What Should be the True Aim of Education?
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura expresses concern for the welfare of his fellow countrymen in this early essay, which, whilst not explicitly spiritual in theme, offers valuable insight into the reformist sensibilities of the young scholar. The article was originally read by him at the debating club at Hogalkuria in West Bengal when he was merely nineteen years old, and demonstrates his engagement with contemporary social issues during his youth. First published in The Hindu Intelligencer, 19th January 1857.
The Akhras in Puri
This rare English essay examines the principal ākhaḍas (monasteries) of Puri, providing a detailed description of their general activities and offering recommendations for their improvement. Written when Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura served as Deputy Magistrate in Puri, the work represents an important historical account of institutional religious life in the sacred city. The original English spelling has been retained in this article for posterity. The Bhaktivinoda Institute wishes to extend its thanks to H.G. Sundara Gopala Prabhu and the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) in Kolkata for providing this significant text. First published in 1871.
Aśirvācana (Blessings)
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. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 5, 1885.
Etawah on the Banks of the Yamunā (Itāuyā Yamunā-tīra)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes a visit to the city of Etawah in modern-day Uttar Pradesh. The piece offers an account of the sacred geography and spiritual significance of this region situated on the banks of the Yamunā River. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 3, 1892.
The Dharma of Charity and Padre Dall Saheb (Dāna Dharma u Pādrī Dāl Saheb)
In this article, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines a speech delivered by Charles Henry Appleton Dall (1816–1886) on the subject of charity in India, demonstrating how Dall’s statements are unscientific and fundamentally mistaken. Dall was the first American Unitarian missionary in Calcutta and remained in India for thirty-one years until his death. He was well known to Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, who for a time attended his church congregation. The two men met daily and engaged in extensive discussions on religion and philosophy. Under Dall’s tutelage, Bhaktivinoda studied the Bible and Unitarian theological works. Although Dall hoped to convert the young Bhaktivinoda to Christianity, their theological conversations ultimately prompted Bhaktivinoda to pursue more earnestly the path of bhakti rather than the missionary faith. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1.
Maṅgalācaraṇa
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura invokes the blessings of Mahāprabhu and the Vaiṣṇavas in this short editorial, and prays for the good health of Queen Victoria, the ruler of India, so that the devotees can continue to relish and propagate pure Vaiṣṇava dharma. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 1, as the editorial piece entitled ‘Maṅgalācaraṇa’.
British Rule and the Vaiṣṇavas (Britis-rājya u Vaiṣṇava-vṛnda)
Herein, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura praises British rule in India as favourable for Vaiṣṇavas when compared to previous regimes. The article examines the relationship between Vaiṣṇava communities and colonial governance, arguing that the British administration provided conditions more conducive to religious practice and scholarly pursuit than earlier periods. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, Issue 1, 1881.
The Worldly Difficulties of a Vaiṣṇava (Vaiṣṇavera Vyavahāra Duḥkha)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the difference between the difficulties encountered by a Vaiṣṇava and those of a non-Vaiṣṇava in this short article. Towards the end, he addresses the Bubonic Plague which broke out at the end of 1897 and remained a significant threat in Kolkata at the time of writing. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 2, 1898.
The Temple of Jagannath at Puri
This essay examines the history of the establishment of the great temple in Purī, Orissa, whilst also addressing the hypocrisy of temple priests in contrast to sincere devotional worship in pure love of God. The piece presents a critical analysis of institutional religious practice and the corruption of priestly authority, emphasising the importance of authentic bhakti over ritualistic formalism. First published as “The Temple of Jagannath at Puri” in 1871.
The Marriage System of Bengal
The Ṭhākura explains Hindu marriage customs and their deplorable forms through historical outlines of various types of traditional marriages. He expresses sympathy for the women subjected to the inhumane marital practices of certain groups in Bengal, offering a critical analysis of these social conditions. First published as an English article in 1871.
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