Usage of Notes

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Lead words in the beginning of every verse, presented in bold casing

represents the theme of the verse.
Respective translations (in some verses) have been presented after the
theme, under inverted commas.
Bullet points under each verse represent the major headings under which
purport can be divided. Sometime they are accompanied by relevant sections
of purports under inverted commas.
Lesson :- This is a statement from the purport which indicates practical
application of that verse.
Exam answers :- Answer to all the important questions have been explained
in the main notes.
Examination syllabus :- This will cover the list of important questions given
at the end of the chapter, list of analogies and break down of the chapter.
How to begin the study :- To understand the flow of the chapter, one should
first study the breakdown and the lead words of every verse presented in bold
casing, along with the link between the verses. Then one may study the bullet
points to understand the purport.
Para Numbers(e.g. para 1) This indicates the paragraph of the purport from
which the respective points have been taken.

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

BREAK DOWN OF CHAPTER 1

Section I
Verses 1-3
Prelude: The subject, glories and goal of the rmad-Bhgavatam.
rla Vysadeva offers his obeisances to Lord Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth, and
immediately glorifies the rmad-Bhgavatam as completely pure, free from materially
motivated activities, and especially nectarean, having emanated from the lips of Sri
ukadeva Gosvm.
Section II
Verses 4-8
Setting the scene for the sages inquires
Once, in the forest of Naimiraya, great sages assembled to perform a great thousandyear sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees. One day after offering a
seat of esteem to rla Sta Gosvm, the sages enumerated Sta Gosvms qualifications
to speak.
They particularly appreciated Sta Gosvms character, which was completely free from
all vice, and his learning, as he was well versed in all the scriptures. Also because he was
submissive, his spiritual masters had endowed him with all the favors bestowed upon a
gentle disciple. The great sages then made inquiries, with great respect, about the
following matters.
Section III
Verses 9-23
The Questions of the sages
What is the ultimate good, and the essence of all scriptures (11)? They glorify hearing
about the Lord and request Sta Gosvm to speak to them about the Lord (12) and His
incarnations, in both the process of creation (13), and in other pastimes (17) After Sta
Gosvm describes that the Age of Kali has just begun, the sages ask a final question:
"Now that Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth, has departed for His abode, please tell us by
whom religious principles are presently protected." (23)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

Chapter -1

Questions by the Sages

A humble offering to the assembled devotees
All Glories to rla Prabhupda
Introduction
rmad-Bhgavatam hits on the target of Absolute Truth This differentiates from
the common understanding of conception of God
Conception of God indicates controller
Conception of Absolute Truth indicates summum Bonum, or ultimate source of all
energies
Section I (Text 1-3)
This section gives the prelude to rmad-Bhgavatam
Text 1 Defines the Absolute Truth
Text 2 Describes the glories of rmad-Bhgavatam and also defines actual
religion
Text 3 Invites humanity to taste the Bhgavatams sweetness
Text 1 defines the Absolute Truth
Introductory definition is as follows
o That substance form which nothing is different
o That Absolute Truth is a person , Divine son of Vasudeva & Devaki, known as
Ka, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
o Everything else, including Brahmjyoti (Gods oneness aspect) emanates from
Him
This verse can be studied under following divisions
o rla Vysadeva begins by offering obeisances (1A) and defining the Absolute
Truth(1A 1E)
o Absolute Truth as the source of all and cause of all causes(1B)
o Lord is fully cognizant and fully independent and no other living entity is equal
to or greater than the Supreme Lord(1C to 1E)
o Supreme intelligence behind all creations is Absolute Godhead, r Ka and
not Brahmji or any other living entity
o Relationship between Absolute truth and relative truth is explained (1J 1N)
o na mo bhagavate v sudev ya (1A)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

1A rla Vysadeva begins by offering obeisances and defining the Absolute Truth
(o namo bhagavate vsudevya) This is explained in para 1 of purport
What does this indicate This directly indicates Lord Ka, son of Vasudeva and
Devak, as the primeval Lord
References for Ka as the Supreme Personality of Godhead - Sma-veda
Upaniad, Bhagavad-gt, Padma Pura, Brahma-sahit and Kasandarbha
Importance of name Vsudeva Vsudeva indicates . Devak.[purport]
o Vsudeva indicates the plenary portion of the Personality of Godhead, and all
the different forms of the Lord, being identical with Vsudeva, are indicated in
this text
o The name Vsudeva particularly indicates the divine son of Vasudeva and
Devak. r Ka is always meditated upon by the paramahasas, who are the
perfected ones among those in the renounced order of life
Lesson :- First proposition of rmad-Bhgavatam Ka is primeval Lord and thus
object of rla Vysadevs obeisances and meditation. He is so charming that His qualities
& pastimes attract us to His loving service in spiritual world
Link 1A to 1B: rmad-Bhgavatam begins with the definition of the ultimate source,
based on Vednta-stra 1.1.1 (janmdy asya yata). It is a bona fide commentary on the
Vednta-stra by the same author, rla Vysadeva.
ja nm dy asya yata (1B)
1B Definition of Absolute Truth (janmdy..yatah) Source of all and cause
of all causes (I meditate universes.[Translation])

