Original Unabridged Translations
Articles by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
Original articles by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, translated from Bengali — the most comprehensive collection of his written works available anywhere on the internet.
Śrī Māna Sarovara
This article describes the sacred pilgrimage site of Māna Sarovara in Vraja, and narrates the dramatic story of Harivaṁśa Gosvāmī, a disciple of Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī, and his tragic murder at the hands of thieves. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 3, 1892.
Śrī Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhu
This article presents a brief biography of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura enumerates some of the literary achievements of Śrī Rūpa and laments how various apa-sampradāyas make claims to many great ācāryas. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 8, 1885.
The Last Year (Gata-varṣa)
Gata-varṣa (The Last Year)’ is an editorial in which Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews the spiritual achievements made during the preceding year and offers predictions regarding the future expansion of bhakti throughout the world. The author anticipates that in time, people from all nations will journey to the birthplace of Mahāprabhu to participate in the divine heritage of the tradition. He also discusses his son, Siddhānta Sarasvatī, in connection with the publication of the Padma Purāṇa. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 12, Issue 1, 1900.
The Characters of Renounced Vaiṣṇavas Need to be Especially Pure (Vairāgī Vaiṣṇava-digera Caritra Viśeṣataḥ Nirmala Hauyā Cāi)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines the necessity for renounced Vaiṣṇavas and ācāryas to maintain spotless character, emphasising the particular importance of moral purity among those who have adopted the renounced order and serve as spiritual guides within the Vaiṣṇava community. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 5, Issue 10, 1893.
A Vaiṣṇava Householder’s Hospitality to Guests (Vaiṣṇava Gṛhasthera Ātithya)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes about serving guests, the foremost duty of a householder, and compares Vaiṣṇava guests with common guests. The article explores the dharma of hospitality within the context of Vaiṣṇava household life and the proper conduct required when receiving guests of different spiritual stations. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 12, 1897.
Considerations for Non-Vegetarians (Āmiṣabhojī-digera Jñātavya)
In this short article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura presents a list of quotations from zoologists, scientists and physicians of his era to demonstrate to his countrymen that meat eating is not natural for humans. The piece employs the testimony of contemporary Western scholarship to support its argument regarding the unsuitability of meat consumption for human physiology and health. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 8, Issue 4, 1896.
Samālocanā (A Critique of the book ‘Vanamālā’)
In this short book review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura warns his readers about mixing jñāna with bhakti. The critique examines the text Vanamālā and emphasises the importance of maintaining the purity of devotional practice against the encroachment of speculative knowledge. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, 1881.
The Livelihood of Householder Vaiṣṇavas (Gṛhastha Vaiṣṇava-digera Jīvanavṛtti)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the proper occupational duties of householders, and especially those in government service. He speaks against bribery and corruption in high office according to the teachings of Mahāprabhu, emphasising the ethical responsibilities incumbent upon Vaiṣṇava practitioners engaged in worldly employment. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 7, Issues 1 and 2, 1895.
The Brāhmaṇa and the Vaiṣṇava – Both are Completely Vedic (Brāhmaṇa u Vaiṣṇava – Ubhaye-i Sampūrṇa Vaidika)
This article by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura portrays some of the differences between Brahmanism and Vaiṣṇavism, and examines why they are ultimately discordant. The work explores the distinct theological and philosophical positions of each tradition, demonstrating how both claim Vedic authority whilst maintaining fundamentally opposed perspectives. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, 1881.
Holy Teachings (Sādhu Śikṣā)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the two ways in which a sādhu teaches, and explains how the conduct of a Vaiṣṇava is of paramount importance. He emphasises that the exemplary behaviour of practitioners is central to spiritual instruction. At the conclusion of the piece, he provides a selection of ślokas from Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata to substantiate his arguments. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 5, Issues 10, 11 and 12, 1893.
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