Further glorification of the most confidential knowledge (7 characteristics mentioned)
‘Raj vidya’ — ‘King of all knowledge’
Because it is the essence of all doctrines and philosophies explained before
Different philosophers: Gautama, Kanaada, Kapila, Yajnavalkya, Shandilya and Vaishvanara. And finally there is Vyasadeva, the author of the Vedanta-sutra
2‘Raj guhyam’ — ‘Most confidential knowledge’
This talks about the eternal activities of the soul and thus gives positive information
Just ‘Confidential knowledge’ explains spirit soul as imperishable and immutable but does not give positive information about the soul
Lack of complete knowledge leads to misconception of impersonalism or voidism
Modern educational system – Deals only with external knowledge (bodily platform)
3‘Pavitram idam uttamam’ — ‘Purest form of all activities’, purifying potency of devotional service is very strong:
Sinful reaction has four stages
Analogy: Growth of a tree from a seed has different stages – study purport (Ref. Padma Purana)
Pavitram – Implies all the four stages can be purified
Ref. Bg. 7.28: – Only those purified can engage in devotional service
Uttamam – Implies ‘beyond tamas’ (material activities) – Devotional service is never contaminated by modes, although sometimes devotees appear to be engaged like ordinary men; therefore devotional service is transcendental
4‘Pratyaksavagamam’ — ‘Direct perception of self by realisation’.
How one gets ‘direct perception of the self’ – By practising devotional service in the association of advanced devotees
Example of ‘direct perception’: By chanting Hare Krishna Maha-mantra without offence – One feels transcendental pleasure and gets purified quickly
If one further helps in the mission – one makes spiritual progress
Qualification: Advancement is irrespective of previous education or qualification
Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “Prakasas ca...” – Devotional Service is very powerful, simply by engaging one becomes enlightened, irrespective of qualification
e.g. Narada Muni – served great souls
5‘Dharmyam’ — ‘Perfection of religion’
Highest goal of all religion – Devotional service (Ref. SB: “Sa vai pumsam…”; Bg. 8.28)
Potency of Devotional service – So potent that without performing regular religious processes one can be raised to highest perfection – How?
Possible simply ‘by association’ of great acaryas
e.g. Narada Muni (Ref. Vedic literatures)
6‘Su sukham’ — ‘Blissful’ – Why? Because:
Positive engagement for senses
Simple to perform e.g. hearing, chanting, prasadam
Sastric example: Sanat Kumar became devotee by tasting Tulasi leaves of Lord’s lotus feet
‘Anything’ can be offered – “Patram puspam phalam toyam” (Bg. 9.26) – Leaf, flower, fruit