When Krishna is satisfied by simple devotion do we need technical intellectual analysis as done by Gita-daily articles?

Transcript

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Hare Krishna. Question.
When Krishna is satisfied by simple devotion, what is the need for intricate intellectual analysis of the kind that is done daily in the Gita daily articles? Answer. It is not a matter of Krishna’s satisfaction. It is a matter of individual inclination’s utilization and Krishna’s glorification according to individual inclinations.
If simple devotion is what satisfies Krishna, which is definitely true, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do the best that we can. Some devotees sing kirtans in very intricate musical tunes. Now, those tunes are very charming to hear for some people, but for those who are not so musically talented, sometimes it can be a struggle to follow the tune.
And the struggle to follow the tune distracts them from remembrance of Krishna. Others find the devotionally intricate tune an enhancement because it engages their musical faculty and enables them to remember Krishna more. Similarly, with respect to deity decoration, even if the simple decoration is done, that is fine.
If it is done with devotion, Krishna is satisfied by that. But one aspect of devotion is that one wants to do the best that one can do. And we can’t do the best with talents that we don’t have.
We do the best with the talents that we have. Somebody has the ability to decorate the deities very beautifully or somebody has the ability to sing kirtans in very complex or intricate tunes. Then that person has to utilize that talent.
And by that, two things will happen or three things will happen. One is that person’s individual inclination and talent will be utilized. Second will be Krishna will be glorified in extraordinary ways.
And that is, I want to add to the glory of Krishna in this world. Krishna is self-sufficient and his glory is self-effulgent in the spiritual world. But in the material world, people see with the material vision.
So when the deity is beautifully decorated, when the kirtans are melodiously sung, when the articles are written with intellectual sophistication, intellectual depth and penetration, then all this enhances the glory of Krishna in the material world. And by that, we come to the third point that people who are having those inclinations are attracted to Krishna. These may be new people who want musical intricacy.
When they hear kirtans like that, they are attracted. Simple tunes won’t attract them. Similarly, people who are more intellectually or more intellectually and introspectively inclined, when they get this sort of intricate analysis, they feel attracted.
So those who are new to devotational service, they become attracted to devotional service. And those who are practicing devotional service, they may also need intellectual nourishment and they get that through this. Now just as if somebody finds intricate musical tunes difficult to follow, that person doesn’t need to participate in that kirtans.
That person can participate in kirtans which have simple musical tunes. Similarly, a person who is not intellectually inclined, doesn’t need to read articles which are intellectually intricate. So we have to find what is uncool to our bhakti and accept that.
So if we find that with respect to intellectual aspects, we don’t need intellectually complex stuff. Then that is fine. Then we can find out what is it that inspires us in our bhakti and do that and move forward in our spiritual life.
And apart from these three reasons, another important point is that much of the intricate analysis that is done is very much in the tradition. If we see Rupa Goswami, Bhakti Rasaam Goswami, Rupa Goswami does an intricate analysis of the technical stages of devotion and Krishnadasa Kaviraj Goswami says that He says, don’t be lazy about following siddhanta. Why? Because by siddhanta, our mind will get impetus to become fixed on Krishna.
So in this way, our acharyas, if you see, Jiva Goswami does such technical analysis in the Sandarbhas. Baldevidya Bhushan’s Govinda Bhashya is very technical also. So there is in our tradition technical analysis also and there it is required to establish the glory of Gaudiya Siddhanta.
So from the rasa point of view, that is done in Bhakti Samal Sindhu. From the tattva point of view, it is done in the Sandarbhas and also in the Govinda Bhashya. So it’s in our tradition Now not all Gaudiya Vaishnavas have read Govinda Bhashya or Sandarbhas or they need to read it.
These are technical books. And those who want to become equipped to defend Gaudiya Siddhanta in a traditional Vedic setting may need to read it. But the acharyas have written the book.
So the precedents are there. And precedents of intricate intellectual analysis are there. And they are valuable in the tradition and they are relishable for those who have those inclinations and they serve the purpose of glorifying Krishna in ways that will enhance his attractiveness in the eyes of people in the world.
Within the traditional context, if there is no commentary on Vedanta Sutra, people will not accept the authority of that tradition. So that’s why Baldevinde Bhushan had to write Govinda Bhashya. So, of course, the Gita Deja writings are puny as compared to any of the previous acharyas’ writings.
But the point here is, there is technical intellectual analysis there also as precedents in our tradition. And ultimately all of us have to use Whatever is favorable for our bhakti, we accept it. And whatever is unfavorable, we put it aside.
So those who find the intricate analysis helpful, they can utilize it. Thank you. Hare Krishna.