A Devotee is Free from Personal Endeavour (Sajjana-Nirīha)

Continuing Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura's teachings on the twenty-six qualities of a devotee, this article explains the true meaning of nirīha – the quality of a saintly devotee being free from selfish endeavour. Sarasvatī Ṭhākura clarifies that this does not indicate inactivity, but rather freedom from material pursuits while being fully engaged in eternal service to Śrī Hari. Originally published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 21, Issue 5, 1918.

By Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura|2026-07-17T10:27:32+05:30July 17, 2026|Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura|

Śrīla Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda – The Modern-Day Vyāsa

To mark the upcoming 112th disappearance anniversary of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, we present an article examining the scope and significance of his literary contributions, and why Śrīla Narasiṅgha Mahārāja's praise of him as the ‘modern-day Vyāsa’ is so appropriate.

By Swami Bhaktivijñāna Giri|2026-07-10T08:00:36+05:30July 10, 2026|Swami B.V. Giri|

There Are No Paramahaṁsas in Vṛndāvana!

In this article, adapted from various talks, Śrīla B.G. Narasiṅgha Mahārāja speaks candidly about the environmental and spiritual pollution afflicting Śrī Vṛndāvana-dhāma. He challenges the sādhus and gurus of Vraja to cease building more āśramas and guesthouses and instead dedicate themselves to the protection and restoration of the holy dhāma. He also explains what living in Vṛndāvana actually means.

By Śrīla Bhakti Gaurava Narasiṅgha Mahārāja|2026-07-03T07:15:54+05:30July 3, 2026|Śrīla Bhakti Gaurava Narasiṅgha Mahārāja|

Did Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura Advocate Caste Brahmanism?

Did Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura champion caste-Brahmanism? We recently received a letter from a concerned devotee who, while reading Jaiva Dharma, became extremely troubled by passages concerning varṇāśrama, social identity, and the eligibility of devotees born outside brāhmaṇa families. Finding these statements seemingly at odds with the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda Sarasvatī Ṭhākura and Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swami Prabhupāda, he sought clarification on whether Bhaktivinoda advocates hereditary caste distinctions or whether these passages should be understood in a different historical and theological context. Gaura Gopāla Dāsa responds.

By Gaura Gopāla Dāsa|2026-06-26T07:27:03+05:30June 26, 2026|Gaura Gopala Dasa|

A Song of Vraja (Vrajera Gīti)

In this article, Śrīla Bhakti Pramoda Purī Gosvāmī contrasts the spiritual atmosphere of Vraja-maṇḍala and Gaura-maṇḍala, arguing that Vraja-maṇḍala has preserved exclusive devotion to Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, whereas Gauḍa-maṇḍala has been influenced by Śākta ideas. Its central theme is that the name ‘Śyāmā’ properly refers to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, not Mahāmāyā. To illustrate this point, he quotes a traditional devotional song from Vraja in which ‘Śyāmā’ unmistakably refers to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. This article was first published in The Gauḍīya in 1950.

By Śrīla Bhakti Pramoda Purī Gosvāmī|2026-06-19T05:37:31+05:30June 19, 2026|Srila B.P. Puri Maharaja|

Śrīla Prabhupāda and Prof. Phaṇibhūṣaṇa Adhikārī

This article is a discussion between Prabhupāda Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura and Professor Phaṇibhūṣaṇa Adhikārī on the limits of logic and the role of revelation in spiritual knowledge. Sarasvatī Ṭhākura argues that the Absolute Truth is realised through guru, śruti, and divine grace rather than independent speculation. The conversation concludes by affirming bhakti, hari-kathā, and śaraṇāgati (surrender) as the highest goal of life. This conversation was first published in The Gauḍīya (Vol. 12, Issue 35) in 4th April, 1934. Translated into English by Śrī Sanātana Dāsa Adhikārī and Parameśvarī Devī Dāsī.

By Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura|2026-06-12T19:03:40+05:30June 12, 2026|Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura|

Kena Upaniṣad – Chapter One, Text 3-5

Brahmā explains that the Supreme Lord cannot be fully perceived by the material senses, mind, or intellect, and can only be known when He reveals Himself through bhakti. Thus, realisation comes through surrender and purified spiritual perception – not speculation or scholarship. He further teaches that although the Lord cannot be completely fully described by words, He is not impersonal or unknowable.

By Swami Bhaktivijñāna Giri|2026-06-11T10:02:59+05:30June 5, 2026|Swami B.V. Giri|

Are We Willing To Hang for Our Ideals?

The following talk was given by Śrīpāda B.K. Araṇya Mahārāja on October 4, 2024. In this talk, Mahārāja discusses the indispensable necessity of service and the spirit of sacrifice, and poses the question: “Are we willing to go to the gallows of destiny for our beliefs?"

By Śrīla Bhakti Kiśora Āraṇya Mahārāja|2026-05-29T06:03:05+05:30May 29, 2026|Śrīla Bhakti Kiśora Araṇya Mahārāja|

That’s an Offense!

After last week’s article on loyalty to the guru versus loyalty to the institution, Gaura Gopāla reflects on some of the criticism he received — particularly the accusation that such ideas are somehow “offensive.” He argues that among many devotees, the word “offense” is often used simply to shut down disagreement, criticism, or even the acknowledgment that sincere devotees may exist outside one’s own institution.

By Gaura Gopāla Dāsa|2026-06-17T07:43:06+05:30May 22, 2026|Gaura Gopala Dasa|

Never Leave Iskcon?

Recently, we received a thoughtful letter from a new devotee seeking guidance on questions related to leaving ISKCON. In response, Gaura Gopāla Dāsa addressed each of the devotee’s concerns. For the benefit of our readers, we are sharing his insightful answers below.

By Gaura Gopāla Dāsa|2026-06-17T07:42:11+05:30May 15, 2026|Gaura Gopala Dasa|

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