(a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

    • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
      o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
    • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
      o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
      o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
    • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
      o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
      o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

    (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

    (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

    (c) Why called Abuddhayah

    (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

    (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

    (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

    LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

    Text 7.25

    THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

    • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
    • Gets covered by internal potency
    • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
    Learnings from Purport 7.25

    (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

    • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
      o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
    • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
      o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
      o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
    • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
      o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
      o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

      (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

      (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

      (c) Why called Abuddhayah

      (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

      (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

      (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

      LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

      Text 7.25

      THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

      • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
      • Gets covered by internal potency
      • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
      Learnings from Purport 7.25

      (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

      • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
        o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
      • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
        o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
        o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
      • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
        o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
        o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

      (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

      (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

      (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

      (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

      LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

      Text 7.24

      THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

      SUMMARISED THEME 

      IMPERSONALISTS

      • Their philosophy:
      • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
      • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
      • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
      • What knowledge they lack
      • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
      • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
      • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
      Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

      (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

      • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
      • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
      • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
      • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

      (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

      • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
      • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
      • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

      (c) Why called Abuddhayah

      • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

      (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

      • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

      (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

      • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

      (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

      LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

      Text 7.25

      THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

      • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
      • Gets covered by internal potency
      • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
      Learnings from Purport 7.25

      (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

      • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
        o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
      • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
        o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
        o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
      • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
        o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
        o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

        (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

        (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

        (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

        (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

        LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

        Text 7.24

        THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

        SUMMARISED THEME 

        IMPERSONALISTS

        • Their philosophy:
        • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
        • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
        • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
        • What knowledge they lack
        • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
        • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
        • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
        Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

        (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

        • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
        • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
        • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
        • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

        (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

        • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
        • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
        • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

        (c) Why called Abuddhayah

        • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

        (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

        • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

        (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

        • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

        (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

        LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

        Text 7.25

        THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

        • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
        • Gets covered by internal potency
        • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
        Learnings from Purport 7.25

        (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

        • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
          o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
        • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
          o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
          o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
        • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
          o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
          o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

        (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

        (b) Attitude of pure devotee

        (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

        (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

        Text 7.23

        THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

        Learnings from Purport 7.23

        (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

        • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

        (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

        • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
        • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

        (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

        • Brahmanas are the head
        • Ksatriyas are the arms
        • Vaishyas are the waist and
        • Sudras are the legs

        (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

        • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
          o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
        • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

        LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

        Text 7.24

        THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

        SUMMARISED THEME 

        IMPERSONALISTS

        • Their philosophy:
        • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
        • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
        • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
        • What knowledge they lack
        • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
        • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
        • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
        Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

        (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

        • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
        • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
        • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
        • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

        (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

        • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
        • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
        • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

        (c) Why called Abuddhayah

        • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

        (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

        • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

        (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

        • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

        (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

        LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

        Text 7.25

        THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

        • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
        • Gets covered by internal potency
        • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
        Learnings from Purport 7.25

        (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

        • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
          o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
        • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
          o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
          o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
        • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
          o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
          o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

          (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

          (b) Attitude of pure devotee

          (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

          (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

          Text 7.23

          THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

          Learnings from Purport 7.23

          (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

          • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

          (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

          • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
          • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

          (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

          • Brahmanas are the head
          • Ksatriyas are the arms
          • Vaishyas are the waist and
          • Sudras are the legs

          (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

          • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
            o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
          • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

          LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

          Text 7.24

          THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

          SUMMARISED THEME 

          IMPERSONALISTS

          • Their philosophy:
          • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
          • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
          • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
          • What knowledge they lack
          • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
          • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
          • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
          Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

          (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

          • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
          • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
          • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
          • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

          (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

          • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
          • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
          • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

          (c) Why called Abuddhayah

          • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

          (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

          • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

          (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

          • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

          (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

          LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

          Text 7.25

          THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

          • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
          • Gets covered by internal potency
          • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
          Learnings from Purport 7.25

          (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

          • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
            o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
          • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
            o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
            o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
          • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
            o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
            o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

          (a) Every living entity has its own minute independence – Supreme Lord does not interfere but gives facilities

          (b) Why the All Powerful God gives facilities to the living entities to enjoy and fall into the trap of illusory energy

          (c) Both, the living entities and the demigods are subordinate to the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and have no separate independence without the sanction of the Lord

          (d) People go to demigods for different material desires (As per the Vedic literatures)

          Text 7.22

          THEME : It is only Krishna who bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities.

