In this episode, we explore the meanings of Verse 6 from the first chapter of the First Canto of Shrimad Bhagavatam. Discover the profound wisdom shared by the sages as they inquire about the essence of dharma in the age of Kali. Dive into the spiritual significance and context behind their questions to Suta Goswami.

This verse teaches the importance of preparation and humility in spiritual learning. Before seeking higher knowledge, one should purify oneself through sincere efforts and approach the teacher with respect and devotion. The interaction between the sages and Sūta Gosvāmī exemplifies an ideal relationship between seekers of truth and the one who imparts it.

ta ekadā tu munayaḥ

prātar huta-hutāgnayaḥ

sat-kṛtaṁ sūtam āsīnaṁ

papracchur idam ādarāt

Translation:

Once, in the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya, great sages, headed by Śaunaka Ṛṣi, assembled to perform a long sacrificial ceremony for the benefit of the world, which was to last for a thousand years.

naimiṣe ’nimiṣa-kṣetre

ṛṣayaḥ śaunakādayaḥ

satraṁ svargāya lokāya

sahasra-samam āsata

Translation:

O expert and thoughtful men, relish Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the ripened fruit of the tree of Vedic literature. It has emerged from the mouth of Śukadeva Gosvāmī, and it is full of the nectar of immortality. This essence of all scriptures is most delicious and is meant to be relished repeatedly by those who are thoughtful and wise.

nigama-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalaṁ

śuka-mukhād amṛta-drava-saṁyutam

pibata bhāgavataṁ rasam ālayam

muhur aho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāḥ

Translation:

Completely rejecting all religious activities that are materially motivated, this Bhāgavata Purāṇa propounds the highest truth, which is understandable by those devotees who are pure in heart. The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all. Such truth uproots the threefold miseries. This beautiful Bhāgavatam, compiled by the great sage Vyāsadeva, is sufficient in itself for God realization. What is the need of any other scripture? As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhāgavatam, by this culture of knowledge, the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.

dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo ’tra paramo nirmatsarāṇāṁ satāṁ

vedyaṁ vāstavam atra vastu śivadaṁ tāpa-trayonmūlanam

śrīmad-bhāgavate mahā-muni-kṛte kiṁ vā parair īśvaraḥs

adyo hṛdy avarudhyate ’tra kṛtibhiḥ śuśrūṣubhis tat-kṣaṇāt

The opening verse of Srimad Bhagavatam (1.1.1) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the ultimate cause of all creation—the Supreme Truth, Lord Krishna, also referred to as Vasudeva. This verse is a profound declaration by Vyāsadeva, the author of Bhagavatam, where he offers his obeisances to the Absolute Truth, the source of all that exists