Settling the Truth - How Bhaktisiddhānta Explained the Mysteries

In the vast library of Vedic knowledge, it is easy to become confused by apparent contradictions or esoteric details. Śrīla Prabhupāda, as a faithful disciple, did not rely on his own mental speculation to solve these puzzles. Instead, he consistently referred to the explanations of his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. In these quotes, we see the "Lion Guru" not roaring at the public, but quietly illuminating the deepest truths of the scriptures.

The Great Commentator

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta wrote the Anubhāṣya, a commentary on the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Śrīla Prabhupāda utilized this work extensively to clarify the pastimes of Lord Caitanya.

• The mystery of the sannyasa-danda (staff) of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has been explained by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
• Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, describing the truth about the Panca-tattva, explains that we should understand that Caitanya is the supreme predominator.

Without these authoritative explanations, we might misunderstand the delicate relationships between the Lord and His energies.

Defining Real Renunciation

He was an expert at distinguishing between the real and the fake. He explained that true renunciation (nirapekṣa) means being unaffected by matter, whereas false renunciation is like that of a monkey (markaṭa).

• Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explains the word markata to mean "restless." A restless person cannot be steady; therefore he simply wanders about, gratifying his senses.

He warned that even after one gives up fruitive activity, the "subtle desire" for it can remain in the heart, a danger every devotee must watch for.

Scholarship is Not Enough

Perhaps the most instructive explanation is his own story. Although he was the greatest scholar of his time, he revealed that his own Guru initially rejected him.

• Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati explained that "I was little proud. So I was thrice refused by Guru Maharaja," although he was the only disciple. So the scholarship is not a qualification of becoming devotee.

This explanation settles the debate: devotion comes from surrender, not from Sanskrit grammar.

Conclusion

Whether explaining the stars in the sky or the desires in the heart, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta’s word was final.

• Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explains that unless one is directly empowered by the causeless mercy of Krsna, one cannot become the spiritual master of the entire world - jagad-guru.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Explains. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.