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.
The Anguish of a Devotee (Bhakta Manovedanā)
In this short editorial, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura decries the killing of animals in Jagannātha Purī, especially monkeys, and laments the local government’s decision to build a latrine next to the sacred temple of Lord Jagannātha. The piece presents the author’s concerns regarding both animal welfare and the maintenance of sanctity around the deity’s principal place of worship. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 7, 1899.
A Display of Religion (Dharmāḍhambara)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura targets those persons who make an external show of religion and briefly explains the verse ‘nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema’ from Caitanya-caritāmṛta. The article examines the distinction between genuine devotion and mere outward display of piety, offering insight into the nature of eternal prema for Kṛṣṇa. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 9, Issue 4, 1897.
Begging Alms (Muṣṭi-bhikṣā)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the system of begging for alms from householders and how it has become degraded. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 6, Issue 3, 1894.
Kārttika-vrata
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura briefly explains the rules observed during the month of Kārttika, a sacred observance practised by devotees to deepen their spiritual practice and connection with the Divine. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 7, 1899.
Parahiṁsā u Dayā (Violence and Mercy)
In this essay, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the necessity of compassion and the different types of mercy for a jīva. The work explores the relationship between violence and mercy, presenting a nuanced understanding of how compassion operates within spiritual life. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 9, Issue 9, 1897.
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.
Brahmacārī Āśrama
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura argues that most Vedic scholars in Bengal are contaminated by māyāvāda philosophy and emphasises the necessity for a genuine brahmacārī āśrama to teach the true meaning of Vedānta. This short article examines the institutional and philosophical requirements for properly training celibate students in authentic Vedantic understanding. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 7, 1899.
Vaiṣṇava Svabhāva (The Nature of a Vaiṣṇava)
This short article presents Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s exposition on the dual nature of a Vaiṣṇava, examining the essential characteristics and spiritual qualities that define a sincere practitioner of Vaiṣṇava dharma. Through concise analysis, the Ṭhākura elucidates how a Vaiṣṇava embodies both devotional intensity and practical wisdom in their spiritual life. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 11.
Kuṭīnāṭī (Politics and Duplicity)
In this essay, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the meaning of kuṭīnāṭī (politics and duplicity) according to the philosophy of Śrī Caitanya and discusses the verse from the Gītā, ‘api cet suduracāro’, in relation to this concept. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 6, Issues 3 and 7, 1894.
Nivedana (A Request)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes about the purpose of his magazine, contrasting it with the mundane magazines and newspapers of the period. The editorial elucidates the distinctive spiritual aims that distinguish Sajjana Toṣaṇī from secular publications of the era. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10, Issue 5, 1898.
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