Srimad Bhagavatam - 1.07 - 31 August 2022

 ॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, 31 August 2022 - Sage Vyasa composes the Srimad Bhagavatam and teaches it to his son, Shuka. The story begins with the ending of the Mahabharata war and some great unpleasantness.

***

Seated at the holy spot of his ashrama in “Shamyaprasa” on the western bank of the river Saraswati, located in a grove of Badari trees, Sage Vyasa meditates on Maha Vishnu, asking for grace. 

भक्तियोगेन मनसि सम्यक् प्रणहितेऽमले ।

अपश्यत्पुरुषं पूर्वं मायां च तदपाश्रयाम् ॥

अनर्थोपशमं साक्षाद्भक्तियोगमधोक्षजे ।

लोकस्याजानतो विद्वांश्चक्रे सात्वतसंहिताम् ॥

T: “Sage Vyasa, in his focussed, pure, and devotion-suffused mind, envisioned the ancient Purusha Maha Vishnu and Devi Maya who was operating under His control.

 

The learned sage then began composing the Srimad Bhagavatam, also called “Satvata Samhita”, for remedying the ills of the world through methods hitherto unknown to the suffering mankind, viz. the direct, devotional worship of Maha Vishnu or Adhokshaja (literally meaning “one materially unperceivable by senses”). 

The story of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is sure to inspire devotion and remove distress, worldly infatuation, and fear in men.

Sage Vyasa revised and finalised the scripture. He then taught it to his reclusive son, Shuka.”

***

Shaunaka now asks how a totally liberated and detached Shuka took interest in a devotional scripture. Suta's answer is very resonant!

आत्मारामाश्च मुनयो निर्ग्रन्था अप्युरुक्रमे ।

कुर्वन्त्यहैतुकीं भक्तिमित्थंभूतगुणो हरिः ॥

T: “Filled with the bliss of Atman, ascetic sages are of course not interested in scriptures and not interested in even wearing their loin-cloths! But they develop great, selfless, devotion on listening to the stories of Sri Hari, for that is His glory!”

Shuka studied the Srimad Bhagavatam with immense interest. He later went on to recite and instruct it to King Parikshit.

***

The story begins. 

The Mahabharata war was over. The martyred heroes had all attained the coveted Veeraswarga (heaven for heroes). Duryodhana lay with his thigh broken by Bhima. 

Thinking that this act of his will avenge their defeat as well as delight Duryodhana, Drona’s son Ashwatthama went to the Pandava sons' tent, in the dead of the night, and ruthlessly beheaded the sleeping sons of Pandavas. He brought their heads on a platter to his boss Duryodhana. Duryodhana reacted with extreme revulsion and disgust towards Ashwatthama's act which was obviously heinous and beneath the dignity of any warrior.

When Draupadi saw her sons thus decapitated, her sorrow burst all bounds. Arjuna was enraged like never before. He swore to her that before they even cremated their sons, he would bring the head of Ashwatthama for her to step on. He proceeded with Sri Krishna as his charioteer to where Ashwatthama was hiding.

Seeing Arjuna coming in blazing fury and sure that he had no means of escape, Ashwatthama launched the Brahmashiras divine weapon, akin to a neutron bomb, that was sure to destroy all including Arjuna. You can imagine Ashwatthama’s calibre if I tell you that he did not know how to recall or defuse the weapon! Every worthy warrior is taught how to launch and retract these sacred weapons.

Arjuna saw a fiery storm all around and quizzed Sri Krishna, praying to Him as the Supreme Lord Hari who always protected the good and meek, and asked what this strange inferno was. Krishna explained that Ashwatthama had launched Brahmastra to save himself, and had no clue how to defuse it. 

जह्यस्त्रतेज उन्नद्धमस्त्रज्ञो ह्यस्त्रतेजसा 

T: “Arjuna, you alone are capable of countering this Brahma Teja weapon by launching the very same weapon from your side.”

In an instant, after praying to Krishna, Arjuna launched the Brahma Teja that countered Ashwatthama’s weapon, and thereafter he retracted both simultaneously. 

Soon, Arjuna was able to catch Ashwatthama, and bring him tied up like a sacrifical animal to Draupadi. He threw him on the ground at her feet. 

Sri Krishna now spoke words full of fury: “This so-called Brahmin and warrior has done a most unforgivable act of terrorism and cowardice. Behead him as you had sworn to Draupadi.”

मत्तं प्रमत्तमुन्मत्तं सुप्तं बालं स्त्रियं जडम्।

प्रपन्नं विरथं भीतं न रिपुं हन्ति धर्मवित् ॥

T: Krishna spoke- “Those who know and follow Dharma (righteousness) do not kill their enemy when the enemy is intoxicated, disoriented, dazed, sleeping, or if the enemy is a boy or a woman or in some way unconscious/comatose. Also if the enemy has surrendered, or is scared stiff into defenselessness, or is without a chariot or weapons.”

***

Vyasa now remarks that Sri Krishna was testing Arjuna. 

Draupadi saw Drona’s son Ashwatthama grovelling, bound like a sacrificial animal. Her reaction was what we would expect from a heroic devotee of the Lord.

मुच्यतां मुच्यतामेष ब्राह्मणो नितरां गुरुः 

भवता शिक्षितो यदनुग्रहात्

भवद्भिः कुलं वृजिनं नार्हति प्राप्तुम्

मा रोदीदस्य जननी गौतमी पतिदेवता 

यथाहं मृतवत्साऽर्ता रोदिम्यश्रुमुखी मुहुः 

T: “Oh noble Arjuna, release him, release him at once! He is a Brahmin, son of your guru and so represents your guru Drona himself, from whom you learnt all your archery. By killing your guru’s son and a Brahmin, great ignominy shall accrue to your family, which is undesirable. Also, I can feel the terrible sorrow and wretchedness his mother Gautami, your Gurumata, will experience, as I am already feeling it after the murder of my own sons.”

While Sri Krishna watched, Dharmaraja, Nakula and Sahadeva agreed with Draupadi. Bhima felt the murder of their children should be avenged and Ashwatthama should be put to death.

Now Sri Krishna came up as was his wont with the best solution.

“A Brahmin need not, should not, be physically put to death. If his head is shaven, if he is separated from his worldly possessions, or if he is removed from his exalted position, he is as good as dead.”

Arjuna went ahead at once and shaved off Ashwatthama and also removed the divine jewel (तेजोमणिः) that was from birth on his crest. Then he was let go. 

