Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was a highly influential preacher of Gaudiya Vaishnavism throughout India in the late 19th and early 20th Century. He was born as Bimala-prasad Dutta in the pilgrimage town of Jagannatha Puri, Orissa, India. His father was the Vaishnava scholar Sri Kedarnatha Dutta (also known as Bhaktivinoda Thakura) the first to present the teachings of Chaitanyite Vaishnavism to the English-speaking world and was a notable Gaudiya Vaishnava Theologian. Bimala Prasada was well known for having a fiery spirit, an acute intellect and for living a simple, austere lifestyle.

By the time he was twenty-five years old, Bimala-prasada had acquired an impressive reputation as a scholar of Sanskrit, mathematics, and astronomy. His astronomical treatise on the ‘Surya Siddhanta’ won him the title Siddhanta Sarasvati in recognition of his immense learning. In 1905, following the advice of his father, Siddhanta Sarasvati accepted spiritual initiation from Gaura-kisora Dasa Babaji. Siddhanta Sarasvati proved himself a capable assistant in the missionary work of his father.

Upon the passing of Bhaktivinoda Thakura in 1914, Siddhanta Sarasvati became editor of his father's journal, ‘Sajjana-tosani’, and founded the Bhagvata Press for publication of Vaishnava literature. Then in 1918, Siddhanta Sarasvati accepted the order of sannyasa (renounced order of life), assuming the title ‘Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’. For the purpose of propagating the philosophy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu throughout India, he organized a mission called the Gaudiya Matha, with sixty-four branches throughout the country.

Articles

Initiation into Spritual Life

Oct 4 2021 - Krishna Talk 237
The good preceptor although he appears to belong to this world is not really of this world. No one who belongs to this world can deliver us from worldliness. The good preceptor is a denizen of the spiritual world who has been enabled by the will of God to appear in this world in order to enable us... » more

The Removal of Anarthas

Aug 17 2018 - Krishna Talk 215
From Prakrta-rasa Sata-dusini by Sarasvati Thakura, with commentary by Swami B.G. Narasingha. » more

Sri Gaura ki Vastu? (Who is Sri Gaura?)

Mar 4 2015 - Krishna Talk 189
The consciousness of a jiva, drowned by the filth of Mayavada, cannot pervert Gaura's name, quality or activities... » more

Sri Sri Sarasvati Samlapa (A Discourse With Sarasvati Thakura)

Oct 2 2014 - Krishna Talk 186
If we remain apathetic to the teachings of Sri Caitanya, then we will enthrone Satan as a devotee of Caitanya or even as Caitanya Himself. » more

Sri Guru Tattva and the Secret of Diksa (Part 3)

Feb 20 2014 - Krishna Talk 178
If one wants to attain real pleasure by removing displeasure, then the mind is to be destroyed. » more

Sri Guru-Tattva and the Secret of Diksa (Part 2)

Feb 10 2014 - Krishna Talk 177
Maintaining a mundane mentality and the mentality of being a guru, results in a mentality that leads us to hell. » more

Sri Guru-Tattva and the Secret of Diksa (Part 1)

Jan 29 2014 - Krishna Talk 176
One will never attain the mercy of Krsna if he tries to gratify and serve his wife, friend, servant etc. instead of Krsna. » more

Grha-Pravesa – Entering a New House

May 19 2012 - Krishna Talk 141
Grha-pravesa should only be performed by the devotees – non-devotees should not perform it! » more

Ekalavya and Arjuna

Nov 23 2011 - Krishna Talk 134
The aspiration to become greater than the Vaisnavas is not devotion – it is anti-devotional. » more

Prakrta Rasa Sata Dusani Part 5

Oct 5 2011 - Krishna Talk 132
The fifth and final installment of Prakrta-rasa Sata-dusani. » more

Books

Prakrta-rasa-sata-dusini

Written by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura with illuminations by Swami B.G. Narasingha. (A Hundred Warnings Against Mundane Mellows) Clearly illuminates the immature misconceptions of imitative devotees known as Prakrta-Sahajiyas. » more