Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis

Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam

Date: 2007-04-08 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev.

In the 1st chapter of Seventh Canto in Srimad Bhagavatam, Parikshit Maharaj inquires Srila Sukadeva Goswami to explain him about the impartial nature of Supreme Lord. Before beginning any service, one must offer their obeisances to their spiritual master and in the following verse, Sukadeva Goswami offers his respects to his spiritual master Srila Vyasadev through verses 7.1.4-5, before explaining the glories of Lord to Maharaj Parikshit.

śrī-ṛṣir uvāca sādhu pṛṣṭaṁ mahārāja hareś caritam adbhutam yad bhāgavata-māhātmyaṁ bhagavad-bhakti-vardhanam

gīyate paramaṁ puṇyam ṛṣibhir nāradādibhiḥ natvā kṛṣṇāya munaye kathayiṣye hareḥ kathām

The great sage Sukadeva Goswami said: My dear King, you have put before me an excellent question. Discourses concerning the activities of the Lord, in which the glories of His devotees are also found, are extremely pleasing to devotees. Such wonderful topics always counteract the miseries of the materialistic way of life. Therefore great sages like Narada always speak upon Srimad-Bhaagavatam because it gives one the facility to hear and chant about the wonderful activities of the Lord. Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Srila Vyasadeva and then begin describing topics concerning the activities of Lord Hari.

In the above verse, Sukadev Goswami has very nicely highlighted. a) Discourses about Lord and His devotees are pleasing to all b) Such topics counteract the miseries of materialistic way of life c) Need for speaking Srimad Bhagavatam "Always"

Few days back, I was listening to one of the lectures of my spiritual master, HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj wherein Maharaj was telling about the increase in number of psychiatric patients in this age. He was telling how in England, the government used to provide "sickness benefits" to such patients and doctors would not take money from their patients. Where money is not involved, we can expect some genuine seva. Maharaj was describing that most of the treatment did not involve medicines at all. Rather each patient would have a counsellor, who would first ensure that the patient has fresh air, food, clean clothes, bed and is staying in a clean room. The counsellor would first listen to whatever the problems the patient is facing - economical or family related and try to sort them out. The government which we had in Vedic age was much better than this. There were no psychiatric patients in those days. In Ram-rajya there were no signs of disease or old-age. If anyone entered Krishna's Parliament, they would not experience old-age at all. But today even if young people enter the Parliament, they appear old. What is the reason for this discrepancy ? Lack of Krishna-katha ! In olden days, every citizen in the nation after the day of hard work, returns home and listens either to Ramayan or Krishna-katha in the evenings on a regular basis. So as described by Sukadeva Goswami in the above verse, those topics counteracted all the material miseries.

This is not something which could be experienced by people of Vedic age alone. Even today, if we start reading the scriptures on a daily basis, we would be able to experience the bliss - A bliss or happiness which cannot be equalled by what we may get from mundane serials in TV, cinema or any other kind of entertainment. In today's so called modern world, people after the tiring day work, come back home and sit in front of the idiot box and watch serials/movies - which only tend to aggravate the mind's agitations. So what peace or bliss can we expect from these things ? They neither prove to be of any use to solve our day to day problems in life.

On the other hand, any soul who regularly studies Srimad Bhagavatam would be realising that Krishna speaks through these shlokas and also gives us practical instruction for our day to day problems. What else do we need ?

Honestly speaking, I have been very irregular in studying Srimad Bhagavatam, even after hearing about its glories. I pray at the lotus feet of Gurudev and Krishna, so that I remain attached to Srimad Bhagavatam always in a devotional mood.

Hare Krishna! Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 1

Date: 2015-03-18 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Srimad Bhagavatam is non-different from Krishna. It is called as 'mantra-murti' - sound incarnation of the Lord. When Krishna winded up His pastimes in the material world and returned to Goloka, Kali entered. But Krishna mercifully left Srimad Bhagavatam behind, which like sun is dispelling the darkness of ignorance from our life and also protects us from the evil influence of Kali. In Canto 12, Chapter 13 of this great scripture Suta Goswami very nicely glorifies Srimad Bhagavatam. In verse 12.13.19 he says,

kasmai yena vibhāsito ’yam atulo jñāna-pradīpaḥ purā tad-rūpeṇa ca nāradāya munaye kṛṣṇāya tad-rūpiṇā yogīndrāya tad-ātmanātha bhagavad-rātāya kāruṇyatas tac chuddhaṁ vimalaṁ viśokam amṛtaṁ satyaṁ paraṁ dhīmahi

Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless purana. It is most dear to the Vaishnavas because it describes the pure and supreme knowledge of the paramahamsas. This Bhagavatam reveals the means for becoming free from all material work, together with the processes of transcendental knowledge, renunciation and devotion. Anyone who seriously tries to understand Srimad Bhagavatam, who properly hears and chants it with devotion, becomes completely liberated.

Since Krishna and His glories are unlimited, same holds true for Srimad Bhagavatam. This is one purana which is glorified by so many people in so many other puranas as well. In this offering we shall try to meditate on some of the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as mentioned in Uttara khanda of Padmapurana.

When one performs devotional service, transcendental knowledge (jñāna) and renunciation (vairāgya) are like by- products of bhakti. In fact for Bhakti devi, jnaana and vairaagya are two children. Once when Narada was passing through Vrindavana, he saw Bhakti crying and two old men were lying unconscious near her. When Narada Muni inquired her about their identities, Bhakti devi narrated their story to him. Being pleased by the presence of pure devotee, Bhakti devi after offering her pranams to Narada Muni said that these two old-men were none other than her own children. She told him how due to fear of Kali yuga, she and her children had become weak. Srimad Bhagavatam verses 1.4.17 tells us the nature of Kali yuga.

bhautikānāṁ ca bhāvānāṁ śakti-hrāsaṁ ca tat-kṛtam aśraddadhānān niḥsattvān durmedhān hrasitāyuṣaḥ

The great sage, who was fully equipped in knowledge, could see, through his transcendental vision, the deterioration of everything material, due to the influence of the age. He could also see that the faithless people in general would be reduced in duration of life and would be impatient due to lack of goodness.

In this verse, Srila Prabhupada in the word to word equivalents, mentions 'śakti-hrāsaṁ' as 'deterioration of natural power' - Simply by fearing the evil influence of Kali, the natural power of bhakti, jñāna and vairāgya became weak. By stepping into Vrindavan dham, Bhakti devi attained her youthfulness again, but her children remained unconscious. Unable to bear this agony, she requested Narada Muni to help her children.

Krishna willing we shall continue more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 2

Date: 2015-03-19 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled "Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga, Bhakti devi and her children, jñāna and vairāgya became weak due to fear of Kali. Now we shall see further.

When Narada Muni heard this, he told Bhakti that people of Kali yuga do not perceive bhakti or her children. He said, "All glories to Vrindavan dham. Simply by the contact with Vrindavan, you are rejuvenated. Indeed Bhakti dances in full swing with joy here. But your two sons are unable to shake off their old-age, because there is lack of people who are sincerely searching out for them." In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.1.10 also we find the sages of Naimisaranya explaining the nature of people in the age of Kali.

prāyeṇālpāyuṣaḥ sabhya kalāv asmin yuge janāḥ mandāḥ sumanda-matayo manda-bhāgyā hy upadrutāḥ

O learned one, in this iron age of Kali men have but short lives. They are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and, above all, always disturbed.

People are so much engaged in sense-gratification that they give very little or no time for bhakti. So when Bhakti devi heard about the evil impacts of Kali, she asked Narada Muni as to why Pariskhit Maharaj gave shelter to Kali and how could all gracious Lord Krishna tolerate all unrighteousness. Then Narada Muni explained her the reason why Parikshit Maharaj gave shelter to Kali. In Padma Purana, Uttara khanda, Chapter 1 verse 68, he says

yat phalaṁ nāsti tapasā na yogena samādhinā tat phalaṁ labhate samyak kalau keśava-kīrtanāt

King Parikshit knew that devotees in Kaliyuga are weak and are not capable of severe austerities. But there is one advantage. Simply by reciting the name of Keshava with devotion, they will get the benefits of all tapas and yoga and meditations.

So foreseeing this Parikshit Maharaj allowed Kali to stay. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 12.3.51 also Sukadeva Goswami says the same thing to Parikshit Maharaj

kaler doṣa-nidhe rājann asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet

My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.

Krishna willing we shall continue with the conversation between Bhakti devi and Narada Muni in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 3

Date: 2015-03-20 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga:

1) Bhakti devi and her children, jnaana and vairaagya became weak due to fear of Kali. 2) Narada Muni explained to Bhakti devi as to why Pariskhit Maharaj gave shelter to Kali.

Now we shall see further.

Bhakti devi requested Narada Muni to enliven her sons jñāna and vairāgya. Narada Muni touched them and tried to waken them by calling out their names. But they never woke up. So then he repeatedly recited the Vedas, Brahmasutras and Gita. They woke up, but could not open their eyes. They were yawning out of tiredness, showed great hunger and were also inclined to sleep again. Looking at their condition, Narada Muni became anxious as to how he can help them. At that time he heard a celestial voice, "O great sage, Please don't be dejected. The way to get rid of the sleep and old-age of Jñāna and Vairāgya will be revealed to you by holy sages in holy place soon." So Narada Muni performed austerities and soon he had the darshan of Sanat kumaras who gave him the following suggestion. In Shloka 60 and 61 of 2nd chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padma purana the Sanatkumaras says,

sat-karma sūcako nūnaṁ jñāna-yajñaḥ smṛto budhaiḥ śrīmad-bhāgavatālāpaḥ sa tu gītaḥ śukādibhiḥ bhakti-jñāna-virāgāṇāṁ tad-ghoṣeṇa balaṁ mahat brajiṣyati dvayoḥ kaṣṭaṁ sukhaṁ bhakter bhaviṣyati

Learned acaryas like Sukadev Goswami and others have said that reading of Srimad Bhagavatam - is the (jñāna yajna) sacrifice in the form of knowledge, that has to performed to rejuvenate Jñāna and Vairāgya. By very chanting of Srimad Bhagavatam, great strength will be derived for Bhakti, Jnaanam and Vairaagya . Jnaana and Vairāgya will be free of their distress and happiness of Bhakti will also be regained.

Krishna willing we shall continue to see more on glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 4

Date: 2015-03-22 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga:

1) Bhakti devi and her children, jnaana and vairaagya became weak due to fear of Kali. 2) Narada Muni explained to Bhakti devi as to why Pariskhit Maharaj gave shelter to Kali. 3) Sanatkumaras explain how Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya will derive great strength by chanting Srimad Bhagavatam.

Now we shall see further on what Sanatkumaras say about the sublimeglories of Srimad Bhagavatam. In Shloka 62 Sanatkumaras say:

pralayaṁ hi gamiṣyanti śrīmad-bhāgavata-dhvaneḥ kali-doṣā ime sarve siṁha-śabdād vṛkā iva

By the transcendental sounds and recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam all the defects related to Kali will surely disappear, just like the wolves vanish at the roar of a lion.

It is a beautiful way of comparing Srimad Bhagavatam to lion. Just like lion is the king of the forest, Srimad Bhagavatam is the king of all granthas - Granthraj. No animals in the forest can pick up a fight with the lion and win it. And when the lion goes to get its prey or walks around roaring, all other animals are filled with fear and respectfully give way. Similarly Srimad Bhagavatam is the topmost shastra and all other shastras are respectfully subservient to this king of scriptures. No scripture can contradict the conclusion of Srimad Bhagavatam. At the best, they can only go in line with the conclusion of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Sanatkumaras then say the reason as to why Srimad Bhagavatam is glorified by one and all unequivocally in shloka 63:

jñāna-vairāgya-saṁyuktā bhaktiḥ prema-rasāvahā prati-gehaṁ prati-janaṁ tataḥ krīḍāṁ kariṣyati

[When the transcendental sound vibration of Srimad Bhagavatam is chanted] then bhakti that yields the milk of love for the Supreme Lord, accompanied by jnaana and vairagya, will dance in every heart and every house.

