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Rāja-Vidyā : The King of Knowledge
We may be proud of our academic education," writes the author of Raja-vidya, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, "but if asked what we are, we are not able to say. Everyone is under the conception that the body is the self, but we learn from Vedic sources that this is not so. Only after realizing that we are not these bodies can we enter into real knowledge and understand what we actually are.
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
34 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
815 books706 followersHis Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 7, 2009
I've never been able to relate to a book as much as I have with this one. It has created a base for all my thoughts and ideas. To give a brief review, this book is a very thorough explanation of the Bhagadad-Gita. It breaks down section by section of the Bhagavad-Gita and really interprets each passage in detail. With each page I find a question that I could never find the answer to solved in just a simple, yet informative, paragraph or two. A great read for people with open minds and an interest in the lifestyles of different cultures.
October 28, 2017
In this book the author walks us through the ancient spiritual science contained in the Vedas and specifically in the Bhagavad-gita.
If you have an interest in the Gita but have not been able to successfully hear what its saying then this would be a great place to start.
The interesting thing about this book is that the author continually references the ancient Vedic teachings which have been handed down orally for millennia.
In this book you are not being asked to accept someone’s stream of Consciousness concoction or speculation but you will be immersed in the deep understanding of reality passed down from mouth to ear across human history.
This boom is truelly worth giving your attention to.
If you have an interest in the Gita but have not been able to successfully hear what its saying then this would be a great place to start.
The interesting thing about this book is that the author continually references the ancient Vedic teachings which have been handed down orally for millennia.
In this book you are not being asked to accept someone’s stream of Consciousness concoction or speculation but you will be immersed in the deep understanding of reality passed down from mouth to ear across human history.
This boom is truelly worth giving your attention to.
January 29, 2017
This book explains us of religion. Its a religion only if we can harbor the love towards the supreme absolute truth, otherwise it's bogus.
It explains us of the knowledge of the supreme, the science of Krsna. Prabhupada tells not to accept anything blindly, but only after proper reasoning and understanding. And slowly progressing towards Krsna as, He Says
sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja,
aham tvam sarva papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah
"Abandon all varieties of religions and just surrender unto me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
It explains us of the knowledge of the supreme, the science of Krsna. Prabhupada tells not to accept anything blindly, but only after proper reasoning and understanding. And slowly progressing towards Krsna as, He Says
sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja,
aham tvam sarva papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah
"Abandon all varieties of religions and just surrender unto me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
January 21, 2016
A book which I've been recommended to read. But after reading it I feel glad. It explains you why you are on this earth and what is the purpose of your life. This is not like all motivational book which makes you feel good in an easy way. But it is about the TRUE and only way of finding the Bliss.
January 14, 2017
Great book talking about importance of Self realization explained by Sri Krsna in Bhagavad Gita. This book is a great reminder for all those practicing devotional path of Bhakti yoga and also a nice starter for a true spiritual seeker.
December 25, 2018
The different facets and means of attaining the actual "Knowledge" was very clearly explained with references form Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatham and other scriptures.
My sincere namaskarams to author H.H. Sri. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.
My sincere namaskarams to author H.H. Sri. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.
October 9, 2012
My FAVORITE Prabhupada book...He explains the 9th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita soooo well... I could read it over and over and over and always be inspired, instructed and comforted! ~*~
August 11, 2014
Give it a miss folks .........
incredibly repetitive and rehash of other books he has authored.
i feel u read one u read them all.
incredibly repetitive and rehash of other books he has authored.
i feel u read one u read them all.
February 18, 2016
An interesting perspective. I found this book actually quite comforting. it has provoked me to be interested in learning more but not an easy read.
April 8, 2020
Truth will prevail.
September 2, 2020
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom
November 19, 2023
All glories to Jagat Guru His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada ji.
Before going to the ocean of knowledge, the book asks a question - How can we know which knowledge stands regally above the rest?
There are different - different parameters according to the people. But, the ultimate purpose of every knowledge in the world is to solve our problems. For instance, we go to school, clear academic exam to go to college. Then, we do graduation to get a job. After this, we are able to earn money. From money, we can fulfill our life’s basic necessities - food, cloth and shelter. It means from academic knowledge, we are able to solve our monetary problems.
Other example is, if we wants to build the strength of body. We need to go to GYM and do workout under the guidance of GYM trainer. The trainer teaches us the right way of form of exercise and proper diet to solve the problem related to bodily’s strength.
In the same way, How can we know which knowledge helps us to solve the problem related to mind, birth-death and suffering of world?
