| Mantra Eleven 59

is some system of religious observances. But this is not the
purpose of the principles of salvation. The path of religion is
actually for self realization. Economic development is required
just’ to maintain the body in a sound, healthy condition.
A man should live in a healthy condition of life with a sound
mind just to realize vidya, truce knowledge, which is the aim of
human life. This life is not meant for working like an ass or for
the culture of avidya or for sense gratification.

The path of vidya is most perfectly presented in the Srimad-
Bhagavatam. The Bhagavatam directs a human being to utilize
his life in the matter of enquiring about the Absolute Truth.
The Absolute Truth is realized step by step as Brahman,
Paramatman, and, at last, Bhagavan, the Personality of Godhead.
This Absolute Truth is realized by the broad-minded man who
has attained knowledge and detachment, having followed the
18 principles of the Bhagavad-gita described above. The central
point in these L8 principles is the attainment of transcendental
devotional service to the Personality of Godhead. Therefore it is
recommended for all classes of men to learn the arl of devo-
lional service to the Lord.

Religiousness, economic development and sense gratification
without the aim of attaining devotional service lo the Lord are
all different forms of nescicnce, as will be shown hereafter in
Sri [sopanisad. Thus, to culture vidyd, especially in this age,
one must always hear and chant and worship with concentrated
attention, targetted on the Personality of Godhead, Who is the
Lord of the transcendentalists.
rr
