Text 21] Understanding Material Nature 1159
Devahuti very intelligently says, ““One may theoretically analyze and
say that by knowledge he has become freed, but actually, as long as the
cause exists, he is not free.” Bhagavad-gitd confirms that after performing
such speculative activities for many, many births, when one actually
comes to his real consciousness and surrenders unto the Supreme Lord,
Krsna, then the fulfillment of his research in knowledge is actually
achieved. There is a gulf of difference between theoretical freedom and
actual freedom from material bondage. The Bhagavatam says that if one
gives up the auspicious path of devotional service and simply tries to know
things by speculation, one wastes his valuable time (klisyanti ye kevala-
bodha-labdhaye). The result of such a labor of love is simply labor; there is
no other result. The labor of speculation is ended only by exhaustion. The
example is given that there is no benefit in husking the skin of an empty
paddy; the rice is already gone. Similarly, simply by the speculative
process one cannot be freed from material bondage because the cause
still exists. One has to nullify the cause, and then the effect will be
nullified. This is explained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the
following verses.
TEXT 21
MATTTAT
statratatiia «= PIATRA |
Mee AT HT TTT T TT FT 22 UI
Sri bhagavan uvaca
animitta-nimittena
sva-dharmendmalatmanda
tivrayad mayi bhaktyd ca
sruta-sambhrtayd ciram
$ri bhagavan uvaca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; animitta-
nimittena—without desiring the fruits of activities; sva-dharmena—by
executing one’s prescribed duties; amala-atmana—with a pure mind;
tivraya—serious; mayi—unto Me; bhaktya—by devotional service; ca—and;
Sruta—hearing; sambhrtaya—endowed with; ciram—for a long time.
TRANSLATION
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: One can get liberation by
seriously discharging devotional service unto Me and thereby hearing for a
