The unwillingness to seek the aid of scripture is the vice of the wise, a vice that prevents their wisdom from leading them to freedom. We often think of those with developed intellect as wise. We may even see a developed intellect as an indicator, or at least a facilitator, of spiritual advancement. No doubt, a developed intellect can aid in studying books, memorizing quotes, analysing ideas, grasping concepts and verbalizing thoughts – all of which can aid deep philosophical understanding. However, this is not enough for spiritual advancement. Gita wisdom states that the intellectual faculty belongs not to the spiritual level, but to the material level, albeit a subtle material one. Like everything material, the intellect can be a double-edged sword; it can take us towards Krishna or away from him. The Bhagavad-gita indicates that a developed intellect is a symptom of the mode of goodness. Bhagavad Gita 14 : 7 rajo rāgātmakaṁ viddhi tṛṣṇā-saṅga-samudbhavam tan nibadhnāti kaunteya karma-saṅgena dehinam Lord Krishna Said: The mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings, O son of Kuntī, and because of this one is bound to material fruitive activities. The mode of passion is characterized by the attraction between man and woman. Woman has attraction for man, and man has attraction for woman. This is called the mode of passion. And, when the mode of passion is increased, one develops the hankering for material enjoyment. He wants to enjoy sense gratification. For sense gratification, a man in the mode of passion wants some honor in society, or in the nation, and he wants to have a happy family, with nice children, wife, and house. These are the products of the mode of passion. As long as one is hankering after these things, he has to work very hard. Therefore it is clearly stated here that he becomes associated with the fruits of his activities and thus becomes bound by such activities. In order to please his wife, children and society and to keep up his prestige, one has to work. Therefore, the whole material world is more or less in the mode of passion. Modern civilization is considered to be advanced in the standards of the mode of passion. Formerly, the advanced condition was considered to be in the mode of goodness. If there is no liberation for those in the mode of goodness, what of those who are entangled in the mode of passion? Our own endeavours can only take us to a certain level but ultimate goal will be attained only by the mercy of Vaishnavas and mercy of Krishna. Please accept my humble obeisances All glories to Srila Gurudeva ... All glories to Srila Prabhupada ... Always think of the Lotus Feet of Lord Krishna and you will find no difficulties in executing the tasks allotted to you by Krishna. Chant these names with love and you will feel the ecstasy: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare ... Hare Krishna ... Jay Jagannath ...
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 04:26:40 +0000
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