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 Caitanya-caritāmṛta Daśa Mūla
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura presents a systematic exposition of the ten major philosophical points of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism as found in the *Caitanya-caritāmṛta* of Śrīla Kṛṣṇa Dāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī. First published in *Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Daśa Mūla*.
Viṣaya u Vairāgya (Sense enjoyment and Renunciation)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the gradual development of renunciation within one who lives in this world. He gives the example of Śrīla Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī and warns against immature renunciation. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, 1892.
Brāhmaṇism and Vaiṣṇavism (Brāhmaṇatva o Vaiṣṇavatva)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the unique relationship between Brāhmanism and Vaiṣṇavism, demonstrating how these two traditions are fundamentally interdependent. Through careful analysis of their theological and philosophical connections, the article elucidates the ways in which Brāhmaṇical learning and practice complement and support the devotional path of Vaiṣṇavism. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4.
What is a human? (Manuṣya ki?)
In this short essay, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura demonstrates the futility of modern science in understanding the subtle body and the spiritual body. Through his analysis, he challenges the materialist assumptions underlying contemporary scientific inquiry and argues for the necessity of spiritual knowledge in comprehending human nature beyond the physical frame. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, as Manuṣya Ki? (What is a Human?).
Following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas (Sādhu-vṛtti)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines the concept of sādhu-vṛtti (following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas), establishing it as imperative in bhakti practice. The article delineates two types of sādhus—the householders and the renunciants—and elaborates upon the qualities that each should cultivate. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
Giving up the association of non-devotees (Saṅga-tyāga)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura elucidates the distinction between two types of saṅga—association and attachment—and emphasises that those serious about advancement in bhakti must completely avoid bad association. This article explores the principle of saṅga-tyāga, the giving up of association with non-devotees, as a necessary practice for spiritual development. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
Various activities favourable for devotional service (Tat-tat-karma-pravartana)
This article examines Rūpa Gosvāmī’s teaching in the Upadeśāmṛta regarding the imperative role of regulative principles in bhakti practice. The discussion explores tat-tat-karma-pravartana—the various activities that are favourable for the cultivation of devotional service—and analyses how these principles govern spiritual advancement. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
Dhairya (Patience)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the absolute necessity of dhairya (patience) in the process of devotional service, elucidating how this virtue sustains the practitioner through the various stages of spiritual development. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
Niścaya (Confidence)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura deliberates upon the necessity for determination in performing the process of bhakti. He examines the concept of niścaya (confidence) and its essential role in sustaining spiritual practice, offering guidance for the sincere practitioner. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
Utsāha (Enthusiasm)
This article examines Utsāha (enthusiasm), explaining how genuine enthusiasm is essential to bhakti practice. According to Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, without authentic utsāha one becomes negligent in one’s devotional efforts. The piece forms part of a broader series analysing the six things favourable to bhakti and the six things unfavourable to it, as outlined in the second and third verses of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī’s Upadeśāmṛta. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 10.
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