The Pandavas, weeping, now cremated their dead sons in Sri Krishna’s presence.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.06- 30 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 - Chapter six of the first skanda - Sage Narada describes how he did tapas, secured the vision of Bhagavan Hari, and by His grace, was reborn in the next epoch as the Devarshi Narada, and has ever since been travelling in the three worlds singing the glories of Bhagavan.

***

Sage Vyasa asks, 

भिक्षुभिर्प्रवसिते 

वर्तमानो वयस्याद्ये ततः किमकरोद्भवान् ।

कथं चेदमुदस्राक्षीः काले प्राप्ते कलेवरम् ॥

T: “Oh revered Sage, how did you, so young then, eke out your time after those rishis left? How did you relinquish your physical body at the end of that Janma?”

Sage Narada replies: “Indeed, I was bound by the great love of my unlettered mother who had led the simple life of a Dasi. There was none else there. We continued in the same place. I was only five then. One night, when my mother went out to milk the cow, she was bitten to death by a snake, acting under the force of Destiny. I considered this an act of the Divine, asking me to move on. I started northward, and passed many regions, cities, forests, lakes, mountains, of great variety. I walked on. Soon, I entered a very dense forest, full of wild creatures. I was greatly exhausted by hunger and thirst. I went to a lake, drank water, and refreshed myself. 

Recovering somewhat,

तस्मिन्नर्मनुजेऽरण्ये पिप्पिलोपस्थ आस्थितः।

आत्मनाऽत्वानमात्मस्थं यथाश्रुतमचिन्तयम् ॥

T: “In that uninhabited forest, I went and sat under a Peepul tree. I began to meditate on the Lord, as I had been taught by those sages before. Soon, I was able to focus on the Paramatman in my heart deeply.”

ध्यायतश्चरणाम्भोजं भावनिर्जितचेतसा ।

औत्कण्ठ्याश्रुकलाक्षस्य हृद्यासीन्मे शनैर्हरिः ॥

T: “As I meditated with total concentration on the lotus feet of the Lord, my eyes welled up with tears of devotion, my throat was choked, and slowly, Sri Hari manifested in my heart!”

“Oh, Sage Vyasa, I must tell you I was simply overwhelmed by the thrilling experience of that divine love. I was flooded with bliss and was unaware of anything inside or outside. There was only Divinity, nothing else.”

“Suddenly, the Lord disappeared from my heart, and try as I did, I could not get back the experience. I was greatly disheartened. As I was struggling relentlessly, I heard a disembodied voice. It was deep, and soothing, and cathartic.”

हन्तास्मिन्जन्मनि भवान्ना मां द्रष्टुमर्हति  सकृद्दर्शितं रूपमेतत्कामाय तेऽनघ

T: “Child, you were given just one glimpse of my Being on account of your intense devotion. But alas, you are not going to have another vision in this birth. You have to live out your karma and at the right time, you shall end this Janma.”

हित्वावद्यमिमं लोकं गन्ता मज्जनतामसि

T: “You have acquired the best of devotional and meditative values by now, and shall expend your karmas and soon be liberated from this defective existence. You shall then be reborn as one of my own inner circle in the next epoch, and shall never lose your transcendental status or your devotion, even after many epochal cycles.”

“The oracle ended. I felt blessed and lost my anxiety. I carried on, engaged solely in intense spiritual disciplines, until one day, like a stroke of lightning at the height of monsoon, my body dropped dead. I was relieved of this body made of the five elements. I merged in the breath of Brahma at the end of that epoch, just as Sriman Narayana slipped into his Yoga Nidra in the ocean.”

“After a long time, the new epoch was created by Brahma, and I was created as Narada, along with rishis like Marichi and Atri.”

अनुग्रहाद्महाविष्णोः 

T: “By Maha Vishnu’s grace…” 

 “I started travelling freely in the three worlds, spreading devotion.”

देवदत्तमिमां वीणां स्वरब्रह्मविभूषिताम् ।

मूर्छयित्वा हरिकथां गायमानश्चराम्यहम् ॥

T: “I have been given this Veena by the Lord, and it enshrines “SwaraBrahman= Transcendental Musical Vibrations”. Playing on this Veena, singing the infinite glories of the Lord, I travel the three worlds constantly.”

“Anytime I wish to have the vision of the Lord in my heart, I can do so, all by His grace.

यमादिभिर्योगपथैः कामलोभहतो मुहुः ।

मुकुन्दसेवया यद्वत्तथाऽत्माद्धा न शाम्यति॥

T: “It is true that people can curb their lower tendencies like lust and greed by the practice of Yogic Yama and restraint repeatedly. But they cannot get from those alternative practices that eternal peace and solace that is conferred by lovingly serving Lord Mukunda Narayana.”

“Oh, Sage, as you desired, and for your guidance, I have told you everything, the most esoteric secrets of liberation and peace, including my own story of emancipation.”

Thereafter,  Divine Sage Narada cordially took leave of Sage Vyasa and left. 

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam 1.05 - 29 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

 

Monday, 29 August 2022 - The fifth chapter of the first skandha. Sage Narada suggests to Sage Vyasa how all scriptures, rituals and generally all activities lose their sheen and fail to give peace unless one develops devotion and prays to the Lord. He tells his own story of developing devotion.

देवर्षिः प्राह विप्रर्षं वीणापाणिः स्मयन्निव 

T: Seeing the quizzing and despondent look of Sage Vyasa, the Divine Sage Narada, who carried and played his divine veena, spoke, with the hint of a smile.

कच्चिदात्मना परितुष्यति कृतवान् भारतं जिज्ञासितमधीतं ब्रह्मसनातनम्

T: “Oh sage! You have accomplished incredible feats, composed the great Mahabharata, studied and organized the Vedas, realized Brahman, and yet, are you deep within your Atman, satisfied and cheered?”

Vyasa replies, “Indeed, no, as you have seen, sir.”

त्वं पर्यटन् अर्क इव त्रिलोकीमन्तश्चरो वायुरिवात्मसाक्षी परावरे भ्रह्मणि स्नातस्य मे न्यूनमलं विचक्ष्व

T: “Sage Narada, you move in the three worlds like the Sun, travel everywhere like the wind, you know what’s within all, pray tell me, even after knowing Brahman, what is lacking in me?”

यथा धर्मादयश्चार्था मुनिवर्यानुकीर्तिताः न तथा वासुदेवस्य महिमा ह्यनुवर्णितः

T: “Oh Sage, I think you have exhaustively written on the pursuit of Dharma and Artha, but you have not written about the glories of the Lord, Vasudeva.”

