In this article “The Glories of Puruṣottama Māsa”, Ṭhākura Bhaktivinoda describes the glories of the holy month of Puruṣottama according to the śāstras, how to observe it and the true goal in following it.
Puruṣottama Māsa Māhātmya
(The Glories of Puruṣottama Māsa)
by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura
Two divisions of śāstra—smārta and paramārtha
The Vedic ārya–śāstras are divided into two sections — smārta (literature based on smṛti) and paramārtha (transcendental literature based on śruti). Those who are eligible (adhikārī) for the smārta section do not have any natural inclination or taste for the paramārtha–śāstras. The thoughts, principles, activities, and life goal of every human is constituted according to his respective ruci (inclination). Generally, smārtas accept those scriptures which are in accordance with their respective ruci. Having greater adhikāra for smārta–śāstra, they do not demonstrate much regard for paramārthika–śāstra. Providence is the agent behind the creation of these two divisions. Therefore, undoubtedly the maintainer of the world must have a hidden purpose in having made such an arrangement.
