Bhaktivinoda Thakura composed Śaraṇāgati in Bengali in 1893. Its songs express confession, petition, and devotion. In the opening song, Sri Chaitanya teaches surrender as the life of devotion and a path toward love for Krishna.
The six aspects of surrender
Dainya · humility
Acknowledging one's helplessness and sincerely seeking mercy.
Ātma-nivedana · offering oneself
Dedicating the mind, body, and everything regarded as one's own.
Goptṛtve-varaṇa · accepting Krishna's care
Depending on the Lord as the one who sustains us.
Trust in Krishna's protection
Cultivating faith in Krishna as one's true refuge.
Leaving aside what hinders devotion
Giving up actions and attitudes that obstruct bhakti.
Welcoming what supports devotion
Choosing what encourages loving service to the Lord.
The voice of prayer and remembrance of Vraja
In the third song of Ātma-nivedana, the poet offers Krishna his mind, body, home, and loved ones. He seeks the company of devotees and addresses Krishna as Radha's Lord. Surrender takes the form of a personal prayer.
The fourth song of Svīkara recalls Radha-kunda, Govardhan, the Yamuna, groves, birds, and the flute. These places and sounds awaken remembrance of Radha and Krishna and the wish to serve Them.
In Siddhi-lālasā, song 3, Bhaktivinoda longs to serve Radha under the guidance of the sakhis. Her happiness is central to his prayer. The book also includes songs of longing for bhajan and praise of the holy name.
Read the sources
Bhaktivinoda Institute · Bengali text with an English translation by Daśaratha-suta Dāsa
An original brief introduction based on the listed songs and book contents; it is not a complete translation of Śaraṇāgati.