Day0162: SB 2.9.31:The Hidden Wisdom of God — The Supreme Secret of Knowing Kṛṣṇa

The Divine Secret Beyond Intellect
Supreme Lord begins to reveal to Lord Brahmā four original verses of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, known as Catuḥ-ślokī Bhāgavatam.
Before revealing these transcendental truths, Lord first reminds Brahmā of a vital principle-the knowledge of God is extremely subtle & cannot be understood through intellect, reasoning, or speculation.
It can only be known by grace of Lord, through devotional service (bhakti).
Foundation for all transcendental understanding-that realization of Absolute Truth is not a product of human intelligence but a gift of divine revelation.
1.Knowledge of God-Not Intellectual, but Spiritual
“Knowledge about Me, as described in revealed scriptures, is very confidential & can be realized only through devotional service.”
This means-God cannot be understood by speculation, logic, or academic study.
Beyond Brahman is Bhagavān, Supreme Person, source of both impersonal Brahman & localized Paramātmā.
Only by His own mercy can one understand Him-“Nāyam ātmā pravacanena labhyo… na medhayā na bahunā śrutena” (Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.2.3)-“The Lord cannot be known by eloquence, intellect, or study, but only by one to whom He reveals Himself.”
2.Qualification-Devotion, Friendship & Absence of Envy
In BG9.1, Lord Kṛṣṇa says to Arjuna:“Because you are never envious of Me, I shall now impart to you this most confidential knowledge.”
qualifications required to receive transcendental wisdom:
1.Bhakta-One must be a devotee, eager to serve.
2.Bandhu-One must be a friend of Lord, with simple-hearted affection.
3.Amanvya-One must be free from envy toward Lord & His devotees.
Without these, one may study scriptures for lifetimes, yet never touch their real essence.
*Lord chose Brahmā-the first living being-because he was surrendered, humble & eager to serve.
3.Limitation of Mental Speculation
Mental speculator may rise up to realization of Brahman effulgence, but cannot go beyond.
Just as a person looking at sun’s rays cannot perceive sun globe or sun-god within, similarly, jñānī cannot perceive Lord’s personal form.
Kṛṣṇa Himself declares in BG11.53–54:“The form you are seeing cannot be understood simply by studying Vedas, penance, charity, or worship.
Only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am.”
*Bhakti is not one of many paths-it is only means to know Supreme as He is.
4.Inquiries of Brahmā
Profound questions:
1.What are forms of Lord in matter & spirit?
2.How do His energies work?
3.How does He interact with these energies?
4.How can Brahmā properly perform his creative duties?
The Lord explaining that this knowledge is transcendental & confidential-it must be received with devotion, not speculation.
“You may take this knowledge carefully”-meaning, handle it with reverence & service, not with pride or intellectual curiosity.
5.Devotional Service-Key to Revelation
Rahasyam in this verse means bhakti-yoga-devotional service.
Mystery of Lord is revealed not to scholar, but to servant.
Bhakti begins with regulated practice-vidhi-bhakti-performed with one’s existing senses under scriptural guidance.
Through this practice, love of God (prema-bhakti) naturally awakens.
6.Divine Practices of Lord Caitanya
Essence of devotional practice=five potent limbs of bhakti:
1.Association with devotees-hearing from those who live by devotion.
2.Chanting holy names & glories of Lord.
3.Hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from realized devotees.
4.Residing in a holy place connected to Lord’s pastimes.
5.Worshiping Deity of Lord with love & reverence.
Even if one practices only one of these sincerely, perfection is guaranteed.
7.Spiritual Science-Beyond Reach of Logic
The Kaṭha Upaniṣad (1.2.20) gives a profound metaphor:“Both Supersoul & individual soul sit on same tree of body.Only one who becomes free from material desires & lamentations, by Lord’s grace, can understand glory of soul.”
The Lord within heart is Paramātmā & individual is jīvātmā.
The jīvātmā forgets his real nature & becomes entangled in illusion.
Therefore, he needs enlightenment from Kṛṣṇa or from His bona fide representative-the spiritual master.
This is eternal process of divine education-guru-paramparā, disciplic succession.
As stated in BG4.3:“I am revealing this ancient science to you today, because you are My devotee & friend.”
Thus, divine knowledge descends through devotional inheritance-from heart to heart, through service & faith.
8.True Method of Knowing Kṛṣṇa
In BG11.55, Kṛṣṇa sums it up perfectly:मत्कर्मकृन्मत्परमो मद्भ‍क्त: सङ्गवर्जित:।
निर्वैर: सर्वभूतेषु य: स मामेति पाण्डव॥
Devotion is both path & goal.
It begins with faith, matures through service & culminates in love (prema).
Speculation divides; devotion unites.
Speculation inflates ego; devotion melts it.
9.Kinds of Commentaries-Devotee vs. Demonic
•Devotees, who accept Kṛṣṇa as Supreme Personality of Godhead.
•Demonic thinkers, who twist His words to fit their own theories.
The first type enlightens heart; second type misleads society.