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

Vaiṣṇava Mercy

Jīvera dayā (mercy to living entities) is one of the main constituents of Vaiṣṇava dharma. It is the inherent nature of a Vaiṣṇava to be kind to the jīvas. When this nature is not detected, one cannot become a Vaiṣṇava even if one has thousands upon thousands of other external symptoms. (Jīvera Dayā – Mercy to the Living Entities) Read More…

Do Not Cultivate Enmity

If someone speaks in a strong way to you, tolerate it. Do not insult anybody. Do not identify with this body, and do not cultivate enmity towards anybody. (Kali) Read More…

Always Greedy to Eat

The urge of the belly is a disturbance. The requirement of the stomach is to eat for the maintenance of the life and mitigation of hunger. Those who are thirsty for devotional service should maintain their life by moderate eating. Those who endeavour to overeat are called gluttons. One of the qualities of devotees is mita-bhuk, eating what is necessary. By eating less, the body remains healthy and does not disturb one’s devotional service. Those who have no strength to tolerate the urge of the stomach are always greedy to eat. (Dhairya – Patience) Read More…

Speaking Unnecessarily

The practitioners of devotional service should not speak unnecessarily. If you do have to speak unnecessarily, better to keep quiet. Besides topics regarding Kṛṣṇa, all other topics are unnecessary. (Dhairya – Patience) Read More…

Not Just Hindus

We are Hindu Vaiṣṇavas, and not just Hindus. In other words, our society is Hindu, but our dharma is Vaiṣṇava. Similarly, worshippable persons such as Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākura were not Hindus, but they were respected by all as Vaiṣṇavas. According to the true meaning of the Veda śāstra, Śrī Śrī Mahāprabhu teaches that persons of all births are eligible to accept Vaiṣṇava dharma. (The Soma Prakāśa and Vaiṣṇavism) Read More…

No Time Left

There is no more time left to neglect the spiritual cultivation while remaining absorbed in bodily happiness and to engage in activities hostile to pure devotional service. (Sajjana Toṣaṇī 9.12)