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Is devotion sufficient with some understanding of spiritual knowledge, or understanding of all deep theories are required?

[Smt. Chhanda asked: Please explain, is it only love that is sufficient with some understanding of spiritual knowledge or understanding of all deep theories at the same time required? For ordinary souls like us who are having very limited intelligence, will it be ever possible to understand all the theories? Always at Your divine lotus feet, Chhanda.]

Swami replied:- Spiritual knowledge must be complete because at every spiritual step very new problems attack to stop the devotee from moving further. The student must complete the MBBS course so that at every step in the practice, new complicated problems appearing in the treatment of the patient (patient may be the doctor himself) can be effectively tackled. At least, the doctor must identify the problem with the help of his knowledge gained in the course of his studies. Another way is the immersion of self in the ocean of devotion caused by infinite attraction towards the divine personality of God so that no problem can dare to appear before the eyes of devotee. But, for such attraction also, the background of complete knowledge of the divine personality of God is necessary. The uneducated Gopikas were immersed in such a deep ocean of devotion to Krishna. But, the background of Gopikas is that they were sages doing severe penance for the past millions of births. Such background made them recognize Krishna at first sight. It is this devotion that made them  dance with Krishna in spite of severe constraints and made them happy when Krishna stole their preserved butter for the sake of their children. Hence, knowledge, devotion and practical sacrifice are the three consecutive steps in the spiritual path. Mere knowledge and devotion are not sufficient since water and fertilizer are not enough to get a mango fruit without the mango plant, which is the practice.

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