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

Offense by Unqualified Persons

These topics are more elaborately described in Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi and Jaiva Dharma. By consulting those books, the qualified person can realize their nature. For fear of offense by unqualified persons nothing more will be said here.” (Caitanya-śikṣāmṛta)

Explaining Rasa to an Unqualified Person

Who is not qualified to thus taste the nectar of the transcendental rasa? As it is an offense to give the Holy Name to an unqualified person, so it must also be an offense to explain the rasas to an unqualified person. (Jaiva Dharma, Chapter 28)

Esoteric Knowledge of Great Wonder

Not everyone is qualified to read the daily pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. It is esoteric knowledge of great wonder which must be kept secret. One should not let those who are not qualified hear these topics. As long as the soul has not attained greed for the spiritual world on the path of raga, the description of these pastimes must be kept hidden from him. (Jaiva Dharma, Chapter 6)

Discussing Topics of Rasa

One should not discuss topics of rasa with anyone except highly qualified persons on the same level of spiritual advancement. (Caitanya-śikṣāmṛta)

The "Sadhana" of Rasa

The discussion of rasa is only a description of how the various elements combine in the different rasas; it is not a part of sādhana. Therefore, if anyone says that he will teach you the sādhana of rasa, he is an impostor or a fool. (Caitanya-śikṣāmṛta)

The Occupation of Kali

The practice of singing songs on rasa here and there by those who are greedy for money and wish to enjoy their senses, gives Kali an occupation. (Opposition to the Conclusions of Bhakti and Incompatible Rasa) Read More…