॥ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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!
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॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
