PURPORT

The path of devotional service is always independent of other activity. The path of speculative knowledge or mystic yoga may be a little beneficial in the beginning, but it cannot be considered part of devotional service. This verse (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.20.31) was spoken by Lord Krsna when He was speaking to Uddhava before His departure from this material world. These are important instructions given directly by Lord Krsna. Sri Uddhava asked the Lord about the two kinds of instructions given in the Vedas. One instruction is called pravrtti-marga, and the other is called nivrtti-marga. These are directions for enjoying the material world according to regulative principles and then giving up the material world for higher spiritual understanding. Sometimes one does not know whether to practice speculative knowledge or mystic yoga for advancement in spiritual knowledge. Krsna explains to Uddhava that the mechanical process of speculative knowledge and yoga is not necessary for advancing in devotional service. Devotional service is completely spiritual; it has nothing to do with material things. It is awakened by hearing and chanting in the association of devotees. Because devotional service is always transcendental, it has nothing to do with material activity.