          Learnings from Purport 7.22

          (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

          • Living entities may forget, that everything is the property of the Supreme Lord
          • But the demigods do not forget

          (b) Attitude of pure devotee

          • Knows that everything comes from Supreme Lord
          • Does not ask for material benefit
          • Ref. CC: To worship the Supreme Lord and at the same time desiring material enjoyment is contradictory

          (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

          • For living entity desiring to return to Godhead, material desires are impediments
          • Therefore the Supreme Lord does not award material benefits to the pure devotees

          (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

          Text 7.23

          THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

          Learnings from Purport 7.23

          (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

          • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

          (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

          • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
          • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

          (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

          • Brahmanas are the head
          • Ksatriyas are the arms
          • Vaishyas are the waist and
          • Sudras are the legs

          (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

          • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
            o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
          • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

          LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

          Text 7.24

          THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

          SUMMARISED THEME 

          IMPERSONALISTS

          • Their philosophy:
          • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
          • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
          • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
          • What knowledge they lack
          • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
          • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
          • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
          Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

          (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

          • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
          • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
          • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
          • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

          (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

          • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
          • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
          • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

          (c) Why called Abuddhayah

          • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

          (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

          • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

          (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

          • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

          (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

          LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

          Text 7.25

          THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

          • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
          • Gets covered by internal potency
          • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
          Learnings from Purport 7.25

          (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

          • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
            o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
          • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
            o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
            o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
          • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
            o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
            o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

            (a) Every living entity has its own minute independence – Supreme Lord does not interfere but gives facilities

            (b) Why the All Powerful God gives facilities to the living entities to enjoy and fall into the trap of illusory energy

            (c) Both, the living entities and the demigods are subordinate to the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and have no separate independence without the sanction of the Lord

            (d) People go to demigods for different material desires (As per the Vedic literatures)

            Text 7.22

            THEME : It is only Krishna who bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities.

            Learnings from Purport 7.22

            (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

            • Living entities may forget, that everything is the property of the Supreme Lord
            • But the demigods do not forget

            (b) Attitude of pure devotee

            • Knows that everything comes from Supreme Lord
            • Does not ask for material benefit
            • Ref. CC: To worship the Supreme Lord and at the same time desiring material enjoyment is contradictory

            (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

            • For living entity desiring to return to Godhead, material desires are impediments
            • Therefore the Supreme Lord does not award material benefits to the pure devotees

            (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

            Text 7.23

            THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

            Learnings from Purport 7.23

            (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

            • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

            (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

            • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
            • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

            (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

            • Brahmanas are the head
            • Ksatriyas are the arms
            • Vaishyas are the waist and
            • Sudras are the legs

            (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

            • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
              o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
            • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

            LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

            Text 7.24

            THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

            SUMMARISED THEME 

            IMPERSONALISTS

            • Their philosophy:
            • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
            • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
            • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
            • What knowledge they lack
            • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
            • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
            • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
            Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

            (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

            • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
            • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
            • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
            • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

            (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

            • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
            • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
            • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

            (c) Why called Abuddhayah

            • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

            (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

            • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

            (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

            • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

            (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

            LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

            Text 7.25

            THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

            • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
            • Gets covered by internal potency
            • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
            Learnings from Purport 7.25

            (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

            • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
              o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
            • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
              o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
              o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
            • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
              o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
              o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

            (a) Who surrenders to the Supreme Lord and engages in devotional service – One who is freed from material contamination

            (b) What if material contamination is not completely washed away

            (c) Then why do people still go to demigods – They are less intelligent

            (d) Understanding of pure devotees

            Text 7.21

            THEME : However it is Krishna who supplies the faith offered by the worshipper.

            Learnings from Purport 7.21

            (a) Every living entity has its own minute independence – Supreme Lord does not interfere but gives facilities

            • Analogy: He is like the Supreme father for all living entities

            (b) Why the All Powerful God gives facilities to the living entities to enjoy and fall into the trap of illusory energy

            • If the Supersoul does not give such facilities there is no meaning of independence
            • Along with the facilities he also gives the ultimate instruction as the path to real happiness – “Give up all other engagements and fully surrender unto Me”

            (c) Both, the living entities and the demigods are subordinate to the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and have no separate independence without the sanction of the Lord

            • Living entity cannot worship by his own desire
              o Lord inspires the particular mode of devotional attitude towards a particular demigod
            • Nor demigods can bestow benefit without the Supreme will
            • Analogy: Even a blade of grass cannot move without the will of the Lord

            (d) People go to demigods for different material desires (As per the Vedic literatures)

            • For good health – Sun god, Surya
            • For education – Goddess of learning, Sarasvati
            • For a beautiful wife – Goddess Uma, wife of Lord Shiva
            Text 7.22

            THEME : It is only Krishna who bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities.

