Classification of Scriptures
Introduction: The Path We Choose Determines Our Destiny
The Vedic scriptures serve as a divine map, guiding us toward self-realization, truth, and ultimate liberation. However, just as a traveler can take a wrong turn and lose their way, one who studies the wrong scriptures can be led astray. The Padma Purāṇa, one of the most revered texts, warns us that not all scriptures elevate the soul—some promote material desires, while others plunge us into ignorance.
In a profound conversation, Goddess Pārvatī inquires from Lord Śiva about which scriptures are beneficial and which are misleading. In response, Lord Śiva categorizes doctrines, Purāṇas, and Smṛtis (law books) based on their alignment with the three modes of material nature—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
For a sincere seeker, this classification is not just theoretical knowledge—it is a practical guide to choosing the right spiritual wisdom. Let us explore these divine revelations and uncover their life-changing lessons.
The Three Paths: Liberation, Bondage, or Deception
According to Bhagavad-gītā (14.5-10), everything in this world is influenced by three modes (guṇas):
- Sattva (Goodness) – Leads to wisdom, clarity, and devotion.
- Rajas (Passion) – Traps one in endless desires and material pursuits.
- Tamas (Ignorance) – Creates illusion, laziness, and self-destruction.
Lord Śiva explains that the scriptures themselves fall into these three categories, impacting their readers accordingly (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.18-22).
1. The Path of Liberation: Sāttvika Scriptures
Scriptures in sattva-guṇaelevate the soul and directly lead to liberation by emphasizing pure devotion to Lord Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa. They provide clarity, detachment, and love for God. Lord Śiva lists the six most auspicious Purāṇas:
✅ Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam – The supreme scripture that fully glorifies Lord Kṛṣṇa (SB 1.3.40).
✅ Vishnu Purāṇa – Describes Viṣṇu’s supremacy and devotion.
✅ Nāradīya Purāṇa – Emphasizes bhakti as the highest path.
✅ Padma Purāṇa – Details pure devotional practices.
✅ Garuḍa Purāṇa – Teaches the journey of the soul after death.
✅ Varāha Purāṇa – Focuses on Viṣṇu’s divine pastimes.
📖 Reference:Padma Purāṇa 6.236.18-19 confirms that these six Purāṇas are sāttvika and bestow liberation.
💡 Lesson:Sattvika scriptures remind us of our eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa and lead us to freedom from suffering.
Example: Just as drinking pure water cleanses the body, reading and hearing these scriptures purifies the soul.
2. The Path of Bondage: Rājasa Scriptures
Scriptures influenced by rajo-guṇa encourage worldly pursuits, ambition, and rituals for material success rather than direct devotion to God. These texts are not evil, but they keep one attached to temporary pleasures. The six rājasa Purāṇas are:
🔶 Brahmā Purāṇa – Describes creation but focuses on material achievements.
🔶 Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa – Glorifies karma-kāṇḍa (rituals for material benefits).
🔶 Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa – Discusses dharma but with an emphasis on worldly duties.
🔶 Bhaviṣya Purāṇa – Predicts future events and encourages vedic rituals.
🔶 Vāmana Purāṇa – Covers moral stories but leans towards material dharma.
🔶 Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa – Describes cosmic order but is more focused on grandeur than bhakti.
📖 Reference:Padma Purāṇa 6.236.20 states that these texts are influenced by passion and lead to heavenly rewards, not liberation.
💡 Lesson:These texts encourage pious life but do not directly free one from birth and death.
Example: Just as a golden cage is still a cage, even the most righteous material life remains temporary.
3. The Path of Deception: Tāmasa Scriptures
Tāmasa (ignorance) scriptures promote illusion, demonic practices, and false philosophies that lead away from truth. These scriptures cause spiritual destruction by encouraging:
- Ahaṅgrahopāsanā – The false belief that one is God.
- Māyāvāda (Illusionism) – Denial of Kṛṣṇa’s personal form.
- Materialistic Ritualism – Prioritizing rites over devotion.
The six Purāṇas classified as tāmasa are:
⚠️ Matsya Purāṇa
⚠️ Kūrma Purāṇa
⚠️ Liṅga Purāṇa
⚠️ Śiva Purāṇa
⚠️ Skanda Purāṇa
⚠️ Agni Purāṇa
📖 Reference:Padma Purāṇa 6.236.18 confirms that these texts lead one to hell.
💡 Lesson:A devotee must avoid misleading philosophies, just as one avoids contaminated food.
Example: Drinking seawater may appear satisfying but only increases thirst—similarly, false knowledge leaves the soul restless and confused.
Beyond the Purāṇas: Which Philosophies and Smṛtis to Follow?
Misleading Philosophies
- Māyāvāda (Illusionism) – The false idea that all is one and Kṛṣṇa’s form is temporary. (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.8-12)
- Cārvāka (Materialism) – Promotes atheism, denying karma and the soul. (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.5-7)
- Bauddha (Buddhism) – Rejects Vedic wisdom, leading to nihilism. (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.7)
Law Books to Avoid
🚫 Tāmasa Smṛtis: Gautama, Bṛhaspati, Yama, Sāṅkhya—mislead seekers with partial truths. (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.22-27)
✔️ Sāttvika Smṛtis: Vyāsa, Vasiṣṭha, Bharadvāja—align with bhakti and dharma.
💡 Lesson:Just as one should seek a qualified doctor for health, one must seek true scriptures for spiritual healing.
How to Apply This Knowledge: The Call to Action
✅ Prioritize Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam & Bhagavad-gītā
- Daily study purifies the mind and reveals Kṛṣṇa’s personal form. (SB 1.2.18-21)
❌ Avoid Māyāvāda & Speculative Teachings
- Just as one avoids poisoned food, avoid reading misleading philosophies. (Padma Purāṇa 6.236.8-12)
🙏 Follow a Bona Fide Guru
- Seek guidance from a Vaiṣṇava guru who teaches pure devotion. (BG 4.34)
🎶 Chant the Holy Name
- Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra cleanses ignorance and grants realization. (Kali-santaraṇa Upaniṣad)
Conclusion: Choose the Path That Leads to Kṛṣṇa
📖 Final Call to Action:
✅ Read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily.
✅ Follow a bona fide spiritual master.
✅ Chant Kṛṣṇa’s holy name.
Let us embrace the true path of bhakti and attain eternal bliss in Kṛṣṇa’s service! 🚩✨
