Usage of Notes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Lead words in the beginning of every verse, presented in bold casing
represents the ‘theme’ of the verse.
Respective translations (in some verses) have been presented after the
theme, under inverted commas.
Bullet points under each verse represent the major headings under which
purport can be divided. Sometime they are accompanied by relevant sections
of purports under inverted commas.
Lesson :- This is a statement from the purport which indicates practical
application of that verse.
Exam answers :- Answer to all the important questions have been explained
in the main notes.
Examination syllabus :- This will cover the list of important questions given
at the end of the chapter, list of analogies and break down of the chapter.
How to begin the study :- To understand the flow of the chapter, one should
first study the breakdown and the lead words of every verse presented in bold
casing, along with the link between the verses. Then one may study the bullet
points to understand the purport.
Para Numbers(e.g. para 1) – This indicates the paragraph of the purport from
which the respective points have been taken.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
1
BREAK DOWN OF CHAPTER 1
Section I
Verses 1-3
Prelude: The subject, glories and goal of the Çrémad-Bhägavatam.
Çréla Vyäsadeva offers his obeisances to Lord Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth, and
immediately glorifies the Çrémad-Bhägavatam as completely pure, free from materially
motivated activities, and especially nectarean, having emanated from the lips of Sri
Çukadeva Gosvämé.
Section II
Verses 4-8
Setting the scene for the sages inquires
Once, in the forest of Naimiñäraëya, great sages assembled to perform a great thousandyear sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees. One day after offering a
seat of esteem to Çréla Süta Gosvämé, the sages enumerated Süta Gosvämé’s qualifications
to speak.
They particularly appreciated Süta Gosvämé’s character, which was completely free from
all vice, and his learning, as he was well versed in all the scriptures. Also because he was
submissive, his spiritual masters had endowed him with all the favors bestowed upon a
gentle disciple. The great sages then made inquiries, with great respect, about the
following matters.
Section III
Verses 9-23
The Questions of the sages
What is the ultimate good, and the essence of all scriptures (11)? They glorify hearing
about the Lord and request Süta Gosvämé to speak to them about the Lord (12) and His
incarnations, in both the process of creation (13), and in other pastimes (17) After Süta
Gosvämé describes that the Age of Kali has just begun, the sages ask a final question:
"Now that Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth, has departed for His abode, please tell us by
whom religious principles are presently protected." (23)
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
2
Chapter -1
Questions by the Sages
A humble offering to the assembled devotees
All Glories to Çréla Prabhupäda
Introduction
Çrémad-Bhägavatam hits on the target of Absolute Truth – This differentiates from
the common understanding of conception of God
• Conception of God indicates controller
• Conception of Absolute Truth indicates summum Bonum, or ultimate source of all
energies
Section I (Text 1-3)
This section gives the prelude to Çrémad-Bhägavatam
• Text 1 – Defines the Absolute Truth
• Text 2 – Describes the glories of Çrémad-Bhägavatam and also defines actual
religion
• Text 3 – Invites humanity to taste the Bhägavatam’s sweetness
Text 1 defines the Absolute Truth • Introductory definition is as follows
o That substance form which nothing is different
o That Absolute Truth is a person , Divine son of Vasudeva & Devaki, known as
Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
o Everything else, including Brahmäjyoti (God’s oneness aspect) emanates from
Him
• This verse can be studied under following divisions
o Çréla Vyäsadeva begins by offering obeisances (1A) and defining the Absolute
Truth(1A – 1E)
o Absolute Truth as the source of all and cause of all causes(1B)
o Lord is fully cognizant and fully independent and no other living entity is equal
to or greater than the Supreme Lord(1C to 1E) o Supreme intelligence behind all creations is Absolute Godhead, Çré Kåñëa and
not Brahmäji or any other living entity o Relationship between Absolute truth and relative truth is explained (1J – 1N) oà na mo bhagavate vä sudevä ya (1A) Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
3
1A Çréla Vyäsadeva begins by offering obeisances and defining the Absolute Truth
(“oà namo bhagavate väsudeväya”) – This is explained in para 1 of purport
• What does this indicate– This directly indicates Lord Kåñëa, son of Vasudeva and
Devaké, as the primeval Lord
• References for Kåñëa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead - Säma-veda
Upaniñad, Bhagavad-gétä, Padma Puräëa, Brahma-saàhitä and Kåñëasandarbha
• Importance of name ‘Väsudeva’ – “Väsudeva indicates …. Devaké”.[purport]
o Väsudeva indicates the plenary portion of the Personality of Godhead, and all
the different forms of the Lord, being identical with Väsudeva, are indicated in
this text
o The name Väsudeva particularly indicates the divine son of Vasudeva and
Devaké. Çré Kåñëa is always meditated upon by the paramahaàsas, who are the
perfected ones among those in the renounced order of life
Lesson :- First proposition of Çrémad-Bhägavatam – Kåñëa is primeval Lord and thus
object of Çréla Vyäsadev’s obeisances and meditation. He is so charming that His qualities
& pastimes attract us to His loving service in spiritual world
Link 1A to 1B: Çrémad-Bhägavatam begins with the definition of the ultimate source,
based on Vedänta-sütra 1.1.1 (janmädy asya yataù). It is a bona fide commentary on the
Vedänta-sütra by the same author, Çréla Vyäsadeva.
