You are on page 1of 24

Symbols and effects Bold- a very important concept taught in the verse or purport Underline- the exact translation

from the verse. Underline and bold- the concept of a set of verse Srimad Beautiful Bhagvatam the book dealing in the science of the eternal relation with the Lord. SB is the philosophy of devotional service and the scientific presentation of mans relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (SB 2.7.52P) Why of all the Puranas SB is the spotless purana? Other Puranas present the stories in which activities of Lord are supplementary facts, not the central theme, but in SB activities of Lord are central and not supplementary. Hence SB is recommended as spotless purana by CM. (SB1.7.12P) Need for Srimad Bhagvatam 1. To establish oneness of entire human society as thought by great thinkers. (Preface) 2. To establish peace, friendship and prosperity with a common cause as it the cultural presentation for the respiritualization of the entire human society. (preface, SB1.5.11) 3. Everyone is busy in finding the ultimate source of everything. It is explained rationally and authoritatively in SB. (Preface) 4. SB also explains our relationship with that source and our duty toward perfection of the human society on the basis of this perfect knowledge. (Preface) 5. Unscrupulous men would try to misuse Vedanta Sutras. Vyasdev foreseeing that provided a supplement to it in form of SB. SB 1.2.3 purport. 6. Even after compiling Vedanta Sutras, Vyasdeva was not happy. So how can its readers derive transcendental bliss? This gives the need for explaining Vedanta Sutras in form of SB by the self same author. SB 1.5.8 purport. 7. People have a general instinct to read, but mundane literatures pollute mind. Transcendental literatures like SB will not only diminish the activities of the corrupt mind of the people in general, but also it will supply food for their hankering after reading some interesting literature. (SB 1.5.11 purport) Process of reading SB 1. Proceed step by step cautiously and not jump forward haphazardly. It should be gone through chapter by chapter, one after another. (Preface) 2. One should learn book Bhagvatam from person Bhagvatam. 3. One who reads or hear SB may raise questions, but they should not be put in a challenging spirit. One must submit questions with a great regard for the speaker and the subject matter. 4. One can assimilate knowledge of scriptures only through hearing & explaining. Hearing & explaining is more important than just reading. 5. No one can learn SB who is associated with persons engaged in sex life. No one can learn SB from one who interprets the text by his mundane scholarship. Simply

hearing is not enough, one must realize it with rapt attention. (rapt attention pure mind pure action pure eating sleeping, mating & defending. ) Effect of reading SB by SP 1. Simply by a careful reading one will know God perfectly well, so much so that the reader will be sufficiently educated to defend himself from the onslaught of atheists. (Preface) 2. One will become God realized soul at the end of finishing the first nine cantos. (Preface) 3. Anyone who gifts this on full moon day is sure to go to Godhead. SB 1.1.1P 4. SB will gradually elevate the unbiased reader to the highest perfectional stage of transcendence. It will enable him to transcend the three modes of material activities fruitive action, speculative philosophy and worship of functional deities as inculcated in Vedic verses. SBP1.1.1 5. Without undergoing the different stages of realization set forth in the Vedas, one can be lifted immediately to the position of paramhamsa simply by agreeing to receive this message. 6. One can certainly see the presence of LK in the pages of Bhagvatam if one has heard it from a self realized soul like Sukadeva G. 7. BY regular attendance in classes on the Bhagvatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead is established as an irrevocable fact. (SB1.2.18) 8. Simply by giving aural reception to this Vedic literature, the feeling for loving devotional service to Lord, Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, sprouts up at once to extinguish the fire of lamentation, illusion and fearfulness. (SB 1.7.7) 1.1.2 One wants to satisfy the senses. So he turns to religion to gain something material. If material gains available without religion, religion is neglected. But sense gratification frustrates and such men turn towards liberation (becoming one with Lord) to avoid this misery. Hence, in one sense they are all sense gratification Vedas prescribe regulative ways for these 4 things so that there is no undue competition. But SB is transcendental to these. It can be understood only by those who do not compete for sense gratification. Qualification of speaker of SB 1. Must be following 4 regulative principles strictly. 2. He should be well versed in all revealed scriptures. 3. He should be conversant in all other system of philosophies like as given by Gautama, Kanada, Kapila, Patanjali, Jaimini and Astavakra, so that he can refute them. Symptoms of people in Kaliyuga 1. Short lives not because of insufficient food, but due to irregular habits. 2. Lazy both materially & spiritually. 3. Misguided by misguided teachers

4. Always disturbed 5. Faithlessness 6. Unlucky 7. Short memory 8. Lack of finer sentiments 9. Physically weak 10. Loss of better qualities Why sages wanted to learn about Supreme Lord 1. Even unconscious chanting of name of Lord can free one from birth & death. 2. In this age of quarrel only by understanding Of Lord Krsna and glorifying Him can peace be obtained. 3. His acts are very attractive and even sages like Narada sing them. 4. The sages were so eager to hear from Suta Goswami because he being a very submissive disciple of his Guru was certainly blessed by him and hence was bonafide. He was not a bogus person who would interpret in his own way to suit his own purpose.

