{Shrimad Bhagwat Mahatmay (Greatness of Shrimad Bhagwat)} {Chapter Four} Sunakadi sages said – Sut Ji! You have shared a lot of valuable information with us. May you live long and continue to give us your teachings. Today, we have heard from you the unique significance of Srimad Bhagwat. Sutji, now please tell us what is the form and nature of Srimad Bhagavat? What are the means of knowledge and how many verses does it have? What is the correct, correct way to hear it? And, what are the characteristics of the speaker and the listener, that is, what should the speaker and the listener be like? Sut Ji says- O sages, the form of Srimad Bhagavat and the Lord are always one, and that form is of Sachitananda (eternal, dynamic and blissful) nature. Srimad Bhagwat is the supreme literature that reveals the sweet, divine love and transcendental sweetness in the hearts of devotees filled with love for Lord Krishna. It is the best of all discourses which expound the four essential parts of knowledge, science, devotion and these. As it can dispel maya (illusion), it is also known as destroyer of maya. Srimad Bhagavat is infinite and indestructible in its nature, so how can one determine its exact measure? In ancient times, Lord Vishnu gave only knowledge to Brahma in four verses. O sages! Only Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva can enter the immense depths of this most divine Srimad Bhagwat and obtain their desired existences from it. However, for the welfare of such persons whose intelligence and instincts are narrow and limited, Sage Vyasa composed Srimad Bhagavat in the form of dialogue between Parikshit and Shukdev. There are eighteen thousand verses in this book. For living beings suffering from the influence of Kali (the demon), this holy Bhagavad Mahapurana is their ultimate refuge. Now, let us understand more about the avid listeners of Lord Krishna's beautiful divine stories. Listeners can be classified into two types- uttam (higher) and adham (lower). There are different types of high listeners like 'Chatak', 'Hans', 'Shuk' and 'Meen' etc. Similarly the lower level listeners can be classified as 'Vrik', 'Bhurund', 'Vrish', 'Ushtra', etc. etc. Chataka refers to the cuckoo bird which wants to drink only the water that falls from the clouds and does not touch any water. Also, a listener who dedicates himself by listening only to the scriptures related to Lord Krishna and leaves everything else is called 'Chataka'. Like a swan (Hans) who drinks only pure milk mixed with water, the listener who listens to many scriptures and picks up only the gist of them is called 'Hans'. A well-taught parrot pleases its teacher and others around with its melodious voice, similarly, a listener hears the teachings from the great sage Vyasa and then expounds them in a beautiful and restrained manner, delighting Vyasa and other listeners. , is called 'Shuk'. A listener who listens to divine stories with devotional attention without uttering a single word is called a 'Mean', just as the fish in the Ksheera Sagar (Ocean of Milk) drink milk with wide eyes. ' (means fish in Hindi). Like a 'vrik' (means wolf in Hindi) in the forest, which frightens the timid animals who gather to hear the melodious sound of the flute, with its horrifying cry, similarly, even a foolish listener would stutter loudly during the description. 'Vrik' is what disturbs those absorbed in sacred stories and divinity. On the summit of the Himalayas there is a bird of the Bhurund tribe, which imitates the words of wise men, but does not use it for its own benefit. Similarly, a person who hears teachings and imparts them to others but does not practice them himself is called a 'Bhurund'. The word 'Vrish' (means bull in Hindi) is used to describe a person who listens to all teachings, all information, but is unable to distinguish between what is useful and what is not, like an ox that eats both sweets. and bitter grapes, indistinguishable . Just as a camel eats only neem leaves aside from the sweetness of the mango, so a person who keeps aside the divine stories of God and constantly indulges in material things is called 'Oont' (meaning camel in Hindi). These are some minor differences explained here. There are other differences between the two types of listeners like 'Brahmar' (bee) and 'gadha' (donkey). All these differences have to be decided on the basis of one's natural and instinctive behavior. An ideal listener is one who, setting aside other worldly desires, sits politely in front of the speaker and wants to listen only to the divine stories of Lord Krishna. The listener should be very attentive and good at understanding, humble, receiving teachings and knowledge with full faith and devotion, like a disciple in Anjali mudra (prayer position). A listener should reflect and think about what they have learned and received, who ask what they do not understand, maintain the pious belief and always have respect and love for the devotees of Lord Sri Krishna. Such a person is regarded by the speaker as an appreciative listener. Now I will describe the features of the speaker. Always absorbed in God, without expectation of anything, friendly to all, affectionate, compassionate towards the poor, intelligent enough to expound and explain the truth with various examples and perspectives. Even by great sages. O sages! Now let me explain the right way to listen and immerse yourself in the divine Srimad Bhagwat Katha (stories). By following this faithful approach, one shines with joy and expands with joy. There are four ways of reciting Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana- Satvik, Rajas, Tamas and Nirgunam. That which is prepared as a yajna (homa) decorated with many sacred objects and requires great effort and zeal to recite (whole Srimad Bhagavat) in seven days is called 'Rajas'. 