Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 56
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
य एते पितृदेवानामयने वेदनिर्मिते । शास्त्रेण चक्षुषा वेद जनस्थोऽपि न मुह्यति ॥ ५६ ॥
ya ete pitṛ-devānām ayane veda-nirmite śāstreṇa cakṣuṣā veda jana-stho ’pi na muhyati
ಪಿತೃಯಾನ ಮತ್ತು ದೇವಯಾನ ಎಂಬ ವೇದನಿರ್ಮಿತ ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದು, ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರರೂಪ ಕಣ್ಣಿನಿಂದ ಜ್ಞಾನಚಕ್ಷುವನ್ನು ತೆರೆದವನು, ಭೌತಿಕ ದೇಹದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದರೂ ಈ ಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಂದಿಗೂ ಮೋಹಗೊಳ್ಳುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.
Ācāryavān puruṣo veda: one who is guided by the bona fide spiritual master knows everything as stated in the Vedas, which set forth the standard of infallible knowledge. As recommended in Bhagavad-gītā, ācāryopāsanam: one must approach the ācārya for real knowledge. Tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet: one must approach the ācārya, for then one will receive perfect knowledge. When guided by the spiritual master, one attains the ultimate goal of life.
FAQs
This verse says that the Vedas describe two courses—toward the forefathers and toward the gods—and a person who understands them through scripture is not confused about life’s direction.
In his instructions on proper human conduct, Prahlada emphasizes that scriptural understanding (śāstra-cakṣu) protects one from delusion, even while living in society and facing many competing beliefs and goals.
Use scripture-based discernment before choosing life goals—whether worldly, ritualistic, or spiritual—so you stay steady and not misled by social pressure, trends, or confusion.