270 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 7, Ch. 9

PURPORT

As stated in several places, bhaktya mam abhijanati: only by devo-
tional service can the Supreme Lord be understood. The intelligent per-
son, the devotee, does not bother much about the practices mentioned in
text 46 (mauna-vrata-sruta-tapo-'dhyayana-sva-dharma). After under-
standing the Supreme Lord through devotional service, such devotees are
no longer interested in studies of the Vedas. Indeed, this is confirmed in
the Vedas also. The Vedas say, kim artha vayam adhyesyamahe kim
artha vayam vaksyamahe. What is the use of studying so many Vedic
literatures? What is the use of explaining them in different ways?
Vayam vaksyamahe. No one needs to study any more Vedic literatures,
nor does anyone need to describe them by philosophical speculation.

Bhagavad-gité (2.52) also says:

yada te moha-kalilarn
buddhir vyatitarisyati

tada gantdsi nirvedarn
Srotavyasya Srutasya ca

When one understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead by execut-
ing devotional service, one ceases the practice of studying the Vedic
literature. Elsewhere it is said, Grddhito yadi haris tapasa tatah kim. If
one can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead and engage in
His service, there is no more need of severe austerities, penances and so
on. However, if after performing severe austerities and penances one
does not understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead, such practices
are useless.

TEXT 50
aq aseaa TATA:
BH PTAA: AAT BATT |
ddan cata frafa sesrn f&
af Fas WAT TAT Moll

tat te ’rhattama namah stuti-karma-piijah
karma smrtis caranayoh sravanam kathayam