'Sattvik' is the slow enjoyment of the essence of the divine story, which develops inner happiness and devotion completely, over a period of one or two months. Abandoning it by mistake and resuming it when the memory comes, it can be described as 'tamas' with laziness and neglect for a year. It is better not to get involved as it only brings discomfort. When listening with love and devotion is done, abandoning the request to observe the rules of years, months and days, it is considered 'Nirgunam'. Srimad Bhagwat's description of King Parikshit by Shukdevji is also described as Nirguna. The mention of seven days in it should not establish a rule of expounding the whole scripture in seven days, according to the remaining days of the king's life. In India and other places too, Bhagwat Mahapurana should be recited in triguna (satvik, rajas or tamas) or nirguna mode as per their preference. The whole point is to listen to Paramatma Srimad Bhagavat in any way. For those who are only interested in hearing, singing and experiencing the lilas (divine dramas) of Lord Krishna and do not even seek mukti (salvation), Srimad Bhagwat is supreme wealth. And for those who seek material worldly sorrow and moksha (salvation), this scripture is the only medicine that can cure the disease of birth and death. Therefore, one should try to read and listen to this most sacred scripture in this age of Kali (Demon). Karma (Homas etc.) which leads to success is rare for those who indulge in only worldly pleasures and constantly seek material pleasure, lack of ability, wealth and knowledge of proper methods. In such a situation, such people should also try to read and listen to Srimad Bhagavat. This Srimad Bhagwat also blesses a person with wealth, children, spouse, vehicles, fame, houses and eternal kingdom. After chanting or listening to Srimad Bhagwat with complete sincerity and devotion, one can finally attain the supreme abode of Lord Hari. Those hosting Srimad Bhagwat Katha, volunteering, organizing and participating should also offer their service and help with their dedication and cooperation. Support and volunteers also receive grace and blessings. One seeks for 'Lord Krishna' or 'Aishwarya'. Except Sri Krishna, everything and anything one desires is enveloped in wealth and that is called wealth. The speaker (one describing Srimad Bhagwat) and listeners (one listening to Srimad Bhagwat's narration) are also of two types - one seeking Lord Krishna and the other seeking wealth. If both the speaker and the listener are of the same type, the essence of Bhagwat rises and is absorbed in extreme joy and happiness. If there is a difference in thoughts and desires between the speaker and the listener, it will create a lack of harmony and lead to unfulfillment. However, those who desire only unlimited love and devotion to Lord Krishna, both the teller and the hearer, will certainly achieve their desired goals, even if delayed. But for those who are convinced of wealth, success or attainment is achieved only by following the path of rituals and actions mentioned in the scriptures. If one does not observe certain rituals or has faults, but wants to please Lord Sri Krishna and has selfless and unconditional love in his heart, devotion and pure love serve as the best karma to satisfy the Lord. However, during the narration of Srimad Bhagwat, the speaker (the person narrating the Bhagwat Mahapurana), and the listeners (listening to the narration with some desire or resolution), must diligently observe all the prescribed rules and rituals till the end of the narration: Every day, in the morning, doing all the obligatory tasks; Worshiping the lotus feet of Lord (Shri Krishna) and also worshiping the divine scriptures Shrimad Bhagwat and Guru Vyas Devji. After that, with great joy and enthusiasm, the story of the Divine Bhagavat should be recited or heard with great devotion and sincerity. One should gladly drink milk or rice (one should gladly accept whatever is given to eat or drink and observe silence, i.e. observe silence). One should follow brahmacharya and sleep on the floor. To give up anger and greed. Each day, at the end of the katha, perform kirtan (devotional songs) and on the last day of the katha, hold a night vigil. After the sacred narration of the entire Bhagavad Mahapurana is completed, it is considered auspicious to offer food and dakshina (monetary offerings, often as expressions of respect and gratitude) to the Brahmins. It is always ethical to offer new clothes, jewelery and a cow to the narrator as a sign of courtesy and gratitude for imparting knowledge, devotion and relationship with our Supreme Self. By following these rules and regulations, all desires of good family, home, wealth and kingdom will be fulfilled. However, having material desires is a great hindrance in our spiritual journey as it does not serve the real purpose, greatness and bliss of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana. This holy scripture 'Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuranam', expounded by Shri Shukdev Ji, is intended to lead directly to the attainment of the Supreme Lord Krishna in Kali Yuga, as it constantly bears the fruits of eternal divine love and bliss. "Samapt Midam Srimad Bhagwat Mahatmayam" (This concludes the Greatness (Mahatmay) of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuranam)

"Jai Jagannath"