Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Would you like to hear another question, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: \u201cIt is said that whereas the \u015brutis [the four original Vedas, the upani\u1e63ads, and the Ved\u0101nta-s\u016btra] embody eternal truths, the sm\u1e5btis [the Pur\u0101\u1e47as, the Mah\u0101bh\u0101rata, the R\u0101m\u0101ya\u1e47a, and corollary Vedic literature] embody the rules of conduct and thus need to be revised according to the dictates of the changing times. Will such a view be acceptable to all sections of society, and if so, how can the new sm\u1e5btis come into being, and who will give them sanction and sanctity?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: The sm\u1e5btis are given by the Lord and His representatives. They come from spiritual authorities such as Lord Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. The \u015b\u0101stra, or scripture, also gives this authority. For instance, for this age, Kali-yuga, the Lord has prescribed a special means of God-realization\u2014the chanting of His holy name. Sm\u1e5btis such as the B\u1e5bhan-n\u0101rad\u012bya Pur\u0101\u1e47a say the same thing\u2014that in this age of Kali-yuga, the only possible means of God-realization is chanting the Lord\u2019s name. In the Bh\u0101gavata Pur\u0101\u1e47a [12.3.51] also, \u015aukadeva Gosv\u0101m\u012b directs,<\/p>\n
kaler do\u1e63a-nidhe r\u0101jann
\nasti hy eko mah\u0101n gu\u1e47a\u1e25
\nk\u012brtan\u0101d eva k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47asya
\nmukta-sa\u1e45ga\u1e25 para\u1e41 vrajet<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough in this age there are so many faults\u2014it is truly an ocean of faults\u2014still, there is one very great advantage: simply by chanting the Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a mantra, one becomes fully purified and is liberated from all material miseries.\u201d So this sm\u1e5bti injunction we should take up, and actually we see all over the world how it is purifying all sections of people. Take to this chanting of Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a; then \u015bruti, sm\u1e5bti, everything will be fulfilled. This is the easiest method. K\u012brtan\u0101d eva k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47asya mukta-sa\u1e45ga\u1e25 para\u1e41 vrajet: [SB 12.3.51] chant the Lord\u2019s holy name and you\u2019ll be liberated.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: So the \u015brutis are eternally relevant and constant?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes, everything is based on the \u015brutis. as the Ved\u0101nta-s\u016btra says, an\u0101v\u1e5btti\u1e25 \u015babd\u0101t: simply by chanting the Lord\u2019s names and instructions\u2014His sound vibration\u2014one becomes spiritually realized. \u015aabda brahman means \u201cspiritual sound vibration,\u201d and as the Ved\u0101nta-s\u016btra instructs us, by chanting this spiritual sound vibration\u2014the instructions and holy name of the Lord\u2014one can become liberated.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Also, the sm\u1e5btis are directly based on the original \u015brutis?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes, for instance, Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 is considered sm\u1e5bti. And Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101 also says, satat\u0101\u1e41 k\u012brtayanto m\u0101\u1e41 yatanta\u015b ca d\u1e5b\u1e0dha-vrat\u0101\u1e25: [Bg. 9.14] \u201cFully endeavoring with determination, the great souls are always chanting My glories.\u201d And as the Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu, which is also considered sm\u1e5bti, explains: \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti-pur\u0101\u1e47\u0101di [Brs.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Is sm\u1e5bti more than just rules of conduct?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. Here is what sm\u1e5bti means:<\/p>\n
The four original Vedas are considered \u015bruti. But simply by hearing them, one cannot understand fully. Therefore, the sm\u1e5btis have explained further. Purayati iti pur\u0101\u1e47a: by hearing the Pur\u0101\u1e47as and other sm\u1e5btis, one makes his understanding complete. The Vedic mantras are not always understood. For instance, the Ved\u0101nta, which is \u015bruti, begins with the mantra janm\u0101dy asya yata\u1e25: [SB 1.1.1] \u201cThe Supreme is that being from whom everything has emanated.\u201d This is very abbreviated. But the \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam, which is sm\u1e5bti, explains, janm\u0101dy asya yato \u2018nvay\u0101d itarata\u015b c\u0101rthe\u1e63v abhij\u00f1\u0101\u1e25 sva-r\u0101t: [SB 1.1.1] \u201cThe Supreme Being, from whom everything has emanated, is directly and indirectly cognizant of everything and is fully independent.\u201d In this way the sm\u1e5bti explains the \u015bruti.<\/p>\n
So whether you take \u015bruti or sm\u1e5bti, the subject matter is the same. Both \u015bruti and sm\u1e5bti are spiritual evidence. We cannot do without either of them. As \u015ar\u012bla R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b says in the Bhakti-ras\u0101m\u1e5bta-sindhu [1.2.101],<\/p>\n
\u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti-pur\u0101\u1e47\u0101di-
\npa\u00f1car\u0101tra-vidhi\u1e41 vin\u0101
\naik\u0101ntiki harer bhaktir
\nutp\u0101t\u0101yaiva kalpate
\n[Brs.<\/p>\n
