| Shatanand explains that discourses upon the Sat-Shastras, by those who
refute the nine forms of Bhakti or the Caste system, should never be
listened to.
Shrimad Bhagwat
explains, ‘Those who do not listen to Katha (religious discourse) of
God which is likely to destroy sin, but instead listen to Vartas (talks)
of desires which destroy intellect, can never reach the heavens. Such persons
who can never find shelter of God are forever enveloped in darkness.’ Therefore
we must listen to discourses from those who are Krishna-Bhaktas - devotees
of Shree Krishna, who are ever faithful to their Dharma.
We must always listen to Katha from those who have a true understanding of Shastras
and who know the nature of God. We must listen to only the Sat-Shastras -
true Vedic Shastras such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Puranas,
Ramayan, Bhagwat Gita, Satsangi Jivan etc. but never those which
have no Vedic foundation, which lead one away from Shree Krishna and Dharma.
Vishnu Rahasya says, ‘Never listen to discourses from those who do
not accept and respect Brahmins, Sat-Shastras and saints.’ Sanat Kumar
Samhita explains the nature of those who should be listened to: ‘Those
who follow Swadharma, who are not sinful, a staunch devotee of God,
one who speaks of true Vedic knowledge, who is well learned in the Shastras
and who has overcome his senses; such a person is a true Purani or
Vakta (deliverer of Katha).’
Therefore it is very important that we listen to the right person who displays
all such qualities, so that we are never led astray through imperfect knowledge.
It was vitally important for Lord Swaminarayan to write upon this subject as
Vaktas of such calibre are few and far between. Lord Swaminarayan incarnated
upon this Earth to clean up the Vedic knowledge being imparted. He had pious
virtuous saints initiated into the Sampradai. Such saints of the highest
calibre were asked to write and lecture upon true Vedic philosophy and so
paved the way for future generations.
Other great Brahmins and Shastra-Kars exist in society (outside the Swaminarayan
Sampraday) - who are great devotees of Shree Krishna. Only such persons should
be listened to. There are many, who teach the wrong knowledge, who teach
contrary to true Vedic law, whose purpose is to build a fellowship for themselves.
These are the persons to be bewared of.
Often it is difficult to know what true Vedic philosophy is. In such situations
it is important to study Shastras ourselves. This knowledge will help to
keep us on the right path and help us to spot right from wrong. Study of
the major Shastras mentioned in the Shikshapatri and this Shikshapatri Bhashya
itself will help us in the future to make the right decisions.
The right knowledge derived will act as a tool and strengthen us to keep away
from that which is false. All sorts of philosophies and views will be forced
upon you, but with true knowledge on your side you will then be in a position
to reject that which is false. This Vedic knowledge will benefit you in life
generally and so it is imperative that a keen interest in learning is adopted. |
