Articles by: Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
Analysing the Method of Associating with Sādhus (Sādhu-saṅgera Praṇālī Vicāra)
How should we actually associate with sādhus? In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the necessity of associating with sādhus and the critical importance of recognising who constitutes a genuine sādhu. Through this deliberation on the methodology of Sādhu-saṅga, he addresses fundamental questions about spiritual association and the criteria by which authentic practitioners may be identified. First published in Sajjana-toṣaṇī, Vol.15, Issue 2, in 1903.
A Review of Śrī Laghu-Bhāgavatāmṛta
In this review of Laghu-Bhāgavatāmṛta, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura praises both the exceptional printing and scholarship of the edition, especially its inclusion of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī’s original text, Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa’s commentary, and a Bengali translation. He summarises the book’s central theological conclusions – that Kṛṣṇa is the original source of all avatāras, and that the vraja-gopīs, especially Rādhārāṇī, embody the highest form of bhakti. This review was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol 11, Issue 3 in 1899.
Samālocana: A Review of Dvijendranath Tagore’s Lecture
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a lecture by his close friend, Dvijendranath Tagore, on Āryan dharma and Buddhism, appreciating its literary imagination, but pointing out its lack of historical grounding and his misunderstanding of Vaiṣṇava philosophy. The Ṭhākura argues that jñāna is not separate from bhakti, and that knowledge is meaningful only when it leads toward bhakti – not when it remains dry speculation. This article was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.11, Issue 10 in 1900.
A Modern Ideology (Ādhunika Vāda)
Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda responds to a sectarian author who advocates the subordination of bhakti to jñāna, demonstrating through reason and scriptural testimony that knowledge is merely a means and that pure devotion — prema — is both the path and the supreme goal of spiritual life. The article examines the essential relationship between jñāna and bhakti, cautions against the contamination of pure Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava philosophy by māyāvāda dressed in the language of modern progressivism, and affirms that the bliss of bhakti infinitely surpasses even the highest attainment of brahma-jñāna. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.11, Issue 1 in 1899.
Worldly Activities and Renunciation (Pravṛtti o Nivṛtti)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda offers an in-depth analysis of the paths of pravṛtti (worldly activities) and nivṛtti (renunciation), explaining that whilst pravṛtti yields material pleasures, true eternal happiness comes from transcending material nature through nivṛtti. He emphasises the practice of compassionate bhakti with faith and defines what real saṅga means. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, 1881.
The Vaiṣṇavism of Ancient Āryan Women (Pracina Ārya Mahilādiger Vaiṣṇavatā)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura narrates the account of Śaṅkarācārya’s mother, who, as she lay on her deathbed, expressed her longing to attain Vaikuṇṭha. Through this exemplary narrative, the piece explores the Vaiṣṇavism of ancient Āryan women and their spiritual aspirations. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Volume 2, Issue 9, 1885.
Human Society & Vaiṣṇava Dharma (Third Essay)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura classifies Vaiṣṇavas into three categories, insisting that each must act strictly according to their proper qualification. He warns that deviations—especially improper renunciation and livelihood practices—lead to spiritual and social decline. This essay represents the third and final instalment in the series “Human Society and Vaiṣṇava Dharma,” exploring the critical relationship between individual qualification, ethical conduct, and the maintenance of both spiritual integrity and social order within Vaiṣṇava communities. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 9, 1885.
Human Society & Vaiṣṇava Dharma (Second Essay)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines the Caste Vaiṣṇavas (Vaiṣṇava Jātis)—a community of outcastes prevalent in Bengal and Odisha—and discusses how they can be integrated into a Vaiṣṇava society that adheres to varṇāśrama-dharma. This article serves as a follow-up to “Human Relations and Vaiṣṇava Dharma” and explores the practical application of Vaiṣṇava principles to contemporary social structures. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 8.
Human Relations and Vaiṣṇava Dharma (First Essay)
This article examines the importance of human societies, the need for reform within the varṇāśrama system, and the challenges of implementing such reform in the contemporary world. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura also discusses the position of Kalki-avatāra in relation to the present age of Kali-yuga. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 7, 1885.
Religion and Science (Dharma o Vijñāna)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the position of religion and science, the defects of modern science and Evolution, the Christian concept of the soul, and how Naturalism, Progressivism, and Evolution ultimately arise from a demonic disposition. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 7, Issues 4–5, 1895.