You cannot become purified or actually God conscious without reference to both \u015bruti and sm\u1e5bti. So as we push on this K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness movement, it is not whimsical. It is based on \u015bruti, sm\u1e5bti, and pa\u00f1car\u0101triki-vidhi, the principles of \u015bruti, sm\u1e5bti, and the N\u0101rada Pa\u00f1car\u0101tra. Therefore, it is becoming effective<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Nevertheless, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, the question asks, \u201cDo the sm\u1e5btis need to be revised according to the changing times?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: They cannot be changed.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: The sm\u1e5btis cannot be changed?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Nothing can be changed. But according to the time, you have to apply the principles properly. For instance, in Kali-yuga the sm\u1e5bti order is k\u012brtan\u0101d eva k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47asya mukta-sa\u1e45ga\u1e25 para\u1e41 vrajet: [SB 12.3.51] to obtain spiritual liberation, one must chant the holy name of the Lord, Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. So you have to do this. For instance, a doctor may order, \u201cIn the morning, take this medicine; in the evening, take that medicine.\u201d It is not a change of the doctor\u2019s orders. It is simply that according to the time, the doctor\u2019s orders call for a particular medicine. But the particular medicine is recommended by the doctor, not by your whims. \u015aruti and sm\u1e5bti cannot be changed, but they may recommend a particular process at a particular time. So there must be adherence to both \u015bruti and sm\u1e5bti\u2014to scriptural authority. You cannot modify.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: There is no question, then, of\u2014as the magazine puts it\u2014\u201dnew sm\u1e5bti.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: No. New sm\u1e5bti? they may take it as \u201cnew sm\u1e5bti,\u201d but sm\u1e5bti is sm\u1e5bti\u2014it is not new. In any spiritual statement, you have to give references to \u015bruti and sm\u1e5bti. Otherwise, it is not valid. There must be veda-pram\u0101\u1e47a, \u015babda-pram\u0101\u1e47a: evidence from the Vedas and from the explanatory Vedic literature. Otherwise, there is no evidence. Your statement is not valid: you cannot change the original \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti. But you have to take their particular recommendation for the particular time, just as K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu did when He urged His followers to heed the injunction of B\u1e5bhan-n\u0101rad\u012bya Pur\u0101\u1e47a [3.8.126]:<\/p>\n
harer n\u0101ma harer n\u0101ma
\nharer n\u0101maiva kevalam
\nkalau n\u0101sty eva n\u0101sty eva
\nn\u0101sty eva gatir anyath\u0101
\n[Cc. \u0100di 17.21]\n
\u201cChant the holy name, chant the holy name, chant the holy name of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. In the present age of quarrel and anxiety, there is no other way to attain God realization, no other way, no other way.\u201d So \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti-pram\u0101\u1e47a\u2014citing evidence from the Vedas and the corollary literature\u2014is the only method for making a spiritual statement. You have to take it.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Can anyone change \u2026<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: No!<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: \u2026 the rules of conduct as described in the sm\u1e5btis?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Nobody can change them. But these particular rules and regulations in \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti are for particular times, particular circumstances. So we have to take these rules and regulations. You cannot change them.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: And who will sanction a particular application for a particular time and place?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. This was done by Lord \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Caitanya. When he appeared five hundred years ago, he sanctioned the application of \u015bruti-sm\u1e5bti because He\u2019s a genuine authority. He\u2019s a genuine \u0101c\u0101rya. And we are following in the footsteps of Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. It is not whimsical. You have to follow the authority in all circumstances.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Is this Vedic religion, this san\u0101tana-dharma, so broad that everyone is included?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. San\u0101tana means \u201ceternal.\u201d As K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a says in the Bhagavad-g\u012bt\u0101, na hanyate hanyam\u0101ne \u015bar\u012bre: [Bg. 2.20] \u201cThe living entity within the body is not destroyed when the body is destroyed, because he is eternal.\u201d So that eternality belongs to everyone. Not that the Hindus, after giving up this body, exist, and the Muslims or Christians do not exist. Everyone exists eternally. So san\u0101tana-dharma is meant for everyone.<\/p>\n
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Then is there anyone actually outside of san\u0101tana-dharma?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Nobody is actually outside. Everyone is an eternal spirit soul, and therefore everyone is meant for the eternal religion, san\u0101tana-dharma. You may think that you are not an eternal spirit soul, but that is simply illusion. There are so many rascals who think that with the death of the body, everything is finished. They may think so, but that is not a fact. Similarly, you may think, \u201cI am not a san\u0101tana-dharm\u012b\u2014a follower of san\u0101tana-dharma\u2014I am a Christian,\u201d but actually you are a san\u0101tana-dharm\u012b. Of course, if you wish to think otherwise, you can. Who can check it?<\/p>\n
Hari-sauri: So whether one can be accepted as following san\u0101tana-dharma depends on how one acts?<\/p>\n
\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. If one does not act accord to the rules and regulations of san\u0101tana-dharma, that is his business. That\u2019s all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: Would you like to hear another question, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da? \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da: Yes. Pu\u1e63\u1e6da K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a: \u201cIt is said that whereas the \u015brutis [the four original Vedas, the upani\u1e63ads, and the Ved\u0101nta-s\u016btra] embody eternal truths, the … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[140,3,249],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-area2","category-english","category-prabhupada"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-16 01:38:03","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58970"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58970\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}