Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 20.147-148
Vedic Study Culminates in Worship
“[Lord Kṛṣṇa said:] ‘What is the purpose of all Vedic literatures? On whom do they focus? Who is the object of all speculation? Outside of Me no one knows these things. Now you should know that all these activities are aimed at ordaining and setting forth Me. The purpose of the Vedic literatures is to know Me by different speculations, either by indirect understanding or by dictionary understanding. Everyone is speculating about Me. The essence of all Vedic literatures is to distinguish Me from māyā. By considering the illusory energy, one comes to the platform of understanding Me. In this way one becomes free from speculation about the Vedas and comes to Me as the conclusion. Thus one is satisfied.’
What the purport teaches
- When Uddhava asked about Vedic speculation, Kṛṣṇa explained the process of understanding Vedic literature. Its purpose is to make Him known, and its essence is to distinguish Him from māyā.
- The Vedas comprise karma-kāṇḍa, jñāna-kāṇḍa and upāsanā-kāṇḍa. Analytical study shows a progression from sacrificial activity to speculative knowledge and finally to worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the ultimate conclusion. When one reaches this conclusion, one becomes fully satisfied.
Try this today
After studying today, take a brief moment to worship Kṛṣṇa, remembering that worship is the conclusion described here.
Ask yourself
How can my study lead toward worship rather than remain only speculation?
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.