Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 6.135
Direct Vedic Evidence Comes First
“Although there is other evidence, the evidence given in the Vedic version must be taken as foremost. Vedic versions understood directly are first-class evidence.”
What the purport teaches
- Although other kinds of evidence exist, the Vedic version must be taken as foremost. Vedic statements understood directly are first-class evidence.
- A person presenting evidence is subject to four defects: mistakes, illusion, cheating and imperfect senses. Even when the evidence is correct, these defects can mislead the person.
- The purport concludes that only a direct presentation can be considered evidence. Interpretation cannot be accepted as evidence, though it may be considered proof of evidence.
Try this today
List the four defects named in the purport and reflect briefly on why they call for care in understanding evidence.
Ask yourself
How does awareness of my own limitations affect the way I approach Vedic evidence?
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.