1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min
Read one verse of Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta with its Bengali, transliteration, word meanings, translation and study points.
Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta · Text Madhya 22.21
কেবল জ্ঞান ‘মুক্তি’ দিতে নারে ভক্তি বিনে ।
কৃষ্ণোন্মুখে সেই মুক্তি হয় বিনা জ্ঞানে ॥ ২১ ॥
kevala jñāna ‘mukti’ dite nāre bhakti vine
kṛṣṇonmukhe sei mukti haya vinā jñāne
“Speculative knowledge alone, without devotional service, is not able to give liberation. On the other hand, even without knowledge one can obtain liberation if one engages in the Lord’s devotional service.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioThree study points drawn from the translation and purport.
Speculative knowledge alone cannot give liberation. Even without knowledge, one can obtain liberation through the Lord’s devotional service.
Distinguishing between Brahman and matter is not enough if one thinks oneself the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such an offensive understanding leads one back to the material platform.
Through contact with a pure devotee, one can become liberated from material bondage and engage in the Lord’s service.
Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.
Trust and resolution. Devotional practice and association offer a steady path for awakening love.
The mood of Madhya 22 as a whole, an editorial reading, not the text itself. See the emotional atlas
From Śrīla Prabhupāda's chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:
If one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness fully, even though he may sometimes be agitated due to having previously practiced mental speculation and yogic mysticism, he will be saved by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself. The fact is that devotional service is bestowed by the blessings of a pure devotee ( sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ ) .Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in Madhya 22
Learn the words of the verse.
The themes of love and mercy this verse speaks of.
Sevā · Love translated into service
Devotional service expressed through cleansing, caring, teaching, honoring others, and living as Kṛṣṇa’s servant. · In the Prema Atlas
In this verse: “service”
Sādhu-saṅga · Love grows through association
Spiritual association shapes the movement, empowers disciples, and reveals truths through loving conversations. · In the Prema Atlas
In this verse: “pure devotee”
Concept links are an editorial study map; only the verse is the text itself.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
Am I valuing devotional service, or relying on understanding alone?
Set aside a few minutes today for an act of service to the Lord rather than speculation alone.
His recorded lectures on this verse, and the talks where he quotes it.
1 lecture given on it. Recordings and transcripts on prabhupada.io.
Study points are short summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport on Vedabase.
Ask Caitanya CaritamrtaHave a question about CC Madhya 22.21? Get an answer from the verses themselves.