Protestant , Catholic , Suni , Shiiat , Zionist , Rabbi , Smarta Brahmana of the cast systems , or brahmana by quality as taught by Gaudia Vaisnavism
Every one of these categories of theological persons and their attempts to understand properly theologies can all be properly thought of in set context. A thorough example of how each of them got to their present state of teachings should be carried out .In understanding of Divinity, spiritual teachers and authorities in scriptures and the previous saints and authorities must line up . There is no room for speculations or personal motivations for changing Divinity and His messages.
Not all men or women are at the stage of desiring exclusively pure devotional service to the Lord. Mixed devotion is in the mix in all theological paths with set progressive steps . However, the beginnings, middles, and ends of a spiritual educational system should be clearly defined and not mixed up .We can not have infants calling the shots or the advanced professors insisting that infant students practice and read what they do .
Some religious persons have devotional attitudes mixed with many other motives like political or material perfection for personal benefits. These are naturally reflected in the religious minded societies but should be recognised for what they are by the scholars of each tradition. The highest and lowest of standard must be made clear , otherwise, the lowest will pass as the highest, that’s called cheating religion .
Birds of feathers flock together. The Vedas , being extremely broad, can incorporate all motivated and unmotivated persons as well as pure persons . They put them into four categories and bring relative connections between them all .
The categories are Karma yogis …jnana yogis …astanga yogis and pure Bhakti Yogis ..
Each of those four categories has various followings, but also many subdivisions that are based on , and according to , progress in disciplines . This progression is according to how an individual can transition to a deeper spiritual understanding of much greater levels . The ultimate goal is pure dedication and devotion towards Divinity.
In Vedic Culures, the pure “person Bhagavat”, is the personification of the ancient Srimad Bhagavatam . Such a person is in a Gaudia Vaisnava disciplic succession . They are extremely well versed in the Vedas and take into account time place and circumstances when it comes to any application of the Bhāgavatam . They will be able to give a thorough analysis of all topics within the Vedas and relate them to contemporary times .
Krishna says in 7th chapter of Bhagavad Gita..
TEXT 16: O best among the Bhāratas, four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto Me – the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.
TEXT 17: Of these, the one who is in full knowledge and who is always engaged in pure devotional service is the best. For I am very dear to him, and he is dear to Me.
TEXT 18: All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal
.TEXT 19: After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.
TEXT 20: Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.
It’s absolutely vital to find a pure representative of God in order to advance fully in spiritual life who can correctly guide people’s claims of purity ….there are many who pose as devotees who are actually demons or with mixed personal motives .
Thus, checks and balances are in place in Vedic Culures. True Gurus , true saints, and theological texts always align.
The pure teachers, both of a past and the present , along with the scriptures consisting of both the Sruti and Smriti texts are essential to help us avoid those that will do us harm.
This is what Krishna tells us in Bhagavad Gita.
Chapter 16, Verse 13-15
The demoniac person thinks: So much wealth do I have today, and I will gain more according to my schemes. So much is mine now, and it will increase in the future, more and more. He is my enemy, and I have killed him; and my other enemy will also be killed. I am the lord of everything, I am the enjoyer, I am perfect, powerful and happy. I am the richest man, surrounded by aristocratic relatives. There is none so powerful and happy as I am. I shall perform sacrifices, I shall give some charity, and thus I shall rejoice. In this way, such persons are deluded by ignorance.
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