We understand a unique point from this verse that as much as we are humans with feelings and emotions, the personified bhakti, jñāna and vairāgya also have feelings and emotions. They become extremely blissful and rejuvenated when Srimad Bhagavatam recitation is carried on all over the world. One can be said to be possessed by bhakti, jñāna and vairāgya only when they blissfully dance in our heart and our house, and that is possible only when we seriously take to the service of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Krishna willing, in our next offering, we shall hear further glorification of Srimad Bhagavatam in this transcendental discussion between Narada muni and Sanatkumaras. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 5

Date: 2015-03-23 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga:

1) Bhakti devi and her children, jñāna and vairāgya became weak due to fear of Kali. 2) Narada Muni explained to Bhakti devi as to why Pariskhit Maharaj gave shelter to Kali. 3) Sanatkumaras explain how Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya will derive great strength by chanting Srimad Bhagavatam. 4) Just like how wolves vanish at the roar of lion, all defects of Kali vanish due to the transcendental sound vibration of Srimad Bhagavatam.

We find further in Padma purana, Uttara khanda, Chapter 2, that on hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Sanat kumaras, Narada Muni wondered, "How bhakti, jñāna and vairāgya were not rejuvenated when I repeatedly recited the Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmasutras and Bhagavad Gita, but upon recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam they could sit up with full energy? This is possible because in Srimad Bhagavatam, each and every shloka, each and every word, has the essence of Vedas. Simply by darshan of pure devotees like Sanat kumaras all the doubts in our hearts are cleared." Uttering these words, Narada Muni, bhakti and her sons took shelter of the Kumaras. In shlokas 67 through 71 of Padma purana, Uttara khanda, Chapter 2, Sanat Kumaras share some more glories of Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni to insist the importance of chanting Srimad Bhagavatam.

1. Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of Upanishad and Vedas. It is supreme and shining and is the best of all scriptures. So this Purana is supreme.

2. In case of tree, the vital juice running from the root to the top cannot be tasted. But when put in the form of fruit, it attracts and captivates the whole world.

3. Ghee comes from milk. But we cannot see it explicitly or get the taste of ghee from milk. But when ghee is extracted from milk, we can see it and it even serves the devatas in all respects.

4. In case of sugar cane, the sugar pervades in the end, in the middle and in all the places. But when sugar is extracted from it, it tastes sweeter than the actual sugar cane.

Srimad Bhagavatam is like the fruit in the tree, the ghee from milk and sugar from sugarcane. This Bhagavata Purana will surely rejuvenate Bhakti, Jñāna and Vairāgya.

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 12.12.59, Suta Goswami says to the sages of Naimisaranya:

ya etat śrāvayen nityaṁ yāma-kṣaṇam ananya-dhīḥ ślokam ekaṁ tad-ardhaṁ vā pādaṁ pādārdham eva vā śraddhāvān yo ’nuśṛṇuyāt punāty ātmānam eva saḥ

One who with undeviating attention constantly recites this literature at every moment of every hour, as well as one who faithfully hears even one verse or half a verse or a single line or even half a line, certainly purifies his very self. Such is the glory of this great scripture. Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 6

Date: 2015-03-30 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga, bhakti and her sons jñāna and vairāgya became weak by fearing about the influence of Kali. They took shelter of Narada Muni who led them to Sanat kumaras. The Kumaras told them the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam and how everyone can be rejuvenated by constantly hearing even one line or half line of Srimad Bhagavatam.

On hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Sanatkumaras, Narada Muni became very happy and he humbly requested them as to where he could do this jñāna yajña of Bhagavat katha. Then as suggested by Sanatkumaras he went to a place called "Ananda" on the banks of River Ganga, along with Bhakti and her two sons. In Padma purana, Uttara khanda third chapter, it is very nicely mentioned that how as soon as they reached the shores of Ganga, there was great festive mood in all the lokas, even upto Satyaloka. Indeed discussion of Srimad Bhagavatam in the association of pure devotees of the Lord is 'sarva loka mahotsav', great festival for all the lokas. All the devatas in all the worlds became very jubilant. In shloka 12, third chapter, Uttara khanda of Padmapurana Suta Goswami says how everyone in different lokas reacted when they came to know about this auspicious occasion.

śrī-bhāgavata-pīyūṣa-pānāya rasa-lampaṭāḥ dhāvanto 'py āyayuḥ sarve prathamaṁ ye ca vaiṣṇavāḥ

Everyone came there to that place running with great speed to hear (drink) the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam. In them the first and foremost beings are the Vaishnavas, the dear devotees of the Lord.

Even in the pages of Srimad Bhagavata Purana (verse 1.19.8) we find that when Parikshit Maharaj sat down on the bank of Ganges, to fast to death, then all the Vaishnavas from all over the planets came there, without any prior invitation. "At that time all the great minds and thinkers, accompanied by their disciples, and sages who could verily sanctify a place of pilgrimage just by their presence, arrived there on the plea of making a pilgrim's journey."

Srila Prabhupada very nicely mentioned in the purport to verse SB 1.19.8, "When Maharaja Parikshit sat down on the bank of the Ganges, the news spread in all directions of the universe, and the great-minded sages, who could follow the importance of the occasion, all arrived there on the plea of pilgrimage...the sages who came to meet Maharaja Parikshit were not very much interested in getting themselves purified like common men, but on the plea of taking a bath in that place they came to meet Maharaja Parikshit because they could foresee that Srimad Bhagavatam would be spoken by Sukadeva. All of them wanted to take advantage of the great occasion."

From the above descriptions it is clear that in those ages people had very advanced communication and transportation facilities. Without any SMS, mail, phone call or Whatsapp message, everyone came to know that Bhagavata katha is going to happen and knowing its value, they all came running to that place with great eagerness. They did not wait for any personal invitation etc. Also very interestingly we find that both in Padma purana as well as Bhagavata purana, the list of great devotees who assembled for katha were same like Vyasadev, Narada Muni, Sukadeva Goswami, Sanat Kumaras and many others. All of them were exalted devotees and have chanted and heard the katha many times in the past. But none of them thought that they need not come again. Since they knew its glories they were eager to hear it again and again. We study one chapter one time and think that we know everything and don't need to hear about it again. This only shows our folly and careless attitude.

We pray at the lotus feet of all these exalted Vaishnavas that we get a tinge of their eagerness to study and hear Bhagavatam.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 7

Date: 2015-03-31 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we saw how in the beginning of Kaliyuga, bhakti and her sons jnaana and vairaagya became weak by fearing about the influence of Kali. They took shelter of Narada Muni who led them to Sanat kumaras. Sanatkumaras suggested them to study Srimad Bhagavatam for Bhagavatam alone could rejuvenate them. In this offering we shall continue to see more glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as explained by Sanat kumaras in 3rd Chapter, Uttara khanda of Padma purana.

Shloka 24: By hearing Srimad Bhagavatam with devotion, moksha is readily available.

Shloka 25: When we constantly attend and listen to Bhagavata katha, Lord Sri Hari takes His abode in that devotee's heart.

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 2.8.4, Parikshit Maharaj also confirms the above truth. He says,

śṛṇvataḥ śraddhayā nityaṁ gṛṇataś ca sva-ceṣṭitam kālena nātidīrgheṇa bhagavān viśate hṛdi

Persons who hear Srimad Bhagavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna manifested in their hearts within a short time.

In the above verse Srila Prabhupada translates śraddhayā as 'earnestness', nityam as 'regularly, always' and sva- ceṣṭitam as 'by one's own endeavour'. Srila Prabhupada very nicely mentions in the purport that Parikshit Maharaj is recommending us the way to hear Srimad Bhagavatam. As we have seen in many pastimes of the Lord, Krishna really appreciates the sincere endeavour of His devotees and mercifully reciprocates to us in ways which are beyond our imagination. If we take one step towards Him, the Lord takes 10 steps towards us. So as soon as we sincerely endeavour to hear about Him, He immediately manifests in our hearts. It is true that Lord resides as Paramatma in the hearts of all living entities, both theists and atheists, demons and devotees etc. But in case of people who are averse to Him, He remains as a silent spectator. Whereas in case of devotees, He personally directs them in their activities and the devotees according to their level of surrender, will be able to His instructions in a crystal clear manner.

Sanat kumaras further say in third chapter, uttara khanda of Padma purana

Shloka 27: Persons who don't listen to Srimad Bhagavatam, even for one moment in our life, then they are sure to be caught up in the cycle of birth and death.

Shloka 28: What is the use of hearing various other shastras, Puranas etc which will lead only to confusions? This Bhagavata purana, King of scriptures, loudly roars as that would give liberation. Now-a-days we are so degraded that we don't even spend time in reading other shastras or Puranas. So what to speak of being caught in cycle of birth and death, when we are alive also, we are completely caught in the complex web of internet wherein we aimlessly keep browsing through all kinds of worldly news (shrama eva hi kevalam) and as a result our consciousness is completely polluted. Then how can we expect Supreme Pure Lord to reside in our heart? We behave so abominably that Krishna would want to leave us. Instead of wasting our time in junk news and polluting our minds, we should fill it up with loud roars of Bhagavatam, the king of scriptures.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 8

Date: 2015-04-01 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. In 3rd Chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana, Sanatkumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jnaana, Vairaagya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed further.

Shloka 29 of 3rd chapter of Uttara khanda of Padmapurana is a beautiful verse in which Sanatkumaras tell us how we can transform our house into a place of pilgrimage.

kathā bhāgavatasyāpi nityaṁ bhavati yad gṛhe tad gṛhaṁ tīrtha-rūpaṁ hi vasatāṁ pāpa-nāśanam

That house in which Srimad Bhagavata katha is read every day, that house will be converted into a sacred place. Bhagavatam drives aways all the sins living in that house and so it becomes a punyakshetra.

All of us don't have the luxury of visiting or staying in dhams all the time. Our prescribed duties at work, family responsibilities require our presence in places very far from dhams. Even if everything else is ok, our body and mind might not co-operate for long distant travel and long time stay in dhams. Simply by reading Bhagavatam everyday with devotion in our house, it will be transformed into dham, for Bhagavatam is jagat pavitram, capable of sanctifying the whole universe, then what to speak of our small home. Similar message is conveyed twice in Srimad Bhagavatam - once by Narada Muni to Vyasadev in verse 1.5.10 and later by Suta Goswami in verse 12.12.51. In verse 1.5.10 Narada Muni says,

na yad vacaś citra-padaṁ harer yaśo jagat-pavitraṁ pragṛṇīta karhicit tad vāyasaṁ tīrtham uśanti mānasā na yatra haṁsā niramanty uśik-kṣayāḥ

Those words which do not describe the glories of the Lord, who alone can sanctify the atmosphere of the whole universe, are considered by saintly persons to be like unto a place of pilgrimage for crows. Since the all-perfect persons are inhabitants of the transcendental abode, they do not derive any pleasure there .

