Articles by: Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
Sad-guṇa and Bhakti
This article describes the many auspicious qualities found in the personality of a Vaiṣṇava, and Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura points out how all such qualities naturally appear wherever bhakti is found. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 5, 1893.
Desire for Name and Fame (Pratiṣṭhāśa Parivarjana)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the dangers of pratiṣṭhāśā (the desire for name and fame) and the necessity for all serious sādhakas to uproot this tendency. The article emphasises how this subtle obstacle can undermine genuine spiritual progress and presents practical guidance for practitioners seeking to transcend such worldly desires. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, 1896.
The Society of Śrī Gaurāṅga (Śrī Gaurāṅga Samāja)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura deliberates upon what constitutes the actual society of Śrī Gaurāṅga and explains the true meaning of iṣṭa-goṣṭhi according to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. This article was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
The Glories of Śrī Puruṣottama Māsa (Śrī Puruṣottama Māsa Māhātmya)
Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda describes the glories of the holy month of Puruṣottama according to the śāstras, explaining how to observe it and the true goal in following its observances. The article explores the spiritual significance of this sacred month and provides guidance for practitioners seeking to engage in its practices with proper understanding and devotion. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 6, in 1898.
Prema-Bhakti and Śrī Gaurāṅgadeva
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura defines prema in this article, explains the distinction between prema and kāma, and examines how Śrī Caitanyadeva bestows kṛṣṇa-prema in the age of Kali. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī as “Prema-Bhakti and Śrī Gaurāṅgadeva”.
Pañca Saṁskāra (The Five Purificatory Processes) – 1
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the five divisions of initiation according to śāstra and their necessity amongst Vaiṣṇavas. He explains why this process is not being followed properly at present. This seminal work represents the first article on pañca-saṁskāra written by Bhaktivinoda, establishing the foundational framework for understanding these purificatory processes within Vaiṣṇava practice. A shorter complementary article would follow several years later. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 1, 1885.
Review: Nitya-rupa-sangsthapanam
This review examines Pandit Upendra Mohan Gosvāmī’s Nitya-Rūpa-Saṅsthāpanam, a work defending the eternal spiritual form of the Supreme Lord. Drawing upon scripture, reason, and devotional insight, the author argues that God is not formless but possesses an eternal transcendental personality (śrī-vigraha). The review presents these arguments in a more modern style and discusses their significance in response to impersonalist and rationalistic views of God. Originally published in English in Sajjana Toṣaṇī (Vol. 1, No. 1) in 1881, this article is reproduced here with its original spelling and syntax preserved.
The Sunrise of Eternal Dharma (Nitya Dharma Sūryodaya)
This important article predicts the spread of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s nāma-saṅkīrtana movement all over the world. Through “Nitya Dharma Sūryodaya (The Sunrise of Eternal Dharma),” Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura articulates his vision of how the divine names will eventually reach and transform humanity across all nations and cultures. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 3, 1885.
Mātsarya (Envy)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura deliberates upon envy according to the Vaiṣṇava perspective, presenting mātsarya as a direct competitor to divine love (prema) and examining the harm it inflicts upon a practising devotee. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4.
A dispute about Śrī Śrī Mahāprabhu (Śrī Śrī Māhāprabhura Sambandhe Vitarka)
This article examines the doubts raised by certain caste-gosvāmīs regarding the validity of the gaura-mantra and addresses the necessity of fasting on the appearance day of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Through careful analysis of these contentious theological points, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura defends the integrity of both the mantra and the observance against sectarian objections. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 1, 1892.
