Purpose of Vedic Studying is to Understand Kṛṣṇa
The vast body of Vedic literature—encompassing the Upaniṣads, Purāṇas, Vedānta-sūtras, and more—can often appear bewildering due to its diverse instructions on rituals, sacrifices, and philosophical speculation. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda cuts through this immense complexity by repeatedly highlighting the singular, ultimate conclusion given by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself. The entire purpose of Vedic study is not merely to become a learned scholar, to acquire mystic powers, or to attain heavenly planets. The supreme, practical purpose is simply to understand Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and to lovingly reestablish one's eternal relationship with Him.
The Ultimate Conclusion Stated by the Lord
In the Bhagavad-gītā, Lord Kṛṣṇa removes all ambiguity regarding the vast Vedic knowledge by personally defining its ultimate goal.
- In this verse (of BG 15.15) the purpose of the Vedas, the understanding of the Vedas and the goal of Vedas are clearly defined.
- Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita (BG 15.15), "The real purpose of veda, knowledge, is to know Me." One who knows Krsna perfectly is liberated.
- In the Bhagavad-gita the same theory is confirmed by the Lord in His own words: the ultimate purpose of the Vedas is to know Him only.
- Vimarsana, however, is also explained in Bhagavad-gita (BG 15.15), where Krsna says, vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah: the purpose of Vedic study is to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Loke is also significant because in the Paurusa, a Vedic literature, it is stated: lokyate vedartho 'nena. This Supreme Lord in His localized aspect as Paramatma explains the purpose of the Vedas.
- In the Bhagavad-gita the Lord says that the purpose of all the Vedas is to know Him (Lord Krsna), and Srimad-Bhagavatam is Lord Sri Krsna Himself in the form of recorded knowledge.
- The Bhagavad-gita is the essence of all Vedic literatures because, after all, Vedic literature means to understand Krsna, the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the purpose of Vedic study.
The True Meaning of a Vedāntī
Many philosophers take immense pride in studying the Vedānta, yet they fail to grasp its essence. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that a true vedāntī is simply one who has realized Kṛṣṇa.
- Practical purpose of studying Vedas, vedanti . . . That vedanti means to understand Krsna. But vedesu durlabham. At the same time, it is said, - It is very, very difficult to understand Krsna by becoming so-called Vedanti.
- The purpose of studying Veda means to understand Krsna. And Vedanta-vit. Because people are very much proud, especially Mayavadi philosophers, they're very much proud of becoming vedanti.
- It is the purpose of the Vedanta-sutra to reestablish the living entity's lost relationship with the Supreme Lord Krsna and to enable him to execute devotional service and ultimately achieve the highest goal of life, love of Godhead.
- Caitanya was neither foolish nor ignorant of the principles of Vedanta. His purpose was to demonstrate to modern society that fools who have no history of penance and austerity should not try to study Vedanta just for some recreational purpose.
- Less intelligent men cannot understand the purpose of Vedanta-sutra, although they may make a show of studying the sutras in a perverted way.
The Distraction of Rituals and Speculation
A significant portion of the Vedas deals with karma-kāṇḍa (fruitive rituals) and jñāna-kāṇḍa (philosophical speculation). If one becomes stuck in these sections without advancing to the understanding of the Supreme Lord, their study is ultimately useless.
- In this verse (SB 5.11.2), two words are significant - veda-vada and tattva-vada. According to Bhagavad-gita, those who are simply attached to the Vedas and who do not understand the purpose of the Vedas or the Vedanta-sutra are called veda-vada-ratah.
- One who is attracted by the ritualistic formulas of the Vedas is attracted by the beautiful green leaves of the tree. He does not exactly know the purpose of the Vedas.
- One must be intelligent enough to understand the purpose of the Vedas, without being attached to the rituals only, and must not desire to be elevated to the heavenly kingdoms for a better quality of sense gratification.
- One who analytically studies the purpose of the Vedas understands that by karma-kanda, sacrificial activity, one comes to the conclusion of jnana-kanda, speculative knowledge.
- Lord Caitanya quoted a verse from the Padma Purana (62.31) in which it is stated that the Lord ordered Mahadeva, Lord Siva, to present some imaginary interpretations of Vedic literatures in order to divert people from the actual purpose of the Vedas.
The Perfection of Vedic Knowledge
When one achieves the actual purpose of the Vedas by understanding Lord Kṛṣṇa, all further obligations to study cease, and the influence of material illusion is permanently destroyed.
- The purpose of studying Vedas is to understand Krsna. Or in other words, if anyone has understood Krsna, he has studied all the Vedas.
- The purpose of studying Vedas means to understand Krsna, or God. When I speak of Krsna, you understand God. So when one understands what is God, what is Brahman, what is Krsna, what is Paramatma, then he is a Brahmana. This is the process.
- The Vedic scriptures are nothing but the injunctions of Lord Krsna. The purpose of the study of all the Vedas is to know Krsna; therefore, the words of Krsna and the message of His pastimes are always purifying.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu further says that the purpose of studying Vedas means to understand Krsna. And as soon as one understands Krsna, automatically the tinges of maya, the influence of maya, automatically becomes vanquished.
- The actual purpose of studying Vedas means to understand Krsna. If one has not understood Krsna, then srama eva hi kevalam (SB 1.2.8). They have simply labored for nothing.
- The purpose of Vedic study is to transcend the activities of the three modes of material nature.
Conclusion
The comprehensive study of the Vedas is an impossible task for the short-lived, disturbed population of the modern age. Therefore, Śrīla Prabhupāda, perfectly echoing the instructions of Lord Kṛṣṇa and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, distills the vast Vedic ocean into its absolute essence. To study the Vedas merely for academic prestige, ritualistic gains, or impersonal speculation is to entirely miss the point. The ultimate purpose of all Vedic studying is to transcend the modes of material nature, comprehend the absolute position of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and surrender to Him. When one perfectly understands Kṛṣṇa, they have automatically mastered all the Vedas and achieved the highest perfection of human life.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Purpose of Vedic Studying. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.