तद्वायसं तीर्थमुशन्ति मानसा न यत्र हंसा निरमन्त्युशिक् क्षयाः

T: “Oh Sage, however brilliant a literary work, if it is devoid of devotional inspirations, the Paramahamsas who dwell in the Lord’s abode of bliss and peace avoid them, like swans avoid the inferior lakes habited by crows alone.”

यस्मिन्प्रतिश्लोकमबद्धवत्यपि नामान्यनन्तस्य योशोऽङ्कितानि यत्

शृण्वन्ति गायन्ति गृणन्ति साधवः

T: “Even if a work is full of literary mistakes, if it sings of the glorious names of the Lord Achyuta, the saints revel in listening to them, chanting and singing those lines.”

“People perform the Sandhya worship ritualistically, study great scriptures, but if they don’t feel love for the Lord in their hearts, those works are wasted. Especially, desire-driven activities are inauspicious! Even work with detachment, if not offered to the Lord, is counterproductive. Therefore sit and meditate in your Samadhi on the glories of the Lord. Apart from the Lord’s names and forms, all other names and forms create bondage! The soul will be like a ship caught in a tsunami. You have written, prescribing Vedic animal sacrifice rituals as Dharma. This will mislead people.”

विचक्षणोऽस्यार्हति वेदितुं विभौरनन्तपारस्य निवृत्तितः सुखम् ।

प्रवर्तमानस्य गुणैरनात्मनस्ततो भवान् दर्शय चेष्टितं विभोः ॥

T: “Only rare souls can practise dispassion and purity as ordained in the Upanishads and attain the bliss of Brahman. For uplifting other, ordinary, souls trapped in this world of attachments, you should write about the Divine Leela manifestations of the Lord.”

“A man, fallen from his prescribed duties, (स्वधर्मं त्यक्त्वा) by engaging in devotion to Hari, does not fall down in his progress. On the other hand, a man doing his prescribed duties, but without devotion, is bound to fall.”

“Once a man develops a taste for devotion, he shall not leave it ever. “

अविच्युतोऽर्थः कविभिर्निरूपितो यदुत्तमश्लोकगुणानुवर्णनम् 

T: “The wisest of all have concluded that the culmination of tapas and scriptural studies and rituals is adopting the infallible way to the Divine - the way being the singing of His glories in choice poetry.”

***

Narada now tells his own history.

“Oh, Sage! Take my own story.  In the past epoch, I was the son of a servant maid who worked for Vedic brahmins. They used to perform severe austerities and prayers during the four-month Monsoon. I was attending on them. Though young, I was reclusive and non-attached. So the sages had great kindness towards me. I used to eat the leftovers in their kitchen. I thus developed a love for the Divine.”

तत्रान्वहं कृष्णकथाः प्रगायतामनुग्रहेणाशृणवं मनोहराः 

लभ्धरुचेर्महामुने प्रियश्रवस्यस्खलिता मतिर्मम

ययाहमेतत्सदसत्स्वमायया पश्ये मयि ब्रह्मणि कल्पितं परे 

T: “There I heard the stories of Krishna, sung delightfully, by the grace of those sages. By developing a deep devotion through those recitations, my mind ws purified and I could perceive the Maya covering my true nature in gross and subtle ways, just as it hid Brahman.”

“At the end of those four months, when the sages were about to resume their travels, they gave me instruction in the supreme truth out of grace. This had been revealed by the Supreme Being Himself to them. This is the most profound truth and will liberate the soul forever and takes one to Ishwara Vasudeva.”

त्वमप्यदभ्रश्रुत विश्रुतं विभो: समाप्यते येन विदां बुभुत्सितम् ।

प्राख्याहि दु:खैर्मुहुरर्दितात्मनां सङ्‍क्लेशनिर्वाणमुशन्ति नान्यथा ॥

T: "Oh Sage! You are the master of all scriptures. Describe the glories of the Lord as you know them well, for they shall forever ameliorate the lot of dissatisfied ones, and liberate them as nothing else will.” 

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.04- 28 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, 28 August 2022 - Chapter 4 of the first skandha, wherein Suta begins to explain the circumstance surrounding Sage Vyasa's composing the Srimad Bhagavatam.

***

The elderly sage Shaunaka heading that congregation of rishis was well versed in Rigveda. He now politely asked, "Respected Suta, we are all eager to understand the circumstance surrounding the composition and narration of Srimad Bhavagatam. We know how great Sage Vyasa was, and how, curiously, his son Shuka was very detached, and otherworldly, by being fully enlightened even as a young boy.

दृष्ट्वानुयान्तमृषिमात्मजमप्यनग्नं देव्यो ह्रिया परिदधुर्न सुतस्य चित्रम् ।

तद्वीक्ष्य पृच्छति मुनौ जगदुस्तवास्ति स्त्रीपुंभिदा न तु सुतस्य विविक्तदृष्टेः ॥ 

T: The sage Vyasa was once following his son, Shuka. The sage was fully clothed, whereas Shuka was naked as he never wore clothes. They both passed by a lake where some women were bathing. The moment the women saw Vyasa, they covered themselves with clothes. The aged Vyasa was surprised that they were abashed on seeing himself but had not covered themselves on seeing the young man Shuka (naked, too!). They explained to Vyasa, "you still retain, oh Sage, the distinction between genders, but your son is otherworldly and does not see men and women differently!"

"Oh, Suta, tell us how the people of Hastinapur received this strange sage Shuka? How did it happen that he discoursed to King Parikshit!? Even before answering that question, explain how the mighty Parikshit, worthy son of Abhimanyu, to whom all kings gladly offered their allegiance, decide to forsake his body?

प्रायोपविष्टो गङ्गायामनादृत्याधिराट् श्रियम् 

T: Why did Parikshit discard his kingdom and immense wealth and decide to fast unto death on the bank of the Ganga? Indeed, he was righteous, and righteous men dedicate their lives to welfare of themselves and serving others, too. 

***

The Suta began his reply: 

In Dwapara, Maha Vishnu was incarnated as Sage Vyasa, his Kalavatara. Sage Vyasa saw the degeneration of men, values, and even the weakening of nature's potential in several ways. The way to restore the glory and strength in all creation was, as he understood, through the pursuit of Vedic performances. In order to make it easier for men to follow, he organized the immense Vedas into four sections, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. He taught it to specific disciples - Paila, Vaishampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu, respectively. He also composed several Puranas and taught it to my father Romaharshana. These have been the propagators of these disciplines. 