So if we don't glorify Lord by studying Srimad Bhagavatam at home, then our home will be like a garbage place and will become place of pilgrim place of crows. Srimad Bhagavatam has been made readily available to us by mercy of Vyasadev and His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada has further made it easy for us by painstakingly translating this great literature in English. Mahabhagavatas like our beloved Gurudev has shown us in practice how to take shelter of Srimad Bhagavatam in all stages of life. Let us pray to them earnestly that we remember their compassion and sacrifices and follow in their foot-steps.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 9

Date: 2015-04-03 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanat kumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jnaana, Vairaagya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

Sanat kumaras say further that even performance of thousands of Ashwamedha yajnas and vaajpeya sacrifice cannot compare to even 1/16th of their efficacy of reading Srimad Bhagavatam. Until we start hearing Srimad Bhagavatam properly, sins will continue to live in our body. In 3rd Chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana, shloka 33 Sanat Kumaras say,

ślokārdhaṁ śloka-pādaṁ vā nityaṁ bhāgavatodbhavam paṭhasva sva-mukhenaiva yadīcchasi parāṁ gatim

If you desire supreme destination, then you should daily read atleast miminum half shloka of Bhagavatam or quarter shloka of Bhagavatam without fail.

Reading this shloka we can simply realise how much great Srila Prabhupada's compassion is. He desired supreme destination for all living entities. He was not just satisfied with self-study alone. He wanted to give it to the whole world, not just his family, town, village or country. It is only because of His Divine Grace that so many souls all over the world are able to touch Bhagavatam daily and study. Due to sincerity and hard work of dedicated soul like Srila Prabhupada, people in different nook and corner of the world, belonging to different sects, countries and languages are having the opportunity to touch this great literature. It is indeed only because of His Divine Grace that the concept of ' nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā' or daily study of Srimad Bhagavatam has been put into practice in all the temples established by His Divine Grace all over the world.

We are so fallen that we don't even care to desire supreme destination for our selves. But let us at least remember the great and compassion and sacrifice done by His Divine Grace and as a token of gratitude, study at least one shloka of Bhagavatam daily. As the saying goes, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' Similarly a shloka a day, keeps the miseries at bay. So for our own benefit, let us start reciting Srimad Bhagavatam.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 10

Date: 2015-04-04 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanatkumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jnaana, Vairaagya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana, shloka 37 Sanat Kumaras say,

yaś ca bhāgavataṁ śāstraṁ vācayed arthato 'niśam janma-koṭi-kṛtaṁ pāpaṁ naśyante nātra saṁśayaḥ

The sins committed in crores of births would be destroyed, if one reads the Bhagavata shastra with meaning, always, without break. There is no doubt in this.

So here we find Sanat Kumaras are teaching us how we should study Bhagavatam. The words 'vaacayed arthato nisham', meaning 'studying with meaning'. Our beloved spiritual master H H Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj always insists that we should never make Bhagavatam study like a ritual. It is not enough just to recite the shlokas alone. We should study Bhagavatam and understand its meaning as well. Then only we will be able to relish it. Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.1.3, Srila Vyasadev also instructs us to relish it.

nigama-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalaṁ śuka-mukhād amṛta-drava-saṁyutam pibata bhāgavataṁ rasam ālayam muhur aho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāḥ

O expert and thoughtful men, relish Srimad Bhagavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures. It emanated from the lips of Sri Sukadeva Goswami. Therefore this fruit has become even more tasteful, although its nectarean juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.

Srila Prabhupada very nicely mentions in the purport that just like how a fruit becomes more relishable, when bit by a parrot, Srimad Bhagavatam which is emanating from the mouths of Sukadeva Goswami is very relishable. On our own we would not be able to understand the meaning. So Krishna has kindly sent his dear associates like Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva. So when it emanates through the mouths of such exalted souls, it becomes relishable for us. When we study Bhagavatam with meaning and without interruption, then the sins committed in crores of birth will be destroyed

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 11

Date: 2015-04-05 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanat kumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jñāna, Vairāgya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana, shloka 40 Sanat Kumaras say,

anta-kāle tu yenaiva śrūyate śuka-śāstra-vāk prītyā tasyaiva vaikuṇṭhaṁ govindo 'pi prayacchati

Whoever hears the shastra of Sukacharaya, Srimad Bhagavatam, at the time of his death, for him/her Lord Vishnu out of love grants a place in His abode Vaikuntha.

Parikshit Maharaj is the example of perfect listener who was blessed with nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam, from Sukadeva Goswami himself at the time of death. When he knew that he would die within 7 days due to snake-bite, he immediately renounced his material possessions, took shelter of saintly people and inquired from them as to what is the best thing for him to do during these 7 days. Since he was repentful even for the insignificant mistake he had committed against the Samika rshi, and whole-heartedly accepted the curse of Samika rshi's son, Lord was very pleased with him. So Lord sent Sukadeva Goswami and gave him opportunity to hear Srimad Bhagavatam. Due to his submissive hearing, Parikshit Maharaj was able to overcome fear of death and at the end of 7 days, he was able to completely absorb his thoughts on the Lord. So even when the Takshaka snake bit him, due to constant remembrance of the Lord, he went back to Godhead.

Death is a very painful and horrible moment and if we are not prepared for the same, with proper consciousness, we will continue to struggle in the cycle of birth and death, life after life. Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, at the time of death, we will get snapshots of whatever activities we did during our life times. Snapshots of devotional service will make us remember the Supreme Lord, where as other snapshot will prolong our stay in this material world. So by taking shelter of guru, sadhu and sublime shastra like Srimad Bhagavatam, let us fill our life with sublime snapshots always, so that end of life, our loving Supreme Father will be happy to receive us in His abode.

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 12

Date: 2015-04-06 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanatkumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jñāna, Vairāgya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter, Uttar khanda of Padma Purana, the Sanat kumars continue to glorify Srimad Bhagavatam as follows.

Shloka 40: Reading Srimad Bhagavatam daily, always meditating on Lord Sri Hari, watering tulsi plants and serving the cows are all equally important.

Shoka 41: One gifts copy of Srimad Bhagavatam, placed on seat of gold to a Vaishnava gets 'saayujya' status in Vaikuntha and dwells with Sri Krishna.

Shloka 42:

ājanma-mātram api yena śaṭhena kiṁcic cittaṁ vidhāya śuka-śāstra-kathā na pītā cāṇḍālavac ca kharavad bata tena nītaṁ mithyā sva-janma jananī-jani-duḥkha-bhājā

Alas, the fool by whom even a little of story of Srimad Bhagavatam is not drunk with a concentrated mind, during his life time has, has spent his life like a candala or like a donkey in vain. Such a fool has proved to be instrumental only in causing pangs of child birth to his mother.

So if we don't study Srimad Bhagavatam in this human birth, then it simply means that we have misused this rare opportunity. Our life is then as good as life of donkey or candala who cannot study Bhagavatam. There is no meaning in our birth as well. At the time of birth, not only we go suffering, but we cause great pain to the mother who is giving birth to us. But in spite of the pain, mother rejoices simply at the thought of birth of child. There is a saying in Tamil by the great poet, Tiruvalluvar that when the child grows up as a well-behaved person and is appreciated by others for his/her good nature as a learned person, then the mother rejoices all the more.

So when we mold our life according to Srimad Bhagavatam study and practise it, then that is the way to make our parents happy. We don't select our parents. They are Krishna's gifts for us. Srila Prabhupada beautifully says in the purport to verse 9.17 in Bhagavad Gita, "As such, these living entities who appear to be our father, mother, etc., are nothing but Krishna". They are representatives of Krishna. Pleasing parents, serving parents will please Krishna. Life of Pundalik, who please Lord Vittal Krishna by his service to his parents, is living example for this. So is it not our duty to take care of parents, serve them, keep them happy and be grateful to them for tolerating all the pains during our birth and whatever pains we give them (knowingly/unknowingly) as we grow up?

Let us pray that we always remember the value of human birth and remain grateful to our parents, Guru and all other living entities whomever Krishna has blessed us, not just by reading Srimad Bhagavatam, but also by practising it. Jai Srimad Bhagavatam ki Jai!

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 13

Date: 2015-04-07 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanatkumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhaktidevi, Jñāna, Vairāgya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter, Uttara khanda of Padma Purana, the Sanat kumars continue to glorify Srimad Bhagavatam as follows

Shloka 43:

jīvac chavo nigaditaḥ sa tu pāpa-karmā yena śrutaṁ śuka-kathā-vacanaṁ na kiṁcit dhik taṁ naraṁ paśu-samaṁ bhuvi bhāra-rūpam evaṁ vadanti divi deva-saroja-mukhyāḥ

One who does not listen to even a little bit of narration of Srimad Bhagavatam by Sukadeva Goswami is considered as a sinner who is like a living corpse. The leaders of devatas will condemn them by saying, 'Shame on that person, who is just a burden to Mother earth!'

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada says that our lives are as good as big zero, when we don't lead a Krishna-centric life. Krishna is like the '1' which gives value to any number of zeros, when they are added next to '1'. So when we add Krishna to all our activities in our life, then our life will becomes meaningful and is of some value. Since Srimad Bhagavatam is the transcendental sound representation of Supreme Lord, if we don't use our time and energy in studying Srimad Bhagavatam and practising it, then we are like breathing dead and are as good as zeroes. As Mother Devahuti says in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.23.56,

neha yat karma dharmāya na virāgāya kalpate na tīrtha-pada-sevāyai jīvann api mṛto hi saḥ

Anyone whose work is not meant to elevate him to religious life, anyone whose religious ritualistic performances do not raise him to renunciation, and anyone situated in renunciation that does not lead him to devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, must be considered dead, although he is breathing.

Sincere and submissive study of Srimad Bhagavatam will not only cultivate jñāna and vairaagya in us, but will also lead to loving devotional service to Krishna. So it is of utmost importance that, right from the beginning of our life, when our senses and health are in good condition, we should study Srimad Bhagavatam. When we do so, even the demigods are all very pleased. In fact wherever there is sincere glorification of Lord, the demigods being dear devotees of the Lord, immediately assemble there and listen to Hari-katha. So when they see anyone misusing their life, without studying Srimad Bhagavatam, the demigods are also displeased with them and they condemn that person for being a burden to Mother Earth. By pleasing Krishna, everyone is pleased and by displeasing Him, everyone is displeased.

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 14

Date: 2015-04-08 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Shloka 44: Systematic study of Srimad Bhagavatam is very rare in this world. One can hear Srimad Bhagavatam only through merits accumulated in crores of life.

Shloka 45:

tena yoga-nidhe dhīman śrotavyā sā prayatnataḥ dinānāṁ niyamo nāsti sarvadā śravaṇaṁ matam

Oh! storehouse of yoga, Oh! wisemen, this should be heard with diligence. There is no restriction in respect of days of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagavatam should be heard always.

We always try to find out lame excuse for not studying or hearing Bhagavatam. So here Sanatkumaras clearly say that there is no restriction for hearing Srimad Bhagavatam. It does not matter whether it is good day or bad day for us, whether we are happy or sad, whether we are feeling healthy or sick, Srimad Bhagavatam should be heard at all times. The only quality required for hearing is hearing it with diligence, that is care and attention. In Srimad Bhagavatam Sukadeva Goswami explains to Parikshit Maharaj that there is no other auspicious method other than sublime process of bhakti yoga to attain salvation. So he says in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 2.2.36,

tasmāt sarvātmanā rājan hariḥ sarvatra sarvadā śrotavyaḥ kīrtitavyaś ca smartavyo bhagavān nṛṇām

O King, it is therefore essential that every human being hear about, glorify and remember the Supreme Lord, the Personality of Godhead, always and everywhere.

