Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur on mundane knowledge

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Song 10. Kalyana Kalpa-taru:

 

By Bhaktivinod Thakur

 

MUNDANE KNOWLEDGE IS MOST HARMFUL:

 

Mana re, keno koro vidyAr gauraba

Smriti-shAstra, byAkarana, nAnA-bhAshA-Alochana,

Briddhi kore' jaser saurabha

 

(1)

Oh mind, why do you give such importance to mundane knowledge? Your

discussion and deliberation on the smriti scriptures, various languages and

grammar certainly increases the sweet fragrance of your own material

reputation, name and fame.

 

Kintu dekho chintA kori', jadi nA bhajile hari,

VidyA tabe kevala rauraba

Krishna prati anurakti, sei beeje janme bhakti

VidyA ho'te tAhA asambhava

 

(2)

But just look here and consider this for your judgement. If you have not

worshipped Lord Hari, then all your so-called knowledge is just like a

vicious hell. True devotional service actually takes its birth from the seed

of attraction and affection for Krishna. Such a seed is impossible to get by

the cultivation of ordinary worldly knowledge.

 

VidyAr mArjana tA'r, kabhu kabhu apakAr,

Jagatete kori anubhava

Je vidyAr Alochane, krishna-rati sphure mane,

TAhAri Adara jAno' saba

 

(3)

I feel that the hair-splitting scrutiny of mundane knowledge is actually

harmful. On the other hand, everyone will appreciate the cultivation of that

transcendental knowledge which awakens love and attachment for Krishna

within the mind.

 

Bhakti bAdhA jAhA ho'te, se vidyAr mastakete,

PadAghAta koro' akaitaba

Saraswatee krishna-priyA, krishna-bhakti tA'r hiyA,

Binoder sei se vaibhava.

 

(4)

Among all the obstacles to devotion, this mundane knowledge is certainly the

foremost. You must sincerely kick it out, dear mind, for the real

understanding is that Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, is very

dear to Lord Krishna, and devotion to Him is her very heart. This very

devotion is indeed the sanctifying grace of Bhaktivinoda.