As the Vedas were not to be ever mistreated by faulty, improper or incompetent rendering, Sage Vyasa then composed the Mahabharata. This was meant to help everyone irrespective of gender, age, class and calling, or learning. Mahabharata was more open and forgiving in its propagation.

But still Sage Vyasa was restless.

नातिप्रसीदद्धृदयः सरस्वत्यास्तटे शुचौ 

T: Sage Vyasa, on the pristine bank of the river Saraswati, mused, "I have organized the Vedas for the authentic practice of rituals, I have composed the Mahabharata to help people of all kinds understand and practise right living. And yet, why is my mind not cheerful?

तथापि बत मे देह्यो ह्यात्मा चैवात्मना विभुः ।

असम्पन्न इवाभाति ब्रह्मवर्चस्यसत्तमः ॥

T: "I am fully realized and merged into Brahman consciousness, and radiant in that light of wisdom, but how come my Atman appears to be yet unhappy in this body?"

Sage Vyasa then got a thought.

किं वा भागवता धर्माः न प्रायेण निरूपिताः।

प्रियाः परमहंसानां त एव ह्यच्युतप्रियाः ॥

T: "Could the reason be that I have not yet composed the Srimad Bhagavatam, the scripture dearest to the realized Paramahamsas, and also dear to Sri Hari Achyuta Himself!?"

At that very instant, as Sage Vyasa was considering himself and his efforts thus far inadequate,  Sage Narada appeared there.  Sage Vyasa felt honoured, and received him with all warmth and courtesy. 

***

Remember the genesis of Valmiki Ramayana was also occasioned by the visit of Sage Narada, at that time and age to Sage Valmiki's ashrama!

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.03 - August 27, 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, 27 August 2022 - Srimad Bhagavatam 3rd chapter of the first skandha. Suta begins his narration in a  most dramatic manner, delineating the omniscience of Vasudeva, the Supreme Being, the genesis of life, his twenty-two Lilavataras, and the way to distil the eternal Truth of Manyness-in-One and reach the Supreme. A short chapter with such a colourful and broad-brush depiction!

The Suta begins- 

जगृहे पौरुषं रूपं भगवान्महदादिभिः। संभूतं षोडशकलमादौ लोकसिसृक्षया॥

T: The Supreme Being manifested this creation, employing his sixteen Kalas-aspects. The sixteen Kalas are an important paradigm in many contexts in Hinduism. Here they refer to the five elements, the mind, five organs of perception, and five organs of action that are present in man. Man is the most evolved of all life forms in the universe born thus.  

In His most nascent stage called the Virat Rupa, He looked like one with thousands of heads, arms, legs, and so on. He created Brahma from His lotus navel, and Brahma made the universes, and his sons procreated the life forms. 

एतन्नानावताराणां निधानं बीजमव्ययम्

T: Know that the Supreme Being is the seed and undecaying cause that creates all life forms. An atomic part of the Lord, lying on his infinite bed of Adishesha Yoga Maya, in the milky ocean, originated all creation thus. The wise ones (ज्ञानिनः) see even a speck of life, within themselves or without, and connect it by thinking, 

तद्वै भगवतो रूपं विशुद्धं सत्त्वमूर्जितम्  

T: "Behold! Even this speck of life is but the supreme Bhagavan of purity and power."

Now the Suta lists how in different epochs, Bhagavan Narayana took various incarnations to meet the demands of the situation. He lists twenty-two!

1. The first was the foursome of Sanaka and other Kumaras - who observed the strictest austerities and maintained the purity of Brahmanhood. 
2. The second was that of the Boar (वराह)  to dig into the netherworld (रसातल) and save Earth.
3. Then He became the Devarshi Narada, and preached to all the path to liberation through self-less performance of duty as an act of worship.
4. His fourth incarnation was the Nara-Narayana duo who performed severe penance in Badarikashrama to uphold the path to peace and forbearance.
5. The fifth incarnation was that of Sage Kapila, who taught the Sankhya (ratiotination) path to supreme knowledge.
6. The sixth was that of Lord Dattatreya as the son of Devi Anasuya. He taught the spiritual truth of Brahman to Alarka, Prahlada and others.
7. In the seventh incarnation, He was born as Yajna who, along with his son Yaama and others, controlled the passage of time during Swayambhuva Manu era. 
8. The eighth incarnation was that of Rishabhadeva, who taught the Paramahamsa path to all seekers.
9. The ninth incarnation was that of Prithu, who extracted the life juices of the earth for the welfare of all creation.
10. At the end of the Manvantara, when all creation was submerged, He took the tenth incarnation of Matsya and saved Earth who had become a boat.
11. At the great churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, his eleventh incarnation was as the Kurma (tortoise) who upheld the Mandara mountain as the churning rod.
12. The twelfth incarnation was that of Dhantvantari who brought the medicinal herbs from the ocean.
13. He next incarnated as the bewitching Mohini who gave the Elixir (Amruta) to the gods and saved it from the demons.
14. The fourteenth incarnation was as Narasimha (man-lion) who tore with his claws the entrails of the demon Hiranyakashipu.
15. The fifteenth was that of Vamana who tamed Bali's ego.
16. The sixteenth was that of the fierce Bhargava Parashurama who circumambulated the earth and got rid of evil kings who exploited all.
17. The seventeenth incarnation was that of Sage Veda Vyasa, son of Sage Parashara and Satyavati.
18. The eighteenth incarnation was that of Lord Rama, who protected all noble and good people and even bridged the ocean for that purpose.
19. The nineteenth and twentieth incarnations were as Balarama and Krishna of the Vrishnis, who bore the burden of righteous rulership.
20. 
    
21. In future will be born during Kali the Buddha, to remove the delusions of people who have become adversaries of the gods.
22. The twenty-second Avatara of Kalki will come to end the depradation of all values by humans. 

Suta says, "Oh Sages, these are not the only incarnations. Again and again, the Lord will manifest Himself as needed, and these incarnations are like the distributaries of a river of Godhood.  All great beings, including realized sages and virtuous monarchs, are all His incarnations alone.

But know that Sri Krishna is the most completely manifest incarnation.

Human beings get deluded and mistake this material world as the be-all and end-all. Bound by the karmas, these souls have to be born again and again. 

सम्पन्न एवेति विदुर्महिम्नि स्वे महीयते

T: The soul in man is emancipated when he realises his identity with Brahman and revels in that supreme state.

स वेद धातु: पदवीं परस्य दुरन्तवीर्यस्य रथाङ्गपाणे: ।

योऽमायया सन्ततयानुवृत्त्या भजेत तत्पादसरोजगन्धम् ॥

T: That man realizes the Supreme Lord, incarnate as Sri Krishna driving the chariot, who fervently and without duplicity worships the fragrance of the  lotus feet of the Lord.

"Sage Vyasa, who organized the Vedas for easier understanding, distilled the essence of all scriptures into Srimad Bhagavatam. I was indeed lucky to sit at the feet of Sage Shuka while he taught this to Parikshit on the bank of the Ganga where Parikshit prepared himself through severe austerities to relinquish his mortal coil. You are all indeed lucky to be listening to this."

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.02 - 26 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, 26 August 2022 - Chapter 2 of the first skandha - Raumaharshini begins to describe the glory of Bhakti and Bhagavatam.

Suta Ugrashravas, son of Romaharshana, is the one who has arrived at Naimisharanya. He is most pleased to begin his narrative in response to the questions raised by the sages there.

"Obeisances to my guru, the incomparable realized master Shuka, dear son of Sage Vyasa, who has given the world Srimad Bhagavatam. Indeed, devotion to Sri Krishna is the ultimate path to liberation.

अहैतुक्यप्रतिहता ययात्मा सम्प्रसीदति 

T: Unstinted, desireless love for Sri Krishna is the sole means to the delight of the Atman in all.

Vairagya and Jnana naturally follow from Bhakti. 

Men engage in several activities and religious rituals, all with the desire for worldly benefits.  

नोत्पादयेद्यदि रतिं श्रम एव हि केवलम्  - T: All such religious efforts that do not develop unstinting devotion are a mere waste of effort and sweat with no benefit at all.

Many maintain that Dharma - righteous living and ritual, is after all for securing worldly good and a better life in heaven thereafter. But the desire for pleasures and wealth cannot ever be true Dharma, as it does not evoke a search for ultimate liberation, the summum bonum, which can be obtained only by the search for Brahman (formless Godhood), Paramatman (the Supreme Being), Bhagavan (the lovable and worshippable God with form), these three ideas all leading to the same state of liberation.

पश्यन्त्यात्मनि चात्मानं  भक्त्या श्रुतगृहीतया - 

T: The sages who listen to Bhagavatam and cultivate unstinting devotion are bound to find the Supreme Being in their own hearts.

Those who pursue devotion and listen to Bhagavatam will discover that the fetters of past Karmas that bind them in this world will be broken. 

वासुदेवकथारुचिः स्यान्महत्सेवया विप्राः पुण्यतीर्थनिषेवणात् T: Just as resorting to holy places gives an opportunity to serve the saints there, an earnest devotion will intensify through listening to the Bhagavatam and foster further interest in the Bhagavatam.

सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति प्रकृतेर्गुणास्तैर्युक्तः परः पुरुष एक इहास्य धत्ते।

स्थित्यादये हरिविरिञ्चिहरेति संज्ञाः श्रेयांसि तत्र खलु सत्त्वतोनोर्नृणां स्युः ॥

T: The Yogamaya Shakti of the Lord manifests as three Gunas (forces) - Sattva (pursuit of peace and enlightenment), Rajas (passion and activity), and Tamas (darkness and inertia). These are worshipped as Brahma (Rajas), Vishnu (Sattva), and Shiva (Tamas) respectively as they are aspects of Vasudeva controlling creation, sustenance, and dissolution of all existence as we perceive it. Indeed, the Sattva aspect of Vasudeva (Vishnu) will foster the development of devotion and liberation.

Rajas is superior to Tamas, but it is Sattva that leads to Brahman. Maha Vishnu, the pure embodiment of Sattva, has been worshipped for long by the sages for this reason.

The wise do not worship elemental deities of fierce nature but only Sriman Narayana. In any case, all worship of any deity ultimately reaches the Supreme Being, Vasudeva.

Yoga, Tapas, Dharma all finally lead to the same Being.

तया विलसितेष्वेषु गुणेषु गुणवानिव। अन्तःप्रविष्ट आभाति विज्ञानेन विजृम्भितः॥

T: In a wonderful way, the Supreme Being, through the Yogamaya Shakti (creative power) under His control, combines with the three Gunas and manifests in all creation. He is yet untainted therefrom while infusing all existence with consciousness emanating from His pure Supreme Being.

भावयत्येव सत्त्वेन लोकान् वै लोकभावनः। लीलावतारानुरतो देवतिर्यङ्नरादिषु॥

T: The Lord alone manifests through His Leela (sport) as gods, humans, animals, and everything else. He protects and nourishes all creation.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.01- 25 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय  ॥

 Thursday, 25 August 2022 - The sages in Naimisharanya ask Suta Romaharshana about the genesis of Sri Krishna's birth and how after his departure from this world Dharma could be sustained in Kali Yuga.

***

The first skandha is perhaps the last one to have been written in the Srimad Bhagavatam, to tie all the stories, especially the central story of Sri Krishna, into a contextualized narrative. It begins with the sages assembled in the sacred grove of Naimisharanya welcoming the unexpected guest Suta Romaharshana, who had heard and learned the Srimad Bhagavatam first-hand as he was around when Sage Shuka delivered it to King Parikshit during his last days. 

***

जन्माद्यस्य यतोऽन्वयादितरतश्चार्थेष्वभिज्ञः स्वराट् तेने ब्रह्म हृदा य आदिकवये मुह्यन्ति यत्सूरयः।

तेजोवारिमृदां यथा विनिमयो यत्र त्रिसर्गोऽमृषा धाम्ना स्वेन सदा निरस्तकुहकं सत्यं परं धीमहि ॥

T; We meditate on Him, the material and spiritual cause of all existence, Omniscient, Master of Himself, the original preceptor of Brahma and whose influence and presence are not fully understood even by the wisest and learned. He has created this universe through the vibrant interplay of elements arising from Him, in the three modes of Sattva-Rajas-Tamas (Poise Activity and Dormancy), and gives no place to falsity of any kind in His abode, and thus is the Ultimate Truth!

सत्यं परं धीमहि -we bow to the Supreme Truth.

***

The sages show great eagerness to listen to the most learned Suta's narrative. In fact, its is perfect timing as they have just taken a break after the morning yajna rites when he arrives. By the way, this yajna has been going on for very long, and it is meant for the protection and welfare of all life on earth.

They respectfully ask the Suta to tell them the story of how the Lord took birth as Sri Krishna, the beloved son of Devaki and Vasudeva - the what, when, how of his incarnation. 

