11

Canto 1 Ch. 1 Canto 1 Ch. 1

Defining the Absolute, Defining Religion, and Defining the Absolute, Defining Religion, and Special InvitationSpecial Invitation

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Bhagavatam is the Body of the LordBhagavatam is the Body of the Lord 1 and 2 canto are the Lotus Feet of the Lord. 1 and 2 canto are the Lotus Feet of the Lord. 3 and 4 canto are the Legs of the Lord3 and 4 canto are the Legs of the Lord Canto 5 is the waist of the LordCanto 5 is the waist of the Lord Canto 6 is the chest of the Lord. The chest is Canto 6 is the chest of the Lord. The chest is

were the heart is located.were the heart is located. Canto 7 and 8 are the arms of the Lord.Canto 7 and 8 are the arms of the Lord. Canto 9 is the neck of the Lord.Canto 9 is the neck of the Lord. Canto 10 the smiling face of the Lord. The Canto 10 the smiling face of the Lord. The

five chapters of the rasa lila consider smile of five chapters of the rasa lila consider smile of the Lord.the Lord.

Canto 11 is the forehead of the Lord where Canto 11 is the forehead of the Lord where the brain is located.the brain is located.

Canto 12 is the crown of the Lord.Canto 12 is the crown of the Lord.

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What’s in Ch. 1.What’s in Ch. 1. The six question of the sages which lay the The six question of the sages which lay the

foundation for the entire Bhagavatam.foundation for the entire Bhagavatam. Mangalacarana:Mangalacarana: Namas-kriyatmakaNamas-kriyatmaka: paying obeisances to one’s : paying obeisances to one’s

teacher(s) or worshipable deity or bothteacher(s) or worshipable deity or both Asir-VadatmakaAsir-Vadatmaka: praying to Lord for his : praying to Lord for his

blessings upon the readersblessings upon the readers Vastu-nirdesatmakaVastu-nirdesatmaka: summarizing the subject : summarizing the subject

matter of the bookmatter of the book Anubandha-catustayaAnubandha-catustaya: the four essential : the four essential

elements of a book; connection between book elements of a book; connection between book and subject (sambandha), the subject itself and subject (sambandha), the subject itself (visaya), what the reader will gain by reading (visaya), what the reader will gain by reading this (prayojana) and the qualification this (prayojana) and the qualification (adhikara) for understanding the book.(adhikara) for understanding the book.

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5 essential conditions for understanding5 essential conditions for understanding

One should hear the pastimes, names, and glories of the Lord One should hear the pastimes, names, and glories of the Lord from the Srimad Bhagavatam, in which all material forms of from the Srimad Bhagavatam, in which all material forms of religion are rejected, from a bona fide spiritual master. One religion are rejected, from a bona fide spiritual master. One should become fixed in devotional service, and not allow his mind should become fixed in devotional service, and not allow his mind to be deflected to anything else. Patiently and submissively to be deflected to anything else. Patiently and submissively hearing the Srimad Bhagavatam immediately re-establishes a soul hearing the Srimad Bhagavatam immediately re-establishes a soul in his eternal relationship with Krsna. All other goals are rejected in his eternal relationship with Krsna. All other goals are rejected in the Bhagavatam. (1-3) in the Bhagavatam. (1-3)

One must hear the Bhagavatam from a bona fide representative One must hear the Bhagavatam from a bona fide representative of Vyasadeva. (4-8) of Vyasadeva. (4-8)

If both the speaker and the hearer are qualified, the hearer will If both the speaker and the hearer are qualified, the hearer will easily understand the Absolute Truth, Sri Krsna, the Supreme easily understand the Absolute Truth, Sri Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (9-13) Personality of Godhead. (9-13)

Hearing of the ever-fresh pastimes, names, and glories of Krsna Hearing of the ever-fresh pastimes, names, and glories of Krsna will attract one away from the horrible Kali yuga trap of the will attract one away from the horrible Kali yuga trap of the material world to the eternal blissful spiritual realm. (14-20) material world to the eternal blissful spiritual realm. (14-20)

Because of the shortness of life that Kali Yuga brings, one should Because of the shortness of life that Kali Yuga brings, one should fear the dangers of Kali, accept the shelter of a bona fide spiritual fear the dangers of Kali, accept the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master, and adopt the process recommended by Lord Caitanya for master, and adopt the process recommended by Lord Caitanya for self realization in Kali Yuga: hearing and chanting Krsna's glories self realization in Kali Yuga: hearing and chanting Krsna's glories as told in the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam. (21-23)as told in the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam. (21-23)

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Prelude (Text 1-3)Prelude (Text 1-3)

Text 1: Defining GodText 1: Defining God

Text 2: Defining ReligionText 2: Defining Religion

Text 3: Invitation to Taste the Text 3: Invitation to Taste the Bhagavatam’s NectarBhagavatam’s Nectar

Setting the Scene: Sages of Naimisaranya Setting the Scene: Sages of Naimisaranya Inquire from Suta Gosvami (4-8)Inquire from Suta Gosvami (4-8)

Question One and Two (Text 9-11)Question One and Two (Text 9-11) Question Three (Text12-16)Question Three (Text12-16) Question Four and Five (Text 17-18)Question Four and Five (Text 17-18) Question Six (Text 19-23)Question Six (Text 19-23)

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The six questions of Ch. 1The six questions of Ch. 1 1. What is the ultimate benefit for mankind?1. What is the ultimate benefit for mankind? 2. What is the essence of all scriptures?2. What is the essence of all scriptures? 3. For what reason did the Lord take His birth from 3. For what reason did the Lord take His birth from

Devaki?Devaki? 4. Describe the wonderful deeds of the Lord when He 4. Describe the wonderful deeds of the Lord when He

assumed the forms of Brahma, Rudra, etc, for the assumed the forms of Brahma, Rudra, etc, for the purpose of creating, maintaining, and destroying the purpose of creating, maintaining, and destroying the universe.universe.

