Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 25.56
Follow the Path of the Mahājanas
“By studying the six philosophical theories, one cannot reach the Absolute Truth. It is therefore our duty to follow the path of the mahājanas, the authorities. Whatever they say should be accepted as the supreme truth.
What the purport teaches
- Studying the six philosophical theories cannot bring one to the Absolute Truth. The verse therefore directs us to follow the mahājanas, the authorities, and accept their words as the supreme truth.
- The purport describes mundane philosophers as eager to establish their own opinions and refute those of others. It explains that Śaṅkarācārya interpreted Vedānta in his own way to establish monism.
- The Mīmāṁsaka philosophers stress prescribed duty and desired rewards rather than bhakti-yoga. Atheistic Sāṅkhya philosophers likewise do not accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the cause of all causes.
Try this today
Reread the instruction to follow the mahājanas, and write one sentence about the attitude it asks you to cultivate.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive guidance from the mahājanas rather than make my own opinion the final authority?
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.