Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 25.57
Follow the Path of the Mahājanas
“ ‘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 the opinions of great sages differ. Argument alone cannot establish the right spiritual path.
- Simply studying the varied Vedas does not reveal the true understanding of religious principles. Their solid truth is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person.
- One should accept the progressive path advocated by the mahājanas. The purport identifies these words as spoken by Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja in the Mahābhārata.
Try this today
Reread this verse and write one sentence about why spiritual guidance matters.
Ask yourself
How can I become more receptive to the guidance of self-realized persons rather than relying only on argument?
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.