The Chatur-Shloki Gita offers a nuanced understanding of the relationship between knowledge and devotion. Let’s try to understand that relationship by considering a metaphor of a lost son.

10.08. Knowledge inspires devotion: Suppose this young man comes to know that he is actually a lost son of a billionaire king of a distant kingdom. That knowledge will inspire him to establish a relationship with his father. Similarly, when we understand that we have come from Krishna, we feel inspired to connect devotionally with him.

10.09. Devotion involves deepening of knowledge: While this young man is on the long journey back to the kingdom where his father resides, he will befriend his brothers, from whom he learns more about his father. Similarly, while we practice bhakti on our long journey toward Krishna in the spiritual world, we naturally bond with other devotees. In discussing with them, we gain a deeper appreciation for Krishna’s glories.

10.10. Devotional disposition makes us receptive to knowledge from Krishna: When the father comes to know that his son is eager to return to him, he eases his son’s journey by arranging for the necessary facilities. Similarly, when we practice bhakti affectionately, Krishna provides us the most important resource necessary to come to him: the knowledge to make good choices.

10.11. Devotion attracts Krishna’s knowledge-providing mercy: A father will go out of his way to help his son to return to him when the son faces challenges he can’t meet on his own. Similarly, indwelling Krishna personally lights the torchlight of knowledge within us when we face perplexities that we can’t deal with on our own.  

One-sentence summary:

Knowledge can initiate and stimulate our devotional journey toward Krishna, but if lack of knowledge impedes our journey, Krishna reciprocates with our devotion to provide the necessary knowledge.

Think it over:

  • How can knowledge help on the devotional journey?
  • How is the devotional journey not limited by lack of knowledge?
  • In your devotional journey, how can you best leverage the role of knowledge?

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10.11: To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.

 

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