Chapter 20 Highlights

1. THEMATIC ESSENCE OF UDDHAVA-GÉTÄLesson 15: Pure Devotional Service Surpasses Knowledge and Detachment(SB Canto 11, Chapter 20) Carucandra Dasa

2. Chapter 20 Highlights • Uddhava points out apparent contradictions within the Vedic teachings, whose origin is Krsna Himself (1-5) • Krsna’ s explanation in general on the paths of work (karma-yoga), knowledge (jïäna-yoga) and devotion (bhakti-yoga) for advancement in self-realization (6-8) • The discharge of prescribed duties while detached from their results—niskäma-karma-yoga—according to varëäçrma-dharma (VD) (9-17) • The path of jïäna-yoga (18-26) • The progressive path of pure devotion, or bhakti-yoga (27-37) CarucandraDasa

3. 1) Uddhavapoints out apparent contradictions within the Vedic teachings, whose origin is Krsna Himself (1-5) guṇa-doṣa-dṛśir doṣo guṇas tūbhaya-varjitaḥ In 11.19.45, Krsna said: “To constantly see good and bad is itself a bad quality. The purpose of life is to transcend materially good and bad qualities and come to the liberated platform of pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.” (Contd) Carucandra Dasa

4. Uddhava, however, points out that this apparent contradiction in the Vedic knowledge would potentially create chaos in the minds of those who are not spiritually advanced enough. • The varëäçrma system in the human society, which emanates from the Lord Himself, is fundamentally based on the dualities of good and bad qualities. The very existence of heaven & hell is the products of piety and sin. • Uddhava thus requests Krsna to resolve this apparent dilemma in the Vedic knowledge. Carucandra Dasa

5. 2) Krsna’ s explanation in general on the paths of work (karma-yoga), knowledge (jïäna-yoga) and devotion (bhakti-yoga) based on persons’ particular inclinations and propensities for advancement in self-realization, or Krsna consciousness, which is the ultimate goal. (6-8) Carucandra Dasa

6. Y O GA L A DD E R Carucandra Dasa

7. 3) The discharge of prescribed duties while detached from their results—niskäma-karma-yoga—according to varëäçrma-dharma (VD) (9-17) Carucandra Dasa

8. Overly attached materialists • How long and what will prompt them to progress towards jïänaand/or bhakti path? • Depends upon when detachment arises within the heart due to realization of the futility of sense enjoyment  transcendental knowledge, or jïäna, or direct bhakti • Gradual purification of the heart in his desire for sense enjoyment simply by the discharge of prescribed duties with detached from the results of work according to one’s position in the 4 varëas & äçrmasfor the pleasure of the Lord. (Contd) Carucandra Dasa

9. In whatever condition one is in  either spontaneous attraction for hearing krsna-kathä, or meeting with a pure devotee of the Lord  pure bhakti • We do, however, have free will! • Karma- or jïäna-miçra-bhakti çänta-raté, or attachment in neutrality, but not higher relationship with Krsna • Glorification of the human form of life  liberation and loving ds  no possibility of sädhanä-bhaktiin heaven or hell (Contd) Carucandra Dasa

10. Prahläda’s teachings on the practice of bhägavata-dharma as early as possible (kaumäraäcareta…) • The analogy of a sea worthy boat compared to a human body, spiritual master as the captain, and instructions of the Personality of Godhead in çästra as favorable winds impelling on its course • Despite all these advantages, if a human being does not utilize this opportunity  the killer of the self, or ätma-hä Carucandra Dasa

11. 4) The path of jïäna-yoga (18-26) • One naturally becomes full of anxiety because of distress from materialistic life  gradual detachment in the hope of liberation form his miseries • The mind become restless when propensity for sense enjoyment is controlled by brute force • When the mind is diverted to Krsna consciousness  automatic and lasting control of the mind by steady intelligence strengthened by the mode of goodness (Contd) CarucandraDasa

12. An expert horse man analogy • Careful study of the processes of creation and destruction of the material world  realization of its temporary nature  the mind becomes steady on the path of self-realization • The end result is that the mind now becomes receptive to following the instructions of one’s spiritual master  gives up the false identification with material nature • If momentary distraction due to an accident  by an yoga practice, the yogi burns to ashes the sinful reaction Carucandra Dasa

13. 5) The progressive path of pure devotion, or bhakti-yoga (27-37) • Beginning stage  an intellectual understanding but unable to control his mind practically in terms of renunciation of all sensual enjoyment • However, one on the bhakti path, he knows that al sense gratification leads to miseries and sincerely repents accidental sinful acts • Nonetheless, realization of the higher taste  detachment alone is not effective Carucandra Dasa

14. Nisöa, rucé & äçkatistages (29-33)  an intelligent person engages constantly in worshiping the Lord in loving devotional service under the guidance of guru  gradually all material desires within the heart are destroyed by the grace of the Lord  don’t give up the hope! • The tight knot of matter and spirit is pierced  all misgivings are removed  all karmic reactions are terminated  realization of the Supreme Personality of Godhead • Pure bhakti does not depend upon jïäna& detachment, rather both of these are the by-products of bhaktiand so is the liberation (Contd) Carucandra Dasa

15. Without bhakti, karma, jïänaand detachment are detrimental, but with bhakti they are useful • Material piety and sin cannot exist within pure devotees  freedom from all material hankerings and steady spiritual consciousness in all circumstances by the grace of the Lord (exs: Våträsura and the gopés) • The Lord excuses and rectifies from within a momentary transgression of His devotees • Freedom from illusion  understanding the Absolute Truth  going back to the Godhead Carucandra Dasa