His Divine Grace very nicely explains in the purport about the importance of hearing. He says, "Without hearing sufficiently and properly, no one can make any progress by any of the methods of practice. And for hearing only, all the Vedic literatures are there, compiled by authorized persons like Vyasadeva, who is the powerful incarnation of Godhead...And since it has been ascertained that the Lord is the Supersoul of everything, He should therefore be heard and glorified everywhere and always. That is the special duty of the human being. When the human being gives up the process of hearing about the all-pervading Personality of Godhead, he becomes victim to hearing rubbish transmitted by man-made machines. Machinery is not bad because through the machine one can take advantage of hearing about the Lord, but because machinery is used for ulterior purposes, it is creating rapid degradation in the standard of human civilization. It is said here that it is incumbent upon the human beings to hear because the scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam are made for that purpose. Living beings other than human beings have no ability to hear such Vedic literatures. If human society gives itself to the process of hearing the Vedic literature, it will not become a victim to the impious sounds vibrated by impious men who degrade the standards of the total society."

So being thankful to Krishna for having blessed us with the ability to hear, let us use our hearing sense in hearing about Him always. Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 15

Date: 2015-04-09 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. Sanat kumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam to Narada Muni, Bhakti devi, Jñāna, Vairāgya and all the exalted devotees from various lokas, who were assembled in the banks of River Ganga. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter, Uttar khanda of Padma Purana, the Sanat kumars now state the reason behind study of whole of Srimad Bhagavatam within seven days or saptah. The benefits of hearing whole of Srimad Bhagavatam in a month and hearing the same in a week are the same. The complete hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam within a week's time has been recommended due to lack of control of mind, prevalence of diseases, short life-span and sinful events that are rampant in Kali-yuga. The Sanat kumaras further say that the seven day hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam is superior to sacrificial performances, superior to all austerities and superior to even all holy places. It is superior to yoga, meditation and spiritual enlightenment. It is superior to everything.

When Shaunaka muni heard this conversation between Narada Muni and Sanat kumaras from Suta Goswami, he inquired as to how hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam will enable one to understand the transcendental nature of Supreme Lord and how does it supersede all other disciplines of spiritual enlightenment. While answering this question Suta Goswami relates the conversation between Uddhava and Sri Krishna at the time of departure of Lord Sri Krishna back to His abode. Uddhava revealed his anxiety for the conditioned souls who will suffer due to the physical absence of the Lord. He was worried about the advent of Kali which will not only result in increase of evil people, but will also make virtuous people angry. So Uddhava requested Krishna not to leave for His abode. Hearing Uddhava's plea, Lord began to think as to how He can save His devotees from the influence of Kali, after returning to His abode. In shloka 61 of third chapter of Uttara khanda of Padmapurana it is very nicely mentioned as follows:

svakīyaṁ yad bhavet tejas tac ca bhāgavate 'dadhāt tirodhāya praviṣṭo 'yaṁ śrīmad-bhāgavatārṇavam

Then Sri Krishna infused all His glories into Bhagavatam and disappeared in the ocean of Bhagavatam.

We find in Srimad Bhagavatam also when Shaunaka rshi asks Suta Goswami (verse 1.1.23) as to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter after the departure of Lord Sri Krishna to His abode, Suta Goswami very nicely replies in verse 1.3.43 of Srimad Bhagavatam:

kṛṣṇe sva-dhāmopagate dharma-jñānādibhiḥ saha kalau naṣṭa-dṛśām eṣa purāṇārko ’dhunoditaḥ

This Bhagavata Purana is as brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Krishna 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. Srila Prabhupada very nicely mentions in the concluding lines to the puport of above verse, "Srimad-Bhagavatam is the summum bonum of life, Lord Sri Krishna personified. We must therefore accept Srimad-Bhagavatam as the direct representation of Lord Krishna. One who can see Srimad Bhagavatam can see also Lord Sri Krishna in person. They are identical."

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 16

Date: 2015-04-10 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam' wherein we were hearing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam from Padma Purana. In the previous offering we saw that Srimad Bhagavatam is non- different from Krishna and taking shelter of this great scripture is the only way to protect ourselves from influence of Kali. Now let us proceed to hear further.

In 3rd Chapter, Uttar khanda of Padma Purana, Suta Goswami says in shloka 62,

teneyaṁ vāṅ-mayī mūrtiḥ pratyakṣā vartate hareḥ sevanāc chravaṇāt pāṭhād darśanāt pāpa-nāśinī

This sacred Srimad Bhagavatam, is a visible verbal manifestation of Lord Sri Hari and it drives away all the sins simply by serving, by hearing, by studying and by seeing.

Krishna is so merciful, that He is providing us all kinds of easy and sublime ways to get rid of sinful attitude and reach His abode. When child is lost or goes into wrong path, the parents become very anxious about the child. Until the child returns back safe to home, they will be very anxious about the well-being of the child. If this is true for parents in this material world, then what to speak of Supreme Father Krishna. He has not only left Srimad Bhagavatam before returning to Goloka, but has also assured that even by seeing or serving or studying or hearing we would be purified. Now we may wonder what does serving Bhagavatam or sevana mean in the above verse? Sevana is beautifully translated as "even eagerly waiting to hear Bhagavatam".

In one of the classes our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, "Just touch Srimad Bhagavatam. That also has a purifying effect." When devotees tell Maharaj, that they are not getting taste for scriptures, Maharaj advises us, "Atleast carry the book with you always". This touch also has a magical impact. Many devotees who followed Maharaj's instruction later said how gradually their interest and eagerness to open and study the scriptures increased in due course of time. So let us not be careless of this invaluable gift provided to us by all merciful Lord Krishna and compassionate Mahatmas like Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva. We pray that we not only see, wait to hear, but also hear it with devotion, study, practise and share it with others. Jai Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki Jai!

Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 17

Date: 2015-04-11 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we heard Suta Goswami narrate the details of the Bhagavata saptah conducted by Narada Muni, Sanatkumaras and all the Vaishnavas near the banks of Ganges, inorder to rejuvenate the sons of Bhakti, Jnaana and Vairagya, who were very much, weakened due to the fear of influence of Kali. Now let us hear further.

Suta Goswami while glorifying Srimad Bhagavatam says to Shaunaka muni that hearing Bhagavata saptah with devotion is the supreme virtue of all, superior of all. Especially in Kaliyuga, inorder to overcome passion, pride and prejudice, anger, agonies, misfortune, poverty, attachment Srimad Bhagavatam is the only way. When Sanatkumaras were glorifying Srimad Bhagavata Saptah, a great marvel happened in that assembly. In shloka 67, third chapter, Uttara Khanda of Padmapurana Suta Goswami says,

bhaktiḥ sutau tau taruṇau gṛhītvā premaika-rūpā sahasāvir-āsīt śrī-kṛṣṇa govinda hare murāre nātheti nāmāni muhur vadantī

At that time Bhakti appeared in person in that assembly with a very lovely form and her sons Jnaana and Vairagya. They had also attained splendid youth forms and were chanting the names of Sri Krishna (Govinda, Hari, Murare, Natha) again and again.

Everyone in the assembly were pleased to see this. Bhakti devi thanked Sanatkumaras for sharing the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam and re-invigorating them with strength and energy. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 18

Date: 2015-04-12 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we heard how Bhakti and her sons Jñāna, Vairāgya were rejuvenated, regained their youth and charm, simply by hearing the story of Srimad Bhagavatam from Sanat kumaras. Now let us continue to see further.

Bhakti devi thanked Sanat kumaras for the great service of feeding them with the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam and humbly requested the sages as to where she could go and reside. Sanat kumaras suggested that Bhaktidevi, who is the sustainer of love for the Lord and who is capable of ending the disease of transmigration, can stay incessantly in the minds of devotees of the Supreme Lord. By doing so, the evils of Kaliyuga although prevalent in the world, will not be able to cast their eyes on her, when she resides there. As she was just being directed by the sages, Bhakti devi instantly entered and resided in the minds of devotees of Sri Hari. In shloka 73, third Chapter, Uttara khanda of Padma purana, Suta Goswami says,

sakala-bhuvana-madhye nirdhanās te 'pi dhanyā nivasati hṛdi yeṣāṁ śrī-harer bhaktir ekā harir api nija-lokaṁ sarvathāto vihāya praviśati hṛdi teṣāṁ bhakti-sūtropnadddhaḥ

Blessed are those, in whose hearts dwells the devotion to Sri Hari, even if they are deprived of wealth. In reciprocation to their devotion, Lord Sri Hari resides in their hearts completely renouncing His own divine abode.

Bhakti is unconditional. For entry into ordinary countries in this material world, we have to spend so much money to get VISA, ticket etc. But both for entering into kingdom of God and as mentioned in the above verse, for inviting Him to completely reside in our hearts, wealth is not at all a criteria. Krishna is always kind to meek, humble and poor people. In case of Sudama, Lord did not mind his ragged clothes and poverty-stricken condition. He did not hesitate to recognise and acknowledge His childhood friend. As soon as He knew Sudama has entered Dwaraka, He went running to personally receive Him, washed his feet and served him. Such is the love for Lord towards His dear devotees. In fact for those who don't know to use the wealth properly in His service, wealth becomes a stumbling block in their path of progress towards the spiritual kingdom. Accumulating wealth more than required, creates lot of hassles, as maintaining it and safe-guarding it from thieves and robbers becomes a big trouble. In that process one leads a life of constant fear, without any peace of mind. Instead if we use wealth properly in Krishna's service and surrender unto Him with devotion, then we are assured a life of bliss, since Supreme Lord of Bliss, Sri Krishna takes His residence in our hearts and Srimad Bhagavatam helps us to increase this loving relationship with Him.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 19

Date: 2015-04-13 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we heard how Bhakti and her sons Jñāna, Vairāgya were regained their youth and charm, simply by hearing the story of Srimad Bhagavatam from Sanat kumaras and as suggested by Sanatkumaras Bhakti devi entered the minds of pure devotees. Now we shall see further.

In sloka 1, fourth chapter, Uttara khanda of Padmapurana, Suta Goswami says,

atha vaiṣṇava-citteṣu dṛṣṭvā bhaktim alaukikīm nija-lokaṁ parityajya bhagavān bhakta-vatsalaḥ

Perceiving the extraordinary devotion in the minds of His devotees, Lord Sri Hari left His abode and entered the hearts of His devotees.

As a result all the devotees who had assembled in the banks of Ganges to hear about the Bhagavatam discussions between Narada Muni and Sanat kumaras could have darshan of their dear Lord. The Lord was wearing flower garlands upto His knees. He was dressed in yellow silk clothes and was adorned with alligator shaped ear-rings. He stood in a lovely pose, with His body slanting at three places (tribhanga lalitam). He was decorated with Kaustuba diamond. He was embodiment of Supreme bliss and consciousness. He was very charming and held a flute. There was unusual outburst of joy, shower of red powder and flowers from the sky, when the Lord appeared in the hearts of His devotees. And all of them said, "Glory to Lord, Victory to Lord".

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 2.8.4, Parikshit Maharaj while requesting Sukadeva Goswami to continue with narration of Srimad Bhagavatam says,

śṛṇvataḥ śraddhayā nityaṁ gṛṇataś ca sva-ceṣṭitam kālena nātidīrgheṇa bhagavān viśate hṛdi

Persons who hear Srimad Bhagavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna manifested in their hearts within a short time.

Srimad Bhagavatam is such a glorious scripture that it gives us opportunity to see the Lord face to face, provided we meet the necessary qualification. The qualifications are

1. śṛṇvataḥ śraddhayā - hearing with earnestness 2. nityaṁ - regularly, always 3. gṛṇataś ca sva-ceṣṭitam- taking the matter seriously, by one's own endeavor.

Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj always insisted on the above points. He says, " Over-endeavour, only for Bhagavatam." Inspite of his old-age Maharaj always took notes, while studying Bhagavatam and thereby inspired and instructed everyone to take notes as well. We pray at the lotus feet of great Bhagavatas like Gurudev and Srila Prabhupada that we always remember their instructions and practise them in our lives. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 20

Date: 2015-04-14 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we heard how Bhakti and her sons Jñāna, Vairāgya, after regaining their youth and charm, entered the minds of the devotees and Lord appeared in the hearts of all devotees who were engaged in hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam. Now we shall see further.