            Learnings from Purport 7.22

            (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

            • Living entities may forget, that everything is the property of the Supreme Lord
            • But the demigods do not forget

            (b) Attitude of pure devotee

            • Knows that everything comes from Supreme Lord
            • Does not ask for material benefit
            • Ref. CC: To worship the Supreme Lord and at the same time desiring material enjoyment is contradictory

            (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

            • For living entity desiring to return to Godhead, material desires are impediments
            • Therefore the Supreme Lord does not award material benefits to the pure devotees

            (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

            Text 7.23

            THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

            Learnings from Purport 7.23

            (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

            • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

            (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

            • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
            • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

            (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

            • Brahmanas are the head
            • Ksatriyas are the arms
            • Vaishyas are the waist and
            • Sudras are the legs

            (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

            • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
              o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
            • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

            LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

            Text 7.24

            THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

            SUMMARISED THEME 

            IMPERSONALISTS

            • Their philosophy:
            • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
            • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
            • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
            • What knowledge they lack
            • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
            • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
            • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
            Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

            (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

            • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
            • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
            • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
            • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

            (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

            • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
            • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
            • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

            (c) Why called Abuddhayah

            • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

            (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

            • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

            (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

            • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

            (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

            LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

            Text 7.25

            THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

            • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
            • Gets covered by internal potency
            • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
            Learnings from Purport 7.25

            (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

            • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
              o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
            • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
              o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
              o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
            • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
              o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
              o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

              (a) Who surrenders to the Supreme Lord and engages in devotional service – One who is freed from material contamination

              (b) What if material contamination is not completely washed away

              (c) Then why do people still go to demigods – They are less intelligent

              (d) Understanding of pure devotees

              Text 7.21

              THEME : However it is Krishna who supplies the faith offered by the worshipper.

              Learnings from Purport 7.21

              (a) Every living entity has its own minute independence – Supreme Lord does not interfere but gives facilities

              • Analogy: He is like the Supreme father for all living entities

              (b) Why the All Powerful God gives facilities to the living entities to enjoy and fall into the trap of illusory energy

              • If the Supersoul does not give such facilities there is no meaning of independence
              • Along with the facilities he also gives the ultimate instruction as the path to real happiness – “Give up all other engagements and fully surrender unto Me”

              (c) Both, the living entities and the demigods are subordinate to the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and have no separate independence without the sanction of the Lord

              • Living entity cannot worship by his own desire
                o Lord inspires the particular mode of devotional attitude towards a particular demigod
              • Nor demigods can bestow benefit without the Supreme will
              • Analogy: Even a blade of grass cannot move without the will of the Lord

              (d) People go to demigods for different material desires (As per the Vedic literatures)

              • For good health – Sun god, Surya
              • For education – Goddess of learning, Sarasvati
              • For a beautiful wife – Goddess Uma, wife of Lord Shiva
              Text 7.22

              THEME : It is only Krishna who bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities.

              Learnings from Purport 7.22

              (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

              • Living entities may forget, that everything is the property of the Supreme Lord
              • But the demigods do not forget

              (b) Attitude of pure devotee

              • Knows that everything comes from Supreme Lord
              • Does not ask for material benefit
              • Ref. CC: To worship the Supreme Lord and at the same time desiring material enjoyment is contradictory

              (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

              • For living entity desiring to return to Godhead, material desires are impediments
              • Therefore the Supreme Lord does not award material benefits to the pure devotees

              (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

              Text 7.23

              THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

              Learnings from Purport 7.23

              (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

              • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

              (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

              • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
              • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

              (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

              • Brahmanas are the head
              • Ksatriyas are the arms
              • Vaishyas are the waist and
              • Sudras are the legs

              (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

              • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
                o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
              • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

              LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

              Text 7.24

              THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

              SUMMARISED THEME 

              IMPERSONALISTS

              • Their philosophy:
              • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
              • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
              • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
              • What knowledge they lack
              • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
              • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
              • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
              Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

              (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

              • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
              • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
              • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
              • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

              (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

              • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
              • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
              • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

              (c) Why called Abuddhayah

              • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

              (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

              • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

              (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

              • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

              (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

              LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

              Text 7.25

              THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

              • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
              • Gets covered by internal potency
              • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
              Learnings from Purport 7.25

              (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

              • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
                o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
              • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
                o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
                o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
              • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
                o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
                o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies

              SURENDER TO DEMIGODS AND IMPERSONALISM (7.20– 7.25)

              LINK WITH LAST SECTION : Many people turn to other higher forces to fulfill their needs for relief etc. but not all surrender to Supreme Personality of Godhead, Some turn to “demigods” and others turn to “Impersonal Brahman”. Krishna described four types of people who have no knowledge and therefore do not surrender. Now He describes others types of people, who do surrender, but because they also have very little knowledge they surrender in imperfect ways.

