Question: Brahmavadis also get self realization (the basic realization that they are not this bodies). Under what sampradaya to they belong. Do they have a disciplic succession? Is it bonafide?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Srila Prabhupada mentions this term (Brahmavadis), but he does not expand on it so much. Thus, to comment more than what Srila Prabhupada has given is highly speculative. Two examples that I am aware of who can be called ‘bonafide brahman realized souls’ (brahmavadis) are Sukadeva Goswami and the four Kumaras. Before they came in touch with vaisnavas or Lord Visnu, they had no sampradaya to be situated in this condition.
One other reference I am aware of is the SB 5.5.2, “One can attain the path of liberation from material bondage only by rendering service to highly advanced spiritual personalities. These personalities are impersonalists and devotees. Whether one wants to merge into the Lord’s existence or wants to associate with the Personality of Godhead, one should render service to the mahatmas…” Not much detail is there.