Seeing all the devotees absorbed in trance, on having darshan of the Supreme Lord in their hearts, Narada Muni says in shloka 8 , fourth chapter, Uttara khanda of Padmapurana as follows:

alaukiko 'yaṁ mahimā munīśvarāḥ saptāha-janyo 'dya vilokito mayā mūḍhāḥ śaṭhā ye paśu-pakṣiṇo 'tra sarve 'pi niṣpāpatamā bhavanti

Today, I have witnessed the great glories of virtues that accrue from the hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam for 7 days. Oh great munis, even those who are ignorant and wicked, including beasts and birds have all become most sinless.

Narada muni then says that there is nothing more pure than recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam. He requests the Sanat kumaras to tell what are the kinds of people who could be purified by 7 days yajna of Srimad Bhagavatam. Kumaras list the below kinds of people in shlokas 11 through 14.

People who constantly do sinful deeds, take to evil ways always, who are consumed by fire of anger, who are wicked, full of passion, who are devoid of truthfulness, who censure their parents, who are restless due to thirst for pleasures, who do not follow their respective ashrama dharmas, who are jealous of others' achievements, who take delight in destruction of others' life, who commit five great sins (namely drinking liquor etc, killing of brahmanas, stealing of gold, enjoying the wife of Guru, treachery), who are obstinately engaged in committing sins by thoughts words and deeds, who are parasites, whose mind is impure and whose heart is wicked all are purified when they attentively listen the Bhagavata sapatah.

Srimad Bhagavatam can purify the whole universe, 'jagat pavitram'. The verses 1.511 and 12.12.53 of Srimad Bhagavatam are almost identical and they very well convey the potency of Srimad Bhagavatam. In verse 1.5.11 Narada Muni says to Vyasadev,

tad-vāg-visargo janatāgha-viplavo yasmin prati-ślokam abaddhavaty api nāmāny anantasya yaśo ’ṅkitāni yat śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti sādhavaḥ

On the other hand, that literature which is full of descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, forms, pastimes, etc., of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a different creation, full of transcendental words directed toward bringing about a revolution in the impious lives of this world's misdirected civilization. Such transcendental literatures, even though imperfectly composed, are heard, sung and accepted by purified men who are thoroughly honest. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 21

Date: 2015-04-17 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we heard from the discussions between Narada Muni and the Sanata kumaras the various glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as mentioned in Uttara khanda of Padma purana. Now we shall see further.

After narrating the list of different kinds of sinful people who could be purified by listening to Bhagavata saptah, Sanat kumaras went on to share a very ancient pastime. Hearing this pastime with faith and devotion destroys all sins. Many many years ago, on the banks of Tungabhadra there was a beautiful town wherein there lived a pandit by named Atmadeva. He was well versed in Vedas and he was gloriously shining like a second sun. Although he was rich, he lived like a beggar. His wife's name was Dhundhuli. She was beautiful, intelligent and well-efficient in doing household work. But unfortunately, she had some anarthas like being very talkative, cruel. She relished fighting and gossips and was very miserly. She was very also dominant. Somehow they lived together. Though they had a good house and ample wealth to fulfill their desires, they were not happy.

As Canakya pandit says, "putrahinam graham śunyam" - A house without a son appears null and void. So Atmadeva decided to do lot of charity, with a hope to be blessed with a child as a result of that. They had spent almost 50% of their wealth. But still nothing happened. One day he became very depressed and went to a nearby forest and began to lament. At that time, he saw a sage. He offered his obeisances to the sage and began to cry. The sage inquired him the reason for his distress, and Atmadeva said that he had come to the forest, to leave his life as he was childless.

The sage looked at Atmadeva's face and by his yogic powers he could understand that for the next seven births, there was no chance for Atmadeva to get a child. So he pacified him by saying the truth and asked him to accept the destiny, take shelter of Supreme Lord, renouncing all these material hankerings. The sage even quoted examples of Maharaja Citraketu and many others who suffered when they tried to change their destiny and get a child. But somehow nothing could pacify Atmadeva. So out of great compassion, the sage prayed to Supreme Lord and then gave a fruit to Atmadeva. In shloka 42 of the fourth chapter of Uttara khanda of Padma purana, the sage instructs Atmadeva as follows:

satyaṁ śaucaṁ dayā dānam eka-bhaktaṁ tu bhojanam varṣāvadhi striyā kāryaṁ tena putro 'tinirmalaḥ

If your wife eats this fruit and follows the below rules: a) Should speak the truth b) Should be clean at heart and at body c) Should be kind d) Should be charitable e) Should have one meal per day

Then you will be blessed with a very good son, whose behaviour will be without any blemish. Atmadeva thanked the sage and returned to his home. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 22

Date: 2015-04-18 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

After receiving the fruit given by the sage, Atmadeva came home and told his wife Dhundhuli about his meeting with the sage. He also gave her the fruit also mentioned the instructions which the sage had given for her to follow. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 7.11.28 Narada Muni very nicely mentions about the qualities of a chaste woman.

santuṣṭālolupā dakṣā dharma-jñā priya-satya-vāk apramattā śuciḥ snigdhā patiṁ tv apatitaṁ bhajet

A chaste woman should not be greedy, but satisfied in all circumstances. She must be very expert in handling household affairs and should be fully conversant with religious principles. She should speak pleasingly and truthfully and should be very careful and always clean and pure. Thus a chaste woman should engage with affection in the service of a husband who is not fallen.

In his wonderful purport to the above verse, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada says, "A husband should be a pure Vaishnava and that a woman should be a chaste wife with all the symptoms described in this regard. Then both of them will be happy and make spiritual progress in Krishna consciousness." But unfortunately in case of Atmadeva, although he was devoted and surrendered to the instructions of the sadhu, his wife was not like-minded. The instructions given by the sage for her to: a) speak the truth b) be clean at heart and at body c) be kind d) be charitable e) have one meal per day

Were all unimaginable for her. She was worried about her beauty and safety of her wealth and for these reasons she did not want to become pregnant, nor was she ready to take the sufferings and pains of pregnancy and deliver it. She did want to take the responsibility of taking care of the child and serving the child's needs. So she did not eat the fruit. But she lied to her husband that she ate it. Once when her sister came, Dhundhuli explained her situation to her. Her sister who was pregnant at that time was even more crooked. She advised Dhundhuli to throw away the fruit to the cow and act as if she was pregnant. The sister told Dhunduli, that if she gives some money, then she will give away her child to Dhunduli once it was born. They will fake the whole world that the sister's child is dead and the sister will come and stay with Dhunduli for 6 months, after the child's birth, in the pretext of feeding the child. Dhunduli agreed to her sister's plan and threw away the fruit to the cow in their goshala. She then informed her husband that she is pregnant.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 23

Date: 2015-04-20 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Not knowing the crooked nature of his wife Dhunduli, Atmadeva believed that she was pregnant and was very happy. Months passed by and Dhundhuli's sister gave birth to a son. The father of that child, came and secretly handed it over to Dhundhuli. She then informed her husband happily that she has given birth to a son. Atmadeva's joy knew no bounds. In fact the whole village was happy to hear that at last Atmadeva has got a son. The brahmana Atmadeva gave lots of gifts to brahmanas and performed all the necessary rituals that are done at the time of child's birth. Dhundhuli informed her husband that there was no milk in her body and she had to depend on others. She then added that since her sister's child was dead, she will invite her sister to their home and request her to feed the child for 6 months. Atmadeva was ready to do anything for the well-being of the child. So he agreed to her proposal. Dhundhuli named the child as Dhundukari.

After few months the cow in Atmadeva's house also gave birth to a very handsome baby boy with ears like the cow. Atmadeva and all the villagers were very surprised. The villagers wondered how even the barren cow in Atmadeva's house has now given birth to a human child! Since he had ears like cow, Atmadeva named this child as "Gokarna". Scriptures say that the consciousness of the parents prior to conception and as well as after pregnancy has an influence on the nature of the child. And this very much reflected in the characters of Dhundhukari and Gokarna as they grew up into young men. Gokarna, who was born with the blessings of sage, was very calm and pious person. He became a very learned pandita as well and was very polite and pleasing to all. On the other hand Dhundhukari was very unclean, rude. He had all bad habits like illicit sex, robbery. In the pretext of playing with small children, he used to kill them. He took pleasure in others suffering and became an object of pain and embarrassment to his parents. One day he even beat them. In Niti shastra Chanakya Pandit says,

ko ’rthaḥ putreṇa jātena yo na vidvān na dhārmikaḥ kāṇena cakṣuṣā kiṁ vā cakṣuḥ pīḍaiva kevalam

What is the value of a son who is neither learned nor religious? Such a son is compared to a blind eye that is only a source of pain.

Seeing all the trouble his son Dhundhukari was giving him, Atmadeva very much lamented for begetting such a son. Many years ago he was crying for not having a son and now the very same son had become a source of misery for him.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 24

Date: 2015-04-22 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Pained by the acts of his son Dhundukari, Atmadeva began to think that it is better to remain childless than to have bad and wicked sons. He started weeping and lamenting loudly and decided to leave his life. At that time his other son Gokarna came and pacified him. Gokarna began to explain to his father, the temporary nature of this material world and our relationship with living entities. Nothing belongs to us and no-one is going to stay with us permanently. So instead of getting entangled into these attachment for family members and getting burnt by miseries day in and day out, it is better to voluntarily renounce such attachments and develop attachment to Supreme Lord Krishna. The below verse shloka 79 from the 4th chapter, Uttara khanda of Padma purana is one of the favourite verse of our beloved spiritual master H H Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj. Herein Gokarna says to his father,

deho 'sthi-māṁsa-rudhire 'bhimatiṁ tyaja tvaṁ jāyāsutādiṣu sadā mamatāṁ vimuñca paśyāniśaṁ jagad idaṁ kṣaṇa-bhaṅga-niṣṭhaṁ vairāgya-rāga-rasiko bhava bhakti-niṣṭhaḥ

Give up the thought that this body is you. It is nothing but a collection of bones, flesh and blood. Give up the ownership on wife, children etc., realize that this world is very temporary. Show interest and relish (become a rasika) detachment from everything by performing devotional service unto the primeval Lord Govinda, with great determination.

Maharaj says that we should not misinterpret the verse and become irresponsible in family affairs or disregard the family members. That is not the real meaning for vairāgya or detachment. In one of his nectarean class on this verse Maharaj says, "You should have full consciousness that, 'I am taking care to the best of my ability but I am not the reason for my family's existence. Their source of maintenance is not me. I am taking care but maintenance is only from Him.' So if you really want your wife or children or dependents to be happy, then you should be more attached to Krishna. Real vairāgya or detachment you develop, that is very much welcome. Eventually you have to be vairāgi. Everything will be snatched from you at the time of death. In three lines, the futility of our existence is explained. Our body is nothing; our wife, children etc., are nothing; whatever we see is nothing. Then what is to be done? The answer is in the fourth line. "vairāgya rāga rasiko" - you get attached to renunciation. Don't stop there. These slokas are complete units. They are time bombs. As soon as you understand, in fraction of a second, your life can change. "bhava bhakti niṣṭhā" - develop the love of Godhead. This is the reason we are running after devotional service. "Śrīmad- bhāgavataṁ purāṇam amalaṁ premā pumartho mahān" - Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless purana and it develops love of Godhead and that is why Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommends study of Srimad Bhagavatam."

