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 Vaiṣṇavera Varṇāśrama (‘The Varṇāśrama of a Pure Vaiṣṇava’)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains how pure Vaiṣṇavas are transcendental to varṇa and āśrama because all of their activities are meant for cultivating kṛṣṇa-bhakti. The text examines the spiritual status of those who have wholly dedicated themselves to devotional service, demonstrating how their engagement transcends the conventional social and life-stage categories that govern the lives of those pursuing other paths. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 10, 1900.
Śraddhā and Śaraṇāgati
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains the difference between śraddhā and bhakti, the nature of śaraṇāgati, and the six limbs of surrender. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 4, Issue 9, 1892.
Siddhānta-Ratna – Written by Śrīyukta Upendra-mohana Gosvāmī of Khaḍadara
In this book review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura praises the author of a new philosophical work, yet expresses concern that the style of his language renders it inaccessible to most readers. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, 1881.
Vedānta Śāstra
In this brief editorial, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains his plans to publish the Govinda Bhāṣya of Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa, whilst first seeking to expand the subscriber base of the magazine. As the inaugural article written for Sajjana Toṣaṇī, this piece establishes the journal’s scholarly mission and vision for disseminating Vaiṣṇava philosophy. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 1, Issue 1, 1881.
Śrī Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākura’s Place in Kulīnagrāma (Śrī Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākurera Pāṭa – Kulīnagrāma)
Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura recounts his visit to the place of bhajana of Śrī Hari Dāsa Ṭhākura in Kulīnagrāma and describes its state of disrepair. He appeals to generous donors to come forward to renovate this holy place. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 3, Issue 1, 1886.
Samāvedana (A Respectful Petition)
In this brief editorial, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura offers a respectful petition to Mahāprabhu, glorifying Him and predicting that His message will soon travel to distant lands. He also mentions the service that the ‘beggar-girl’ Sajjana Toṣaṇī is performing in propagating the message of Śrī Caitanya. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 3, Issue 1, 1886.
Vigata Vatsarera Samālocanā (A Review of the Previous Year)
In this review, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura describes the hardships of the previous year, in particular the outbreak of the Kolkata plague and lack of cow protection. He also discusses positive aspects such as the preaching and nagara-saṅkīrtana activities. The article examines both the challenges and encouraging developments within the Vaiṣṇava community during this period. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 11, Issue 1, 1899.
Bhek Dhāraṇa (Accepting the Dress of a Bābājī)
In this article, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura discusses bhek-dhāraṇa (the acceptance of the bābājī āśrama) and examines how those who have polluted it constitute ‘a black spot on Vaiṣṇava dharma.’ Through this critical analysis, he addresses the spiritual significance of accepting the dress and status of a renunciate devoted to Kṛṣṇa, whilst considering the grave consequences of those who misuse or dishonour this sacred commitment. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 2, Issue 7, 1885.
Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a new edition of Śrī Caitanya Bhāgavata by Atula Kṛṣṇa Gosvāmī. While the Ṭhākura expresses satisfaction with most aspects of the publication, he also identifies and discusses several defects in the work. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 1901.
Prabodhānanda and Prakāśānanda
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura reviews a book which claims that the Vaiṣṇava ācārya Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī and the māyāvādī Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī are one and the same person. Through careful analysis, he refutes this confused assertion and clarifies the distinct identities and philosophical positions of these two figures. The article demonstrates the importance of historical accuracy in understanding the lineage and teachings of Vaiṣṇavism. First published in Sajjana Toṣaṇī, Vol. 13, Issue 1, 1901 under the title ‘Samālocana’.
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