54 Sri Caitanya-caritamrta [Madhya-lila, Ch. 9

PURPORT

In the Vedas there are three kandas, or divisions: karma-kanda, jfana-kanda,
and upasand-kanda. The karma-kanda portion stresses the execution of fruitive
activities, although ultimately it is advised that one abandon both karma-kanda
and jfiadna-kanda (speculative knowledge) and accept only upasana-kanda, or
bhakti-kanda. One cannot attain love of Godhead by executing karma-kanda or
jfidna-kanda. However, by dedicating one’s karma, or fruitive activities, to the
Supreme Lord, one may be relieved from the polluted mind. But when one is ac-
tually free from mental pollution, one must be elevated to the spiritual platform. It
is then that one needs the association of a pure devotee, for only by a pure devo-
tee’s association can one become a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Krsna. When one comes to the stage of pure devotional service, the
process of sravanam kirtanam is very essential. By executing the nine items of
devotional service, one is completely purified. Anyabhilasita-stinyam jfana-kar-
mady-anavrtam (B.r.s. 1.1.12). Only then is one able to execute the order of
Krsna.

man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yajf mam namaskuru

mam evaisyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo ‘si me

“Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your
homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. | promise you this be-
cause you are My very dear friend.” (Bg. 18.65)

sarva-dharmdan parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja

aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
moksayisyami ma sucah

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. | shall deliver you
from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.” (Bg. 18.66)

In this way one develops his original constitutional position by which he can
render loving service to the Lord. One cannot be elevated to the highest platform
of devotional service by karma-kanda or jfiana-kanda. Pure devotional service can
be understood and attained only through the association of pure devotees. In this
regard, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura states that there are two types of
karma-kanda activities — pious and impious. Pious activities are certainly preferred
to impious activities, but even pious activities cannot assure one ecstatic love of
God, Krsna. Pious and impious activities can bring about material happiness or dis-
tress, but there is no possibility in one’s becoming a pure devotee simply by acting
piously or impiously. Bhakti, devotional service, means satisfying Krsna. In every
