Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 1.91
Hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam With an Attitude of Service
“The great scripture Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, compiled by Mahā-muni Vyāsadeva from four original verses, describes the most elevated and kindhearted devotees and completely rejects the cheating ways of materially motivated religiosity. It propounds the highest principle of eternal religion, which can factually mitigate the threefold miseries of a living being and award the highest benediction of full prosperity and knowledge. Those willing to hear the message of this scripture in a submissive attitude of service can at once capture the Supreme Lord in their hearts. Therefore there is no need for any scripture other than Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.”
What the purport teaches
- Vyāsadeva is not an ordinary man but is empowered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He compiled Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to narrate pastimes of the Supreme Lord and His devotees.
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam completely rejects materially motivated religiosity. It teaches the highest principle of eternal religion, which can mitigate the threefold miseries and award full prosperity and knowledge.
- Those willing to hear its message in a submissive attitude of service can at once capture the Supreme Lord in their hearts. The translation therefore declares that no other scripture is needed.
Try this today
Reread the quoted message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam slowly, with a willingness to learn and serve.
Ask yourself
How could you approach hearing with a more submissive attitude of service?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.