5. Fully describe the activities of Lord Hari's 5. Fully describe the activities of Lord Hari's

incarnations within this universe.incarnations within this universe. 6. Where has religion taken shelter after Krsna has 6. Where has religion taken shelter after Krsna has

retired to His own abode?retired to His own abode?

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Summary of the Questions asked by SaunakaSummary of the Questions asked by Saunaka11. “Please…explain to us, in an easily . “Please…explain to us, in an easily understandable way, what understandable way, what you have ascertained to be the absolute and you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general.” ultimate good for the people in general.” (Text 1.1.9) Answer: (Text 1.2.6)(Text 1.1.9) Answer: (Text 1.2.6)22. “There are many variety of scriptures…. “There are many variety of scriptures…Therefore, O Sage, please select the essence Therefore, O Sage, please select the essence of all these scriptures and explain it for the of all these scriptures and explain it for the good of all living beings, by such instructions good of all living beings, by such instructions their hearts may be fully satisfied.” (Text their hearts may be fully satisfied.” (Text 1.1.11) Answer: (1.2.7)1.1.11) Answer: (1.2.7)33. “You know for what purpose the Personality . “You know for what purpose the Personality of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devaki of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devaki as the son of Vasudeva.” (Text 1.1.12) as the son of Vasudeva.” (Text 1.1.12) Answer: (1.2.34 and Tenth Canto)Answer: (1.2.34 and Tenth Canto)

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44. “[The Lords] transcendental acts are . “[The Lords] transcendental acts are magnificent and gracious, and great learned magnificent and gracious, and great learned sages like Narada sing of them. Please, sages like Narada sing of them. Please, therefore, speak to us, who are eager to hear therefore, speak to us, who are eager to hear about the adventures He performs in his about the adventures He performs in his various incarnations.” (Text 1.1.17) Answer: various incarnations.” (Text 1.1.17) Answer: (1.2.30)(1.2.30)55. “O wise Suta, please narrate to us the . “O wise Suta, please narrate to us the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Godhead’s multi-incarnations. Such auspicious Godhead’s multi-incarnations. Such auspicious adventures and pastimes of the Lord, the adventures and pastimes of the Lord, the Supreme Controller, are performed by His Supreme Controller, are performed by His internal powers.” (Text 1.1.18) Answer: First internal powers.” (Text 1.1.18) Answer: First Canto, Third Chapter.Canto, Third Chapter.66. “Since, Sri Krishna, the Absolute Truth, the . “Since, Sri Krishna, the Absolute Truth, the master of all mystic powers, has departed for master of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please tell us to whom the His own abode, please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter.” religious principles have now gone for shelter.” (Text 1.1.23) Answer: (1.3.43)(Text 1.1.23) Answer: (1.3.43)

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PreludePrelude Bhagavatam’s first three text form a Bhagavatam’s first three text form a

prelude to the book.prelude to the book. The first text defines the Absolute The first text defines the Absolute

Truth.Truth. The second describes the The second describes the

Bhagavatam and defines actual Bhagavatam and defines actual religion.religion.

The third invites humanity to taste The third invites humanity to taste the Bhagavatam’s sweetness.the Bhagavatam’s sweetness.

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om namo bhagavate vāsudevāyajanmādy asya yato 'nvayād itarataś cārthesv abhijñah svarāt

tene brahma hrdā ya ādi-kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayahtejo-vāri-mrdām yathā vinimayo yatra tri-sargo 'mrsā

dhāmnā svena sadā nirasta-kuhakam satyam param dhīmahi

Defining the Absolute Truth

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“O my Lord, Śrī Krsna, son of Vasudeva, O all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. I meditate upon Lord Śrī Krsna because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmājī, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Him, Lord Śrī Krsna, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth.” (SB 1.1.1)

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God and the Absolute TruthGod and the Absolute Truth In introduction to the SB, Prabhupad In introduction to the SB, Prabhupad

immediately differentiates the Absolute immediately differentiates the Absolute Truth, which is the goal of Bhagavatam to Truth, which is the goal of Bhagavatam to describe, from the common understanding describe, from the common understanding of God.of God.

““The conception of God and the conception The conception of God and the conception of Absolute Truth are not on the same level. of Absolute Truth are not on the same level. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam hits on the target The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam hits on the target of the Absolute Truth. The conception of of the Absolute Truth. The conception of God indicates the controller, whereas the God indicates the controller, whereas the conception of the Absolute Truth indicates conception of the Absolute Truth indicates the summum bonum or the ultimate source the summum bonum or the ultimate source of all energies.” Purport from Intro. of all energies.” Purport from Intro.

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First verse is Vyasadeva’s definition First verse is Vyasadeva’s definition and description of the Absolute Truthand description of the Absolute Truth

The Absolute Truth is that substance The Absolute Truth is that substance from which nothing is different.from which nothing is different.

The Absolute Truth is a person, the The Absolute Truth is a person, the divine son of Vasudeva and Devaki divine son of Vasudeva and Devaki known as Krishna.known as Krishna.

Everything else, including the Everything else, including the brahmajyoti emanates from him.brahmajyoti emanates from him.

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The Absolute is The Absolute is that substance that substance from which from which nothing is nothing is different.different.

