Approaching the Absolute - A Very Difficult Subject Matter
The subject matter of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the most profound science in existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently reminds us that understanding the Absolute Truth is not a trivial pursuit; it is a "very difficult subject matter" that baffles even the greatest philosophers and scientists. However, the unique contribution of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is that it makes this formidable subject accessible to everyone. Through the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the deepest mysteries of the universe are revealed to the sincere soul.
The Limits of Material Intelligence
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the common man, and even the so-called intellectual, is generally unable to grasp spiritual topics because of "blunt senses." Subjects such as the inevitability of death, the nature of the soul, and the personality of Godhead are set aside by modern universities because they are too difficult to analyze with material technology. For those addicted to the bodily concept of life—specifically those who are meat-eaters—the subtle brain substance required to understand God is lacking.
- When a man dies, something is lost. Where is the technology to replace it? Why don't scientists try to solve this problem? Because this is a very difficult subject matter, they set it aside and busily engage in the technology of eating, sleeping and mating.
- Those who are little above bodily concept of life, they find pleasure in mind. And farther, they find pleasure in intellectualism. Those who are meat-eaters, they are very dull. They cannot understand. For them the subject matter is very, very difficult.
- With all these blunt senses, how can we... We cannot understand even the Personality of Godhead, what to speak of other things? "God is a person:" - it is a very difficult subject matter for ordinary man to take it.
The Failure of Speculation
The path of dry philosophical speculation or mechanical yoga is also fraught with difficulty. Śrīla Prabhupāda quotes the axiom nāsāv ṛṣir yasya mataṁ na bhinnam—one cannot be considered a great philosopher unless he differs from others. This leads to endless disagreement and no conclusion. Furthermore, the mechanical processes of yoga and meditation, while scientifically valid, are deemed "very difficult" for the modern age, often resulting in a farce for those who have not practiced celibacy from childhood.
- If we take the philosophers, so one philosopher differs from another philosopher. Na casav rsir yasya matam na bhinnam. Therefore, to approach the Absolute Truth, God, is very difficult subject matter.
- Meditation, however, is simply a farce for those who have enjoyed life in sense gratification. As described in the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, meditation (dhyana, dharana) is a difficult subject matter that one has to learn from his very youth.
The Mercy of Lord Caitanya
The pivotal point in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings on this topic is the intervention of mercy. What is otherwise impossible becomes easy through the grace of the Golden Avatār, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. By His mercy, and by following the simple process of chanting, the "very difficult" subject matter of Kṛṣṇa becomes realized knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives the example of Devahūti, who, despite being a woman in a traditional context, easily understood the Absolute Truth by the grace of her son, Kapiladeva.
- Because we are trying to understand Krsna through Caitanya Mahaprabhu, therefore it has become easy. Otherwise it is very difficult subject.
- It may be possible by the mercy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu to understand Krsna consciousness. Otherwise it is a very difficult subject matter.
- It is very difficult subject matter, but it is made easy because . . . Devahuti says, sukham buddhyeya: "Very easily I can understand, because I am woman." Krsna is open to everyone: striyo vaisyas tatha sudrah (BG 9.32).
Access through Disciplic Succession
Finally, the key to unlocking this difficult subject is not scholarship, but submissive hearing. Whoever wants to understand kṛṣṇa-kathā must approach the bona fide spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages us that sincerity is the only qualification required. If one is sincere and hears from the right source, the difficult subject becomes clear.
- Whoever wants to understand the difficult subject matter of krsna-katha should accept the disciplic succession.
- Spiritual masters explain to a submissive disciple even subject matters that are very confidential and difficult to understand - SB 10.13.3.
- You will also be able to understand. It is not very difficult subject. But you must be sincere to understand. That is the only qualification required. That's all.
Conclusion
While the science of God is objectively a "very difficult subject matter," Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that it is not reserved for the elite. Through the causeless mercy of the spiritual master and Lord Caitanya, the most confidential truths are placed within the reach of every sincere soul who takes up the chanting of the holy names.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Very Difficult Subject Matter. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.