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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.19.37

Mukti· Liberation

Hearing the Lord’s Pastimes Purifies

“O brāhmaṇas, anyone who hears, chants, or takes pleasure in the wonderful narration of the killing of the Hiraṇyākṣa demon by the Lord, who appeared as the first boar in order to deliver the world, is at once relieved of the results of sinful activities, even the killing of a brāhmaṇa.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.19.37, translation

What the purport teaches

  • There is no difference between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His pastimes. Hearing about His activities means associating directly with Him.
  • Hearing, chanting or taking pleasure in this narration frees one from the results of sinful activities. The verse includes even the grave sin of killing a brāhmaṇa.
  • One should eagerly hear from a pure devotee who presents the narration as it is. By listening and accepting the Lord’s glories, one becomes qualified to relish His pastimes.

Try this today

Read this translation aloud once, attentively accepting and appreciating the Lord’s glories.

Ask yourself

How would I listen differently if I remembered that hearing brings direct association with the Lord?

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.

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