We should try to understand Krsna philosophically. We should not go away because there is talk of philosophy. If there is story they may be interested, [laughs] but hearing, hearing story only, we are trying to forget Krsna. You see? Any religion, if it is not based on philosophy, one day it will be forgotten, it will be lost. So that is happening. There are many, so many Krsna temples, but there is no discussion of the Krsna philosophy. Krsna philosophy… They think Krsna is an idol, just "jaya jagadisa hare"– that's all; finished business. No. Janma karma me divyam, yo janati tattvatah [Bg. 4.9]. That is the injunction in the Bhagavad-gita: "Anyone who understands Me, My transcendental activities, appearance and disappearance," anyone who can understand janma karma me divyam, yo janati tattvatah, "in truth." That requires philosophical understanding. Religion without philosophy is sentiment. Sentiment has no value. And philosophy without religion is mental speculation. That is also no value. Both of them should be combined. Religion should be combined with philosophy; then intelligent persons will stay with it.

Srila Prabhupada, Janmastami Lecture
–
London, August 13, 1971