1002 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 3, Ch. 25

the platform of goodness. In the mode of goodness one’s knowledge ex-
pands. On the platform of passion there is no knowledge, for passion is
simply an impetus to enjoy material benefits. On the platform of ignorance
there is no knowledge and no enjoyment but simply life almost like that of
animals.

The Vedas are meant to elevate one from the mode of ignorance to the
platform of goodness. When one is situated in the mode of goodness he is
able to understand knowledge of the self, or transcendental knowledge.
This knowledge cannot be appreciated by any ordinary man. Therefore,
since a disciplic succession is required, this knowledge is expounded either
by the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself or by His bona fide
devotee. Saunaka Muni also states here that Kapila, the incarnation of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, took His birth or appearance simply to
appreciate and disseminate transcendental knowledge. Simply to under-
stand that one is not matter but spirit soul (aham brahmasmi: “I am by
nature Brahman’’) is not sufficient knowledge for understanding the self
and his activities. One must be situated in the activities of Brahman, and
that knowledge is explained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Himself. Such transcendental knowledge can be appreciated in human
society but not in animal society, as clearly indicated here by the word
nrnam, “for the human beings.” Human beings are meant for regulated life.
By nature, there is regulation in animal life also, but that is not like the
regulative life as described in the scriptures or by the authorities. Human
life is regulated life, not animal life. In regulated life only can one under-
stand transcendental knowledge.

TEXT 2
qT TA: Fat Teo: aaa ATTA |
frat qazaea aft aeatea Asaa: 11 2 1

na hy asya varsmanah pumsam
varimnah sarva-yoginam
visrutau sruta-devasya
bhiri trpyanti me ’savah

na—not; hi—indeed;asya—about Him; varsmanah—the greatest ; pumsam—
among men; varimnah—the foremost; sarva—all; yoginam—of yogis;
