# Preachers Must Know the Philosophy *All devotees, especially preachers, must know the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness so as not to be embarrassed when they preach.* ← Back to [[wiki/compile/preaching-is-the-essence|Preaching Is the Essence]] --- ## Know the Philosophy ### All devotees, especially preachers, must know the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness ![[sb/6/1/38#purport|One who represents someone else must fully know that person's mission. The devotees in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement must therefore be fully aware of the mission of Kṛṣṇa and Lord Caitanya; otherwise they will be considered foolish. All devotees, especially preachers, must know the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness so as not to be embarrassed and insulted when they preach]] —SB [[sb/6/1/38|6.1.38]] Purport --- ### The basis of Kṛṣṇa conscious preaching is Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu ![[cc/madhya/22/118#purport|In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement we have...limited our study of Vedic literatures to Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. These four works are sufficient for preaching purposes. They are adequate for the understanding of the philosophy and the spreading of missionary activities all over the world]] —Cc. [[cc/madhya/22/118|Madhya 22.118]] Purport --- ### The preacher should study and preach Bhagavad-gītā ![[sb/4/16/3#purport|Lord Caitanya has advised all His followers to go everywhere and preach the message of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Since this message is essentially Bhagavad-gītā, the preacher's duty is to study Bhagavad-gītā as it is understood by disciplic succession and explained by great sages and learned devotees. One should speak to the general populace in accordance with one's predecessors—sādhu, guru and śāstras. This simple process is the easiest method by which one can glorify the Lord]] —SB [[sb/4/16/3|4.16.3]] Purport