यस्यावतारो भूतानां क्षेमाय च भवाय च  T: "The Lord's incarnation that was intended solely for the welfare and liberation of all beings." 

आपन्नः संसृतिं घोरां यन्नाम विवशौ गृणन् T: "Anyone who is helpless in distress at once resorts to His holy name as it scares away the worst distress and fearful forces. "

ब्रूहि योगेश्वरे कृष्णे ब्रह्मण्ये धर्मवर्मणि । स्वां काष्ठामधुनोपेते धर्मः कं शरणं गतः॥

 T: "Please tell us how and whence Dharma supported itself, after Sri Krishna, the supreme Lord of Yoga, the embodiment of Brahman, the assiduous protector of Dharma, left his mortal avatara and returned to his cosmic abode."

***

There is a pointed mention that there are many scriptures and texts, and several prescriptions and proscriptions for human conduct. All these will only create confusion and a sense of helplessness in men. Therefore the Srimad Bhagavatam comes as a great relief, gives instant bliss, and establishes the connect for the devotee with the Supreme. It confers the ultimate blessing - that of devotion. 

Sages are moving about and delivering this truth to all, and help them instantly, compared to long rituals and pilgrimages. This is most needed in the iron age of Kali!

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam - 24 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, 24 August 2022 - Concluding portion, i.e. Chapter 6 of Bhagavata Mahatmyam. Also concluding portion of the introduction by Swami Tapasyananda.

Bhagavata Mahatmyam - the how-to manual for the Saptaha

अथ ते संप्रवक्ष्यामः सप्ताहश्रवणे विधम् -T: "Oh Sage Narada,  we shall now lay out for you the detailed procedure for Saptaha recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam!"

The Kumaras give a step-by-step manual for the recitation festival. No detail is left out and you can be sure that the event is as elaborate and grand and methodical as a gala Hindu wedding with all rituals and paraphernalia. Unlike the social need to show off and enjoy the pleasures during a wedding here the need is to celebrate perhaps the "grandest" festival of recitation-based devotional worship. 

They begin by saying that money is gathered, a suitable, large, auspicious place is cleaned up and readied, the materials are assembled, the invitations are sent out, and then regulatory austerities observing frugal diet, cleanliness, meditation, prayer to forefathers, and several preparations needed for the big event are all performed with the utmost sincerity. The invitations should be sent far and wide especially to devotees and scholars. If done well, it will invite the best of the best audiences. 

Who are all eligible to attend the Srimad Bhagavatam recitation? Young and old, healthy and sick, men, women, children, rich and poor, everyone, bar none. These are mentioned in much detail. Yet, is no one excluded? No, wait. The Bhagavatam recitation is not for the over-smart, confused and rabidly argumentative naysayer non-devotees.

One may read the several details here, as they show how methodical our ancestors were in prescribing the Do's and Don'ts for such an important programme as the recitation of Hinduism's most evocative devotional scripture viz. the Srimad Bhagavatam.

I am skipping a lot of detail, but everything is given in the link shared above. 

***

Now when the Kumaras concluded their detailed instruction to Sage Narada, he felt most gratified.  

धन्योऽस्मि अनुगृहीतोऽस्मि ... वैकुण्ठस्थो यतः कृष्णः श्रवणादस्य लभ्यते! T: "I am blessed by you, Oh, Kumaras, having been taught this process! Indeed how wonderful that Bhagavan Maha Vishnu Krishna who is in Vaikuntha (i.e. the highest heaven in creation) can be attained through merely listening to this Bhagavatam recitation!"

The moment is ripe. Therefore, just then, Sage Shuka, the original narrator of the Srimad Bhagavatam, himself arrives! He wants to conduct the proceedings himself. He is merely sixteen years old, but he is the acknowledged Teacher of Bhagavatam. 

पिबत भागवतं रसमालयं मुहुरहो रसिका भुवि भावुकाः T: "Oh, devotees, you're blessed! Keep on drinking this nectar called Bhagavatam as long and as often as you can!"

***

Just as Shuka was explaining how the unique opportunity to enjoy the Bhagavatam was given only to devotees on this earth, and not in any heaven,  Bhagavan Sri Hari Mahavishnu himself arrived to be present and to enjoy the company of His devotees! Along also came his greatest devotees- Prahlada, Dhruva, Bali, Arjuna, and others. Lord Shiva with Parvati, Lord Brahma also came! Then a grand singing of Hari Kirtan started in full swing.

प्रह्लादस्तालधारी तरलगतितया चोद्धवः कांस्यधारी वीणाधारी सुरर्षिः स्वरकुशलतया रागकर्तार्जुनोऽभूत् ।

इन्द्रोवादीन्मृदङ्गं जयजयसुकराः कीर्तने ते कुमारा यत्राग्रे भाववक्ता सरसरचनया व्यासपुत्रो बभूव ॥

 

T: Visualize this..."Prahlada was playing cymbals in a tender rhythm, Dhruva was playing a bronze bell, Narada himself played the veena, Arjuna sang in wonderful ragas, Indra played the mridangam, and the Kumaras danced singing "Jaya! Jaya!" as Shuka Maharishi, the narrator, soaked up the ultimate bliss of this moment!"

ननर्त मध्ये त्रिकमेव तत्र भक्त्यादिकानां नटवत्सुतेजसाम्।अलौकिकं कीर्तनमेतदीक्ष्य हरिः प्रसन्नोऽपि वचोऽब्रवीत्तत् ॥

मत्तो वरं भाववृताद् वृणुध्वं प्रीतः कथाकीर्तनतोऽस्मि सांप्रतम्। श्रुत्वेति तद्वाक्यमतिप्रसन्नाः प्रमार्द्रचित्ता हरिमूचिरे ते ॥

T: There in the middle danced in full vigour the blissful Bhakti with her sons Jnana and Vairagya. This out-of-this-world song and dance pleased Sri Hari immensely. He spoke:

"I am so pleased by your celebration thus! Ask for any boon!" The devotees answered in one voice, "Oh, Lord, we have only one request! Wherever Bhagavatam is sung and celebrated thus, kindly deign to come and grace us!" Sri Hari was most pleased to say, तथास्तु T: Be it so! and then He disappeared.

जगति शुककथातो निर्मलं नास्ति किञ्चित् । पिब परसुखहेतोर्द्वादशस्कन्धसारम्॥

Conclusion: T: "There is nothing as pure and sacred as the Shuka-narrated Srimad Bhagavatam. Oh man, come and drink of this, it confers the ultimate bliss and it is narrated across twelve glorious sections!"

*** ***

Swami Tapasyananda's Introduction- Conclusion

Go beyond the matter-energy-sensory world. Expand your perception to dimensions beyond the physical. Open up to the verities of Cosmos that become deities for your worship. Vishnu, Shiva and Devi are the manifestations of the Supreme Being as spiritual verities before which we shall find material objects to be mere shadows. 

The moulds of thought set by faith, into which the Infinite Being has poured Himself, have validity for those who share that faith. Faith transcends anything we call history.  The Purana is a spiritualized worldview giving life a definite meaning.

In his conclusion, Sage Shuka tells King Parikshit (the first person to hear the Srimad Bhagavatam from Shuka), "One who aspires to have pure devotion to Krishna should constantly hear His sin-destroying glories, sung again and again with great love and fervour by exalted saints."

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam - 23 Aug.2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday,  23 August 2022 - Chapter 5 of the Bhagavata Mahatmyam and Part 5 of the Introduction.

At the outset, apologies for not making something clear. The first six blog posts starting on 19 August under Srimad Bhagavatam cover the six chapters of Bhagavatamahatmyam. This is the tradition to be followed  for the Bhagavata Parayanam.

On the other hand, I wish to cover in these six entries ALSO the introduction to Srimad Bhagavatam in the four-volume translation by Swami Tapasyananda. This is because the introduction is an essential, different, dimension of the work, which cannot be covered later once we begin the actual text from the first Skandha.

I should make it amply clear that the two portions have no connect, since Swami Tapasyananda's book does not cover Bhagavatamahatmyam. 

I intend to synchronize the original text and the translation from the first Skandha which will begin on the seventh day. 

Bhagavata Mahatmyam - Chapter 5

The sordid story of Dundhukari finds a logical end by showing the indubitable relevance of Srimad  Bhagavatam.

पितर्युपरते तेन जननी ताडिता भृशम्। क्व वित्तं तिष्ठति ब्रूहि हनिष्ये लत्तया न चेत्॥ 

T: Once his father had departed to the forest, the evil Dundhukari turned his attention to his mother (who ironically had originally set in motion all these degrading events by not accepting the blessing from the Sannyasi.) He beat her,  saying, "Beware! Tell me where all the wealth in our home is hidden; otherwise I shall beat you to death with burning firewood."

The woman was so badly shaken she jumped that night itself into a well and killed herself.

Dundhukari now had no one to question his ways. Gokarna had gone away on a long pilgrimage so Dundhukari's actions were unbridled. Gokarna himself was an embodiment of sagely detachment (remember he was born of the fruit of blessing given by the Sannyasi).

Five prostitutes were invited by Dundhukari to stay at his home and Dundhukari went on looting others to bring home the money for his lavish lifestyle. 

One day the five prostitutes pestered Dundhukari for a lot of expensive gifts and ornaments. He went unabashedly and looted people and brought home the wealth needed. The evil women were astonished. They sat down and discussed among themselves that Dundhukari was soon going to be apprehended for all his theft and they too would be caught by the king. Therefore it would be better for them then and there to kill Dundhukari and scoot with all the gold! 

The women bound him hand and foot and secured from him the necessary information where all the wealth lay. Then they killed Dundhukari by stuffing his mouth with burning firewood. They then buried him in a huge vessel so that no one would discover the body.

Dundhukari became a ghost. A preta प्रेत is a ghost who comes into existence when someone has an untimely death by suicide or as a victim of homicide. The soul has now become a preta and will not find liberation from its state of suspension and torment. It will hover around the place of murder/death. 

This is what happened. The prostitutes went away telling everyone that Dundhukari had gone on a long business trip. 

The town realized after the passage of time that Dundhukari was perhaps dead. When Gokarna came to know about this news, he felt very bad. In accordance with the Hindu Shastras, he performed Dundhukari's sanctifying rites (श्राद्धा) at the holy place of Gaya on the bank of the Ganga to secure a better journey for the departed soul of Dundhukari.

At last, Gokarna arrived back at their home. He entered the home at night. It was deserted. As he lay down to sleep, Dundhukari came as the preta ghost and tormented him in weird shapes and terrifying forms. Gokarna was non-plussed. He used his powers to exhume the ghost and discovered that it was Dundhukari. Dundhukari broke down in his ghostly apparition and disclosed what had happened to him. A hundred Shraddhas at Gaya would not absolve his soul of all the sins he had committed. He begged Gokarna to find a way to release him.

***

Gokarna is deeply distressed that he is unable to help his brother Dundhukari. He uses his spiritual power and invokes Lord Surya Bhagavan himself. He arrests the sun in his trajectory and implores him to give a remedy.

***

तुभ्यं नमो जगत्साक्षिन् ब्रूहि मे मुक्तिहेतुकम् । तच्छ्रुुत्वा दूरतः सूर्यः स्फुटमित्यभ्यभाषत॥

श्रीमद्भागवतान्मुक्तिः सप्ताहं वाचनं कुरु। इति सूर्यवचः सर्वैर्धर्मरूपं तु विश्रुतम् ॥   

T: Gokarna cried out aloud, 'Oh Lord who witnesseth all creation and life, please accept my obeisances. I implore you to disclose to me the solution to secure liberation for Dundhukari's ghost." Surya at once spoke and the oracle resounded in all directions: "Srimad Bhagavatam will give him release. Read the Bhagavatam over a full week for this auspicious end." This oracle was heard by one and all.

Gokarna was delighted. He arranged for this seven-day reading, and a huge gathering of townsfolk and villagers gathered at the spot. As Gokarna began the reading, seated in front of his Vyasapeetha, Dundhukari's ghost came and hid close at hand in a bamboo staff set up to support a flower plant, with a rope tied around in seven knots. 

Dundhukari immersed himself thoroughly in the Bhagavatam, and every day, one knot of the rope on the bamboo would burst, signifying a lessening of his entrapment. Soon the twelve skandhas were completed within the week, and Gokarna was astonished to witness the bamboo burst, and Dundhukari's form in divine arraignment ascend to heaven, exclaiming, 'Oh brother Gokarna, your kind act and spiritual effort to chant Bhagavatam cannot be acknowledged enough! I found that evil forces run away when the Bhagavatam is recited. All sins are burnt to ashes!" Dundhukari ascended in a special vehicle sent from Vaikuntha. Gods and sages exclaimed that there was no doubt Srimad Bhagavatam would have such a sanctifying and purifying effect every time on any faithful and devoted listener.

