None shall listen to religious discourses or narrations or stories (even the divine stories) of God from a person whose speech may lead to a fall from the path of devotion to God or from one's religious duties.
None shall listen to religious discourses or narrations or stories (even the divine stories) of God from a person whose speech may lead to a fall from the path of devotion to God or from one's religious duties.
Shatanand explains that discourses upon the Sat-Shastras, by those who refute the nine forms of Bhakti or the Caste system, should never be listened to.
Shrimad Bhagwat explains, ‘Those who do not listen to Katha (religious discourse) of God which is likely to destroy sin, but instead listen to Vartas (talks) of desires which destroy intellect, can never reach the heavens. Such persons who can never find shelter of God are forever enveloped in darkness.’ Therefore we must listen to discourses from those who are Krishna-Bhaktas - devotees of Shree Krishna, who are ever faithful to their Dharma.
We must always listen to Katha from those who have a true understanding of Shastras and who know the nature of God. We must listen to only the Sat-Shastras - true Vedic Shastras such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Puranas, Ramayan, Bhagwat Gita, Satsangi Jivan etc. but never those which have no Vedic foundation, which lead one away from Shree Krishna and Dharma.
Vishnu Rahasya says, ‘Never listen to discourses from those who do not accept and respect Brahmins, Sat-Shastras and saints.’ Sanat Kumar Samhita explains the nature of those who should be listened to: ‘Those who follow Swadharma, who are not sinful, a staunch devotee of God, one who speaks of true Vedic knowledge, who is well learned in the Shastras and who has overcome his senses; such a person is a true Purani or Vakta (deliverer of Katha).’
Therefore it is very important that we listen to the right person who displays all such qualities, so that we are never led astray through imperfect knowledge.
It was vitally important for Lord Swaminarayan to write upon this subject as Vaktas of such calibre are few and far between. Lord Swaminarayan incarnated upon this Earth to clean up the Vedic knowledge being imparted. He had pious virtuous saints initiated into the Sampradai. Such saints of the highest calibre were asked to write and lecture upon true Vedic philosophy and so paved the way for future generations.
Other great Brahmins and Shastra-Kars exist in society (outside the Swaminarayan Sampraday) - who are great devotees of Shree Krishna. Only such persons should be listened to. There are many, who teach the wrong knowledge, who teach contrary to true Vedic law, whose purpose is to build a fellowship for themselves. These are the persons to be bewared of.
Often it is difficult to know what true Vedic philosophy is. In such situations it is important to study Shastras ourselves. This knowledge will help to keep us on the right path and help us to spot right from wrong. Study of the major Shastras mentioned in the Shikshapatri and this Shikshapatri Bhashya itself will help us in the future to make the right decisions.
The right knowledge derived will act as a tool and strengthen us to keep away from that which is false. All sorts of philosophies and views will be forced upon you, but with true knowledge on your side you will then be in a position to reject that which is false. This Vedic knowledge will benefit you in life generally and so it is imperative that a keen interest in learning is adopted.