ja nmä dy asya yataù (1B) 1B Definition of Absolute Truth (“janmädy..…yatah”) – Source of all and cause
of all causes (“I meditate…… universes.”[Translation])
•
•
Çrémad-Bhägavatam as spotless puräëa (Para 2)
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam elaborates in various sections on how Lord is the source
of all that exists
o Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu calls Çrémad-Bhägavatam as ‘spotless puräëa
because it deals with transcendental narration about Çré Kåñëa
o Specialty of history of Çrémad-Bhägavatam – Vyäsadeva compiled in his
maturity of realization under guidance of spiritual master
o Vyäsadeva described the “main substance” in tenth canto after gradually
developing the “knowledge of categories” in first nine cantos
Çrémad-Bhägavatam Answers the Inquiries about the origin of creation
(para 3) –
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
4
•
•
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam answers natural inquiries of a philosophical mind, about
the origin of creation
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam establishes Supreme will behind all activities
o Refutes atheistic conception of ‘No creator’
§ Analogy of ‘space satellites to establish the presence of superior
intelligence’
Author worships the supreme intelligence behind all the creation as ‘Para’
or parameçvara (para 4)
o Author of Çrémad-Bhägavatam at once accepts supermost intelligence and
worships Para-tattva, chief of all living personalities, Çré Kåñëa – Other
references to support this are –
§ Vedic literature – Absolute Truth is the chief of all and possesses super
most inconceivable energies
§ Bhagavad-gétä – There is no other ‘Para-tattva’ than Himself (Ref Bg. 7.7
mattaù parataraà…….)
Çrémad-Bhägavatam establishes the ideal of a common cause – Thus
“janmädy asya yato” establishes Supreme Lord as the primeval cause of all
causes of creation, sustenance and destruction of universes
Link 1B to 1C: Lord, being the primeval cause, is both the material cause and efficient
cause. Prakåti which appears to be the material cause, is an energy of the Lord and is
thus non-different from the Lord. Thus Lord is the material cause through Prakåti
• Lord takes the form of time (which is efficient or indirect cause) to influence
Prakåti (which is material or direct cause)
• Thus lord is both, the direct (material) and the indirect (efficient) cause
a nva yä d itarataç cärtheñv abhijïaù svaräö (1C – 1E) 1C Lord is fully cognizant (“anvayäd ………. abhijïaù”) – Lord (Absolute Truth) is
directly and indirectly fully conscious (abhijïaù)
• Analogy :- Chief engineer of a complicated construction knows every nook and
corner of his construction (Para 7)
• Everything created is an interaction of His material and spiritual energy (Para 7)
o Analogy :- Chemist manufacturing water but needs raw materials
o Analogy :- Whatever happens to the body quickly becomes knows to the
embodied, similarly creation is the body of the Absolute whole (Para 8)
• Conclusion – “Since the complete whole or the Absolute Truth is the source of
everything, nothing can be independent of the body of the Absolute Truth.”
(Para 8)
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
5
o Thus refutes the illusion of materialists that “he is the only creator” “The
materialist wrongly ……………….. intelligence” (Para 8)
Link 1C to 1D Question: One may object that since the mahat-tattva and other elements
had not arisen, the Lord could not have a body which could perform actions, and thus
could not have done all the creation
Answer: Therefore this verse says that the Lord is independent (svaräö)
1D Lord is fully independent (svaräö)
•
•
Lord is conscious of every minute details but at the same time aloof and
independent
o Analogy : Chief engineer of a complicated construction knows every nook
and corner of his construction but still he does not personally take part (para
7)
He is simultaneously one and different (Para 7)
o Analogy : Gold mine and gold objects
1E No other living entity equals to the Supreme Lord - This is the importance of
two words “abhijïaù and svaräö” (Para 9)
•
•
Only Lord is fully cognizant (as told in 1C) and fully independent (as told in 1D)
o Neither Brahmä, nor brains like Einstein, nor Mäyävädis nor atheists like
Rävaëa, etc can claim to be so(Para 9)
Lord is called asamaurdhva (no one is equal to or greater than Him) (Para 10)
o Creates just by glance
o Creates machines in duplicate male and female forms – power to reproduce
o Thus refutes that “God is no more expert than a watchmaker”
o Supreme Lord is ‘All perfect (confirmed by ‘çruti-mantra’)
Lesson: Surrender and become Mahätmä (Para 11) – After defining Kåñëa as allperfect , all-attractive Supreme personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth & cause
of all causes, now Çréla Prabhupäda recommends that every one surrender to Him
& become a great soul, a mahätmä
Link 1E to 1F :- Question: One may object that in the creation of the universe, one
should understand that Lord Brahmä has independent powers, for in the çruti, it is said,
Brahmä was born before other creatures; he alone existed. Therefore Brahmä should be
the object of worship.
