On this page we present various quotes from the books, articles and songs of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura on the topic of Śraddhā (Faith). Many of these quotes by Bhaktivinoda Thakura link to the various full articles and books on this website.

Bhakti without Deviation

Simply accepting initiation and engaging in the limbs of bhakti does not give satisfaction to Kṛṣṇa. The Lord can only attain satisfaction with ananya-śraddhā (faith without deviation) in ananya-bhakti (bhakti without deviation). Anyone whose heart this type of śraddhā appears in has a firm disposition towards śuddha-bhakti. He does not go or reside at a place where there are no discussions on śuddha-bhakti.(Bhaktira Prati Aparādha – Offences Against Bhakti) Read More…

Faith in Mahajanas Who are Living Still

For various reasons, common people do not easily develop faith in exalted persons who are still living, whereas they tend to develop great faith in the activities of mahājanas who have passed away. (Jaiva Dharma Chapter 12)

Full Self Surrender (Ātma-nivedana)

The jīva’s full surrender (ātma-nivedana) is the fifth limb of śaraṇāgati. “I am nobody! Everything I say that is mine belongs to Kṛṣṇa. I am only a slave in Kṛṣṇa’s family. Kṛṣṇa’s desire is strong. My individual desires are futile. My inherent nature is to acquiesce to the desires of Kṛṣṇa. Under the spell of foolishness, till now, all the objects and people that I thought as mine, I offer unto Śrī Kṛṣṇa. From this day on, I am not for myself, I am Kṛṣṇa’s!” This mentality is called ātma-nivedana. (Śraddhā and Śaraṇāgati – Sajjana Toṣaṇī 4.9) Read More…