Articles by: Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
Śrī Daśa-Mūla (The Ten Foundational Principles)
The Daśa-Mūla represents an important contribution of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura to the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya, comprising ten foundational principles that summarise the teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as found in the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. This article provides a concise explanation and history of the Daśa-Mūla, followed by the Sanskrit verses originally composed by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura delineating each of the ten topics.
The Lord’s Appearance Festival (Avirbhāvotsava)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura provides a detailed report of the annual Gaura Pūrṇimā festival celebrated in Māyāpura, and describes how Śrīla Jagannātha Dāsa Bābājī offered guidance regarding the Deity configuration at Śrī Yogapīṭha and Śrīvāsāṅgana. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 12, 1893.
The Inclination to Engage in Pāpa on the Strength of the Name (Nāma Bale Pāpe Pravṛtti)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura provides a clear definition of pāpa (sin) and explores why the inclination towards pāpa sometimes persists in a devotee, even as spiritual practice advances. The text also examines pāpa in relation to nāma-aparādha (offences against the Holy Name), offering important insight into the nature of sinful tendency and its relationship to the chanting of the divine Name.
First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 9, 1896.
Śrī Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī Prabhu, Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī Prabhu and Śrī Śrīnivāsa Ācārya Prabhu
Herein, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura presents short biographies of three famous Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas: Śrī Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī Prabhu, Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī Prabhu, and Śrī Śrīnivāsa Ācārya Prabhu. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issues 10 and 11, 1885.
A New Year (Nava-varṣa)
This editorial examines the ongoing service at Śrīdhāma Māyāpura and discusses the disappearance of Śrīla Jagannātha Dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja. Through these reflections, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura offers spiritual insights relevant to the new year. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 7, Issue 1, 1895.
A Critique of the Book: A Virtuous Treasury of Proper Conduct (Samālocana: Guṇa-nidhi Sadācara)
In this review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines a work on proper conduct with an eclectic and encouraging tone, particularly in his treatment of demigod worshippers, especially the Śaivites. He discusses several key topics, including the acceptance of a sad-guru, animal sacrifice, śālagrāma worship, and the chanting of the name of Śiva. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 5, Issue 9, 1893.
Vairāgya (Renunciation)
This article presents Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s treatment of vairāgya (renunciation), exploring the nature of this spiritual disposition, its defining characteristics, and the qualifications necessary for one who would adopt the renunciate order. The article provides extensive and detailed analysis of this central Vaiṣṇava theme, building upon Bhaktivinoda’s earlier consideration of the subject. First published posthumously in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 24, Issues 1–2, under the editorship of Śrīla Sarasvatī Ṭhākura.
Jñāna (Knowledge)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura analyses what jñāna (‘knowledge’) is and defines the various types of jñāna specifically in relation to the jīva. In particular, he explains svabhāvaja-jñāna (inherent knowledge) and prasādaja-jñāna (knowledge born from mercy). First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 7, 1897.
Markaṭa Vairāgī (Monkey Renunciates)
In this article, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses Mahāprabhu’s instructions to Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī as well as the two types of fake renunciates found in both the gṛhastha āśrama and the sannyāsa āśrama. The term “Markaṭa Vairāgī” (‘Monkey Renunciates’) designates those who imitate external renunciation without genuine spiritual transformation. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 10, 1897.
Samāvedana (Editorial)
This brief editorial reflects Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s determination to sustain his nascent publication despite significant health difficulties. Writing in the magazine’s inaugural year, the Ṭhākura addresses the modest scale of its readership, acknowledging that most people lack interest in spiritual topics. The piece reveals both his realistic assessment of the periodical’s audience and his commitment to continuing its publication regardless of these constraints. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, 1881.