Answer: the verse answers this objection in the second line, it is the Lord (satyam
param), who revealed (tene) the Vedas (Brahmä ) – knowledge of Himself – to Brahmä
(ädi-kavaye). Thus Brahmä is dependent on the Lord.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
6
tene bra hma hådä ya ädi-ka vaye muhya nti yat sürayaù (1F – 1H)
1F Brahmäji is not the ultimate creator/object of worship – Supreme intelligence
behind all creations is Absolute Godhead, Sri Kåñëa (Para 9)
•
•
•
•
Ref Vedic lit. ‘Brahmä, who may be compared to sun, is not the ultimate creator ’
Ref. Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.1.1 ‘Brahmä was taught by Supreme Lord ’
Ref Bhagavad-gétä 9.10 ‘Kåñëa only superintends the creative energy (Prakriti) &
thus not Brahmäji’
Ref çruti/småti ‘Absolute Whole is the source of creation, maintenance &
destruction’
o Thus refutes material scientists who say ‘Sun is the source of all’, they cannot
explain the source
1G Question: One may object that it is well known that Brahmä did not study the Vedas
from anyone.
Answer: That is true. He received it in his mind. (hådaye).
1H Question: Perhaps Brahmä realized the truth of Vedas on his own (from within the
mind) just as a person sometimes gets a realization during sleep.
Answer: Brahmä independently does not have the power to realize this knowledge,
for even the greatly learned sages and demigod are bewildered about this (muhyanti yat
sürayaù).
Please note : Points1G and 1H have been taken from äcäryas commentaries to establish
the connections.
Link 1H to 1J :- 1A to 1F defines Absolute Truth in various aspects. Now, the
relationship between Relative and Absolute Truth is presented in 2nd half of the first verse
Relationship between Absolute truth and Relative Truths (1J – 1N)
1J Absolute Truth is in the spiritual sky, not the material sky. In the material
sky everything is relative truth (para 6)
•
•
In material sky, everything is relative truth which implies, one truth depends on
something else
Absolute Truth – Holds true in all phases of time
tejo-vä ri-mådäà yathä vinimayo yatra tri-sargo 'måñä (1K) Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
7
1K Material sky/cosmic world, which is a relative truth, is a manifestation of
external potency (Para 6)
•
•
•
•
•
This cosmic creation results from interaction of the three modes of nature (yatra
tri-sargo)
The temporary manifestations are so created as to present an illusion of reality to
the bewildered mind of the conditioned soul, who appears in so many species of
life, including the higher demigods, like Brahmä, Indra, Candra, and so on
(muhyanti yat sürayaù)
Analogy of shadow : The manifested cosmic creation appears as reality (amåñä).
But reality, of which this is but a shadow, is in the spiritual world
In actuality, there is no reality in the manifested world. There appears to be
reality, however, because of the true reality which exists in the spiritual world
Analogy of Mirage : External manifested energy in the form of material existence
is only temporary and illusory like the mirage in the desert
dhä mnä svena sadä nirasta-kuhakaà (1L – 1N)
1L True reality exits in spiritual world as an Absolute Truth (Para 6) – “I therefore
meditate upon Him ……… abode.”[Translation]
•
•
•
•
Spiritual sky is manifestation of Lord’s internal potency
Manifested internal potency is real as opposed to external manifested energy
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the narration of the svarüpa of the Lord manifested by His
internal potency
Çré Vyäsadeva describes the transcendental activities of Para-tattva in canto ten
(Para 4)
1M Transcendental abode is free from all material illusion- ‘nirasta-kuhakaà’ –
“Which is …………… representation of material world” [Translation]
1N Original and pure sex psychology – Çréla Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura
•
•
Diseased material sex life
o The whole material creation is moving under the principle of sex life
o In modern civilization, sex life is the focal point for all activities
o The material sex life is but a perverted reflection of the original fact
Spiritual sex life/ ädi-rasa
o Sex life is not unreal. It’s reality is experienced in the spiritual world
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
8
o Indirect impetus to the abominable mundane sex life by impersonality
philosophers – because they have overstressed the impersonality of the
ultimate truth
§ It is not possible to be impersonal and contain pure sex life
§ Man without information of the actual spiritual form of sex has accepted
perverted material sex life as the all in all
Sa tya à paraà dhémahi (1O – 1P)
1O Çré Vyäsadeva meditates on the ultimate object of meditation of this literature –
the ‘Satyaà paraà’ – “The Absolute Truth Çré Kåñëa”
1P
Çré Vyäsadeva purposely invokes the Gäyatré mantra (Para 5)
•
•
•
•
Gäyatré mantra is for spiritually advanced souls
When one is successful in chanting Gäyatré mantra, one can enter into the
transcendental position of the Lord
One must therefore acquire brahminical qualities or be perfectly situated in the
quality of goodness in order to chant the Gäyatré mantra successfully and then
attain to the stage of transcendentally realizing the Lord, His name, His fame, His
qualities and so on
Thus it offers a chance for gradual development of spiritual realization before
actually relishing the essence of the pastimes of Lord
Lesson : Approach tenth canto by gradually developing knowledge of the categories
through nine cantos (para 5)
1Q Authenticity of Çrémad-Bhägavatam with respect to other Puräëas and
erudite scholars (Para 12)
•
•
•
1R
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is referred in Padma Puräëa, Matsya Puräëa
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is commented upon by many äcäryas
Thus refutes those who say “Çrémad-Bhägavatam is by someone called Vopadev,
or, not given by Vyäsadeva”
Conclusion :•
This Çrémad-Bhägavatam will gradually elevate the unbiased reader to the highest
perfectional stage of transcendence.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
9
•
It will enable him to transcend the three modes of material activities: fruitive
actions, speculative philosophy, and worship of functional deities as inculcated
in Vedic verses.
Text 2 – Describes the glories of Çrémad-Bhägavatam and also defines actual
religion
• This verse is studied under following headings
o Real religion is distinguished from pretentious religion (2A)
o Only pure hearted devotees can understand Çrémad-Bhägavatam (2B)
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam aims at the ‘substance’ or the ‘root’ of all categories (2C)
o Proper understanding lead to freedom from three fold miseries(2D)
o Vyäsadeva recommends Çrémad-Bhägavatam above all other Vedic literatures
(2E)
o Ultimate result of studying Çrémad-Bhägavatam (2F)
o Proper method to receive Çrémad-Bhägavatam is ‘hear submissively’ (2G)
dha rmaù projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsarä ëäà sa täà (2A – 2B) 2A Real religion is distinguished from pretentious religion (“dharmaù projjhitakaitavo 'tra paramo”) – Çrémad-Bhägavatam rejects all materially motivated religious
activities and propounds the highest truth
• Ultimate aim of religion is beyond the four primary subjects of religion (Para 1)
• Cheating religion –’Kaitava Dharma’ (Para 2)
o They are all propelled by dharma(pious activities), artha(economic
development), Kama(satisfaction of the senses) & Moksa( liberation from material
bondage )- All are different stages of sense gratification
o They are all propelled by ‘Competition to Lord over’
o Temples replaced by factories proove the lower nature of this religion
• Position of Çrémad-Bhägavatam vs Vedas with respect to Religion (Para 3)
o Vedas prescribe regulated Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksa to avoid undue
competition for sense gratification’
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam, on the other hand, is transcendental to all sense
gratificatory activities
2B Only pure hearted devotees can understand Çrémad-Bhägavatam
(“nirmatsaräëäà satäà vedyaà”) – ‘Only pure devotee can access Çrémad-Bhägavatam’
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
10
•
•
Basis of material life – Competitive Sense gratification(para 3)
o Three Vedic paths to support this – karma-käëòa, jïäna-käëòa and
upäsanä-käëòa
o Cause of this competition is ‘envy’
Transcendentalists – They are transcendental to competitive sense gratification
/they are non-envious (para 3), this is because o Their goal is eternal blissful life Back to Godhead
o They are real well-wishers of society
§ Thus Socialist conception of competitionless society is rejected – because
it involves competition for the post of a dictator
vedya à västa vam atra vastu çivadaà täpa -trayonmülanam (2C – 2D) 2C Çrémad-Bhägavatam aims at the ‘substance’ or the ‘root’ of all categories
(“västavam atra vastu”) – ’The highest truth …….welfare of all.[Translation]’ (Para 4 & 5)
•
•
•
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is transcendental to karma-käëòa, jïäna-käëòa and
upäsanä-käëòa which are full of competition (Para 4)
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is superior because (Para 4)
o Aims at Supreme Truth which is the substance or root of all categories
o The substance is the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Lord, and all emanations
are relative forms of energy
Çrémad-Bhägavatam promulgates simultaneous one & different philosophy about
Absolute Truth (Para 5)
o Thus this refutes ‘Energy as Absolute’, and the concept of ‘Monism’ &
‘Dualism’
2D Proper understanding leads to freedom from three fold miseries (“çivadaà
täpa-trayonmülanam”) – ‘Such … ………..miseries .[Translation]’(Para 6)
•
•
This indicates result of transcendental consciousness grounded in ‘simultaneous
one & different conception
Exhibition of such consciousness is as follows
o Çrémad-Bhägavatam begin with the surrender of devotee unto Absolute
person
o Service is rendered in pure consciousness of ones spiritual identity
Lesson :- In the material conception, one falsely thinks himself the lord of all he
surveys, and therefore he is always troubled by the threefold miseries of life. But as soon
as one comes to know his real position as transcendental servant, he at once becomes
free from all miseries
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
11
çréma d-bhägavate mahä-muni-kåte kià vä parair éçvara ù (2E) 2E Vyäsadeva recommends Çrémad-Bhägavatam above all other Vedic literatures
(“Çrémad-bhägavate mahä-muni-kåte kià vä parair”) (Para 7)
•
•
•
Authority position of Vyäsadeva
o Authorized incarnation
o Mahamuni – indicates author as the crest jewel of the all philosophers
o Vyäsadeva wrote after full revelation of SB 1.7.4-10, in maturity
Analogy : Çrémad-Bhägavatam vs other Puräëas – body vs different parts
Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends Çrémad-Bhägavatam as spotless
sa dyo hådy avarudhyate 'tra kåtibhiù çuçrüñubhis tat-kñaëät (2F –2G) 2F Ultimate result of studying Çrémad-Bhägavatam – “éçvaraù sadyo hådy ……
çrüñubhis tat-kñaëät”
•
Supreme Lord is fixed in the heart immediately (Para 7)
2G Proper method to receive Çrémad-Bhägavatam is ‘hear submissively’ (para 8 &
9)
Wrong attitude – ‘Challenging attitude’
Importance of ‘kåtibhiù & çuçrüñubhis’
o kåtibhiù – Indicates “One becomes qualified to hear Çrémad-Bhägavatam after
many pious deeds”
o çuçrüñubhis’ – Indicates “Desire to sincerely and submissively hear” as the
first qualification
• Process is simple, application is difficult
o Either people are reluctant to hear, or
o They plunge into most confidential topic directly, that is räsa dance
• Assurance by Vyäsadeva to ‘Intelligent persons with thoughtful discretion’ –
o They can realize Supreme Personality of Godhead directly by hearing
Çrémad-Bhägavatam
• Can be lifted immediately to position of paramhamsas
•
•
Text 3 – Invites humanity to taste the Bhägavatam’s sweetness
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
12
3A
This verse invites the readers to relish Çrémad-Bhägavatam
•
•
•
Text 1 & 2 proved Çrémad-Bhägavatam beyond all Vedic literatures.
Text 3 offers Çrémad-Bhägavatam, not only as a superior literature. but ‘ripened
fruit’ or cream of all
This demands ‘Patient ’ & ‘submissive hearing ’ with ’great respect’ & ‘attention’
3B Çrémad-Bhägavatam as a mature ripened fruit – “nigama-kalpa-taror galitaà
phalam” (Para 2)
•
•
•
Vedas which are compared to desire tree give regulated principles of knowledge
“Regulated knowledge involves a gradual raising of the living entity to the
spiritual platform ”
Highest spiritual realization – ‘Supreme Personality of Godhead is reservoir of all
spiritual tastes or rasas ’
3C Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé makes it even more sweet – “çuka-mukhäd amåtadrava-saàyutam” - ’ It emanated from the lips of Çré Çukadeva Gosvämé. Therefore this
fruit has become even more tasteful – easily swallowed & perfected in all respects’
•
•
Çrémad-Bhägavatam appeals to all classes of people (Para 9)
o It is narration of transcendental pastimes of Lord
o Also it is systematic depiction by Çukadeva Gosvämé
Importance of ‘Çuka (Parrot - for the ability to make it more appealing (Para 10))
3D Subject of rasa – “pibata bhägavataà rasam älayaà” – ‘Although its nectarean
juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.’
•
•
•
Definition of rasa – Some sort of taste derived from sense perception
o 12 types of rasa
§ 5 Primary and 7 secondary
Exchange of rasa :o Sum total of all rasa is called affection or love
o Exchange takes place only between same species
Original rasa are on spiritual platform
o Because soul is one and same in quality with Supreme Lord
3E Supreme Personality of Godhead is the fountainhead of all rasas (Ref. çrutimantras) (Para 5)
•
•
Exchange of constitutional rasa with the Lord is the platform of actual happiness
(Para 6)
Rasas in material world – perverted form and temporary (Para 6)
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
13
3F
How can one learn to relish Rasa with Kåñëa (Para 8)
•
•
•
Spiritual rasa can be experience in Çrémad-Bhägavatam, due to it’s being ripened
fruit of all vedas
How – Hear submissively from proper source, like Çukadeva Gosvämé or
bonafide representative
Benefit – one attains full pleasure of heart’s desire
3G No satiation in rasa of Çrémad-Bhägavatam. There is attraction even after
liberation (Alayam)
•
•
Proof – Çukadeva Gosvämé even though liberated, was attracted (Ref. SB 2.1.9)
Conclusion – Supreme Absolute Truth is not impersonal – otherwise
transcendental rasa is not possible
3H Expert & thoughtful men relish Çrémad-Bhägavatam (Para 11 & 12)- “muhur
aho rasikä bhuvi bhävukäh”
•
•
Effect of proper reception - one can relish transcendental rasas distinctly from
perverted rasas
How to properly receive –A ‘sincere & serious’ person should carefully approach
o Approach in the footsteps of Çukadeva Gosvämé, gradually in the stages of
transcendental realization
o Need to understand from bonafide representative
o Avoid non-bonafide professional reciters
Section II
Text 4-8
Text 4 :- After the prelude the main topic of Çrémad-Bhägavatam starts now. (ÇrémadBhägavatam, after its first recitation by Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé, was repeated for the
second time at Naimiñäraëya)
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Importance of Naimiñäraëya (Para2) – Mentioned in Väyavéya Tantra (as the hub
of universe) and Varäha Puräëa (sacrifices at this place curtails demoniac
strength)
Mood of great sages – Always anxious to do good for the people in general
(Para3)
o Thus Çaunaka and others have assembled
o Forgetful souls do not know right path to peace and prosperity, great sages do
know.
§ Analogy :- Watering the root or watering the detached branches and leaves
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
14
•
§ Modern society is like detached branches which gradually dry up (Para 4)
Prescribed sacrifices for real benefit in this age – Congregational chanting which
gives peace and prosperity (Para 5)
Lesson :- The devotees of Lord Viñëu offer all kinds of sacrifices for His pleasure. The
devotees are always attached to the service of the Lord, whereas fallen souls are attached
to the pleasures of material existence
Qualifications of Süta Gosvämé (Text 5 to 8)
5 All the sages performed morning duties, offered vyäsäsana to Süta Gosvämé and
inquired with great respect
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6
Important of morning hours to perform spiritual services
Qualifications of a representative of Vyäsa
o Exactly presents the viewpoint of Vyäsadeva and follows disciplic succession
o Must be a Goswami – Restrain the senses and stick to the path of previous
äcäryass
o Does not deliver lectures capriciously but perform service most carefully
Need of great respect for the speaker and the subject matters, on part of the
audience
Further qualifications mentioned
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Completely free from all vices
o 4 major vices of kaliyuga
Well-versed in all scriptures – Vedas, Puräëas and Mahäbhärata
Have gone through them under proper guidance and have also explained them
o çravaëa and kértana are of primary importance to spiritual life
o Hearing and explaining is more important than reading
7 Further qualifications mentioned – Acquainted with the knowledge of Vyäsadeva
and also of other sages- thus all system of philosophy are known
•
Difference between Vyasadev’s philosophy and other systems of philosophy – in
other systems no mention is given to the ultimate cause of all causes
8 Further qualifications – Submissive and thus endowed with all the favors from
spiritual master
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
15
Lesson :- The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and
thereby getting his sincere blessings
Section-III
Text 9-23
Link 8 to 9 – after hearing last few verses, Süta Gosvämé may agree to speak to all the
subjects he has learned, but sages demand in text 9 “Only the Absolute and ultimate
Good”
9 Sages ask the first question to Süta Gosvämé, the appointed Äcärya.
Bhagavad-gétä recommends the worship of an äcärya
Äcäryas & Gosvämés are always absorbed in the well-being of general public,
especially spiritual well-being,
o Spiritual well-being is automatically followed by material well-being
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Link 9 to 10 - Süta Gosvämé may say that “OK I will present all the scriptures which I
have studied; you can ascertain the best of all of them”
But sages present the condemned state of kali-yuga in text 10 and demands in text 11
that Süta Gosvämé should select the essence of scriptures and present it
10 They describe the “condemned state of affairs” of the people in the age of kali
Less lifespan – 4 habits which decrease the duration of life. (para1)
Lazy – Even if long life people are lazy too To know about what he is, what supreme truth is, what the world is.
o To use human form to end hard material struggle
o To use human life to return BTG
• Misguided - they are influenced by bad system of education.
o Even if they endeavor for spiritual realization, they become victim of
misguided teacher
• Unlucky- victim of political creed and sense gratification diversions
• Disturbed – Even if they come to proper association, they are always disturbed
by various anxieties
• Current distorted values in modern age.
o No proper ashrams – no proper brahmacäré äçrama or proper gåhasthaäçrama. As a result no good vänaprasthas/ sannyäsés
o No interest in spiritual values – whole atmosphere is surcharged with
faithlessness.
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•
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
16
o Sense gratification as the standard- Material sense gratification is now the
standard of civilization
o Concocted religious faiths – Encourage sense gratification of people in name
of religion
• Quarrelsome nature of kali-yuga – Hot and cold war among nations and
groups
Lesson– The devotees of the Lord are always anxious for the spiritual improvement of
the general public. Sages of Naimiñäraëya consider the condemned state of kali and
seek the easy remedy from Sükadev Gosvämé.
11 Sages present the second question- Select the essence of all scriptures by which
their hearts may be fully satisfied.
Lesson – Ätmä, or self, is distinguished from matter and material elements. It is
spiritual in constitution, and thus it is never satisfied by any amount of material
planning
12 Sages present the third question – “Purpose of appearance of Bhagavan Çré Kåñëa
as the son of Vasudev, ”
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Bhagavän as possessor of 6 opulences
Bhagavän as “sätvatäà patiù”- protector of devotees
“bhadraà te”- indicates sages anxiety to know about Absolute Truth
Väsudeva is the symbol of transcendental position wherein the appearance of
Supreme Lord takes place
Link 12-13 – Following verses explain the reason the sages present these questions and
the subject matter they are intending to hear
13A This verse sets the conditions for hearing the transcendental message of
Absolute truth, and thus sets the stage for upcoming fourth (text 17) and fifth (text 18)
question
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Eagerness of the audience as the first condition (çuçrüñamäëänäm)
Speaker must be trained in disciplic succession from äcäryas (aìgänuvarëitum)
o Transcendental message is not revealed to one who is materially absorbed
o Training under direction of guru purifies one of all material absorption.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
17
Link 13 to 17: Before raising the fourth question in text 17, sages increases the listener’s
enthusiasm by glorifying the potency of lord’s name, pastimes and paraphernalia.
13B Potency of transcendental message – “one is uplifted both by speaking them and
by hearing them” (Translation13)
14 Glorifies the power of the holy name as non-different from the lord –“even feared
by fear personified” [purport 14]
Lesson – The transcendental name of Kåñëa, even though uttered unconsciously or by
force of circumstances, can help one obtain freedom from the hurdle of birth and
death
15 Purifying potency of great devotees (who have taken shelter of lord’s lotus feet)
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More powerful – Pure devotees are more powerful than Ganges
Taking shelter
o Lord’s lotus feet can give shelter and purify anyone- BG 9.32
o To take shelter of Lord’s lotus feet means shelter of pure devotee)
Honoring pure devotees – Honor pure devotee on equal platform with the lordthey are the vice-lords
o Because they are engaged in most confidential service “delivering fallen souls”
Pure devotional path described
o To consider spiritual master as equal to lord
o To consider oneself as humble servant of servant.
16 Simple method of hearing and glorifying the lord – One conquers all the vices of
kali and establishes real peace and friendship.
• Most condemned nature of kali-yuga - ‘quarrelsome features’
• Who can get out of it – Those engaged in pure devotional service
17 Sages present the fourth question – “Explain the adventures of Lord in relation to
the creation”
• Two types of creation – Spiritual creation vs. material creation
• Less intelligent men – Attracted to material creations which are perverted shadows
of spiritual kingdom
o Analogy- compared to cinemas
• More intelligent people are guided by sages towards spiritual creation.
• Lord favors as ‘incarnations’ to attract conditioned souls
o 2 types of conditioned souls- karmis and jnanis
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
18
18 Sages present the fifth question- “Narrate the pastimes of lord’s incarnations”
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All auspicious (çubhäù) nature of these pastimes- “Benefit those who are present
during such activities and those who hear such narrations”
Link to 19 :- Sages who were tired of performing the sacrifices express a great relief at
a chance of hearing about Kåñëa and expresses an insatiable appetite for such subject
matter in next verse(they will never get tired of hearing about Supreme Lord)
19 No satiation in transcendental subject matter
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Mundane news is static where as transcendental news is dynamic
Mäyäväda philosophy is also mundane, as compared to transcendental topics of
Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-Bhägavatam
20 Again sages expresses their eagerness to know about the supreme Lord,
especially super human pastimes of Kåñëa and Balaräma, like lifting Govardhan Hill
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First nine cantos explain the transcendental nature of the Lord and Tenth canto
describes His specific pastimes
21 “Hearing and chanting is the sacrificial process recommended for Kali-yuga”
sages admit
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Different process are designed according to different life spans in different yugas
Sages knowing the in competencies of Kali-yuga took up the recommended
process
Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends all Indian to preach this message of
Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-Bhägavatam
22 Sages acknowledge Krishna’s grace by which they have the opportunity to
hear from Süta Gosvämé(the captain of the ship)
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Age of Kali deteriorates all good qualities, and is an ocean of faults
Accept Süta Gosvämé or his representative, as the captain of the ship, to cross
over this ocean
Ship is the message of Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-Bhägavatam
23 Sages present the sixth question – “Since Çré Kåñëa, the Absolute Truth, the master
of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please tell us to whom the
religious principles have now gone for shelter”
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
19
The 6 questions of the sages headed by Çaunaka åñi
Question One (1.1.9)
What is the absolute and ultimate good (çreyaù) for people in general?
Süta explains that the ultimate benefit for people in general is to develop love of God
through devotional service to Çré Kåñëa or His plenary parts (especially SB 1.2.6-7)
Question Two: (1.1.11)
What is the essence of all scriptures?
Throughout the Second Chapter of the Bhägavatam and especially in 1.2.6-7, and continuing
on to text 28, Çré Kåñëa is confirmed as the only object of worship, and establishing one's lost
relationship with Him is proclaimed as the essence of the Vedic literatures.
Question Three (1.1.12)
Tell why Çré Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared?
This question is answered in 1.2.34, "to reclaim those in the mode of pure goodness." Also
1.3.28. In addition, this question is answered in 1.8.35, 9.4.61, 10.8.48-50, and 10.33.37.
Question Four (1.1.17)
Tell us of the acts the Lord performs in relationship to creating the material world.
In 1.2.30-33 the Bhägavatam explains how Lord Väsudeva creates the material substance and
enters into it as the Purusa incarnations. Cantos 2 & 3 explain the creation of the universe.
Question Five (1.1.18)
Describe the activities of the incarnations of the Lord (Lilavataras)
The Lord's incarnations are described within the Canto 1 Chapter 3 & Canto 2 Chapter 7
where many incarnations are listed. Descriptions of the incarnations are expanded
throughout the remainder of the Bhägavatam - éça-anukathäù (One of the 10 subjects of the
Bhägavatam)—the science of God and of His avataras & great devotees.
Question Six (1.1.23)
Where have religious principles gone after Lord Çré Kåñëa's disappearance from this planet?
Süta Gosvämé answers this question in 1.3.43 by declaring, “This Bhagavat Purana is as
brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Kåñëa to His own abode,
accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons who have lost their vision due to the
dense darkness of ignorance in the age of Kali shall get light from this Purana.”
From commentaries on the Bhägavatam by Çréla Jéva Gosvämé & Çréla Visvanath Cakravarti
Thäkura.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
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QUESTIONS BY THE SAGES
Important questions for memorization
1.1.1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.1.2.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What is the most confidential part of the Çrémad-Bhägavatam?
Explain why Çréla Vyäsadeva purposely invokes a Gäyatré mantra, dhémahi.
Why does there appear to be reality in the material world?
Why are the words abhijïaù and svaräö significant?
Explain how the impersonalist philosophers have given indirect impetus to the
abominable mundane sex life.
Religion includes which four primary subjects?
Çrémad-Bhägavatam can only be understood by whom?
What is the translation of the phrase ‘västavam atra vastu çivadaà’?
Explain the significance of the statement, “mahä-muni-kåte kià vä parair”
1.1.3.
10. Explain why Çrémad-Bhägavatam is described as the ripened fruit of all Vedic
knowledge?
11. Why is Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé compared to the parrot?
1.1.4– 1.1.23
1. List the qualities of a representative of Vyäsadeva. (5-8)
2. Spiritual wellbeing is automatically followed by what? (9)
3. List points from the sages analysis of the people in this age of Kali (10)
4. Vasudeva is the symbol of what? (12)
5. Why pure devotees more powerful than the waters of the Ganges? (15)
6. Explain the meaning of the titles Prabhupäda and Viñëupäda. (15)
7. How are those who are not conversant with the activities of the Lord and His
transcendental realm sometimes favored by the Lord? (17)
8. List the requests / questions of the sages to Çréla Süta Gosvämé. (9-23)
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
21
Important analogies
1.1.1: The modern scientist, for example, has created space satellites, and by
some arrangement or other, these satellites are thrown into outer space to fly
for some time at the control of the scientist who is far away. Similarly, all the
universes with innumerable stars and planets are controlled by the intelligence
of the Personality of Godhead.
1.1.1: In the desert mirage there is no actual water. There is only the
appearance of water. Real water is somewhere else. The manifested cosmic
creation appears as reality. But reality, of which this is but a shadow, is in the
spiritual world. Absolute Truth is in the spiritual sky, not the material sky.
1.1.1: The chief engineer of a complicated construction does not personally
take part in the construction, but he knows every nook and corner because
everything is done under his direction. He knows everything about the
construction, both directly and indirectly. Similarly, the Personality of
Godhead, who is the supreme engineer of this cosmic creation, knows every
nook and corner, although affairs are being carried out by demigods.
1.1.1: He is compared to a mine of gold, and the cosmic creations in so many
different forms are compared to objects made from the gold, such as gold
rings, necklaces and so on. The gold ring and the gold necklace are
qualitatively one with the gold in the mine, but quantitatively the gold in the
mine is different.
1.1.4: Detached branches and leaves dry up gradually despite all watering
attempts. Similarly, human society, when it is detached from the Personality of
Godhead like detached branches and leaves, is not capable of being watered,
and one attempting to do so is simply wasting his energy and resources.
1.1.17: The material creations are manifested for some time as perverted
shadows of the spiritual kingdom and can be likened to cinemas. They attract
people of less intelligent caliber who are attracted by false things
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1
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