Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 24.313
Understand Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Through Devotional Service
“[Lord Śiva said:] ‘I may know; Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyāsadeva, may know; and Vyāsadeva may know or may not know Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. On the whole, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the spotless Purāṇa, can be learned only through devotional service, not by material intelligence, speculative methods or imaginary commentaries.’”
What the purport teaches
- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the spotless Purāṇa, can be understood only through devotional service, not through material intelligence, speculation or imaginary commentaries.
- Devotional service includes nine processes, beginning with hearing, chanting and remembering the activities of Lord Viṣṇu.
- One must learn Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from the person bhāgavata. Pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness and service to the pure devotee, the spiritual master, make understanding possible.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes hearing about Lord Viṣṇu’s activities, then recall one thing you heard.
Ask yourself
Am I approaching Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with a desire to serve, rather than relying only on my intelligence?
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.