Canto 1.

Preface based question

1. Srila Prabhupada writes in the preface to Srimad Bhagavtam: “We must know the
present need of human society”
a. Explain the present need of human society and how Srimad Bhagavatam fulfills
this need, giving reference to statements from Srila Prabhupada’s preface.
b. Discuss the significance of this comment in rea;tion to Srila Prabhupada’s
mission.

a. As to point out the present need of the human society, Srila Prabhupada says, “At the
present moment, the human society is not in the darkness of oblivion, it has made rapid
progress in the fields of material comforts, education and economic development
throughout the entire world, but there is a pin prick somewhere in the social body at
large, and therefore there are large-scale quarrels even over less important issues there
is need of a clue as to how humanity can become one in peace, friendship and
prosperity with a common cause. Srimad Bhagavatam will fill this need, for it is a cultural
presentation for the spiritualization of the entire human society.”

➔ To further explain how Srimad Bhagavatam fulfills this need, He goes on to say,
“Disparity in human society is due to lack of principles in a godless civilization. There is
God, or the almighty one, from whom everything emanates, by whom everything is
maintained and in whom everything is merged to rest. Material science has tried to find
the ultimate source of creation very insufficiently, but it is a fact that there is an ultimate
source of everything that be. This ultimate source is explained rationally and
authoritatively in the beautiful Srimad Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagavatam is the
transcendental science not only for knowing the ultimate source of everything but also
for knowing our relation with Him and our duty toward perfection of the human society on
the basis of this perfect knowledge.”, this proves therefore the statement that Srila
Prabhupada made earlier in the Preface thus pointing out both, Srimad Bhagavatam’s
importance, and its effectiveness.

b. While almost everywhere in the world, people have the reflex of thinking with a
problem-oriented approach, it is striking, and therefore effective, the way Srila
Prabhupada first states the problem, and then with a solution-oriented approach,
presents the solution to all those problems, the solution being, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Since, Srimad Bhagavtam is the heart of the Sankirtan yajna, and prescribed specifically
for this iron age of Kali.
 ➔ And thus, this comment is certainly very significant for Srila Prabhupada.The significance
of the present need of human society to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, also becomes
evident by the way Srila Prabhupada always paid so much attention on book distribution
for all the present needs of human society have not just been addressed, but also given
a solution to, in these books by Srila Prabhupada. Also considering how Srila
Prabhupada said, “These books are the law books for the next ten thousand years”.

➔ Srila Parbhupada’s attention on Srimad Bhagavatam for the same can also be
understood by the way Srila Prabhupada established the standard of Bhagavatam
classes in all the temples every morning for the temple devotees as well as for the
visitors so that they can find the answers and solutions to their needs, problems and
queries in the eloquent philosophy of Srimad Bhagavatam. Thus, ultimately quenching
their natural curiosities through this philosophy and turning towards Krishna.

Chapter 1 - Questions by the sages

1. Summarize the essence of each of the first verses of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1,
and the conceptual flow between them.

➔ Summarization of the first three verses of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 are as follows:-
- Verse 1: It defines the Absolute Truth, Lord Sri Krishna, the form of Krishna, the
qualities and activities of Krishna, and how everything is related to Krishna.
- Verse 2: It initiates with the glorification of Srimad Bhagavtam, talks about true
religion and ultimately goes on to reject the false religion including the concepts
of liberation and salvation, and defines what is real Dharma and religion.
- Verse 3: It is invites the humanity to taste Srimad Bhagavatam’s sweetness

➢ Conceptual flow between the three verses of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 are as
follows:-
- Verse 1 (Sambandha Jñāna): It describes the Absolute Truth, Lord Sri Krishna,
and how everything is related to Krishna, including the knowledge of relationship.
- Verse 2 (Abhidaya Jñāna): Sadhana the method of achieving the Lord, which is
described in verse 1.1.1
- Verse 3 (Prayojana Jñāna): Prayojana which is Prema Ras. The goal of the study
of Srimad Bhagavatam is to reestablish our relationship with Sri Krishna.

2. Explain why Srila Vyasadeva purposely invokes a Gayatri mantra, Dhimahi.

➔ Dhimahi refers to Sadhana or meditation, it indicates the execution of devotional service.

