Rejecting Cheating Religion in Beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is unique among all Vedic literatures because of its bold beginning. While other scriptures may encourage rituals for material prosperity or philosophical speculation for liberation, the Bhāgavatam immediately dismisses these as "cheating religion" (kaitava-dharma). It establishes a standard of absolute purity from the first verse, inviting humanity to rise above the temporary rewards of the material world and engage in the eternal service of the Supreme Truth. This article explores the significance of these opening declarations.

Projjhita-Kaitavo 'Tra - Kicking Out Cheating Religion

In the preamble of the Bhāgavatam, Śrīla Vyāsadeva uses the word projjhita, which means to "kick out" or "completely sweep away." This refers to the rejection of the four pillars of material life: religion for gain, economic development, sense gratification, and liberation. The Bhāgavatam declares that any religion which aims at these temporary goals is a form of cheating because it keeps the soul bound to the material concept of life.

• In the beginning of Srimad-Bhagavatam it is declared, dharmah projjhita-kaitavo tra: cheating religious systems in terms of these (religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and liberation) 4 material principles are completely discarded.
• Anything not given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead is not accepted by the Bhagavat school as religion. In the beginning of SB it is said, Dharmah projita kaitavo. This kaitavo religion means cheating religion.
• Why I say, cheating religion? Because it is said in the beginning of SB, dharmah projjhita-kaitavo tra (SB 1.1.2). Kaitava means cheating. You cannot make people happy by presenting some cheating religion. That is the injunction of SB.

Defining the Absolute Truth

Having cleared the path of material debris, the Bhāgavatam defines the object of worship. It begins with the Gāyatrī mantra affirmation satyaṁ paraṁ dhīmahi—"I meditate upon the Absolute Truth." It defines this Truth not as a void, but as the origin of everything (janmādy asya yataḥ), who is fully conscious and independent. This establishes the personal nature of God from the very first line.

• In Srimad-Bhagavatam Vyasadeva establishes from the very beginning that the supreme source of everything is a cognizant, transcendental person.
• In the beginning of SB there is an explanation of the Brahma-gayatri mantra. The Absolute Truth (satyam param) indicates the relationship, and we meditate (dhimahi) on Him indicates the execution of devotional service and the ultimate goal of life.
• Srimad-Bhagavatam begins with the words om namo bhagavate vasudevaya... satyam param dhimahi (SB 1.1.1). Vasudeva, Krsna, is the param satyam, the Supreme Truth.

Ripened Fruit of the Vedic Tree

The Bhāgavatam does not claim to be a new invention but the essence of all prior knowledge. It is described in the beginning as the nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam—the ripened fruit of the Vedic tree. This implies that while the Vedas deal with various departments of knowledge (karma, jñāna, upāsanā), the Bhāgavatam presents the final conclusion, or the sweet juice of the fruit, which is unalloyed devotion.

• A sincere devotee should read every chapter and every word of Srimad-Bhagavatam, for the beginning verses describe that it is the ripened fruit of all Vedic literature. Devotees should not try to avoid even a word of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
• In the beginning it is said, nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam idam (SB 1.1.3). Nigama. Nigama means the Vedic literature. Nigama. So the essence, the quintessence of Vedic literature, Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Conclusion

The beginning of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam sets the tone for the entire work. By rejecting cheating religion and establishing the supremacy of the Absolute Person, Kṛṣṇa, it invites the reader to the highest platform of reality. It serves as the natural commentary on the Vedānta-sūtra, proving that the ultimate goal of all inquiry is not impersonal liberation, but the loving service of Vāsudeva.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

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