Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.1.8
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesLearn Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam From a Realized Soul
“At the end of the Dvāpara-yuga, I studied this great supplement of Vedic literature named Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which is equal to all the Vedas, from my father, Śrīla Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva.”
What the purport teaches
- Although Śukadeva Gosvāmī was liberated from birth, he studied Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam under his father, Śrīla Vyāsadeva. His example shows that liberated souls are attracted to the Lord’s activities.
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam cannot be understood through one’s own intellectual ability alone. Like a medical student learning under qualified professors, its student needs the guidance of a realized soul.
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the sound representative of Lord Kṛṣṇa and the essence of Vedic literature. It describes the Supreme Person’s name, form, attributes and pastimes with His pure devotees.
Try this today
Write down one question about this passage to ask a qualified teacher of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Ask yourself
Am I willing to receive guidance rather than rely only on my own understanding?
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.