The Vaiṣṇavism of Ancient Āryan Women (Pracina Ārya Mahilādiger Vaiṣṇavatā)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura narrates the account of Śaṅkarācārya’s mother, who, as she lay on her deathbed, expressed her longing to attain Vaikuṇṭha. Through this exemplary narrative, the piece explores the Vaiṣṇavism of ancient Āryan women and their spiritual aspirations. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Volume 2, Issue 9, 1885.
Śrī Artha Pañcaka (Five Essential Principles)
This overview of Śrī Pillai Lokācārya’s ‘Artha Pañcaka’ (Five Essential Principles) examines the five key philosophical principles that a jīva must grasp in order to progress in their spiritual journey. Composed in the thirteenth century, this concise work on Śrī Vaiṣṇava siddhānta presents essential teachings on the nature of the soul, the divine, and the path to spiritual realisation, as presented through Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s scholarly analysis. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 7, Issue 3, 1895.
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.
A Grand Festival in Śrī Māyāpura (Śrī Śrī Māyāpura Mahā-mahotsava)
Herein, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura gives a report of the first Gaura Pūrṇimā festival held in Śrīdhāma Māyāpura and compares it to the first Gaura Pūrṇimā festival in Kheturi, organised by Ṭhākura Narottama Dāsa. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 6, Issue 1, 1894.
The Lord’s Appearance Festival (Avirbhāvotsava)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura provides a detailed report of the annual Gaura Pūrṇimā festival celebrated in Māyāpura, and describes how Śrīla Jagannātha Dāsa Bābājī offered guidance regarding the Deity configuration at Śrī Yogapīṭha and Śrīvāsāṅgana. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 12, 1893.
Śrī Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī Prabhu, Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī Prabhu and Śrī Śrīnivāsa Ācārya Prabhu
Herein, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura presents short biographies of three famous Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas: Śrī Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī Prabhu, Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī Prabhu, and Śrī Śrīnivāsa Ācārya Prabhu. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issues 10 and 11, 1885.
Śrī Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākura’s Place in Kulīnagrāma (Śrī Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākurera Pāṭa – Kulīnagrāma)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura recounts his visit to the place of bhajana of Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākura in Kulīnagrāma and describes its state of disrepair. He appeals to generous donors to come forward to renovate this holy place. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 3, Issue 1, 1886.
Vigata Vatsarera Samālocanā (A Review of the Previous Year)
In this review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the hardships of the previous year, in particular the outbreak of the Kolkata plague and lack of cow protection. He also discusses positive aspects such as the preaching and nagara-saṅkīrtana activities. The article examines both the challenges and encouraging developments within the Vaiṣṇava community during this period. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 1, 1899.
Prabodhānanda and Prakāśānanda
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a book which claims that the Vaiṣṇava ācārya Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī and the māyāvādī Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī are one and the same person. Through careful analysis, he refutes this confused assertion and clarifies the distinct identities and philosophical positions of these two figures. The article demonstrates the importance of historical accuracy in understanding the lineage and teachings of Vaiṣṇavism. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 1901 under the title ‘Samālocana’.
The Glory of Ārya Dharma Within Pure Sampradāyas (Viśuddha Sāmpradāyikatāī Ārya Dharmera Gaurava)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains how sectarianism and the sampradāya concept of the Vedas are not the same thing. He also discusses the dangers of mixing various ideologies with hari-bhakti. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 3, Issue 3, 1886.
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