Life and Reality According to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam stands as the spotless Purāṇa, offering the ultimate standard of knowledge by which all other philosophies and lifestyles are measured. It cuts through the illusions of material existence, defining reality not by temporary sensory experience but by the eternal relationship between the living entity and the Supreme Lord. This article explores the Bhāgavatam's authoritative declarations on the purpose of the human form, the nature of the Absolute Truth, and the supremacy of the path of devotion.

Human Mission vs. Animal Existence

According to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the distinction between human life and animal life is not determined by technological advancement or social prestige, but by the engagement in spiritual austerity. Those who neglect self-realization in favor of maintaining the material body are strictly criticized as being no better than animals, regardless of their accolades.

• According to Bhagavata direction, these Nobel Prize winners are exactly like dogs, camels, hogs - sva-vid-varaha-ustra - and asses. And they are praised by similar animals. Thats all.
• According to Bhagavata philosophy, every human being is meant simply for this tapa and for no other business, because by penance only can one realize his self; and self-realization, not sense gratification, is the business of human life.
• According to Bhagavatam (10.84.13), one who considers this bag of mucus, bile and air to be the self is considered no better than a cow or an ass.

Three Phases of the Absolute Truth

The Bhāgavatam provides the complete theological map of the Absolute Truth, explaining that the same Truth is realized in three features according to the capacity of the seeker. While the impersonal Brahman and localized Paramātmā are valid realizations, the Bhāgavatam concludes that Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the ultimate source of all other features.

• According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, one who knows the Absolute Truth in three different features - namely Brahman, Paramatma, and the SPG - is called tattvavit, for he knows also his own factual position in relationship with the Supreme.
• According to the Bhagavata Puranam the Supreme Truth is realized in three stages namely the Impersonal Brahman or the Nirakara Absolute. The Paramatma or the localized aspect of Brahman.
• According to Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 1.3.28), krsnas tu bhagavan svayam: Krsna is the original Personality of Godhead. Krsna means Syamasundara, who plays His flute in Vrndavana. Of all forms, this form is the best of all.

Supremacy of Devotional Service

Unlike other scriptures that may compromise with material goals, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam rejects all "cheating religions" that prioritize economic development or liberation over service to God. It establishes that the only true occupation for the soul is pure devotional service, which pleases the Supreme Lord and transcends even the desire for salvation.

• The Srimad-Bhagavatam has used the suitable word, dharma projhita. That means to kick out the so-called religious principles, economic development, sense gratification, and liberation. According to Bhagavata, these are all cheating processes.
• According to Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 4.29.49), tat karma hari-tosam yat sa vidya tan-matir yaya: Work meant for pleasing the Supreme Lord is the best, and education that enhances ones Krsna consciousness is the best.
• According to Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 6.3.22): In this material world the living entity's only business is to accept the path of bhakti-yoga and chant the holy name of the Lord.

Social and Cosmic Reality

The Bhāgavatam is not abstract philosophy; it offers a piercing analysis of social structures and the degradation of the material world in the age of Kali. It warns of oppressive governments and environmental scarcity while offering a higher vision of spiritual communism where all living beings are seen as part of the Supreme Lord's family.

• According to Srimad-Bhagavatam there will eventually be no rain and consequently a scarcity of food. The governments will also levy very heavy taxes.
• The ideals of spiritual communism, according to Srimad-Bhagavatam, are based more or less on the oneness of the entire human society, nay, of the entire energy of living beings. The need is felt by great thinkers to make this a successful ideology.
• The personality of Kali became gold-standardized. According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, gold encourages falsity, intoxication, prostitution, envy and enmity. Even a gold-standard exchange and currency is bad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, life and reality according to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are centered entirely on the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. It dismisses the superficial markers of material success, exposing them as sources of misery, and invites the living entity to the platform of eternity, knowledge, and bliss. By following the twelve authorities and the path of bhakti-yoga, one aligns with the ultimate reality and conquers the unconquerable Lord.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

• Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: According to Srimad-Bhagavatam.