How do we understand scriptural statements that reject all non-devotional literature
How do we understand scriptural statements that reject all literature not involving glorification of Hari as useless or a waste of time?
Often, we need to research literature for professional purposes, education, or learning skills to improve ourselves. Not all books, but some, help us develop values and virtues beyond technical knowledge. We also need to stay informed about current events because we live in the world.
Yes, some verses in the Bhagavatam may seem challenging or even somewhat extreme. But we must recognize their core message and the importance of context in applying it.
Consider this key fact: Parikshit Maharaj was about to die in seven days, and the entire Bhagavatam centers on the question—What is the duty of a person about to die? If we ourselves were in the last days of life, would we care about news or technical skills? Likely not. Our focus would be on hearing about Krishna.
From that ultimate perspective, the Bhagavatam stresses the vital importance of keeping Krishna as our ultimate focus.
Does this mean the Bhagavatam doesn’t apply to those who aren’t about to die? No. The Bhagavatam has a universal core message, though its immediate thrust is specific.
Take, for example, our tradition’s Jeeva Goswami, who went to Varanasi to learn grammar because no one there was better. His goal was to use that knowledge in Krishna’s service. But the study of grammar itself is very technical and not intrinsically devotional or spiritual. Sanskrit is devabhasa (divine language), so studying it can elevate consciousness in principle, but in practice, it can be exhausting. Some devotees get so burdened by memorizing complex grammar rules that they have no energy left to chant attentively afterward.
Still, that knowledge can be used in Krishna’s service, and indeed it was.
Now, Jeeva Goswami did not live in fear of sudden death interrupting his studies. Normally, we say death can come anytime, but he did not worry, “What if I die studying grammar? What will be my destination then?”
Even Shankaracharya emphasized that grammar rules alone won’t help us; instead, worship Govinda, remember Govinda. But what does “worshiping Govinda” mean? Is it just chanting and rituals, or is it doing whatever it takes to spread the Lord’s glories?
If learning grammar is necessary to spread Krishna’s glories, then it is part of devotional service, not outside it.
We must avoid two extremes:
- Completely absolutizing the scriptural statement—claiming we should only read Bhagavatam or devotional books and nothing else.
- Completely relativizing it—ignoring the spiritual principle behind it.
For instance, if a devotee refuses a good education calling it mundane, they may lack financial security or social respect, which can limit their ability to serve Krishna effectively. Similarly, being well-informed about contemporary affairs can help a devotee serve better.
If a devotee is utterly ignorant about the world—say, not knowing who the president of their country is—people may doubt their credibility and lose interest in their message.
So, with a service attitude, we can use worldly knowledge for Krishna’s service, becoming better informed or better equipped.
For example, if a devotee is sent to preach in a country where the local language is Spanish but they don’t know it, they must study Spanish. Spanish textbooks aren’t devotional, and may contain mundane or even somewhat sensual content, but they are necessary tools for effective service.
Similarly, a devotee building a temple must understand architecture, both traditional and contemporary, or else risk being cheated by contractors.
Srila Prabhupada himself demonstrated practical knowledge—when the Mayapur temple foundation was planned near a river, he advised on the foundation type to prevent flooding. Architects later confirmed his advice. He did not claim this knowledge came solely by spiritual revelation; he learned from practical sources.
Prabhupada also read newspapers and sometimes commented on them from a special perspective.
So, between absolutism and relativism lies a balanced approach: we utilize worldly knowledge in a way that supports our service to Krishna.
For a devotee whose service is purely temple worship and minimal worldly interaction, reading about politics or economics might be unnecessary or even a distraction.
But for devotees active in the world—surviving, expanding their influence, and offering service—their reading will naturally be broader, always guided by discretion and purpose.
Some acharyas themselves have read novels or non-devotional literature and used those forms to convey spiritual messages—like Jiva Goswami’s Jiva Dharma written as a novel.
We should study not only scripture but also how our acharyas lived and applied these principles.
Of course, we must avoid anti-devotional literature involving gross sensuality or obscenity.
If we find certain books cannot be used in Krishna’s service, we must honestly assess whether we are justifying our reading or genuinely using it for service.
What counts as Krishna’s service and what literature is appropriate varies among devotees, depending on their social situation, responsibilities, and disposition.
Thus, rather than a rigid black-and-white view, we acknowledge many shades of gray and align our reading with our purpose.
Our ultimate purpose is to glorify Krishna. We study various books as appropriate to equip ourselves to serve Krishna according to our social situation, personal responsibility, and psychophysical disposition.
Thank you.