Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 25.42
Understanding the Purpose Behind an Interpretation
“Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya has given his interpretation and imaginary meaning. It does not actually appeal to the mind of any sane man. He has done this to convince the atheists and bring them under his control.
What the purport teaches
- Lord Buddha, an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, taught nonviolence to stop animal-killing. He did not speak about God because the people were unable to understand.
- The purport says that freedom from the sin of animal-killing is necessary for understanding religion or God.
- Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya used an imaginary interpretation of the Vedic literatures to establish the predominance of spiritual identity. The purport explains that ācāryas sometimes conceal the real meaning to bring atheists under their guidance.
Try this today
Choose one meal today that does not involve animal-killing, remembering the purport’s emphasis on nonviolence.
Ask yourself
How does this purport connect nonviolence with becoming able to understand God?
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.