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S E C T I O N I (1.2.1 1.2.5)
1 rla Sta Gosvm attempts to reply Srila Vyasadeva reports that rla Sta Gosvm perfectly
satisfied by the questions, thanked and attempted to reply
Qualifications of rla ukadeva Gosvm (text 2 & 3) rla Sta Gosvm offers obeisances
to his spiritual master, rla ukadeva Gosvm and acknowledges spiritual masters grace by
enumerating his qualifications
2A ukadeva Gosvm can enter the heart of all Therefore rla Sta Gosvm begs his grace
so that this message can satisfy the hearts of all kinds of audience (Para 3 )
Power of a Vaiava to elevate all kind of people, even a low born to the highest platform
(kirta-hndhra, Ref: SB 2.4.18)
2B rla ukadeva Gosvm is beyond the need of reformatory ceremonies
rla ukadeva Gosvm being a Vaiava fulfils the ultimate aim of varrama training
(another example: Srila Haridas Thakur)
o Study the process of varrama as prescribed for one willing to study Vedas (para 1 &
Lesson I : Anyone, therefore, who becomes a Vaiava accepted by the first-class Vaiava, or
uttama-adhikr Vaiava, is already considered a brhmaa, regardless of his birth or past deeds
Lesson II : Any lowborn personbe he a Kirta, Ha, ndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaa, bhra,
umbha, Yavana, Khasa or even lowercan be delivered to the highest transcendental position
by the mercy of Vaiavas
2)
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.2 & 1.2.3
Srila ukadeva Gosvm who is described as having power to deliver all living entities spoke
this most confidential supplement to Vednta-stra out of great compassion for struggling
conditioned souls
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
In Text 3 rla Sta Gosvm practically summarizes the complete introduction of rmadBhgavatam
3A Position of Srila rla ukadeva Gosvm as the spiritual master of all the sages spoke
this most confidential supplement to the cream of Vedic knowledge, after having personally
assimilated it by experience[Translation]
Srila rla ukadeva Gosvm is a thoroughly realize master, both on Vednta-stra and its
commentary (para 1)
To avoid of the misuse of Vednta-stra by unscrupulous men, Vyasadev gave a natural
commentary, rmad-Bhgavatam (para 2)
rmad-Bhgavatam unrivaled commentery ; Sankracarya did not even touch rmadBhgavatam ; avoid mayavadis misleading opinion (para 3)
rmad-Bhgavatam as a literature for Paramahasa and transcendental torchlight to see the
Absolute truth as Brahman, Paramtm, and Bhagavn; in the darkest region of creation
(para 3)
3B Great compassion of rla ukadeva Gosvm in the form of rmad-Bhgavatam
rla ukadeva Gosvms mood of reciting boundless mercy upon bewildered conditioned
souls
Status of conditioned living entities bewildered in the darkest region of creation.
Material world as darkest region of creation
o Still one can get out simply by desiring
Why do they not get out?
o Analogy of a foolish camel and thorns
Karmis Vs. intelligent jns Vednta-stra is meant for jns
4 Setting the way of chanting Puras (To be follow by all preachers) rla Sta Gosvm
continues offering obeisances feeling unqualified and begging for mercy. Thus he sets the way of
chanting Puras by offering obeisances to 4 personalities
5 Acknowledging the audience rla Sta Gosvm offers respects to the sages of Naimiraya
for asking questions which have three characteristics
ka-samprano They are about Ka
o Questions of the sages are perfect They are the sum and substance of the Vedic
inquiries (Ref Bg 15.15 vedai ca sarvair..) in line with the theme of rmad-Bhgavatam,
that is, focus on Absolute truth (Ref: SB 1.1.1) (Para 1)
Loka-magalam for the welfare of the world
o Whole world is full of questions - birds, beasts, humans (Para 2)
But no one is satisfied
tm suprasdati
completely pleasing to the self
o Complete satisfaction of soul only by questions about Ka (Para 3)
Lesson I : Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject
of Ka, which is possible by hearing and reading rmad-Bhgavatam
Lesson II : One should learn the rmad-Bhgavatam and make an all-around solution to all
problems pertaining to social, political or religious matters. rmad-Bhgavatam and Ka are the
sum total of all things
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
S E C T I O N I I (1.2.6 1.2.7)
Text 6 & 7 present the standard of first class, transcendental religion
6A Answers the first question of the sages The supreme occupation [dharma] for all
humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord
Two types of occupations prescribed by the Vedas (para 1) pravtti-mrga, or the path of
sense enjoyment, and the other is called the nivtti-mrga, the path of sacrifice
Superior quality of occupation The path of sacrifice for supreme cause (devotional service )
is the superior path out of the two because
o Material life is the diseased life Temporary, illusory and full of misery
o Actual life is the spiritual existence Eternal blissful and full of happiness
Devotional service is the eternal occupation (para 2)
o Dharma implies that which sustains ones existence
o Living beings sustenance of existence is to coordinate his activity with the all attractive
Supreme Lord Krsna in a relationship of servant and the served
o Realize the intimacy This relationship of servant and the served is the most congenial
form of intimacy
o Its a new experience, have patience This relationship is transcendental and is
completely distinct from our experience in material existence. One can realize it as
devotional service progresses