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 25

Date: 2015-04-25 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offerings we were hearing the story of Atmadeva being narrated by the Sanata kumaras to Narada Muni, as mentioned in Uttara khanda of Padma purana. When Atmadeva was troubled by the acts of his son Dundhukari, the other son Gokarna began to enlighten him with spiritual knowledge. He asked Atmadeva to go to forest, renouncing all worldly attachments. When Atmadeva asked him what he needs to do in the forest, Gokarna very nicely says, in shloka 80 of the 4th chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padma purana Gokarna says,

dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva sādhu-puruṣāñ jahi kāma-tṛṣṇām anyasya doṣa-guṇa-cintanam āśu muktvā sevā-kathā-rasam aho nitarāṁ piba tvam

Always practise the virtue of remembering the Lord. Abandon all the temporary duties connected to the worldly affairs, which are unimportant. Be eager to take association of saintly persons. Give up all thirst for the pleasure of senses. Stop meditating on others' defects. Instead meditate only on their good qualities and appreciate them. You should enjoy the bliss of serving the Lord and hear His stories with devotion.

This is a very beautiful verse which is applicable for all of us, not just for Atmadeva. In this age it is not practical for us to go to forest. But wherever Lord has placed us, in whichever varna or ashrama we are in, if we follow the above instructions, which are nicely given in a nutshell, we will surely go back home, back to Godhead. Let us try to meditate one by one, on each of the instruction given in the shloka.

1) dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ - Always remember Krishna: Our dharma or prime duty is to remember, worship and glorify the Supreme Lord always. Now we may wonder how can we do it satatam or always? Even while standing in front of the Deity in altar or temple, our evil mind drags us hither and thither. So how to remember or glorify Him always? It is indeed a challenge when we try to do it on our own. But when we take shelter of instructions of our acharyas and endeavour to follow them, then it becomes easy.

In one of his letters to his disciples, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada says, "We can remember Krishna in every moment. We can remember Krishna while taking a glass of water because the taste of water is Krishna. We can remember Krishna as soon as we see the sunlight in the morning, because the sunlight is a reflection of Krishna's bodily Effulgence. Similarly, as soon as we see moonlight in the evening we remember Krishna because moonlight is also reflection of sunlight. Similarly, when we hear any sound we can remember Krishna because sound is Krishna, and the most perfect sound, transcendental, is Hare Krishna, which we have to chant 24 hours. So there is no scope of forgetting Krishna at any moment of our life provided we practice in that way." Once a devotee asked our spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj as to, "We have to do our prescribed duties in the form of household chores, office work etc and we sleep as well. How we can chant 24 hours?" Maharaj said that when we are doing household chores like cooking etc, we should chant Mahamantra or shlokas from Gita and Bhagavatam. Being an acharya, Maharaj himself practised what he said. Right from the time Maharaj wakes up and gets ready, while taking bath, while washing his clothes and while cooking bhoga, while travelling - Maharaj always chanted Mahamantra or shlokas from scriptures continuously.

Maharaj said that before going to work, we should offer obeisances to the Deity, seeking permission from them to leave and at work, we must concentrate only on work and do it very immaculately and sincerely. In fact Maharaj says, "If your boss is pleased, then Krishna is pleased." Maharaj never encourages any kind of preaching activity to be done during office hours. Office hours are meant only for work and it should not be misused for doing anything other than office work. So when we work sincerely, remembering that job is also a mercy of Lord, then Krishna accepts such working hours also as time spent in remembering Him. Maharaj added that, "As soon as we return home, we should bow down before the Deity, thanking Lord for the day, quickly refresh and try to steal time to take shelter of scriptures. Before going to bed at night, we should chant Mahamantra and as soon as we wake up in the morning, we should chant the Mahamantra. By doing so, sleeping time is also considered by Krishna as time spent in remembering Him".

Let us try to follow the footsteps and instructions of these great souls and as His Divine Grace always insists, let us " Always remember Krishna and never forget Krishna".

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on the other instructions of Gokarna in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 26

Date: 2015-04-26 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we were meditating on shloka 80 of the 4th chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padma purana wherein Gokarna says,

dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva sādhu-puruṣāñ jahi kāma-tṛṣṇām anyasya doṣa-guṇa-cintanam āśu muktvā sevā-kathā-rasam aho nitarāṁ piba tvam

We saw the first instruction in the above verse is dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ - Always remember Krishna. Now let us see further.

2) tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva - We should give up duties that are related to worldly activities and which are not important. Now how to know whether an activity is important or not, whether it pleases Krishna or not. Any activity which we do, after performing that activity, if we are inspired to do more devotional, then such activities are worth doing. On the other hand if any activity drags us away from Krishna and does not inspire us to continue or increase our devotional service then such activities are all useless. Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.2.8 says,

dharmaḥ svanuṣṭhitaḥ puṁsāṁ viṣvaksena-kathāsu yaḥ notpādayed yadi ratiṁ śrama eva hi kevalam

The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labor if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.

As we saw in the previous offering, our prescribed duties, household chores etc should be done keeping Krishna in center. When our activities are Krishna-ised, then we will experience satisfaction which we cannot get by performing any other activity. When we do activities without keeping Krishna as center, then it is simply waste of time and energy and the end result will only be frustration. Let us take the example of activities like watching television or browsing net or reading newspaper. We falsely think that such activities relax our mind, but when we do these activities, no matter how many hours we spend in them, still we never get satisfied. It takes us into a world of imagination, only bewilders us and makes us forget the goal of life. Especially the news related to criminal activities happening in society only creates fear and anxiety in our minds. Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, "I have not read newspaper for the past so many years. But I am not at all at loss because of that. So why do yo want to waste your time in such things?"

At least in our childhood days we had lesser distractions in the form of TV, radio and newspaper - which were also not so polluted like how it is now. Unfortunately now with the advancement of so called technology, there are too many distractions in the form of ipad, iphone, tablets, mobile and laptops. It is surprising and sometimes worrying to note that not only adults, even toddlers are addicted to using these instruments. Whatever we do, good or bad, children imitate us. So we have to show them the right path. Any technology if used in service of Krishna is safe. But when we misuse or over-use it in an attempt to satisfy our senses, it is not just śrama eva hi kevalam, but is detrimental both to our physical and spiritual health. So we have to give up such worldly activities.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on the other instructions of Gokarna in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 27

Date: 2015-04-27 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva sādhu-puruṣāñ jahi kāma-tṛṣṇām anyasya doṣa-guṇa-cintanam āśu muktvā sevā-kathā-rasam aho nitarāṁ piba tvam

So far we saw the below 2 instructions.

1. dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ- Always remember Krishna. 2. tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva - Give up useless labour.

Now let us see further.

3. Be eager to take association of sadhus: While explaining about the process of devotional service, Mahaprabhu says in Caitanya caritamrta Madhya lila, that by even a moment's association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success. This is the verdict of all revealed scriptures. The life of all great devotees like Narada Muni, Dhruva Maharaj, Prahlad Maharaj and even in recent times, the hippies who came in contact with pure devotee like Srila Prabhupada are all examples in front of us to show the power of association of sadhus. Now we must not think that association of saint is required only in the initial stage of bhakti. Sadhu-sanga is required at all stages. In Madhya lila verse 22.83 Mahaprabhu says, "The root cause of devotional service to Lord Krishna is association with advanced devotees. Even when one's dormant love for Krishna awakens, association with devotees is still most essential."

So what is the kind of success or benefit one can experience by associating with saintly people? Lord Kapila gives us the answer for this in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 3.25.25.

satāṁ prasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvido bhavanti hṛt-karṇa-rasāyanāḥ kathāḥ taj-joṣaṇād āśv apavarga-vartmani śraddhā ratir bhaktir anukramiṣyati

In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin. In his wonderful purport to the above verse His Divine Grace says that, "To understand the personal activities of the Lord, one has to seek the association of devotees, and by such association, when one contemplates and tries to understand the transcendental activities of the Lord, the path to liberation is open, and he is freed. One who has firm faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes fixed, and his attraction for association with the Lord and the devotees increases. Association with devotees means association with the Lord. The devotee who makes this association develops the consciousness for rendering service to the Lord, and then, being situated in the transcendental position of devotional service, he gradually becomes perfect."

So knowing the importance of sadhu-sanga, Gokarna told his father that he must always be eager to take association of sadhus. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on the other instructions of Gokarna in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 28

Date: 2015-04-30 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we were meditating on the instructions given by Gokarna to his father Atmadeva in shloka 80 of the 4th chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana. So far we saw the below 2 instructions.

1. Dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ- Always remember Krishna. 2. Tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva - Give up useless labour. 3. Be eager to take association of sadhus.

Now let us see further.

4. Give up thirst for sense pleasures: Lord Krishna Himself says in Bhagavad Gita verse 2.60 that senses are so strong and impetuous that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination, who is endeavouring to control them. Sense gratification and advancement in spiritual path cannot go together. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.2.10, Suta Goswami says,

kāmasya nendriya-prītir lābho jīveta yāvatā jīvasya tattva-jijñāsā nārtho yaś ceha karmabhiḥ

Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of one's works.

His Divine Grace very nicely says in the purport to the above verse, "Bhagavatam says that one should not live for sense gratification. One should satisfy the senses only insomuch as required for self-preservation, and not for sense gratification. Because the body is made of senses, which also require a certain amount of satisfaction, there are regulative directions for satisfaction of such senses. But the senses are not meant for unrestricted enjoyment."

Let us take the example of eating. If we eat Krishna prasadam at regulated time, just to keep our body and soul together, then we can maintain a healthy body, by which we would be able to serve the Lord. But when we either over- eat or starve or eat junk food, then it affects both our physical and spiritual health. Sense pleasures distracts, deviates and delays us from reaching our ultimate goal of life. The lives of Ajamila, Maharaja Bharata who all fell a prey to sense pleasures are lessons for us to show us how when we give in to sense pleasures we get caught up by illusory energy and forget Krishna.

On the other hand when we give up sense pleasures and try to engage in service of the Lord, then Krishna makes all the arrangements for our progress in spiritual life. As soon as Parikshit Maharaj renounced his kingdom and went to the bank of Ganges, to take shelter of the rshis, the Lord arranged for his meeting with Sukadeva Goswami. His Divine Grace very nicely mentions in purport to verse 2.2.3 of Srimad Bhagavatam, "For a transcendentalist, it is a suicidal policy to be intimately in touch with the sense gratifiers of the world, because such a policy will frustrate the ultimate gain of life. Sukadeva Goswami met Maharaja Parikshit when the latter felt a necessity for such a meeting. It is the duty of a transcendentalist to help persons who desire real salvation and to support the cause of salvation. One might note that Sukadeva Goswami never met Maharaja Parikshit while he was ruling as a great king." So knowing the dangers caused by sense pleasures, Gokarna advises his father not to give way to them. Krishna willing we shall continue to hear the other instructions of Gokarna in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 29

Date: 2015-05-01 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

1. Dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ- Always remember Krishna. 2. Tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva - Give up useless labour. 3. Be eager to take association of sadhus. 4. Give up thirst for sense pleasures.

Now let us see further.

5. Stop finding faults and appreciate good qualities in others: This is a very important quality which we need to cautiously develop, if we are really concerned about progressing in bhakti. Our innate tendency is to find fault in others and we are so miserly in appreciating any good thing done. We take good things for granted, but cannot tolerate even a small mistake. But somehow when it comes to our ownselves, we conveniently relax this rule. We expect appreciation and credit even for insignificant tasks and conveniently forgive ourselves for our grave mistakes.

Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, "You keep seeing good in others, then you become good. You keep seeing bad in others, then you also become bad". This is 100% true statement and many times we have practically experienced how we become victims of the same fault, which we are pointing in others. Maharaj used to give the famous example of Ravana, not being able to take up the form of Rama, to trick Sita. Because as soon as he desires to take the form of Lord Rama, through mystic powers, he has to meditate on Lord Rama and as a result, Sita starts appearing like a mother to him as Lord Rama had this quality of considering other's wife as His mother.

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in his purport to Adi lila verse 8.62 in Caitanya Caritamrta says, "Every human being has both good qualities and faults. Therefore it is said, saj-janaa gunam icchanti dosham icchanti paamaraah: everyone has a combination of faults and glories. But a Vaishnava, a sober man, accepts only a man's glories and not his faults, for flies seek sores whereas honeybees seek honey. Haridasa Pandita never found fault with a Vaishnava but considered only his good qualities." Faultfinding is just a waste of time and energy. By doing that neither are we going to progress in bhakti, nor are we helping the people around us. Whereas if we look into our own mistakes and correct ourselves, and genuinely appreciate even the minute qualities of others, then we will also be light at heart and will be able to encourage others also to take to devotional service.

So Gokarna advises his father not to meditate on the bad qualities of his son Dhundukari or any one else. But to just meditate and appreciate even minute good quality present in others. Krishna willing we shall continue to hear further instructions of Gokarna in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 30

Date: 2015-05-19 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva sādhu-puruṣāñ jahi kāma-tṛṣṇām anyasya doṣa-guṇa-cintanam āśu muktvā sevā-kathā-rasam aho nitarāṁ piba tvam

So far we saw the below five instructions.

1. Dharmaṁ bhajasva satataṁ - Always remember Krishna. 2. Tyaja loka-dharmān sevasva - Give up useless labour 3. Be eager to take association of sadhus. 4. Give up thirst for sense pleasures. 5. Stop finding faults and appreciate good qualities in others.

Now let us see further.

6. Enjoy devotional service and always hear Lord's glories: This was the final instruction given by Gokarna to his father Atmadeva. In Bhagavad Gita also Krishna says in verse 9.2, susukham kartum avyayam "Devotional service is joyfully performed'. Since Krishna is all blissful, when we engage in His service whole-heartedly, we also become blissful. But sometimes when we are doing service, we start feeling it as a burden. When does service becomes a burden? Srila Prabhupada beautifully clarifies this point in one of his classes on Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.8.19 in Mayapur on September 29 1974. His Divine Grace says, "śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam, this is our main business. śravaṇaṁ. If you don't hear, what you will do? You will do simply sense gratification. That's all. So this is difficulty, that we are not very much interested in hearing. And that is the main business. Our bhakti begins: Śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ [SB 7.5.23]. We have to hear and we have to speak. But if we are not interested in hearing and speak, then it will be simply formula. That's all. And gradually it will be stopped. Unless there is life of śravaṇaṁ kīrtanam, these big, big buildings, temples, will become burden. So if we are, if we want to create burden for future, then we may give up this hearing and chanting and sleep very nicely. It will be burden. Galagraha. Not sri-vigraha, but galagraha. Galagraha. Sri-vigraha means worshipable Deity. So if we give up this śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ, then it will be thought that "Our Guru Maharaja has given a burden in the neck, galagraha." This is the danger. So we must be very much alert in śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ. Otherwise all this labor will be futile. This building will be only the nest, nest for the doves and the pigeons. That is the danger."

So that is why Gokarna is concluding by saying, "kathā rasa maho nitarām pibatvam" - "Always drinking the nectar of Lord's glories by śravaṇaṁ and kīrtanaṁ". Atmadeva was fully enlightened by the wonderful instructions of his son Gokarna. So although he was 60 years old, he left for the forest and spent his time as per the instructions of his son, performed sincere devotional service, regularly studied 10th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and at the end of his life, reached the lotus feet of Sri Hari.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 31

Date: 2015-05-20 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how Atmadeva followed the instructions of his son Gokarna, performed devotional service and attained the lotus feet of Lord. Now we shall continue further.

After the death of the father Atmadeva, his son Dhundukari began to trouble and torture his mother Dhundhuli to give him money. He threatened to thrash her with burning stick, if she failed to reveal where the wealth is. Out of fear for her son, Dhunduli committed suicide by jumping into a well. Dhundukari started staying in his house with prostitutes and began to do lot of crimes in order to satisfy those women with wealth and ornaments. What we sow, so we reap . Now the prostitutes began to think that since Dhundukari has involved in so many crimes, he will soon be caught by the king and then there is a possibility that they will also be jailed along with him. So they decided to loot away all his wealth and murder him. So when he was asleep, they tied him with ropes and then tightly tied the ropes around his neck. But when he did not die, they put burning charcoal fire in his mouth and as a result Dhundukari had a horrible death. Later the prostitutes simply told the neighbours that Dhundukari has gone to a far off place to earn money and would return only after a year. Collecting all the wealth, they then absconded from that place.

As we saw in the recent offering by HG Vaijantimala Mataji, "The evil we do, remains with us." In Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, it is said,

yatha dhenu sahasreṣu vatso gacchati mātaram tathā yac ca kṛtam karma kartāram anugacchati

Amongst thousands of cows, the calf finds its own mother cow. Similarly the results of our past karma (deeds) when fully ripened, will find us without fail.

All along his Dhundukari lead a very impious life. He had been cheating others, looting people and taking pleasure in killing innocent souls. Now the same women whom he had trusted all the while killed him in a very cruel manner. His life after death was also painful. Due his past sinful life, he became a ghost. He ran in all 10 directions and was affected by cold and heat, hunger and thirst. Not finding a place to rest and unable to bear his suffering he kept crying.

Krishna willing, we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 32

Date: 2015-05-21 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how wicked brother Dhundukari faced a terrible end and became a ghost. Now we shall continue further.

When Gokarna came to know about the death of his brother Dhundukari through villagers, out of compassion, he went to Gaya and performed final rites and ceremonies for the unfortunate and helpless soul. He also did shraddha for Dhundukari at various holy rivers. After visiting all holy places, he returned to his home. At night when Gokarna was sleeping, Dhundukari appeared before him in various ferocious forms like ram, elephant, fire, buffalo, Indra and sometimes like human-being.

Gokarna could realise that it should be some bad spirit. Since Gokarna was pure devotee, he was fearless and he inquired the ghost as to who he was and why he had attained this situation. When Dhundukari heard this, he began to cry loudly due to his inability to speak. Gokarna sprinkled the holy waters which he collected from various tirthas in the direction of the sound and as a result, some of sins were destroyed and Dhundukari began to speak. He revealed to him that he was none other than his brother Dhundukari. He confessed to him about all the sins he had performed in his previous life and how as a result of those sins, he is suffering now in this ghost form. He prayed to his dear brother Gokarna to somehow or the other help him get out of this terrible condition. Gokarna was surprised as to how even after doing shraddha at Gaya, Dhundukari was not relieved of his painful situation. He pacified Dhundukari that he would check out with the elders and the sages in the village and try to find a way out. None of the yogis in the village knew how to release Dhundukari from ghostly form. So they suggested Gokarna to check with Sun god. By his mystic powers, Gokarna was able talk to Sun God. We find Sun God's reply in verse 41 of 5th chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana as follows:

śrīmad-bhāgavatān muktiḥ saptāhe vācanaṁ kuru iti sūrya-vacaḥ sarvair dharma-rūpaṁ tu viśrutam

The Sun God declared that by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam for seven days as per scriptural rules, Dhundukari will be released from his ghostlly form.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 33

Date: 2015-05-22 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how the Sun god informed Gokarna that hearing Srimad Bhagavatam is the only way for liberating Dhundukari from the ghostly form. Now we shall continue further.

Upon hearing the words of Sun God, Gokarna became determined to pursue the study of Srimad Bhagavatam with great diligence. Since all the people in the village had also heard the message of Sun-God, all kinds of people began to gather there in great numbers to participate in the Bhagavata saptah which was to be conducted by Gokarna. People who were blind, crippled, aged and dull-witted all gathered there with hope to purify themselves. The ghost Dhundukari also came there. Since he was unable to remain at one place in the air, he entered into bamboo stick which was having seven knots. He entered into the hollow base of the bamboo, to hear Srimad Bhagavatam.

Gokarna began to expound Srimad Bhagavatam from the first canto onwards. At the end of the first day, the first knot in the bamboo stick broke with a crackling sound. On the second day the second knot broke open. Like wise the 7 joints of the bamboo were burst in 7 days and when Dhundukari completed hearing all the 12 skandhas of Srimad Bhagavatam he shed his ghostly form and attained a divine form. He was adorned with tulsi beads in his neck. He was in yellow silk clothes, wearing a diadem on his head and a pair of alligator shaped ear-rings and his complexion was like that of rain bearing clouds. He profusely thanked his brother Gokarna by offering obeisances to him and for mercifully helping to get out of the clutches of ghostly body. Then he begins to glorify the study of Srimad Bhagavatam. In shloka 55 of 5th chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana Dhundukari says,

ārdraṁ śuṣkaṁ laghu sthūlaṁ vāṅ-manaḥ-karmabhiḥ kṛtam śravaṇaṁ vidahet pāpaṁ pāvakaḥ samidho yathā

Irrespective of whether the article is moist or dry, small or big, fire consumes it. Similarly seven day hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam eradicates all kinds of sins, (be it recent or long standing, minor or major and whether perpetrated in thought word or deed.

Here we find the wonderful transformation of Dhundukari, from ghost to divine form and also how being purified in heart, he is now able to appreciate the mercy of devotees, glorify Srimad Bhagavatam and all merciful Lord Krishna. Such is the potency of hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as spoken by Dhundukari in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 34

Date: 2015-05-23 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam Dhundukari was released from his ghostly form and began to glorify Srimad Bhagavatam. Now we shall continue further. Fully realising the value of Srimad Bhagavatam, Dhundukari says in shloka 56 of fifth chapter of Uttarakhanda of Padmapurana as follows:

asmin vai bhārate varṣe sūribhir veda-saṁsadi akathā-śraviṇāṁ puṁsāṁ niṣphalaṁ janma kīrtitam

Wise men have declared in the assembly of devatas that for those who are born in this land of Bharata, who have failed to hear the stories of Srimad Bhagavatam, those who don't hear Srimad Bhagavatam, their lives are sheer waste and fruitless.

Suta Goswami also says in verse 1.3.40 of Srimad Bhagavatam that,

idaṁ bhāgavataṁ nāma purāṇaṁ brahma-sammitam uttama-śloka-caritaṁ cakāra bhagavān ṛṣiḥ niḥśreyasāya lokasya dhanyaṁ svasty-ayanaṁ mahat

This Srimad-Bhagavatam is the literary incarnation of God, and it is compiled by Srila Vyasadeva, the incarnation of God. It is meant for the ultimate good of all people, and it is all-successful, all-blissful and all-perfect.

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada very nicely mentions in the purport to above verse that, "One can derive from the study of the Bhagavatam all benefits that are possible to be derived from the personal presence of the Lord. It carries with it all the transcendental blessings of Lord Sri Krishna that we can expect from His personal contact." If not for painstaking efforts of His Divine Grace to translate this glorious purana into English, most of us would have never even known or touched Bhagavatam. By the sincere efforts of a pure devotee, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, now Bhagavatam has become available in multiple languages, in multiple countries across the world.

