Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 1.12.3
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSincere Hearing Brings Transcendental Knowledge
“We all respectfully want to hear about him [Mahārāja Parīkṣit] to whom Śukadeva Gosvāmī imparted transcendental knowledge. Please speak on this matter.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī recited Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in devotion, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit listened like an ardent student. Both the speaker and the hearer benefited.
- Even one of the nine processes of devotional service is beneficial when properly performed. Serious hearing and chanting brought success to Mahārāja Parīkṣit and Śukadeva Gosvāmī.
- Transcendental knowledge comes through ardent hearing from a bona fide spiritual master, not through supposed electrical shocks or occult displays. The process is simple, but sincerity is necessary.
Try this today
Listen attentively to a short passage of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from a bona fide teacher, then recall one teaching.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking sincere understanding through hearing, or expecting a spectacular experience?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.