rmad-Bhgavatam as spotless pura (Para 2)

o rmad-Bhgavatam elaborates in various sections on how Lord is the source
of all that exists
o Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu calls rmad-Bhgavatam as spotless pura
because it deals with transcendental narration about r Ka
o Specialty of history of rmad-Bhgavatam Vysadeva compiled in his
maturity of realization under guidance of spiritual master
o Vysadeva described the main substance in tenth canto after gradually
developing the knowledge of categories in first nine cantos
rmad-Bhgavatam Answers the Inquiries about the origin of creation
(para 3)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

o rmad-Bhgavatam answers natural inquiries of a philosophical mind, about

the origin of creation
o rmad-Bhgavatam establishes Supreme will behind all activities
o Refutes atheistic conception of No creator
Analogy of space satellites to establish the presence of superior
intelligence
Author worships the supreme intelligence behind all the creation as Para
or paramevara (para 4)
o Author of rmad-Bhgavatam at once accepts supermost intelligence and
worships Para-tattva, chief of all living personalities, r Ka Other
references to support this are
Vedic literature Absolute Truth is the chief of all and possesses super
most inconceivable energies
Bhagavad-gt There is no other Para-tattva than Himself (Ref Bg. 7.7
matta paratara.)
rmad-Bhgavatam establishes the ideal of a common cause Thus
janmdy asya yato establishes Supreme Lord as the primeval cause of all
causes of creation, sustenance and destruction of universes

Link 1B to 1C: Lord, being the primeval cause, is both the material cause and efficient
cause. Prakti which appears to be the material cause, is an energy of the Lord and is
thus non-different from the Lord. Thus Lord is the material cause through Prakti
Lord takes the form of time (which is efficient or indirect cause) to influence
Prakti (which is material or direct cause)
Thus lord is both, the direct (material) and the indirect (efficient) cause
a nva y d itarata crthev abhija svar (1C 1E)
1C Lord is fully cognizant (anvayd . abhija) Lord (Absolute Truth) is
directly and indirectly fully conscious (abhija)
Analogy :- Chief engineer of a complicated construction knows every nook and
corner of his construction (Para 7)
Everything created is an interaction of His material and spiritual energy (Para 7)
o Analogy :- Chemist manufacturing water but needs raw materials
o Analogy :- Whatever happens to the body quickly becomes knows to the
embodied, similarly creation is the body of the Absolute whole (Para 8)
Conclusion Since the complete whole or the Absolute Truth is the source of
everything, nothing can be independent of the body of the Absolute Truth.
(Para 8)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

o Thus refutes the illusion of materialists that he is the only creator The
materialist wrongly .. intelligence (Para 8)
Link 1C to 1D Question: One may object that since the mahat-tattva and other elements
had not arisen, the Lord could not have a body which could perform actions, and thus
could not have done all the creation
Answer: Therefore this verse says that the Lord is independent (svar)
1D Lord is fully independent (svar)

Lord is conscious of every minute details but at the same time aloof and
independent
o Analogy : Chief engineer of a complicated construction knows every nook
and corner of his construction but still he does not personally take part (para
7)
He is simultaneously one and different (Para 7)
o Analogy : Gold mine and gold objects

1E No other living entity equals to the Supreme Lord - This is the importance of
two words abhija and svar (Para 9)

Only Lord is fully cognizant (as told in 1C) and fully independent (as told in 1D)
o Neither Brahm, nor brains like Einstein, nor Myvdis nor atheists like
Rvaa, etc can claim to be so(Para 9)
Lord is called asamaurdhva (no one is equal to or greater than Him) (Para 10)
o Creates just by glance
o Creates machines in duplicate male and female forms power to reproduce
o Thus refutes that God is no more expert than a watchmaker
o Supreme Lord is All perfect (confirmed by ruti-mantra)

Lesson: Surrender and become Mahtm (Para 11) After defining Ka as allperfect , all-attractive Supreme personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth & cause
of all causes, now rla Prabhupda recommends that every one surrender to Him
& become a great soul, a mahtm
Link 1E to 1F :- Question: One may object that in the creation of the universe, one
should understand that Lord Brahm has independent powers, for in the ruti, it is said,
Brahm was born before other creatures; he alone existed. Therefore Brahm should be
the object of worship.
Answer: the verse answers this objection in the second line, it is the Lord (satyam
param), who revealed (tene) the Vedas (Brahm ) knowledge of Himself to Brahm
(di-kavaye). Thus Brahm is dependent on the Lord.

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

tene bra hma hd ya di-ka vaye muhya nti yat sraya (1F 1H)
1F Brahmji is not the ultimate creator/object of worship Supreme intelligence
behind all creations is Absolute Godhead, Sri Ka (Para 9)

Ref Vedic lit. Brahm, who may be compared to sun, is not the ultimate creator
Ref. rmad-Bhgavatam 1.1.1 Brahm was taught by Supreme Lord
Ref Bhagavad-gt 9.10 Ka only superintends the creative energy (Prakriti) &
thus not Brahmji
Ref ruti/smti Absolute Whole is the source of creation, maintenance &
destruction
o Thus refutes material scientists who say Sun is the source of all, they cannot
explain the source

1G Question: One may object that it is well known that Brahm did not study the Vedas
from anyone.
Answer: That is true. He received it in his mind. (hdaye).
1H Question: Perhaps Brahm realized the truth of Vedas on his own (from within the
mind) just as a person sometimes gets a realization during sleep.
Answer: Brahm independently does not have the power to realize this knowledge,
for even the greatly learned sages and demigod are bewildered about this (muhyanti yat
sraya).
Please note : Points1G and 1H have been taken from cryas commentaries to establish
the connections.
Link 1H to 1J :- 1A to 1F defines Absolute Truth in various aspects. Now, the
relationship between Relative and Absolute Truth is presented in 2nd half of the first verse
Relationship between Absolute truth and Relative Truths (1J 1N)

1J Absolute Truth is in the spiritual sky, not the material sky. In the material
sky everything is relative truth (para 6)

In material sky, everything is relative truth which implies, one truth depends on
something else
Absolute Truth Holds true in all phases of time

tejo-v ri-md yath vinimayo yatra tri-sargo 'm (1K)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

1K Material sky/cosmic world, which is a relative truth, is a manifestation of

external potency (Para 6)

This cosmic creation results from interaction of the three modes of nature (yatra
tri-sargo)
The temporary manifestations are so created as to present an illusion of reality to
the bewildered mind of the conditioned soul, who appears in so many species of
life, including the higher demigods, like Brahm, Indra, Candra, and so on
(muhyanti yat sraya)
Analogy of shadow : The manifested cosmic creation appears as reality (am).
But reality, of which this is but a shadow, is in the spiritual world
In actuality, there is no reality in the manifested world. There appears to be
reality, however, because of the true reality which exists in the spiritual world
Analogy of Mirage : External manifested energy in the form of material existence
is only temporary and illusory like the mirage in the desert

dh mn svena sad nirasta-kuhaka (1L 1N)

1L True reality exits in spiritual world as an Absolute Truth (Para 6) I therefore
meditate upon Him abode.[Translation]

Spiritual sky is manifestation of Lords internal potency

Manifested internal potency is real as opposed to external manifested energy
rmad-Bhgavatam is the narration of the svarpa of the Lord manifested by His
internal potency
r Vysadeva describes the transcendental activities of Para-tattva in canto ten
(Para 4)

1M Transcendental abode is free from all material illusion- nirasta-kuhaka

Which is representation of material world [Translation]
1N Original and pure sex psychology rla Vivantha Cakravart hkura

Diseased material sex life

o The whole material creation is moving under the principle of sex life
o In modern civilization, sex life is the focal point for all activities
o The material sex life is but a perverted reflection of the original fact
Spiritual sex life/ di-rasa
o Sex life is not unreal. Its reality is experienced in the spiritual world

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

o Indirect impetus to the abominable mundane sex life by impersonality

philosophers because they have overstressed the impersonality of the
ultimate truth
It is not possible to be impersonal and contain pure sex life
Man without information of the actual spiritual form of sex has accepted
perverted material sex life as the all in all
Sa tya para dhmahi (1O 1P)
1O r Vysadeva meditates on the ultimate object of meditation of this literature
the Satya para The Absolute Truth r Ka
1P

r Vysadeva purposely invokes the Gyatr mantra (Para 5)

Gyatr mantra is for spiritually advanced souls

When one is successful in chanting Gyatr mantra, one can enter into the
transcendental position of the Lord
One must therefore acquire brahminical qualities or be perfectly situated in the
quality of goodness in order to chant the Gyatr mantra successfully and then
attain to the stage of transcendentally realizing the Lord, His name, His fame, His
qualities and so on
Thus it offers a chance for gradual development of spiritual realization before
actually relishing the essence of the pastimes of Lord

Lesson : Approach tenth canto by gradually developing knowledge of the categories

through nine cantos (para 5)
1Q Authenticity of rmad-Bhgavatam with respect to other Puras and
erudite scholars (Para 12)

1R

rmad-Bhgavatam is referred in Padma Pura, Matsya Pura

rmad-Bhgavatam is commented upon by many cryas
Thus refutes those who say rmad-Bhgavatam is by someone called Vopadev,
or, not given by Vysadeva

Conclusion :

This rmad-Bhgavatam will gradually elevate the unbiased reader to the highest
perfectional stage of transcendence.

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

It will enable him to transcend the three modes of material activities: fruitive
actions, speculative philosophy, and worship of functional deities as inculcated
in Vedic verses.

Text 2 Describes the glories of rmad-Bhgavatam and also defines actual

religion

This verse is studied under following headings

o Real religion is distinguished from pretentious religion (2A)
o Only pure hearted devotees can understand rmad-Bhgavatam (2B)
o rmad-Bhgavatam aims at the substance or the root of all categories (2C)
o Proper understanding lead to freedom from three fold miseries(2D)
o Vysadeva recommends rmad-Bhgavatam above all other Vedic literatures
(2E)
o Ultimate result of studying rmad-Bhgavatam (2F)
o Proper method to receive rmad-Bhgavatam is hear submissively (2G)
dha rma projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsar sa t (2A 2B)
2A Real religion is distinguished from pretentious religion (dharma projjhitakaitavo 'tra paramo) rmad-Bhgavatam rejects all materially motivated religious
activities and propounds the highest truth
Ultimate aim of religion is beyond the four primary subjects of religion (Para 1)
Cheating religion Kaitava Dharma (Para 2)
o They are all propelled by dharma(pious activities), artha(economic
development), Kama(satisfaction of the senses) & Moksa( liberation from material
bondage )- All are different stages of sense gratification
o They are all propelled by Competition to Lord over
o Temples replaced by factories proove the lower nature of this religion
Position of rmad-Bhgavatam vs Vedas with respect to Religion (Para 3)
o Vedas prescribe regulated Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksa to avoid undue
competition for sense gratification
o rmad-Bhgavatam, on the other hand, is transcendental to all sense
gratificatory activities
2B Only pure hearted devotees can understand rmad-Bhgavatam
(nirmatsar sat vedya) Only pure devotee can access rmad-Bhgavatam

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

10

Basis of material life Competitive Sense gratification(para 3)

o Three Vedic paths to support this karma-ka, jna-ka and
upsan-ka
o Cause of this competition is envy
Transcendentalists They are transcendental to competitive sense gratification
/they are non-envious (para 3), this is because o Their goal is eternal blissful life Back to Godhead
o They are real well-wishers of society
Thus Socialist conception of competitionless society is rejected because
it involves competition for the post of a dictator

vedya vsta vam atra vastu ivada tpa -trayonmlanam (2C 2D)
2C rmad-Bhgavatam aims at the substance or the root of all categories
(vstavam atra vastu) The highest truth .welfare of all.[Translation] (Para 4 & 5)

rmad-Bhgavatam is transcendental to karma-ka, jna-ka and

upsan-ka which are full of competition (Para 4)
rmad-Bhgavatam is superior because (Para 4)
o Aims at Supreme Truth which is the substance or root of all categories
o The substance is the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Lord, and all emanations
are relative forms of energy
rmad-Bhgavatam promulgates simultaneous one & different philosophy about
Absolute Truth (Para 5)
o Thus this refutes Energy as Absolute, and the concept of Monism &
Dualism

2D Proper understanding leads to freedom from three fold miseries (ivada

tpa-trayonmlanam) Such ..miseries .[Translation](Para 6)

This indicates result of transcendental consciousness grounded in simultaneous

one & different conception
Exhibition of such consciousness is as follows
o rmad-Bhgavatam begin with the surrender of devotee unto Absolute
person
o Service is rendered in pure consciousness of ones spiritual identity

Lesson :- In the material conception, one falsely thinks himself the lord of all he
surveys, and therefore he is always troubled by the threefold miseries of life. But as soon
as one comes to know his real position as transcendental servant, he at once becomes
free from all miseries

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

11

rma d-bhgavate mah-muni-kte ki v parair vara (2E)

2E Vysadeva recommends rmad-Bhgavatam above all other Vedic literatures
(rmad-bhgavate mah-muni-kte ki v parair) (Para 7)

Authority position of Vysadeva

o Authorized incarnation
o Mahamuni indicates author as the crest jewel of the all philosophers
o Vysadeva wrote after full revelation of SB 1.7.4-10, in maturity
Analogy : rmad-Bhgavatam vs other Puras body vs different parts
Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu recommends rmad-Bhgavatam as spotless

sa dyo hdy avarudhyate 'tra ktibhi urubhis tat-kat (2F 2G)

2F Ultimate result of studying rmad-Bhgavatam vara sadyo hdy
rubhis tat-kat

Supreme Lord is fixed in the heart immediately (Para 7)

2G Proper method to receive rmad-Bhgavatam is hear submissively (para 8 &

9)
Wrong attitude Challenging attitude
Importance of ktibhi & urubhis
o ktibhi Indicates One becomes qualified to hear rmad-Bhgavatam after
many pious deeds
o urubhis Indicates Desire to sincerely and submissively hear as the
first qualification
Process is simple, application is difficult
o Either people are reluctant to hear, or
o They plunge into most confidential topic directly, that is rsa dance
Assurance by Vysadeva to Intelligent persons with thoughtful discretion
o They can realize Supreme Personality of Godhead directly by hearing
rmad-Bhgavatam
Can be lifted immediately to position of paramhamsas

Text 3 Invites humanity to taste the Bhgavatams sweetness

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

12

3A

This verse invites the readers to relish rmad-Bhgavatam

Text 1 & 2 proved rmad-Bhgavatam beyond all Vedic literatures.

Text 3 offers rmad-Bhgavatam, not only as a superior literature. but ripened
fruit or cream of all
This demands Patient & submissive hearing with great respect & attention

3B rmad-Bhgavatam as a mature ripened fruit nigama-kalpa-taror galita

phalam (Para 2)

Vedas which are compared to desire tree give regulated principles of knowledge
Regulated knowledge involves a gradual raising of the living entity to the
spiritual platform
Highest spiritual realization Supreme Personality of Godhead is reservoir of all
spiritual tastes or rasas

3C rla ukadeva Gosvm makes it even more sweet uka-mukhd amtadrava-sayutam - It emanated from the lips of r ukadeva Gosvm. Therefore this
fruit has become even more tasteful easily swallowed & perfected in all respects

rmad-Bhgavatam appeals to all classes of people (Para 9)

o It is narration of transcendental pastimes of Lord
o Also it is systematic depiction by ukadeva Gosvm
Importance of uka (Parrot - for the ability to make it more appealing (Para 10))

3D Subject of rasa pibata bhgavata rasam laya Although its nectarean

juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.

Definition of rasa Some sort of taste derived from sense perception

o 12 types of rasa
5 Primary and 7 secondary
Exchange of rasa :o Sum total of all rasa is called affection or love
o Exchange takes place only between same species
Original rasa are on spiritual platform
o Because soul is one and same in quality with Supreme Lord

3E Supreme Personality of Godhead is the fountainhead of all rasas (Ref. rutimantras) (Para 5)

Exchange of constitutional rasa with the Lord is the platform of actual happiness
(Para 6)
Rasas in material world perverted form and temporary (Para 6)

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

13

3F

How can one learn to relish Rasa with Ka (Para 8)

Spiritual rasa can be experience in rmad-Bhgavatam, due to its being ripened

fruit of all vedas
How Hear submissively from proper source, like ukadeva Gosvm or
bonafide representative
Benefit one attains full pleasure of hearts desire

3G No satiation in rasa of rmad-Bhgavatam. There is attraction even after

liberation (Alayam)

Proof ukadeva Gosvm even though liberated, was attracted (Ref. SB 2.1.9)
Conclusion Supreme Absolute Truth is not impersonal otherwise
transcendental rasa is not possible

3H Expert & thoughtful men relish rmad-Bhgavatam (Para 11 & 12)- muhur
aho rasik bhuvi bhvukh

Effect of proper reception - one can relish transcendental rasas distinctly from
perverted rasas
How to properly receive A sincere & serious person should carefully approach
o Approach in the footsteps of ukadeva Gosvm, gradually in the stages of
transcendental realization
o Need to understand from bonafide representative
o Avoid non-bonafide professional reciters

Section II
Text 4-8
Text 4 :- After the prelude the main topic of rmad-Bhgavatam starts now. (rmadBhgavatam, after its first recitation by rla ukadeva Gosvm, was repeated for the
second time at Naimiraya)

Importance of Naimiraya (Para2) Mentioned in Vyavya Tantra (as the hub

of universe) and Varha Pura (sacrifices at this place curtails demoniac
strength)
Mood of great sages Always anxious to do good for the people in general
(Para3)
o Thus aunaka and others have assembled
o Forgetful souls do not know right path to peace and prosperity, great sages do
know.
Analogy :- Watering the root or watering the detached branches and leaves

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

14

Modern society is like detached branches which gradually dry up (Para 4)

Prescribed sacrifices for real benefit in this age Congregational chanting which
gives peace and prosperity (Para 5)

Lesson :- The devotees of Lord Viu offer all kinds of sacrifices for His pleasure. The
devotees are always attached to the service of the Lord, whereas fallen souls are attached
to the pleasures of material existence
Qualifications of Sta Gosvm (Text 5 to 8)
5 All the sages performed morning duties, offered vyssana to Sta Gosvm and
inquired with great respect

Important of morning hours to perform spiritual services

Qualifications of a representative of Vysa
o Exactly presents the viewpoint of Vysadeva and follows disciplic succession
o Must be a Goswami Restrain the senses and stick to the path of previous
cryass
o Does not deliver lectures capriciously but perform service most carefully
Need of great respect for the speaker and the subject matters, on part of the
audience

Further qualifications mentioned

Completely free from all vices

o 4 major vices of kaliyuga
Well-versed in all scriptures Vedas, Puras and Mahbhrata
Have gone through them under proper guidance and have also explained them
o ravaa and krtana are of primary importance to spiritual life
o Hearing and explaining is more important than reading

7 Further qualifications mentioned Acquainted with the knowledge of Vysadeva

and also of other sages- thus all system of philosophy are known

Difference between Vyasadevs philosophy and other systems of philosophy in

other systems no mention is given to the ultimate cause of all causes

8 Further qualifications Submissive and thus endowed with all the favors from
spiritual master

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

15

Lesson :- The secret of success in spiritual life is in satisfying the spiritual master and
thereby getting his sincere blessings

Section-III

Text 9-23
Link 8 to 9 after hearing last few verses, Sta Gosvm may agree to speak to all the
subjects he has learned, but sages demand in text 9 Only the Absolute and ultimate
Good
9 Sages ask the first question to Sta Gosvm, the appointed crya.
Bhagavad-gt recommends the worship of an crya
cryas & Gosvms are always absorbed in the well-being of general public,
especially spiritual well-being,
o Spiritual well-being is automatically followed by material well-being

Link 9 to 10 - Sta Gosvm may say that OK I will present all the scriptures which I
have studied; you can ascertain the best of all of them
But sages present the condemned state of kali-yuga in text 10 and demands in text 11
that Sta Gosvm should select the essence of scriptures and present it
10 They describe the condemned state of affairs of the people in the age of kali
Less lifespan 4 habits which decrease the duration of life. (para1)
Lazy Even if long life people are lazy too To know about what he is, what supreme truth is, what the world is.
o To use human form to end hard material struggle
o To use human life to return BTG
Misguided - they are influenced by bad system of education.
o Even if they endeavor for spiritual realization, they become victim of
misguided teacher
Unlucky- victim of political creed and sense gratification diversions
Disturbed Even if they come to proper association, they are always disturbed
by various anxieties
Current distorted values in modern age.
o No proper ashrams no proper brahmacr rama or proper ghastharama. As a result no good vnaprasthas/ sannyss
o No interest in spiritual values whole atmosphere is surcharged with
faithlessness.

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

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o Sense gratification as the standard- Material sense gratification is now the

standard of civilization
o Concocted religious faiths Encourage sense gratification of people in name
of religion
Quarrelsome nature of kali-yuga Hot and cold war among nations and
groups
Lesson The devotees of the Lord are always anxious for the spiritual improvement of
the general public. Sages of Naimiraya consider the condemned state of kali and
seek the easy remedy from Skadev Gosvm.
11 Sages present the second question- Select the essence of all scriptures by which
their hearts may be fully satisfied.
Lesson tm, or self, is distinguished from matter and material elements. It is
spiritual in constitution, and thus it is never satisfied by any amount of material
planning

12 Sages present the third question Purpose of appearance of Bhagavan r Ka

as the son of Vasudev,

Bhagavn as possessor of 6 opulences

Bhagavn as stvat pati- protector of devotees
bhadra te- indicates sages anxiety to know about Absolute Truth
Vsudeva is the symbol of transcendental position wherein the appearance of
Supreme Lord takes place

Link 12-13 Following verses explain the reason the sages present these questions and
the subject matter they are intending to hear
13A This verse sets the conditions for hearing the transcendental message of
Absolute truth, and thus sets the stage for upcoming fourth (text 17) and fifth (text 18)
question

Eagerness of the audience as the first condition (uramnm)

Speaker must be trained in disciplic succession from cryas (agnuvaritum)
o Transcendental message is not revealed to one who is materially absorbed
o Training under direction of guru purifies one of all material absorption.

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Link 13 to 17: Before raising the fourth question in text 17, sages increases the listeners
enthusiasm by glorifying the potency of lords name, pastimes and paraphernalia.
13B Potency of transcendental message one is uplifted both by speaking them and
by hearing them (Translation13)
14 Glorifies the power of the holy name as non-different from the lord even feared
by fear personified [purport 14]
Lesson The transcendental name of Ka, even though uttered unconsciously or by
force of circumstances, can help one obtain freedom from the hurdle of birth and
death

15 Purifying potency of great devotees (who have taken shelter of lords lotus feet)

More powerful Pure devotees are more powerful than Ganges

Taking shelter
o Lords lotus feet can give shelter and purify anyone- BG 9.32
o To take shelter of Lords lotus feet means shelter of pure devotee)
Honoring pure devotees Honor pure devotee on equal platform with the lordthey are the vice-lords
o Because they are engaged in most confidential service delivering fallen souls
Pure devotional path described
o To consider spiritual master as equal to lord
o To consider oneself as humble servant of servant.

16 Simple method of hearing and glorifying the lord One conquers all the vices of
kali and establishes real peace and friendship.
Most condemned nature of kali-yuga - quarrelsome features
Who can get out of it Those engaged in pure devotional service
17 Sages present the fourth question Explain the adventures of Lord in relation to
the creation
Two types of creation Spiritual creation vs. material creation
Less intelligent men Attracted to material creations which are perverted shadows
of spiritual kingdom
o Analogy- compared to cinemas
More intelligent people are guided by sages towards spiritual creation.
Lord favors as incarnations to attract conditioned souls
o 2 types of conditioned souls- karmis and jnanis

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18 Sages present the fifth question- Narrate the pastimes of lords incarnations

All auspicious (ubh) nature of these pastimes- Benefit those who are present
during such activities and those who hear such narrations

Link to 19 :- Sages who were tired of performing the sacrifices express a great relief at
a chance of hearing about Ka and expresses an insatiable appetite for such subject
matter in next verse(they will never get tired of hearing about Supreme Lord)
19 No satiation in transcendental subject matter

Mundane news is static where as transcendental news is dynamic

Myvda philosophy is also mundane, as compared to transcendental topics of
Bhagavad-gt and rmad-Bhgavatam

20 Again sages expresses their eagerness to know about the supreme Lord,
especially super human pastimes of Ka and Balarma, like lifting Govardhan Hill

First nine cantos explain the transcendental nature of the Lord and Tenth canto
describes His specific pastimes

21 Hearing and chanting is the sacrificial process recommended for Kali-yuga

sages admit

Different process are designed according to different life spans in different yugas
Sages knowing the in competencies of Kali-yuga took up the recommended
process
Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu recommends all Indian to preach this message of
Bhagavad-gt and rmad-Bhgavatam

22 Sages acknowledge Krishnas grace by which they have the opportunity to

hear from Sta Gosvm(the captain of the ship)

Age of Kali deteriorates all good qualities, and is an ocean of faults

Accept Sta Gosvm or his representative, as the captain of the ship, to cross
over this ocean
Ship is the message of Bhagavad-gt and rmad-Bhgavatam

23 Sages present the sixth question Since r Ka, the Absolute Truth, the master
of all mystic powers, has departed for His own abode, please tell us to whom the
religious principles have now gone for shelter

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Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

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The 6 questions of the sages headed by aunaka i

Question One (1.1.9)
What is the absolute and ultimate good (reya) for people in general?
Sta explains that the ultimate benefit for people in general is to develop love of God
through devotional service to r Ka or His plenary parts (especially SB 1.2.6-7)
Question Two: (1.1.11)
What is the essence of all scriptures?
Throughout the Second Chapter of the Bhgavatam and especially in 1.2.6-7, and continuing
on to text 28, r Ka is confirmed as the only object of worship, and establishing one's lost
relationship with Him is proclaimed as the essence of the Vedic literatures.
Question Three (1.1.12)
Tell why r Ka, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared?
This question is answered in 1.2.34, "to reclaim those in the mode of pure goodness." Also
1.3.28. In addition, this question is answered in 1.8.35, 9.4.61, 10.8.48-50, and 10.33.37.
Question Four (1.1.17)
Tell us of the acts the Lord performs in relationship to creating the material world.
In 1.2.30-33 the Bhgavatam explains how Lord Vsudeva creates the material substance and
enters into it as the Purusa incarnations. Cantos 2 & 3 explain the creation of the universe.
Question Five (1.1.18)
Describe the activities of the incarnations of the Lord (Lilavataras)
The Lord's incarnations are described within the Canto 1 Chapter 3 & Canto 2 Chapter 7
where many incarnations are listed. Descriptions of the incarnations are expanded
throughout the remainder of the Bhgavatam - a-anukath (One of the 10 subjects of the
Bhgavatam)the science of God and of His avataras & great devotees.
Question Six (1.1.23)
Where have religious principles gone after Lord r Ka's disappearance from this planet?
Sta Gosvm answers this question in 1.3.43 by declaring, This Bhagavat Purana is as
brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Ka to His own abode,
accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons who have lost their vision due to the
dense darkness of ignorance in the age of Kali shall get light from this Purana.
From commentaries on the Bhgavatam by rla Jva Gosvm & rla Visvanath Cakravarti
Thkura.

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

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QUESTIONS BY THE SAGES

Important questions for memorization
1.1.1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.1.2.
6.
7.
8.
9.

What is the most confidential part of the rmad-Bhgavatam?

Explain why rla Vysadeva purposely invokes a Gyatr mantra, dhmahi.
Why does there appear to be reality in the material world?
Why are the words abhija and svar significant?
Explain how the impersonalist philosophers have given indirect impetus to the
abominable mundane sex life.
Religion includes which four primary subjects?
rmad-Bhgavatam can only be understood by whom?
What is the translation of the phrase vstavam atra vastu ivada?
Explain the significance of the statement, mah-muni-kte ki v parair

1.1.3.
10. Explain why rmad-Bhgavatam is described as the ripened fruit of all Vedic
knowledge?
11. Why is rla ukadeva Gosvm compared to the parrot?
1.1.4 1.1.23
1. List the qualities of a representative of Vysadeva. (5-8)
2. Spiritual wellbeing is automatically followed by what? (9)
3. List points from the sages analysis of the people in this age of Kali (10)
4. Vasudeva is the symbol of what? (12)
5. Why pure devotees more powerful than the waters of the Ganges? (15)
6. Explain the meaning of the titles Prabhupda and Viupda. (15)
7. How are those who are not conversant with the activities of the Lord and His
transcendental realm sometimes favored by the Lord? (17)
8. List the requests / questions of the sages to rla Sta Gosvm. (9-23)

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Important analogies
1.1.1: The modern scientist, for example, has created space satellites, and by
some arrangement or other, these satellites are thrown into outer space to fly
for some time at the control of the scientist who is far away. Similarly, all the
universes with innumerable stars and planets are controlled by the intelligence
of the Personality of Godhead.
1.1.1: In the desert mirage there is no actual water. There is only the
appearance of water. Real water is somewhere else. The manifested cosmic
creation appears as reality. But reality, of which this is but a shadow, is in the
spiritual world. Absolute Truth is in the spiritual sky, not the material sky.
1.1.1: The chief engineer of a complicated construction does not personally
take part in the construction, but he knows every nook and corner because
everything is done under his direction. He knows everything about the
construction, both directly and indirectly. Similarly, the Personality of
Godhead, who is the supreme engineer of this cosmic creation, knows every
nook and corner, although affairs are being carried out by demigods.
1.1.1: He is compared to a mine of gold, and the cosmic creations in so many
different forms are compared to objects made from the gold, such as gold
rings, necklaces and so on. The gold ring and the gold necklace are
qualitatively one with the gold in the mine, but quantitatively the gold in the
mine is different.
1.1.4: Detached branches and leaves dry up gradually despite all watering
attempts. Similarly, human society, when it is detached from the Personality of
Godhead like detached branches and leaves, is not capable of being watered,
and one attempting to do so is simply wasting his energy and resources.
1.1.17: The material creations are manifested for some time as perverted
shadows of the spiritual kingdom and can be likened to cinemas. They attract
people of less intelligent caliber who are attracted by false things

Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 1

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