This begins from hearing, however meditation is deeper than hearing. Meditation is fixing
 the mind in such a way that we become oblivious to everything else and simply follow
the sound, that is meditation. Thus, meditation means to carry the hearing, follow it, and
ultimately contemplate it.
➔ Now the word, Dhimahi, indicates the consideration of Gayatri Mantra. This Gayatri
Mantra is actually meant for spiritually advanced people, when one is successful in
chanting the Gayatri Mantra, he can enter into the transcendental position of the Lord.
One must, therefore, acquire brahmanical qualities or be perfectly situated in the quality
of goodness in order to chant the Gayatri Mantra successfully and attain the stage of
transcendentally realizing the Lord, His name, His fame, His qualities, and so on.
➔ Srimad Bhagavatam is meant to bring us to that mode of goodness that will allow us to
access the next step. Thus, this subject matter is highly spiritual and only the liberated
people who have gradually attained the stage of Paramahamsa can transcendentally
relish the Rasa dance. Srila Vyasadeva, therefore, gives the reader a chance to
gradually develop spiritual realization before actually relishing the essence of the
pastimes of the Lord, so He purposely invokes the Gayatri Mantra, Dhimahi.

3. Discuss the significance of the words “abhijnah’ in relation to anyavad itaratah.

Give an analogy in your answer.

➔ The word, Abhijnah, refers to the quality of the Absolute Truth. So, Abhijnah means
cognizant, unbroken awareness or total awareness. Abhijnah, thus, in relation to
anyavad itaratah means that He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations,
everything that happens in the universe He knows directly, since He is within us as
Paramatma. And He knows indirectly, as all the demigods, acting as His agents, report
to Him.
➔ Srila Prabhupada says in the purport of the 1st verse, “Whatever happens to the body,
quickly becomes known to the embodied.” Thus, as an analogy, we can take the
example of a mosquito. If a mosquito bites us, we can know this through two ways,
directly and indirectly. We know it directly when we feel the irritation on our skin; and we
can know it indirectly, when we see it through our own eyes, or when someone else tells
us so.

4. Discuss the significance of the word ‘svarat’.

● Svarat means He is independent, there is no cause beyond the Absolute Truth, Lord Sri
Krishna. We can go higher and higher to understand the Demigods, to Brahma, then the
forms of Vishnu; but we’ll find the causes behind their existence, forms and qualities.
Then, we reach Adipurusam, there is nothing after Him, since He is svarat, fully
independent.
- There is no source of the Lord, because His is the original source of everything,
and therefore, He is supremely independent.
● The meaning of Svarat can also be understood as follows:
- Srila Prabhupada writes: ‘Conditioned souls, beginning from Brahma, who
engineers the entire universe, down to the insignificant ant, are all creating, but
none of them are independent of the Supreme Lord.’ Everything is dependent on
Him. The abilities, qualities, and even existence of everything in this world,
including the most powerful of persons, Brahman, depend on Lord Krishna, who
exists independently. It may be raining in Delhi, but that is not an independent
truth, because the existence of both rain and Delhi depend on and rest in
Krishna. Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, along with His qualities
and pastimes, is alone independent.

5. Explain how verse 1.1.1 defeats impersonalism.

➔ Here’s how verse 1.1.1 defeats impersonalism.

1) In the very beginning of this purport, Srila Prabhupada says, “Obeisances unto the
Personality of Godhead, Vāsudev, directly indicate Lord Sri Krsna, who is the divine son
of Vasudeva and Devaki”, this statement very clearly explains that Krishna is personal,
because He is Devaki and Vasudeva’s son, thus clearly proving that Krishna is being
referred to as personal here, and not impersonal, for how can an impersonal being have
a mother and a father. Thus, the verse 1.1.1 defeats impersonalism in this way.
2) Also, in the beginning of this verse, Srila Vyasadeva says Namah, which is a sign that
we are offering obeisances, offering our surrender and ourselves in service. It also
means Na Aham, it indicates that we are shifting the focus from self-centeredness to the
Lord as His servant. How is it then possible to serve someone who does not have a
form. How can it be that the creation (us) has the feature of having the form, but the
Absolute Truth, who is the creator and is absolute in every aspect, lack something that
He Himself has provided the living entities with.
3) The word, Dhimahi, means meditation. Now meditation always involves two persons,
first is the person who is meditating, and second is the person or form that is being
meditated upon. This verse, thus, indicates meditation on the form of the Lord, now if the
Lord is formless, who does Vyasadeva meditate upon when He says Satyam Param
Dhimahi. This clearly defeats impersonalism.

