Absolute Truth Press is - as has been stated elsewhere - a collection of different individuals with the common denominator of sharing an interest in spirituality. For some this means a cursory interest in spirituality while it for others is a pinnacle around which their life orbits. Given this broad spectrum there is likewise a broad spectrum of material produced under the flag of Absolute Truth Press. Bhrigumuni dasa takes the more serious approach in his newly published book "Dearest to Visnu". According to Rupa Gosvami, following the Ekadasi-vrata is one of the ten most important processes of devotional life. While earlier books have given the Puranic stories behind Ekadasi, Dearest to Visnu focuses on the philosophy and practice of this day most dear to Visnu. The present book consists of a translation of the parts of the Hari-bhakti-vilasa dealing with Ekadasi and Dvadasi. Topics covered include eligibility for following the vrata, what to do when unable to fast, rules for celebrating the Maha-dvadasis and special Ekadasis and Dvadasis. For clarifying and bringing out esoteric detail, the Dig-darsini commentary by Sanatana Goswami has also been provided. For anyone wanting to experience the soul-stirring Ekadasi of the Goswamis, this is the definitive book. The author, Bhrgumuni Dasa, has spared no efforts in making the translation as authentic as possible, successfully capturing the mood of the original Sanskrit. Instead of adding anything to the text of the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, he has written a long and scholarly introduction in which he discusses the contents of the book. He has also compiled five appendices, dealing with for example Jiva Goswami's views on Ekadasi. Besides a work of scholarship and devotion, Dearest to Visnu is also a work of art, as the staff at Absolute Truth Press firmly belive that a work of this magnitude deserves nothing short of the finest presentation. From the quality of the paper to the choice of typography, all details have been carefully thought out to make them harmonise with the contents. It is thus with great pride we offer you this beautiful book, hoping it finds its way to the bookshelves of all serious practitioners of Vaisnavism as well as those interested in deepening their understanding of the day held dearest by Visnu. Dearest to Visnu contains 225 pages and is available for the price of $ 19/17 €. The product code for ordering Dearest to Visnu is DTV-1. Please refer to the "Ordering" underpage for closer instructions on how to aqcuire this beautiful book. Click here to download an excerpt from the introduction to Dearest to Visnu. EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS Srila Prabhupada envisioned a world wide community of devotees who were firmly fixed in the tenets of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. In order to accomplish this goal it is necessary that the members have access to the foundational literatures that deliniate the practices and siddhanta of the tradition. "Dearest to Visnu" explains in a clear and concise fashion the purpose of each of the Ekadasi practices. By reading this book a sincere devotee will find his own determination to strictly observe this most important day enhanced. In this way, Bhrgumuni has made a very valuable offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada's mission, helping to fulfill the desires of the pure Vaisnavas in spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide. I am sure that Srila Prabhupada will shower his mercy upon Bhrgu. Bir Krishna Das Goswami, initiating guru in ISKCON and member of the GBC. Dearest to Visnu, a scholarly yet plain-speaking book on Ekadasi by Bhrgumuni Dasa, should be on the bookshelf of every devotee, right next to the Pancaratra Pradipa. It compels us to take with utmost seriousness the Gaudiya Vaisnava sadacara pertaining to Ekadasi and Dvadasi. Be blessed by these most holy of days by reading and following Dearest to Visnu. Suhotra Swami, initiating guru in ISKCON. Dearest to Visnu is a definitive English edition of the chapters from Gopala Bhatta Goswami's Hari-bhakti-vilasa concerning the observance of Ekadasi. It also includes the insightful Dig-darsini commentary of Sanatana Goswami. The Vaisnava community is indebted to Bhrgumuni Dasa for his translation of the text. He has rendered a valuable service by his faithful translation of the Goswamis' work, as well as through his own insights found in the book. Swami B.V. Tripurari, founder of the Gaudiya Vaisnava Society With great pleasure I have gone through the book Dearest to Visnu, translated by Bhrgumuni Dasa from the Hari-bhakti-vilasa. This book will do a wonderful job in decorating the bookshelf of every person interested in Gaudiya Vaisnavism. It will also be good reference book for those who are interested in Vedic spirituality. The reason is that it is a direct translation of a powerful spiritual practise done by strict Vaisnavas. Many of us have heard about fasts and allnight vigils as powerful means to come to the spiritual plane and enable spiritual experiences to take place. And some of us might ask for direct instructions how to do it. Here these instructions are given in a very authorized manner. It may also be that not all of us are willing to follow these instructions. In any case, I would argue it is good to know them, because there might come a time where we would like to have such an experience. We can be grateful to the translator for his educative and thought-provoking introduction wihch helps the reader to relate the text to his or her own life especially when the author deals with objections to which he gives thoughtful answers. Sacinandana Swami, initiating guru in ISKCON. Dearest to Visnu, a compilation on the observance of Ekadasi-vrata from Hari-bhakti-vilasa, is a welcome and important addition to the two presently existing books in English on the subject. This definitive, carefully translated work gives English readers access to the system of observance specified for Chaitanya Vaisnavas, together with an excellent Introduction and Appendices to aid in understanding the text. Devotees will especially appreciate the Introduction's "Objections" section, in which Bhrgumuni Dasa expertly refutes eight common reasons held for not following the injunctions of the text. He also provides a valuable and thorough discussion on the controversy over authorship of Hari-bhakti-vilasa. All in all this book is a standard-bearer in quality of presentation which is sadly lacking in many translations of Vaisnava works being produced these days within the Vaisnava community. My heartfelt thanks to the author for producing this "labor of love" and labor of careful scholarship. Krsna-ksetra Dasa, initiating guru in ISKCON.