pastimes, serving His form, worship, prayer, obedience, cultivating friendship, and complete self-surrender. Among these, the chanting of the holy names, especially the Hare Krishna *mahā-mantra*, is held to be the most potent and accessible practice for this age, purifying the heart and awakening divine love. Ethical disciplines such as vegetarianism and abstention from intoxicants, gambling, and illicit sex are embraced as supports that help orient the entire life toward loving service.

Historically and theologically, special honor is given to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is revered as an incarnation of Krishna appearing to relish and distribute the love embodied by Radha. Through His life and teachings, and through the subsequent work of the Gaudiya ācāryas, the tradition’s theology, aesthetics of devotion, and practical disciplines were systematized and transmitted. Authentic understanding is seen as flowing through a living chain of teachers and disciples (*guru-paramparā*), ensuring that scriptural revelation and realized wisdom remain intertwined. At its heart, this lineage seeks to cultivate *prema*—intense, selfless love for Radha–Krishna—as the highest fulfillment of the soul’s eternal duty to love and serve the Divine.