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.
Dainya (Humility)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura stresses the need for humility in nāma-sādhana, the practice of chanting the Holy Name. Through examination of this essential spiritual quality, the article explores how genuine humility forms the foundation for sincere devotional practice and transformation through the recitation of the Divine Name. First published in Bengali as Dainya (Humility).
Vaiṣṇava Nindā (Offences to Devotees)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the different categories of jīvas and Vaiṣṇavas and explains the dangers of committing offences to them. First published in Vaiṣṇava Nindā (Offences to Devotees).
To Love God
This article presents bhakti (love) as the religion of the soul, drawing upon Christ Jesus’ teaching: “Love God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and love man as thy brother.” Through this exploration, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura articulates the essential nature of devotion and its role in spiritual life. First published in 1871.
The Bhagavat – Its Philosophy Its Ethics and Its Theology
This work explains the flaws of orthodox Hinduism and analyses the philosophy of the newly formed Brahmo Samāj. The text addresses the fundamental principles of Śrīmad Bhāgavata philosophy, its ethical teachings, and its theological foundations. First delivered as an English lecture in Dinajpur in 1869.
Bhagavad-gītā Daśa Mūla
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s ‘The Bhagavad-gītā Daśa Mūla’ presents a systematic exposition of the ten root points of Gauḍīya siddhānta (philosophy) as established in the Bhagavad-gītā. The work elucidates the foundational theological principles of this school of Vaiṣṇava thought through careful analysis of the sacred text.
The Temple of Jagannath at Puri
This essay examines the history of the establishment of the great temple in Purī, Orissa, whilst also addressing the hypocrisy of temple priests in contrast to sincere devotional worship in pure love of God. The piece presents a critical analysis of institutional religious practice and the corruption of priestly authority, emphasising the importance of authentic bhakti over ritualistic formalism. First published as “The Temple of Jagannath at Puri” in 1871.
The Marriage System of Bengal
The Ṭhākura explains Hindu marriage customs and their deplorable forms through historical outlines of various types of traditional marriages. He expresses sympathy for the women subjected to the inhumane marital practices of certain groups in Bengal, offering a critical analysis of these social conditions. First published as an English article in 1871.
The Attibaris of Orissa
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura exposes the activities of a popular sect of so-called Vaiṣṇavas in Orissa, analysing their practices and demonstrating their deviation from authentic Vaiṣṇava teachings. Through careful examination of this group, the Ṭhākura illuminates the distinction between genuine spiritual practice and sectarian distortion. First published as a long letter in English to the editors of Progress newspaper in 1871.
Āmnāya Daśa Mūla
This article presents the ten principal philosophical truths of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava siddhānta as found in the Vedic Upaniṣads, the Bhagavad-gīta, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and the Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura provides his own translation of each verse and incorporates his commentary directly into the text. The Ṭhākura explores this topic in greater depth in other works such as Vaiṣṇava-siddhānta-mālā, Śrīman Mahāprabhura Śikṣa, and Jaiva-dharma. This piece was the first of four short articles, probably written in the 1890s.
The Secret of the Lord’s Appearance According to the Gītā (Gītāra Janma Rahasya)
Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda explains the transcendental position of Śrī Kṛṣṇa based on the Fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā. This article examines the philosophical foundations of the Lord’s divine nature and His eternal, unchanging existence beyond the material realm, drawing upon scriptural analysis to illuminate the metaphysical principles underlying Kṛṣṇa’s avatāra and divine manifestations. The work demonstrates how the Gītā itself provides the framework for understanding the Supreme Lord’s transcendental characteristics and His relationship to creation. First published in Gītāra Janma Rahasya (The Secret of the Lord's Appearance According to the Gītā).
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