Nobody wants to die. Nobody wants to become old. Nobody wants to be diseased. Nobody wants suffering. But, we become ill and old. We suffer from mind, body pain, others’ action and natural calamities. Also, we will die. Just as, people are being killed in Israel and Hamas war. These are fact.
This book provides the straight direction as well as guidance to solve these problems.
In Bhagavad Gītā - 4.38, Lord Kṛṣṇa says,
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ
pavitram iha vidyate
tat svayaṁ yoga-saṁsiddhaḥ
kālenātmani vindati
In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time.
All problems can be solved even a little realization of “aham bhramāsmi” - I am soul. I am not this body. What will happen after getting this knowledge?
In Bhagavad Gītā - 5.18, Lord Kṛṣṇa says,
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ
The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].
Gradually, it will become standard of our life. We would not envy people, compare with others, irrespect man and woman. We will not even hurt animals and will stop the mass killing of animals in slaughterhouse. This realization comes from reading Bhagavad Gītā. This short version is the best start of knowledge. This is Rāja-vidyā.
Before going to the ocean of knowledge, the book asks a question - How can we know which knowledge stands regally above the rest?
There are different - different parameters according to the people. But, the ultimate purpose of every knowledge in the world is to solve our problems. For instance, we go to school, clear academic exam to go to college. Then, we do graduation to get a job. After this, we are able to earn money. From money, we can fulfill our life’s basic necessities - food, cloth and shelter. It means from academic knowledge, we are able to solve our monetary problems.
Other example is, if we wants to build the strength of body. We need to go to GYM and do workout under the guidance of GYM trainer. The trainer teaches us the right way of form of exercise and proper diet to solve the problem related to bodily’s strength.
In the same way, How can we know which knowledge helps us to solve the problem related to mind, birth-death and suffering of world?
Nobody wants to die. Nobody wants to become old. Nobody wants to be diseased. Nobody wants suffering. But, we become ill and old. We suffer from mind, body pain, others’ action and natural calamities. Also, we will die. Just as, people are being killed in Israel and Hamas war. These are fact.
This book provides the straight direction as well as guidance to solve these problems.
In Bhagavad Gītā - 4.38, Lord Kṛṣṇa says,
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ
pavitram iha vidyate
tat svayaṁ yoga-saṁsiddhaḥ
kālenātmani vindati
In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time.
All problems can be solved even a little realization of “aham bhramāsmi” - I am soul. I am not this body. What will happen after getting this knowledge?
In Bhagavad Gītā - 5.18, Lord Kṛṣṇa says,
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ
The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].
Gradually, it will become standard of our life. We would not envy people, compare with others, irrespect man and woman. We will not even hurt animals and will stop the mass killing of animals in slaughterhouse. This realization comes from reading Bhagavad Gītā. This short version is the best start of knowledge. This is Rāja-vidyā.
October 26, 2021
I've read this book when I was 19 years old. It was 2003 and I remember being obsessed with it. I think I read it like 2 or 3 times that summer.
I even tried giving it to my friends but they dismissed it calling it a cult. I was like an annoying preacher.
I found it on my grandma's shelf and I decided to pick it up because the title intrigued me. The King of Knowledge. I was also pretty sure I would drop it after just a few pages. But I didn't. I was engrossed by it. As a 19 year old, I was going through some rough and confusing times back then (who didn't?) and this book spoke to me, calmed me, made me stronger. I even went that far of actually thinking of joining the Hare Krishna movement. In the end, I didn't because that same year I stumbled upon Buddhism and I never looked back.
So even though I don't believe in all this Hare Krishna stuff anymore, I still have to give props to the book by introducing me to Buddhism.
I even tried giving it to my friends but they dismissed it calling it a cult. I was like an annoying preacher.
I found it on my grandma's shelf and I decided to pick it up because the title intrigued me. The King of Knowledge. I was also pretty sure I would drop it after just a few pages. But I didn't. I was engrossed by it. As a 19 year old, I was going through some rough and confusing times back then (who didn't?) and this book spoke to me, calmed me, made me stronger. I even went that far of actually thinking of joining the Hare Krishna movement. In the end, I didn't because that same year I stumbled upon Buddhism and I never looked back.
So even though I don't believe in all this Hare Krishna stuff anymore, I still have to give props to the book by introducing me to Buddhism.
January 21, 2021
Very forgettable. One reviewer said "When you've read one book by him, you've read them all." This book did not shake free from the truth of that review.
November 13, 2021
The book is based on 9 th chapter of bhagvad geeta. If you want to explore what is the king of knowledge.you should read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Una literatura llena de filosofía, condensada de una manera que sea fácil de digerir para quienes no están versados aún en la Vedanta.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews