CHINMAYA SHIVAM

This episode covers Saunaka’s request to Suta to repeat the same sacred story singing praises of The

Lord which Sukadeva narrated to Raja Pariksit.

So, Suta starts with the birth of VedVyasaji, his various compositions (4 Vedas, Itihasas, Puranas) and wanting everyone to benefit from this divine knowledge including women composed The Mahabharata. Despite composing all the above, VedVyasaji feels he isn’t yet realised & incomplete, and at that time Sage Narada comes to his hermitage

This section speaks about the countless Avataras and manifestations to protect the world when it is oppressed by Lord Indra’s enemies. And although the story of Bhagavan’s descent is a secret, the man who strongly believes and with a pure mind remembers Bhagavan given He is unmanifest and subtle will realise the Self. The divine sage, Vedavyasa, who composed the Srimad Bhagavata, taught it to his son, Sukadeva, who in turn recited it to Raja Parikshitat the time of his fast to death

This version highlights the “Avataras” 11 to 20 and when Kaliyug sets in and towards the end of Kaliyug. The “Avataras” in descending order: Tortoise, Dhanwantari, Enchanting woman, Man-Lion, Dwarf, Parasurama, Vyasa, Sri Rama, Balarama, Sri Krishna, Buddha, Lord Kalki

The version details the beginning of creation and the First Ten “Avataras” of Bhagavan into the world of matter. Suta highlights from the beginning of creation, Bhagavan assumed the form of a Purusa made up of 16 component principles from which the Avataras descend and return. Bhagavan’s Avataras in descending order - Kumaras, (Sanaka & 3 others as Brahmanas), Divine Boar, Narada, Celestial Sage/Rsi, Murti (Dual form of Nara & Narayana), Kapila, Son of Sage Atri, Akuti, Rsabhadeva, Prthu, Fish

This section consists of the benefits of one’s undivided devotion to Bhagavan - how one’s mind is freed from passions, rid of worldly attachments, is then filled with delight and when one sees Bhagavan as his very self, he realises The Self. It also speaks about the 3 attributes or modes of Prakrti- Sattva, Rajas, Tamas - Preservation, Creation, Destruction - Vishnu, Brahma, Siva - as but different manifestations, forms of the same Sri Hari

This portion relates to describing the glory of The Lord’s narrative, Shrimad Bhagavata, a mysterious Purana which consists the very essence of all The Vedas. The teacher of sages, Sukadeva, narrated this Purana out of compassion to bring out worldly men from the darkness of their ignorance, conquer the cycle of birth and death and purify their minds which is possible with undivided attention hearing His glory, sing His praises, meditate upon Him and worship Him

This section covers the praises sung of Suta, and the request made to Suta by the wise sages eagerly wanting to hear the glory of The Divine Lord and his descent to Mother Earth, the essence of the voluminous scriptures, and with Lord Krishna in His heavenly abode & the advent of Kaliyug when people are disinclined to tread the path of God Realisation, in whom righteousness sought protection

This portion explains how for genuine devotees wanting to experience The Self, the contents of The Srimad Bhagavata is the the purest, free from malice, deceit and it binds & integrates. It is Param

Dharam which leads to the Param State. The setting was a forest called Naimisaranya, where Saunaka and other sages raise several questions reverently to Suta after paying their respects