The Type of Jnana Directly Opposed to Bhakti

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

(From "Bhakti Tattva Viveka" - click to read more from it.
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If Shraddha-devi is not properly nurtured with the utmost care, she will be polluted by the germs, termites, mosquitoes and unhealthy environment of the processes of jnana, renunciation, impersonal conceptions, sankhya and so forth.

In the conditioned stage, jnana, vairagya and so on are unavoidable for the jiva, but if jnana is of a particular variety which is unfavorable to bhakti, it can ruin bhakti.

Hence, according to Srila Jiva Goswami the word ‘jnana’ here refers to the pursuit of impersonal brahma.

Jnana is of two types: spiritual knowledge which is directed towards obtaining mukti, and bhagavat-tattva-jnana which arises simultaneously along with bhakti within the heart of the jiva.

The first type of jnana is directly opposed to bhakti and it is essential to stay far away from it.

Some people say that bhakti arises only after the cultivation of such spiritual knowledge, but this statement is completely erroneous.

Bhakti actually dries up by the cultivation of such knowledge.

On the other hand, the tattva-jnana concerning the mutual relationship (sambandha) between the isvara, the jiva and maya which arises within the heart of the jiva through the faithful cultivation of devotional activities is helpful for his bhakti.

This knowledge is called ahaituka-jnana or knowledge which is devoid of ulterior motive.

Suta Goswami says in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.2.7):

vasudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogah prayojitah

janayaty ashu vairagyam jnanam ca yad ahaitukam

“Bhakti-yoga which is performed for the satisfaction of Bhagavan Vasudeva brings about detachment from all things unrelated to Him and gives rise to pure knowledge which is free from any motive for liberation and which is directed exclusively toward the attainment of Him.”(from Part 1 – "The Intrinsic Nature of Devotion")

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Harih Om Tat Sat.

Natural Brotherhood (Bhaktivinoda Thakura):

BhaktiVinoda Thakura

"Gradually, when the offensive portions of the established religions are destroyed, there will be no more differences in the bhajana performed by the various Sampradayas nor any quarrel between them.

Then as brothers, the people of all castes and countries will spontaneously chant the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord together.

At that time, no one will hate anyone or consider others dogeaters; nor will anyone be overwhelmed by the pride of high birth.

The living entities will not forget the principle of natural brotherhood."


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