I am the source I am the source of all spiritual of all spiritual and material and material worlds. worlds. Everything Everything emanates from emanates from Me. The wise Me. The wise who know this who know this perfectly engage perfectly engage in My devotional in My devotional service and service and worship Me with worship Me with all their hearts.all their hearts. Gita 10.8Gita 10.8

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The Absolute The Absolute Truth is a Truth is a person, the person, the divine son of divine son of Vasudeva Vasudeva and Devakiand Devaki

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Everything else, including the Everything else, including the Brahmajyoti emanates from Him.Brahmajyoti emanates from Him.

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Energies of the EnergeticEnergies of the Energetic

Sun is the energetic and the sun ray is the energySun and Sun ray are non-different in qualitySun ray is, however, dependent on the SunSun is not dependent on the Sun rayTherefore, sun and sun ray are simultaneously one and different.

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1. Om namo bhagavate Vasudevaya1. Om namo bhagavate Vasudevaya

““O my Lord, Sri Krishna, son of O my Lord, Sri Krishna, son of Vasudeva, O all pervading Vasudeva, O all pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.”respectful obeisances unto You.”

““obeisances unto the Personality of obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, directly indicate Godhead, Vasudeva, directly indicate Lord Sri Krishna, who is the divine Lord Sri Krishna, who is the divine son of Vasudeva and Devaki.” son of Vasudeva and Devaki.” purportpurport

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2. Janmady asya yato2. Janmady asya yato ““[I meditate on Lord Sri Krishna because] [I meditate on Lord Sri Krishna because]

He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the sustenance and destruction of the manifest universes.”manifest universes.”

Absolute Truth and relative truths. Absolute Truth and relative truths. Cause of CreationCause of Creation Cause of Maintenance Cause of Maintenance Cause of DestructionCause of Destruction Absolute Truth is source of everything in Absolute Truth is source of everything in

existence.existence.

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3. ‘nvayad itaratas carthesv abhijnah3. ‘nvayad itaratas carthesv abhijnah ““He is directly and indirectly conscious of all He is directly and indirectly conscious of all

manifestations.”manifestations.” Just as one knows directly and indirectly the Just as one knows directly and indirectly the

sensations of one’s body.sensations of one’s body. Krishna is simultaneously the substance, the Krishna is simultaneously the substance, the

subjective experiencer, and the objective subjective experiencer, and the objective observer.observer.

““Whatever happens to the body quickly Whatever happens to the body quickly becomes known to the embodied. Similarly the becomes known to the embodied. Similarly the creation is the body of the Absolute Whole. creation is the body of the Absolute Whole. Therefore, the Absolute knowns everything Therefore, the Absolute knowns everything directly and indirectly that happens in directly and indirectly that happens in creation.” purportcreation.” purport

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4. svarat4. svarat ““He is independent He is independent becausebecause there is no there is no

other cause beyond Him.”other cause beyond Him.” ““Conditioned souls, beginning from Conditioned souls, beginning from

Brahma who engineers the entire Brahma who engineers the entire universe, down to the insignificant ant, are universe, down to the insignificant ant, are all creating, but none of them are all creating, but none of them are independent of the Supreme Lord.”independent of the Supreme Lord.”

nityo nityanam cetanas cetananamnityo nityanam cetanas cetananam eko bahunam yo vidadhati kamaneko bahunam yo vidadhati kaman

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5. Tene brahma hrda ya adi-kavaye5. Tene brahma hrda ya adi-kavaye ““It is he only who first imparted the Vedic It is he only who first imparted the Vedic

knowledge unto the heart of Brahmaji, the knowledge unto the heart of Brahmaji, the original living being.”original living being.”

Transference of knowledge through the heart.Transference of knowledge through the heart. ““To those who are constantly devoted and To those who are constantly devoted and

worship Me with love, I give the understanding worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” (10.10) by which they can come to Me.” (10.10)

““Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” (BG 10.11)(BG 10.11)

““I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness.” (BG 15.15) forgetfulness.” (BG 15.15)

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6. 6. muhyanti yat surayah-muhyanti yat surayah- “[By Him] even “[By Him] even the great sages and demigods are placed the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion…”into illusion…”7. 7. tejo-vari-mrdam yathatejo-vari-mrdam yatha “[as one is “[as one is bewildered by] the illusory representation of bewildered by] the illusory representation of water seen in fire or land seen on water.”water seen in fire or land seen on water.”8. 8. vinimayo yatra tri-sargovinimayo yatra tri-sargo “Only because “Only because of Him do the material universes, of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of material nature,…”the three modes of material nature,…”9. 9. ‘mrsa‘mrsa “appear factual [although they are “appear factual [although they are unreal]unreal]

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Prabhupad explanation on these pointsPrabhupad explanation on these points ““This cosmic creation results from This cosmic creation results from

interaction of three modes of nature, and interaction of three modes of nature, and the temporary manifestations are so the temporary manifestations are so created as to present an illusion of reality created as to present an illusion of reality to the bewildered mind of the conditioned to the bewildered mind of the conditioned soul, who appears in so many species of soul, who appears in so many species of life, including the higher demigods…In life, including the higher demigods…In actuality, this is no reality in the actuality, this is no reality in the manifested world. There appears to be manifested world. There appears to be reality, however, because of the true reality, however, because of the true reality which exist in the spiritual world, reality which exist in the spiritual world, where the Personality of Godhead where the Personality of Godhead eternally exist which His transcendental eternally exist which His transcendental paraphernalia.” purportparaphernalia.” purport

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Tejo-vari-mrdam yatha vinimayoTejo-vari-mrdam yatha vinimayo Offers an example of illusion, a Offers an example of illusion, a

mirage. Seeing water in the desert or mirage. Seeing water in the desert or seeing the rope as a snake.seeing the rope as a snake.

Objective reality lends credence to Objective reality lends credence to the mirage.the mirage.

