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.
Human Society & Vaiṣṇava Dharma (Second Essay)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura examines the Caste Vaiṣṇavas (Vaiṣṇava Jātis)—a community of outcastes prevalent in Bengal and Odisha—and discusses how they can be integrated into a Vaiṣṇava society that adheres to varṇāśrama-dharma. This article serves as a follow-up to “Human Relations and Vaiṣṇava Dharma” and explores the practical application of Vaiṣṇava principles to contemporary social structures. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 8.
Human Relations and Vaiṣṇava Dharma (First Essay)
This article examines the importance of human societies, the need for reform within the varṇāśrama system, and the challenges of implementing such reform in the contemporary world. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura also discusses the position of Kalki-avatāra in relation to the present age of Kali-yuga. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 7, 1885.
Religion and Science (Dharma o Vijñāna)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses the position of religion and science, the defects of modern science and Evolution, the Christian concept of the soul, and how Naturalism, Progressivism, and Evolution ultimately arise from a demonic disposition. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 7, Issues 4–5, 1895.
The Superiority of Vedic Āryan Dharma (Vaidika Ārya-dharmera Śreṣṭhatā)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the five types of religion found in the world and demonstrates how the Vedic religion of the Āryan people surpasses all kinds of dharma. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issues 2 & 3, 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.
Śrī Viṣṇupriyā Ānanda Bazaar Patrikā and Prema Gāthā – A Review
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura critiques a new newspaper which mixes topics concerning Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism along with mundane current events, and also reviews a book of devotional poetry. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 5, 1899.
What Should be the True Aim of Education?
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura expresses concern for the welfare of his fellow countrymen in this early essay, which, whilst not explicitly spiritual in theme, offers valuable insight into the reformist sensibilities of the young scholar. The article was originally read by him at the debating club at Hogalkuria in West Bengal when he was merely nineteen years old, and demonstrates his engagement with contemporary social issues during his youth. First published in The Hindu Intelligencer, 19th January 1857.
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 Collection of Jewel-like Verses (Padaratnāvalī)
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a book on Vaiṣṇava songs edited by the renowned Rabindranath Tagore. Although Bhaktivinoda appreciates and encourages Rabindranath’s endeavours, he identifies certain philosophical errors within the work, particularly regarding the comparison of Śrī Caitanya with the French philosopher Auguste Comte. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 9, 1885.
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.
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