6. Explain the meaning of Satyam Param.

➔ The literal meaning of Satyam is ‘truth’, and the literal meaning of Param is ‘Absolute’. It,
thus, is referred to as Absolute Truth. The Absolute Truth is the one who is independent,
from whom everything emanates, who is the cause of all causes, and even beyond
them. And Krishna is referred to as so in this verse, thus Krishna is the Absolute Truth.
7. Explain the significance of dharamah projjhita-kaitavo ‘tra paramo, as mentioned
in 1.1.2.

➔ dharamah projjhita-kaitavo ‘tra paramo refers to completely rejecting all the religious
activities which are materially motivated. Scriptures generally offer Dharma, religiosity,
which tends to be limited to teaching social propriety and how to gain wealth and satisfy
material desire; beyond that, religiosity may point to liberation or enlightenment as life’s
goal. In contemporary times, many people are inclined to pursue these activities without
spiritual or religious guidance. They neither accept nor feel they need scripture or
religion. But those who become frustrated by material life and turn to religion gradually
become elevated by their practice of piety. Still, all such self-centered attempts to gain
pleasure, whether they are pious or impious, are not the subject of the Bhagavatam.
Rather the Bhagavatam calls these attempts performed in the guise of religion or
cheating. Here, at the beginning, Srila Vyasadeva makes it clear that the Srimad
Bhagavatam rejects all materially motivated religious activities. What the Srimad
Bhagavatam has to give is far greater.

8. List the qualities of a true representative of Srila Vyasadeva. List the qualities of a
bona fide student of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

➔ The qualities of a true representative of Srila Vyasadeva:-

1. One who has control over his senses (Goswami)
2. One who is free from all kinds of sins and vices (Anagha)
3. One who is learned in Vedic scriptures (adhītāni)
4. One who is from the disciplic succession (purport)
5. One who is always absorbed in the thought of the well-being of people in general
6. One who is very submissive and obedient to His bona fide spiritual master
(śreyas puṁsām)
7. One who has properly grasped the transcendental knowledge from the right
source (purport)

➔ The qualities of the bona fide student of the Srimad Bhagavatam:-

1. One who is experienced in thoughtfulness (bhāvukāḥ)
2. One who is a relisher of Bhagavatam’s nectar (pibata)
3. One who has the desire to hear (śuśrūṣubhis)
4. One who has pious credits You (sukritibhi)
5. One who hears submissively and patiently (snigdhasya)
6. One who understands the nature of this world (purport)

9. In your own words, define the terms “relative truth” & “Absolute Truth”.
➔ Relative Truth: The relative truth is dependent on the Absolute Truth, thus it applies to
temporary manifestations within the material universe. For example, when we are in a
desert, we might see a mirage of a water body. Now although an oasis does not exist at
that particular point of place, that does not mean or imply that there is no oasis in the
desert at all. Simply put, it is a mirage based on the fact. Similarly, this material world is
the shadow of the spiritual world, and is dependent on the Absolute Truth, thus making
this material world to be a relative truth.
➔ Absolute Truth: The Absolute Truth is that from which everything emanates, it is the
original source of all that is. In Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1, Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead is referred to as the Absolute Truth. The Absolute Truth, which is
the manifested internal potency is real, whereas the external manifested energy in the
form of material existence is only temporary.

10. In your own words, describe the uniqueness of Srimad Bhagavtam.

➔ The three following reasons describe the uniqueness of Srimad Bhagavatam:-

1. Srimad Bhagavatam’s uniqueness lies in the nature of it being like a nectarine fruit that
has no peel, no seed, and no impurities. It is nothing pure nectar that is sweet from
everywhere; be it the beginning, middle or the end.
2. Srimad Bhagavatam is the transcendental literature which, although, is beyond the three
modes of material nature; its knowledge is, was and always will be relevant to the world
and the people of this world.
3. Srimad Bhagavatam is the heart of the Sankirtan yajna and chanting of the holy name;
since Srimad Bhagavatam is nothing but the glorification of His name, form, activities
and pastimes of Him and His devotees, and so is Sankirtan, which is the yuga-dharma
for Kali-yuga, thus carrying out Srimad Bhagavatam’s uniqueness in every syllable and
word.
4. Regardless of the stage of spiritual life, each and every devotee can relish Srimad
Bhagavatam equally, be it a beginner who has just started their spiritual journey or a
self-realized devotee.
5. Srimad Bhagavatam is the literal incarnation of the Lord and should be worshipe as
respectfully as the Lord Himself.
6. Srimad Bhagavatam emanates from the mouth of Srila Sukadeva Goswami, and thus is
easily digestible and perfect in all ways.

11. Explain why the Srimad Bhagavatam is described as the ripened fruit of all Vedic
knowledge, as mentioned in 1.1.3.

➔ Srimad Bhagavatam is described as the ripened fruit of all Vedic knowledge because
● Just like many fruit trees reach maturity after dozens of years, but that does not
satisfy the harvester. Even after compiling the four Vedas, almost all the Puranas,
the Vedanta-sutra and the Mahabharata, Srila Vyasadeva too, still felt
 dissatisfied. He realized that He had not emphasized the ultimate goal, Krishna
consciousness.
● However, just like when the first sweet juicy mangoes finally ripen, he who
planted the tree can finally harvest the fruit and experience the pleasure. Only
after compiling the Bhagavata-Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam was Srila
Vyasadeva finally content. His hard work has finally achieved fruition.
● And just like the sweetness that the ripened fruit contains in it and the
satisfaction that it provided to the harvester. Similarly, the tasty, ripened fruit of
the tree of Vedic literature is the Srimad Bhagavatam which provided satisfaction
to its compiler, Srila Vyasadeva; and to countless people even now since it is
directly available in this day and age too.

12. Why is Srila Sukadeva Goswami compared to a parrot ?

➔ Sukadeva Goswami being called a parrot implies that as the cut of a parrot’s beak
sweetens a fruit. The Bhagavatam became sweeter still when presented with the depth
of Sukedeva Goswami’s realization. Since, Srila Vyasadeva had spoken Bhagavatam to
his son, and both Vyasadeva and Narada Muni were present when Sukadeva spoke the
Bhagavatam to Maharaj Parikshit. And these great souls experienced Sukadeva’s words
as if they had never heard these teachings before.
➔ For this very reason Vyasadeva says suka mukhad amrta-drava-samyutam: “The
Bhagavatam is enriched with nectarean juice from the mouth of Suka.” So this is why, He
is being compared to a parrot. But not in the reference that Sukadeva Goswami parroted
the Bhagavatam, just like a parrot, devoid of understanding, simply mimics words.

13. List according to your realization the 3 most important elements of self-realization
mentioned in this chapter. Briefly explain the reasons for your choices.

➔ The characteristics of Kali-yuga mentioned in this chapter are as follows:-

● Hearing from a bona fide authority: Hearing from a bona fide authority or
teacher is the first and foremost important element for self-realization in my
opinion because through a bona fide teacher from a disciplic succession, we
receive the message or knowledge as it is, without any adulteration or personal
interpretation. He acts as a transparent via medium between us and the previous
acaryas, making the scriptures more understandable and simpler for the general
masses, quoting the scriptures in perfect context, but also according to the time,
place and circumstance of the listeners.

- Mention of it in this chapter: “By submissively hearing the transcendental literature, one
can attain the full pleasure of his heart’s desire. But, one must be very careful to hear the
 message from the right source. Srimad-Bhagavatam is exactly received from the right
source.” Purport by Srila Prabhupada, 1.1.3, page - 59

● Submissive hearing: I find submissive hearing to be the second most important

element for self-realization, for spiritual life begins from hearing. If we do not
submit or surrender, how can we expect to become self-realized? It is like going
to the doctor, if a patient expects to be treated by the doctor while he keeps
resisting and does not let the doctor do his job, how will he ever be treated?
Submissive hearing is an effort from our side, as most of the other things happen
to the courtesy of mercy, thus submissive hearing not just helps us understand
the subject matter but also attracts the mercy of the Lord and our spiritual master.

- Mention of it in this chapter: “The proper method of receiving this transcendental

message is to hear it submissively. A challenging attitude cannot help one realize this
transcendental message. One particular word is used herein for proper guidance. The
word is śuśrūṣu. One must be anxious to hear this transcendental message.” - Srila
Prabhupada, 1.1.2, page - 56

● Hearing about the pastimes of the Lord and His devotees: Hearing about the
pastimes of the Lord and His devotees is the third most important element of self-
realization in my perspective as only when we know about Krishna, can we
actually understand ourselves. Just like we cannot see anything around us or
ourselves in the darkness; but when the sun comes up, through its light, we
cannot only see His rays but also ourselves and everything around us. And since
it is not possible to understand Krishna without His devotees, it is equally
important to hear about His devotees too.

- Mention of it in this chapter: “Thus the transcendental topics of Lord Sri Krishna’s
superhuman activities, His incarnation, His birth, appearance or disappearance, His
forms, His names and so on are all easily understandable because all requirements are
fulfilled. Such disclosure help all men on the path of self-realization.” - Srila Prabhupada,
1.1.13, page - 73

And to see the relevance of all the three points as elements for self-realization, it can best be
understood from the purport of 1.1.6: “Only one who has grasped the transcendental knowledge
from the right source by submissive hearing can properly explain the subject”.

14. Summarize the characteristics of Kali-yuga mentioned in this chapter. Then name
1 characteristic of Kali that has personally affected you. Describe your experience
and its result on your consciousness.

➔ The characteristics of Kali-yuga mentioned in this chapter are as follows:-

 ● Short lives: In Kali-yuga the duration of life is shortened, not so much because
of insufficient food but because of irregular habits. Hence, they would live short
lives.
● Lazy: The people of this age are also very lazy, and not just materially but also in
the matter of self-realization.
● Quarrelsome: For maintenance of these sense gratification-centric civilizations,
men have created complex cities and countries which are in a constant strain of
hot and cold wars, thus bringing out their characteristic of being quarrelsome.
● Misguided: The people are highly misguided in Kali-yuga for they have no desire
for self-realization.
● Unlucky: And even if people come to know about self-realization, they are
unlucky enough to be cheated by false teachers.
● Disturbed: Due to multiple engagements of sense-gratificatory diversions,
people’s minds are always disturbed and full of anxieties.

➔ The characteristic of disturbance is sure to be one of the many characteristics of

Kali-yuga that have personally affected me. I’ve had my fair share of disturbances before
and after coming into Krishna consciousness, and although both the situations were
parallelly tough, the most recent one was probably the one that impacted me the most. I
started overthinking a lot, I couldn’t sleep at nights, I constantly felt dull and
unenthusiastic; but mostlyI felt very unsheltered and this brought down my motivation to
do a whole lot of things significantly. Even doing the simplest of chores felt like a task.

15. Summarize the six questions the sages of NaimiSharanya asked Suta Goswami.

➔ The 80,000 sages in Naimi Sharanya headed by Saunaka Rishi, asked the following 6
significant questions from Suta Goswami about the ultimate goal of human life for the
greater good of the general masses of people.

1. What is the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general?
Please, therefore, being blessed with many years, explain to us, in an easily understandable
way, what you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general.
(1.1.9)

2. What is the essence of all scriptures for the good of all living beings?
There are many varieties of scriptures, and in all of them there are many prescribed duties,
which can be learned only after many years of study in their various divisions. Therefore, O
sage, please select the essence of all these scriptures and explain it for the good of all living
beings, that by such instruction their hearts may be fully satisfied. (1.1.11)

3. For what purpose did Lord Krishna appear in the womb of Devaki as the son of
Vasudeva?
All blessings upon you, O Sūta Gosvāmī. You know for what purpose the Personality of
Godhead appeared in the womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva.(1.1.12)

4. What kind of pastimes does He perform in His various incarnations in relation to

Purusavatara?
His transcendental acts are magnificent and gracious, and great learned sages like Nārada sing
of them. Please, therefore, speak to us, who are eager to hear, about the adventures He
performs in His various incarnations. (1.1.17)

5. What are the transcendental pastimes of His multiple incarnations?

O wise Sūta, please narrate to us the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Godhead’s
multi-incarnations. Such auspicious adventures and pastimes of the Lord, the supreme
controller, are performed by His internal powers. (1.1.18)

6. To whom have religious principles gone for the shelter after His departure?
Since Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Absolute Truth, the master of all mystic powers, has departed for His own
abode, please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter. (1.1.23)