Acharyas like His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj are living Mahabhagavatas and knowing the full purport of the above verses, they not only made their lives fruitful, but out of great compassion for all suffering souls all over the world, ignoring their personal discomforts, travelled all over the world many times to give this nectar of Bhagavatam to all. The only way we can try to express our gratitude to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva is to make our lives fruitful by studying Srimad Bhagavatam, practising it and sharing the message with others.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as spoken by Dhundukari in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 35

Date: 2015-05-24 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Dhundhukari says in shloka 58 through 61 of fifth chapter of Uttarakhanda about the temporary nature of material body and about futility of over-caring for it.

asthi-stambhaṁ snāyu-buddhaṁ māṁsa-śoṇita-lepitam carmāvanaddhaṁ durgandhaṁ pātraṁ mūtra-purīṣayoḥ jarā-śoka-vipākārtaṁ roga-mandiram āturam duṣpūraṁ durdharaṁ duṣṭaṁ sa-doṣaṁ kṣaṇa-bhaṅgaram kṛmi-viḍ-bhasma-saṁjñātaṁ śarīram iti varṇitam asthireṇa sthiraṁ karma kuto 'yaṁ sādhyen na hi yat prātaḥ saṁskṛtaṁ cānnaṁ sāyaṁ tac ca vinaśyati tadīya-rasa-saṁpuṣṭe kāye kā nāma nityatā

The body is supported on columns of bones held together by a network of nerves and tendons smeared with flesh and blood, covered all over with skin full of bad smell being a receptacle of urine and stool. It is ever afflicted with old age, sorrow and it is home of diseases, frail, difficult to satisfy, hard to maintain, corrupt, faulty, and momentary. It has been characterized as having its finality in what goes by the name of worms, faeces and ashes. Why then should one not perform with this unstable body, action leading to immortality?

Since this body is just a bag of bile,urine and mucus and is also a temple of diseases, what is the point in being proud of body? Dhundhukari further says in shloka 61:

yat prātaḥ saṁskṛtaṁ cānnaṁ sāyaṁ tac ca vinaśyati tadīya-rasa-saṁpuṣṭe kāye kā nāma nityatā

The food that is prepared in the morning gets spoilt in the evening automatically. So what kind of eternity can body which is nourished by such kind of food have?

Neither the body, nor the possessions, nor the relatives associated with the body are going to accompany us after death. So Dhunudkari insists that instead of wasting our time in bodily matters we should use our time and energy in devotional service unto Supreme Lord, for Lord and service are always eternal. Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.2.10 Suta Goswami says, "Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of one's works."

Srila Prabhupada in his lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.8.22 in Los Angeles, given on 14th April 1973 mentions that Srimad Bhagavatam is amala puran and whatever knowledge is there in this world, is all available in it. He says that "This is the topmost education and that if one simply reads this Srimad Bhagavatam, his education is the topmost. Vidyaa bhaagavataavadhih. If one studies Srimad Bhagavatam he is well versed in every subject matter." Dhundukari initially lead such a sinful life. But after hearing Bhagavatam he is completely transformed. The words of wisdom we hear from him proves how true are the words of His Divine Grace.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as spoken by Dhundukari in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 36

Date: 2015-05-31 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam Dhundukari was released from his ghostly form and began to glorify Srimad Bhagavatam. Now we shall continue further. Dhundhukari says in sloka 63 of fifth chapter of Uttarakhanda about how futile is the life if we don't engage in hearing Srimad Bhagavatam.

budbudā iva toyeṣu maśakā iva jantuṣu jāyante maraṇāyaiva kathā-śravaṇa-varjitāḥ

Just like the bubbles appearing on the surface of water disappear within few moments, just like flies and insects are very short-lived, people who don't engage themselves in hearing Srimad Bhagavatam, who deprive themselves from hearing Srimad Bhagavatam are just born to die.

We find Dhundukari very nicely comparing our lives to that of bubble and mosquito. Bubble appears in water, just to be burst in few seconds. It is of no use to anyone. Mosquito on the other hand, although has life in it, still it is of no use to others. In fact it sucks the blood of people and many times is carrier of fatal diseases like dengue, malaria etc. Even if such flies and insects don't bite others, still their life is miserable and of no use to others.

Srila Prabhupada in one of his classes on Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.8.31, given in Mayapur on October 11 1974 mentions that, "Just see the flies, the insects, how much they are suffering. Whole night, they struggle to enjoy the lamp. And in the morning all dead. All dead. This is their life. So we are thinking that we are better situated. No, we are not better situated. Our, the principle is the same, that you come here, you accept a certain type of body, and whole night, or whole life... Night means ignorance, darkness. So in ignorance you go on struggling whole life, and then you become dead, finished. The same thing. There is no difference between the life of the insect."

It is a very great fortune to get human birth and shastras say how even demigods wait to be born as human being in Bhuloka as that gives one the opportunity to perform devotional service to Lord. In all other species of life, we don't have this facility. Though we think life of demigod offers one a lot of opportunities to enjoy sense gratification, demigods consider such opportunities as obstacles in their path of spiritual advancement and wait to take birth here. So having got this human birth, if we waste it like a small insect, trying to become happy by hankering and running around the fire of sense enjoyment and lead a life of ignorance it is no good. So Dhundukari is advising us not to lead a momentary life like insects which neither live peacefully, nor let others live peacefully.

So let us pray to Srila Gurudeva, Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krishna so that our life becomes meaningful, purposeful and pleasing to Supreme Lord, by engaging ourselves in His service, by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam ourselves and serving others by sharing that nectar of Krishna katha.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam as spoken by Dhundukari in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 37

Date: 2015-06-01 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam Dhundukari was released from his ghostly form and began to glorify Srimad Bhagavatam. Now we shall continue further. Dhundhukari says in shloka 64-65 of fifth chapter of Uttarakhanda about how knots of attachment get cut by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam.

jaḍasya śuṣka-vaṁśasya yatra granthi-vibhedanam citraṁ kim u tadā citta-granthi-bhedaḥ kathā-śravāt bhidyate hṛdaya-granthiś chidyante sarva-śaṁśayāḥ kṣīyante cāsya karmāṇi saptāha-śravaṇe kṛte

If the knots in insentient object like bamboo could break by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam for seven days, then there is no wonder if such hearing of Bhagavatam could cut into pieces the knots of material attachment. When one hears to Srimad Bhagavat saptaah the knots of ignorance present in the heart are broken, all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions is terminated.

In Srimad Bhagavatam lecture given on verse 1.2.15 in Srila Prabhupada says very nicely explains the word granthi. Granthi means knot. His Divine Grace says how when we are bound by ropes, we will not be able to move independently, similarly we are bound by laws of material nature. To get ourselves free we use knife to cut the ropes. So to free ourselves from the bondage of material nature also we require a knife. His Divine Grace very nicely says what is that knife. "Therefore this is the process, yad-anudhyāsinā, you have to take one knife. This is knife. What is that? śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ [SB 7.5.23]. This is knife. If you want to get rid of this entanglement of material existence, one body after another, then this is the only instrument by which you can unknot the knot and come out of the entanglement. Chindanti. This very word is used, chindanti: 'It cuts'".

Srimad Bhagavatam is full of glories of Lord and His devotees. So by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam definitely all kinds of knots will be cut. Not only the life of Dhundukari, but we could see how Srila Prabhupada has also been helping millions of souls to cut the knots of material attachments, through the sword of transcendental knowledge in the form of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Jai Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki Jai! Srila Prabhupada ki Jai! Srila Gurudev ki Jai!

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 38

Date: 2015-06-02 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

While Dhundukari was glorifying Bhagavatam in this manner, an aerial car came for him along with Vishnudutas. When Dhundukari boarded the aerial car, Gokarna asked the Vishnudhutas a very interesting question. "There are so many sinless souls in this village who attended this Bhagavata Saptah. But how come there is only one aerial car that has come? Why is there a difference in treatment for them? O beloved servants of Sri Hari, can you please explain us the reason for the same?" The Vishnudhutas gave them a beautiful response for this question. In shloka 71 of the fifth chapter of Uttara khanda of Padmapurana the Vishnudutas say,

śravaṇasya vibhedena phala-bhedo 'pi saṁsthitaḥ śravaṇaṁ tu kṛtaṁ sarvair na tathā mananaṁ kṛtam 71 phala-bhedas tato jāto bhajanād api mānada

The difference in treatment is because of the difference in hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam. Though all the people present here, had heard Bhagavatam, the intensity of hearing was not the same for all. That is the reason for the difference in reward, although everyone had heard Srimad Bhagavatam.

This is very important point to meditate. Many a times even after knowing the glories of devotional service, we do it mechanically without faith or care. Such faithlessness and careless attitude will naturally delay our path of progress. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita verse 4.11, "ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham" - "As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly." Dhundukari although had led a very sinful life in the past and had attained the ghost body, now when he heard that hearing Srimad Bhagavatam is the only hope for him to get rid of his ghostly form, he heard Srimad Bhagavatam for seven days and seven nights continuously with deep concentration. Due to his faith and intense hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam Dhundukari was blessed with opportunity to go to Lord's abode and have His darshan. Srimad Bhagavatam verse 2.8.4, Parikshit Maharaj says,

śṛṇvataḥ śraddhayā nityaṁ gṛṇataś ca sva-ceṣṭitam kālena nātidīrgheṇa bhagavān viśate hṛdi

Persons who hear Srimad-Bhagavatam regularly and are always taking the matter very seriously will have the Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna manifested in their hearts within a short time.

Parikshit Maharaj also heard Bhagavatam for 7 days and could reach the abode of Lord. His Divine Grace very nicely mentions in the above purport that people like Parikshit Maharaj at least knew that they will die after 7 days. But for us death can come any moment. So remembering our last moment, we should endeavour every day to engage in hearing Srimad Bhagavatam attentively and with faith. Then by the mercy of Guru and Krishna, we are sure to reach the abode of Supreme Lord.

Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on further glories of Srimad Bhagavatam in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 39

Date: 2015-06-04 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how Vishnudutas arrived to take Dhundukari to Vaikuntha. When Gokarna inquired as to why others assembled there did not have the privilege to get an aerial plane and travel to Vaikuntha, the Vishnudhutas began to explain the reason for the same. The first point they mentioned was about the difference in the intensity and faith with which Dhundukari heard Srimad Bhagavatam and the way others did. Now we shall continue further.

The Vishnudutas further explained the mood in which scriptures needs to be read and heard. Spiritual wisdom which is not firmly rooted, hearing scriptures without interest, counsel received with doubting mind and muttering of sacred text with restless mind is all fruitless. In shlokas 75-76 of the fifth chapter of Uttara khanda of Padma purana, the Vishnudutas further say,

hatam aśrotriye dānam anācāra-hataṁ kulam viśvāso guru-vākyeṣu svasmin dīnatva-bhāvanā mano-doṣa-jayaś caiva kathāyāṁ niścalā matiḥ evam ādi kṛtaṁ cet syāt tadā vai śravaṇe phalam

For one who has faith in the words of spiritual master, who is thoughtful of his insignificant position, endevaours to subjugate the deviating mind and devotedly hears Srimad Bhagavatam with faith and attention, their hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam will be effective. When all of you hear Srimad Bhagavatam in this mood again, then you are sure to reach Lord's abode.

The Vishnudutas also added that Krishna will personally come to take Gokarna to Goloka for he had been instrumental in helping others to hear Srimad Bhagavatam. Saying so Vishnudutas left for Vaikuntha along with Dhundukari. When the people in the village heard this, they again gathered in the month of shravan and engaged themselves in hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam with devotion. At the end of 7th day, Lord Sri Hari came personally along with His associates and took Gokarna to Goloka along with all the living entities who had heard Bhagavatam from him. Due to the mercy of pure devotee like Gokarna, not only the pious human-beings, even shudras and dogs all were able to board the aerial car along with Gokarna and go to Goloka. Such is the power of Bhagavatam, person Bhagavata and hearing of Bhagavatam. Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki Jai!

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.3.44, Suta Goswami says to the sages of Naimisaranya about his own experience of how he had heard Srimad Bhagavatam. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on this verse in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi.