Forum

Hare Krsna!

PAMHO!

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!

I wanted to share something that I was thinking in the past days and also wanted to ask some questions related to it.

In order to collect any knowledge, there appears to be a 3 step process.

1. In step 1, we surrender unto an authorized teacher, or an authorized institution and request them to provide us the knowledge. So this can be called SURRENDER UNTO THE BONA FIDE. An example can be that in order to get a B.Tech. degree, we take the shelter of a reputed and authorized engineering institute like IIT, NIT, MIT, Caltech etc.

2. In step 2, we practice the instructions given by the teachers affiliated / connected to the authority / institute to which we surrendered in the previous step, and read their literature. Hence it can be called PRACTICE + SWADHYAY. Taking the example of BTech degree, we attend the classes of the institute at scheduled times / days, give their exams, read their books etc.

3. In step 3, after completing the previous 2 steps, we realize the knowledge, get our degree and apply that knowledge in our lives. Hence it can be called REALIZATION + APPLICATION. Again taking BTech example, we complete the education, get the BTech degree and start applying the concepts learnt there in any of the respective profession.

Similarly, knowledge of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna is also, a KNOWLEDGE. And same process can be applied in getting the knowledge of Krsna. 

1. In step 1, we can surrender ourselves to a bona fide spiritual master and a bona fide institute that teaches the authentic knowledge of Krsna, which includes the 4 Vaishnava sampradayas mentioned in Padma Purana, of which ISKCON is one which teaches really authentic and as exhaustive knowledge about Krsna, as can be known by a human.

2. In step 2, we can practice the chanting, follow regulative principles and read authentic commentaries of scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Ramayana, other Puranas etc.

3. And in step 3, we can start the process of self realization by the first Harinama Initiation and hopefully, if we are able to discharge devotional service in love properly, go Back To Godhead one day.

But, why do some people don't treat the knowledge about Krsna like this. Why don't some people are never ready to surrender to any bona fide spiritual master, even when to get any other type of knowledge, they surrender to many schools, colleges etc. Even when we find that lot of what that is being taught in schools is actually just mere speculations (Big Bang / Evolution), and, sometimes altogether wrong information (Invaders were peaceful people).

There are politicians who question scriptures like Ramcharitmanas without reading an authentic Vaishnava commentary of it, but, they will never question History textbooks, which teach that invaders ruled over India were "PEACEFUL".

Thanks!

Haribol!