Lesson : Everyone should engage himself in that transcendental loving service of the Lord, even
in the present conditional state of material existence. That will gradually give one the clue to
actual life and please him to complete satisfaction
6B Must be pure in quality Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to
completely satisfy the self (Ahaituki apratihata)
Any mixture of material enjoyment aggravates the material disease and increases its duration
(para 1)
7 Answer to the second question of the sages about the essence of all scriptures All scriptures
ultimately point out bhakti as the supreme most occupation
As a process (para 1)
o Bhakti is topmost transcendental activity and not material emotional affairs Fulfills all
purposes and processes of revealed scriptures
o Process: Sublime for pure devotee and easy for neophytes
o Qualification: Open for all (top to bottom) Ref Bg 9.32, 33.
o Includes all other processes as corollary factors
In terms of expected results (para 2)
o Pure devotional service gives all good qualities
o Gives perfect knowledge and real detachment by the grace of almighty
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
S E C T I O N I I I (1.2.8 1.2.15)
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.7 & 1.2.8
rla Sta Gosvm now adds emphasis to his assertion of the importance of Bhakti, by
speaking the same truth of SB 1.2.6, but in negative terms
9 Material gain is never the goal Definitely No. Main purpose of occupational duty is
liberation from material life and any material gain achieved should not be used for sense gratification
Material gain is the usual motivating factor in any occupational duty including those of
religion, for any ordinary man
Pure devotional service is automatically followed by perfect knowledge and detachment
from material world thus material gain is not emphasized
10 Search for the Absolute Truth must be the ultimate end Material gain should be used only
for self preservation and healthy life, not for sense gratification; purpose of human life is to inquire
about Absolute truth and one should be overwhelmed with such research work
Misdirected material civilization has sense gratification as ultimate end in all spheres of life
(political field to Salvationists)
Correct direction for real happiness engage in seeking the Absolute truth
Lesson : Seekers of the Absolute Truth are never allured by unnecessary engagements in sense
!
gratification because the serious students seeking the Absolute Truth are always overwhelmed
with the work of researching the Truth
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
14 By any means, focus on devotional service With one pointed attention, hear, glorify,
remember, and worship Personality of Godhead, the protector of devotees. Carry out this goal by
any means (rla Prabhupda says)
Four general occupations in any vara and rama, which usually brings no good for anyone
One pointed attention - Redirect these 4 tendencies (to glorify etc) to the real object of
glorification, the Supreme being. That is the way to real happiness. (Essence of Purport)
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.14 & 1.2.15
But how can I remove the karmic reactions that bind me to the world and cause me to value
things other than Ka?
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
BHAKTI
Progresses
16A Serve great souls Perform service to those devotees who are free form all vices
Mercy of great souls as the only hope for hopelessly destined demoniac souls who are
discussed here based on Bg 16.19-20
Punya tirtha nisevnat Serve great souls on the platform of God, but they are not God
o They are called mahtms, or trthas they preach according to particular time and
place, to urge people to become devotees
o They never tolerate being called God e.g r Caitanya Mahprabhu
Lesson I : The servants of God come to propagate God consciousness, and intelligent people
should cooperate with them in every respect
Lesson II : The Lord is more pleased when He sees that His servants are properly respected
because such servants risk everything for the service of the Lord and so are very dear to the Lord
16B Such service gives taste for hearing
Gain the quality by serving them, especially the foremost qualification for going back to
Godhead EAGERNESS TO HEAR
17 Lord helps the sincere soul and cleanses the heart Ka, the Supersoul in the heart is
pleased. And cleanses the desire for material enjoyment. Lord is reciprocally respondent and helps
devotees in all respects, when He sees the sincerity
Transcendental sound is non-different form Ka. (punya sravana kirtana) (para 1)
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
Lord is more anxious and eager to help, responds to even a slight sincerity of a few
interested men (para 2)
Lords help has great power to help us cross over any kind of sins (para 3)
Grace of God gives sufficient strength and eliminates all disturbing elements. (especially
women and wealth) (para 4)
Text 18 gives two effects of Bhgavata sev (Text 18A & 18B)
18A Bhgavata sev destroys all anarthas All troublesome to the heart is completely destroyed
Thus, rla Prabhupda establishes Bhgavata sev as the remedy for eliminating all
inauspiciousness from the heart Person and Book Bhgavataas
Human reason fails to understand the power of Bhgavata-sev
o Potency of Bhgavata sev e.g Nrada Muni
Conclusion: Receive book Bhgavata from person Bhgavata Their combination will help
one to make on going progress
18B Gradually loving service is established as an irrevocable fact
1.2.18?
19 Effect of lower modes disappear Effects of passion and ignorance (like lust, desire and
hankering) disappear from heart. Thus established in goodness, there is complete happiness
Text 1.2.19 indicates, it is difficult to advance in Bhakti under passion (which causes destruction)
and ignorance (which causes sleepiness)
Satisfaction/ happiness devotees satisfaction in transcendental state (brahma-bhta/
tmnand) Vs. satisfaction of inactive fool in ignorance
Activity devotional service is unalloyed activity of the soul and not a state of inactivity
o Frees one from all diseased activity and fixes one in uddha-sattva / vasudev state one
sees Ka eye to eye
Qualities Devotee is qualified with all good qualities of God, and is never harmful, foolish
or passionate
Text 20 gives two effects after being established in pure goodness (Text 20A & 20B)
20A Mind is enlivened by devotional service
20B Gains positive scientific knowledge of the Personality of Godhead
Thus rla Prabhupda establishes how Text 1.2.20 explains the qualification necessary for
us to know the Supreme Personality of Godhead one qualifies to attain such knowledge
only after complete freedom from all material association (modes)
rla Prabhupda establishes the rarity of such knowledge (Ref Bg 7.3 & 18.55)
21 Describes the liberation and reiterates the effects already described Liberation from
fruitive bondage and perfect enlightenment is thus a byproduct of Scientific knowledge of
Personality of Godhead
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
S E C T I O N V (1.2.22 1.2.29)
22 Conclusion of texts 16 to 21 Speciality of devotional service is described as providing
great delight to all the transcendentalists because it is enlivening to the self
Speciality of forms of Ka as compared to other forms of personality of Godhead Original
form and more attractive to the higher transcendentalist
Forms of Ka and Balarm provides more facility for intimate personal contact
Lords pastimes are eternal but are manifested in due course, ones in a day of Brahma
o Analogy: Eternal pastimes are compared to rising of sun on the eastern horizon
o Thus refutes that pastimes of Ka are something newly accepted
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.22 & 1.2.23
What about Brahm, Viu and iva? They are creator, maintainer and destroyer of the
universe. Arent these powerful deities the natural recipients of devotional offerings? One may ask.
Thus rla Sta Gosvm explains the relationship between the deities and Ka in rmadBhgavatam 1.2.23 25
Forms of material energy (E.g: demigods) cannot help any one to raise to sattva gu and
get out of material existence; only Viu-tattva can help
Mode of passion can only give a slight clue of realization of Absolute Truth
Lesson : Sincere candidates must, therefore, approach an expert spiritual master for such a
progressive march, and the bona fide, expert spiritual master is competent to direct a disciple
from any stage of life: tamas, rajas or sattva
25 Mahjanas reveal the goal of religion Thus great sages in the past have set the purpose of
all religion and whom to worship to achieve that ultimate aim
Purpose of religion - release oneself from material bondage and regain the life of freedom in
the transcendental world
Conclusion: Follow 12 Mahjanas and know the purpose of religion to attain supreme benefit
26 Respect demigods but reject demigod worship One may respect demigods but never
equalize Viu-tattva and jiva-tattva; thus this verse rejects demigod worship
Difference between Viu-tattva and jiva-tattva by power (para 2)
o One who puts them in same category is called pa
Choice of worship is based on different modes (para 3 )
Serious seekers of liberation worship only Viu-tattva (only Viu is mukti-pda, not even
Brahm etc)
modes
27 Worship of demigods (and any jiva-tattvas) is motivated by material desires under effect
of lower modes
Less intelligent men worship demigod (Ref: Bg 7.20-23)
Ultimate provider of all material gain is Viu Himself and not the demigods
Material gain is entangling Aim of life is to end miseries and not to increase material gain
(Para 1)
Demigod worship condemned examples
o Demigod worship rejected by Ka in Vrindavana
o SB 1.1.2 (kaitava dharma) condemns demigod worship for material gain as cheating
religion
Lesson : One should work hard and worship the Supreme Lord by the fruits of one's hard labor
for existence, and that should be the motto of life
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.27 & 1.2.28
There is only one religion in the world to be followed by one and all, and that is the
