Friday, March 4, 2011

Radhanath Swami on The Purpose of Knowledge

Knowledge itself is of value only if it helps us to develop the qualities of a pure devotee, otherwise knowledge is a disturbance. We may be studying shastras from prestigious Vedic schools, we may memorize so many Sanskrit verses, we may be studying all the wonderful and amazing courses for preaching, or we may be studying the scriptures on our own. We may master so much philosophy and logic, and we may even be able to conquer others in debate, but knowledge has its real value only if it helps us to develop the qualities of a pure devotee.

These qualities are supposed to awaken within our hearts. Not only is our philosophy meant to defend against atheistic and materialistic philosophies that come from other people in the world, but the knowledge is also meant to conquer the false ego which is within our heart.

16 comments:

  1. ''the knowledge is also meant to conquer the false ego which is within our heart''. Great understanding and great teaching.

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  2. An article beautifully presented about the essential need for divine knowledge to curb our false ego, wonderfully put forth by His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj

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  3. All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj

    A very profound narrative.It makes a very precise point of how knowledge should give momentum to our Bhakti rather than something of no value.

    Hare Krishna

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  4. Shoba RamachandranMarch 4, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Thanks Maharaj. When I learn something and understand only at the mind level, I think that I have gained knowledge; something I have achieved. But now I know that I have not achieved anything unless I develop the qualities of a pure devotee.

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  5. So true.. thank u for the wonderful insight.

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  6. Thank you Radhanath Swami for explaining the importance of practically applying the knowledge we have acquired.

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  7. Jai, Very nice.
    The ultimate goal of knowledge is to develop the qualities of Pure devotees.

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  8. Thank you Radhanath Swami for leting us know the real purpose of knowledge. It makes one humble

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  9. "...but knowledge has its real value only if it helps us to develop the qualities of a pure devotee."
    Very appropriate point. Thank you Radhanath Swami.

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  10. Thank you very much for sharing the words of Radhanath Swami "knowledge has its real value only if it helps us to develop the qualities of a pure devotee."

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  11. Radhanth Swami Maharaj very nicely explained here about the purpose of the knowledge. yes I feel if our knowledge doesn't help bringing out our love for God, then that knowledge is like the phrase "Operations success but patient dead."

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  12. Yogita JagannathanMarch 6, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    This is so profound - it clearly defines why one should be studying scriptures or teaching them to others as well. The barometer for dtermining our progress in spritual life, after reading sastras is whether we are developing Godly qualities as mentioned by Radhanath Swami Maharaj.

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  13. This is wonderful. Knowledge is meant not for information sake but for transformation of heart.Thank you Maharaj for guiding us so wonderfully.

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  14. What a knowledgable article on true knowledge........great

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  15. Engaging the knnowledge in Lord's service is the real meaning of knowledge. Radhanath Swami has provided such a nice point here.

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