Canto 1 creation
Chapter 1 question by sages
Sages asked: (1) Please explain the most confidential knowledge that youve learnt from your Guru. SB 1.1.8 One should always chant and remember the glories of Lord Sri Krishna along with His different plenary portions expanded as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. These expansions are the original Deities for all other truths, namely either visnu-tattva or sakti-tattvas. SB 1.5.37 (2) Please explain what you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good of people? SB 1.1.9 Answer The supreme occupation for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendental Lord. Such service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted. Any occupational duty which doesnt lead to this loving devotional service is a waste of time. Occupational duties should not be used for the purpose of material gain only for sense gratification, but if here is material gain during this duty it should be used only for maintenance of basic needs of the body, i.e. only for self preservation. In this way without being engaged in unnecessary sense gratification one should seek the Absolute Truth-Brahman, Parmatma & bhagvan. The highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the duties prescribed for ones own occupation according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead.

(3) There are many scriptures and due to defect of people in Kaliyuga they cant go through all scriptures and processes mentioned. Hence you please tell the essence of all scriptures. SB 1.1.11 Ans. Sri Vyasdeva delivered it to his son, who is the most respected among the self realized, after extracting the cream of all Vedic literatures and histories of the universe. SB 1.3.41 The purpose of all Vedas is to know LK and SB is LK Himself in the form of recorded knowledge. Therefore it is the cream of all Vedas. SB 1.3.41 Purport (4) For what purpose SPG appeared? SB 1.1.12 And Just for material worlds creation, maintenance & destruction Lord accepts the three qualitative forms of Brahma, Visnu & Siva. Of these 3 humans can derive ultimate benefit from Visnu. The Lord of the universes maintains all planets inhabited by demigods, men and lower animals. Assuming the roles of incarnations, He performs pastimes t reclaim those in the mode of pure goodness. (5) Please inform us about SPG and His incarnations. SB 1.1.13 Whole SB is about that only (6) Since SPG has departed for His abode, to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter? Ans SB 1.3.43 Persons who have lost their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance in the age of Kali shall get light from this Purana. SP mentions in purport that BG is preliminary study of SB and hence only these 2 books are worth taking shelter of. Verses 13 to 21 Sages request Suta G. to narrate Lords activities. Conditions for hearing transcendental message (1) Sincere and eager audience (2) Speaker in proper parampara Verse 14 power of chanting described even fear personified fears Krsna and Lord has infested all His energies in His Holy Name. Hence even unconscious chanting of His name can free from cycle of birth and death. Verse 15 power of association of Lords pure devotees described Association of pure devotees sanctifies immediately while water of Ganges takes long time to purify. Lords shelter can be obtained only by obtaining shelter of His pure devotees. Hence, a disciple of pure devotee considers his guru to be equal to the Lord, but always considers himself to be a humble servant of the servant of the Lord. Verse 16 considering above, the process for overcoming the age of quarrel- Kaliyuga, is described. If we want actual peace, we must open the road to understanding of Krsna and glorify Him for His virtuous activities as they are depicted in the pages of SB. Verse 17 Great sages always sing His magnificent and gracious acts.

Verse 18 Sages again request Suta to explain pastimes of Lord as they are very auspicious for both those who were present there and those who hear them. Verse 19 Those who have developed taste for transcendental matters are never tired of hearing such narrations, while one is easily satiated by mundane activities. Verse 20 Krsnas acts, even though He was in human form, were always superhuman. Verse 21 Hearing the transcendental pastimes of the Lord in the recommended medicine in Kali Yuga. This is confirmed by the sages. Other processes of previous ages not possible. Satyuga Prolonged meditation, life duration 100,000 years Treta Yuga Great sacrifices, life duration 10,000 years Dwapar Yuga Worship of Lord, life duration 1000 years Kaliyuga Hearing and chanting of holy name, fame and pastimes of Lord, life duration 100 years Verse 22 Kaliyuga deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being. Suta Goswami is accepted as leader by all sages-one must also accept shelter of representative of Suta Goswami. Verse 23 Since LK has departed to whom religious principles have gone for shelter.