Denial of a substance as not real Denial of a substance as not real depends on the existence of the depends on the existence of the things they deny.things they deny.

There must be knowledge and/or There must be knowledge and/or experience of the real something in experience of the real something in order to judge something as not real.order to judge something as not real.

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““Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura specifically deals with the original and specifically deals with the original and pure sex pyschology (adi-rasa), devoid of pure sex pyschology (adi-rasa), devoid of all mundane inebriety…The material sex all mundane inebriety…The material sex life is but a perverted reflection of the life is but a perverted reflection of the original fact. The original fact is in the original fact. The original fact is in the Absolute Truth, and thus the Absolute Absolute Truth, and thus the Absolute Truth cannot be impersonal. It is not Truth cannot be impersonal. It is not possible to be impersonal and contain possible to be impersonal and contain pure sex life. Consequently, the pure sex life. Consequently, the impersonalist philosophers have given impersonalist philosophers have given indirect impetus to the abominable indirect impetus to the abominable mundane sex life because they have mundane sex life because they have overstressed the impersonality of the overstressed the impersonality of the ultimate truth. Consequently, man without ultimate truth. Consequently, man without information of the actual spiritual form of information of the actual spiritual form of sex has accepted the perverted material sex has accepted the perverted material sex life as the all in all.” purport SB 1.1.1sex life as the all in all.” purport SB 1.1.1

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10. Dhamna svena sada 10. Dhamna svena sada ““[I therefore [I therefore

meditate meditate upon Him, upon Him, Lord Sri Lord Sri Krishna] who Krishna] who is eternally is eternally existent in existent in the the transcendenttranscendental abode.”al abode.”

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11. nirasta-kuhakam11. nirasta-kuhakam

““which is forever free from the which is forever free from the illusory representation of the illusory representation of the material world.”material world.”

““There appears to be reality, There appears to be reality, however, because of the true reality however, because of the true reality which exist in the spiritual world, which exist in the spiritual world, where the personality of Godhead where the personality of Godhead eternally exist with His eternally exist with His transcendental paraphernalia.”transcendental paraphernalia.”

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12. satyam param dhimahi12. satyam param dhimahi

““I meditate [dhimahi] upon Him, for I meditate [dhimahi] upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth [satyam He is the Absolute Truth [satyam param].”param].”

This satyam param is directly Sri This satyam param is directly Sri Krishna:Krishna:

satya-vratam satya-param tri-satyamsatya-vratam satya-param tri-satyamsatyasya yonim nihitam ca satyesatyasya yonim nihitam ca satye

satyasya satyam rta-satya-netramsatyasya satyam rta-satya-netramsatyātmakam tvām śaranam satyātmakam tvām śaranam

prapannāhprapannāh

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““The demigods prayed: O Lord, You never The demigods prayed: O Lord, You never deviate from Your vow, which is always deviate from Your vow, which is always perfect because whatever You decide is perfect because whatever You decide is perfectly correct and cannot be stopped by perfectly correct and cannot be stopped by anyone. Being present in the three phases of anyone. Being present in the three phases of cosmic manifestation — creation, cosmic manifestation — creation, maintenance and annihilation — You are the maintenance and annihilation — You are the Supreme Truth. Indeed, unless one is Supreme Truth. Indeed, unless one is completely truthful, one cannot achieve Your completely truthful, one cannot achieve Your favor, which therefore cannot be achieved by favor, which therefore cannot be achieved by hypocrites. You are the active principle, the hypocrites. You are the active principle, the real truth, in all the ingredients of creation, real truth, in all the ingredients of creation, and therefore you are known as antaryāmī, and therefore you are known as antaryāmī, the inner force. You are equal to everyone, the inner force. You are equal to everyone, and Your instructions apply for everyone, for and Your instructions apply for everyone, for all time. You are the beginning of all truth. all time. You are the beginning of all truth. Therefore, offering our obeisances, we Therefore, offering our obeisances, we surrender unto You. Kindly give us protection.” surrender unto You. Kindly give us protection.” (SB 10.2.26)(SB 10.2.26)

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Defining Bhagavatam and True RelgionDefining Bhagavatam and True Relgion

Dharmah _projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsarānām satāmDharmah _projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsarānām satām

vedyam vāstavam atra vastu śivadam tāpa-trayonmūlanamvedyam vāstavam atra vastu śivadam tāpa-trayonmūlanam

śrīmad-bhāgavate mahā-muni-krte kim vā parair īśvarahśrīmad-bhāgavate mahā-muni-krte kim vā parair īśvarah

sadyo hrdy avarudhyate 'tra krtibhih śuśrūsubhis tat-ksanātsadyo hrdy avarudhyate 'tra krtibhih śuśrūsubhis tat-ksanāt

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“Completely rejecting all religious activities which are materially motivated, this Bhāgavata Purāna propounds the highest truth, which is understandable by those devotees who are fully pure in heart. The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all. Such truth uproots the threefold miseries. This beautiful Bhāgavatam, compiled by the great sage Vyāsadeva [in his maturity], is sufficient in itself for God realization. What is the need of any other scripture? As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhāgavatam, by this culture of knowledge the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.” SB 1.1.2

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Prabhupada’s advice on BhagavatamPrabhupada’s advice on Bhagavatam

““The proper method for receiving The proper method for receiving this transcendental message is to this transcendental message is to hear it submissively. A challenging hear it submissively. A challenging attitude cannot help one realize this attitude cannot help one realize this transcendental message. One transcendental message. One particular word is used herein for particular word is used herein for proper guidance. This word is proper guidance. This word is susrusu. One must be anxious to susrusu. One must be anxious to hear this transcendental message. hear this transcendental message. The desire to sincerely hear is the The desire to sincerely hear is the first qualification.” purport 1.1.2first qualification.” purport 1.1.2

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On Bhagavatam 1.1.2On Bhagavatam 1.1.2

Defines true religionDefines true religion Asserts that those religions teaching Asserts that those religions teaching

humanity to adore the Lord simply to humanity to adore the Lord simply to fulfill one’s desires, even up to the fulfill one’s desires, even up to the point of liberation, are cheating point of liberation, are cheating religions.religions.

Practicing religion simply for being Practicing religion simply for being “saved” is counted amongst the “saved” is counted amongst the cheating religions. cheating religions.

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1. dharmah projjhita kaitavo ‘tra 1. dharmah projjhita kaitavo ‘tra paramo nirmatsaranam satamparamo nirmatsaranam satam

““Completely rejecting all religious Completely rejecting all religious activities which are materially motivated, activities which are materially motivated, this Bhagavata Purana propounds the this Bhagavata Purana propounds the highest truth, which is understandable highest truth, which is understandable by those devotees who are fully pure at by those devotees who are fully pure at heart.”heart.”

The Bhagavatam’s method is described The Bhagavatam’s method is described dharma-projjhita kaitava tra: rejets dharma-projjhita kaitava tra: rejets dhama (“religion”) artha (economic, dhama (“religion”) artha (economic, social success) kama (sense social success) kama (sense gratification) moska (liberation)gratification) moska (liberation)

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The highest truth is revealed but only The highest truth is revealed but only to the nirmatsaranam-satamto the nirmatsaranam-satam

Satam (devotee) nirmat-saranam Satam (devotee) nirmat-saranam (completely free from envy)(completely free from envy)

Envy manifests as engaging in undue Envy manifests as engaging in undue competition with others and in taking competition with others and in taking pleasure in others misfortune.pleasure in others misfortune.

Envy of Krishna is origin of all other Envy of Krishna is origin of all other envy. “Due to desire and hate the envy. “Due to desire and hate the living entity is born into delusion.” living entity is born into delusion.” (BG 7.27)(BG 7.27)

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2. vedyam vastavam atra vastu 2. vedyam vastavam atra vastu sivadam tapa-trayonmulanamsivadam tapa-trayonmulanam

““The highest truth is reality distinguished The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all. Such from illusion for the welfare of all. Such truth uproots the threefold miseries.”truth uproots the threefold miseries.”

Krishna is vastu, the substance from which Krishna is vastu, the substance from which everything emanates. everything emanates.

Substance and categories; principles and Substance and categories; principles and details.details.

Because everything comes from the Because everything comes from the Absolute Truth, understanding this truth Absolute Truth, understanding this truth affords us an accurate perspective for affords us an accurate perspective for which everything else is automatically which everything else is automatically understood.understood.

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Understanding the A.T. and one’s Understanding the A.T. and one’s relationship with him causes relationship with him causes sivadam, auspiciousness and tapa-sivadam, auspiciousness and tapa-trayonmulanam, freedom from the trayonmulanam, freedom from the threefold miseries.threefold miseries.

How simply by understanding A.T. How simply by understanding A.T. and one’s relationship to the A.T. can and one’s relationship to the A.T. can one be freed from threefold miseries.one be freed from threefold miseries.

Perspective of everything as Perspective of everything as Krishna’s mercy.Krishna’s mercy.

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3. Srimad-bhagavate maha-muni-krte 3. Srimad-bhagavate maha-muni-krte kim va parairkim va parair

““This Beautiful Bhagavatam, This Beautiful Bhagavatam, complied by the great sage complied by the great sage Vyasadeva [in his maturity], is Vyasadeva [in his maturity], is sufficient in itself for God realization. sufficient in itself for God realization. What is the need of any other What is the need of any other scripture.scripture.

4242

4. Isvarah sadyo hrdy avarudhyate tra 4. Isvarah sadyo hrdy avarudhyate tra krtibhih susrusubhis tat-ksanatkrtibhih susrusubhis tat-ksanat

““As soon as one attentively and As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of submissively hears the message of Bhagavatam, by this culture of Bhagavatam, by this culture of knowledge, the Supreme Lord is knowledge, the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.”established within his heart.”

Harnessing the power of hearingHarnessing the power of hearing The power of seeing through the earsThe power of seeing through the ears Enlightenment attained by hearingEnlightenment attained by hearing

4343

Special Invite: Taste test of Special Invite: Taste test of Bhagavatam’s Sweetness!Bhagavatam’s Sweetness!

nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalamśuka-mukhād amrta-drava-samyutam

Pibata bhāgavatam rasam ālayammuhur aho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāh

4444

“O expert and thoughtful men, relish Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures. It emanated from the lips of Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī. Therefore this fruit has become even more tasteful, although its nectarean juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.” SB 1.1.3

4545

Rasa-SastraRasa-Sastra

“…“…Every living entity, beginning from Every living entity, beginning from Brahma, the first-born living being Brahma, the first-born living being within the material world, down to within the material world, down to the insignificant ant, desires to relish the insignificant ant, desires to relish some sort of taste derived from some sort of taste derived from sense perceptions. These sensual sense perceptions. These sensual pleasures are technically called pleasures are technically called rasas…The sum total of all these rasas…The sum total of all these rasas is called affection or love”rasas is called affection or love”

4646

1. nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam1. nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam

“…“…In this sloka, it is definitely stated In this sloka, it is definitely stated that spiritual rasa, which is relished that spiritual rasa, which is relished even in the liberated stage, can be even in the liberated stage, can be experienced in the literature of the experienced in the literature of the Srimad-Bhagavatam due to its being Srimad-Bhagavatam due to its being the ripened fruit of all Vedic the ripened fruit of all Vedic knowledge. By submissively hearing knowledge. By submissively hearing this transcendental literature, one this transcendental literature, one can attain the full pleasure of his can attain the full pleasure of his heart’s desire.”heart’s desire.”

4747

2. suka-mukhad amrta-drava-samyutam2. suka-mukhad amrta-drava-samyutam

““The subject matter is so presented through The subject matter is so presented through the lips of Srila Sukadeva Gosvami that nay the lips of Srila Sukadeva Gosvami that nay sincere listener that hears submissively can sincere listener that hears submissively can at once relish transcendental tastes which at once relish transcendental tastes which are distinct from the perverted taste of the are distinct from the perverted taste of the material world…Srimad Bhagavatam is so material world…Srimad Bhagavatam is so carefully presented that a sincere and carefully presented that a sincere and serious person can at once enjoy the ripened serious person can at once enjoy the ripened fruit of Vedic Knowledge simply by drinking fruit of Vedic Knowledge simply by drinking the nectarean juice through the mouth of the nectarean juice through the mouth of Sukadeva Gosvami or his bona-fide Sukadeva Gosvami or his bona-fide representative.” representative.”

4848

3. Pibata bhagavatam rasam alayam3. Pibata bhagavatam rasam alayam ““The Bhagavatam’s necterean juice is The Bhagavatam’s necterean juice is

relishable by liberated souls and soul still to relishable by liberated souls and soul still to achieve liberation.”achieve liberation.”

Rasa “is originally exchanged between the Rasa “is originally exchanged between the spiritual living being and the spiritual whole, spiritual living being and the spiritual whole, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The spiritual exchange or rasa is fully exhibited in spiritual exchange or rasa is fully exhibited in spiritual existence between living beings and spiritual existence between living beings and the Supreme Lord.”the Supreme Lord.”

““When one associates with the Supreme Lord When one associates with the Supreme Lord and exchanges one’s constitutional rasa with and exchanges one’s constitutional rasa with the Lord, then the living being is actually the Lord, then the living being is actually happy.happy.

4949

How can one learn to relish rasa with How can one learn to relish rasa with Krishna?Krishna?

Spiritual rasa is present in the Spiritual rasa is present in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and one who Srimad-Bhagavatam, and one who hears the Bhagavatam submissively hears the Bhagavatam submissively from Sukadeva Gosvami or his from Sukadeva Gosvami or his bonfide-representative “can attain bonfide-representative “can attain the full pleasure of his hearts desire.”the full pleasure of his hearts desire.”

5050

4. Muhur aho rasika bhuvi bhavukah4. Muhur aho rasika bhuvi bhavukah

““Srimad-Bhagavatam is especially Srimad-Bhagavatam is especially relishable for the expert and relishable for the expert and thoughtful souls fully conversant with thoughtful souls fully conversant with the mellows of devotional love.”the mellows of devotional love.”

5151

Theory, Experiment, GoalTheory, Experiment, Goal Sambandha (Theory, Ontological Sambandha (Theory, Ontological

Philosophy, Knowledge of Philosophy, Knowledge of relationships)relationships)

Abhidheya (application of the Abhidheya (application of the philsophy, theory, etc.; conducting philsophy, theory, etc.; conducting the experiments according to the the experiments according to the theory)theory)

Prayojana (The goal one is trying to Prayojana (The goal one is trying to reach; necessity)reach; necessity)

5252

Invocation (1-3) contain these 3 elementsInvocation (1-3) contain these 3 elements (SB 1.1.1) Absolute Truth is an Individual (SB 1.1.1) Absolute Truth is an Individual

Person and also very substance of Person and also very substance of everything; illusory potency is real and everything; illusory potency is real and bewilder even devas; the spiritual is the bewilder even devas; the spiritual is the reality which give credence to the illusion reality which give credence to the illusion (sambandha)(sambandha)

(SB 1.1.2) Hearing is the process; quality (SB 1.1.2) Hearing is the process; quality of hearing must be submissive and of hearing must be submissive and attentive; practice must throw of the attentive; practice must throw of the cheating processes of religion (abhidheya)cheating processes of religion (abhidheya)

(SB 1.1.3) Tasting the satisfaction of (SB 1.1.3) Tasting the satisfaction of transcendental relationship with the transcendental relationship with the supreme (prayojana)supreme (prayojana)

5353

Higher Dimension Reality Obtain by Higher Dimension Reality Obtain by HearingHearing

The process, although having three The process, although having three division, is Absolute.division, is Absolute.

The means is also the end.The means is also the end. Vision of Reality is altered according Vision of Reality is altered according

to what we hear.to what we hear. Vision of higher realities obtain by Vision of higher realities obtain by

hearing primarily.hearing primarily.

5454

Opening Scene (1.1.4-8)Opening Scene (1.1.4-8)

1.1.4-5 the sages assembled at 1.1.4-5 the sages assembled at Naimisaranya to peform sacrifice for Naimisaranya to peform sacrifice for benefit of whole world. They benefit of whole world. They approach Suta Gosvami, giving him approach Suta Gosvami, giving him the high seat of esteem and with the high seat of esteem and with great respect inquired from Him.great respect inquired from Him.

Approaching proper authorities and Approaching proper authorities and inquiring from them is the secret to inquiring from them is the secret to doing good for others.doing good for others.

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SB 1.1.6-8 before the sages inquire, they SB 1.1.6-8 before the sages inquire, they tell 9 reason why they have approached tell 9 reason why they have approached Suta GosvamiSuta Gosvami

You are completely free from all viceYou are completely free from all vice You are well versed in the ScripturesYou are well versed in the Scriptures Gone through them under proper guidanceGone through them under proper guidance Explained themExplained them SeniorSenior Versed in physical and metaphysical Versed in physical and metaphysical

knowledgeknowledge Submissive (to spiritual masters)Submissive (to spiritual masters) Received blessing due to pleasing the Received blessing due to pleasing the

spiritual master.spiritual master.

5656

Question 1Question 1

““Please, therefore, being blessed Please, therefore, being blessed with many years, explain to us, in an with many years, explain to us, in an easily understandable way, what you easily understandable way, what you have ascertained to be the absolute have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in and ultimate good for the people in general.” (SB 1.1.9)general.” (SB 1.1.9)

5757

““The ācāryas and gosvāmīs are The ācāryas and gosvāmīs are always absorbed in thought of the always absorbed in thought of the well-being of the general public, well-being of the general public, especially their spiritual well-being.” especially their spiritual well-being.”

““Spiritual wellbeing is automatically Spiritual wellbeing is automatically followed by material well-being.” followed by material well-being.”

““The ācāryas therefore give The ācāryas therefore give directions in spiritual well-being for directions in spiritual well-being for people in general.” people in general.”

““One cannot solve a problem with One cannot solve a problem with the same consciousness that created the same consciousness that created it.”-Eiensteinit.”-Eienstein

5858

Question 2Question 2 ““O learned one, in this iron age of Kali O learned one, in this iron age of Kali

men have but short lives. They are men have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.” (SB and, above all, always disturbed.” (SB 1.1.10) (connecter)1.1.10) (connecter)

““There are many varieties of scriptures, There are many varieties of scriptures, and in all of them there are many and in all of them there are many prescribed duties, which can be learned prescribed duties, which can be learned only after many years of study in their only after many years of study in their various divisions. Therefore, O sage, various divisions. Therefore, O sage, please select the essence of all these please select the essence of all these scriptures and explain it for the good of all scriptures and explain it for the good of all living beings, that by such instruction their living beings, that by such instruction their hearts may be fully satisfied.” (SB 1.1.11) hearts may be fully satisfied.” (SB 1.1.11) (Question 2) (Question 2)

5959

““In Kali-yuga, the duration of life is In Kali-yuga, the duration of life is shortened not so much because of shortened not so much because of insufficient food but because of irregular insufficient food but because of irregular habits…Overeating, over-sense habits…Overeating, over-sense gratification, overdependence on another's gratification, overdependence on another's mercy, and artificial standards of living mercy, and artificial standards of living sap the very vitality of human energy. sap the very vitality of human energy. Therefore the duration of life is Therefore the duration of life is shortened.”shortened.”

““The people of this age are also very The people of this age are also very lazy…in the matter of self-realization…due lazy…in the matter of self-realization…due to a bad system of education[.]” to a bad system of education[.]”

““Even if they come to know about it, they Even if they come to know about it, they unfortunately become victims of unfortunately become victims of misguided teachers.” misguided teachers.”

6060

““In this age, men are victims…of many different In this age, men are victims…of many different types of sense-gratificatory diversions, such as types of sense-gratificatory diversions, such as cinemas, sports, gambling, clubs, mundane cinemas, sports, gambling, clubs, mundane libraries, bad association, smoking, drinking, libraries, bad association, smoking, drinking, cheating, pilfering, bickerings, and so on. Their cheating, pilfering, bickerings, and so on. Their minds are always disturbed and full of anxieties minds are always disturbed and full of anxieties due to so many different engagements.” due to so many different engagements.”

““Material sense gratification is now the standard Material sense gratification is now the standard of civilization. For the maintenance of such of civilization. For the maintenance of such material civilizations, man has formed complex material civilizations, man has formed complex nations and communities, and there is a constant nations and communities, and there is a constant strain of hot and cold wars between these strain of hot and cold wars between these different groups.”different groups.”

All scriptures and spiritual instructions are meant All scriptures and spiritual instructions are meant for the satisfaction of…ātmā. There are many for the satisfaction of…ātmā. There are many varieties of approaches which are recommended varieties of approaches which are recommended for different types of living beings in different for different types of living beings in different times and at different places. Consequently, the times and at different places. Consequently, the numbers of revealed scriptures are innumerable.”numbers of revealed scriptures are innumerable.”

Therefore, what is the essence of all scriptures? Therefore, what is the essence of all scriptures?

6161

Question 3Question 3

““All blessings upon you, O Sūta All blessings upon you, O Sūta Gosvāmī. You know for what purpose Gosvāmī. You know for what purpose the Personality of Godhead appeared the Personality of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devakī as the son of in the womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva.” (SB 1.1.12) (Question 3)Vasudeva.” (SB 1.1.12) (Question 3)

6262

Question 4Question 4 ““O Sūta Gosvāmī, we are eager to learn O Sūta Gosvāmī, we are eager to learn

about the Personality of Godhead and His about the Personality of Godhead and His incarnations.” (SB 1.1.13) (Connector)incarnations.” (SB 1.1.13) (Connector)

Why are they eager to hear this subject?Why are they eager to hear this subject? ““Please explain to us those teachings Please explain to us those teachings

imparted by previous masters [ācāryas], imparted by previous masters [ācāryas], for one is uplifted both by speaking them for one is uplifted both by speaking them and by hearing them.” (SB 1.1.13) and by hearing them.” (SB 1.1.13) (Connector)(Connector)

““Living beings who are entangled in the Living beings who are entangled in the complicated meshes of birth and death complicated meshes of birth and death can be freed immediately by even can be freed immediately by even unconsciously chanting the holy name of unconsciously chanting the holy name of Krsna, which is feared by fear personified.” Krsna, which is feared by fear personified.” (SB 1.1.14) (Connector) (SB 1.1.14) (Connector)

6363

Question 4 continued…Question 4 continued… ““O Sūta, those great sages who have O Sūta, those great sages who have

completely taken shelter of the lotus feet completely taken shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord can at once sanctify those who of the Lord can at once sanctify those who come in touch with them, whereas the come in touch with them, whereas the waters of the Ganges can sanctify only waters of the Ganges can sanctify only after prolonged use.” (SB 1.1.15) after prolonged use.” (SB 1.1.15) (Connector)(Connector)

Glorification of the devotees who speaks Glorification of the devotees who speaks that which they are eagered to hear. Being that which they are eagered to hear. Being infused by Krishna-sakti they are more infused by Krishna-sakti they are more powerful then holy places.powerful then holy places.

6464

Question 4 Continued…Question 4 Continued…

““Who is there, desiring deliverance Who is there, desiring deliverance from the vices of the age of quarrel, from the vices of the age of quarrel, who is not willing to hear the virtuous who is not willing to hear the virtuous glories of the Lord?” (SB 1.1.16) glories of the Lord?” (SB 1.1.16) (Connector) (Connector)

Rhetorical question again glorifying Rhetorical question again glorifying the potency of hearing krishna-katha; the potency of hearing krishna-katha; ability to free one from all vice.ability to free one from all vice.

6565

Question 4Question 4

““His transcendental acts are His transcendental acts are magnificent and gracious, and great magnificent and gracious, and great learned sages like Nārada sing of learned sages like Nārada sing of them. Please, therefore, speak to us, them. Please, therefore, speak to us, who are eager to hear about the who are eager to hear about the adventures He performs in His adventures He performs in His various incarnations.” (SB 1.1.17) various incarnations.” (SB 1.1.17) (Question 4)(Question 4)

6666

““The conditions for hearing…are set forth The conditions for hearing…are set forth herein. The first condition is that the herein. The first condition is that the audience must be very sincere and eager audience must be very sincere and eager to hear. And the speaker must be in the to hear. And the speaker must be in the line of disciplic succession from the line of disciplic succession from the recognized ācārya.”recognized ācārya.”

““The leaders of the people are very much The leaders of the people are very much anxious to live in peace and friendship, but anxious to live in peace and friendship, but they have no information of the simple they have no information of the simple method of hearing the glories of the Lord.”method of hearing the glories of the Lord.”

How does this bring peace? How does this bring peace? ““Kali-yuga is so saturated with vicious Kali-yuga is so saturated with vicious

habits that there is a great fight at the habits that there is a great fight at the slightest misunderstanding” slightest misunderstanding”

6767

““If we want actual peace, we must If we want actual peace, we must open the road to understanding of open the road to understanding of the Supreme Lord Krsna and glorify the Supreme Lord Krsna and glorify Him for His virtuous activities as they Him for His virtuous activities as they are depicted in the pages of Śrīmad-are depicted in the pages of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.” Bhāgavatam.”

6868

Question 5Question 5

““O wise Sūta, please narrate to us O wise Sūta, please narrate to us the transcendental pastimes of the the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Godhead's multi-Supreme Godhead's multi-incarnations. Such auspicious incarnations. Such auspicious adventures and pastimes of the Lord, adventures and pastimes of the Lord, the supreme controller, are the supreme controller, are performed by His internal powers.” performed by His internal powers.” (SB 1.1.18) (Question 5) (SB 1.1.18) (Question 5)

6969

The Power of Hearing Krishna-KathaThe Power of Hearing Krishna-Katha ““We never tire of hearing the We never tire of hearing the

transcendental pastimes of the Personality transcendental pastimes of the Personality of Godhead, who is glorified by hymns and of Godhead, who is glorified by hymns and prayers. Those who have developed a prayers. Those who have developed a taste for transcendental relationships with taste for transcendental relationships with Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every moment.” (1.1.19) moment.” (1.1.19)

““Lord Śrī Krsna, the Personality of Lord Śrī Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, along with Balarāma, played like Godhead, along with Balarāma, played like a human being, and so masked He a human being, and so masked He performed many superhuman acts.” performed many superhuman acts.” (1.1.20)(1.1.20)

7070

The Power of Hearing Krishna-KathaThe Power of Hearing Krishna-Katha

““Knowing well that the age of Kali Knowing well that the age of Kali has already begun, we are has already begun, we are assembled here in this holy place to assembled here in this holy place to hear at great length the hear at great length the transcendental message of Godhead transcendental message of Godhead and in this way perform sacrifice.” and in this way perform sacrifice.” (1.1.21)(1.1.21)

Hear is itself yajna, or sacrifice. Hear is itself yajna, or sacrifice.

7171

Bona-fide Representative: Rare in KaliBona-fide Representative: Rare in Kali

““We think that we have met Your We think that we have met Your Goodness by the will of providence, just so Goodness by the will of providence, just so that we may accept you as captain of the that we may accept you as captain of the ship for those who desire to cross the ship for those who desire to cross the difficult ocean of Kali, which deteriorates difficult ocean of Kali, which deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being.” all the good qualities of a human being.” (1.1.22)(1.1.22)

Hear from right person is like taking Hear from right person is like taking shelter of a captain to get you across a shelter of a captain to get you across a tumultuous sea. tumultuous sea.

One is fortunate in Kali to meet such One is fortunate in Kali to meet such person, for they are rare, and there are person, for they are rare, and there are many cheaters.many cheaters.

7272

Question 6Question 6

““Since Śrī Krsna, the Absolute Truth, Since Śrī Krsna, the Absolute Truth, the master of all mystic powers, has the master of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please departed for His own abode, please tell us to whom the religious tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for principles have now gone for shelter.” (1.1.23) (Question 6) shelter.” (1.1.23) (Question 6)