Sevā Lālasā (Hankering for Service)

(translated by Sanātana Dāsa & Parameśvarī Devī Dāsī)

‘Sevā Lālasā’ (Hankering for Service) is a rare work by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, which was first published by Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.21 Issues 3 and 5 in 1918, after the departure of the Ṭhākura. This esoteric song describes the desire of Bhaktivinoda in his mañjarī-svarūpa to serve Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī during the various times of the day. It is possible that the latter half of this text was missing or it was left unfinished since the narration ends abruptly at the afternoon pastimes (madhyāhna-līlā).

Note from the Bhaktivinoda Institute

Since the purpose of the Bhaktivinoda Institute is to preserve and propagate the teachings of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura for future generations, we have included certain written works that delve into rasa-tattva in detail. Nonetheless, many of these writings are not for everyone and reading this type of content unguided can result in delving into subject matters above your adhikāra (spiritual qualification). Simply wandering the internet and reading anything and everything is unadvisable. Literature that goes into great detail in regards to rasa-tattva should only be learned from a qualified guru.