Chapter 2 Divinity and Divine Service


Verse 2 & 3 Suta Goswami glorifies Sukadeva. Suta Goswami also calls SB as cream of Vedic Knowledge. In verse 3 Suta practically summarizes the complete introduction of SB. Vedanta Sutras were compiled by Vyasa to present cream of Vedic knowledge and here Suta also calls SB as cream of all Vedic knowledge. Hence, SB is a natural commentary on VS. And Suta first spoke for all suffering mankind. But question is- arent some man happy? Answer is everyone is trying to make a permanent plan for happiness, but everyone is baffled by laws of material nature. But still only a very few are frustrated and wanted to get out of it. Such people are called jnanis. VS is directed to them. But to prevent misuse of VS, Vyasa also compiled SB. Verse 4 Suta pays obeisance to Narayan, Nara Narayan Rsi, Sarasvati and Vyasa and advices everyone who wants to recite the SB. Verse 5 Only questions related to Krsna are worthy of being asked as they are relevant to the worlds welfare and capable of satisfying the self. BG 15.15 says all Vedas are nothing but urge to search for Him. Thus questions that pertain to Krsna are sum and substance of Vedic inquiries. Verse 6 to 10 Suta Ji answers first question.-What is the absolute good for people?

Diagram describing Verse 6 to 10 Why devotional service should be unmotivated? Pravratti marg-path of material enjoyment is inferior while nrivratti marg-path of renunciation for supreme cause is superior. Such engagement in material enjoyment only aggravates the symptoms of disease and increases its duration. Hence devotional service should be pure, i.e. without the least desire for material enjoyment,-fruitive activity and philosophical speculation. Some people say Bhakti is for only those who cant perform austerities, charity, mystic yoga, etc and is meant for sudras, vaisyas and woman class. This is not a fact. It is sublime for the pure devotees and easy for neophytes. And it is a great science open to all. Sacrifice, charity, austerity are corollary factors to Bhakti. Bhakti results in knowledge and detachment, but simply knowledge and detachment doesnt lead to Bhakti. Verse 11 What is the absolute truth about which one should inquire?-Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Parmatma or Bhagvan. Students of Upanishads realize Brahman, Hiranyagarbhas realize as Parmatma and devotees realize as Bhagvan.

Verse 12 Absolute truth realized perfectly by devotional service only as advised in scriptures- Sruti, Smriti, purana and pancaratra. Since Parmatma and Brahman realization are imperfect, dhyan and gyan marg are also imperfect. Verse 13 - Answer to first question concluded. Verse 14 to 21 describes how devotional service gives knowledge and detachment Verse 14 with one pointed attention one should constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship SPG. Verse 15 BY remembering SPG, binding knot of reactionary work is cut. Verse 16,17,18,19,20,21 Service to great devoteesUrge to hear Lords message developsParmatma cleanses desire for material enjoymentDaily Reading SB and/or serving pure devoteesLoving service for Lord permanently establishedlust, desire, hankering disappearmode of pure goodnesshappyGains positive scientific knowledge of the Personality of Godheadbinding knot is pierced & all misgivings (material speculation) are cut Verse 22 Speciality of devotional service to LK is that is enlivening to the self. This is specialty of service to LK and Baladeva, which cant be experienced in even other incarnations. Verse 23 to 27 establishes worship of Visnu as supreme viz a viz demigod worship. Verse 23 Confirms that LK, by His plenary portions, should be rendered devotional service. It also confirms that only Visnu can give liberation, not even Brahma and Siva can do that. KrishnaBaladevaSankarsanaNarayanaSecond SankarsanaPurusa avataras Verse 24 One has to rise to platform of mode of goodness to be eligible for devotional service. But an expert spiritual master can raise a person from even mode of ignorance to mode of goodness. Ksirodakasayi Visnu is Parmatma in heart and deity of quality of goodness in material world. Verse 25 Whoever follows the great mahajans, who worshipped Lord, is also eligible for liberation from the material world. Verse 26 Devotees are not envious of demigods, but they worship only Visnu. This is because they know that demigods are not Visnu-Tattvas and cant award liberation. Verse 27 Only people influenced by passion & ignorance worship forefathers, other living beings and demigods, so as to enjoy women, wealth, power and progeny. Verse 28 to 30: Vasudeva is supreme

Verse 28, 29 Vasudeva is the only object of worship-be it through knowledge of scriptures, sacrifices, yoga, austerities. He only rewards fruitive activities and religion only means rendering loving service to Him. Verse 30 Lords existence, form, activities and paraphernalia all existed before the creation of material world. He is transcendental to modes because He is the creator of causal and effectual energies required for creation of material world. Verse 31 to 33: Lord as supersoul Verse 31 to 33-After creation, although Lord enters into it as Supersoul, still He remains the controller of material energy and transcendent to it. He pervades all over the places and causes living entities to enjoy modes by the subtle mind. Verse 34: Lord incarnates in various species to reclaim those is mode of pure goodness. Success of human life is to develop Brahamical qualities or to attain mode of goodness. But this is not enough to gain knowledge of the supreme. For that one has to surpass Brahmana stage to come to Vasudeva stage, i.e. become a Vaisnava. Four principles of devotional line 1. Personality of Godhead 2. His devotees 3. the ignorant 4. the envious A third class devotee cant see them and is attached to the deity worship only for material gain. A second class devotee can see all of them

Chapter 3: Krsna is the source of all Incarnations


Verse 1 to 25 Process of creation of material world Lord (original Parmatma, Karanodaksyai Visnu) sixteen principles of material creation (5 gross material elements and eleven working senses) Karanodaksyai Visnu (first purusa) Garbhodakasayi Visnu (2nd purusa) Ksirodakasayi Visnu (3rd purusa, deity of Sattva Guna) Garbhodakasayi Visnu Brahma (Rajo Guna)Rudra (Tamo guna) BrahmaDaksa, Marici, Manu and other demigods Ksirodakasayi Visnu is the maintainer of the universe and the Supersoul of this universe. Garbhodakasayi Visnu - all incarnations within the universe are emanations from Him either directly or through Ksirodakasayi Visnu. . Incarnations from KV- (1) Four Kumaras (2) Varaha Dev (3) Narada (4) Nara and Narayana (5) Kapila (6) Dattatreya (7) Yagya (8) King Rsabha (9) King Prthu (10) Matsya (11) Kurma (12) Dhanvantari (13) Mohini (14) Nrsimha (15) Vamana (16) Parsuram (17) Vyasdeva (18) Ramchandra (19) Balaram (20) Krsna (21) Buddha (22) Kalki Lord Siva is a plenary portion of the Lord, much higher than any ordinary living being, but because Lord Siva is in direct touch with material nature, he is not exactly in the same transcendental position as Lord Visnu. Milk & Curd. Curd is essentially milk, but cant be used in place of milk. Verse 26: Lord has innumerable incarnations. Verse 27: Powerful rsis, Manus and their descendants, demigods are vibhutis or saktyavesa avataras. Verse 28: Krsnas tu Bhagvan Svayam. Avatara Opulence Parasurama & Nrismha Strength Narada, Varaha, Buddha Created faith Rama & Dhanvantari Fame Balaram, Mohini, Vamana - Beauty Dattatreya, Matsya, Kumara & Kapila- Knowledge Nara and Narayana - Renunciation But Krsna exhibited all of above opulences, hence He is the source of all of Them.

Verse 29: Faithful recitation of the mysterious appearances of Lord gives liberation. But one who doesnt follow prescribed rules & regulations of Bhakti are not allowed into these mysteries. Verse 30 to 35: Virat-Rupa is imaginary. It is just to give idea to less intelligent people of Lord having a form. Factually Lord has no material form. As people say sky is cloudy and air is dirty, so they implant material bodily conceptions to the spirit self. Apart from the gross material body, there is a subtle body. The living being has his form beyond this too. When a person experiences that he is beyond both gross and subtle body, he sees himself and Lord. Knowledge comes and illusory energy subsides due to grace of Lord. Hence learned men describe the births and activities of the Lord of heart. Verse 36: What are the characteristics of the Lord his activities are spotless, is the master of six senses and is fully omnipotent with six opulences. He creates, maintains and annihilates the universe but is least affected. He is within every living being and is always independent. Verse 37 foolish people dont know Lord, who is like an actor in drama. Verse 38 Only those who render unreserved, uninterrupted, favorable devotional service knows His full glory. Verse 39 Suta Ji again glorifies sages inquiries. Glories of SB Verse 40 to 43 SB is literary incarnation of Lord. It is all successful, all blissful and all perfect. It is the cream of all Vedic literatures and histories. It was passed in parampara to Sukadeva, Pariksit. It is as brilliant as sun and will give vision to people of Kali. Secret of knowing Bhagvatam Verse 44 One should hear it from a bonafide speaker with rapt attention. A person is bonafide if he is not associated with person engaged in sex life and should be in line of Sukadeva Goswami. One should hear with rapt attention from the real person, and then he can at once realize the presence of Lord Krsna in every page. In One day Brahma (4.3 billion solar years) there are fourteen Manus. Currently were under Vamana who is known as Vaivasvata Manu. Four Stages of Sannyasa 1. Kuticaka 2. bahudaka 3. Parivrajkacarya 4. paramhamsa Four defects of conditioned souls 1. Mistake 2. Illusion 3. Cheating 4. Imperfection Why LK is counted as avtara even though He is the Lord Himself

Because out of His causeless mercy He descends from His abode. Avatar means one who descends. LK and all His avataras descend to fulfill a particular mission. LK 64 attributes Visnu Tattvas known as svayam-prakasa, tad-ekatma, prabhava, vaibhava, vilasa and avatara all have 60 attributes. Lord Siva (who is neither any of Visnu Tattva or avesa or Jiva Tattva) 55 attributes Jiva Tattva 50 attributes and that too in Brahma. What is real religion? To know God, our relation with Him and our duties in relation with Him and to know the ultimate destination after leaving this body. Why SB is the cream of all Vedic literature? In BG Lord says the purpose of all the Vedas is to know Him and SB is LK Himself in the form of recorded knowledge. Hence, it is the cream of all the Vedas and contains all historical facts of all times in relation with LK. All the mysteries of transcendental realizations are duly experienced by Narada Muni himself, and therefore by hearing such an authority one can have some idea of the results of devotional life, which are hardly delineated even in the original texts of Vedas. In the Vedas and Upanishads there are only indirect hints to all this. Nothing is explained there, and therefore SB is the mature fruit of all the Vedic trees of literature.

Chapter 4-The appearance of Sri Narada


Text 1 & 2 Saunaka who was learned, elderly and leader of the sages started to congratulate Suta Ji. Suta Ji being bonafide, sages were eager to hear from him.
Personal Realization: Doesnt mean that one should attempt to show ones own learning by trying to surpass the previous Acharya. He must have full confidence in the previous Acharya, and at the same time he must realize the subject matter so nicely that he can present the matter for the particular circumstances in a suitable manner. The original purpose of the text should be maintained. No obscure meaning should be screwed out of it, yet it should be presented in an interesting manner for the understanding of the audience.

Further questions by sages 1. When, where and why was Bhagvatam compiled? From where did Vyasdeva got the inspiration to compile it? Text 3 2. How was Sukadeva recognized by the citizens when he entered the city of Hastinapur when he appeared like a madman, dumb and retarded? Text 6 3. How MP met this sage making it possible for SB to be sung to him? Text 7 4. Please explain about the wonderful birth and activities of MP. Text 9 5. Why did the exalted, opulent, young & strong MP gave up everything to sit down of bank of Ganges and fast until death? Though he himself was unattached to his body, but his body was shelter to many. So why did he give up this body? Text 10,11,12 Text 4 & 5 Sukadeva G. was a great devotee, transcendental to mundane activities. But he appeared like an ignorant person. He being a liberated soul was completely indifferent to matter he didnt made any distinction even between a male and female form.
One should approach a sadhu not to see but to hear him. If one is not prepared to hear words of a Sadhu, there is no profit. A sage is not recognized by sight, but by hearing.

Text 8 Like Sukadeva G. renounced people should visit householders only to enlighten them. One should beg alms from his home only to sanctify the home. Tex 13- Suta Ji is described as expert in all subjects, except some fruitive sacrifices. Hence he was perfect to answer their queries.
Brahmanas Parivrajkacaryas Administer fruitive sacrifices mentioned in Vedas Disseminate transcendental knowledge to one and all Expert in pronouncing the Vedic mantras by systematic Not necessarily and expert reciter of Vedic mantras meter and accent One and different simultaneously because they are meant for the same end, in different ways Vedic mantras Mostly begun with pranava omkara Requires more training to practice the metric pronunciation of the Vedic mantras Puranas & Itihasas SB is the ripened fruit of all Vedas. Self realized soul like Sukadeva Goswami relish this scripture. Depends more on realization than parrot like chanting obtained by practice.

Verse 14 Vyasdeva born to Parasara & Satyavati.

Verse 15,16,17,18 One morning Vyasdeva concentrated and saw anomalies in duties of millennium and thought how all people can be benefited. Verse 19 to 25 Vyasdeva divided Yajur Veda into 4 Rg, Yajur, Sama and atharva. Puranas and Mahabharata are the fifth Veda. Each Veda was handed over to a scholar. Puranas and histories were handed to Romaharsana, father of Suta G. Each of the teachers passed this knowledge to their students. All this was done so that Vedas might be assimilated by less intellectual men. Mahabharata was compiled for women, laborers and friends of twice-borns so that can achieve ultimate goal of life. Verse 26 to 31 Vyasdeva feels dissatisfied. This was because he gave more attention to purification processes of Vedas, but didnt describe the ultimate end of it devotional service. Verse 32-33 Narada Ji arrives and being is the representative of original spiritual master Brahma is respectfully honored by Vyasdeva.

Chapter 5 Naradas Instructions on Srimad Bhagvatam for Vyasdeva


Verse 2 to 4 Narad Ji said that Vyasdeva should not be despondent as: 1. He had very great parentage and hence he shouldnt be identifying with body and mind. (This is the main cause of despondency-identifying with body and mind.) 2. He didnt lacked knowledge, as he had compiled Mahabharata which explains Vedas. 3. He had fully explained the impersonal Brahman though Vedanta Sutras. Verses 5 to 7 Vyasdeva agrees and ask Narada Ji to explain why he is despondent. Narad Ji is perfect because he has the most perfect knowledge, as he is cent percent engaged in devotional service of Lord. Plus, Narad Ji can travel all over the world, so he is as good as supersoul. Verse 8 to 15 Narad Ji chastises Vyasdeva and condemns whatever he has done till now Verse 8-9 No one can be happy without being engaged in devotional service Narad Ji explains that Vyasdeva was despondent because in none of his works till now has he described the sublime and spotless glories of Personality of Godhead. He had vividly described Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha but not given importance to activities of God. This clearly indicates that no one can be pleased substantially without being engaged in devotional service of Lord. Verses 10 to 11 Those words which dont describe glories of Lord are places of pilgrimage for crows. But that literature which described glories of name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc of Lord, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung and accepted by purified men, as it meant for bringing a revolution in impious lives of this worlds misdirected civilization. In purport SP mentions Sino-Indian war as an example to state that wars are happening because there is propaganda by a section of people to stop glorification of the name and fame of the Supreme Lord. Hence there is need for disseminating SB, especially this is the duties of every Indian. Verse 12 Not only are mundane literatures condemned, but also Vedic literatures on the subject of impersonal Brahman when they are devoid of devotional service. Verse 13 Qualities of Vyasdeva or his representatives (1) Their vision is perfect (2) Their fame is spotless (3) They are firm in vow (4) Always situated in truthfulness. Hence they can provide spiritual information to news-crazy people.

Verse 14-15 - Narad Ji chastises Vyasdeva for preparing many literatures which may confuse people with demigod worship and sense enjoyment (regulated fruitive activities) in name of religion. He condemns the compromising spirit of Vyasdeva. Verse 16 to 22: Narad Ji encourages Vyasdeva to write SB Verses 16 to 18 Only materially detached persons deserve know Supreme Lord. Hence, materially attached people should be shown transcendental realization through descriptions of transcendental activities of the Lord. Even though such a materially retired person, who is trying to do devotional service, may fall down, yet he is never unsuccessful, while a non devotee however expert he may be, gains nothing. A philosophically inclined and intelligent person should not be tempted by temporary pleasures or pains of this world right from Brahmaloka to patala loka. Such a person should search for permanent life of bliss and knowledge. Why a fallen devotee is not unsuccessful? Verse 19 karmi suffers results of fruitive action, while a fallen devotee is reformed by chastisement directed by the Lord Himself. Eg. Suffering of an orphan and a child of a king are not
same.

Verse 20 Narad JI further encourages Vyasdeva that Vyasa perfectly knows that Lord Himself is the cosmos, yet He is aloof from it. Eg. Leaves and branches are also tree, but the tree is not the
branch or leaves. Similarly parts and parcel legs and hands are called the body, but the body itself is not hands or legs. Plus a detached leaf or branch and a cut hand or leg have no value, even though they look like so.

Verse 21 Narad Ji explains to Vyasa that he is competent to write about Lord because he himself is the plenary portion of the Lord. Verse 22 The ultimate purpose of all knowledge is transcendental description of the Lord. Verse 23 to 30: Narad Ji tells his own story. All stages of shraddha, nistha, rasa, bhava and prema are attained by association of pure devotees. By hearing about Lord and His activities all sins are eradicated and the hearer becomes liberated from mundane association and becomes attracted to the features of the Lord. Hence just by hearing one can become an associate of the Lord. Verse 29 Necessary qualifications for a neophyte to advance 1. Always seeking association of a pure devotee. 2. He must faithfully serve the pure devotee. 3. He should be very much obedient and strictly following the instruction 4. The desire to inquire from the spiritual master is an essential factor to the progressive path. This process is called sad-dharma-prccha. (SB1.6.2P) Verse 30 Sages taught the most confidential knowledge to Narad Ji Why knowledge of devotional service is called most confidential? Jnanam means any ordinary knowledge or any branch of knowledge. This knowledge develops upto the knowledge of impersonal Brahman. Above this, when it is partially mixed with devotion, such knowledge develops to knowledge of Parmatma. This is more confidential. But when such knowledge is turned into pure devotional service and the confidential part if transcendental knowledge is attained, it is called most confidential knowledge. Verse 31 The most confidential knowledge is that Lord desires that all conditioned souls come back to Him giving up all engagements in the material world. If one knows this one can return to Him and personally meet Him. Verse 32Scientist, philosopher Can study supremacy of Lord and see His energy in every sphere of life. Administrator, warrior, etc Fight for the Lord, try to establish Lords supremacy in statesmanship. Businessman Engage his wealth in Lords service.

But the best thing is to get relief from all material activities and engage oneself completely in hearing the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. But in case of the absence of such an opportunity, one should try to engage in the service of the Lord everything for which one has specific attraction. Verse 33 to 36 describe Karma Yoga Verse 33&34 The same material activity when used in service of Lord cures the material disease. Due to this karma yoga one gets spiritual knowledge as while performing the duties, one constantly remembers Lord, His names and His qualities.
Not only should we give the profit of our earning to fulfill orders of Lord for arraning singing, dancing & feasting, but we must also arrange to preach this cult of devotion to other because that is also one of the orders of the Lord. 50% spent for carrying out orders of Lord + person should himself preachsinging, dancing & feasting program under the direction of a pure devotee. Who is a pure devotee? Free from all mundane desires, fruitive activities and dry speculation about Lord. Should a person change his position? No, there is no need, but just the idea of becoming one with Lord should be dropped.

SB 1.5.37 The most confidential instruction received by Suta Ji from his spiritual master- One should always chant and remember the glories of Lord Sri Krishna along with His different plenary portions expanded as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. These expansions are the original Deities for all other truths, namely either visnu-tattva or sakti-tattvas. Position of deities of plenary expansions (from right to left)

PradyumnaSankarshanaVasudevaAniruddha
SB 1.5.38-Actual saint worship Visnu through sound
As per Amarkosa Sanskrit dictionary murti has two meanings-form and difficulty. Hence Lord is described as amurtikam-one without material form and one who can be experienced without difficulty. Panchratra is more important than Vedanta for this modern age.

SB 1.5.39 Offenseless chantingrise above material planeunderstand inner meaning of VedasLord reveals His identity8 mystic opulencesdevotee is accepted in the confidential entourage of the Lord and engaged in service. SB 1.5.40 Four classes of good men 1. Those in distress 2. Those in need of money

3. Those advanced in knowledge 4. Those inquisitive to know more and more about God. Four classes of bad men 1. Those simply addicted to mode of progressive fruitive work and thus subjected to accompanying miseries 2. Those addicted to vicious work for sense gratification and so suffer the consequence. 3. those materially very advanced in knowledge, but suffer because they do not have the sense to acknowledge the authority of the Almighty Lord 4. Atheists and purposeful haters of God, although being always in difficulty. SB is for all of these 8 classes.

Chapter 6 Conversation between Narada and Vyasdeva


Verse 1 to 4: Vyasdeva asked Narad Ji about his activities after the sages went away. Verse 5 to 9: Narad Ji freed from mothers affection Verse 10 to 15: Narad Ji describes his long and arduous journey at the end of which he sat to meditate on Supersoul.
Important instructions for Sannyasis In Kaliyuga, Sannyasa is forbidden for ordinary men. One who changes his dress to make propaganda is a different man from the original ideal sannyasi. One should, however, take a vow to stop social intercourse completely and devote life exclusively to the service of the Lord. The change of dress is a mere formality. LC did not accept the name of a sannyasi, and in Kaliyuga the so-called sannyasis should not change their former names. One who takes the vow of renunciation of family life need not imitate the parivrajakacarya like Narada or LC, but may sit down at some holy place and devote his whole time and energy to hear and repeatedly chant the holy scriptures left by the great acaryas like the six Gosvamis of Vrndavana. (SB1.6.13P) A traveling mendicant can meet the needs of body, namely thirst and hunger, by the gifts of nature without being a beggar at the doors of the householders. The mendicant therefore does not go to the house of a householder to beg but to enlighten him spiritually. (SB1.6.14P)

Verse 16 to 19: Narad Ji feels spiritual ecstasies on seeing Lords form and then looses Its vision. Verse 20 to 23: Lord speaks to Narad Ji: Since he is incomplete in service and not completely free from material taints, he will not be able to see Him again in this lifetime. Lord was trying increasing his desire for Him.
Seeing the Lord means being engaged in His service because His service and His person are identical

Verse 24: Naradas remembrance of previous life continued by Lords mercy. Conclusion of this experience of Narad Ji is that Lord can be seen and heard by persistent chanting of the transcendental sound. Life of sincere devotee in nutshell Verse 26 Chanting the holy names and fame of the Lord by repeated recitation, ignoring all formalities of the material world, preaching to the best of ones personal capacity without motive of material gain, fully satisfied, humble and unenvious. (SB1.6.26) Verses 27-30-Narad Ji leaves his body and attains spiritual body, just as lightning and illumination takes place simultaneously. Why devotees body is becomes transcendental? Change of body means stoppage of the reaction of 3 qualitative modes of material nature upon the pure devotee. A devotees body becomes at once surcharged with the

transcendental qualities of eternity, freedom from material modes and freedom from reactions of fruitive activities as soon as he is engaged in the devotional service of the Lord. (SB1.6.28P) Maya means that which is not. Verses 31 to 32: Narad Ji travels all over the universe singing glories of Lord with the help of Vina. Verse 33 to 34: Chanting of His names and glories makes Lord appear in the heart of pure devotee and it is the best way to come over nescience. A person must be thinking, feeling about
something. So the point is only the subject matter needs to be changed. Instead of politicians, cinema stars, etc. one should be constantly discussing and glorifying the Lord.

Verse 35: Without devotional service of the Lord, neither yoga nor dry philosophical speculation can ever become successful. Verses 36 to 38 The glorious Narad Ji ends his story and leaves to enlighten suffering souls.

Chapter 7-The son of Drona Punished


Verse 2: All asramas are equal An asrama is a place where spiritual culture is always foremost. It does not matter whether the place belongs to a householder or mendicant. The whole varnasrama system is so designed that each an every status of life is called an asrama, because spiritual culture is the common factor for all. Hence, none of the 4 asramas are less important. The difference is a matter of formality on the strength of renunciation. The sannyasis are held in high estimation on the strength of practical renunciation. Verses 3 to 4: Vyasdev meditated and saw Lord along with His external energy, which was under His control. The root cause of suffering of materialists, remedial measures and ultimate perfection Verses 5,6: cause: Although being transcendental to material encagement, he is now imprisoned by the external energy, and therefore he thinks himself one of the material products. And due to this unholy contact, the pure spiritual entity suffers material miseries under the modes of material nature. Remedy: Surrender to Supreme Lord in association of devotees. This develops by hearing from self realized souls. Whole SB is for this aim. Ultimate perfection: eternal relation between the Lord and living being is transcendental, otherwise the Lord would not have taken the trouble to reclaim the conditioned souls from Maya. In the same way, the living entity is also required to revive his natural love for the Lord.
Revival of the dormant affection or love of Godhead does not depend on the mechanical system of hearing and chanting, but it solely depends on the causeless mercy of the Lord. When the Lord is fully satisfied with the sincere efforts of the devotee, He may endow him with His loving transcendental service. But even with the prescribed forms of hearing and chanting, there is at once mitigation of the superfluous and unwanted miseries of material existence. Such mitigation does not wait for development of transcendental knowledge. Rather, knowledge is dependant on devotional service.

Verse 8 Vyasdeva teaches SB to Sukadeva Goswami. Verse 9 Saunaka Rsi asked since Sukadeva Goswami was already spiritually self satisfied what was the need to study SB? Verses 10 & 11 answer this question Verse 10 Even liberated souls or those on path of self realization or those who take pleasure in spirit self desire to render unalloyed devotional service. Therefore, Lord has transcendental qualities which can attract liberated souls too. Verse 11- Though he was already attracted to impersonal feature of Lord and hence liberated, by mercy of devotee like Narada he became more attracted to personal feature of Lord. Since he understood SB, he became very dear to devotees and devotees became very dear to him.

Verse 12: Suta Ji starts description of pastimes of Pandavas retirement and birth, activities and death of Pariksit M. This specifically instructs the devotees who directly want to read Lords most confidential pastimes in 10th canto to understand the 9 cantos first and then only proceed to 10th Canto. Pastimes of Lord and His devotees are interlinked and cant be separated. Verses 13-14: Ashvathama murders sons of Draupadi, must to displeasure of Duryodhana. Verses 15 to 17: Draupadi laments and Arujna promises to kill Ashvathama. Five Kinds of Aggressors 1. Who sets fire to the house. 2. Who administers poison 3. Who attacks All of sudden with deadly weapons 4. Who plunders wealth or usurps agricultural fields 5. Who entices ones wife Such an aggressor, whoever he may be should be punished in all circumstances. Verse 18 to 21: Ashvathama uses Brahmastra Verse 22 to 26: Arjuna prays to Krsna and asks from where the glare is coming.
Anything that is presented before the Personality of Godhead should be so done after due presentation of respectful prayers. This is the standard procedure.

Verse 27 to 34: Lord asks Arjuna to counteract and retract the Brahmastra, which he does. Then he ties him up and brings him to his camp. Verse 35 to 58: Lord instructs to kill Ashvatthama, the Brahman Bandhu. This will benefit Ashvatthama, whose sins will be eradicated by this punishment and in this way Arjunas promise to Draupadi will also be fulfilled. He has even displeased his master and ruined name of his family. Lord encouraged Arjuna so as to test Arjunas test of duty and in true sense of duty, Arjuna resisted, as Ashvatthama was son of Drona. Arjuna brought him before Draupadi, who due to female nature bowed down before Ashvatthama. Draupadi, as a genuine devotee of Lord, could not tolerate his misery and asked he be released. She also argued that Pandvas were indebted to Drona for teaching them. Also, in absence of Drona, Asv is representing him and Krpi should not suffer like she was suffering. Maharaja Yudhishthir, Nakula Sahadev, Arjuna and Krsna and all other except Bhima supported her. Krsna immediately discovered 2 more arms and with 2 He stopped Draupadi and with the other two He stopped Bhima. Then He offered His solution. Understanding His motives Arjuna cut off the hair and Mani from the head of Ashvathama. Then the Pandavas performed rituals for the dead relatives.

Chapter 8: Prayers by Queen Kunti and Pariksit saved

You might also like