Latest Posts
Here you will find all the latest posts on the Bhaktivinoda Institute in the form of Articles, Book Chapters, Songs & Poems etc.
The Purpose of Sajjana Toṣaṇī Magazine (Sajjana Toṣaṇī Patrikāra Uddeśya)
Sajjana Toṣaṇī Patrikāra Uddeśya (The Purpose of Sajjana Toṣaṇī Magazine) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.2 issue 4 in 1885. In this editorial, Bhaktivinoda Thākura explains to his readers the true purpose of his magazine, and how it differs to other newspapers.
Vastu Nirdeśa (Identifying the Supreme Object)
Vastu Nirdeśa (Identifying the Supreme Object) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.2 issue 6 in 1885. This article is in answer to one gentleman inquiring about the position of Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān, wishing to know the ‘Vedāntic siddhānta.’ In response, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura gives a detailed answer.
Śrīpāṭa Denuḍa
'Śrīpāṭa Denuḍa' is a rare article written by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura which was published in Viṣṇupriyā Patrikā, Vol.2 issue 6 in 1890. The Ṭhākura describes a visit to the bhajana-sthālī of Śri Vṛndāvana Dāsa Ṭhākura in Śrīpāṭa Denuḍa, and sees the dilapidated condition of this holy place.
Aśirvācana (Blessings)
Aśirvācana (Blessings) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol. 2, issue 5 in 1885. In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura laments the fact that there is animosity between the Indians and the British, and writes about the common factors they both share. He compares the two communities to an elder brother and a younger brother, and hopes that they can cultivate mutual respect for each other.
Asat Saṅga (Materialistic Association)
Asat Saṅga (Materialistic Association) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol. 11, issue 6 in 1899. In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura specifically defines two types of asat-saṅga, namely the strī-saṅgī (one attached to women) and kṛṣna-abhakta (one who is not a devotee of Kṛṣṇa)
Saṁśaya Nivṛtti (Dispelling Doubts)
Saṁśaya Nivṛtti (Dispelling Doubts) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol. 4, issues 11 &12 in 1893. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura tells a story of a Vaiṣṇava who approaches a pure devotee with two doubts in relation to Kṛṣṇa giving bhakti to those who have material desires.
Kalikātāra Kīrtana (Kīrtana in Kolkata)
Kalikātāra Kīrtana (Kīrtana in Kolkata) was published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol.11, issue 3 in 1899. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura happily reports on the many kīrtanas going on in the city of Kolkata, but also points out how the citizens may be initiating kīrtana due to the plague, and have not fully understood the true necessity of kirtana. He also mentions the unfortunate use of foreign musical instruments, as well as modern tunes being introduced into kīrtana
Śrī Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī Prabhu
Śrī Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī Prabhu was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.2 issue 12 in 1885. Before giving a brief biography of Jīva Gosvāmī, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the title 'Prabhu' and who should use it. In this biography, the Thakura gives a list of Śrī Jīva's works and mentions his influence on Vallabhācārya.
Ripu (The Enemy)
In this important article, Ripu (The Enemy) first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.8 issue 11 in 1897, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura analyses the overpowering strength of our internal enemies, in particular, the enemy known as kāma (lust).
Śrīdhāma Māyāpura
In this short article ‘Śrīdhāma Māyāpura’ published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol.5 issue 12 in 1893, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura gives evidence from Bhakti Ratnākara to prove that Māyāpura is the birthplace of Śrī Caitanya, and invites the people of Bengal to attend the annual Gaura Pūrṇīmā festival that year.
A Critique of the Book – An Ocean of Mṛdaṅga Beats (Samālocana – Mṛdaṅga Vādyārṇava)
Samālocana - Mṛdaṅga Vādyārṇava (A critique of the Book - An Ocean of Mṛdaṅga Beats) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.7 issue 2 in 1895. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a book on mṛdaṅga lessons.
The Soma Prakāśa and Vaiṣṇavism (Soma Prakāśa u Vaiṣṇava Dharma)
Soma Prakāśa u Vaiṣṇava Dharma (The Soma Prakāśa and Vaiṣṇavism) was published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2. Issue 11 in 1885. This essay by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura is in response to an article by the editor of the Soma Prakāśa newspaper who made derogatory statements against Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Vaiṣṇavism. At the conclusion of his article, Bhaktivinoda explains something about Hinduism and Vaiṣṇavism.
A Critique of ‘Śrī Gīta Govinda’ (Samālocana – Śrī Gīta Govinda)
Samālocana – Śrī Gīta Govinda (A Critique of 'Śrī Gīta Govinda') was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol.7. issue 2 in 1895. In this book review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura applauds the work of two translators who have rendered the Gīta Govinda into Bengali, presents a synopsis of the life of Jayadeva Gosvāmī, and also gives a warning to those who are bereft of vraja-rasa.
Śrī Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī Prabhu
Śrī Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī Prabhu was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol.2. issue 7 in 1885. In this brief biography, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura talks about the life of Sanātana Gosvāmī and also about the various apa-sampradāyas that lay claim to him. He gives Sanātana's genealogy, and at the end of the article, the Ṭhākura laments that Sajjana Toṣaṇī is not receiving enough support.
Śrī Śrī Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī Prabhu
Śrī Śrī Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī Prabhu was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī Vol.2. issue 7 in 1885. This is a brief biography written by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura about Śrīla Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī.