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.
Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra
'Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra' is a rare Bengali song written by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura in Purī in 1871. This was unpublished during the Ṭhākura's lifetime and was first published in The Gauḍīya, 18th Vol. July, 1940.
A Question and Answer Concerning Śrī Kṛṣṇa Saṁhitā (Praśnottara)
Praśnottara presents Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s response to a question concerning the Bhāgavatam’s narration of kṛṣṇa-līlā as found in his work, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Saṁhitā. Through this question-and-answer format, the article engages with scriptural interpretation and the theological foundations of Kṛṣṇa’s divine pastimes. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 3, Issue 6, 1886.
Impersonal Spirituality and Transcendental Spirituality (Ādhyātmika u Aprākṛta)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura here reviews a small book that attempts to provide rational explanations for Kṛṣṇa’s aprākṛta-līlā (transcendental pastimes). The work distinguishes between ādhyātmika (spiritual) and aprākṛta (transcendental) conceptions, examining how philosophical reasoning may be applied to understanding the Lord’s divine activities. First published as a samālocanā (book review) in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 7, 1896.
Identifying the Supreme Object (Vastu Nirdeśa)
This article presents a detailed response to an inquiry concerning the metaphysical positions of Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān, and the nature of Vedāntic siddhānta. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura provides a comprehensive analysis of these fundamental theological categories, clarifying their distinctions and relationships within Vaiṣṇava philosophy. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 6, 1885.
The Non-Difference Between Śrī Gaura and Kṛṣna (Śrī Gaura Kṛṣṇa Abheda)
In this article, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes how Gaurāṅga and Kṛṣṇa are identical, and how one cannot simply worship Gaura and reject Kṛṣṇa as some persons were doing at the time. The piece emphasises the fundamental non-difference between these two forms of the Divine and addresses a contemporary misunderstanding amongst practitioners. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 6, 1899.
Kṛṣṇa-dāsya (Servitorship to Kṛṣṇa)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura expounds upon the nature of kṛṣṇa-dāsya (servitorship to Kṛṣṇa) and the process by which one may attain this elevated spiritual state. The text emphasises the necessity of avoiding nāmāparādha and of seeking shelter with a genuine guru as essential means to realising authentic kṛṣṇa-dāsya. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 6, 1899.
Prīti (Love)
In this essay, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura states that love is the sole purpose of human life, but further explains what real love actually is. The work explores the nature of Prīti (Love) and its fundamental significance in human existence. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, 1896.
The Glories of Puruṣottama Māsa (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.
The Secret of the Lord’s Appearance According to the Gītā (Gītāra Janma Rahasya)
Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda explains the transcendental position of Śrī Kṛṣṇa based on the Fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā. This article examines the philosophical foundations of the Lord’s divine nature and His eternal, unchanging existence beyond the material realm, drawing upon scriptural analysis to illuminate the metaphysical principles underlying Kṛṣṇa’s avatāra and divine manifestations. The work demonstrates how the Gītā itself provides the framework for understanding the Supreme Lord’s transcendental characteristics and His relationship to creation.
First published in Gītāra Janma Rahasya (The Secret of the Lord’s Appearance According to the Gītā).