Bhgavata-dharma, or the religion which teaches one to worship the Supreme Personality of
Godhead and no one else. This is explained in next verse
28 In Conclusion Vsudev /Sri Ka is the only object of worship and the goal of all religion
References from BG used in purport to support these points
o Vsudev as goal of Vedas Established in para 1 based on Bg 15.15 & 7.19
o Vsudev as goal of Sacrifices Established in para 2 based on Bg 3.9
o Vsudev as goal of Yoga Established in para 2 based on Bg 6.15 & 6.40
o Vsudev as goal of Knowledge Established in para 3 based on Bg 13.11 (18 point of
knowledge)
o Vsudev as goal of Austerities Established in para 4 based on Bg 16.17 (austerity in
mode of goodness)
Para 5 Aim of all sacrifices/yoga/ knowledge/ austerities and aim of everything life is
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
Lesson : No one should bother himself with fruitive activities or dry speculation about
transcendental knowledge. Everyone should at once engage himself in the transcendental loving
service of the Lord. Nor should one worship different demigods who work as different hands of
the Lord for creation, maintenance or destruction of the material world
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 1.2.29 & 1.2.30
In Texts 30-34, ukadeva Gosvm answers fourth question of rla Sta Gosvm. Now rla
Sta Gosvm described that the same Vasudeva, who is the goal of all worship, acts as Viu
feature to create the material world
30 Lord begins as Kraodakay Viu Lord creates all causal and effectual energies for
material world, but remains transcendental and spiritual (this is accepted by akarcrya)
31 Then Lord expands as Garbhodakay Viu and then Krodakay Viu Lord enters
the material substance to help the living entities, but remains transcendental (Ref. sruti Analogy of
two birds)
32 Analogy: Lord as supersoul pervades all, like fire permeates wood, but remains absolute one
without a second
Appear to be of many varieties Matter, anti matter, proton etc., are all different effects of
Paramtms features of the Lord
How to perceive that Absolute one without a second? By the process of legitimate hearing
and chanting of transcendental subject matters
Analogy: Fire in wood can be kindled by fire need of divine grace of spiritual master by
receptive ear to kindle the spiritual consciousness
Humanity Vs. Animality A human being can hear properly, whereas an animal cannot
33 Supersoul helps the living entity to fulfill their desires of material happiness and He also tries
to convert them to real happiness
Analogy: father is not directly but indirectly affected by suffering and enjoyment of the sons
34 Answers to the third question of aunaka i, Lord descends as incarnations to reclaim those
in the mode of pure goodness
deva-tirya-nardiu Lord incarnates in every living society (demigods and other species)
to create a desire for back to Godhead
lokn vai loka-bhvana Lord appears differently in time place and circumstances but not
change His transcendental position
Llvatrnurato Lord may appear Himself as incarnation or through representative
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Analogies:
1.2.8: Without knowing the need of the dormant soul, one cannot be happy simply with
emolument of the body and mind. The body and the mind are but superfluous outer
coverings of the spirit soul. The spirit soul's needs must be fulfilled. Simply by cleansing
the cage of the bird, one does not satisfy the bird. One must actually know the needs of
the bird himself.
1.2.23: as maintenance of the prison house is concerned, it is done by Viu, as much
as the state prison house is maintained by the state. Anyone, therefore, who wishes to
get out of this prison house of material existence, which is full of miseries like repetition
of birth, death, disease and old age, must please Lord Viu for such liberation.
1.2.28-29: In the prison house there are the prisoners and the managers of the prison
house. Both the managers and the prisoners are bound by the laws of the king. But
even though the king sometimes comes in the prison, he is not bound by the laws of
the prison house. The king is therefore always transcendental to the laws of the prison
house, as the Lord is always transcendental to the laws of the material world.
1.2.33:The sufferings and enjoyments of the sons are indirectly the sufferings and
enjoyments of the father. Still the father is not in any way affected directly by the
suffering and enjoyment of the sons.
Bhakti Vaibhava
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 2
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