Overview
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.
translated by Swami Bhaktivijñāna Giri
Fourteen issues of Sajjana-Toṣaṇī have been published in seven months, from Vaiśākha to Kārttika. Ten copies were published of this issue. That paid for a year’s supply of paper. Those mahātmās who have given 1 Rupee will kindly oblige us by sending the remaining balance.
This year I was forced to convalesce. I could do nothing due to my eye disease. By the grace of Bhagavān I have recovered now. I hope to be able to publish Sajjana-Toṣaṇī regularly from the next month of Vaiśākha. If the respected readers are satisfied with reading this year’s magazine, then please send the advance price of 1 Rupee for the next year.
This year’s magazine is likely to be even more wonderful because I am getting help from many great writers. Many amazing books will gradually be published.
There is no grandeur about Sajjana Toṣaṇī. There is no criticism in this newspaper. By that, please do not lose your faith in this magazine. That place where the Supreme Truth is to be adequately discussed has no necessity for any external pomp and show. This magazine has an eternal relationship with persons who are knowledgable. The extravagance of newspapers is only for gaining the trust of foolish people. Those who are knowledgeable in tattva will shun rhetoric and wherever they see proper conclusions, they will show respect to that place. The number of people knowledgeable in tattva are not many, therefore we do not expect the number of our readers to be large.
We humbly appeal to everyone to pay attention to the extent to which they are free from prejudice while reading Sajjana Toṣaṇi.
Śrī Kedaranātha Datta
(Editor)
(Samāvedana – ‘Editorial’- was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol 1 in 1881, and translated into English by Swami B.V. Giri)
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