Upadesa: Song 10

mana re, keno koro vidyar gaurava smrti-sastra, byakarana, nana-bhasa-alocana, brddhi kore' jaser saurabha (2) kintu dekho cinta kori' jadi na bhajile hari, bidya taba kevala rauraba krishna prati anurakti, sei bije janme bhakti, bidya ho'te taha asambhava (3) bidyar marjana ta'r, kabhu kabhu apakar, jagatete kori anubhava je bidyar alocane, krishna-rati sphure mane, tahari adara jano' saba (4) bhakti badha jaha ho'te, se bidyar mastakete, padaghata koro' akaitaba sarasvati krishna-priya, krishna-bhakti ta'r hiya binoder sei se baibhava

(1) Oh mind, why do you give such importance to mundane knowledge? Your discussion and deliberation on the smrti scriptures, various languages and grammar certainly increases the sweet fragrant aroma of your own material reputation, name and fame. (2) But just look here and consider this for your judgment. If you have not worshiped Lord Hari, then all of you so-called knowledge is just like a vicious hell. True devotional service actually takes its birth from the seed of attraction and affection for Krishna. Such a seed is impossible to get by the cultivation of ordinary worldly knowledge. (3) I feel that the hair-splitting scrutiny of mundane knowledge is actually harmful. On the other hand, however, everyone will appreciate the cultivation of that transcendental knowledge which awakens love and attachment for Krishna within the mind. (4) Among all the obstacles to devotion, this mundane knowledge is certainly the foremost. You must sincerely kick it out, dear mind, for the real understanding is that Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, is very dear to Lord Krishna, and devotion to Him is her very heart. This very devotion is indeed the sanctifying grace of Bhaktivinoda.