Episode Details

The Kaṭha Upaniṣad (2.9) confirms: naiṣā tarkeṇa matir āpaneyā proktānyenaiva su-jñānāya preṣṭha, “This realization, my dear boy, cannot be acquired by logic. It must be spoken by an exceptionally qualified spiritual master to a knowledgeable disciple.”

Even in Vedic times, there were many rsis and munis, and they would not be capable of understanding the absolute truth using their intellects. This proves that mental power alone is not sufficient to understand the scriptures and realize the Lord. After receiving some preliminary knowledge, one may acquire some faith, which can lead him to approach a qualified spiritual master, and then, under his guidance, he may deepen his understanding. This is part of a natural sequence explained by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself, as part of His teachings to Sanātana Goswami.