Topic: Vaiṣṇava-tattva

Articles on the topic of Vaisnava-tattva by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

The Brāhmaṇa and the Vaiṣṇava – Both are Completely Vedic (Brāhmaṇa u Vaiṣṇava – Ubhaye-i Sampūrṇa Vaidika)

Brāhmaṇa u Vaiṣṇava – Ubhaye-i Sampūrṇa Vaidika (The Brāhmaṇa and the Vaiṣṇava – Both are Completely Vedic) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇi, Vo.1 in 1881. This article by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura portrays some of the differences between Brahmanism and Vaiṣṇavism, and why they are ultimately discordant.

Sādhu Śikṣā (Holy Teachings)

'Sādhu Śikṣā (Holy Teachings)' was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇi, Vo.5. issues 10,11 and 12, in 1893. In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura talks about the two ways a sādhu teaches, and explains how the conduct of a Vaiṣṇava is most important. At the end of the article, he gives a selection of ślokas from Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata that clarify his point.

Śuddha Vaiṣṇava Paricaya (Recognising a Pure Vaiṣṇava)

Śuddha Vaiṣṇava Paricaya (Recognising a Pure Vaiṣṇava) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol.1 in 1881. In this article, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura deliberates upon pure Vaiṣṇava dharma in order to explain some of the characteristics of a pure devotee. He also discusses the various cults that arose after Mahāprabhu's disappearance that claim to be Vaiṣṇavas.

The Natural and Marginal Characteristics of a Vaiṣṇava (Vaiṣṇavera Svarūpa u Taṭastha Lakṣaṇa)

In Vaiṣṇavera Svarūpa u Taṭastha Lakṣaṇa (The Natural and Marginal Characteristics of a Vaiṣṇava), published in Sajjana Toṣaṇi, Vol.4, Issue 1 in 1892, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thākura describes the two types of characteristics found in Vaiṣṇavas. He explains the twenty-six qualities of a Vaiṣṇava and how such qualities, when found in a non-devotee, are useless.

Conceiving of Caste Distinctions in Vaiṣṇavas (Vaiṣṇave Jāti-buddhi)

Vaiṣṇave Jāti-buddhi (Conceiving of Caste Distinctions in Vaiṣṇavas) was first published in 1897 in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol 9, Issue 1. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura warns his readers of the dangers of meditating upon the caste or birth of a Vaiṣṇava, explaining how high birth in a Vaiṣṇava family does not guarantee purity, and the low birth of a Vaiṣṇava should not be considered.

Jīvera Dayā (Mercy to the Living Entities)

Jīvera Dayā (Mercy to the Living Entities) was published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4. Issue 8 in 1893. In this important article, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the absolute necessity for a Vaiṣṇava to cultivate compassion for other living beings and states that this is one of the most important qualities of a devotee.

Service to the Vaiṣṇavas and the Practice of Festivals at Present (Vaiṣṇava Sevā u Pracalita Mahotsava Prathā)

Vaiṣṇava Sevā u Pracalita Mahotsava Prathā (Service to the Vaiṣṇavas and the Practice of Festivals at Present) was first published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol 4. Issue 5. Herein, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the three types of Vaiṣṇavas according to Caitanya-caritāmṛta and what is actual Vaiṣṇava sevā.

Go to Top