              SUMMARISED THEME 

              WHY ARE DEMIGOD WORSHIPERS ARE CALLED LESS INTELLIGENT (7.20 – 7.23)

              • Intelligence stolen by material desires (Lust)– Fruits are limited and temporary (7.20 & 7.24)
              • Basis of choice of worship – Different modes and Natures – Different demigods (7.20)
              • Lack of knowledge of Krishna that:
              • Krishna is the source of everything (7.6)
              • Krishna makes faith steady, required by a living entity to worship the demigods (7.21)
              • Krishna bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities (7.22)
              • Result: Go to demigod planets (7.23) (keeps one in the material world, a place of misery)
              • Krishna’s devotees – Go to the supreme planet of Krishna
              • Result of demigod worship are all perishable
              • Result of devotional service unto Krishna is unlimited and eternal
              Text 7.20

              COMMON THEME : People whose intelligence is stolen by material desires often surrender to demigods

              • Their choice of worship depends upon the influence of the material modes
              Learnings from Purport 7.20

              (a) Who surrenders to the Supreme Lord and engages in devotional service – One who is freed from material contamination

              (b) What if material contamination is not completely washed away

              • They are by nature non-devotees
              • Even those who have material desires and still resort to the Supreme Lord, they:
                o Are not so much attracted by the external nature; because of the right goal
                o Soon become free from all material lust
              • Ref. SB 2.3.10: “akamah sarva kamo...” Therefore in any condition one should only approach Vasudeva

              (c) Then why do people still go to demigods – They are less intelligent

              • Attitude – They have lost the spiritual sense
              • Desire –They want immediate fulfillment of material desire
              • Modes – Affected by lower modes, therefore they do not go to the Supreme Lord
              • Level of motivation – Motivated by small desires and do not know how to realize Supreme Goal
              • Level of satisfaction – Satisfied by the rules and regulations of their worship
              • Conception – They think demigods are better for certain purpose as per their study of Veda e.g. Sun god for better health

              (d) Understanding of pure devotees

              • Ref. CC: “Only Krishna is the Supreme master and all others are servants”
              • Never goes to the demigods for material needs
              • Depends on the Supreme Lord and is satisfied with whatever he gives
              Text 7.21

              THEME : However it is Krishna who supplies the faith offered by the worshipper.

              Learnings from Purport 7.21

              (a) Every living entity has its own minute independence – Supreme Lord does not interfere but gives facilities

              • Analogy: He is like the Supreme father for all living entities

              (b) Why the All Powerful God gives facilities to the living entities to enjoy and fall into the trap of illusory energy

              • If the Supersoul does not give such facilities there is no meaning of independence
              • Along with the facilities he also gives the ultimate instruction as the path to real happiness – “Give up all other engagements and fully surrender unto Me”

              (c) Both, the living entities and the demigods are subordinate to the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and have no separate independence without the sanction of the Lord

              • Living entity cannot worship by his own desire
                o Lord inspires the particular mode of devotional attitude towards a particular demigod
              • Nor demigods can bestow benefit without the Supreme will
              • Analogy: Even a blade of grass cannot move without the will of the Lord

              (d) People go to demigods for different material desires (As per the Vedic literatures)

              • For good health – Sun god, Surya
              • For education – Goddess of learning, Sarasvati
              • For a beautiful wife – Goddess Uma, wife of Lord Shiva
              Text 7.22

              THEME : It is only Krishna who bestows benefits through the demigods to the living entities.

              Learnings from Purport 7.22

              (a) Demigods cannot give benedictions without permission of the Supreme Lord

              • Living entities may forget, that everything is the property of the Supreme Lord
              • But the demigods do not forget

              (b) Attitude of pure devotee

              • Knows that everything comes from Supreme Lord
              • Does not ask for material benefit
              • Ref. CC: To worship the Supreme Lord and at the same time desiring material enjoyment is contradictory

              (c) Reciprocation of Lord with pure devotee

              • For living entity desiring to return to Godhead, material desires are impediments
              • Therefore the Supreme Lord does not award material benefits to the pure devotees

              (d) Demigod worship is material; Worship of the Supreme Lord is spiritual

              Text 7.23

              THEME : Result of worshipping demigods – Only perishable results of no eternal benefit.

