Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 17.186
Follow the Path of the Mahājanas
“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “ ‘Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person. Consequently, as the śāstras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahājanas advocate.’””
What the purport teaches
- Dry arguments are inconclusive, and great sages are known for differing opinions.
- Simply studying the varied Vedas does not reveal the right path for understanding religious principles. Their solid truth is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person.
- The śāstras therefore confirm that one should accept the progressive path advocated by the mahājanas.
Try this today
Reread this teaching and write down its instruction to follow the path advocated by the mahājanas.
Ask yourself
Do I seek guidance from self-realized persons, or rely only on argument and study?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.