Shloka 35
Dharma, Purity, and the Inner Purpose of the Vedas
Karma-kāṇḍa Reoriented to Bhakti
वेदा ब्रह्मात्मविषयास्त्रिकाण्डविषया इमे । परोक्षवादा ऋषय: परोक्षं मम च प्रियम् ॥ ३५ ॥
vedā brahmātma-viṣayās tri-kāṇḍa-viṣayā ime parokṣa-vādā ṛṣayaḥ parokṣaṁ mama ca priyam
これらのヴェーダは三部に分かれていても、究極にはブラフマンとアートマンの真理を示す。だが、リシとマントラは秘められた間接の言葉で語り、そうした密やかな描写は我にもまた喜ばしい。
In the previous verses Lord Kṛṣṇa clearly refuted the concept that Vedic knowledge is meant for material enjoyment, and here the Lord summarizes the actual purpose of Vedic literature: self-realization. Although the conditioned souls are struggling in the network of material energy, their actual existence is transcendental freedom in the kingdom of God. The Vedas gradually lift the conditioned soul out of the darkness of illusion and establish him in the eternal loving service of the Lord. As stated in the Vedānta-sūtra (4.4.22), anāvṛttiḥ śabdāt: “One who properly hears Vedic knowledge does not have to return to the cycle of birth and death.”
FAQs
This verse says the sages often express Vedic truths indirectly, and that such veiled expression is pleasing to the Lord, indicating that deeper realization is meant to be approached through thoughtful inquiry and proper guidance.
In the Uddhava-gītā, Krishna explains how to understand Vedic teachings and their purpose; here He clarifies that the Vedas cover multiple sections and are frequently indirect, so Uddhava should seek the essential intent rather than get lost in surface meanings.
Approach sacred texts with humility, context, and qualified guidance—looking for the underlying principle (self-realization and devotion) rather than taking every statement as purely literal or merely ritualistic.