On this page we present various quotes from the books, articles and songs of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura on the topic of Maya. Many of these quotes by Bhaktivinoda Thakura link to the various full articles and books on this website.
The Horrible Condition that the Soul Endures
Sometimes the soul is born as a man and marries a woman, and sometimes he is born as a woman and marries a man and establishes for himself a large cycle of worldly concerns. When he enters that cycle he honours his superiors and takes care of his dependents. He fears the ruler, and he hates his enemies. He fears disgrace and criticism when he is born as a woman in a respectable family. He remains far from his true identity when he establishes these false relationships in this world. What a horrible condition the soul endures in such a self-imposed life! Considering the various established rules of this world as his master, he has completely forgotten his eternal master, Kṛṣṇa. Read More…
Your Body Will Look Like a Monkey
The Enemy in the Heart
The enemy within the heart of the bound jīva has so much power, so much courage, that if he so desires, he can drag the jīva away from the feet of Bhagavān and make him do whatever he wants. (Ripu – The Enemy) Read More…
The Influence of Kali
Even after obtaining dīkṣā in a sampradāya, and after entering the path of arcana (Deity worship), we do not attain prema. Even after studying and teaching different śāstras, pure dedication to Kṛṣṇa does not appear in us. Even after following many vratas we do not get pure bhakti. Even after taking birth in a gosvāmī family, we fail to obtain simple bhakti to Gaura. Even after accepting bhek (the dress of a renunciant) from renounced Vaiṣṇavas, we simply continue to worship our material family. Kali is the only reason for all of our disturbances, and in this way he deceives us. (Kali) Read More…
Food for Dogs and Jackals
Again and again you gaze at your beauty in the mirror. Where will you keep your favorite clothes and ornaments when the dogs and jackals eat your body? (Kalyāna Kalpataru 1.11.2) Read More…
The Shadow World
What kind of world is this? It’s like a magician’s illusion. Again and again claiming, It’s mine!”, I wasted my days. (Kalyāṇa kalpataru 2.4.3) Read More…
On 18th August 2012, on the occasion of his Vyāsa Pūjā, Śrīla Bhakti Gaurava Narasiṅgha Mahārāja announced to the devotees that he had a strong desire to create a website called “Bhaktivinoda Institute” in honour of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and his teachings in order to preserve and propagate them. 