              Learnings from Purport 7.23

              (a) This verse refutes that worship of any demigod can take one to the Supreme Lord

              • Worship of demigods lead to their respective planets

              (b) Another philosophy – If demigods are different parts of the body of the Supreme Lord then the same end should be achieved by worshipping them

              • Response: They do not know, to what part of the body food must be supplied i.e. the stomach
              • Similarly the Supreme Lord is the source of all demigods and the demigods in themselves are not separate gods

              (c) Perfect knowledge – To know, not only demigods but also living entities as parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord

              • Brahmanas are the head
              • Ksatriyas are the arms
              • Vaishyas are the waist and
              • Sudras are the legs

              (d) Result of worshiping demigods vs. devotional service to Krishna

              • Results of demigod worship are perishable because
                o Within the material world the planets, the demigods and their worshippers are all perishable
              • Devotional service – The Supreme Lord is unlimited; His favour is unlimited and His mercy is unlimited

              LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.23 & 7.24: In addition to the demigod worshipers, another class of men who surrender, but improperly, are the Impersonalists. They are described next.

              Text 7.24

              THEME : “Impersonalists” are unintelligent – Due to their small knowledge, they do now know My higher nature which is imperishable and supreme.

              SUMMARISED THEME 

              IMPERSONALISTS

              • Their philosophy:
              • Impersonal Brahman as Supreme
              • Krishna’s form and pastimes are temporary manifestations of Brahman in contact with matter (Mayavada)
              • They think of Krishna as an ordinary human, son of Vasudev and Devaki, or powerful living entity
              • What knowledge they lack
              • Krishna is imperishable and Supreme (7.24)
              • Krishna is unborn and infallible (7.25)
              • Krishna knows past, present and future (7.26)
              Learnings from Purport 7.24: REFUTATION OF IMPERSONALISTS

              (a) Based on Bhagavad-gita

              • Krishna Himself speaks Bg. 7.24 (Impersonalists are unintelligent) in His personal form
              • Bg. 4.6 mentions Lord is “aja” (unborn), but still appears
              • Bg. 7.20 and Bg. 7.23: Demigods and Lord Himself as having their personal planets which points out to personalism
              • Bg. 9.11: Fools deride Me as human

              (b) From different devotees/Acaryas

              • Yamunacharya – “only devotees like Vyasadeva and Narada Muni can know Your form and activities, non devotees under passion and ignorance can never know.
              • Brahma Samhita – Supreme Personality of Godhead not known by study of scriptures like Vedanta literatures but by mercy of the Lord.
              • Sankaracharya – Krishna is Supreme Personality of Godhead (His followers do not accept, and therefore they are even less intelligent because they do not follow their predecessors)

              (c) Why called Abuddhayah

              • Because no knowledge of ultimate feature (Bhagavan) of Absolute truth (Ref: SB)

              (d) Vedanta Sutra – Absolute truth is “ananda – mayo’byasat”

              • Full of unlimited bliss and auspicious qualities

              (e) How one cannot understand Krishna

              • By mental speculation or by simply discussing Vedic literatures (Ref. SB 10.14.29)

              (f) How one can understand – Only by devotional service, beginning with chanting

              LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 7.24 & 7.25: Why Impersonalists who are detached from matter and are also transcendental are still unable to see Krishna. Why, although Krishna’s form and pastimes are eternal, they are not visible to everyone.

              Text 7.25

              THEME : “Result” for Impersonalists

              • Supreme Lord (Absolute Truth) hides from foolish and unintelligent
              • Gets covered by internal potency
              • They do not know Lord as “unborn and infallible”
              Learnings from Purport 7.25

              (a) Why Krishna does not reveal to everyone now, just like when He descended on earth

              • Krishna revealed only to pure devotees and not to common man, for example, only to Pandavas, Bhisma and few others and not to non-devotees like Shisupal etc.
                o Ref. Bg. – Except devotees, all consider Him as ordinary
              • Yogamaya curtain – puts the curtain of Brahmajyoti, which is the covering of the internal potency; therefore the impersonalists cannot see
                o Ref. SB 1.8.19 – Kunti Maharani’s prayers
                o Ref. Isopanishad Mantra 15
              • Brahma’s prayers (Ref. SB 10.14.7) – It is difficult to calculate the inexhaustible potencies,
                o Because You are always expanding your internal potency
                o e.g. Learned scholars and scientists who can even study the atom, but cannot calculate Your inexhaustible potencies
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