Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 52

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168803705786686263.post-84313093771251650552008-02-24T08:55:00.004+01:002008-09-28T06:34:16.181+02:00Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 52Sutra 48 Direct perception and logical inference both confirm that devotional service is the highest truth, for devotional service is filled with transcendental knowledge and is the resting place of all truth. <o:p></o:p> Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Here someone may ask: In this, the concluding chapter of your book, what do you consider the final conclusion, the highest truth? Thinking that someone would ask this question, the author speaks this sutra. He says that direct perception and logical inference, which are two of the great evidences to discern what is the truth, both confirm that devotional service is the highest truth. This truth of devotional service, which was described in the Mahabharata by Lord Krsna to Arjuna, in the Eleventh Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam by Lord Krsna to Uddhava, in the four famous verses of Srimad Bhagavatam to Lord Brahma, in the very first verse of Srimad Bhagavatam, and in many other places in the scriptures in many philosophical dialogues with many questions and answers. Thus the view held by the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the highest view, the highest truth. It is a truth higher and better than what is taught by the proponents of fruitive work, philosophical speculation, or other views. That is the meaning.============ KARMA According to yoga, every action, good or bad, produces some karmic reaction. Actions that are “bad” create bad karmic reactions. A person who engages in heinous criminal actions or who lives simply like an animal, exploiting others, will have to eat the bitter fruit of such actions in the future. Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks ============ Because it is filled with pure transcendental knowledge, and because it is thus the best of all conclusions, the conclusion accepted by all noble-hearted and spiritually intelligent persons in all countries and at all times past, present and future, and because it is the root from which all truths have come, devotional service is the highest truth, the conclusion better than all other conclusions. This is confirmed by Lord Krsna, who in Bhagavad-gita (10.10) declares: "To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me." In Srimad Bhagavatam (12.13.15) it is said: "Srimad Bhagavatam is accepted as the essence of all Vedic literature and Vedanta philosophy. Whoever tastes the transcendental mellow of Srimad Bhagavatam is never attracted to any other literature." <o:p></o:p> Manu explains: "Direct perception, logical inference, and scripture are three methods one may employ to understand pure religion." <o:p></o:p> In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.7.20) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains: "An intelligent person, expert in perceiving the world around him and applying sound logic, can achieve real benefit through his own intelligence. Thus sometimes one acts as one's own instructing spiritual master."<o:p></o:p> In Bhagavad-gita (6.5) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains: "A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7168803705786686263-8431309377125165055?l=www.jagadgurusiddhaswarupananda.org'/></div>Quotes of Jagad Guru Chris Butler Siddhaswarupanandanoreply@blogger.com