Gokarna himself was non-plussed. So many worthy listeners had assembled and heard the recitation, but an absolute sinner like Dundhukari had ascended to Vaikuntha before anyone else!? The sages from Vaikuntha explained, "Dundhukari heard the recitation with unwavering devotion and attention that excelled all others' listening. He dwelt in his mind day and night on the truths enshrined therein. If others did not win this release from the bondage of life on earth, it shows they lacked either dedication or faith. And Gokarna, you yourself will now directly proceed to Goloka, the abode of Sri Krishna, and he will personally escort you."

Sri Krishna arrived, in blazing glory and bewitching grace. He blew the conch Panchajanya, and embraced Gokarna. He took not only Gokarna, but all those living in that town. This was reminiscent of how Sri Rama at the end of his sojourn on earth took all Ayodhyavasis to Vaikuntha!

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Swami Tapasyananda's Introduction - Part 5

Swamiji maps the scope and depth of creation from Brahma downwards. Prakriti - Ahankara (sense of individuality) and the interplay of the cosmic elements with the mental framework of man and his organs of action and perception demonstrate how the whole cosmos is connected within the human being. 

All the technical terms are shown in great detail. 

In other words, mind, matter, and energy are interlinked. They all function because of the Divine consciousness that suffuses all creation.  

More details are provided in the scan shown above.

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

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Srimad Bhagavatam - 22 August 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ʔ ॥

Monday, 22 August 2022 - Chapter 4 of Mahatmyam and Part 4 of the Introduction.

Mahatmyam - The story of Gokarna

Translation of the four shlokas shown above:  Sri Hari, Maha Vishnu, who had been incarnated as Sri Krishna, saw devotion or Bhakti now filling the hearts of those assembled. He at once made his home in their hearts - the beautiful form of the charming young form, sporting a garland of forest flowers, wearing a golden silk robe, wearing ornaments, with his famous Tribhangi form (we shall see more of this later but this is how Krishna is often depicted, with his neck, waist and knees bent,  i.e. in three places, in a most alluring way.) He thus filled the hearts of devotees with extreme bliss.

The Gokarna Story

The Kumaras spoke in joy that the Bhagavata-saptaha, its recitation over a full week, would ameliorate the lot of everyone - the downtrodden, the miserable, and even people given to bad ways.

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They now told the story of a brahmin on the bank of Tungabhadra (South India) and his strange path to enlightenment. 

This brahmin called Atmadeva was reasonably well off and had a beautiful wife by the name of Dundhuli. Unfortunately, she was given to gossip and frittered away her days. The couple had no children and performed various rituals hoping for offspring.

Finally a frustrated Atmadeva left for the forest. He was about to end his life in disappointment, shattered that he could not have children to continue his line and also satisfy the aspirations of his forefathers. But then he saw a Sannyasi and fell at his feet, stating his cause for despondency and why he was being driven to death. The Sannyasi was an enlightened soul and could see that the burden of past Karmas was too strong for Atmadeva to enjoy the pleasure of progeny. He advised Atmadeva to abandon that desire and instead focus on spiritual efforts to attain liberation. The brahmin was inconsolable and insisted that the Sannyasi bless him through his spiritual powers to get a son.

The Sannyasi heaved a sigh of resignation at the power of Karmas driving this adamancy in Atmadeva and its future harvest. He gave Atmadeva a ripe fruit, asking him to make his wife partake of it and that he would surely have a son soon as it carried the Sannyasi's powerful blessing. 

When Atmafeva came and joyfully gave the fruit to Dundhuli,  she reacted to the noon strangely. She disclosed her mind to her younger sister that this fruit business was unwelcome, as she was not ready to bear the burden of childbirth and bringing up children etc. Dundhuli's sister had a stranger response. She was about to bear a child of her own, but if Dundhuli could arrange a handsome amount of money, she would part with her child and pass him off as Dundhuli's child in nine months. Dundhuli was overjoyed.

She fed that fruit in secret to their cow. The baby from her sister was shown to Atmadeva after months of pretended confinement as her own. The cow also bore a son at the same time, that too a human being! 

Atmadeva was overjoyed to have two sons - one from Dundhuli and one from the cow, whom he brought up as his own son, naming him Gokarna (boy with cow's ears).

Gokarna turned out to be a saintly boy. "Dundhuli's" son was a bag of evil. Called Dundhukari, he was given to all sorts of bad habits, lying, and extortion. Finally, a time came when Atmadeva again wanted to end it all, seeing the ignominy and sorrow that Dundhukari  had brought upon him. He repented that his insistence on progeny had now unleashed much greater sorrow than when he was childless.

Just then the saintly Gokarna came from his travels. He understood the situation regarding Dundhukari. 

He advised his father that life was full of sorrows unleashed by our attachments and desires. 

Atmadeva begged Gokarna to give him spiritual instruction. Gokarna did likewise, and the Brahmin, though sixty years old, took to the spiritual path and by dint of endeavour in the forest secured a vision of Sri Krishna. 

श्रीकृष्णमाप नयतं दशमस्य पाठात् - T: He attained the vision of Krishna by a devoted study of the Bhagavatam tenth skandha.

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Swami Tapasyananda's Introduction - Part 4

Swamiji describes how Time is cyclic in the Hindu conception. Millennia of existence divided into Yugas form a single day in the time scale of Brahma. The cycles repeat after so many million years. There is then a dissolution of souls who journey through the Yugas birth after birth bearing the burden of Karma. Finally, in the grand cosmic dissolution, they all return into atomic essences in Brahman to be brought forth again in the cyclic dance of destiny.

This time concept and the idea of a cosmic Divine Intelligence is rejected by so-called scientific minds. H. G. Wells stated that the Hindu concept of cyclic time and epochs was more understandable seeing life around more as a vibrant conscious cyclic creation than  Abrahamic ideas that God created the world in 4004 BC. 

The rationalist thinks the universe is an ever-expanding mass energy combination with no place for consciousness. This is equally dogmatic and militates against all human aspiration.

Also, the rationalist trusts his senses and empirical observations to interpret phenomena.  Many cosmic amd spiritual phenomena have proven to be far beyond the scope of human understanding. More and more evidence makes us wonder whether the Puranic thought of creation as a Cosmic Being of manyness-in-one dancing an epochal cyclic time dance makes much more sense.

But the key in any case is for us to study the Bhagavatam as a scripture to lift us out of our pettiness, so that we experience divine love, and experience bliss and spread bliss. For that, there is no better prescription than the Srimad Bhagavatam.

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते बासुदेवाय ॥

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